Flyers, open houses and stagnant real estate websites don’t cut it anymore. Property buyers and sellers are more technologically savvy than they’ve ever been, and they rely on social media’s instant communication forums for information, advice, suggestions and reviews to guide their decision-making processes.

Real estate agents’ roles within the industry have evolved — they’re no longer just gatekeepers.  Now, they need to be interpreters between their clients and the constant stream of social media information.

To determine if a  Brooklyn  real estate agent is socially savvy online, ask the following questions:

Strategy – Before signing a listing agreement with an agent, find out what marketing strategies he or she usually implements. Is he or she using any social media platforms to promote their properties or gather feedback from buyers?

• Following – Ask about how many people and organizations he or she reaches on a regular basis. The number of Facebook “Likes” or Twitter followers is a direct correlation to how many people could be exposed to your Brooklyn home for sale.
• Activity – Ask how often he or she updates and posts on social media sites. Having 2,000 followers means nothing if the agent isn’t active on the social media site. A constant flow of information and communication is essential to effectively promote a property. If he or she just has a stagnant Facebook page with a biography on it, that doesn’t benefit you in any way.

From sending out tweets about houses for sale to posting new listings on Facebook walls, social media platforms are one of the quickest and most targeted ways to reach potential buyers. To achieve your real estate goals, seek out a Brooklyn real estate agent who uses social media as a tool to build loyal followers and promote properties.

If you’re looking for a Brooklyn real estate agent who successfully uses social media as a marketing tool, call me at (718) 253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected]

Before you put your home on the market, you want to make certain that it’s in tip-top condition to ensure a quick sale. The key to listing your home at a competitive price and guaranteeing you have what buyers are looking for is to think like a Brooklyn  real estate agent. To get your Brooklyn home ready to sell, here are five easy and inexpensive home improvements this Brooklyn real estate agent recommends: Layout – Take an objective look at your home and stage accordingly. Remove clutter and rearrange furniture so that potential buyers can envision each room’s purpose. Also, store any obtrusive furniture that disrupts walking flow or makes rooms look smaller.

1. Hardware – Update all hardware. Changing out door handles, drawer pulls and light fixtures is an easy way to modernize your home while costing little money.
2. Charm – Play up the unique features of your home. Refinish hardwood floors if scuffed, remove excess objects from built-in bookshelves and clean unique light fixtures. It’s these irreplaceable elements that make your home stand out from other homes and hook buyers.
3. Scent – Eliminate all bad odors like pet smells, stale cooking odors and cigarette smoke.  Just lighting candles or spraying air freshener won’t work.  Clean, deodorize and get rid of rugs or other cloth objects that still smell bad.
4. Curb Appeal – Spend some time sprucing up the yard. It’s the first impression buyers will have, and although the house might be in mint condition, a lots-of-work lawn could instill a negative notion before they even step a foot inside your home.

Buyers’ needs vary in every market. However, buyers will always consider these five features before they buy. So, stay one step ahead of the game and ensure your house is up to par with buyers’ expectations. If you’re getting ready to sell your home and are looking for a Brooklyn real estate agent who can help you sell your home fast and for top-dollar, I’d be honored to be interviewed for the job.  Give me a call today  Charles D’Alessandro Your Brooklyn real estate agent with Fillmore Real Estate at 718/253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected],

Feng shui is the ancient Chinese art of designing space so that energy flows through it in a harmonious way. While it may sound exotic and foreign, the principles of feng shui are based on making people feel secure and comfortable in their surroundings. If you want to try to implement some of the tools of feng shui in your Brooklyn home, here are some first steps to take.

• De-clutter. This is the first and most important thing to do. Think of energy in terms of new opportunities, helpful people, prosperity, happiness, health and movement. If your Brooklyn home is cluttered with stuff, it has a restricting effect, both physically and mentally, on those who live there and on those who visit.
• Eliminate ‘shars.’ Shars are considered ‘poison arrows,’ created by straight lines and sharp angles. For example, if your Brooklyn home sits at the end of a T-junction, with a road pointing straight at it, this is considered unfortunate. Think about it:  Any car coming down the road could come crashing into your home! While this is unlikely, it affects you on a subconscious level, making you feel vulnerable. A feng shui remedy would be to plant a hedge or build a fence across the front of the house, to hide the view of the road and remove the subconscious threat. Another type of shar is created by furniture with sharp corners; have you ever bruised yourself on a sharp corner, while dodging clutter? If so, you can see how feng shui could make your home and your life more harmonious.
• Pay attention to your front door. Is it easy to find? Is it clean and freshly painted? Is it easy to open? Is there an open pathway leading up to it? If not, these are some things you can address to make your entrance more inviting.
• Look at pictures of your Brooklyn home, inside and out. We become so accustomed to our own home we can’t see it as a newcomer would. It’s surprising the things that stand out in a photograph of something we look at every day.
• Get a book on feng shui. If you like the sound of these ideas, you should look into it further. This is only a rudimentary glimpse of an ancient philosophy.

Want more tips like these?  Subscribe to my blog.  It’s free and easy to sign up. Follow me Charles The Brooklyn Realtor® with Fillmore Real Estate

If you’re looking to purchase a new home, then you have a list of priorities. When looking at Brooklyn homes for sale, families with young children consider proximity to schools and quality of school districts as two of the top concerns on their home buying checklist.

With “back to school” on the brain, your top priority when looking at Brooklyn homes for sale might be how close a home is to schools. Before you purchase property near a school, take the following considerations into account.

Top-notch education – If the local school is the best in the surrounding area, then your property value could increase. Houses in your Brooklyn neighborhood will be in high demand because families will want to ensure their children are included in that district.

• Around the block – Living near a school could be beneficial if you have younger children you can walk with. Additionally, your proximity will allow you to react quickly if school closes early or your child gets sick.
• Noise alert – With cars whizzing by and children walking past, you might have to deal with daily commotion and traffic. Depending on how close you live to the school, you could also be subject to noise from recess, after-school practice and Friday night football games.
• School view – Living directly across from a school could actually decrease the value of your home and increase the litter. A view of a high school isn’t as good as a view of a quaint, tree-lined street; and the constant foot and car traffic could mean more mess in your yard.
• Neighborhood watch – Do your research. Some Brooklyn neighborhoods surrounding schools may have better relationships with the school. If your neighborhood civic association meets monthly with a school, you’ll be able to voice any concerns you might have.

While there are many pros and cons to living near schools, you need to decide what is best for your family.

Whether you’re interested in Brooklyn homes for sale near or far away from schools, I can help you find a home that fits your priorities.  Call me Charles D’Alessandro your Brooklyn real estate agent with Fillmore Real Estate at (718) 253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected]

With the rent on Brooklyn apartments on the rise and mortgage rates being at a long time low, Is now the time to buy your first Brooklyn home ?  For some Brooklyn tenants the rent will cost as much as owning on one of these spacious C0-0p apartments or maybe less ! Check it out!

Why Pay Rent When You Can Own !

Located in Brooklyn’s Graves end section

This beautiful Two bedroom Co-op is conveniently located  close to transportation as well as shopping

A first floor unit that is spacious as well as sun drenched in the daytime the maintenance is reasonable

and the reduced price flexible . Check it out here

Bay Ridge Brooklyn

1 Bedroom apartment in prestigious Shore Road, Bay Ridge.

Spectacular views of Harbor from every room.Large living room, open new EIK, s/s appliances,

granite counters & ceramic floors, foyer can be used as FDR or office.

Master sized bedroom, parquet floors, express bus downstairs, laundry & Super on premises.

Steps to Promenade, Pier, Bike paths & Park.

Close to Finest Restaurants, Cafes & Pubs in Bay Ridge. A must see! Click here for more details

Marine Park, Brooklyn, Three Bedroom Co-op !

Three Bedroom coop in the Marine park community of Brooklyn.

Spacious apartment with lots of closets.

Just blocks from transportation,

Shopping,Banking and the pleasure of the park.

Call today for and exclusive showing. Check here for details

Walk to  Brooklyn’s Flatbush Junction

Located in the East Flatbush section of

Brooklyn this one bedroom Co-op features

spacious and sunny rooms with a large sunkin

living room ,low maintenance and

priced below market. For more details ,Check here

Wonderful Fort Greene one bedroom co-op for sale. Large L-shaped living & dining room.

Spacious bedroom, lots of closets. This co-op is bright & airy.

Maintenance includes Gas & Electric. Great Fort Greene location!

Check out the details

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

Just Reduced to Sell!

All brick three family home with large walk in basement

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

Check it out here

Marine Park Brooklyn! Two family

Price Reduced!

Brick house with 2 bedrooms over one bedroom.

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

Check it out here

Price Reduced!

Three Bedroom co-op in the Marine park

community of Brooklyn Spacious apartment with lots of closets.

Just blocks from transportation,  Check it out here

Walk to Prospect Park & Botanical Gardens.

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

3 baths, hardwood floors, fireplaces, skylight,

pocket doors and other original details.

Walk to Prospect Park & Botanical Gardens.

Check it out here

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

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

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

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

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

Questions & Answers When Buying a Brooklyn Hme

81. HOW DOES MY CREDIT HISTORY IMPACT MY ABILITY TO QUALIFY?

The FHA is generally more flexible than conventional lenders in its qualifying guidelines. In fact, the FHA allows you to re-establish credit if:

	two years have passed since a bankruptcy has been discharged
	all judgments have been paid
	any outstanding tax liens have been satisfied or appropriate arrangements have been made to establish a repayment plan with the IRS or state Department of Revenue
	three years have passed since a foreclosure or a deed-in-lieu has been resolved

82. CAN I QUALIFY FOR AN FHA LOAN WITHOUT A CREDIT HISTORY?

Yes. If you prefer to pay debts in cash or are too young to have established credit, there are other ways to prove your eligibility. Talk to your lender for details.

83. WHAT TYPES OF CLOSING COSTS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH FHA-INSURED LOANS?

Except for the addition of an FHA mortgage insurance premium, FHA closing costs are similar to those of a conventional loan outlined in Question 63. The FHA requires a single, upfront mortgage insurance premium equal to 2.25% of the mortgage to be paid at closing (or 1.75% if you complete the HELP program- see Question 91). This initial premium may be partially refunded if the loan is paid in full during the first seven years of the loan term. After closing, you will then be responsible for an annual premium – paid monthly – if your mortgage is over 15 years or if you have a 15-year loan with an LTV greater than 90%.

84. CAN I ROLL CLOSING COSTS INTO my FHA LOAN?

No. Though you can’t roll closing costs into your FHA loan, you may be able to use the amount you pay for them to help satisfy the down payment requirement. Ask your lender for details.

85. ARE FHA LOANS ASSUMABLE?

Yes. You can assume an existing FHA-insured loan, or, if you are the one deciding to sell, allow a buyer to assume yours. Assuming a loan can be very beneficial, since the process is streamlined and less expensive compared to that for a new loan. Also, assuming a loan can often result in a lower interest rate. The application process consists basically of a credit check and no property appraisal is required. And you must demonstrate that you have enough income to support the mortgage loan. In this way, qualifying to assume a loan is similar to the qualification requirements for a new one.

86. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I CAN’T MAKE A PAYMENT ON LOAN?

Call or, write to your lender as soon as possible. Clearly explain the situation and be prepared to provide him or her with financial information.

87. ARE THERE ANY OPTIONS IF I FALL BEHIND ON MY LOAN PAYMENTS?

Yes. Talk to your lender or a HUD-approved counseling agency for details. Listed below are a few options that may help you get back on track.

For FHA loans:

	Keep living in your home to qualify for assistance.
	Contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency (1-800-569-4287 or TDD: 1-800-483-2209) and cooperate with the counselor/lender trying to help you.
	HUD has a number of special loss mitigation programs available to help you:
	Special Forbearance: Your lender will arrange for a revised repayment plan which may Include temporary reduction or suspension of payments; you can qualify by having an Involuntary reduction in your Income or Increase In living expenses.
	Mortgage Modification: Allows refinance debt and/or extend the term of the your mortgage loan which may reduce your monthly payments; you can qualify if you have recovered from financial problems, but net Income Is less than before.
	Partial Claim: Your lender maybe able to help you obtain an interest-free loan from HUD to bring your mortgage current.
	Pre-foreclosure Sale: Allows you to sell your property and pay off your mortgage loan ,to avoid foreclosure.
	Deed-in lieu of Foreclosure: Lets you voluntarily “give back” your property to the lender; it won’t save your house but will help you avoid the costs, time, and effort of the foreclosure process.
	If you are having difficulty with an-uncooperative lender or feel your loan servicer is not providing you with the most effective loss mitigation options, call the FHA Loss Mitigation Center at (877) 622-8525 for additional help.

For Conventional Home  Loans:

Talk to your lender about specific loss mitigation options. Work directly with him or her to request a “workout packet.” A secondary lender, like Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, may have purchased your loan. Your lender can follow the appropriate guidelines set by Fannie or Freddie to determine the best option for your situation.

Fannie Mae does not deal directly with the borrower. They work with the lender to determine the loss mitigation program that best fits your needs.

Freddie Mac, like Fannie Mae, will usually only work with the loan servicer. However, if you encounter problems with your lender during the loss mitigation process, you can coil customer service for help at 1-800-FREDDIE (1-800-373-3343).

In any loss mitigation situation, it is important to remember a few helpful hints:

Explore every reasonable alternative to avoid losing your home, but beware of scams. For example, watch out for:

Equity skimming: a buyer offers to repay the mortgage or sell the property if you sign over the deed and move out.

Phony counseling agencies: offer counseling for a fee when it is often given at no charge.

Don’t sign anything you don’t understand.

MORTGAGE INSURANCE

88. WHAT IS MORTGAGE INSURANCE?

Mortgage insurance is a policy that protects lenders against some or most of the losses that result from defaults on home mortgages. It’s required primarily for borrowers making a down payment of less than 20%.

89. HOW DOES MORTGAGE INSURANCE WORK? IS IT LIKE HOME OR AUTO INSURANCE?

Like home or auto insurance, mortgage insurance requires payment of a premium, is for protection against loss, and is used in the event of an emergency. If a borrower can’t repay an insured mortgage loan as agreed, the lender may foreclose on the property and file a claim with the mortgage insurer for some or most of the total losses.

90. DO I NEED MORTGAGE INSURANCE? HOW DO I GET IT?

You need mortgage insurance only if you plan to make a down payment of less than 20% of the purchase price of the home. The FHA offers several loan programs that may meet your needs. Ask your lender for details.

91. HOW CAN I RECEIVE A DISCOUNT ON THE FHA INITIAL MORTGAGE INSURANCE PREMIUM?

Ask your real estate agent or lender for information on the HELP program from the FHA. HELP – Homebuyer Education Learning Program – is structured to help people like you begin the homebuying process. It covers such topics as budgeting, finding a home, getting a loan, and home maintenance. In most cases, completion of this program may entitle you to a reduction in the initial FHA mortgage insurance premium from 2.25% to 1.75% of the purchase price of your new home.

If you would like to follow this series of questions and answers about buying your New Brooklyn Home Check it out here

If you’re looking for an experienced, energetic, resourceful  Brooklyn real estate agent or just have a few questions, give me Charles D’Alessandro your Brooklyn Realtor® with Fillmore Real Estate a call at (718) 253-9600 ext.206 or email me at [email protected]

If your home is sitting on the market month after month, or you’re only receiving ridiculously low offers, then you might be committing one of several common selling slip-ups. Some homes almost sell themselves, but if you don’t have that amazing home in the perfect location, you’ll need to be especially careful that you’re not committing one these four easily-avoidable Brooklyn real estate mistakes.

1.      Your home is priced too high. If no one’s even looking at your Brooklyn  house, it may be priced above market value. Check out the competition, and reevaluate how badly you need to sell. If you’re unwilling to drop the price to get buyers through the front door, maybe it’s not a good time for you to sell.

2.      Your house isn’t marketed well. Make sure you and your real estate agent are doing everything possible to get the word out about your home.  Include all of your home’s best assets and many flattering photos in your online marketing. With most home buyers starting their search on the Internet, if your home doesn’t look good online, they may be crossing your home off their list before giving it a chance.

3.      You hired a bad real estate agent. If your Brooklyn real estate just isn’t selling, it may be because your agent isn’t doing enough to get buyers through the door.When interviewing make sure you hire a Pro, look for a Realtor® to ensure the best.  Make sure you have detailed and open discussions with your agent from the beginning. That way you’ll each know exactly what you expect from the other.  If you’re not getting the results you want, talk with your agent and put a plan in place to reach your goals.

4.      Your Brooklyn home is in poor condition. Make sure all of the necessary fixes and repairs are done. Clean! And, remove as much clutter from your home as you can. You want potential buyers to come in and imagine themselves living there. Don’t make them want to run right back out of the door.

If you need help ensuring you’re not making a common Brooklyn real estate mistake, give me Charles D’Alessandro your Brooklyn Realtor® with Fillmore Real Estate a call at (718) 253-9600 ext.206 or email me at [email protected]