If you’ve thought about buying a Brooklyn home for sale, you have to be wondering, “Is it ever going to be a good idea?” I understand; there’s an endless stream of media pouring out bad housing news. It’s discouraging to say the least if you’re a homebuyer or a home seller.

Yet, the problem with the news from the home buying standpoint is that it focuses on profit. The media says, “You can’t make a profit from buying a home.” They talk about prices dropping and more homes hitting the market, among other things. What they miss, however, are the real reasons most people buy a Brooklyn home for sale.

It’s your home. Period.

You can do what you want with it. You don’t have to worry about whether painting a mural on the wall will get you an increase in rent. You don’t have to deal with the noisy people who just moved into the apartment above you, who obviously brought a zoo because something’s pounding on your ceiling all the time. You can paint the walls black and nobody can say “Boo” about it, because it’s your home.

Fixed-rate mortgages stay put.

Unlike rent, which can go up and up and up, fixed-rate mortgage loans stay the same. They work exactly like they sound; the rate you start at when you buy your Brooklyn home for sale is the rate you end at when you finish paying off your mortgage.

You can eventually stop paying out.

Rent will always be owed. At no time in the future will your landlord say, “You’ve paid enough rent. You don’t have to pay anymore.” Mortgages, however, will eventually be paid off. Therefore, while renters pay for 15 years and then must continue to pay, homeowners, who have a 15-year mortgage, can pay for 15 years and then stop.

It’s your castle.

Nobody owns it but you. There’s a certain pride to owning a home that far outweighs profit. The excitement from making a profit, however small or large, is a fleeting, momentary thing. When you buy a Brooklyn home for sale, you’re buying a castle – a safe haven where you can get away from the world; a place where you can relax and be comfortable.

If you’re ready to find your castle, I can help. Call me at (718) 253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected] for more information.

Charles D’Alessandro

[email protected]
tel 718 253-9600
fax 718 253-9573

Brooklyn Real Estate Blog Winning the War on Brooklyn Homes for Sale

Have you ever seen a child right after a huge chewing gum bubble pops on his face? A mess everywhere, eyes wide, mouth in an “O” – rather reminiscent of the real estate industry when its own bubble popped. Homeowners panicked and began trying to sell their Brooklyn homes.

As more pushed to unload the instantly unwanted “step child” of homeownership, the real estate market became glutted, resulting in lower sales prices. Two years later, some owners are still trying to sell their Brooklyn homes, still panicking, and still worried about what the future will bring. However, you might be like some homeowners, who are indecisive about selling their homes or who realize they don’t really want to sell.

Stop.

Take a deep breath.

Quit worrying for a moment and ask yourself… Why am I selling?

There are good reasons to sell:

• Your house has become hard to afford.
• You’re getting older and need to move somewhere that doesn’t take as much maintenance.
• You need to relocate for your job.

But there are a lot of not-so-good reasons to sell:

• You’ve read so much about people who have been unable to sell their homes that you became alarmed and put yours on the market “just in case” you want to sell it later.
• You’re simply tired of your home.  If that’s the case, all you actually need to do is update or redecorate your home to make it sparkle again.
• You’d just like to see what you can get for your home.

It may seem strange for a real estate agent to speak against selling Brooklyn homes. However, my first motivation is always doing what’s best for my client, including giving them the best advice I can. So, I urge you to take a moment and think about it:  do you really need to sell your home now?

Even if your home has lost some of its value, there are many ways that your home is still very valuable:

• Building credit – Home ownership is still a good way to build credit. With good credit you can borrow for other major expenses, such as a new car.

• Building equity – The average home equity for the U.S. is approximately $38,000. When you consider how much your home costs, that may not seem like much. However, when you are ready to sell, that equity will be there to put toward your next home purchase or your retirement savings.

• Saving money on taxes – Owning a home offers several tax benefits.  For most Americans, the biggest benefit is deducting the annual interest paid on a mortgage.

• Living well – There’s a reason why homeownership is still called the American Dream.  It simply feels good to live in a home you love.  That you can decorate any way you want.  A home that’s your very own.

Now think about why you bought your home in the first place. Do the things still exist that made you value the home enough to buy it?  If yes, maybe you should stay.

If you do need (or want) to sell your home, I can help. Call me today at (718) 253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected]] for more information.

Charles D’Alessandro

[email protected]
tel 718 253-9600
fax 718 253-9573

Brooklyn Real Estate Blog Remodeling Your Brooklyn Home for Sale: Cost vs. Value

It’s open season on homes for sale in Brooklyn, and no hunting license is needed. You might want to wear bright orange jackets if you’re a seller, though. It’s a buyer’s market and, in this case, you want the house hunters to see you.

Now, you can only take the hunting analogy so far; I don’t think you’d appreciate being hung on a wall as a trophy. You will appreciate hunters setting their sights on homes for sale in Booklyn, however. Here are a few tips to ensure that your home is the one they target:

Stand out in the open

To put it simply, buyers are using more and more technology nowadays. Obviously, you, as the seller, want to be where the buyers are, right? Embrace the Internet. Twitter, Facebook, blogging and other forms of social media are some of the ways successful sellers have managed to garner attention. So, start networking online, or hire an internet savvy real estate agent to do it for you.

Use an agent

This may sound self-serving; I am, after all, a real estate agent. However, while you may be trying to figure out whether you really want to pay commission fees, also consider this. Agents have access to many places that do it yourself sellers don’t, such as MSN Real Estate, Yahoo Real Estate, their MLS listings and Realtor.com. Buyers do have access, and they’re looking. As the seller, you want as much exposure as possible, and agents can get it for you.

Make affordable repairs

If you can afford to replace a worn out faucet, do so. If you can replace bad flooring, do it. Whether it’s plumbing issues or light switches, big or small, make the repairs you can afford to make. Then, and here’s the secret, advertise:  “All new fixtures!” or “Brand new flooring!” Sharing what you’ve done to make the house more attractive is like waving a red flag and, when you’re talking about house hunting, this is a good thing.

Add field dressing

Okay, perhaps that goes a little far with the hunting analogy. Basically, in a tough buyer’s market, presentation is everything. Have strong curb appeal outside. Get rid of personal clutter inside. Stage the rooms and clean, clean, clean. It’s a beauty contest.  Dress your home accordingly.

Putting these tips into action will greatly raise the chances of taking another home off the list of homes for sale in Brooklyn.

If you’re trying to sell your home and need an internet savvy agent, I can help. Call me at (718) 253-9600 ext.206 or email me at [email protected] for more information.

Charles D’Alessandro

[email protected]
tel 718 253-9600
fax 718 253-9573

Brooklyn Real Estate Blog Reports Say, “Yes, You Can Buy a Brooklyn Home for Sale!”

— @ WiseStamp Signature. Get it now

If you’ve been looking at your finances to see if you can afford a Brooklyn home for sale, or a home in any area for that matter, a new report from the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo says, “Yes, you can!”

According to this report, the prices for over 72% of the homes purchased in the first quarter of 2010 were affordable for families making an annual income of $63,800 (the median national income). One of the main reasons for this is because of the national median price: just $175,000. Adding to that is the still historically low interest and mortgage rates, as well as companies once again beginning to hire new employees. These “affordability” numbers are based on 28% or less of a family’s take-home pay.

Many new homeowners agree. The National Association of REALTORS® released the statistics for existing home sales on May 24.  April saw a 7% increase in sales from March, and Freddie Mac reports that 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage commitment rates rose to 5.10% in the same month.

What Does This Mean for Buyers and Sellers?

While this still means slow going for those with a Brooklyn home for sale, this means an incredibly hot market for buyers.   With over 4 million homes available for sale, sellers are definitely competing with each other.  In many places across the country, homeowners have dropped their prices 10% to 50%, in an effort to attract attention.

Can You Afford a Home?

If you’re looking at the real estate market and wondering if you can finally afford the home of your dreams, it’s time to quit wondering. Start doing your research.

Before you begin shopping for a home, shop around for a lender. Finding a good lender with reasonable rates is one of the best first steps of buying a home.

Next, get pre-approved for a mortgage.  Pre-approval lets you know how much you really can afford and whether your credit is acceptable for a mortgage. As well, if you do find the home you’ve always wanted, being pre-approved gives you a strong standing in negotiations, because the seller knows you’re seriously looking for a home.

Finally, if you can afford a Brooklyn home for sale and have been waiting for the best time, you’ve reached it. There’s never been a better, more affordable time for buyers in the last 50 years.

If you’re looking for your dream home, I can help. Call me at (718) 253-9600 ext.206 or email me at [email protected] for more information.

Charles D’Alessandro

[email protected]
tel 718 253-9600
fax 718 253-9573

Brooklyn Real Estate Blog Cool Your Brooklyn Home for Less This Summer

Brooklyn Community of Marine Park

Two Family Brick home! Two bedroom apartment over a three room walk in priced to sell in todays market! Features include a private driveway and one car garage. The spacious yard have lots of room for outdoor entertaining. For more information go to BrooklyRealEstate.com or call today718 253-9600 EXT.206 or just  email me at [email protected]

The Best of  Bensonhurst’s  Brooklyn neighborhood!

Fillmore Real Estate Presents  A two family home featuring a five room apartment with three spacious bedrooms, remodeled kitchen and bath over an equally beautiful two bedroom apartment and a finished basement. Features include central air conditioning, driveway and two car garage. For more details call today 718 253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected]

Brooklyn’s Kensington Community!

Blocks from transportation to Manhattan, this spacious, brick, 4 bedroom home has all the charm and style for you. Add large property, driveway for 5 cars, 2 car garage and you have a great deal! For more information on these properties visit www.brooklynrealestatesales.com

Charles D’Alessandro

[email protected]
tel 718 253-9600
fax 718 253-9573

Brooklyn Real Estate Blog Why I Love Being A Brooklyn Realtor!

The real estate market is shifting toward some definite trends that may affect your home for sale in Brooklyn Since 2006, the median cost of a home has dropped almost 30%. The good news, according Moody’s Economy.com, is that most of the nation’s metropolitan areas are expected to see less than a 5% drop in prices a year from now. Even better news, 10% are expected to see modest increases.

If you have a home for sale in Brooklyn, keeping an eye on the trends can greatly increase your chances of selling, no matter what the area. Here are two of the biggest trends:

Trend #1:  Home Prices Staying Down

Home inventories are slowly creeping back up, and another 3 million distressed homes are expected to be foreclosed on this year. As well, one-fourth of current homeowners are now underwater with their mortgages, and 18% of borrowers are choosing to walk away. In short, stressors on the current housing market may very well push national median prices down another 5%, as mentioned above.

How can I take advantage?

With the glut of foreclosed homes, they’re likely to be your highest competition.  That means competing in price could be disastrous. Instead, play up the advantages of your home. For instance, foreclosed homes may need a lot of fixing up.  To compete, make sure your home is inspected and fixed up before it’s listed. Once you know there aren’t a lot of problems add a one-year warranty for the buyer that covers fixes such as the furnace or water heater. It’s inexpensive and may very well make the difference in how quickly and at what price you sell your home.

Trend #2:  Small Homes Selling Faster Than Large Homes

Larger, more expensive homes now have a 20-month backlog in inventory. They cost more and require a larger financial commitment. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the median home size dropped from 2,300 to 2,100 square feet since 2007.

How can I take advantage?

If you have a large home, don’t wait until prices dip further; put it on the market now. The major key to getting it sold now is price.  Keep the price competitive, and start out low enough so that you won’t have to drop the price more than once. This is a red flag for buyers.

If you have a smaller home for sale in Brooklyn, you’re already set to take advantage. People also want to lower their energy bills, which usually happens with a smaller home.  Market these advantages for a better chance of selling.

If you want to sell your home, it helps to keep up with the housing trends and look at each one to see how you can take advantage of it.

If you’re trying to sell your home, I can help. Call me at Fillmore Real Estate  (718) 253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected] for more information.

Charles D’Alessandro

[email protected]
tel 718 253-9600
fax 718 253-9573

Brooklyn Real Estate Blog April 5th – An Important Date for Brooklyn Homes for Sale

The Clock is Still Ticking on that Home for Sale in Brooklyn ! Hurry before the tax credit runs out. Extended in November, 2009, the first-time buyers’ tax credit is set to expire in April, 2010, and there are no plans for another extension. Time is running out!

What does this mean for you? If you’re a home seller, it’s time to look over your home for sale in Brooklyn, make sure all your t’s are crossed, i’s are dotted and that you’ve done everything you can to put your home at the front of the buying line. If you’re a first-time or repeat buyer hoping to take advantage of the credit, it’s time to start looking for your new home; the binding sales contract has to be signed by April 30, 2010.

Making the Buying Process Easier

Many times, the buying process can take forever.  Red tape, failing negotiations and more has caused several possible sales to fall through. So, what can you do to make the buying process easier? Here are a few tips:

1. Find out if you qualify for the first-time or repeat buyer tax credit. The home buyer requirements are many.  If you can’t afford to buy a home without the tax credit, make sure you qualify.

1. Shop for lenders before hand. Choosing a mortgage lender can be a lengthy process, so finding one you want to use before you start looking for a home will cut down on the time it takes to buy the house.

1. Get pre-approved. Getting pre-qualified is the first step in the loan process, but it’s based on an estimate, not verified facts. By getting pre-approved for a mortgage, you know exactly how much you qualify for, and how much house you can afford. Because this is a large part of the buying process, once you’re pre-approved, the lender can expedite the rest of the deal for a quicker closing.

1. Negotiate wisely. Remember that you’re on a time-line and try not to let negotiations with the seller turn into a contest of wills. Yes, negotiate, but make sure your counteroffer on the home is realistic.

Buying a great home for sale in Brooklyn before the tax credit expires is definitely possible, even with only four months to go.  Following the tips outlined above can make the sale go as smoothly and quickly as possible.

Have questions about the home buyer tax credit?  I can help. Call me now at (718) 253-9600 or email me at [email protected].

Charles D’Alessandro

[email protected]
tel 718 253-9600
fax 718 253-9573

I ask as the question that has been asked for generations before. How will our children make it through? Will they be able to realize the American Dream of home ownership? With two sons born and raised in Brooklyn New York. A college graduate looking to for decent work for decent pay and my fathers grandson working in the electrical contracting business.We try to teach the ways we where taught, work hard to earn money and save for the future, the” American Dream”! The dream of home ownership! With the average starter home here in Brooklyn New York being around $400,000 in this down market with todays low interest rates and these affordable prices. I ask myself is it time for me to help my boys get started? I guess I have to decide what the answer will be for me. So my question to the parents out there is, “Do we wait to leave an inheritance to our children, or do we help them while we are still here to see them achieve their share of the American Dream ?” I would appreciate to hear your thoughts, go to the comment box and send your thought on the subject.

If you’re looking for a beautiful home, I can help. Call me Charles D’Alessandro at Fillmore Real Estate now at (718) 253-9600 ext. 206 or email me at [email protected] for more information.

brought to you by Brooklyn Real Estate Sales

The real estate industry is full of numbers and metrics that can influence your Brooklyn home for sale. Here are just a few you need to know before putting your house on the market:

1. Pricing – Is your home for sale in Brooklyn worth more than you bought it for? Even now, it’s a possibility. Check the average sales prices for the homes in your area, neighborhood and street. You might be pleasantly surprised. Contact your local agent for the information.

1. DOM – Days on Market is the time period a home sits on the market before closing. Currently, the average days on market in almost any area are rather high, but the actual metric may change depending on the price of your home. If you’re faced with a timeline and have a set goal for the sale, the average days on market for your area is a number you need to know. Again, you can ask your local real estate agent.

1. List Pricing – The average list price tells you how much your competition is going for. If you’re trying to sell your house way above the average list price, it probably won’t leave the market.

1. Competition – How much competition do you really have? How many “For Sale” signs are up? The higher the inventory, the lower your chances of selling the home quickly.

Of all the numbers to know, these are at the top. As every agent knows, the best way to sell your Brooklyn home for sale is to do the research – and then hire a proven real estate agent!

If you want to sell your Brooklyn home and need current information, I can help. Call Charles D’Alessandro, of  Fillmore Real Estate now at (718) 253-9600 ext.206 or email me at [email protected] for more information.

brought to you by;  Brooklyn Real Estate Sales