We concluded that selling any type of real estate deserves a full-time professional. From coordinating the sale, flexibility with showing times and managing a seamless transaction, selecting the right agent for the job is important.

Know the Key Players

There will be many professionals that you will need to consult with to ensure an easy transaction including:

• Real Estate Agent
• Real Estate Managing Agent
• Attorney
• Handyman
• Stager
• Movers

Choose the Right Agent

• Find a neighborhood specialist who has a track record of selling in your area
• Is your agent knowledgeable about the state of the market and where your home might stand in comparison? Retrieve a free CMA (comparative market analysis) from one our agents.
• Discuss the best time to put your property for sale with your agent.

Speak with Your Accountant and Lawyer

It is important to fully understand the legal and financial responsibilities of the sale so speak with your trusted attorney and accountant to better understand the process.

Preparing Your Brooklyn Home for Sale

• Disassociate Yourself With Your Home Selling a home can be very hard for some who may have a sentimental attachment to it. Telling yourself that it is a product to be sold rather than your home will help.
• De-Personalize. Pack up personal photographs and family heirlooms. Buyers need to imagine the home as theirs and can’t see past personal items.
• Remove Clutter Remove anything that hasn’t been used in over a year and determine whether it should be tossed, donated or put in storage.
• Thoroughly Clean
  • -Wash windows inside and out.
  • -Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior. -Clean out cobwebs.
  • -Re-caulk tubs, showers, and sinks. -Polish chrome faucets and mirrors. -Clean out the refrigerator.
  • -Vacuum daily.
  • -Wax floors.
  • -Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
  • -Bleach dingy grout.
  • -Replace worn rugs.
  • -Hang up fresh towels.
  • -Clean and air out any musty smelling areas.
• Make Minor Repairs
  • -Replace cracked floor or counter tiles.
  • -Patch holes in walls.
  • -Fix leaky faucets.
  • -Fix doors and cabinets that don’t close properly and kitchen drawers that jam.
  • -Consider painting your walls neutral colors.
  • -Replace burned-out light bulbs.
  • -Repair or remove any signs of water damage.
• Check Curb Appeal.
  • -Keep the sidewalks cleared and clean.
  • -Mow the lawn.
  • -Paint faded window trim.
  • -Plant flowers or group flower pots together.
  • -Trim your bushes.
• Stage Your Home
  • -Remove bulky furniture to allow the potential buyer to imagine the space.
  • -Rearrange any furniture to benefit the existing space as well as give a sense of openness. -Remove any electronics and wires that may add to clutter.
  • -Remove any personal items such as photos and artwork. -Consult with a professional stager if you feel the need.

Closing the Sale

Closing procedures vary depending on whether you are purchasing an apartment, coop, condo, home, or any other property. During a closing, a buyer will give the seller money in exchange for ownership and title of the property.

Closing Costs

Closing costs vary depending on the type of property purchased, however below are a list of estimated costs that you should prepare for when selling your property.

Closing the Sale

Closing procedures vary depending on whether you are purchasing an apartment, coop, condo, home, or any other property. During a closing, a buyer will give the seller money in exchange for ownership and title of the property.

• Attorney
  $1,700 & up *
• NYC Real Property Transfer Tax
  1% of purchase price if $500,000 or less
  1.425% of purchase price if over $500,000 of the entire amount
• NYS Transfer Tax
  4% (.004) of the purchase price
• Payoff Bank Fees (if applicable)
  $450 *
• Managing Agent Fee
  $250 – $750
• Move-Out Deposit
  $500 – $1,000 (may or may not be refundable)
• E Tax Filing (ACRIS)
  $50
• Gains Tax Withholding (out of state seller)
  7.7% of gain
• Broker Commission
  5% of the purchase price
• Non-US Resident (FIRPTA)
  10% of price withheld or paid (held by buyer)
  ** Check with your bank/mortgage broker for additional fees. New York State Law requires a written letter of engagement if the legal fee exceeds $3,000.