Charles D’Alessandro of Fillmore Real Estate

is happy to announce Brooklyn Real Estate sales one stop shopping. Search the Brooklyn Multiple listing . Search any of the 5 boroughs by visiting one web site just click  here. BrooklynRealEstatesales.com

Searching for the perfect Brooklyn Home or a Realtor® who gets homes sold?  Congratulations, you’ve just found one ! Charles D’Alessandro Your Brooklyn Realtor®. I’d be honored if you’d give me a chance to interview for the job of selling your Brooklyn New York home.  Please call me at (718)253-9600 ext.206 or email me at [email protected] to

If you’re considering selling your  home in Brooklyn New York, you probably already know most of the questions you should ask Brooklyn real estate agents you’re thinking of hiring, such as:

• How long have you been a Brooklyn real estate agent?
• Are you a full-time REALTOR®?
• Do you specialize in my Brooklyn neighborhood?
• How would you market my home?

Unfortunately, most sellers forget one of the most important questions to ask  Brooklyn real estate agents:  How many of the homes you listed in the last 12 months actually sold?

The answer to this question gets to the heart of whether the agents are good at selling real estate. They’ll have very few sold homes in comparison to the number of homes they listed, if they:

• Over-price homes
• Under-market homes
• Don’t know how to negotiate
• Aren’t good at (or simply don’t do) the multitude of tasks knowledgeable real estate agents perform to get homes sold

If you discover that an agent has a higher percentage of listings that are withdrawn or expired and not renewed than other agents in the same area, keep looking.

Searching for an agent who gets homes sold?  Congratulations, you’ve just found one ! Charles D’Alessandro Your Brooklyn Realtor®. I’d be honored if you’d give me a chance to interview for the job of selling your Brooklyn home.  Please call me at (718)253-9600 ext.206 or email me at [email protected] to schedule an interview.

If you watch television, read magazines or surf the net, you’ve probably seen ads for reverse mortgages.  Those ads don’t provide many details, so here are the basics you need to know about reverse mortgages.

Are you eligible for a reverse mortgage on your Brooklyn NY real estate?

To be eligible for a reverse mortgage, you must:

• Be at least 62 years old
• Own your home
• Live in the home and claim it as your primary residence

When does the reverse mortgage loan become due?

As the homeowner, you do not have to make any monthly payments on your reverse mortgage.  The loan becomes due when you:

• Permanently move out of your home
• Sell the home or fail to fulfill other conditions like the continued payment of property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and repair and maintenance.
• Pass away

Should you get a reverse mortgage on your Brooklyn NY real estate?

The Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, suggests you consider all alternatives to a reverse mortgage before taking the plunge.  Alternatives you may want to consider include less expensive programs offering financial assistance, other lower-cost loans or selling your home.

You may want to get a reverse mortgage if you:

• Need additional income and there is no less expensive way to get it.  Use an online reverse mortgage calculator to estimate the amount of money you could get from a reverse mortgage.
• Want to stay in your home and retain ownership
• Do not plan to leave your home to your children or others who will inherit from you.

You may NOT want to get a reverse mortgage if you:

• Want to leave your home, free and clear, to your children or heirs
• Have a less costly means to reach your financial goal
• Become ineligible to receive public benefits such as Medicaid or SSI (Social Security Income) by taking out a reverse mortgage.
• Will have trouble paying your property taxes and homeowner’s insurance.  A 2010 report from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimated that more than 20,000 reverse mortgages were in default for nonpayment of taxes and insurance.  You do not want to get a reverse mortgage only to lose your home to foreclosure and eviction because you’re unable to pay your taxes and insurance.

As always, when you consider taking out a loan of any type, do your homework to make sure this is the right move for you, be sure to read all of the fine print and understand exactly what it is you’re signing.

If you’d like some help determining if selling your home, getting a reverse mortgage or some other lower-cost loan is best for you, give me a call Charles D’Alessandro of Fillmore Real Estate call today at 9718) 253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected].

For some frustrated sellers, the answer to “Why isn’t my Brooklyn home selling?” is “It’s the agent’s fault!”  If your immediate instinct is to drop your Brooklyn NY real estate agent for a new one, you might want to take a deep breath and consider the following:

1.      Do you think agents are like lottery tickets? Going through Brooklyn real estate agents as fast as scratch-off lottery tickets isn’t going to get your home sold faster.  In fact, it usually slows down the process.

2.      Is your Brooklyn home priced correctly? That’s probably the number one difference between homes that sell fast and homes that sit on the market.  A poorly priced home could be your real estate  agent’s fault.  Then again, you could be partially to blame.  Did you insist on a specific price even though your agent strongly recommended a lower price?  Did you refuse to lower the price when your agent suggested lowering it?  If you’re inflexible about price, switching agents will not help.

3. Did you make the home improvements recommended by your Realtor©? If your agent suggested you paint, clean carpets, reduce clutter or complete any other inexpensive, easy-to-accomplish task, and you didn’t do it, you’re greatly reducing your opportunity to get your home sold.  You chose to work with your agent because he is a knowledgeable professional.  Take his advice and get those home improvement tasks done now.

4.      Has your listing agreement expired? If your listing contract has expired, this is the perfect time to consider switching agents.  Go back to the start, identify 3 new agents and interview the agents.  If you find one that fits your needs better than your current agent, let your agent know you won’t be renewing your contract.

5.      Did your agent market your home? If your agent has not done all the marketing he promised, point this out and ask him when he’ll get the marketing in place.  Follow up to be sure it’s done on time and professionally.  If he still doesn’t market your home like he said he would, it may be time to switch agents.

6.      Are you being impatient? If you made all the home improvements recommended by your agent, your home is properly priced, and all marketing tasks are completed, you may just need to have a little patience.  This is a slow real estate market.  That means your home isn’t going to sell overnight.  Ask your agent the average number of days it takes a home to sell in your area, then wait that length of time before thinking about changing agents.

Don’t replace your agent just because you don’t know what else to do.  You’ll be wasting time and effort.  Instead, work with your agent to determine what else can be done to get your home sold.

If you decide to search for a new Brooklyn real estate agent, I’d be honored if you’d allow me to interview for the job.  Call Charles D’Alessandro of Fillmore Real Estate at (718)253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected] to schedule an interview.

One of the biggest challenges for Brooklyn’s first time home buyer is the financing . Here in this video is Charles D’Alessandro of Fillmore Real Estate a Brooklyn New York real estate agent and Tony Cetta  a mortgage professional with Continental Home Loans discussing the challenges for first time home buyers in today’s market.

Thinking of buying a home?  I can help you ,if you are a first time Brooklyn Home buyer or looking to relocate. I will help you and find a home that fits your values and lifestyle.  Give me a call today Charles D’Alessandro of Fillmore Real Estate at (718) 253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected]

As a society, it seems like we’ve gotten away from appreciating our Brooklyn New York homes for their emotional and sentimental worth.  Instead, we focus solely on their monetary value. Do You Consider Brooklyn Real Estate a House or Your Home?

An appraiser can estimate a Brooklyn New York home’s monetary value, but to gain a true concept of your home’s worth, you must also take into consideration:

1.      Pride of home ownership. You don’t buy a pair of Prada shoes because you’re going to be able to resell them and make a profit.  You buy them because they make you look good and feel good.

2.      Security and stability. Your home provides a roof over your head that’s in your control.  You can decorate it how you want.  You don’t have to worry about a landlord selling the property or asking you to move out.  In the “olden days” (or should I say “golden days”), we called our homes our castles because, as homeowners, we felt like the kings and queens of our Brooklyn New York homes.  You can still feel that way!  Claim your castle and crown yourself king or queen today.

3. A safe haven. After a tough day at work or a day of disappointments, where’s the first place you think of going?  Home!  As Dorothy says, “There’s no place like home.”

4. A place to make memories. Your son’s tree house and daughter’s playhouse.  The markings on the wall that tracked your children’s growth.  The porch swing where you start and end every anniversary celebration.

5.      A neighborhood full of friends. In the event of an emergency, your Brooklyn neighbors are your first line of defense.  They’re also the simplest, best and least expensive form of security.  Additionally, they may have the exact tool you need for a project; the extra pair of hands you need to complete a project or children to become playmates with yours. Neighbors also give you that much needed in-person, up-close social network.

Even if your home’s economic value has dropped, you continue to benefit from its emotional values of community, stability, security and success.

Thinking of buying a home?  I can help you evaluate the emotional and monetary worth of your Brooklyn homes and find a home that fits your values and lifestyle.  Give me a call today Charles D’Alessandro of Fillmore Real Estate at (718) 253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected].

All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR “®” logo on the business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.

Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem, would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®.

But if you’re still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR®, here are a dozen more reasons to use one:

1. Your REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power — that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a REALTOR® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders — banks and mortgage companies — offer limited choices.

2. Your REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties.

3. Your REALTOR® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning. schools, etc. There are two things you’ll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

4. Your REALTOR® can help you negotiate. There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5. Your REALTOR® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your REALTOR® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your REALTOR®, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.

6. Your REALTOR® can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.

7. Your REALTOR® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

8. When selling your home, your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.

9. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. Often, your REALTOR® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your REALTOR® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics requires REALTORS® to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients.

10. Your REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

11. Your REALTOR® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer’s proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing — a lot of possible pitfalls. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.

12. Your Brooklyn REALTOR® can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your REALTOR® is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).

Thanksgiving is coming soon to Brooklyn homes near you. It may even be coming to your home, bringing friends, family, good food and happy memories. In the midst of all the activity, take time to think about what you’re thankful for this year.

The last year has been hard for hundreds of thousands of individuals and families. Some who, at the beginning of the year, had a good job, nice house they could afford, 2.5 kids – you know, living the American dream – are now trying to figure out where their next meal is coming from. Some are trying to figure out where to sleep tonight.

Many homeowners – those with Brooklyn homes and homes elsewhere across the nation – seem to think these people must have “done something” to be in their current situation. They believe that as long as they don’t “do something,” they won’t experience similar problems.

This belief is far from the truth. Not all, but most, Americans struggling today paid their bills on time, went to work every day and were just regular, responsible people. Their place of employment closed or their jobs were cut and, with hiring freezes, they couldn’t find new jobs. They could no longer afford their mortgages. The banks foreclosed. This is the true story of all too many people across the U.S.

Did they really do anything? Could they have stopped the companies from letting them go or closing? Could they have forced someone else to hire them?

As Thanksgiving draws near, I urge you to take a look at your own situation. Whether you hate or love your job, be thankful you still have one, when thousands don’t. Look around your warm, safe home and be thankful you can still afford it – even if it’s underwater and/or losing equity. You know where your next meal is coming from – even if you can’t decide whether it’s chicken or burgers tonight.

Be thankful for your Brooklyn homes, your jobs, your families and your good, full life. I know I am. This Thanksgiving, take time to let go of the cares of the world; just enjoy what you have and with whom you have to share it.

Finally, I’d love to hear what you’re especially thankful for this year, so please feel free to add your comments below. I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving for many years to come!

Charles D’Alessandro

[email protected]
tel 718 253-9600
fax 718 253-9573

Brooklyn Real Estate Blog Brooklyn Homes for Sale – Home Selling Questions Answered

A little-known tool that I use to keep updated on national and Brooklyn real estate news is Google Alerts. It’s a handy tool. A few days ago, Google Alerts sent me a list of online links, along with one talking about an individual being indicted for real estate fraud. Today, I received another Alert with a link to real estate fraud. Unfortunately, it turned out to be another case, rather than the same one.

I love being a  Brooklyn real estate represenative. I enjoy being able to help home sellers find buyers, and buyers find their dream homes. With all those trying to sell homes, buy homes or keep the homes they have, I get angry when I see reports of fraud like these:

• On June 18, 2010, Sacramento Today reported that two individuals were arrested for six counts of real estate fraud, pretending to be licensed with the Department of Real Estate.

• On July 8, 2010, Fraud News reported that three individuals in New York were found guilty of real estate fraud to the tune of $23 million.

It’s become enough of a major issue, in fact, that the IRS has created a page on their website specifically for information on real estate and mortgage fraud.

Your home is too precious to risk with these con-artists. Don’t take a chance on giving away your savings or your house. The following tips, while few in number, can help ensure that the home you buy is a home you get to keep:

Tip #1: Research potential real estate agents or agency.

Don’t just ask about their credentials, because credentials can be faked. Ask for their client lists. Contact those clients personally to discuss their experiences with the real estate agents. When you do look at their credentials, take it one step further and check with their real estate boards. Are they actually members? Interview them and gather as much information as you can before hiring anyone to sell or find you a home.

Tip #2: Verify details with your lender.

Many agents do the paperwork for you. In fact, it’s one of the big selling points of having an agent. However, an unscrupulous person may provide your lender with a fraudulent amount for the selling price. Before signing any deal, check with your lender and verify the details. Talk with them face to face, if possible, rather than on the phone.  Read everything before signing.

Tip #3: Never use an agent who will “fudge the facts.”

Some agents may be willing to adjust your qualifications to help you get a loan. While this might sound like a great deal if you have a bad credit history, consider this: if an agent is willing to adjust this part, what else are they willing to adjust that they may not tell you about?

While owning Brooklyn real estate can be a dream come true, not doing your homework can turn it into a nightmare. Be careful and, if you suspect fraud, report it!

If you’re trying to sell or buy a home and want a reputable agent, I’d like to apply for the job. Call me at (718) 253-9600 ext 206 or email me at [email protected] to schedule an interview.

Charles D’Alessandro

[email protected]
tel 718 253-9600
fax 718 253-9573

Brooklyn Real Estate Blog 4 Reasons to List Your FSBO with a Brooklyn Real Estate Agent

Going it alone and listing your home as for sale by owner can be exciting at first, but there is a turning point where the prospect of losing money makes it necessary to bring in help. Here are four reasons to change your plan and list your home with a Brooklyn real estate agent in order to facilitate a sale.

1. 1. Speed: If your property has been languishing on the market for more than three months, it is no longer fresh. People will avoid it simply because it hasn’t sold. A Brooklyn real estate agent can give your home wider exposure and get traffic moving through it again.
2. 2. Knowledge: Fresh eyes on a project are helpful in any business endeavor. You can be too close to your home. You love it and see it in a positive light that can often overlook minor items that will kill a sale. Your Brooklyn real estate agent can help you see the problems you didn’t even know existed.
3. 3. National Exposure: As a FSBO (for sale by owner) seller, you are not able to list your home on the official MLS (multiple listing service). That exposure alone can get much faster responses and sales. Additionally, a professional real estate agent markets your home on multiple websites which gives your home a virtual Open House 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
4. 4. An Earthly Advantage: Many FSBOs price their homes way over market for two reasons.  First, they love their home and see certain aspects of their home as more valuable than they really are.  Second, they don’t have extensive knowledge of the real estate market nor do they have the ability to do accurate home price comparisons. You ‘might’ know what your neighbor’s house sold for 5 years ago, but do you know what it is worth now?  And even more importantly, do you know exactly how comparable your house is to that one? A professional real estate agent has access to all that information.

If you would like to know more about how a professional real estate agent can help you sell yourBrooklyn home, I can help.  Give  Charles D’Alessandro of Fillmore Real Estate a call today at 9718) 253-9600 EXT.206 or email me at [email protected] for more information.

Charles D’Alessandro

[email protected]
tel 718 253-9600
fax 718 253-9573

Brooklyn Real Estate Blog The FSBO Mindset: Successful Ways to Sell Your Brooklyn Real Estate