Posts Tagged ‘homeowners’

What’s the Real Value of Brooklyn New York Homes?

Sunday, January 30th, 2011

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].

Owe More than Your Brooklyn Home is Worth?

Sunday, August 8th, 2010

Owe More than Your Brooklyn Home is Worth?

If you’re a homeowner who is unable to refinance to a lower interest rate because your Brooklyn home’s value has decreased, there’s hope.

A program called the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) has been extended for another year.  This program, intended to help borrowers whose homes have fallen in value, was due to expire as of June, 2010.  Fortunately, HARP has been extended and will now stay in effect through June 30, 2011.

How does HARP help?

The program allows qualified borrowers who owe more than their homes are worth to refinance at lower interest rates.  It’s projected to help 4 to 5 million homeowners with loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

If you’re a Brooklyn home owner whose mortgage interest rate is significantly higher than the current market rate, you could see an immediate reduction in your payments.  However, some homeowners may not see their interest payments go down if they refinance to a fixed rate and payment.  Those include homeowners who are:

·        paying interest only

·        have a low introductory rate that will increase in the future

·        face a balloon payment

If you are one of these homeowners, you should still consider refinancing because it could save you a great deal of money by reducing the amount of interest you pay over the life of your mortgage.

Who qualifies for HARP?

You may qualify if:

  • You own and live in your home.
  • The loan on your home is owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
  • When you apply, you are current on your mortgage payments.
  • The amount you owe on your mortgage does not exceed 125% of the current market value of your property.
  • You’re able to pay the new mortgage payments.
  • The refinance improves your ability to pay your mortgage long term.

If you have questions about HARP or any other  questions,I’m happy to help. 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]



Charles D’Alessandro

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