Avoid a Money Pit: Real Lawyer Advice for Buyers

by Kim Faines

From Prosecutor to Property Powerhouse: How Olivia Rosario, Esq. Is Helping New Yorkers Achieve the American Dream

Buying a home can be scary, confusing, and full of questions. But thanks to Olivia Rosario, Esq., many first-time buyers in New York are getting the answers and support they need to make their dream of homeownership come true.

In this blog, we explore Olivia’s inspiring story, her expert advice, and how she’s helping people just like you move from renting to owning — one closing at a time

A Lawyer Who Found Her True Calling in Real Estate

Olivia Rosario didn’t start her legal career in real estate. She began as a prosecutor in Brooklyn and spent years in high-conflict cases like criminal defense, family court, and personal injury. But after bringing work stress home and feeling constantly drained, she knew something had to change.

That’s when she found her calling in real estate law.

"I wanted to help people in a way that felt positive. Real estate gave me that. I love handing someone keys and knowing I helped them start a new chapter," Olivia says.

Now, with over 25 years of legal experience and a decade focused solely on real estate, Olivia runs her own law firm: Rosario Law Group PLLC, based in Westbury, Long Island. Her mission? To make real estate law easy to understand and accessible to everyone.

Why a Real Estate Attorney Is So Important

Many buyers don’t know they even need a real estate attorney — until it’s too late. Olivia explains that by the time most people contact her, they already have an accepted offer, a loan officer, and a realtor.

But that’s not the best time to start.

"I want to reach people earlier in the process. That’s why I do homebuyer seminars across New York. I want people to feel confident and prepared before they even make an offer."

Her advice? Don’t wait. Talk to a lawyer, even before you find a house. It can save you money, time, and stress.

First-Time Buyer Fears: What Holds People Back

Olivia sees one issue again and again: misinformation. "People think they need 20% down. They think their credit isn’t good enough. Or they hear something on TikTok that just isn’t true," she says.

She breaks down the truth:

Some programs let you buy a home with just 3.5% or 5% down.
You don’t need perfect credit to qualify.
Renting is often more expensive than owning in the long run.

Olivia works with lenders who help people improve their credit and prepare financially. Even if you can’t buy now, she encourages planning for the future. "You don’t have to buy today, but you should start preparing today."

The Inspection Mistake That Could Cost You Thousands

One of the biggest mistakes Olivia sees is skipping the home inspection. "Even if the house is being sold 'as-is,' I tell my clients to get an inspection. It’s not about asking for repairs. It’s about knowing what you’re buying."

She shares stories of clients who avoided disasters by getting an inspection — and some who didn’t, and paid the price.

"I had a couple skip the inspection on a vacant house. Turns out the pipes burst and mold was growing behind the walls. That kind of surprise can ruin you financially."

Her message is clear: Always get the inspection.

Bidding Wars, Appraisal Gaps, and the Emotions of Buying

Real estate isn’t just financial. It’s emotional. Olivia explains that many people get caught up in bidding wars and forget to think logically.

"People waive the appraisal, not realizing they might need to bring $100,000 in cash to the closing table if the bank won’t cover the gap. You have to plan for that."

She says that’s why having a lawyer on your side matters. "I’m not just pushing paper. I’m protecting your future."

Helping Minorities and First-Gen Buyers Win

As a daughter of Dominican immigrants, Olivia understands the struggle many families face. "My parents didn’t know about credit or 401(k)s. I had to learn everything the hard way. Now I want to teach others."

She works with many clients who are minorities, immigrants, and first-generation Americans. Seeing them succeed is her biggest joy.

"When a family closes on their first home, and they bring their grandparents and their kids to the table, and everyone is crying — that’s the best part of my job."