I am so tired of the political whitewashing that's going on regarding dispensing mortgage help to the ever increasing list of homeowners who will lose their homes in foreclosure due to the subprime mortgage mess and other mortagees with burgeoning mortgage payments resulting from balooning rate adjustments.The President has signed another bill that won't even make a dent in the numbers (1.6 million affected in 2007, and at least that amount expected again this year).  The legislation adds 30 days of foreclosure freezing, while loan modification assistance is sought; however, lenders are not required to restructure the loans, and borrowers would be hard pressed to even get the lender's attention within 30 days.  It's simply not enough!  He did include the FHA loan limit increase, which w... 02/15/2008

Cliff Young... N Australian farmer who inspired a whole nation! The whole nation thought he was a crazy old man to undertake an almost impossible feat. Most feared that he would die trying. But this humble old man proved all the critics wrong.   Cliff Young, at 61 years of age, participated in 1983's Sydney to Melbourne race. Considered to be the world's toughest race, with the distance of 875 kilometers and took at least 5 days to finish, Cliff Young entered the race against world-class athletes. Read how he achieved the unthinkable and inspires the whole nation.   The Beginning Every year, Australia hosts an 875-kilometer endurance racing from Sydney to Melbourne - considered to be the world's longest and toughest ultra-marathon. It's a long, tough race that takes five days and normal... 02/09/2008

Ahhh... It's springtime. You know what that means. It's cherry blossom season! I love passing by a cherry tree in full blossom. This is a very rare thing in Brooklyn unless you go to The Brooklyn Botanical Garden When most people think of Brooklyn they don't think we have such beautiful things. This is one of the most beautiful places to go in NYC for Easter or anytime of the year. There's always something going on there Calander of Events   Sorry... There's no Easter Egg Hunt here... Just beautiful cherry blossoms.   Luke Constantino Commercial | ResidentialRE/MAX at THE SLOPEDirect: (212) 300-3919 | Fax: (360) 368-0098http://LukeConstantino.com 02/09/2008

This article was published on: 02/01/2008Smooth selling Avoid These 5 Listing Presentation Pitfalls Even the most seasoned practitioners can make some common mistakes during a listing presentation. Here's what to avoid so you make the best impression. BY JOHN D. MAYFIELDEvery listing presentation is a job interview. You are applying with the sellers for the opportunity to sell their home. And you need to convince them that you are the best real estate professional for the job.I'm sure you have your standard listing presentation down by the time you do it a few times. You tell them about your company, yourself and your background, and everything you're going to do to market the home and get it sold. If you've done the comparative market analysis (CMA), you share what it shows and your re... 02/07/2008

It seems like every year there is always a swarm of bargain shoppers that just literally jump out at you here in NYC. They send you these long lists of properties and want you to show them all to you. The majority of this crowd usually pans out, you're stuck with no deals and a huge gasoline bill. I heard one of the Realtors from an office I use to work at (C21) who is very successful (Gentleman Joe D) yell at one of these types of buyers on the phone."Don't call here and waste my time!!!" he screamed. This person called back and asked someone else to show them Joe's listing. This showed me the power of having the listing and time management. Hey, you have to understand, this is Brooklyn, and that's just the way things go here. Gentleman Joe D, thank you. I always start out every custom... 02/06/2008

CHECK OUT OUR NEW FACTORING PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:Factoring Program  Project Financing Business Growth Financing Business Acquisition Financing Brdige Financing Financing Working Capital Neds Realization of Supplier Discounts Crisis Management Debtor-In-Possession (DIP) FinancingProgram is available nationwideClient Profile: Ciena will provide factoring to a broad array of industries with good quality receivables.Factoring/Sales Volume: Annual factoring volume of $1,000,000-$50,000,000Rates: Typically 2.5% of the face value of the purchased invoices for each month that account receivable is outstnading. No other fees charged either on the dollars outstanding or for the facility.Factoring Term: Generally two (2) yearsCollateral: UCC filing on all assets. (Will subordinate or release on asse... 01/30/2008

Selling your house is often one of the largest monetary transaction you may have in your lifetime. The real estate sale process becomes increasingly complex every day. A real estate professional can help you avoid the pitfalls and losses that may result from your unfamiliarity with the legal requirements and disclosures. Here are a few other reasons why hiring an experienced real estate agent is a smart decision in selling your home:Knowledge of the Market and Fair Sales PriceA real estate agent can give you professional advice on setting a fair market price for your home, based on market conditions in your area, as well as the condition of your home. Higher Selling PriceSurveys indicate that homes sold by a real estate agent sold for an average of 15% higher than those sold by unrepres... 01/11/2008

 If you're planning to sell a home in 2008, it's time to start thinking about how to make that home stand out from the rest. You may not be able to recoup most improvement costs when selling your home. In many cases, buyers are not prepared to pay that higher price. To keep costs down and remodel wisely, there are a few things to keep in mind. Refer to article on RealEstateJournal for more details.  01/01/2008

If you're planning to purchase a home and already applied for financing, avoid making major purchases on credit, such as a car, furniture or major appliances, until you close  the purchase of your house. Major purchases could negatively impact your credit score and jeopardize your overall financial stability.I can assist you in choosing the most appropriate financing options for your needs and help you make a smooth transition into your new home.    12/15/2007

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of placing a value on your property based on the amount of upgrades you've done to the house, or what you think your next door neighbor may have gotten for their house. The truth of the matter is your home's value is determined by what the buyer is willing to pay for it. Be wary of listing your house too high. If you list at an attractive moderate price, or even slightly below market value, you will most likely receive multiple offers to drive the price up to market value or more. I can help you evaluate a suitable listing price for your home.    12/15/2007

 When preparing your house for sale, start removing and packing away as much as possible before you start showing the home. Consider renting a storage unit to store the packed boxes until you are ready for the move. Keep in mind, the less the buyer sees, the more they can visualize their stuff in their potential new home. Less is more!  Let me help you make the decisions that will ease your transition to a new home.      12/15/2007

Of the 2 Books in Brookyn, the Brooklyn East book celebrates it's 15th year in business.  We are pleased to be such an integral part of the community.  In this ever changing enviornment, we have always changed with the times.  Come check us out online at www.therealestatebook.comBrooklyn West, by the way is celebrating it's 5th year in business!!!For information or for a media kit contact sales@nyreb.comThe Real Estate Book is a nationally franchised multi-media marketing system with over 500 territories throughout the US and Canada. On any given month there are over 9 MILLION books on the street, throughout the country.  And over 100,000 listings online on our site, http://www.therealestatebook.com/ and our afilliates.Two of these franchises in Brooklyn: Brooklyn East and Brooklyn West... 11/01/2007

Excerpt from The Associated Press...A federal court decision last week cleared the way for real estate companies to purchase thousands of New Jersey and New York property listings held by bankrupt discount brokerage Foxtons.Rahway, N.J.-based Maplewood Homes will buy more than 3,400 New Jersey listings for $100,000, while Brooklyn, N.Y.-based Fillmore Real Estate is spending $110,000 for hundreds of listings in New York.The bankruptcy court ruled that Foxtons customers who signed a three- or six-month contract would be customers of Century 21 Atlantic Realty, which has agreed to market the New Jersey homes for Maplewood, or of Fillmore Real Estate, which will market the New York homes. What is your feedback on this ruling?    10/29/2007

I continue to wrestle with where is the thin line between unethical conduct vs. sharing knowledge. The recent events regarding Foxtons filing for bankruptcy has left me unsettled and even angry to some degree. Am I not obligated as a Realtor® to inform and protect the public? This public happens to be homeowners in my community? Their experience with this single real estate transaction impacts the real estate industry as a whole. It impacts my reputation as a Realtor® who is proud of the fact that I provide excellent service with honor and integrity. So where do I draw the line between sharing knowledge that will protect and assist the public, and risk the possibility of being considered that I am soliciting a “listed” property?Pretend for a second that you are selling your home. Your j... 10/20/2007

“How Sweet It Is!” That was a phrase made popular by Brooklyn born Jackie Gleason, the star of Honeymooners. (The sitcom, which was set in Bushwick - the neighborhood where Gleason was born - is one of my all time favorites). A few years back, Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz, had a fun and zany idea of installing street signs at various points in and around Brooklyn.  There are two types of signs: “Welcome to Brooklyn”, and “Leaving Brooklyn”. We Brooklynites have a special way of saying things.  I think these signs capture the Brooklyn attitude very well. And no matter how often I pass one, it always cheers me up as I repeat out loud whatever the sign reads. They include sayings like, “How Sweet It Is”, “Oy Vey!”, “Believe the Hype”, “Brooklyn in Da House”, “Name It, We Go... 10/18/2007

"Come, let us rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, so that we may no longer suffer disgrace.” – Nehemiah 2:17 Over the past quarter century, East Brooklyn Congregations has been responsible for the transformation of many vacant blocks in East New York with the construction of 3000 single family homes, through its Nehemiah Project – named after the biblical prophet who helped rebuild Jerusalem. The concept of the Nehemiah Project was to build new homes together in masses, rather than squeeze them in between existing homes, resulting in entire blocks being resurrected from ruin. The construction began in 1983. The houses were built on vacant lots, most of which were seized by the city for unpaid taxes. Buyers of the new homes purchased the lots for $1 and the homes for about $60,000. The City ... 10/09/2007

In 1835, East New York, Brooklyn was founded by John Pitkin, a wealthy merchant from Connecticut. The first occupants during the 1800s were mainly Germans. Lured by moderately priced row houses, low-rise apartment buildings, walk-ups with store fronts and bustling local shopping strips, the neighborhood became home to many immigrant families during the twentieth century. By the 1930s, the residents were mainly Italians, Germans, and Russians. In the late 1940's, after World War II, large numbers of Puerto Ricans and African-Americans emigrated to New York City looking for employment, and many settled in East New York. During that same period, thousands of the manufacturing jobs left New York City, resulting in widespread unemployment and crime in certain areas. East New York was one of ... 09/25/2007

I am a licensed real estate agent working with Exit Realty Professionals in Brooklyn, NY. With an extensive background as a certified IT Project Manager, I have established a reputation as an innovative and results-oriented leader with strong analytical and organizational skills. My professional career has provided me with a unique and invaluable array of life experiences, strengths, and strategies which I bring to the table when working with sellers and buyers in my area. Passion and motivation as I work tirelessly to meet my client's objectives. Certified project management skills with excellent organizational, analytical and detail-oriented abilities. Philosophy of working as a team to develop a plan of action to achieve quality results in a timely manner.Strong relationship manageme... 09/25/2007

According to RealtyTrac, foreclosures skyrocketed 115 percent over August of last year nationwide! In NYC the increase has been 30% over the same time period. Of all the boroughs, my beloved Brooklyn fared the worst. Last August we had 822 foreclosure filings, compared to 1,032 this year!According to RealtyTrac, approx 10,217 homes in Brooklyn are in pre-foreclosure proceedings, another 1,297 are heading to auction, and 2,605 are already owned by banks.Can you believe it?As a real estate agent, what can you do to prevent buyers from getting in over their heads? 09/21/2007

I attended the West Indian-American Labor Day Carnival/Parade. Held in Brooklyn New York, annually. Can you taste it?  Oxtail, Rice and peas, Jerk Chicken, Curry chicken, Beef Patties, Coconut water, Sorrel juice, Cow-foot soup, Callaoo, Plantains, Roasted corn and stew chicken was just some of the food served at the parade.  Can you hear it? The sound of Soca, Reggae,and Calypso had everyone dancing on the streets. Eastern Parkway was full for the Brooklyn West Indian-American Parade. (Eastern Parkway is a street in Brooklyn New York that runs  from the Ocean Hill/Brownsville section of Brooklyn, through Crown Heights to Prospect Heights Brooklyn down by Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum.)  I have seen the parade from my stoop, because I lived on Eastern Parkway and Utica ave for a... 09/08/2007