Archive for July, 2019

What are the Benefits of Hiring the Best Buyer’s Agent?

Tuesday, July 30th, 2019
Buyer's agent
A buyer’s agent works on behalf of the buyer in the transaction process.

Buyer’s Agent. Seller’s Agent. Listing Agent. If you’ve listed your home or been shopping for a new one, you’ve heard these terms. But what are the differences? And does it really matter?

The home buying process can be complex and stressful. So why would you buy a home without the best buyer’s agent to help you? The best buyer’s agents make a positive difference in the transaction process from beginning to end.

What is a Buyer’s Agent?

A buyer’s agent represents the buyer. It is their responsibility or fiduciary obligation to get the best price and terms for the buyer.

Buyer’s agents assist you every step of the way in finding and then buying the perfect place. And the best ones:

  • Get you the best deals
  • Value relationships over money
  • Know your home’s role in your budget
  • Share your values
  • Desire to inspire and serve you as their client

What Do Buyer’s Agents Do?

What a great buyer’s agent does for you as a homebuyer is what makes them so valuable to work with.

  • First, they determine what you are looking for and what you can afford. They schedule appointments for you to tour available homes that fit these two criteria. They’ll also point out the pros and cons of properties and neighborhoods to help you decide on a home.
  • Buyer’s agents advise you on an appropriate price to offer for a home you’re seriously interested in. And they present the price you decide on to the seller’s agent. Then they negotiate on your behalf and write the contracts for you. All agents are trained to negotiate. But the best buyer’s agents are experienced negotiators who save you money and help you avoid getting into a home that requires more repairs than it’s worth.
  • Knowing who to refer you to expedites each step of the home buying process and moves you into a quicker and successful sale. A buyer’s agent, a good one, should be able to refer you to other reliable professionals such as mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, movers, and more.
  • Setbacks happen. For example, sometimes a home inspector’s report or appraisal brings new issues to light. But your buyer’s agent will advise you on how to proceed, and then act as a buffer between you and the seller’s or their agent. And if negotiations become heated or hostile, and they sometimes do, experienced buyer’s agents keep thing calm and offer productive solutions. This alone makes a buyer’s agent worth every dollar they earn!

What to Ask a Buyer’s Agent

Charles D’Alessandro is a great buyer’s agent. But don’t take our word for it. Ask him these questions before deciding.

  • “What Brooklyn neighborhoods do you specialize in?” Real estate requires local expertise. Charles is extremely familiar with the Brooklyn neighborhoods you’re interested in.
  • “Are you readily available and reachable?” Charles is readily available and reachable. If your dream home is suddenly available or a last-minute issue with closing happens suddenly, Charles is on it.
  • “How long have you been a Brooklyn real estate agent?” Charles has over 35 years of experience and a proven track record for selling Brooklyn homes.

How Much Do Buyer’s Agents Cost?

Since the seller pays the commission for both the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent, you don’t need to pay to hire a buyer’s agent. A buyer’s agent’s commission equals about 6% of the home’s sales price. The commission is split evenly between both the buyer’s and seller’s agents. For example, commission on a $200,000 home would be $6,000 for each agent.

Homeowner, Hire a Buyer’s Agent

If you’re in the market to buy, hire a buyer’s agent. You’ll be happy you did. Choosing the best real estate agent is a lot like choosing a doctor or lawyer. And choosing the best real estate agent can make all the difference in the world when buying or selling a home.

Charles D’Alessandro looks out for your best interest. Contact Charles D’Alessandroyour Brooklyn Real Estate Agent with Fillmore Real Estate. Call (718) 253-9600 ext. 206 or email [email protected] today. With over 30 years of real estate experience in Brooklyn and a heart for his clients, he’s the best in Brooklyn!


Charles D’Alessandro
Your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent
718-253-9600 ext. 206
[email protected]

The Most Important Things to Do Before You Sell Your Home

Monday, July 15th, 2019
Before you sell
Before you sell your home, there are a few important things to do before you list it.

If selling your home is in your future, you’ve got some important work to do ahead of you. There’s so much more to selling your home than just planting a for sale sign in your front yard. It means more than taking a few pictures of the place to post online, too. Here’s a checklist of nine important things to do before you sell your home.

Before You Sell Your Home

Invest in some curb appeal

The first thing prospective buyers see of your home should entice them to want to see more.

Stand on the front walk and examine your home closely. Look at it through a prospective buyer’s eyes. How does it look? Does it need paint? Are the gutters rusting? If you have a garden, is it overgrown with weeds and grass? These are relatively easy fixes.

Do a clean sweep

You know the saying, “Less is more”? This is so true when it comes to getting your house ready to show.

Declutter all visible areas first. Then move to behind closed doors: closets, drawers, and cupboards. Yes, even behind closed doors. No space is off-limits to curious buyers. Note: Hide or lock up your valuables before your home is shown.

Donate, pack up, give, or throw away excess belongings and stuff. Potential buyers may worry the house won’t have enough space for their belongings and stuff.

Plus, you’ll have less to deal with when it’s actually time to move.

Remove potential buyer distractions

This step goes hand-in-hand with the clean sweep. Buyers need to be able to visualize themselves and their family living in your house. So pack up your personal items, family photos, artwork, and furniture. Anything that could distract potential buyers from visualizing themselves living this space needs to go.

Paint walls with a neutral color

It’s rare that anyone will hate a neutral color. Light, neutral colors allow potential buyers to envision what the walls will look like with the paint color they like.

And while you’re at it, pay attention to the baseboards. Scuff marks and chipping make a home look neglected.

Fix what’s broke

Well, fix loose handles, missing lightbulbs, dripping faucets, and so forth. Buyers tend to wonder what else may be broken if these small things aren’t taken care of.

Clean, clean, clean

And then clean some more. Bathrooms, tile, counters, showers, tubs, windows, and floors should shine.

Invigorate your home with staging

Home stagers evaluate your home’s condition and the belongings inside. Their goal is to make your home appealing to the highest number of potential buyers and selling your home quickly and for more money.

Scope out our neighborhood

Look for houses for sale in your area and search the internet. Visit open houses that are comparable to your home, also. This will help you choose the best selling price for your home.

Choose a great real estate agent

A great real estate agent makes all the difference in the selling process.

Many people think they can sell their home themselves versus paying an agent. But resist the urge to save money and pocket the cash. For Sale by Owners (FSBO’s) almost always turn into disasters, sacrificing both your time and money.

A great real estate agent knows the current market and can suggest the price to list your home for. They have a great marketing plan for the sale of your home.

Charles D’Alessandro, your great Brooklyn real estate agent

Before you sell your home, contact Charles D’Alessandroyour Brooklyn Real Estate Agent with Fillmore Real Estate. Call (718) 253-9600 ext. 206 or email me at [email protected] today. With over 30 years of real estate experience in Brooklyn, I can guide you through each step of the selling process, from listing to closing.


Charles D’Alessandro
Your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent
718-253-9600 ext. 206
[email protected]