Residential real estate attorneys focus on home purchases, sales, and related issues like co-ops, condos, and small multi-family properties. Commercial real estate lawyers handle office buildings, retail spaces, industrial properties, and large investment deals. The legal issues are different – commercial transactions involve more complex financing, zoning considerations, environmental concerns, and business law elements. Many attorneys handle both, but you want someone experienced in your specific type of transaction. For Middle Village residential properties, you need someone familiar with NYC housing regulations, co-op board requirements, and local zoning issues.