Brooklyn Real Estate Q&A and Info

Should you or should you not be at home when your Realtor(r) shows your property?  The answer to that question is simple.  Its best that you leave the house so that potential buyers will feel free to really take a good look at it.

But why, you ask?  Well, I’ve seen it time and time again. When the owner of the property is home, buyers feel like they’re intruding and will be reluctant to take a really good look at the property.   They may not open the pantry door and see how large it is, or they may shy away from looking in your cavernous master closet , or fail to get a really get a good look at the jacuzzi tub and miss out on some of the best features of your home.

Also ,when they have a negative thought about a feature of your property, they tend to keep it to themselves when the owner is around, which does not give me the opportunity to offer a workable solution to the problem that might bring about a sale.

So, help make selling your home a little easier by leaving the property when you have a showing.  If that’s just not possible, make yourself scarce by staying in one room during the tour, such as the diningroom, and leaving that room when the buyers are taking a look at it.

Just like curiosity “killed the cat”, your curiosity may kill the deal.

After much debate, political sour grapes, and self-serving politics as usual, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has been signed into law. The first-time home buyers tax credit that was part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 has been revised. Here are the highlights of the new credit:

1. Credit Amount – Maximum increased from $7500 to $8000.
2. Effective Date - The credit is effective for purchases on or after January 1, 2009 until December 1, 2009.
3. Eligible Properties – Any single family residence, including coops, condos and townhouses, that will be used as a primary residence.
4. Income Limit – The full amount of the credit is available for individuals with an adjusted gross income of no more then $75,000 ($150,000 on joint returns). It phases out above $95,000 for individuals and $170,000 for joint returns.
5. First Time Home Buyers Only - This tax credit is for purchasers who have not owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase.
6. Recapture – If the property is sold within three years of purchase, the entire amount of the credit is recaptured at sale.

So, if you are a first-time home buyer who has been hesitant about buying your first property, this credit and the historically low interest rates we are experiencing now should be a good incentive to take the plunge into home ownership.

For more information about this tax credit or if need assistance with purchasing your first home, please give me a call at the number below or email me by clicking here.

Here is a little thank you from me to all of my loyal clients, blog readers, fellow Realtors(r), friends and family.

Thank you for all your support, encouragement and the simple joy of your company.

Whether you celebrated today or not, I do celebrate your presence in my life and the smile it puts upon my face.

If you are looking for a place to live that has all the conveniences like easy access to major subway lines and bus routes, eateries galore, and lots of shopping, then the Philip Howard Apartments are an ideal place for you to live.

Standing tall at 1655 Flatbush Avenue just steps away from the now vibrant Triangle Junction Mall, the Philip Howard Apartments has 640 units and some of the most fantastic panoramic views you’ll find anywhere in Brooklyn.

Getting into Manhattan from the Philip Howard Apartments couldn’t be easier. It’s a 5-minute walk to the #2 and #5 trains Flatbush Avenue Station, and since it’s the end of the line for both of those train lines, you’ll always get a seat on your way to work.

If you are planning on attending Brooklyn College and you would like to live off campus, this coop is ideal. Its well within walking distance of Brooklyn College.

The coop is very affordable. At the time of this writing, a 1 bedroom can be purchased for about $190,000 and a 2 bedroom for about $230,000. The maintenance charges for this coop is reasonable and includes everything except electricity.

Besides location, here are some of the other great features of the Philip Howard Cooperative Apartments.

1. Fantastic Parquet Floors
2. Some Apartments have terraces.
3. Parking Garage
4. Full Time Doorman
5. Fitness Room
6. Beauty Salon
7. Laundry Facilities
8. A Playground for the kids
9. Management Onsite

Philip Howard is a wonderful coop in a fantastic location. If you’d like to find out more about the coop or the properties available for sale, please feel free to give me a call at 917-544-2662 or click here to send me an email.