Going it alone and listing your home as for sale by owner can be exciting at first, but there is a turning point where the prospect of losing money makes it necessary to bring in help. Here are four reasons to change your plan and list your home with a Brooklyn real estate agent in order to facilitate a sale.

1. 1. Speed: If your property has been languishing on the market for more than three months, it is no longer fresh. People will avoid it simply because it hasn’t sold. A Brooklyn real estate agent can give your home wider exposure and get traffic moving through it again.
2. 2. Knowledge: Fresh eyes on a project are helpful in any business endeavor. You can be too close to your home. You love it and see it in a positive light that can often overlook minor items that will kill a sale. Your Brooklyn real estate agent can help you see the problems you didn’t even know existed.
3. 3. National Exposure: As a FSBO (for sale by owner) seller, you are not able to list your home on the official MLS (multiple listing service). That exposure alone can get much faster responses and sales. Additionally, a professional real estate agent markets your home on multiple websites which gives your home a virtual Open House 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
4. 4. An Earthly Advantage: Many FSBOs price their homes way over market for two reasons.  First, they love their home and see certain aspects of their home as more valuable than they really are.  Second, they don’t have extensive knowledge of the real estate market nor do they have the ability to do accurate home price comparisons. You ‘might’ know what your neighbor’s house sold for 5 years ago, but do you know what it is worth now?  And even more importantly, do you know exactly how comparable your house is to that one? A professional real estate agent has access to all that information.

If you would like to know more about how a professional real estate agent can help you sell yourBrooklyn home, I can help.  Give  Charles D’Alessandro of Fillmore Real Estate a call today at 9718) 253-9600 EXT.206 or email me at charlesdalessandro@fillmore.com for more information.

Charles D’Alessandro

charlesdalessandro@fillmore.com
tel 718 253-9600
fax 718 253-9573

Brooklyn Real Estate Blog The FSBO Mindset: Successful Ways to Sell Your Brooklyn Real Estate

A past filing of bankruptcy does not mean you can’t buy Brooklyn real estate.  Your real estate agent may be able to help you get a mortgage or find other ways to buy a home, if you do get turned down for a traditional mortgage.

Before you meet with your Brooklyn real estate agent, here are a few ways to prepare:

• Have a copy of your current bank statement
• Have written proof of your monthly income
• Make a list of all your current monthly bills
• Collect all your recent credit card statements
• Have a copy of your bankruptcy agreement

Put all this info in a file folder and take it to your meeting.  Your Brooklyn real estate agent will appreciate you doing your homework!

If you have straightened out your credit since the bankruptcy, you are in a much better position to get a mortgage. Hopefully, you are currently paying all your monthly bills on time and rebuilding your credit rating.

The bigger your down payment, the easier it will be to get a mortgage.  So, where can you get money for a down payment?

• Have you been having money taken out of your checks and put into a savings?
• Do you have any money market accounts?
• Do you have money invested in mutual funds?
• Do you have certificates of deposit about to come due?
• Will you be receiving a bonus from your employer?
• How about a friend or relative who would loan you the down payment?

Hopefully, you are now ready to go shopping for your new home. To get started, give me a call today at (718) 253-9600 ext.206 or email me at charlesdalessandro@fillmore.com

Charles D’Alessandro

charlesdalessandro@fillmore.com
tel 718 253-9600
fax 718 253-9573

Brooklyn Real Estate Blog 5 Tips to Creating Stress-Free Brooklyn Homes

As I’m sure you know, the real estate industry is in a down market, and the last thing you want to do is pay commission to a Brooklyn real estate agent. Not to mention that you’re almost positive you can sell your home just fine on your own. Before sticking a “For Sale by Owner” sign up, however, make sure you’re ready for the work and headaches.

• Time. Yes, you can sell your Brooklyn real estate on your own without the help of an agent, but it takes a lot of preparation and time. How much is your time worth and how much time do you have? Before you step out on your own, make sure you can afford the time and energy investment.

• Extra services for better value. You’ll lose out on a wide variety of services offered by real estate agents.  For example, many agents now provide home staging services as well as extensive advertising and marketing services both online and off.

• Dealing with the legalities. Selling a home involves contracts, closings and a multitude of legal issues that can make or break a sale. Real estate transactions have occasionally led to outcomes that were unexpected, including lawsuits. A professional helps ensure that the contracts are legally sound and binding.

• Knowing the market. Real estate agents have instant access to current market information. We can find an accurate selling range within minutes. Since the real estate market constantly fluctuates, it’s important to know what area homes sell for before pricing your own. Otherwise, your risk underselling or overpricing your home.

These are just a few points. You also need exposure to buyers, experience with legal contracts and excellent negotiating skills.  Can you sell your own Brooklyn real estate? Yes, but can you really afford to?

If you’re trying to sell your home and need professional expertise, I can help. Call me at (718)253-9600 ext 206 or email me at CharlesDAlessandro@fillmore.com for more information.

Charles D’Alessandro

charlesdalessandro@fillmore.com
tel 718 253-9600
fax 718 253-9573

Brooklyn Real Estate Blog Need Extra Time to Finalize Your Brooklyn Home Purchase to Qualify for Tax Credits?

— @ WiseStamp Signature. Get it now

You don’t list your Brooklyn home for sale on a whim; you don’t just decide you don’t like the one you have. Selling a home carries significant financial, emotional and family repercussions. Selling your home is one of those life decisions, the ones you discuss with your spouse, look over with professionals and use experts to move forward.

While you might have been able to list your Brooklyn home for sale and have it sold quickly at the beginning of the decade, that’s no longer the case. Now, you have to be truly motivated in order to get your home sold.   Unmotivated sellers, those without concrete reasons, are not serious sellers.

If you’re a motivated seller, on the other hand, you have several new marketing weapons at your disposal. These include government incentive programs, short sale practices, state-of-the-art technology and creative marketing plans to help consummate the transaction.

Are You A Motivated Seller?

So, think about it. Are you a motivated seller? There are a number of reasons people are motivated to sell. These reasons include:

1. Lifestyle Change – The time for a quieter way of life has arrived. The nest may be too empty. You may want more freedom and less household commitment. In any case, a change of lifestyle is a very strong motivation to sell.
2. Relationship Changes – Partners get together and partners divide. Marriage, divorce and newborns all set the stage for household change.
3. House Too Small – As families expand, it can be more cost effective to move rather than over-improve. For example, it can cost over $10,000 for a room extension on your home.
4. Time to Upgrade – Prior to the recession, American families moved an average of seven times per marriage. Although those numbers have dropped some, we do still seem to seek the greenest pastures.
5. Changes in Neighborhood – Many homeowners move because of local community issues. A school system may trim budgets or the homes may not be increasing in value. A desire for neighborhood change could be your motivation.
6. Health Issues – People with health issues who cannot continue or afford household upkeep are moving to smaller, more protected and service oriented communities. If this is you, you can definitely consider yourself a motivated seller.

If you’re motivated and have a Brooklyn home for sale, you already know the market is competitive. However, professional representation, an astute marketing plan and expanded reach can help you locate the perfect buyer.

Are you a motivated seller? Are You Just Curious? What’s You Brooklyn Home is Worth? This professional real estate agent would be honored to offer you a Free Market Price Evaluation, and or help you get your home sold. Call me at (718)253-9600 ext.206 or email me at charlesdalessandro@fillmore.com for more information.

Charles D’Alessandro

charlesdalessandro@fillmore.com
tel 718 253-9600
fax 718 253-9573

Brooklyn Real Estate Blog Brooklyn Real Estate – A Little Humor Goes a Long Way

“Buyer’s market” means that the buyers have the upper hand; there’s more supply than demand. When it comes to selling your home, it’s safe to say that you’re competing in one of recent history’s toughest real estate markets.  This is a true buyer’s market, where supply far outweighs demand. So how do you go about selling your home in these conditions?

Interview Brooklyn Real Estate Agents

Don’t pick an agent based on looks. An agent who drives an expensive car may very well just be someone who lives beyond his or her means. Instead, create a list of the top Brooklyn real estate agents in the area and interview them. Ask:

• About their experiences in selling homes in your area this year and last year – not in years gone by
• What they’d recommend to make your home more marketable
• How they would market your home

If, after interviewing, there is more than one with excellent experience and great marketing plans, choose the one you feel most comfortable working with.

Fix it up

While interviewing, Brooklyn real estate agents will look at your home (otherwise, how could they answer two of your questions?). They may tell you that your home is out of date. They may tell you that the cracks in the wall don’t “add character” to the house. No, neither does the wild 70’s style carpeting in the living room.

You might even take an extra step and hire a home inspector to get a better idea of any issues.

Then, build a list of needed home improvements – and then improve. If you need to hire a contractor, again, interview!

Set a good price

These days, most buyers want the deals, and some are willing to compromise on interior decorating in order to get them. Sit down with your agent; find a high and a low selling price. Set the best price you can afford based on what homes are going for in the area, and be willing to negotiate.

The worst things you could do are hire a poor agent, leave your home repairs up to the buyer and overprice your home. Follow the three simple tips above and you’ll get your “Sold!” sign!

If you’re ready to sell your home, I can help. Call me at (718)253-9600 ext 206 or email me at charles@brooklynrealestatesales.com for more information.

Charles D’Alessandro

charlesdalessandro@fillmore.com
tel 718 253-9600
fax 718 253-9573

Brooklyn Real Estate Blog Is a Reverse Mortgage on Your Brooklyn Condo a Good Idea?

When you begin your search for the perfect house it usually starts with a search for the perfect Brooklyn real estate agent. A good agent can help you with every aspect of buying a home.

They know the proper price ranges, what properties are available that match your needs and all of those pesky legal details required for closing. Your Brooklyn real estate agent will keep things moving and make sure deadlines are met and everything goes smoothly.

Here are four tips to help you choose a real estate agent:

Meet Them Face to Face

Perfect harmony should be as instantaneous as love at first sight. You simply know you hit it off with someone, or you don’t. Don’t fight the feelings if you have doubts. Even the best Brooklyn real estate agent isn’t going to have a connection with everybody.  There will be one that is perfect for you. Keep looking.

Ask Questions

When you do find a real estate agent you have a connection with, ask questions. There needs to be more than just a friendship between you. Make sure the agent has a real grasp of the area, the types of houses that are available, and seems in tune to what you are looking for.

Assess

Do they listen to your needs?  If they’re not listening to what you want, move on.  Did they answer your questions thoroughly?  If they were unable to answer your questions or purposely avoided answering any of your questions, this is not the right agent for you.

Answer Their Questions

Your Brooklyn real estate agent will have plenty of questions for you too. They want to be sure you can afford a new home. Don’t be offended by what may seem like personal questions. They need this information in order to give you the best advice.

If you’re searching for your perfect real estate agent, I’d be honored if you’d interview me for the job.  Call Charles D’Alessandro of Fillmore Real Estate today at (718)253-9600 ext 206 or email me at charlesdalessandro@fillmore.com to schedule a face-to-face meeting.

Charles D’Alessandro

charlesdalessandro@fillmore.com
tel 718 253-9600
fax 718 253-9573

Brooklyn Real Estate Blog Setting the Right Selling Price for Brooklyn Real Estate

— @ WiseStamp Signature. Get it now

Recently, I came across a show on the Bravo network. Three high dollar real estate agents push million dollar deals in the City of Angels, Los Angeles, California. I can’t say that it reminds me of when I was a new Brooklyn real estate agent.

Called Million Dollar Listing, the show is a “docu-series” with three young stars:

• Josh Flagg graduated high school in 2004, stepped into high-end residential real estate, made several record sales and became one of Los Angeles’ best agents.
• Madison Hildebrand graduated from Pepperdine University, sold his first home to a celebrity and now sells homes as high as $20 million.
• Chad Rogers got his real estate license at 18, rose through the ranks and is currently working for a prestigious real estate brokerage.

What does all of this have to do with being a Brooklyn real estate agent? Nothing – and everything. Watching the show, I can’t help but think, “If these young bloods can sell a $20 million dollar house in Beverly Hills, in this economy, we can certainly sell $400,000 and $500,000 homes here.”

Okay, so they’re selling to a lot of celebrities. And, yes, people in Beverly Hills and the surrounding counties are famous for their big wallets. I also have to admit that it might be easier to sell a house with fifty natural selling points (huge pool with pool man, beautiful grounds cared for by landscapers, two-ton chandeliers, stables) than it is to sell an average house that has five selling points.

Having said all that, however, when times get tough remember that we have a beautiful city here in Brooklyn New York. We have beautiful homes for sale, nice Brooklyn neighborhoods and great communities. We have a lot of selling points to show off, at more affordable prices.

If you’re looking for a beautiful home, even if you’re not a celebrity, I can help. Call me now at (718)253-9600 ext.206 or email me at  charlesdalessandro@fillmore.com.

Charles D’Alessandro

charlesdalessandro@fillmore.com
tel 718 253-9600
fax 718 253-9573

Brooklyn Real Estate Blog Ground Hog Day For This Brooklyn Realtor A Time For Change

Hours worked by all REALTORS® (nationwide): 40 per week

Gross personal income by hours worked: $51,900 (median for 40-59 hrs.)

Percent of business generated by REALTOR® personal web site (all REALTORS®):

* Zero: 36%
* Over 25%: 12%

Real estate experience of all REALTORS® (median): 10 years

REALTORS® by gender: Male 40%; Female 60%

Formal education of REALTORS®:

* Some college: 34%
* Associate degree: 12%
* Bachelor’s degree: 26%
* High school graduate: 8%
* Graduate degree and above: 10%
* Some graduate school: 8%

Sides per agent: For all REALTORS® in 2008, the typical brokerage specialist completed 7 transaction sides or commercial deals

Median tenure at present firm (all REALTORS®): 5 years

REALTOR® affiliation with firms:

* Independent contractor: 82%
* Employee: 6%
* Other: 12%

Source: 2009 National Association of REALTORS® Member Profile

Picking a real estate agent to represent you in your Brooklyn real estate transaction is a big decision. Buying a home isn’t something most people do on a regular basis and rarely do they know agents personally or have one on retainer like they may have a lawyer for regular business purposes.

If your job doesn’t entail a lot of property transactions you might feel like a fish out of water when looking around for a Brooklyn real estate agent . Fortunately, deciding on the right one isn’t as hard as you might think.

Real Estate Agents Are People Too

That’s right, they have the same qualities you would think of in any other individual you might do business with. So, finding an agent really comes down to measuring many of the same values you’d use to choose another business associate.

• Honesty
• Reputation
• Track Record
• Associations

Here are two tips to help you determine which real estate agent is right for you:

• Ask the agents you’re considering for a list of past clients, and or testimonial letters.  Contact those past clients to find out what they thought of the agents and if they’d use them again.
• Interview the real estate agents. Ask them how long they’ve been in the Brooklyn New York real estate business, how many homes they’ve sold in the past year, how they can help you find a buyer for your home.

If you’re looking for a real estate agent that can represent you in buying or selling your Brooklyn real estate, I’d be honored if you’d give me the opportunity to interview for the job.  Contact me, Charles D’Alessandro at Fillmore Real Estate, today at (718) 253-9600 ext. 206, or email me at charles@brooklynrealestatesales.com.