NYC Homeowner Insights: APR 2023

Hi all, BHT here with your monthly roundup of articles and information related specifically to NYC Homeowners. Take a look and let us know if you have any questions 🙂 Con Ed Bills may be going up Soon  Under a preliminary agreement between the state Department of Public Service, Con Ed and other stakeholders, the […]

NYC Homeowner Insights: MAR 2023

The New Interborough Express + NYC Borough Presidents are ready to Build + NYC’s Prohibited Buildings List Banning Short Term Rentals goes Live + 6 NYC Market Factors to consider for Out of Town Owners The New Interborough Express Have you heard of the Interborough Express yet? In short, it’s a large transit project that […]

5 Costly Renovations To AVOID Before Selling

When preparing a home for sale, many sellers feel that undertaking renovations is a good way to get a higher sale price on the home. Here are 5 renovation projects Brooklyn homeowners shouldn’t undertake before selling.

Can I see How Much my Brooklyn Home is Worth on a Real Estate Website?

As a Brooklyn homeowner, it’s natural to want to know the estimated value of your property. Whether you’re looking to sell your home or just curious about its current value, there are several websites that can give you an instant home value estimate. While this is obviously not an accurate home valuation since it doesn’t […]

How do we Determine How Much a Brooklyn Home is Worth?

We as real estate agents play a crucial role in determining the value of a property. While you can get an independent appraisal, check your Zestimate, or go off of your tax assessed value, it’s clear to us that the person who can provide the most accurate valuation of a property is a local/experienced Brooklyn […]

Decluttering and Downsizing for Seniors

Decluttering is the first step in getting the home ready for buyers. Seniors, particularly those who’ve lived in their home for years, have a lot of stuff. And much of it is precious to them; it’s certainly not “clutter”! But buyers will likely see it as such. To gain a different perspective, it’s helpful to […]

Retirement vs Assisted Living vs Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Retirement and Active Adult Communities Retirement communities are typically for older adults who are still fully capable of living alone. Some cater to “active adults,” age 55 years old and older. Types include single-family, semi-detached, condos, and townhomes. Active adult communities don’t typically offer group dining facilities or healthcare services. Whether rentals or owned properties, common features include: […]

8 Things you can do to Prepare for Higher Energy Costs

If you’re living in America, then you already know about the rising gas prices, rising inflation, and rising energy costs. At this point, you’ve probably already seen your utility bills come in higher than normal. We recently received an email from ConEd with some good tips on how to prepare for rising energy costs and […]

Step by Step Guide on How to Challenge your NYC Property Tax Assessment

If you’re an NYC homeowner, then you know that your annual Notice of Property Value (NOPV) comes out around February. In this NOPV, it indicates your property’s estimated market value and tax assessed value for the upcoming year. In the NOPV, it gives you instructions on how to challenge your assessment, if you disagree with […]

What to consider when Buying New Floors

Your new house is pretty awesome, otherwise you would never have considered buying it. But, there are some things about it that are a lot more awesome than others. Take, for example, that kitchen floor. You wouldn’t say it’s ugly, but you’ve seen better design harmony in a restaurant trash bin. It’s gotta go. Your […]

What to look for when Inspecting your Roof

Depending on where you live, the end of winter means different things. Maybe it’s the anticipation of an explosion of colorful wildflowers, or maybe it’s just a break from all the heavy, wet snow on absolutely everything. Either way, those warming days when winter starts to turn to spring are ideal for checking your roof […]

4 Things you Should NOT do to your House

You’re a homeowner now, you can kiss bland uniformity goodbye the moment you turn your apartment keys over to your now former landlord. The world is your canvas — at least, that part of the world that you now are obligated to pay a monthly mortgage payment on — and you’re the artist that’ll mold […]

Waterproofing your Basement in Brooklyn NY

You bought your house because of the beautiful yard, the unbelievable hearth in the den, the two generous bathrooms and, of course, the enormous basement. You had big plans for that basement — it was going to be a home theater with a pool room, all very posh, but the first melt of winter had […]

Get that Patio ready for Spring!

It’s finally spring! Time to break out the grill and the patio set and spend your evenings cooking out under the stars. Except, you don’t have a patio, you have a backyard that’s currently a soppy, muddy mess from spring rainstorms. You’d love to get outside, but it’s just so mucky and sticky out there. […]

7 Tips for Saving More on Your Next Remodel

In 1986, Tom Hanks starred in a movie called “The Money Pit.” It was all about a couple’s adventures in remodeling what has to be the worst house ever. Even though it was a comedy, if you’ve ever been part of a big remodel, some of the situations the co-stars find themselves in (re: the […]

5 Easy Ways to Keep Water Out of Your Basement

All homes have quirks that require special care and consideration, but when it comes to homes with basements, it’s a whole different ball game. Instead of fighting with the light switch on the north wall, you’re trying to keep the carpet dry and catch any water long before it becomes a problem. Waterproofing the basement […]

6 Reasons why a Realtor Valuation beats an Appraisal or Online Home Value Estimate

1. Public Records and Data Research A local Brooklyn Realtor is able to compile property records with additional data to see a clear legal picture of your physical property and legally recorded documents that could affect the value. Licensed Brooklyn Real Estate Agents are able to increase their resources as well by working with other professionals […]

5 Secrets to Success with your First Rental Property

You’ve been a homeowner for a while now and overall, everything’s gone pretty well. Your home is a comforting, safe place that has given more than it has taken — you’re pretty happy with how that purchase has gone, really. That’s why when your friend was talking about the frightening amount of rent he’s paying […]

Home Maintenance Reminder: Fire Extinguisher Inspectio

Where there’s smoke… If you’re like most people you don’t give your fire extinguisher a second thought… until you need it. Give yourself real peace of mind by performing a quick visual inspection, checking the pressure, and making sure that your fire extinguisher is in an accessible place should you need it in a hurry. […]