Archive for June, 2011

Brooklyn Real Estate Hot Deals Of The Week!

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

Just Reduced to Sell!

All brick three family home with large walk in basement

great income with driveway and garage! ASKING $599,000

Check it out here


Newly converted Marine Park Two Family

Marine Park Brooklyn! Two family

Price Reduced!

Brick house with 2 bedrooms over one bedroom.

Brick, semi-detached two family.Call for details.

Check it out here

Marine Park Three Bedroom Co-op For Sale

Price Reduced!

Three Bedroom co-op in the Marine park

community of Brooklyn Spacious apartment with lots of closets.

Just blocks from transportation,  Check it out here

Lefferts Garden Brooklyn - 3 story, 2 family limestone.

Walk to Prospect Park & Botanical Gardens.

Lefferts Garden Brooklyn – 3 story, 2 family limestone. 6 Bedrooms,

3 baths, hardwood floors, fireplaces, skylight,

pocket doors and other original details.

Walk to Prospect Park & Botanical Gardens.

Check it out here

Whether you have questions about the above Brooklyn New York  home for sale, or looking for something else I can help.  Please give Charles D’Alessandro Your Brooklyn Realtor® with Fillmore Real Estate a call today at 718/253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected].  I’ll give you a free home price  analysis to determine how much your home is worth in today’s market.

7 Ways to Prepare your Brooklyn Home for an Appraisal

Monday, June 27th, 2011


Prparing for An Appraisal on your Brooklyn Home

Have you ever considered that preparing your Brooklyn home for an appraisal could increase its appraised value?

While many owners consider a home appraisal as simply another step in the process of selling or refinancing their Brooklyn homes, homeowners who prep their homes for the appraisal often fair better than those who do nothing.

Here are seven ways to prepare your  Brooklyn home for the best appraisal possible:

  1. Give the appraiser a list of recent home sales. Ask your real estate agent to make a list of properties similar to yours that have recently sold in your neighborhood.  Be sure to include the sales price.  This is one less thing the appraiser has to do.
  2. Supply a copy of your home’s blueprint. This will help to verify room measurements and lot size.  Also, provide the date your home was built.
  3. Provide a list of improvements. Make a list of improvements you’ve made to your property since you bought it. Include the dates the improvements were made. Be sure to list all improvements such as adding a room, updating your kitchen or bathroom, pouring a patio or replacing a roof.
  4. Make it easy for your appraiser to see the entire property.  Do you have an attic or crawl space that’s hard to access?  Do whatever is necessary to make it easy for the appraiser to get to those hard to reach spaces.
  5. Spruce it upA clean home makes a good impression. Trip the lawn, clean the garage, and make minor repairs both inside and out.
  6. Point out amenities. Do you have a sprinkler or security system, built-in vacuum, or other special features that aren’t obvious?  Give a list of these amenities to your appraiser.
  7. Provide a copy of your most recent property tax assessment. The assessed value of your home is what your taxing authority (your county, city or town) uses to determine how much property tax is due. The period between assessments varies by jurisdiction. Some taxing authorities might conduct full assessments every six years, for instance, but update their records annually to account for new homes or building improvements.  Contact your county, city or town to get the most recent tax assessment for your property.

Thinking of selling your Brooklyn home?  Let me help you sell it faster with less stress and for as much as possible. Give me a call Charles D’Alessandro Your Brooklyn Realtor® with Fillmore Real Estate at 718/253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected].

Go Green in Your Brooklyn Home to Save Green

Friday, June 24th, 2011


Going Green in Your Brooklyn Home for Sale!

Is it really possible to go green and save money without spending all your free time recycling?  Yes, if you start small and think sensibly.  You don’t have to single handedly save the planet.

Keep reading for a few simple things you can do in your Brooklyn home this week to help the environment, save money and enjoy still enjoy your free time.

Make It

OK, you may be thinking, there’s no way I’m going to get into making a bunch of stuff.  Hear me out before you throw in the towel.  You can quickly, easily and inexpensively make green household cleaners.  All you need are a few inexpensive ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and lemon.

Buy in Bulk

Do this in a practical way.  Don’t worry about all that time consuming extreme couponing.  Stock up on staples with a long shelf life like canned goods and paper products, when they’re on sale.

Reuse

Don’t go crazy trying to figure out how to reuse your aluminum foil or dryer lint.  Instead, get a water filter and a reusable water bottle; then stop buying bottled water.

Do-It-Yourself

You’ll save serious money when you tackle a few weekend projects to maintain or upgrade your Brooklyn home.  Consider the cost of heating and cooling.  If you add weather-stripping, install a programmable thermostat or improve your insulation, you’ll save big utility bucks.

Borrow instead of Buying

How many times have you actually reread all of the books on your shelf?  Once or twice? Rediscover your public library.  It’s an amazing place these days that has gone way beyond just books.  They now have audio books, e-books, DVDs and video games.  All for free!

Want to buy a green Brooklyn home?  I can help you find a home that’s already green or that’s easy to convert.  Give me Charles D’Alessandro Your Brooklyn Realtor® with Fillmore Real Estate a call today at 718/253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected].

Emergency Homeowners Loan Program May Provide Relief For Brooklyn

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011
Top stocks

Emergency Homeowners Loan Program for Brooklyn Homeowners

$1 billion in new help to flailing homeowners

Only about 30,000 are expected to get these interest-free loans, which can eventually be forgiven by the Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program.

This post comes from Marilyn Lewis at MSN Money.

Homeowners have until July 22 to get pre-screened for a new, interest-free government loan intended to help delinquent homeowners stave off foreclosure. In fact, for those who play by the rules, the loan isn’t really a loan — it’s a gift.

No reason is offered for the short deadline, only that the next four weeks are for “pre-screening” applicants. After that, presumably, selected homeowners will be allowed to apply.

The $1 billion in aid — money provided in the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (.pdf file) — was announced this week.

“The program, known as the Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program, is expected to help up to 30,000 distressed borrowers, according to HUD,” says The Washington Post.

That’s about $34,000 apiece, on average. Sounds great, but of course there are plenty of caveats and qualifications.

Who’s eligible?

Apply if:

  • You’re (involuntarily) unemployed or underemployed after losing a job or because of a serious medical condition.
  • You’re 90 days delinquent on your mortgage payments on your primary home.
  • You’ve received a notice of foreclosure.
  • Your income has dropped by at least 15%.
  • You’re likely to be able to resume home payments within two years.
  • You meet the income eligibility criteria. Roughly, that’s if your household income in 2009 was at or below $75,000 a year or 120% of the area median income for a household size of four.

These loans can become gifts

These “bridge loans” of up to $50,000 are “forgivable,” says HUD. They appear to be carefully constructed to reduce the incentive for underwater homeowners to walk away from their homes.

Here’s how the program works:

  • Lucky approved homeowners will get one-time help to become current on overdue mortgage costs and make monthly (first lien) mortgage payments (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) for a maximum of two years or $50,000.
  • The loan becomes a junior lien against the borrower’s home. No payments on the loan are due for five years if the borrower stays current on mortgage payments and meets other requirements. After that, the loan balance is reduced by 20% a year until nothing is owed and the junior lien is eliminated.

The loans are available only in 32 states and Puerto Rico. Participating states: Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Tips:

Watch for fraud

Beware of fraudsters, who are bound to crop up like toadstools after a rain. ConsumerAffairs.com says that legitimate agencies won’t phone you. You’ll have to call them.

The rules require that you personally apply for the loan. In other words, if someone calls you, asks for advance payment and promises to apply on your behalf, you’ve hooked a con artist and you’d be a dope to participate.

On the other hand, ConsumerAffairs says, the actual, legitimate government program itself can sound a little fishy:

It may sound like a classic foreclosure rescue scam: a limited-time offer for a free government loan to save your home. But this time the offer is legitimate.

The rest of the states

You may be wondering: Why only some states?

The answer: Homeowners in the other states already are getting billions of dollars in help from the Hardest Hit FundPost continues after this video about Florida’s Hardest Hit Fund.

Brooklyn Real Estate Deals of the Week!

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

Three Bedroom Condo Price Reduced!

Price Adjusted Today!

Located in one of Brooklyn’s finest neighborhoods, Marine Park. A 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom unit with deeded parking.  A short walk to Marine Park as well as shopping, banking and transportation. The asking price was just reduced to make a good deal. For more information and a private showing call  718/253-9600 EXT 206 or email me at [email protected]

Prime Marine Park location

Price Reduced by $40,000

Prime Marine Park Brooklyn location! Detached 40 x 100 Lot, 3 Bedroom Duplex, with large living room, dining room, kitchen, sun room, over semi-finished basement.

Private driveway, garage and large rear yard. Come see and Compare! For more information and a private showing call  718/253-9600 EXT 206 or email me at [email protected]

Great Kensington/Boro Park location

Kensington Location! Close to All!

Walk to F  train-Subway – Great Kensington/Boro Park location on quiet tree lined block. Detached side hall entrance 4 bedroom, 1 family with 2 room hospitality suite in basement, new modern kitchen with oak flooring throughout main floor. New 2nd floor bath, new gas, new heat. Full finished attic storage. Great for growing family! For more information and a private showing call  718/253-9600 EXT 206 or email me at [email protected]

Nestled in The Brooklyn Community of Bergen Beach!

Attention Land Lovers! Trees Do Grow In Brooklyn!

Your fantasy can become realty in this brick Mini Mansion fully detached on huge 80 x 100 landscaped property, located in the heart of Bergen Beach Brooklyn. This home offers every amenity possible, central air, in ground pool, state of the art kitchen and baths. This amazing home must be Seen!!! For more information and a private showing call  718/253-9600 EXT 206 or email me at [email protected]

Like Brooklyn? Land? and Income? Check this out!

Brooklyn’s Best Real Estate Deal!

Spacious Detached two family home with  a walk in apartment private driveway and garage ,throw in the basement and the over 7000 square ft. property and what a deal! For more information and a private showing call  718/253-9600 EXT 206 or email me at [email protected]

One Family Detached in Brooklyn's Midwood Community

Pristine Midwood Home!

Price adjusted as of today ! A real must see if !

If you are looking for a beautiful detached 1 family in a great location, call me today 718/253-9600 ext. 206  or email me for details on this prime Brooklyn Property!

Whether you have questions about the above Brooklyn New York  home for sale, or looking for something else I can help.  Please give Charles D’Alessandro Your Brooklyn Realtor® with Fillmore Real Estate a call today at 718/253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected].  I’ll give you a free home price  analysis to determine how much your home is worth in today’s market.

How to Stay Safe when Showing Your Brooklyn Home for Sale by Owner

Saturday, June 18th, 2011


Marketing your Brooklyn Home For Sale By Owner

You’ve decided to try to sell your Brooklyn home for sale by owner (FSBO). One of the many tasks you’ll be performing is showing your home to potential buyers.  You won’t personally know most potential buyers, so be sure to take precautions to stay safe.  After all, these are strangers you’re allowing into your home.

Here are six tips to protect your safety when showing your Brooklyn home for sale by owner (FSBO) to potential buyers:

1. Pre-qualify potential buyers. The most basic thing you want to do is determine if a potential buyer can afford to buy your home.  The best way to do this is to require that the potential buyer give you a copy of their pre-approval letter before scheduling a viewing of your home.  Buyers who are not serious about buying within the next few months will not have bothered to get pre-approved, and buyers who cannot afford your home will not be able to get a pre-approval letter.

2.      Use a sign-in sheet. Keep a sign-in sheet near the entrance to your home.  Have everyone who comes to view your home fill out his or her name, address and phone number on the sheet as soon as they enter.

3.      Stay with them while they tour your home. While you don’t want to hover over their shoulders, don’t allow them to wander around your home by themselves.

4.      Have someone else with you. Don’t be home alone.  Have your neighbor, a friend or family member with you at all times.

5.      Hide valuables. Do not leave money, jewelry or other valuables where they can be seen or easily taken.

6.      Require an appointment. Whether you’re selling your home as a FSBO or with a  real estate agent  requiring an appointment allows you to keep a normal schedule.  You don’t want people touring your home while you’re eating dinner or taking a nap.   If a buyer is really interested, he or she will not have a problem making an appointment.

Want help marketing your Brooklyn home for sale by owner?  Give me  Charles D’Alessandro Your Brooklyn Realtor® with Fillmore Real Estate a call today at (718) 253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected].  I’ll give you a free home market price  analysis to determine how much your home is worth in today’s market.

5 Steps to Selling Your Brooklyn New York as a Home Short Sale

Wednesday, June 15th, 2011


Short Sale vs. Foreclosure on your Brooklyn Home

Although selling your Brooklyn New York home as a short sale probably isn’t what you’d prefer, it may be the best option for you.  The good news is that short sales are becoming the preferred option for lenders hampered by the huge number of  Brooklyn foreclosures.

To get you started on your short sale journey, here’s the condensed version of how to sell your Brooklyn home as a short sale:

  1. Hire an experienced real estate professional. Find a real estate attorney and/or agent who have successfully closed a lot of short sales.  Additionally, REALTORS® with the Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation have a thorough understanding of how to assist their clients in foreclosure avoidance options. Having experienced professionals guide you through the process is crucial to your success.  You want them working for you as soon as possible because they’ll be communicating and negotiating with your lender.
  2. Start now. As soon as you know you can no longer afford your home, hire your real estate professionals and get started.  The longer you wait to get the short sale process started, the harder it’s going to be.  Like everything in life, the more options you have the better off you are.  Don’t wait until foreclosure is your only option.
  3. Prove to your lender that you’re truly a financial hardship case. If you just want to stop paying your mortgage, you won’t be able to sell your home as a short sale.  You must prove you honestly cannot afford your home by giving your lender a:
    1. Detailed financial worksheet documenting your expenses and income.
    2. Copy of your income tax returns for at least the last two years.
    3. Hardship letter providing details about why you cannot pay your mortgage.
  4. Submit Letter of Authorization.  Write a letter to your lender giving him permission to talk with your real estate professionals about your loan.  Include the names of all the borrowers and their social security numbers, your real estate professionals’ names and contact information, your home’s address and loan reference number.
  5. Take the advice of your real estate professionals. You hired them for their expertise.  Now, take their advice and allow the pros to guide you the rest of the way through this process.

Whether you have questions about short sales, foreclosures or traditional Brooklyn New York  home sales, I can help.  Please give Charles D’Alessandro Your Brooklyn Realtor® with Fillmore Real Estate a call today at (718) 253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected].  I’ll give you a free home price  analysis to determine how much your home is worth in today’s market.

4 Ways to De-clutter your Brooklyn Home Without Having a Garage Sale

Friday, June 10th, 2011

De Clutter your Brooklyn Home!

You’re not a hoarder, but you definitely need to get rid of items cluttering your Brooklyn New York home.  If the thought of having a garage sale makes you run screaming, never fear.   Here are four websites that will help you clear out unwanted items, without having a garage sale or throwing them in the trash.

  1. Craigslist.  No matter what you think of Craigslist, it works for getting rid of unwanted items.  Just be sure to stay safe by having a friend or family member with you at your Brooklyn home when someone comes to pick up the items.  Here are a few more tips to help move your stuff fast using Craigslist:
    1. Include a photo. Buyers want to know what the item looks like.
    2. Add as much detail as possible.  Include dimensions and sizes and be honest about wear and tear.
  2. Freecycle.  Post things you want to give away. Even broken items such as TVs, lawnmowers, tools and bikes are happily taken.  Be sure a friend or family member is home with you when people pick up their items.
  3. Donate Games. They sell used games, including board games and video games.  The money raised is used to fund medical research for children with rare diseases.
  4. Sports Gift. Whether it’s a tennis racket you no longer use or a baseball uniform you’ve outgrown, Sports Gift will help your discarded sports gear find its way to needy children in the USA and abroad.  All you have to do is box them up and pay to ship them.

If you’re toying with the idea of putting your Brooklyn  New York home on the market, please give me a call Charles D’Alessandro Your Brooklyn Realtor® with Fillmore Real Estate a call today at (718) 253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected].  I’ll give you a free analysis to determine how much your home is worth in today’s market.


Buying a Brooklyn Home for Sale by Owner: Pros and Cons

Sunday, June 5th, 2011


For Sale By Owner and your Brooklyn Home

Buying a Brooklyn home for sale by owner (FSBO) has benefits and drawbacks. Analyzing the pros and cons of buying a home directly from the homeowner can help you decide whether this is the best move for you.

Pros of buying a FSBO

  • You get the house you want. If the home of your dreams happens to be a  Brooklyn home for sale by owner, don’t worry.  You can still have your Brooklyn real estate agent represent you while buying the home.  That way you get the home you want with a knowledgeable agent looking out for your best interests and helping you get the best price and terms.
  • Sellers may price their homes too low. In their eagerness to sell their homes, sellers may offer their homes at prices lower than the market value.  But, don’t count on this because the typical FSBO is priced at or higher than the market average.
  • You can communicate directly with the owner. You and your Brooklyn real estate agent don’t have to go through a third party (the seller’s agent) to negotiate with the seller.

Cons of buying a FSBO

  • Sellers want to maximize profits. Why do owners decide to sell their homes as FSBOs?  It’s usually because they believe they can maximize their profits by not paying a listing agent to sell their homes.  They’re not doing it so they can give the buyer a great deal.   If you’re thinking you can pay less for a FSBO than for a home listed through a real estate agent, think again.  Statistics show that you pay as much or more for FSBOs, especially if you purchase it without the help of a real estate agent who is a skilled negotiator.
  • Homeowners may withhold important information. Even though homeowners are required by law to disclose any information that would impact the buyer’s decision to purchase the property, they may not.  They may intentionally withhold the information to get you to buy the house, or they may unintentionally withhold the information because they don’t know that it’s the law.
  • Difficult negotiations. Sellers may refuse to lower the price of their homes, even if the homes are overpriced, or they may not want to pay for needed repairs.  The home owner is also more personally connected to the property than a real estate agent would be and therefore may be more sensitive to any form of critique.

Whether you want to buy a  Brooklyn home for sale by owner or a home listed with a real estate agent, I can help you get the best terms and price.  I’ll also look out for your best interests and make sure all the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed.  If that sounds good to you, Charles D’Alessandro Your Brooklyn Realtor® with Fillmore Real Estate a call today at (718) 253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected]

Brooklyn Realtor® Presents Marine Park Brooklyn Condominium For Sale

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011