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Do you know how to stay safe when selling a property?
There are many parts of the process to selling a property. Pricing, watching out for fraud, writing the contracts, and more. One that is often sadly overlooked is personal safety. That is safety for you as the owner, property managers, belongings, prospective buyers, and tenants. The statistics show that the real estate industry isn’t quite as safe as many believe. Homicides and violent assaults are actually far more common causes of real estate worker fatalities than auto accidents. Agents, owners, and property managers are frequently the target of pre-meditated and opportunistic crimes. This often happens at property showings and open houses. How do you stay safe when showing your properties to prospective buyers and even tenants? Screen Prospects Carefully Experienced real estate agents very carefully screen anyone they consider showing properties too. They’ll make sure they are truly qualified, verify their identity, and often request to hold their driver’s license or other ID at the office while showing property. Anyone showing up at an open house should also be required to register. One of the great additions to lockbox technology over the last few years is that it records exactly who shows your property. The association even forbids pin codes for electronic lockboxes from being shared among colleagues and spouses. Protecting Privacy & Personal Property Aside from personal safety there is also the protection of ID and valuables in a property. In addition to preventing theft owners need to be alert to the risk of stolen passwords, identities, and other sensitive information. These items and any devices should be locked away during showings. Buddy System Agents are repeatedly warned not to show properties alone, rush out to show property on last minute requests, to meet without connecting at the office first, or to go out without others knowing where they are. Always be sure someone else knows where you are, where you are going, and who with. There are now a variety of apps to help real estate professionals with this. Tenants & Pets Tenants need to be alert to showings, and perhaps even coordinated with not to be there. You don’t want any altercations on your property which could lead to injury or lawsuits. The same goes with pets, and unfortunately landlords don’t always know if there are pets in the unit, unless they are on top of inspections, and preview units. Imagine letting a prospective buyer into a unit which has a dangerous animal loose! Stay safe out there. Get Your Property value Now Get an instant estimate today to find out how much your property Is worth for FREE! www.BrooklynPropertyValuation.com The #1 Brooklyn real estate team is standing by to help you with your next real estate move. Contact The Ratner Team for a no obligation free home value report, ask about our record setting real estate sales service, and find out about the best new property listings we have coming to market. Get More Stats @ www.NewYorkMarketReports.com
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6 Quick Ways To Boost The Value Of Your Property
Thinking about selling your NYC property? How can you boost the value and potential sales price fast and efficiently? Here are six ways you can elevate the value of your property to a potential buyer… Doors & Door Hardware Doors can make all the difference in the experience of showing a property, marketing images, and the perceived value of a property. They are also among the cheapest and fastest improvements to make. Depending on your building you might replace lobby doors, individual unit doors, repaint or just replace the hardware. Curb Appeal We’ve all heard about curb appeal. Again, continuing from the above; this is a fast, easy, and affordable way to boost value and bids. Depending on the style of property and lot this may involve new landscaping, resurfacing drives or parking spaces, planting new trees, or even perhaps painting the exterior. Signage Signage can absolutely make a significant difference in appeal to both prospective buyers and tenants. Is it new and clean? House numbers, building name plaques, for sale signs, and even street signs can matter. Highlight the Perks & Advantages Sometimes adding value is just about making the advantages clear. If you don’t tell them, don’t expect them to just know. Maybe your property offers lower taxes, better views, superior proximity to transportation, or is wired for high speed internet. Make sure this is clear in your advertising materials. You may even want to recruit a professional freelance writer and designer to help. Positioning How the property is presented and positioned is a big deal. Who is it for? Is this just another average home or apartment building? Or is it for trendy tech geeks, fashion designers, wealthy students, or CEOs of big Fortune 500 companies? You can show this with the improvements you make, the property descriptions you write, photos taken, and where it gets featured. Rents & Tenants If this is an investment property, then much of the value will depend on the rents and tenants. Perhaps you have the opportunity to raise rents before a sale. Maybe you can terminate leases and deliver some units vacant which can be rented at higher market rates. Look out for more power tips like these in your inbox so that you can sell our NYC property for the most money, in the shortest period of time. Get Your Property value Now Get an instant estimate today to find out how much your property Is worth for FREE! www.BrooklynPropertyValuation.com The #1 Brooklyn real estate team is standing by to help you with your next real estate move. Contact The Ratner Team for a no obligation free home value report, ask about our record setting real estate sales service, and find out about the best new property listings we have coming to market. Get More Stats @ www.NewYorkMarketReports.com Find out how much your home is worth now, and how to get more for it…
Try these ten tips to attract more buyers, and get them to offer more: 1. Price it Right Price is everything when it comes to marketing your home for sale. Ask too much and your home listing may not be taken seriously. Ask too little and you might have to take what you asked for. Price it well. 2. Use the Right Price Point The exact digits you use in your asking price will determine how many people see it, the value they assign to it, and how likely they are to actually want to come out and view it. Fall just outside of the box and you’ll miss the best buyers. 3. Bonuses If you really want to sell your home fast consider bonuses. Offer a bonus to the agent who brings you are buyer who can close within your time frame. Or a sliding bonus depending on how fast it sells. 4. Get an Aggressive Agent There are thousands of real estate agents out there. If you want the best results you need to choose carefully. Look for an aggressive agent. All the years in school and fancy technology isn’t going to mean much unless your agent is aggressive enough to get out there and sell your home. 5. Encourage Critique Wise home sellers encourage critique. They’ll solicit feedback from prospective buyers, and advice from real estate experts. Ask what they love and don’t about your house, and what might help it sell faster and for more. 6. Creative Incentives Creative incentives for buyers can help create some buzz, increase visibility, and can add value. It could be providing a more seamless move-in experience, a big gift, a designer label or custom improvement. It’s up to you. 7. Stage it Professional home staging has been statistically proven to help homes sell faster, and for more money. This can be as basic as a few new throw pillows, or completely refurnishing you place. 8. Pave the Way Successful sellers and agents are increasingly opting to order title searches, home inspections, and valuation reports in advance. This can help pre-empt issue which could otherwise derail a closing, and can make your property far more attractive to buyers. It gives them the confidence needed to make an offer. 9. Stay Flexible Remember what is most important, but be flexible on everything else. Be willing to adjust pricing, what will be included in the sale or not, terms, etc. Know your bottom line, leave room to be flexible. 10. Save on Taxes One of the biggest areas of impact when selling your home can be taxes. Fortunately there are many tools for reducing your taxes, and even enjoying tax free proceeds. Investigate 1031 exchanges, self-directed IRAs, and other exemptions. Get Your Property value Now Get an instant estimate today to find out how much your property Is worth for FREE! www.BrooklynPropertyValuation.com The #1 Brooklyn real estate team is standing by to help you with your next real estate move. Contact The Ratner Team for a no obligation free home value report, ask about our record setting real estate sales service, and find out about the best new property listings we have coming to market. Get More Stats @ www.NewYorkMarketReports.com Welcome to New York, the most populous city in the U.S. with 8.5 million residents. Whether you're a college student, post-grad or just moving to NYC to claim your piece of the Big Apple, use this housing guide to help you land an apartment in a neighborhood you like.
Calculate Affordability Living and renting in NYC is expensive – rents are high and budgets are tight. Use the calculator below to see how much rent you can afford. Be aware that landlords require that your salary is 40 times your monthly rent. If the combination of your salary and your roommates’ does not meet that level, you might need a guarantor. Find Neighborhood New York City is made up of five boroughs and within each are distinct neighborhoods that have a mood and vibe all their own. Manhattan ranges from upper-crust living along Central Park on the Upper East Side to edgy, no-holds-barred tastes on the Lower East Side. Brooklyn offers a more casual lifestyle for the young and hip and when when you add in Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island, it’s all there for the taking. Choose Living Style Due to the high costs of rents, many people find roommates to help share costs. But if you prefer to go it alone, there are a few options. See three living styles below. Find a roommate and apartment For this option, you will first need to find a roommate and ideally one who is compatible. Get tips on finding a roommate. Then, you can search for apartments together and split the upfront costs together, too. Get your own apartment This is perhaps the priciest and most challenging option because you are going it alone and laying out the costs yourself. But, just think: You can do what you want when you want and there is no one to bother you. Find a sublet or vacant room What’s good about this option is that you won’t have to pay a broker’s fee and you’re not tied to a lease. Also, the utilities will already be set up and you just move in. Read tips on finding a sublet. In NYC, there are two main types of rentals: Fee and no-fee listings. Fee means you pay a real estate broker to find you a rental. No-fee means you rent through a management company and you do not pay a fee. A broker’s fee is one-month’s rent or anywhere from 8 to 15 percent of the full year’s lease. Once you find the apartment you want, it’s important to move fast. That’s because it’s a competitive city and desirable apartments come on and off the market quickly. Before you submit an application, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper paperwork together (see charts below) and most importantly, you have a guarantor lined up. NYC Living Tips Now comes the fun part: Living in New York City! As you’ll quickly learn, it can be quite expensive and you might run into some issues with roommates, landlords and budgets. But, we’ve put together some tips to help you get through: General Advice
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE Summer is coming up fast. It’s an amazing season in NYC, when we are all reminded how great the city is.
Summer Fun in NYC This is the season for hitting the waterfront in Brooklyn, visiting our local beaches, and mingling with neighbors on warm afternoons and evenings. For those looking to getaway this summer, but not too far here are 7 Fun Activities to Enjoy on Long Island. New Williamsburg Connector Streetcar Streetcars are making a comeback across the country as a clean and affordable means of public transportation. They can also help aging residents stay in their communities connect workers to top jobs and affordable housing, and make for fun excursions on the weekends. Williamsburg is to get a new streetcar, but you may have to wait a few seasons for a chance to ride it. Current plans aim to connect the Brooklyn waterfront to Queens. While being promoted as a great amenity, especially for lower income residents, not everyone is happy. Some fear the higher property taxes along the route which will stem from increased property values could push more out of the area as gentrification continues. New York’s Homeless New York has some of the most spectacular real estate in the world. It also has many homeless individuals and families. Several schools in NYC have at least half of their students coming from the streets and shelters every day. While this is sad, it is also a great reminder of how our city comes together to create opportunities for the less fortunate. Fourth of July July 4th is almost here. Let’s not neglect to get out and celebrate our independence and freedom to live where we choose, help others, build amazing projects, and invest in real estate. Where will you be celebrating on this 4th of July? Is Brooklyn’s expanding gentrification that serious? If so, what can you do about it?
Brooklyn real estate has certainly rivalled Manhattan’s over the past few years, and some may even say that it has surpassed it in some cases. Brooklyn is now home to some of the most spectacular buildings, businesses, and communities in the world. But not everyone is happy about it. Time for a Revolution? As new tech stores, hot restaurants, and stylish Brooklyn condominiums with epic concierge services have gone up, some have grown increasingly vocal about their dislike of this trend. One of the world’s most popular blogs, Gawker, recently posted a piece essentially inciting the public to go out and cause physical property damage to the investment properties and homes of the wealthy in Miami, Florida. Aside from the fact that this is still a pretty serious crime, and seriously counterproductive for the lives of anyone who falls for such manipulation, it may be just a little short sighted too. There is no question that affordability is an issue across America, and major international cities. It is absolutely a shame when locals are priced out of their neighborhoods, and when education and other services suffer because great workers can’t live within reach of the jobs. However, those that are really passionate about fixing this situation can certainly find positive and constructive solutions, rather than destructive and violent ones. Plus, we haven’t seen many lines of people eager to throw away their iPhones, stop eating out, and choosing to downsize to the most affordable properties they can find. Wealth, Philanthropy & Revitalization Positive change costs money, and needs to be financed too. Vaccines, drilling wells for clean water, going green, better education, and safe housing all cost money. It’s a fact. It can easily be argued that America’s wealthiest have also been amongst the most powerful and generous donors to these causes, and plan to do far more over the next couple of decades. That should never be justified if it is only thanks to raiding the piggy banks of the working class and grandma facing retirement. When it comes to real estate, that doesn’t seem like a direct connection. The likes of Warren Buffett have been among the leaders in pioneering green homes and the most affordable manufactured homes. Most people have a choice in where they live, and opting for the trendiest NYC apartments is a luxury. It’s also hard to fault a Buffett for spending a million or so on a home from where they can generate tens of billions to solve the biggest world problems. There are some ethics questions, yet to brand everyone with a nice home or condo a bad person, or someone who extravagantly wastes precious resources may not be fair either. And if you’ve ever lived in North Korea or Venezuela you will have first-hand witnessed that when everyone becomes poor in the name of equality no one is happy. Those who were already poor are no happier, and those whose assets were nationalized generally aren’t happier either. Revitalization & You… Finally consider the need to improve and revitalize Brooklyn communities for health and safety reasons. There have been areas and buildings which have essentially been deserted or desperately under used for years. If those are renovated or developed they can provide more housing to alleviate the crunch, and can bring up to date healthy places to live, earn a living, and enjoy life. Much of what is being developed in Brooklyn now is mixed use or commercial property and should be put to better use. You don’t have to move or work there, but you might want to. You might want to participate. What is going to have more positive impact and create more personal success; throwing rocks at rich people’s windows or becoming a part of the process, financially benefiting from sound redevelopment, and having a say in what is built and how much the rents are? Want to be a part of the solution? Check out the opportunities today… What’s dictating NYC real estate design and trends now?
We recently covered some of the hot colors, furniture styles, and décor trends happening in NYC real estate this year, but what’s driving those trends? What is deciding what is built, and what is in demand? 1. Walkability Love walking or not; walkability continues to be a popular factor. Developers and planners are putting more consideration into this factor when it comes to building, it is increasingly a highly marketable factor, and it’s even easier for renters, businesses, and buyers to figure out the walkability of a site or unit thanks to tools like Walk Score. 2. Sustainability Sustainability regulations and how buildings now compete based on their level of sustainability is forcing new innovation in this area. This is now going beyond just being ‘green’ and LEED certifications to pushing the envelope in buildings becoming self-sufficient in terms of water, power, and in many cases food. 3. Affordable or Not The US real estate market is being torn into two very opposite directions. One is the urgent and desperate need for affordability. High prices, and New York’s notoriously high property taxes are definitely helping to push more people outwards. At the same time many professionals and funds are flush with cash. For this group out of this world prices are a status symbol and a reward of itself. These diverging trends are only likely to fuel each other ahead. We’ll see more action in boroughs outside of Manhattan, as well as glitzier and more glamorous developments in Manhattan and Brooklyn’s hottest neighborhoods. 4. Lifestyle Design The above trends aren’t just about money. In fact, they are much more about lifestyle design. That applies to the richest fund managers and the joy they reap from trumping their competitors with big deals, as well as to those looking for housing payments well below their means so that they can enjoy living more freely. 5. Foreign Buyers There is really no such thing as a ‘foreign’ buyer in NYC. It’s a global metropolis. Still, Forbes recent slideshow ranking the top US cities for foreign buyers in 2016 still puts New York right up there. Expect to continue to see substantial amounts of capital coming from overseas, as well as the impact of international designers on home interiors. 6. Fashion Europe’s most fashionable luxury brands are increasingly working their way into real estate. From brand name labeled interiors and furniture to entire condominiums named for brands like Armani, Fendi, and Porsche expect this trend to grow, and add a lot to price per square foot. 7. In Pursuit of Epicness NYC is famous for its monumental buildings, but it can’t sleep on its past acclaim. Emaar Properties in Dubai just announced it is building another massive skyscraper that will surpass even the Burj Khalifa (currently the world’s tallest building). Someone has to come up with something even more special for the Big Apple. 8. Availability Of course one of the biggest challenges to development and real estate design in NY is availability. The space and zoning permission to do it. Savvy developers often buy up parcels quietly and piece them together before remarketing a project. If sellers catch on too early they pump their prices up beyond making sense. But it is being done by those with connections to off-market deals, who are tuned into what the leaders are doing with zoning changes and variances, and with the right teams. Want to build, buy, or rent something amazing in NYC this year? Get in touch with your off-market NYC real estate experts The Ratner Team – we’d love to help! There are many obvious things to love about NYC real estate. Then there are some often overlooked perks that not everyone is aware of…
Magnificent Condos and Homes New York City is famous for being home to some of the most spectacular penthouses in the world. They are prized treasures which are as much art and collectibles as anything else. Then there are equally fabulous homes right in the heart of the city, and they are in very limited supply. Boating and Marinas Believe it or not NYC is home to many waterfront parks, marinas, and even affordable private docks. Even in the Bronx there are incredibly affordable waterfront condos and properties for boaters. Beachfront Property Beaches in NYC? Yes! At the southern point of Brooklyn, Brighton Beach offers beachfront condominium and coop resorts, as well as single family homes within walking distance of the beach. Many are far cheaper than you could imagine. Many even cheaper than similar properties down in sunny Florida. Creative & Innovative Solutions One of the most notable things about the Big Apple is its diversity. And here your real estate can be unique as you are, and is only limited by your imagination too. Perhaps you want convert mixed use space on the edge of Brooklyn’s developing neighborhoods into an epic live, work, play pad of your own. You can buy up prime lots in Manhattan and merge them together to put up a monumental NY condominium of your own, or connect homes together and enjoy thousands of square feet in the city’s most exciting neighborhoods. Or perhaps your vision is to launch a new startup, or setup the headquarters to a new world dominating brand. You can do that two by completely designing your own commercial space. And there is nowhere better to do it. Find Your Next Space in NYC Now… Whatever your NYC real estate dreams, it all starts with discovering what’s available, or putting a pro to work to find it for you. Explore the latest exclusive listings here, or get in touch with The Ratner Team to find off market gems, and source the perfect property… What Direction Is The NYC Real Estate Market Really Headed In? Is the NYC real estate market just getting heated up in 2016? Or is this bull-run just about out of gas? New York City’s real estate market has been setting new records, giving way to new monuments on the skyline, and unleashing higher rents and tax assessed values. So is the best already behind us? Or is the best still to come? Factors Influencing the NYC Real Estate Market in 2016
Facts to Know
The Verdict There are many factors influencing the NYC property market, and they are constantly influx. There is no question the city has been enjoying a great recovery. All boroughs are expected to perform well this year. There may be some slowdown in the momentum of growth in some neighborhoods due to recent development and selling out new buildings. However, it appears New York has been one of the latest to recover, and while foreclosure activity is slowing, only now are many properties being sent to auction and resold. That suggests significant fuel in the pipeline to keep boosting property sales and prices through 2016. Smart Real Estate Moves in 2016 For buyers success this year is all about finding good properties, in great locations, with room for growth, reinvention and income. Many of the best opportunities will be privately marketed off-market listings. Note that in addition to foreclosures it is worth looking at those which are just now selling for first time in a generation or more. With the right real estate professional on your team you may discover some are still more affordable than you’d imagine. At the same time it might be time to sell. Given current interest rates and uncertainty about macro-economic factors those that don’t like to gamble could find this a great time to cash out while values are up. What’s trending in home design now? Whether making over your current space in Brooklyn, or moving up to an oversized single family home in Manhattan; here are the interior design trends to make sure you space is highly functional, fun, and fashionable… Designer Interiors  With the world’s favorite fashion brands including; Ferrari, Porsche, and Armani moving into the world of real estate, it is now all about designer label interiors. If not purchasing in a fashion label branded building look for some incredible accents. Think Hermes pillows and blankets, Versace coffee cups, and DKNY tableware. Wall Art  Unique custom wall art is definitely in. Wallpaper has made a huge comeback. For those sticking with paint Pantone says pastel blues and pinks are the colors for 2016. Spa-Like Bathrooms  For bathroom makeovers it is all about replicating the spa like feel of the world’s top resorts. Dark wood and seamless gray marbles, with oversized shower heads should all be on the list. For those with the space consider a separate massage room, and expanding the walk-in closets to include a separate show closet. Cubes & Hidden Storage  Most everything can be doubled to provide hidden storage. Multipurpose cubes can provide utility on the outside, and storage on the inside, while leaving most of the rest of the room freed up. Expensive Fridges  Forget the cheap $5,000 Samsung smart fridge. You can spend $40,000 or more for a truly top of the line fridge that will wow your guests. Retro Kitchens  Kitchen stainless steel to the curb. Colored appliances, and particularly pastel colored blues, pinks, and 60s greens are in! Dual Purpose Kitchen Islands  Turn your kitchen island into an entertaining focal point to gather around. Make it a bar, a sushi station, a Hibachi grill, or something else. In one recent survey two thirds of contractors said they had recently been asked to incorporate offices into the kitchen. What will you do with your space in NYC this year? Send us your tips and photos! |
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