Buying or Selling a home in the Brooklyn Real Estate market can be a complicated process. Truly it takes a village of people for the purpose of completing just one home sale.

Wikipedia explains the phrase “It takes a village to raise a child” as an African proverb. It means an entire community of people must interact with children to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment.

The phrase “It Takes a Village” has been adapted over the years for other references. In fact, it is a great explanation of what the home buying and selling experience is like in the Brooklyn Real Estate Market.

How many different parties do you think are involved in one real estate transaction? You may find it surprising. Let’s take a look.

SELLER

First, you need to find someone ready to sell their home. We often hear the term “Motivated Seller.” What would make a homeowner a “motivated seller?” Motivation to sell a home can come for many reasons.

When a buyer hears the seller is motivated, it may trigger many thoughts.

• There is room to negotiate the price.
• The owner may be open to making concessions to consummate the sale.
• There are material defects to the home or property that the seller doesn’t want to address.
• The home is near foreclosure.
• The seller is ready to take the home off the market and wants to see any offer.
• The seller is in a financial bind.
• The owner MUST sell now.

Determination, not desperation, may be what motivates a seller.

There are many reasons a seller would want to sell a property that is not related to the desperation thinking above.

• Job relocation
• Downsizing
• Upsizing
• Retiring to a new location
• Divorce
• Settle an estate

Knowing the seller’s motivation would be an advantage in negotiations. However, you may or may not understand the seller’s reason for selling when you place your offer. 

BUYER

Next, you need someone qualified and ready to purchase a new home. Obtaining a pre-approval from a reputable lending institution makes you a qualified buyer. They also have proven they have the necessary funds and qualifications to buy a home in the Brooklyn Real Estate Market. The reasons someone may be interested in purchasing a home vary as much as the reasons a seller would want to sell.

Some reasons to purchase may be:

• Achievement of “The American Dream”
• Sound investment
• Build equity
• Potential tax benefits

The buyer’s motivation is as important as the seller’s motivation. An apathetic buyer can take a home off the market for some time and then decide to terminate the sale. Your real estate agent can help you vet the buyer’s motivation. Unfortunately, you would need to have a crystal ball to definitely know what will happen.

LENDER

In hopes of financing the home, the buyer will choose a financial institution for their mortgage. Surprisingly, the lowest interest rate is not always the best option. You may want to compare several lenders.

Obtaining an estimate of the lender’s fees can be eye-opening. Some things you will want to compare are:

• Interest rates
• Lender fees
• Cash required to bring to closing

By all means, it is essential to find a reputable lender who is knowledgeable in lending in your area. Out of state or internet mortgage companies may not know the intricacies of a home purchase in the Brooklyn Real Estate market.

The lender should do a thorough analysis of the buyer’s financial situation to determine if they qualify for a mortgage. The buyer should offer evidence of their qualifications when they make an offer on the property.

There is a difference between a pre-qualification and a pre-approval. A pre-qualification provides the buyer with a general estimate of what they can afford. A pre-approval is more valuable because the buyer’s credit has been checked, and documentation has been verified to approve the buyer for a specific loan amount. A pre-approval can be valid for 60-90 days and should be re-verified to confirm no buyer’s status changes.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Typically you will find two real estate agents involved in any Brooklyn Real Estate sale. The first agent works on behalf of the seller, helping them prepare their home and price it competitively. The second agent represents the buyer and helps evaluate an offering price and terms once the right home has been found.

The real estate agents work together, bringing the buyer and seller to an agreement on the best terms possible.

You will want to find a trustworthy agent to represent you in either a sale or purchase.

What are the qualities of a trustworthy agent?

• Local Market Expert
• Proactive
• Knowledgeable
• Good Communicator
• Educated

Your real estate agent should hold the designation of Realtor®, which means they belong to the National Association of Realtors® and their local Board of Realtors®. Notably, a member of these associations must follow guidelines to ensure they are fair and ethical in their business practices.

A critical component of the buying process is the home inspection. The purpose of the home inspection is to determine if there are any major ticket items or safety issues affecting the home. In reality, these are items that the seller may not have been aware of. Nitpicking the seller for trivial issues or updates that were visible upon your visit to the home is not the purpose of a home inspection.

The home inspector will usually look at the following areas of the home:

• Exterior structure
• Roof
• HVAC System
• Hot Water Heater
• Electric Panel
• Outlets
• Windows
• Plumbing in kitchen and baths
• Attic

Be sure to check the credentials of the home inspector you choose. There are certifications required for home inspectors in the Brooklyn Real Estate market.

The home inspector will highlight areas of concern. You will also learn from the inspector the home components that may need to be replaced in the future. With this information in hand, you can make an informed decision about whether this is the right investment for you.

LAWYER

You will most likely need to hire an attorney to represent you either as a buyer or a seller when purchasing in the Brooklyn Real Estate market.

What is the lawyer’s role in a real estate transaction?

• Write and negotiate the sales agreement.
• Represent their client’s best interest.
• Review closing documents.
• Attend the closing to ensure a smooth transition.

For more information on the importance of real estate lawyers, see this previous blog post that explains it all in detail.

TITLE COMPANY

The title company researches the history of homeownership to determine the buyer receives a clean title to the property when they take possession of the home. In the event that they find any issues on the chain of title, they will resolve them before closing.

They will also research any judgments, liens, outstanding mortgages, or unpaid taxes on the property.

The title company will then prepare a report (abstract of title), revealing all the research findings. This document will validate the title of the property.

Title insurance is issued to protect the lender and new owner against any lawsuits or claims undetected on the original title search. The lender will require a title insurance policy.

If you are a cash buyer, it would be your decision to purchase title insurance. Although, if you are purchasing a home with cash it is highly recommended that you purchase the title insurance policy.

APPRAISER

An appraiser will visit the home to prepare an opinion of value for the lender. Do not confuse the appraisal with a home inspection but, the appraiser may note any safety issues that are apparent to them. Requirements for an appraiser and a home inspector are different. An appraisal is not a substitute for a home inspection.

An appraiser will prepare a report called an appraisal that will provide their opinion of value based on several factors.

• Location
• Structural Construction
• Age
• Bedrooms
• Bathrooms
• Condition
• Square Footage
• Recent Neighborhood Home Sales

Providing a fair and unbiased assessment of the property can be accomplished by randomly assigning appraiser through a third party.

The cost of the appraisal is an expense the buyer will pay. This is a requirement of the buyer’s lender.

In the event that the home does not appraise for the amount of the sales price, it can trigger a negotiation between the buyer and the seller. If both parties come to an agreement acceptable to the lender, the sale will be completed.

UNDERWRITER

The underwriter works for the lender. Their role is to review the buyer’s information and the appraiser’s opinion of value to determine if the mortgage can be issued for the purchase price agreed upon. The underwriter will evaluate that granting the mortgage to the buyer is a sound investment for the lender.

An underwriter will look at several different areas to determine any risk of the buyer defaulting.

• Credit and payment history
• Income and assets of the buyer
• Downpayment
• Appraised home value

The underwriter may need to request additional information to clarify any uncertainties that arise to be sure lending the money to the buyer is a solid investment for the bank/lender.

The last hurdle in the process of buying or selling a home is clearing underwriting. The type of loan, buyer’s financial situation, title issues, survey issues, and missing paperwork will all affect the time the underwriter will need to complete the process.

Once they have completed their review, the Underwriter will issue the loan a “Clear to Close” status!

TEAMWORK

Buying or selling a home in the Brooklyn Real Estate market involves many parties and this doesn’t include assistants and others within these companies who help. It really does take a village to pull all the pieces of buying or selling a home together.

That is why it is so important to hire the right Realtor® to work for you, whether you are buying or selling a home. Coordinating all these parties takes a thorough understanding of the sale process and experience in the local market.

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 can help both buyers and sellers coordinate all the details.

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].

Fall has arrived and it is time to prepare your Brooklyn home before winter comes. It seems it was just the beginning of summer, and then I blinked, and we are talking about preparing for winter.

An essential part of homeownership is the proper maintenance of your home. Many of the items I see that turn up on home inspections are merely delayed maintenance. I often hear the homeowner remark how they wish they would have done it sooner so that they could enjoy the repairs also.

Proper preparation can save you potential problems later. You have heard the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” That means taking the time to get things done before they become a problem will save you from the expense and frustration if you must make repairs.

Home maintenance may not be the most exciting way to spend a weekend, but it will be time well invested. Preventative maintenance can save you the unpleasantness of dealing with an emergency and will help prolong the life of the components of your home.

Create a plan, purchase any supplies you will need, and get to work!

There are areas inside and outside your Brooklyn home that will need your attention. Let’s look at some critical areas requiring attention before the cold weather sets in.

You will want to pay attention to the exterior of your home before the temperatures plummet. Completing the exterior work now will save you from freezing when something becomes an issue during the cold winter.

• Gutters – Watching the leaves change color and fall from the trees is a favorite Fall activity. However, if those leaves fall into your gutter, you will want to be sure to remove them and clean your gutters. Sticks and other debris can also settle in your gutters and lead to blockages. Potential water damage inside and outside your home can result from such blockages. When your gutters are clogged, the water has no way to be diverted away from your house. The result can be rotten wood on the roof or facia. Rodents, insects, and birds can make a home in the leaves and cause havoc for you. If the water is not being diverted away from your home, it can damage your foundation.
• Roof  – Along with proper gutter maintenance, you need to be sure your roof is ready for the winter weather. Take a good look at the roof shingles to ensure there are no missing or damaged ones. Clear all debris from the roof. Check the flashing to be sure it is not loose or needs to be repaired. As part of the roof maintenance, you also want to check your attic to ensure proper insulation and ventilation. The attic can affect the longevity of your roof. This is one area that you may want to spend the money to hire a professional to avoid the dangers of climbing out on your roof.
• Outside Faucets and Irrigation Systems – Turn off the water source to your outdoor faucets and sinks. Open the tap and allow the water to drain out of the lines. Outdoor sinks may need an extra step of adding an antifreeze solution. Winterizing your sprinkler system is a more complicated process. It would be wise to hire a professional to maintain your sprinkler system.
• Walkways – Take a good look at sidewalks and stairs to your home. Are there any cracks or loose areas that could cause a tripping hazard? It is essential to keep these areas clear of snow and ice during the winter months for your safety and others safety. Be sure to make any repairs now before the snow starts falling.
• Outdoor Furniture – Proper care of your outdoor furniture will extend the life of your purchase. If you have storage space indoors, it is better to move the outdoor furniture inside during the harsh winter months. Cover the furniture with special covers or tarps if you cannot get the furniture indoors. Check throughout the winter that the coverings have not come loose or blown off.
• Landscaping – Your exterior plants also need attention in preparation for winter. Remove any annual plants that are at the end of their life. Prune other plants as recommended to keep things looking tidy and preventing any unnecessary damage to the plant. Remove any weeds now and fertilize the soil if needed. Divide any perennials that need attention. If necessary, do one final cutting of the lawn. And when finished, clean and store your gardening tools, so they are ready for spring when you are anxious to get back in that garden.
• Spring Bulbs – You may want to plant spring flower bulbs. If so, be sure to plant before the ground freezes. Getting them in the ground to allow them to establish their roots is important. The extra time spent planting your bulbs will provide you with joy in the spring as you start to see them sprouting. We all look for these signs of life emerging in the spring.
• Leaves and Debris – Raking leaves is not quite as romantic as portrayed in the movies. Especially after you have performed this task several times throughout the Fall. It is vital to do a final clean up after all the leaves have fallen. Leaves that coat sidewalks and driveways can become a hazard and a haven for insects and unwanted critters. Also, check for other debris that should be cleared throughout the winter.
• Lighting – Clean the fixtures to make sure that the light can illuminate the outdoors. Replace any burned-out bulbs. Consider replacing your bulbs with LED lightbulbs that are more energy efficient. Check the wiring to be sure there are no exposed or fraying wires. Adjust the lighting fixtures if needed. Time and elements can cause lighting fixtures to become misaligned. This ounce of prevention will keep your home safer, enhance its beauty at night, and keep intruders and vandals away.

Some projects will need to be addressed both inside and outside of your home. Focus on the exterior tasks first, but do not forget to take care of the indoor aspect later.

• Seal Openings – Finding the gaps, cracks, and openings that allow air to penetrate your home and sealing them will save you the discomfort of drafts. It will also save you money on your heating expenses. Examine areas where different material types meet. A common area is around windows. Also, pay attention to areas where plumbing and wiring enter your home. On the interior, pay attention to areas where water is used. Concentrate on areas where the tub/shower meets the surround, where the sink meets the counter, and where the counter meets the backsplash. Check all doors and windows to be sure the weather stripping is not dry and brittle. Replace any caulking and weatherstripping as necessary.
• Fireplace – The ambiance of a fire during a cold winter evening creates a cozy atmosphere. To make that relaxing and enjoyable experience, be sure to maintain your fireplace regularly. Whether you have a wood-burning or a gas fireplace, regular maintenance is required. Chimney maintenance may be necessary if you have a wood-burning fireplace or a gas fireplace that is vented through your chimney. Be sure the chimney has a cap to prevent debris and critters from entering. Check for cracks. Hire a chimney sweep to clean your chimney as recommended. Your interior maintenance is dependent on whether you have a wood-burning fireplace or a gas fireplace. Gas fireplaces need to be cleaned and checked periodically.
• Storage Areas – Storage spaces can quickly become dumping grounds for the items we are not sure whether to keep or give away. Before storing away your summer items, take some time to clean the storage spaces inside and outside your home. Clear the area first and sort things into one of three different categories. The three types are keep, donate or discard, and repair. Next, clean the space. Now you can start placing items back into the area that you have decided to keep. Quickly handle the donate, discard, and repair items so they do not clutter your home.

• Furnace – The furnace is the most essential appliance in your home during our long Brooklyn winters. Make sure your furnace is running in tip-top shape before you are dependent on it for the full-blown heating season. Many homeowners choose a do-it-yourself approach. Be sure to refer to your owner’s manuals for the right way if you decide to DIY it. Hire a licensed professional to clean and check your furnace. Be sure to change the filters as needed throughout the heating season.
• Smoke and CO Detectors – Smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide detectors are known to save lives. Add any necessary devices throughout your home. Recommended areas include sleeping areas, common hallways, and living areas and should be installed on every level of your home. Be sure to test your alarms monthly. You can find a tip sheet on the New York City Fire Department website.
• Ceiling Fans – Why do so many of us procrastinate cleaning those ceiling fan blades until we turn them off as the weather cools down? Your ceiling fan should be running in a clockwise direction to help pull the warm air from the ceiling down in the winter. Using a pillowcase to clean the blades is a genius idea. Simply slip the pillowcase over the fan blade and gently wipe it off. The dust remains in the pillowcase! Use a dust-repelling furniture spray to help prevent build-up. Clean the motor housing, light bulbs, and glass globes as well.
• Thermostat – Consider installing a programable thermostat if you do not already have one. You will save money because you are not heating your home when you are not there or sleeping in the winter months. Recommendations are to lower the heat by 10 degrees when you are not home or are asleep. Program your thermostat to lower the temperature 20 – 30 minutes before you regularly leave home or 60 minutes before you go to bed. Set the thermostat to increase the temperature 30 minutes before you return home or wake up, and you will enjoy a comfortable home.
• Entry – Create a spot by your front door and any other access your family uses to enter the home for shoes. This will save your floors from tracking the mud, water, snow, and ice our shoes bring in with us. Adding a drip tray to the entry can prevent you from cleaning floors quite as often. You can purchase a drip tray in many home stores. Add a decorative touch to your entryway by filling the drip tray with pebbles or stones to prevent the shoes and boots from sitting in the wet slush.

And lastly, there are a few items that will provide you with peace of mind. These are items that we often overlook but are well worth the investment of your time.

• Pantry – We have learned to expect the unexpected. Take time to organize your pantry and restock non-perishable items you may need throughout the winter. Keep your frequently used staple items on hand. Consider stocking canned and dried beans, canned vegetables, canned or jar sauces, broth, rice, pasta, dehydrated fruits or vegetables, flour, sugar, shortening, canned meats, and condiments. Avoiding a trip to the store when an impending storm is announced will be a welcome relief. Remember to stock items such as matches or lighters, candles, flashlights, and batteries.
• Medicine and First Aid Supplies – Unfortunately, we rarely get a warning when we are going to need first aid items or catch a common illness. Check your supply of bandages, ice packs, pain relievers, cold medicine, throat lozenges, vitamins, and supplements. After you have completed your inventory, restock the missing or low items. Do not forget to stock for your children’s and pets’ needs also.
• Fire Escape Plan – A fire escape plan is also an important step. If you have not created a plan for your household, take some time to examine your home’s layout. Determine if you need to purchase any equipment such as fire escape ladders. Be sure all members of your household are oriented to this plan.

Don’t forget to prepare your car for the winter months. Regular maintenance of your vehicle is a given. You will need to stock your vehicle for unexpected winter weather. Create an emergency kit to keep in your car. Include flashlights, blanket, hand warmers, water, snacks, shovel, cat litter or sand, tool kit, jumper cables, and an extra set of clothing. Hopefully, you never need to use these items. It is always wise to be prepared.

I am sure this seems like a lot to add to your “to-do” list. You will find it to be time well spent in the long run. Regular maintenance around your home will help to keep everything running smoothly.

If you do not feel you have the expertise to address some of these items, professionals can certainly help you with these tasks. Do your research before hiring any professional. Ask friends or coworkers for references to someone they can recommend who has done satisfactory work for them. You can find some great advice on the Better Business Bureau’s website concerning hiring a contractor.

Plan your winter activities after your “to do” list is complete. You will enjoy the fruits of your labor by having the time for the things you “want” to do with friends and family. Enjoy your Brooklyn home this winter!

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 can help both buyers and sellers achieve their real estate dreams.

Our office is completely shut down and 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’Alessandro
Your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent
718-253-9600 ext. 1901

According to real estate experts, springtime is the best time to purchase a home. But this year, spring is different. It is anything but typical or ordinary. Many real estate agents are now working remotely and conducting most of their business online. And buyer and seller consultations are done virtually. But many home shoppers are wondering if now is really the best time to consider purchasing a home.

Coronavirus or Not, Always Weigh the Factors

Social distancing because of the coronavirus is attempting to cripple our economy in many ways. And to offset the negative effects this virus is having, the FED lowered interest rates significantly. But even as wonderful as that is, it’s still wise to weigh all the factors, negative and positive, before purchasing a home.

Exercise Caution When Purchasing a Home Now

It makes sense to pay less to borrow money, of course. And you should always exercise caution before taking on a mortgage. But since the possibility of a recession is at hand, it’s even more important that you purchase a home you can truly afford.

Caution: Can You Really Afford the Monthly Payment?

Amanda Abella, millennial business coach and author of Make Money Your Honey: A Spirited Entrepreneur’s Guide to Having a Love Affair with Work & Money says, “Assuming you can afford a mortgage and the other costs involved and your job is not in danger of being cut, then yes. Smart investors and people who are financially savvy know these times are ridden with opportunity because the general public is going to contract. But every individual situation is different. Unless you’re sitting on pretty hefty savings and know your industry won’t be impacted by what’s going on, then you should err on the side of caution.”

Amanda made two valid points.

1. “Assuming you can afford a mortgage and the other costs involved …”

With or without all that dealing with the cornonavirus has thrust upon us, low interest rates don’t have much to do with all of the costs associated with purchasing a home. There are property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and closing costs, with every home purchase. The closing costs alone can cost you anywhere from one to five percent of the closing price. You must calculate your home-buying budget accurately, beyond the monthly mortgage payment alone.

2. “ … and your job is not in danger of being cut …”

Caution: Can You Secure a Mortgage?

Mortgage rates are low, but they’re not at zero percent. Here’s what Drew DeWitt, senior vice president of investments for Ivy Equities, a Greenwich, Connecticut-based real estate private equity firm has to say.

“Lower interest rates mean lower monthly mortgage payments on your home loan; therefore, you technically can pay more since your monthly costs are lower. However, it also means that there is greater risk in the economy in general. The FED drops rates to spur growth when there is risk of unemployment and people not being able to make their monthly mortgage payments. As a result, banks will tighten their lending standards, and it may be harder to actually secure a mortgage despite the lower rates. This is where people get confused.”

Caution: Are You Taking Logistic Difficulties into Consideration?

Danielle Lurie, a licensed real estate sales person with Compass sheds perspective on logistical issues that also need consideration. There are government agencies, such as notaries and title offices, which are now closed.

“Even if you could buy a home at a steal right now, most buyers would wish to physically go and see the property, bring a home inspector to assess the property, and—assuming you get an accepted offer and arrive at the virtual closing table—you will need to hire movers to move into the property. Depending on what amount of time is needed to contain this virus, those three things are all difficult if not impossible to do right now.”

Look for Win-Win Opportunities

If you’re determined to buy a home now, and you’re willing to walk through homes virtually instead of the traditional way, there is opportunity for a great deal out there. Some agents say now is the best buyer’s market they’ve ever seen!

According to Homelight’s recent poll of 600 top real estate agents across the country, you will have to work hard to find a great deal. Their poll found that “22% of respondents say sellers are taking their homes off the market in response to coronavirus concerns.” And there were reports of a housing shortage before life as we knew it changed, too.

Unmotivated and uncommitted buyers have dropped off which means less competition for you as a buyer. And that’s a good thing. With fewer home buyers out there looking, you have less competition to contend with. But the window of opportunity for buyers won’t stay open like it is right now forever.

Seize the Opportunity While Minimizing Your Risk

Once the quarantine guidelines are lifted, a strong rebound will likely follow the soft real estate market we’re now seeing. And the high demand of a strong rebound could push home prices up. And as Roger Ma, a New York-based financial planner and owner of lifelaidout, says, “Recession or not, it’s impossible to time the market, whether for buying stock or buying real estate.”

Yes, current market conditions offer incredible opportunities for you as a homebuyer since you can lock in a historically-low interest rate. But rates are actually going up, and quickly, too! Why? Because so many people are refinancing.

Prepare to Buy a Home Now

So, if you’re still employed, have the necessary resources, and want to take advantage of the low interest rate opportunities, do these things now:

1. Start browsing online

2. Get yourself familiar with the market

3. Look through your finances and prepare for the time when you are ready to buy

4. If you’ve already found your dream home, put in your offer and lock in your rate

5. Get pre-approved for a mortgage

Confused About Purchasing a Home Now?

Do you need help with your decision about purchasing a home now? Sellers are selling. Interest rates are low. And there are great deals to be had. Right now you can own a home for less per month than you can rent in most areas. But is now really the best time to consider purchasing a home?

Contact me, Charles D’Alessandro, your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent with Fillmore Real Estate. I can help you weigh economic concerns and help you determine if now is a good time for you to consider purchasing a home.

Our office is completely shut down and 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) 253-9600 ext. 1901 or by email at [email protected].

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Charles D’Alessandro
Your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent
718-253-9600 ext. 1901

Seniors, are you having trouble getting through retirement? Have you’ve heard about Reverse Mortgages and how other seniors have pulled the equity out of their homes to help them get through retirement? Does all this Reverse Mortgage information confuse you?

It’s important to understand what a Reverse Mortgage is as well as the benefits and risks of this type of loan before you sign any papers. Banks offer information on these types of loans, but you may find attending a workshop to be more helpful.

What Is It?

Investopedia.com defines a reverse mortgage as “a loan. A homeowner who is 62 or older and has considerable home equity can borrow against the value of their home and receive funds as a lump sum, fixed monthly payment or line of credit. Unlike a forward mortgage – the type used to buy a home – a reverse mortgage doesn’t require the homeowner to make any loan payments.

”Instead, the entire loan balance becomes due and payable when the borrower dies, moves away permanently or sells the home. Federal regulations require lenders to structure the transaction so the loan amount doesn’t exceed the home’s value and the borrower or borrower’s estate won’t be held responsible for paying the difference if the loan balance does become larger than the home’s value. One way this could happen is through a drop in the home’s market value; another is if the borrower lives a long time.”

How Do Reverse Mortgages Work?

When you take out a reverse mortgage loan, you basically pull out the equity you have in your home to help you through retirement. You can choose to take out that equity in one of two ways:

• One lump sum
• Monthly payments

The loan does not need to be paid back until you either sell your home or stop living in it.

Your homeowner’s insurance needs to be maintained and the taxes on your home paid.

If you choose to, you can make payments on your reverse mortgage. But these payments are not required.

What Benefits Does a Reverse Mortgage Offer Seniors?

Most people who are over the age of 62 have half of their net worth tied up in their homes. A Reverse Mortgage allows you to cash out your equity when you need it while still living in your home. This is the most appealing feature of this type of loan. With a Reverse Mortgage, it’s quite possible to live comfortably in retirement.

Are There Risks Involved?

This all sounds great, but are there risks involved? Yes. A Reverse Mortgage puts your home at risk because it limits the amount of money you can pass on to your children when you die. How?

1. When you die and your children inherit your home, they must either pay off the mortgage themselves or sell the property to pay off the loan.
2. If you can no longer live independently in your home and must move into a nursing home, the reverse mortgage must be paid off. This usually means you must sell your home.
3. The interest rates on a Reverse Mortgage loan may be high depending on your credit.
4. If you put your home up as collateral and then borrow money against your home, you risk losing it.

Also, be aware of other possibly risky scenarios. For example, if you sign the reverse mortgage and go into a nursing home while your spouse lives in the home, the terms state the loan must be paid back. This means your spouse may no longer have a home to live in.

Risks can be reduced by limiting the amount you borrow on the loan. If the loan is smaller than the total equity, you can sell the home and still have enough to buy a smaller place live.

And since the risks could involve and affect your children greatly, talk with them when you take out a reverse mortgage.

Knowing About Reverse Mortgages

Maintaining your independence and solving a cash flow problem if your retirement benefits don’t cover your expenses is ideal. So carefully review all available information as well as the terms on a Reverse Mortgage. And once you understand the benefits as well as the risks of Reverse Mortgages, you can decide whether or not it’s good for you.

Many government agencies caution seniors to review the terms and consider all their options before taking out a Reverse Mortgage.

Are you confused about Reverse Mortgages? Contact me, Charles D’Alessandro, your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent with Fillmore Real Estate with your questions. I can help. Call (718) 253-9600 ext. 206 or email [email protected] today.

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

Are you thinking about buying a fixer-upper?

Can you really afford to buy it and fix it up, too?

How much will fixing it up really cost you?

These are key questions that need to be answered. It’s extremely important that you assess the real cost before you buy it. For without that information, you won’t know how much to offer for a fixer-upper.

But don’t fret about it. These seven steps will help you figure that out.

Step 1 – Determine What You Can Honestly Do Without Help

We all do it. We watch our favorite TV shows and YouTube videos and think we can do it all. All those home improvement pros make every project look super easy to do. But in reality, it just ain’t so.

Take that “simple” plumbing project you tackled. Remember it? How many times did you have to run to the hardware store to purchase something else that you needed to complete the job?

No, moving a staircase or even bringing wiring up to code requires much more time or skill than most folks can tout. They’re not a fix-it job like that leaky little toilet valve was.

So, since every project always takes longer than you think it will be brutally honest with yourself. Are you really able to DIY that project? Do you even want to do it yourself? And are you willing to accept the less-than-professional results that you could end up with? Less-than-professional results won’t increase the value of the home you’re working on.

Be Wise – Leave It to a Professional

Some fixes need to be left to the professionals. Remodels or updates can be dangerous when you aren’t trained or certified to do them, like electrical work, for example.

And one more thing. Will you be stressed out while you live in a demolished house month after month? You’ll most likely have time to complete home projects on the weekends only.

Step 2 – Determine the Cost of All Renovations and Then Some

Here’s a great tip! Ask your contractor to do a walk-through in the house you want to purchase and fix up. Then he can give you a written estimate on the cost of all he needs to do to bring the home up to par.

If you decide you can do the work yourself, price all the supplies needed for every renovation and upgrade.

And, whether you hire a contractor or choose to do the work yourself, tack on an additional 10 to 20 percent to the cost total. This prepares you for the surprise costs that inevitably pop up when fixing up a house.

Step 3 – Factor in Time, Costs, and Aggravation for Getting Permits

It’s a fact. Doing a home renovation without a permit saves money. But when it comes to selling the home you renovate, you could be asking for trouble. Play it safe. Ask your local officials whether or not you need a permit for the work you’re going to do. Be sure you ask about the cost of the permit you need, too.

If you decide to go with a contractor, they can make arrangements for the permits you’ll need. But if you decide you want to get the permits yourself, know this: getting permits can be time-consuming and frustrating. How? Before home inspectors give you the necessary permit for a particular renovation, they can force you to do additional work or change the way you want to do a project. Yeah …

Step 4 – Budget for Structural Work on the Fixer-Upper

Does the fixer-upper you’re looking to buy need major structural work done to it? Do a double-check. If it does, you’ll need to hire a structural engineer.

They charge $100 to $236 per hour just to inspect the house. But before you put in an offer, you’ll be confident all structural problems have been uncovered and conservatively budgeted for to the fullest extent.

Before you commit to buying a home with structural problems, get written estimates for the repairs.

A home that needs major structural work should be offered with a steep discount. So don’t commit to the purchase of a fixer-upper with structural problems without these three things:

• Knowledge of the full extent of the problem
• The certainty that the problem can be fixed
• A binding written estimate for the cost of the repairs

Step 5 – Make Sure You Have Enough Funds Available to Fix a Fixer-Upper

Before you make an offer, do this:

• Make sure you have enough money for a downpayment, closing costs, and all necessary repairs
• If you’re going to fund the renovations with a home equity or home improvement loan, get pre-approved for both loans. Then make sure the deal is contingent on getting both the home equity loan and the home improvement loan. This safeguards you from being forced to close the sale when you have no loan to fix the house.

Have You Looked into an FHA Section 203(k) Program?

You might want to take a look into the Federal Housing Administration’s Section 203(k) program. It’s designed to help homeowners who are purchasing or refinancing a home that needs rehabilitation.

The FHA Section 203(k) program bundles purchase/refinance and rehabilitation costs into one monthly mortgage payment. But in order to qualify for this type of loan, the total value of the property must fall within the FHA mortgage limit for your area.

A 203(k) program is streamlined and much simpler to obtain than a standard 203(k) is. And it provides an additional amount for rehabilitation, up to $35,000, on top of an existing mortgage. It’s worth looking into, for sure.

Step 6 – Determine a Fair Purchase Price to Offer

This step isn’t a hard one. Just take the fair market value of the property and subtract the upgrade and repair costs. The fair market value of the fixer-upper is what it would be worth if it were in good condition with up-to-date remodels.

Let’s say the fixer-upper you’re considering has outdated design features such as:

• Dark wood paneling
• Beige walls
• Popcorn ceilings
• Pastel fixtures
• Laminate countertops
• Shiny gold fittings
• Avocado green appliances
• Built-in media cabinets
• Chintz wallpaper
• Millennial pink everything
• Tile counters
• Linoleum floors
• Wallpaper border

And it has high levels of radon in the basement.

How to Determine a Fair Market Price

A comparison house or “comp” in the same Brooklyn neighborhood, sold last month for $490,100. That house had an updated kitchen with new appliances, no wallpaper, was recently re-carpeted, and has a radon mitigation system in the basement.

The cost to remodel the kitchen, remove the wallpaper, carpet the house, and put in a radon mitigation system is $100,000. Your fair purchase price bid for the fixer-upper should be $390,100.

As your real estate agent, I will let you know if it’s a good idea to share your cost estimates with the sellers, to prove whether or not your offer is fair. Be sure to ask!

Step 7 – Hire Pro Inspectors to Properly Assess Your Fixer-Upper

Hire pros to inspect your fixer-upper. This is key in helping you properly assess the value of the house and the cost of its repairs.

Home inspectors look for and uncover hidden issues in need of replacement or repair. You want to replace those 1980s kitchen cabinets, but the home inspector detects the water leak behind them.

What they don’t do:

• Lead-based paint inspection
• Well and septic system inspection
• Sewer issues
• Pest or termite inspection
• Chimney inspection
• Asbestos testing
• Mold inspection
• Lot size survey
• Radon testing

Include Inspection Contingencies

Most home inspection contingencies allow you to go back to the sellers to ask them to do the repairs or when you close on the house, give you cash to pay for the repairs.

If the inspection turns up something major you don’t want to deal with, you or the seller can simply back out of the deal. If you or the seller back out of the deal, it’s okay. It just means this fixer-upper isn’t the right house for you.

Contact Charles D’Alessandro for Help

If you’re determined to find a fixer-upper to fix up, but you aren’t sure if you’re ready to take one on, call me. I’m Charles D’Alessandro, your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent with Fillmore Real Estate. You can reach me at (718) 253-9600 ext. 206 or [email protected] today. I’d love to help you find the perfect house to make a home.

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

Baby, it’s cold outside! And you need to relocate now?! Here’s how you can find a home quickly and conveniently even while it’s frigid in Brooklyn.

4 Ways to Find a Home Quickly When It’s Cold Outside

Yeah, who actually wants to bundle up and tromp through biting cold temps and wind? Nobody does. Sometimes it’s necessary because you don’t really have a choice. But here are four ways to warm up to the process and find a home quickly in spite of the cold.

First, Do Your Research

When it’s cold outside, it’s the perfect time to get some quality research done. Grab a cup of your favorite hot beverage and read a few home inspection reports. I know it’s monotonous and boring to do, quite honestly. But it is a part of the moving process that needs to be done, especially when finding a home quickly matters.

Second, Check ‘Em Out

Wintertime is the best time to check out houses that are up for sale for two really good reasons.

• Cold temperatures and freezing winds reveal gaps, drafts, and leaks you don’t think to look for in the spring or summer months
• A home’s systems are working extremely hard to keep up with frigid temperatures allowing you to check them out, too

Third, Attend Open Houses

If there are open houses in the Brooklyn neighborhood you’re interested in moving to, attend as many of them as you can. Not only do you get to inspect a home you really want, but you also create opportunities to mingle and learn of other available homes nearby.

Chances are you won’t like every house you visit. But checking them out in person allows you to see what a house is like during the colder months. And that’s a real plus in your favor!

Fourth, Check Out Parking and Other Possible Problems

Parking close matters when it’s cold and snowy outside. So check out available parking near that perfect Brownstone you’ve got your buyer’s eye on.

Also, when there’s snow on the ground, you see problems such as poor access, poor drainage, and the lack of snowplowing that occurs.

Warm Up to Winter House Hunting

‘Tis the season to warm up to winter house hunting. So put on your boots, bundle up, and head out to those showings when the ground is white with snow and the cold air bites your nose!

The cold offers several advantages making the winter season better than others for you to find a home quickly. But to top it all off, if you don’t want to go out in the cold weather, then neither do other potential buyers. And that means less competition for you.

Happy house hunting!

When you need to find a home quickly, contact Charles D’Alessandro, your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent with Fillmore Real Estate right away. Call (718) 253-9600 ext. 206 or email [email protected] when the weather’s cold in Brooklyn.

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

What does the American Dream mean to you? How would you define it? Investopedia defines it as “the belief that anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, can attain their own version of success in a society where upward mobility is possible for everyone.” James Truslow Adams described it as “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.”

The American Dream, A Home to Call Their Own

When my dad, Charles D’Alessandro Sr. and my mom, Rose, looked for a house in 1954, they were looking for a home. Above all, they were looking for a home to raise their family in an area they could afford to live in. They were looking for a home in an area that was close to friends and family too, The Neighborhood. In their minds, it was not an investment. It was a home they could call their own, their American Dream, their version of success.

They lived through the ups and downs of the real estate and financial markets paying the mortgage, raising their three children. They did as best they could, made sacrifices, and in the end paid that mortgage off.

The Opportunity to Achieve the American Dream

Again, Investopedia states, “The American Dream promises freedom and equality. It offers the freedom to make both the large and small decisions that affect one’s life, the freedom to aspire to bigger and better things and the possibility of achieving them, the freedom to accumulate wealth, the opportunity to lead a dignified life, and the freedom to live in accordance with one’s values – even if those values are not widely held or accepted.”

Ask anybody to define it in their own terms and somewhere in their answer the words “home ownership” will probably pop up. This is because for many of us, owning a home is an essential part of the American Dream.

Benefits of Achieving It

Homeownership conveys a number of economic benefits:

• the ability to accumulate wealth
• access credit by building home equity
• reduce housing costs through the mortgage interest deduction
• gain long-term savings over the cost of renting

Achieving Your Version of Success

Today interest rates are as low as 3.25 (4.856 APR). View the 10 Best Mortgage Rates of 2019 here. With a good credit score, you can achieve your version of success as a homeowner.

Celebrate the American Dream!

June is National Homeownership Month. And with the 4^th of July “popping” up next week, I want to encourage everyone to pursue your version of success, your version of the American Dream.

Is homeownership is part of the American Dream for you? Contact me, Charles D’Alessandro, your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent with Fillmore Real Estate. Call (718) 253-9600 ext. 206 or email [email protected] today. There is a ton of information out there. But don’t get frustrated or confused by it all. I can help you sort through any confusion you may have. Let me guide you to make an informed and confident decision about your American Dream.

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

If you don’t know what it takes to qualify for a mortgage, you’re not alone. This lack of knowledge prevents people from even trying to purchase their first home. Is this you? If so, understanding the whole process better will clear up a lot of confusion. Read on to find out how to qualify for a mortgage and which type of loan is best for you.

Down Payment Requirements

Are you wondering how much of a down payment you need to qualify for a mortgage? Most people are. In spite of all the mortgage information available online, a lot of it is insufficient. So many still overestimate the down payment needed to qualify for a mortgage. The answer used to be 20 percent. But nowadays you can qualify for a home loan with a low down payment. Some types of mortgages even require no down payment! And no, this isn’t some special offer for first-time home buyers only.

Here are some down payment guidelines for different types of home loans:

• VA loans and USDA loans require no down payment
• FHA loans are one of the most popular types of home loans. They require 3.5 percent down with a 580 credit score. If your credit score ranks 500-579, your FHA loan will require 10 percent down
• 203k loans also require 3.5 percent down
• A Conventional 97 loan requires only 3 percent down
• Conventional loans require anywhere between 5 percent and 20 percent down.
  
  

Credit Score Requirements

How’s your credit score? Do you know the credit score you need to qualify for a mortgage? Again, most people don’t. And many can’t recall what their current credit score is even after checking it recently. Your credit score is one of the biggest factors in determining whether or not you qualify for a mortgage. And of course, an excellent credit score gives you lots of worry-free wiggle room in qualifying for a home loan.

A credit score of 680 or higher is ideal when you’re in need of getting approved for a home loan. Some lenders require a credit score of 640 while others will accept lower credit scores.

Each of the loan programs listed above have a set minimum qualifying credit score requirements.

• VA loans and USDA loans require a credit score of 620. For VA loans, some lenders may  be able to approve a credit score of 580+
• FHA loans require a 580 credit score
• 203k and Conventional loans require a credit score of 640
• Conventional 97 loans require a 620 credit score

But what if you have bad credit? If you need to improve your credit score to qualify for a mortgage, click here. Learn how to improve your credit score by 100 points in 30 days.

Mortgage Document Requirements

In order for your lender to process your loan, you must produce several documents. So be prepared ahead of time and get the following ready now:

• W2’s from the past 2 years. You should have at least 2 years of income from the same company or industry documented
• Pay-stubs for the last 3 months
• Bank statements for the past 3 months
• Tax returns for the previous 2 years
• A list of your debts and assets
• Divorce decree if you have gone through a divorce
• Additional income documentation
  
  

Basic Guidelines for How to Qualify for a Mortgage

If you want to qualify for a home loan, follow these basic guidelines:

• Prove your income is sufficient and consistent
• Have at least 2 years of documented income from the same company or in the same industry
• If you earn commissions, average your income from the last 2 years of tax returns

What income is considered “qualifying income”?

• W-2 income/salary income from part-time jobs
• Income from a second job
• Overtime and bonuses
• Seasonal jobs
• Self-employed income
• Alimony and child support (Documentation for this is required)
• Non-qualifying VA income
• Income from the lottery gambling
• Unemployment pay
• Single bonuses non-occupying co-signer income
• Unverifiable income
• Income from Rental Properties
  
  

Homeownership is a Possibility!

So if you are one of the 20 percent of consumers who believe a down payment of 10 percent or less is not enough to purchase a home, think again! There are mortgage financing options available that don’t require a 20 percent down payment. Providing you are a creditworthy prospective buyer, lenders now offer safe, sustainable loans with as little as 3 percent down. Obtaining a mortgage isn’t as difficult as it used to be. Homeownership is truly a possibility!

Contact Charles D’Alessandro, your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent with Fillmore Real Estate. Call (718) 253-9600 ext.206 or email [email protected]. With 30-plus years of real estate experience in Brooklyn, he can answer your questions about how to qualify for a mortgage.

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

Taxes – UGH! Unless you’re an accountant with a love for numbers, the word probably brings with it a feeling of dread when you hear it. Some folks pay them annually to the IRS. Others must pay them quarterly. And we all get to pay them daily when we purchase stuff. Like death, they cannot be avoided! And if you’re selling your rental, there are a couple tax basics you should know. First, your rental is a business asset. So the taxes you need to pay on it are due only when it sells at a profit. But if your rental sells at a loss, you can write off the loss to offset taxable income. The key to knowing the taxes you need to pay is found in correctly calculating the amount of gain or loss on the rental you sold.

How a Profit or Loss is Determined

Your profit or loss is determined by subtracting your property’s adjusted basis on the date of sale from the sales price you receive (plus expenses, such as real estate commissions).

To understand your property’s adjusted basis, you must first know what “basis in property” and “adjusted basis” mean. Basis in property is the amount of your total investment in a property. And it is not fixed. It changes over time to reflect the true amount of your investment. Each change or new basis is called the adjusted basis.

Taxes You Need to Pay When Selling Your Rental Property at a Profit

When you sell a rental property at a profit, you pay taxes on the gain (profit) you realize (earn). These taxes are called Capital Gains Tax.

Reductions in basis increase the gain or profit you realize and therefore increase your tax liability when you sell your rental.

Taxes You Need to Pay When Selling Your Rental Property at a Loss

If you sell at a loss or lose money, you’ll be able to deduct the loss, but not without being subject to important limitations.

Increases in basis are lower your tax liability because they lower your profits.

Here’s an example from Nolo.com:

Viola bought a small apartment building and sold it six years later for $300,000. Her starting basis was $200,000. During the time she owned the property she took $43,000 in depreciation deductions and paid $13,000 for a new roof (an improvement). Her depreciation deductions reduced the property’s basis, but the roof improvement increased it. Her basis at the time of the sale is $170,000. Viola calculates her taxable gain on the property by subtracting her adjusted basis from the sales price: $300,000 – $170,000 = $130,000.

As you can see, when you sell your property, you effectively give back the depreciation deductions you took on it. Since they reduce your adjusted basis, they increase your taxable gain. Thus, Viola’s taxable gain was increased by the $43,000 in depreciation deductions she took. The amount of your gain attributable to the depreciation deductions you took in prior years is taxed at a single 25% rate. Viola, for example, would have to pay a 25% tax on the $43,000 in depreciation deductions she received. The remaining gain on the sale is taxed at capital gains rates (usually 15%, 20% for taxpayers in the top tax bracket).

How to Avoid Taxes You Need to Pay When Selling a Rental Property

Rental properties generate a respectable profit each month, provided you choose the right rental properties. But they can cost you when you sell. Here are three strategies that help ease the burden of a significant tax bite when you sell a profitable rental.

1. Offset gains with losses
2. Take advantage of Section 1031 of the Tax Code
3. Turn your rental property into your primary residence

Offsetting gains with losses through tax-loss harvesting is for those with capital losses in a given tax year. This strategy allows a landlord to subtract those losses from the capital gains from the sale of their rental.

Taking advantage of the IRS Section 1031 “Like-kind” exchange is for those who are able to reinvest the proceeds of selling their rental property in new real estate. This strategy allows them the ability to defer some or all of the taxes on the capital gain.

Converting your rental property into your primary residence is for people who want to do so for better tax treatment when they sell. Landlords who convert a rental into their home to live in are able to exclude as much as $500,000 in capital gains from taxes.

Hire the Right Financial Advisor

When it comes to investments and knowing what taxes you need to pay on the sale of a rental, it’s always best to find and hire the right financial advisor. And it doesn’t have to be hard to find one who fits your needs. SmartAsset offers a free tool to match you with fiduciary financial advisors in your area in five minutes.

Hire the Right Real Estate Agent

If you’re selling a rental property, contact Charles D’Alessandro, your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent with Fillmore Real Estate. Call (718) 253-9600 ext.206 or email [email protected]. With 30-plus years of real estate experience in Brooklyn, he can help you with all your real estate needs.

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Have you found THE home? How exciting! Are you feeling overwhelmed with a flood of questions that are coming to mind? If you are, it’s totally understandable since purchasing a home is probably the biggest decision you’ll make in your lifetime. But buying a home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can actually be a lot of fun. And obtaining the right information before buying THE home is just what you need to overcome the overwhelm.

Ask Questions to Overcome the Overwhelm

Take your time. Spend a lot of time planning and researching as much as you can. Here are seven great questions to ask to help you overcome the overwhelm you may be experiencing.

“How much money do I need for the down payment?”

You may have been saving money for quite a while, but is it enough? Should you wait another six months till you’ve saved more for a down payment?

In New York, the minimum for a down payment is almost always 20 percent of the selling price. If you secure a mortgage with a down payment of less than 20 percent, you’ll have to get mortgage insurance. But mortgage insurance doesn’t have to be a major stumbling block.

“How much house can I truly afford?”

There are almost always other costs beyond the purchase price of a new home. And first-time home-buyers are often surprised when they see how costs can add up.

• Fees for other payments beyond the price of the home
• Renovations
• Repairs
• Appliances
• Blinds
• Flooring
• Lawn maintenance supplies
• Maintenance fees

It’s wise to estimate your monthly mortgage payment first. Then make sure the other costs of items you’ll need beyond the monthly payments. You don’t want to go into more debt than you can pay for.

“Are my finances in good order?”

You need to show that you can close on the home you want to buy. Check your credit score and look for any discrepancies. If you find an error, get it corrected. If your credit history is blemished, you could be disqualified for the lowest mortgage rates. And it doesn’t matter if you show enough income.

Then, before you make an offer, get preapproved for a mortgage.

“What about the loan?”

Terms and differences in mortgages can be overwhelming. There are 15-year loans and 30-year loans, fixed-rate mortgages and variable-rate mortgages. And there is no one-size-fits-all home loan. So find a good lender who is very knowledgeable. They should know about every option that is available to you. And they should be able to show you how to get the most out of the loan process to get you as much house as you want.

“Were any claims filed on this property in the last seven years?”

This question may not have popped into your head, but it’s one you need to ask before you make an offer. What if the house had a termite problem in the past? Or was there damage of any kind to the house in the past? Request a copy of the C.L.U.E. report from the seller. C.L.U.E. is a database that maintains all insurance claims for homes and vehicles for up to the previous seven years.

“How much should I offer on this home?”

This is a good question to know the answer to if you want to overcome the overwhelm of buying a home. If you offer too little, you risk losing the home to someone else who offers more. Yet if you offer too much, you could wind up overpaying.

“Will there be more costs to prepare for at closing?”

Yes. There are closing costs in addition to the down payment. And depending on how you’re financing the home, there are more costs in addition to the one-time closing costs, such as:

• Commissions fees
• Appraisals
• Surveying
• Inspections and certifications
• Tax and title services
• Government record changes
• Transfer taxes
• Origination fee
• Charge for specific interest rates
• Real estate agent commissions
• Home inspection charges
• Title insurance

 And they are due at the time of signing.

Hire a Great Real Estate Agent to Overcome the Overwhelm

To overcome the overwhelm you need to hire a great real estate agent as soon as the house shopping begins. Charles D’Alessandro will tell you what comparable homes in the area have sold for. And he’ll help you make a solid offer the first time. If a counteroffer needs to be made, Charles will help you make one that fits your budget. And if multiple offers need to be made, he’ll guide you through them all. He’s here to help you, answer your questions, and guide you through the whole process from beginning to end.

Want to overcome the overwhelm that comes with buying a new home? Call Charles D’Alessandro, your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent with Fillmore Real Estate at (718) 253-9600 ext.206. Or email him at [email protected] right away.

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 Charles D’Alessandro

Your Brooklyn Real Estate Agent

718-253-9600 ext. 206

[email protected]