Archive for April, 2021

Brooklyn Homeowners, Now Is The Time To Transform Your Outdoor Space!

Friday, April 30th, 2021

Backyard patio

Spring has sprung in the yards of Brooklyn homeowners. Our thoughts are turning from cozy fireplaces and warm blankets to outdoor grilling and relaxing. 

Entertaining options are opening up slowly, but entertainment choices may still be limited this summer. You may want to consider transforming your outdoor space for your summer enjoyment. 

An updated outdoor living space can add value and appeal to your home. Depending on the construction materials, a new deck addition can add anywhere from 73% to 77% value of the cost to construct. You can find more information on this website for Cost VS Value.

If you are not a Brooklyn homeowner and are renting, you can still create an outdoor space for you to enjoy. Be sure to check with your landlord about your transformation plans if you make any permanent changes to the property.

You can make outdoor transformations whether you have a large or a small space. With creativity, planning, and some elbow grease, you can create your personal oasis to enjoy all summer long.

Enhance the view.

If you have a fantastic view, don’t obstruct it. Create your oasis to make the most of that view. If you are adding any new plantings, be sure to pay attention to how large they grow. A small tree can grow quicker than you think and eventually impede your view. If you have a less than appealing view, you will want to camouflage that with plantings, trees, and possibly fencing. A design that blends into the local environment will create long-lasting appeal for any Brooklyn homeowner.

Declutter furnishings, play equipment, and landscaping.

 More is not always better. Take a close look at your furniture and accessories to assess whether they need repaired, replaced, or trashed. You may want to relocate or remove play equipment that may be taking up a prime spot in the yard. If your children no longer utilize the play equipment, it may be a good time to remove it. You can possibly sell it to another family who is sprucing up their outdoor space and earn some extra cash for your outdoor project. Don’t forget to evaluate your landscaping for any decluttering. Do you have plants that need to be separated or removed? Trim all shrubs and trees for a neat, manicured appearance.

Plan new landscaping.

After you have decluttered your existing landscaping, do you need to add a few things? Would you like to create a new planting bed? Carefully plan and select the plants for easy maintenance and longevity. Be sure the plants you choose are weather-resistant for the area. Find out which varieties attract animals that will eat and destroy the appearance of your hard work. Create some interest with hardscaping. Consider a stone path or steps in your yard.

Add, replace, or update a patio or deck.

A well-designed deck or patio will be the main stage for your outdoor oasis. If you have an existing patio or deck, does it need a facelift? Power washing will help tremendously to remove the excess dirt and grime from the winter weather. You may need to re-stain or paint the area as well. If you are building new, consider the traffic flow the deck may need. If you will need stairs, are they located in a position that will create good flow? Assess the skirting if you have an elevated deck. Replace it with an appealing material that could provide an interesting backdrop for plantings. If needed, create an open, airy privacy screen. Also, consider whether you would like to have a covering to provide shade. Would that be a permanent roof, a pergola, or a temporary canopy?

Create privacy.

 Many Brooklyn homeowners long for solitude when enjoying their outdoor spaces, even when they love their neighbors. You can create a sense of privacy with screens, walls, or fences, as well as landscaping. Arbors and roofing provide an extra feel of seclusion.

Enhance the lighting.

Many homes have an exterior light on the back wall as the primary source of light. Security lighting is your first consideration. Motion-sensor lighting is a way to deter burglars and destructive animals. Consider adding additional light with deck lighting and landscape lighting. There are many options to choose from when it comes to landscape lighting. You may want to add some fun with string lighting on the patio or deck.

Comfortable furnishings.

Create seating groups throughout your outdoor oasis if you have space. Consider a place for eating with dining furniture or picnic tables. You may want a relaxing space that has comfortable lounge chairs. If you entertain, you may want to consider sectional seating that may fit even more guests. How would you like a hammock in a quiet corner of the yard for those lazy, hazy summer days? When your outdoor furnishings are comfortable, you will be more inclined to utilize your outdoor space.

Water Features.

An outdoor water feature could be as elaborate as a swimming pool or as small as a birdbath. The sound of water flowing in a fountain is relaxing and can help you destress. You may want a small pond with fish to watch as you while away the afternoon. The sight and sound of water can be therapeutic, and you can add a water feature to your backyard on any budget.

Add some shade.

When the sun is beating down, you may not enjoy your outdoor space. Adding some much-needed shade can be the answer to getting the most enjoyment outdoors. If you don’t have a roof on your deck, you may consider an umbrella, canopy, or pergola. You can use these methods of shade throughout the yard if you have created different seating areas.

Make the entrance inviting.

If guests are entering from the outside directly to your backyard, make it as inviting as you do your front entry letting your guest know they have arrived. Some additional lighting can help evening visitors enter and exit safely. If you have a gate, be sure it is in good repair and easy to open and close.

Consider a she-shed or man-cave.

You can create unique spaces for exercise, reading, crafting, or whatever your heart desires. Having electricity and running water could take it over the top. A cozy backyard retreat may be the best gift you give yourself.

Create garden spaces.

A favorite summer outdoor activity is gardening. Whether you create a small herb garden or a vegetable garden, you can nurture the plants and harvest delectable delights all summer long.

With many still working from home due to the pandemic, Brooklyn homeowners will find a well-planned outdoor space can become the sanctuary you need to remove yourself from your work. It will also provide you an excellent area for enjoying the company of family and friends. 

Take the time to inventory what you currently have and plan for the ideal space that meets your budget. Some careful thought and planning will create years of enjoyment of your outdoor space.

Check with your municipality to determine their guidelines and restrictions. Brooklyn homeowners need to obtain any necessary building permits before they begin. 

While you are creating your outdoor spaces, you may want to spend some time improving the curb appeal of your home. You can find more information on the previous blog post to help you.

Contact me, Charles D’Alessandro, your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent with Fillmore Real Estate. As a Brooklyn real estate agent with over 30 years of experience, I have seen some great outdoor spaces and can help you decide what will add value to your home.
In the event our office is shut down, we are always committed to your safety during the COVID-19 health crisis in compliance with the State of New York public health policies. I can be reached by phone at (718) 253-9500 ext. 1901 or by email at [email protected].

Charles D'Allesandro

Watch For Red Flags During Your Brooklyn Home Search

Thursday, April 15th, 2021

Unhappy homeowner doing house repair

When you begin your Brooklyn home search, you are full of excitement. You imagine yourself comfortably settled into your new home. The thrill of knowing you have achieved the American dream of homeownership is exhilarating.

You have found the home with the right number of bedrooms, baths, and a backyard that will be able to host a professional football game. You have mentally placed your furniture in every room of the house. It is understandable that you would be excited.

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant investments you will make. Protect your investment by watching for red flags along the way to ensure you are investing wisely.

It is easy to disregard some issues when your desire to own the home is at its peak level. I often hear buyers say, “that isn’t a big deal. We can take care of it after we move in.”

Before you dismiss a potential red flag, be sure you know what is involved. The issue may seem easy to remedy but have a more costly underlying problem. Unless you are an experienced contractor, it may be more than you can handle on your own. Hiring professionals to handle these large jobs can eat into your savings very quickly.

Red flags may arise in the home, the yard, or the neighborhood. Familiarize yourself with the area to learn what is happening in the community as an essential step in your Brooklyn home search.

Now is not a time to ditch your homework. As concerns arise, be sure to research to get to the bottom of the issue. You may need to have the seller clarify something, check with the local police department for crime statistics, or visit city hall to check on a building permit.

The interior of the home is usually the first place you investigate on your Brooklyn home search. You may find these red flags on your initial visit to the house.
  1. Doors that won’t close can be an indication that the framing has shifted. Sometimes homeowners will trim doors to close correctly but not fix the problem that caused the shifting in the first place. Ask the seller if they ever had a professional evaluate the situation.
  2. You may see or smell mold in areas of the home. All mold isn’t toxic, but it needs remediated. Mold needs moisture to grow. An undetected leak may be creating the issue. Check under sinks, around windows, and basements or crawl spaces for any indications of a leak.
  3. Water stains can also indicate a leak somewhere. Even if the leak hasn’t caused mold to grow, a leak can cause wood to rot over time. 
  4. A do-it-yourself addition may be a potential problem. Many homeowners can handle repairs around the home, but adding a structure is not a job for an unskilled homeowner. Check to see that the homeowner obtained the proper permits and the municipality performed any required inspections during the building process.
  5. Foundation cracks can be normal settling, or they can be a serious foundation issue. Look for cracks that seem to be patched or are wider than a ½ inch. It would be wise to have a foundation contractor or structural engineer look if you have concerns.
  6. Be wary of the strong smell of air fresheners. Is the homeowner trying to camouflage something? Is the carpet smelling of pet urine or cigarette smoke? Are there air fresheners in every room? 
  7. Are the heating and air conditioning systems aging? The average life of a furnace is 15-18 years, and the average life of an A/C unit is 10-12 years. Although the unit may be functioning, it may not have a long useful life and may be less efficient.
  8. Sloping floors could relate to a foundation issue. There may be some normal settling that occurs as the home ages. However, a more serious structural problem could result in a costly repair.
  9. Sagging ceilings can be the result of roof leaks or structural issues. You should investigate the cause of the problem before purchasing the home. 
  10. Fresh paint where it would seem to be out of place. It isn’t unusual for the seller to paint a room to neutralize their bold color choices. If the painting seems localized to one wall or spot on a wall, it should be questioned. For instance, the seller may try to hide a water stain by spot painting that area only.
  11. Active insect infestations can seem harmless and easily remedied with a phone call to your local exterminator. But, some types of wood-boring insects like termites and carpenter bees can do some serious damage to the foundation, walls, or floors of the home.
  12. Incomplete disclosures can be an indication of issues. Disclosures can be lengthy. If there are many questions left unanswered, be sure to get clarification from the sellers.

Your home inspector will catch most of these red flags during the home inspection. If you see something concerning you should ask the inspector to take a closer look. The cost of the home inspection is well worth the peace of mind you will receive. 

You may also uncover some red flags outside of the home.
  1. Lack of attic ventilation can be a severe issue. Intake vents should be visible under the roof eaves, and exhaust vents should be located along the roof’s ridge. An attic needs to be appropriately vented to prevent heat build-up in the summer that can damage the roof decking or shingles.
  2. The condition of the roof shingles can indicate a future replacement which is a major ticket item. If the shingles are curled, missing, or you can see exposed nail heads, the roof may need to be replaced sooner than later.
  3. Improper drainage in the yard can cause standing water. If the water puddles around the foundation, it can cause some issues. There should be a minimum of a 2 percent grade from the house. The puddles in the yard can cause soil erosion, not to mention a real mess if you have pets to let outside.

A home inspector will check the exterior of the home, but if it isn’t a rainy day, they may not see there is an issue with standing water. (I like showing homes on rainy days because you can learn a lot about the yard and foundation when it is raining.)

Some red flags are revealed before you even visit the home through the marketing of the property.
  1. Terms in the property description referring to “as-is condition,” “needs TLC,” or “fixer-upper” can mean the seller knows there are problems and doesn’t want to deal with them. When you purchase a home under these terms, you are assuming the cost for repairs. A home inspection would still be a good idea to determine the extent of the issues and whether or not you should purchase the home.
  2. In our most recent real estate market, if the home has been on the market for an extended time, there may be an issue with the house. It could also be that the seller set their initial asking price too high, and there is nothing physically wrong with the house. Buyers become skeptical when a home doesn’t sell in the average marketing time.
  3. When the house is priced below other homes in the neighborhood, you might have some concern. Ask questions and do your research on a bargain-basement-priced home. Don’t waive inspections on a home that may have some serious issues.
  4. No interior pictures on the property listing can be a red flag. The listing agent can easily take photos with their smartphones instead of professional photos. If a home is on the market for a week or longer without interior photos, I would want to know why.
  5. Buying directly from a For Sale By Owner sounds like it may save you money. Having the proper representation during your Brookly home search can save you money. A real estate transaction can be complex. Having an experienced professional guiding you through the steps is priceless. 
The final place to look for red flags is neighborhood and municipality.
  1. Have a lot of homes recently sold or are for sale in the neighborhood? That could indicate a problem such as rising crime rates, increased commercial spaces, or proposed environmental concerns such as a landfill. 
  2. If the home is advertised in an “up and coming” neighborhood, it may be a good selling point, or it could mean you’d be dealing with the inconvenience of development while living there. Find out precisely what “up and coming” means for this neighborhood.
  3. Economic factors can be a red flag that something is happening in the area. Are taxes increasing? Are businesses moving out of the area? Have there been recent zoning changes that will affect the neighborhood?
  4. The area schools can affect the value of your home. Don’t dismiss the local school’s reputation and statistics if you don’t have children who would be attending. It may affect you if you are going to sell in the future.

Discover.com has an excellent guide to researching a neighborhood before you buy. You can read it here.

Awareness of possible red flags will allow you to begin your Brooklyn home search with confidence. You will also have a team of professionals helping you along the way. Your real estate professional, home inspector, lender, title company, and the closing attorney will work with you to make a wise investment. You can read more about the role of each of these team players in this previous blog post.

Contact me, Charles D’Alessandro, your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent with Fillmore Real Estate. As a Brooklyn real estate agent with over 30 years of experience, I understand the local market, and can help you with your Brooklyn home search.
In the event our office is shut down, we are always committed to your safety during the COVID-19 health crisis in compliance with the State of New York public health policies. I can be reached by phone at (718) 253-9500 ext. 1901 or by email at [email protected].

Charles D'Allesandro

Considerations When Buying A Brooklyn Home

Friday, April 2nd, 2021

Couple looking at houses on laptop

Are you considering buying a Brooklyn home this year? There are many considerations you will need to work through before you are ready to purchase.

First, you need to decide whether purchasing a home is the best move for you at this time. Financially, buying a home can be a brilliant decision, but there are times when it doesn’t make sense. 

There are many reasons why you may decide to purchase a home. It may be the right time in your life – both financially and personally – and you may have found a home you love offered at the right price. 

Before you start your home search, you need to work with a lender. The lender will pre-qualify you for a mortgage. Your approval is determined by your collective income, financial assets, and debt. Your credit score and debt to income ratio are crucial elements to obtaining a mortgage. This review will help the lender determine the maximum loan amount they can provide to you.

Once you decide if you can afford to purchase a home, you should consider the area.

  • Is the location easily accessible for your needs? 
  • Which neighborhood would you prefer? 
  • What are the area amenities? 
  • Do you prefer a walkable neighborhood? 
  • Is there access to public transportation?

After determining your location preferences, you will need to select your dream Brooklyn home’s desired features.

  • Do you prefer a single-family home or condo?
  • Would you like a one-story or two-story home?
  • How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need?
  • What type of parking do you prefer?
  • What size yard would you like?
  • How much living space do you need?

When you are ready to start looking for a Brooklyn home, you will need to find a real estate professional who can guide you through the process. We are experiencing an interesting market right now, and having an experienced professional working on your behalf is a definite advantage.

Before buying your Brooklyn home, interview more than one real estate agent. Some questions you should ask hiring are:

  • How long have they been a real estate agent?
  • Do they work full-time or part-time?
  • What is their track record?
  • Do they work in the areas you would like to purchase?
  • How do you help buyers compete in this market?

Now you can begin your home search. Communicate with your real estate agent your needs and wants for your new Brooklyn home. Be sure to provide your agent with honest feedback after each home you view. This information can help your real estate agent zone in on the right home for you.

When you’re ready to negotiate a price with a seller, work with your real estate agent to understand how to best structure an offer that will be intriguing to the seller. Be sure to review the neighborhood’s current sales prices to determine a fair sales price for the home. 

When buying a Brooklyn home, you’ll want to get the best value for your money, which happens during the negotiation phase with the seller. By conducting your research and consulting the realtor, you can be sure to optimize the money you’re spending.

Some tips for creating a good offer in the current market would include:

  • Include your pre-approval letter from your lender with your offer.
  • You may only have one chance, so present your best offer.
  • Consider an above-average earnest money deposit to show your sincerity in purchasing the home.
  • Shorten inspection periods if possible.
  • Include the seller’s preferred closing date.
  • Don’t ask the seller to pay fees that are outside ordinary seller expenses.
  • Make your offer as clean and uncomplicated as possible.

We have experienced multiple offers on homes, causing the infamous “bidding wars.” Negotiating in a multiple offer situation can be an emotional time for home buyers. Prepare yourself in advance. Before entering into the “bidding war,” you should determine the highest price you are willing to offer on the home. Setting a not-to-exceed number will help you make better decisions in the heat of the moment.

Review the comparable sales in the area to see the sales prices of similar homes.

Be sure you compare apples to apples; similar square footage, condition, bedrooms, baths, etc. Your real estate agent can help you access the most current information.

Take into consideration how long the home has been on the market. If the house has been on the market for some time, offering a lower price may be a reasonable tactic. If the home has just hit the market, an offer below asking may not interest the seller.

Another determination to keep in mind when determining your maximum offer price is the condition of the home.

Updated homes in good repair will receive higher offers than outdated homes. When evaluating the home’s condition, consider the home’s major components like the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC system. Will any of these high ticket items need to be addressed sooner rather than later?

Home inspections can also be an area to negotiate.

Learn more about home inspections here. As mentioned previously, you may want to shorten the time frames if possible. The availability of inspectors would need to be confirmed. You may also like to express to the seller you are willing to accept any necessary repair costs to a maximum amount. If the inspections unveiled items that exceeded that amount, you would negotiate with the seller for repairs.

Your lender will most likely require an appraisal on the home.

Appraisers use the most current sales to make their determination of value. In some instances, the appraisal has come in lower than the sales price. Because the demand for homes exceeds the existing inventory of homes, this isn’t surprising. However, you will need to decide if you want to move forward with the purchase if the appraisal comes in low. You may need to put additional cash down to be able to close with a lower appraisal. You would need to consult with your lender to decide how to handle this situation if it arises.

One last thought to ponder when buying a Brooklyn home would be the closing date.

If the seller would need additional time to move, would you be willing to allow them the extra time? It may mean you would need to make some temporary housing arrangements for yourself. But will that be worth it to purchase the Brooklyn home of your dreams?

Making these decisions before entering negotiations will help prevent you from getting caught up in the emotions of winning the “bidding war.” Many buyers are surprised by how emotional this process can become. Entering the negotiation phase with a clear plan will allow you to make the right decisions as necessary.

After the seller receives your offer, the seller will make one of these 3 decisions:

  • Accept your offer.
  • Counter your offer.
  • Reject your offer.

Waiting for a response from the seller can put you on edge. Knowing that you have done your homework to draft the best offer you are willing to make for the property should be comforting. 

If the seller counters your offer, you will have the opportunity to negotiate the terms. Being prepared for the negotiations will allow you to make the best decisions.

When your offer is accepted, you will enter the closing phase. Read this blog post to find out more about the closing process.

In these unprecedented times, you need a professional, experienced real estate agent in your corner.

Contact me, Charles D’Alessandro, your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent with Fillmore Real Estate. As a Brooklyn real estate agent with over 30 years of experience, I understand the local market and have helped many when buying a Brooklyn home.

In the event our office is shut down, we are always committed to your safety during the COVID-19 health crisis in compliance with the State of New York public health policies. I can be reached by phone at (718) 253-9500 ext. 1901 or by email at [email protected].

Charles D'Allesandro