In Episode 2 of Sold in CNY with Ben Gray, Ben sits down with Ronda Akl of Akl & Associates Law Firm to break down the legal side of buying and selling a home in Central New York.

With more than 35 years of experience as a real estate attorney, Ronda walks through what happens after a buyer and seller go under contract, including attorney approval, title work, abstracts, surveys, lender clearance, closing timelines, and what buyers and sellers should expect as they move toward the closing table.

Ben and Ronda also discuss why closings in New York can take longer than in other states, how attorneys and title companies work together, what sellers should do before listing, why buyers sometimes get final numbers close to closing, and how wire fraud has become a serious concern in real estate transactions.

Whether you’re buying your first home, preparing to sell, moving to Central New York, or working in the real estate industry, this episode offers a clear look at the behind-the-scenes legal process that helps protect everyone involved in a real estate transaction.

In the first episode of Sold in CNY with Ben Gray, Ben sits down with Brian Dietrich, owner of Inspection Services CNY, to break down one of the most important parts of the home buying process: the home inspection.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seller preparing to list, or someone trying to navigate today’s competitive Central New York real estate market, this episode gives a practical look at what home inspectors actually do, what they look for, and why inspections matter when making one of the biggest purchases of your life.

Ben and Brian discuss the inspection process from start to finish, including when inspections happen, what buyers should expect, how long they typically take, what major issues inspectors look for, and how inspection findings can be used during negotiations. They also talk about pre-listing inspections, common buyer concerns, the risks of waiving inspections, and why being informed can make the entire process less stressful.

From roofs and foundations to electrical panels, windows, repairs, and inspection reports, this episode gives buyers and sellers a clearer understanding of how to protect themselves and move forward with confidence in the CNY market.