Archive for June, 2010

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

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

On June 16, the Senate approved a plan to give home buyers an extra three months to finish qualifying for federal tax incentives.  If the plan passes, it means you’ll have until September 30, 2010, to close on your Brooklyn home and qualify for tax credits of up to $8,000.  (First-time buyers were eligible for a tax credit of up to $8,000. Current owners who bought and moved into another home could qualify for a credit of up to $6,500.)

Who Qualifies?

Originally, you had to sign a contract to purchase a home by April 30, 2010, and close no later than June 30, 2010.  With this extension, anyone who had a signed purchase agreement by April 30 would have until September 30 to close on the sale of that home.

Why the Extension?

Mortgage lenders have been swamped with borrowers trying to get their Brooklyn home purchases approved by June 30.  Many potential borrowers are having difficulty meeting that deadline.

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) estimates that 180,000 buyers are likely to miss the June 30 deadline “because of delays in the process.” That’s particularly true of short sales, the NAR noted.

Is it Approved?

Unfortunately, an extension of the deadline for the federal homebuyer tax credit remains tied to Senate legislation that would extend unemployment benefits, complicating efforts to get the deadline extended before the expiration date of June 30.

But don’t give up hope.  If lawmakers extend the deadline after June 30, the language in both the House and Senate bills will apply retroactively.

Have questions about the federal tax credits?  Or any other questions about Brooklyn homes?  Give me a call today at (718)253-9600 ext.206 or email me at [email protected]  I’ll respond promptly and personally.


Charles D’Alessandro

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Brooklyn Realtor Charles D’Alessandro of Fillmore Real Estate Presents

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

Great Brooklyn Properties For Sale

Marine Park,Brooklyn, Two Family

Marine Park,Brooklyn, Two Family

Marine Park two family brick home is tastefully decorated from top to bottom.

The owner enjoys six spacious rooms with 1-1/2 baths,plus a full finished basement with a 3/4 bath and a separate entrance. Add the 4-1/2 room walk-in apartment,private drive and landscaped yard, and it’s a must see. Call Charles D’Alessandro of Fillmore Real Estate at 718 253-9600 ext.206 or e mail me at [email protected] today for your exclusive showing.

Bensonhurst Brooklyn Two Family!

Located in the beautiful and accessible  community of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, NY! This two family features all spacious rooms,beautiful hardwood floors,central air condition and a two car garage. Too hard to describe in words. Call Charles D’Alessandro of Fillmore Real Estate at 718 253-9600 ext.206 or e mail me at [email protected] today for your exclusive showing.

Bensonhurst Brooklyn Two Family

Brooklyn's Bensonhurst Communty

Just Listed Bensonhurst Brick Two Family! three bedrooms over a one bedroom walk-in with a private yard, and private driveway for two cars. Price at $618,000 for a quick sale. Call Charles D’Alessandro of Fillmore Real Estate at 718 253-9600 ext.206 or e mail me at [email protected] today for your exclusive showing.

Sunset Park ,Brooklyn ,NY ,Mixed Use Property

Sunset Park Two Family Mixed Use Property ,Four rooms over Four rooms over a huge store and basement this will not last Call Charles D’Alessandro of Fillmore Real Estate at 718 253-9600 ext.206 or e mail me at [email protected] today for your exclusive showing.

Brooklyn's Detached Four Family

Detached Brooklyn Four Family

Another Brooklyn property listed by Charles D’Alessandro at Fillmore Real Estate! Detached Four family in pristine condition. This is a great investment for a user.

Call Charles D’Alessandro of Fillmore Real Estate at 718 253-9600 ext.206 or e mail me at [email protected] today for your exclusive showing.

“Incentivizing” the Buyer for Brooklyn Homes for Sale”

Friday, June 25th, 2010

The Federal Government envisions a secure and stable marketplace for national and Brooklyn homes for sale, thus their involvement. We may or may not like the politics, but the fact remains that the marketplace has stabilized somewhat, and prices are leveling in anticipation of an upward turn.

No matter the actual state of the market, the simple fact is that motivated buyers and sellers for Brooklyn homes for sale do still exist. If not, a lot less people would visit this site.

If you market your home correctly, the opportunity to sell is still promising. After all, interest rates are favorable, prices are realistic and the government has thrown some interesting incentives to buyers, sellers and lenders alike.

You and your real estate agent have the ability to induce buyers to act.  If your agent is experienced, he or she will work with you to develop incentives and add appeal to the transaction.

Step 1:  Provide Factual Information

Facts outweigh rumor, and having provable information helps get rid of the buyer’s reservations.  Here are some of the main facts you and your agent need to have at your fingertips in order to induce buyers to act:

  • Knowledge of all local, state and federal tax incentives available to residents of your area
  • Knowledge of all projected closing costs
  • An understanding of the buyer’s financial and domestic qualifications
  • Complete knowledge of the school system and all community services and costs
  • Expertise concerning the history and composition of the home
  • Knowledge of any planned growth in the area

Step 2:  Provide Incentives

The “incentivizing” (no, that’s not a real word) of your home involves several factors. Some incentives may be more creative than others.  Here are a few ideas:

  • Offer a one-year home warranty program through a third party provider. This is a popular way to relieve buyers of some of their reservations. The idea is based on getting rid of unexpected expenses and the possibility of hidden costs.
  • Have the seller pay part of the closing costs.
  • Combine the above two incentives with a flexible closing date to make Brooklyn homes for sale that much more attractive.

Want help “incentivizing” your home to get it sold?  Give me a call today at (718)253-9600 ext.206 or email me at [email protected] to find out how I can help sell your home.


Charles D’Alessandro

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6 Things to Consider When Looking at Condos in Brooklyn

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

Let’s face it.  A lot of people like the idea of the easy lifestyle condos in Brooklyn provide.  While there are a multitude of positive reasons to buy a condo, many people are so glamorized by the idea that they fail to make sure condos fit their needs.

Before you jump in and buy one of the condos in Brooklyn, make sure you also consider what some people consider the downside to owning a condo:

1.  SpaceBuying a condo means sharing an interest in it.  What you own is your personal “box of air.”  The rest of the condo – the common areas – is shared between the other owners.

2.  Neighbors – Because you share walls and common areas, there’s a high chance that you’ll be able to hear them as they move about their own space.  You’ll run into them more often, and have to coordinate with them in issues regarding the common areas.

3.  Reselling – If you own a condominium and think you might resell it later, be aware that condos in Brooklyn are typically more sensitive to the real estate market and take longer to recover than traditional single family homes.

4.  Fees – You’ll have to pay monthly condo fees to take care of the maintenance of the common areas and for amenities you may not use, such as a swimming pool or fitness facility.

5.  Rules – All condominiums have CC&Rs, or Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions.  The CC&Rs may not fit your lifestyle.  They can include noise level restrictions, types of renovations, owning a pet or even the type of curtains you use.

6.  Association – Instead of property management professionals, the association is made up of homeowners.  It may be weak or inefficient, and you might have to get approval to make renovations or rent out your unit.

Condos in Brooklyn are great to own, but they aren’t for everyone.  Make an informed decision before buying one, and you’ll be a happy owner.

If you’re looking to buy the perfect condo, I’d love to help.  Call Charles D’Alessandro of Fillmore Real Estate (718)253-9600 ext.206 or email me at [email protected] for more information.


Charles D’Alessandro

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Open Season on Homes for Sale in Brooklyn – Hunting License Not Needed

Sunday, June 20th, 2010

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

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

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

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

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Cool Your Brooklyn Home for Less This Summer

Sunday, June 13th, 2010

We’re all trying to live greener lives, but nothing zaps your energy or your will to live greener in your Brooklyn home like summer heat.

The summer heat can also assault your wallet.  In fact, you can easily watch your utility bill double during the summer months.

Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to cool your Brooklyn home for less money and less impact on the environment this summer. Here’s how.

  1. Prep your home. Turn off heat-generating lights and appliances.  Don’t use your oven. In the afternoon, close your windows and outside doors and keep window coverings drawn. At other times, use fans to create a cross breeze.
  1. Raise your thermostat. When you’re not home, raise the thermostat to 80 degrees. Lower it two or three degrees when you are home and use ceiling fans to keep rooms cool. Moving your thermostat from 75 to 80 will lower your consumption by 15%. Your Brooklyn home will still feel comfortable, and you will notice significant savings on your next utility bill.
  1. Take a look at your windows. You’d be surprised to find out how much heat enters your home from old, single pane windows. Newer energy efficient windows with double panes block more heat and keep more cool air inside. If you can’t afford new windows now, at least cover the ones you have with heavy curtains or shades to keep out heat.
  1. Check for leaks. Leaky duct work and poorly sealed doors can let as much cool air out of your home as an open window. Walk around your home checking under your doors and around your windows to feel for escaping air. Hire a professional to check your air conditioning systems for you. Take the time to have duct leaks repaired and seal air leaks.
  1. Dress appropriately. There’s no reason to keep your home so cold that you have to wear extra layers of clothing when you’re inside. Wear light, loose fitting clothing. You’ll be more comfortable in slightly warmer temperatures. Keep light throw blankets handy for anyone who easily gets cold under a ceiling fan.

Implementing even one or two of these tips in your home can save you money and help the environment.

Want to buy an energy efficient home?  I can help.  Call me today at (718) 253-9600 ext.206 or email me at [email protected] to learn more.


Charles D’Alessandro

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Your Brooklyn Home For Sale: Reaching Out to the Buyer

Saturday, June 12th, 2010

You placed your Brooklyn home for sale on the market weeks ago, but it seems no one is interested. What you may not realize is that the most desirable, most treasured buyers arrive at your home every day. They may not knock; they may not schedule an appointment; they may even need Map Quest to figure out where you are, but they’re viewing your home.

Buying habits are changing rapidly. More than 70 percent of today’s buyers find the house they want to buy through online resources. Why aren’t they just getting into their cars and coming by for a visit? Because a large part of your potential buyers are looking at your Brooklyn home for sale from states away…

The Invaluable Relocation Buyer

You want the relocation buyer. In fact, every seller, every agent and every community wants the relocation buyer. Why? Relocation buyers are those who have to move. They’re incredibly motivated to buy, and the chance of them buying a home in the community is high.

Your Buyer’s Profile

Your relocation buyer is probably an educated professional in his or her field. Relocation buyers usually know exactly what they’re looking for, and aren’t willing to budge much. They’ve commonly moved before and are knowledgeable home buyers.

If you’ve never sold a home, they’ll most likely understand the buying/selling process better than you do. They also know that real estate activity and values are different in every area. As well, they know how their companies’ relocation assistance programs work, which affects their moving budgets.

Reaching buyers is a competitive process. If you want highly motivated buyers like these knocking on your door, you need a well-organized marketing strategy.

Talk to your real estate agent about your online presentation. Perhaps a video tour would be the best strategy to attract buyers to your Brooklyn home for sale. Whatever you decide to do, if your marketing strategy doesn’t include a well-put-together online presentation, you’ve already lost the relocation buyer.

Are you missing a large buying market for your home? I can help. Call me at (718)253-9600 ext.206 or email me at [email protected] for more information.


Charles D’Alessandro

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Home for Sale in Brooklyn? Why Disclosure Is Important

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

If you have a home for sale in Brooklyn or anywhere else in the U.S., you may have heard of the term “disclosure.”  What is it, why is it important, and what does it entail?

What is disclosure?

First, disclosure is the act of informing a buyer about any issues that your home for sale in Brooklyn may have. For instance, if the home has water damage in the basement, you may have to tell the potential buyer about it. I say, “may have to,” because in some states disclosure is a legal issue. In some states, not disclosing issues may be illegal, while in other states, non-disclosure is perfectly legal.

Why is disclosure important?

Real estate transactions are fraught with pitfalls, many of which can end with a lawsuit. Non-disclosure is one of the pitfalls. Several sales throughout the years have ended in non-disclosure lawsuits, where the homebuyer believes, basically, that the homeowner knew a problem existed. The seller didn’t let the buyer know about the issue, which left the buyer feeling as if they’d been scammed – thus, the lawsuit.

What should I disclose to the buyer?

Many real estate agents (including myself), follow a simple rule when it comes to disclosure. “If you wonder whether you should tell the buyer about something, you probably should.” While disclosing problems may mean a lower sales price, not sharing may have you paying more than you ever wanted to in legal fees.

Some things, such as a violent death in the house, have a statute of limitations in most states. For instance, with few exceptions, California Civil Code 1710.2 requires that you tell the potential buyer if the death happened less than three years prior.

Certain disclosures are required, such as lead based paint, the presence of asbestos, or if there’s ever been toxic mold or termites. The rest of the requirements vary from state to state.

As you can see, disclosure isn’t a minor issue. What you have to share versus what you should share, however, all depends on whether you have a home for sale in Brooklyn or elsewhere in the U.S. If you’re up front, you’ll have a much better chance of keeping the money you made off the sale, versus spending it in legal fees.

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


Charles D’Alessandro

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The Emotional Aspects of Buying a Brooklyn Home

Sunday, June 6th, 2010

Buying a Brooklyn home can be a challenging process. Along the way you will experience a wide range of emotions. No matter how strongly you feel that you are alone, rest assured that most buyers feel the same way. Here’s a peek at what you can expect when…

  • Looking for a Brooklyn home. Creating a wish list for a house that fits within your budget can cause the initial signs of stress. Once that list is created, a new panic may settle in as you wonder if you will find the right home for you within that budget. Expect this panic to increase as you look at more homes.
  • Presenting an offer. No one wants to be rejected, even if it’s about property. Remind yourself that it is perfectly normal to worry about getting an accepted offer and that the sellers are also experiencing a similar feeling of woe at this point. Both sides want the same thing: a signed contract.
  • Hiring a Lawyer and Signing the contract. Once the contract is signed, a new panic may set in. You may wonder if you got a fair price or if you chose the right property for you. From this point until closing day, you will think about this decision and about all the changes before you. Moving means finding new stores and restaurants and new roads to work.  This is called buyer’s remorse.  Just remember, it’s a common phenomenon that you’ll get through it.
  • Closing. Once the papers are signed and the check has been turned over to the title company, a sense of finality takes over. You know that there is no turning back at this point and may still wonder if you made the right decision. Again this is perfectly normal and happens to almost everyone.

Don’t navigate the waters home buying a home on your own. Let me help you find the Brooklyn home for you. Call Charles D’Alessandro of Fillmore Real Estate today at (718) 253-9600 ext.206 or email me at  [email protected].


Charles D’Alessandro

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