Falai
68 Clinton Street
New York, NY 10002

The new home owner is often terrified by essential systems in their home that have limited life expectancies. Knowledge is the best way to assuage these fears. Knowledge is also one of the best ways to calculate the time and cost to replace a major system.  Here is an approximate idea of how long major systems are expected to last

ROOF:

• ASPHALT SHINGLE / INTERLOCKING - 15-20YRS MINIMUM....
• ASPHALT MULTI-THICKNESS - 20-30YRS
• ASPHALT ROLLS - 10YRS
• BUILT UP ROOFING - 10-20YRS
• CLAY/CEMENT TILES - 20+ YRS
• SLATE SHINGLES - 30+ YRS
• ASBESTOS CEMENT SHINGLES - 30+ YRS
• SINGLE PLY MEMBRANE - 15-25 YRS

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING:
 

• GAS FIRED HOT AIR - 15-25 YRS
• OIL FIRED HOT AIR - 20-30 YRS
• CAST IRON BOILER (HOT WATER OR STEAM) - 30-50YRS  OR MORE....
   
• STEEL BOILER (HOT WATER OR STEAM) - 30-40YRS  OR MORE....
• COPPER BOILER (HOT WATER OR STEAM) - 10-20YRS
• CIRCULATING PUMP - (HOT WATER) - 10-15YRS
• AC COMPRESSOR (EXTERIOR UNIT) - 15-20 YRS
• HEAT PUMP - 8-12 YRS
• HOT WATER HEATER - 10-15YRS

courtesy of Patrick Corbett, VALUED HOME INSPECTORS INC.

When you purchase a new house the buyer is often short of extra cash. Here are my priorities before moving into a house.

1) The Roof

 If the roof leaks badly it can very quickly comprise the structural integrity of the structure.

2) Termites

Termites work quietly and efficiently to literally eat you out of house and home. Usually the buyer pays for the termite inspection, but the seller is responsible for termite abatement.

These first two items are so important that many banks will not issue a mortgage without a good report on the condition of the roof or termite damage, or they may issue a provisional mortgage provided the offending condition is fixed with a short period.

3) Asbestsos Removal

If the asbestsos in your new home is not friable ( peeling off ) or is sealed, you may not have to remove the asbestsos. In some older homes asbestsos was mixed in the plaster used in the walls, while I would probably feel comfortable knowing that this asbestsos was not getting into the air in my house. I do know of someone who gutted his house, because of this.

Buyers are often very uptight about asbestsos and want to remove it immediately and entirely. My recommendation is that you hire a qualified licensed asbestsos removal firm. This is NOT a "do it yourself" project. I also recommend that you and your family are NOT present while the work is done.

4) Electrical Systems

Housing codes in the NYC area are pretty good, and most banks will insist that fuses are replaced with circuit breakers. Please be aware that Federal Pacific Electrical Panels no longer have U L approval and should be replaced. Also while a hundred amp service is the minimum required for a one family home, I would strongly recommend more than the minimum.

There is no guarantee that you will be happy in your new house or neighborhood. Indeed, although I have no psychological training, I know from first hand knowledge that happiness comes from within not from physical objects, money, houses etc...

for more see www.ditmasestates.com

Joya, Thai Restaurant and Bar

215 Court Street

Brooklyn, NY

718 222 3484

We almost walked past Joya with its discreet frontage, but inside we found a large, clean, noisy and very hip dinning room with an open kitchen and an occasional DJ. There is also a much quieter delightful garden aea in the back.

Joya is very inexpensive, the highest price entrée is $ 8.95, but the food is first rate. We ordered the Mango salad, a Glass noodle dish and a Beef Curry. The portions were very large.

The Mango salad was topped with perfectly ripe Mango and the greens were flavored with fish sauce, lime and cilantro…yum. The Glass noodle dish was very large and filled with goodies. The Beef Curry was very flavorful and a little spicy, but with in normal limits and almost too big to finish. With a Thai beer a feast for $ 24!

There is no website for Joya, no reservations, and no air conditioning although the space was cool on a hot day. The drink list is a handwritten addendum to the menu and there seems to be no desserts, very strange.

With first rate food and an inexpensive price list Joya is indeed a find.

for more see www.ditmasestates.com

for more see www.ditmasestates.com

Piramide Mexican Restaurant

499 5th Ave Brooklyn, NY
718-499-0002

If you in the mood for a Mexican Restaurant, but want more than a workers luncheonette, Piramide is the place.

Bright and clean, there a wide variety of dishes, even fish dishes. You know you are in a special place when you order guacamole and the waiter will prepare it to taste in front of you. (bland or omg hot). The avocados are specially flown in from Mexico for that authentic taste.

Dinner is surprisingly inexpensive practically all the entrees are less than $ 20 and drinks are often on sale. There is a Sunday brunch for $ 9.95 that is a special treat.

for more see www.ditmasestates.com

Delmonico's
56 Beaver Street
New York, NY

212 509 1144

For dessert a chocolate mouse cake sandwiched peanut butter and vanilla ice on the side made me think about spending an extra hour at the gym, but it was worth it

On Saturday about 11 a.m. a walk through Chinatown, NYC, I noticed that most of the restaurants were essentially empty except the Dim Sum places. For those who are not native New Yorker’s or Californian’s, Dim Sum is a weekend brunch where small tasting plates of various Chinese dishes are wheeled through the dining room. Typically you are put at a large table with people you have never met, often there are family group from Grandma to infants. As they stop by your table, you can pick out the dishes you like and a card is stamped indicating your purchase. These Dim Sum Palaces are often huge and can easily fit several hundred people and often the noise level, while not loud is a constant hum.

Sunshine 27, at 46 Bowery, is the successor to HSF, a Dim Sum stalwart. While I found the variety of dishes was smaller than the former HSF or 888 Palace, the food was quite good. A stand out was boiled beef short ribs, cut very small, served on top of rolled Chow Fun noodles and topped with either oyster sauce or chili sauce. There are many varieties of stuffed wontons or pot sticker such as Har Gow, with translucent outside and a shrimp paste stuffing. My favorite dessert is an Egg Custard served in a tiny pie tin with a flaky crust.

Brunch usually runs about $ 12-15/per person

for more see www.ditmasestates.com
 

Arno Restaurant
141 West 38 Street
New York, NY

212-944-7420

Arno Restaurant like the Arno River is classically Italian. The ambiance of dark wood and large mirrors reminds you of Tuscany. Interestingly enough Tuscany is famous for its beef and there is very little beef on Arno’s menu.

What Arno does have is someone who knows fish and seafood. Its Calamari was freshly done, fried Calamari that sits becomes greasy and rubbery, and the sauce was nicely piccante, just a little heat. Avoid the Mozzarella and Basil it was very plain Jane.

There are daily specials and we got Bass with a butter, cream and caper sauce that was truly good. Bass is not often found in NYC restaurants, being a inland fresh water fish and when done right is delicious and this was superb.

If you have to die a martyr’s death consider Arno’s desserts as a reasonable reward their white chocolate cake with strawberries is to die for and their ordinary chocolate mouse is far from ordinary.

The service is excellent, but the dinner can be pricey at $ 180 for two with tip.

for more see www.ditmasestates.com
 

Triple Z
1410 Avenue U
Brooklyn, NY
718 382 4328

With Ducks and half pigs hanging in the window, there is no doubt that this is an authentic Chinese eating place.
There are lunch specials as cheap as $ 4 and the food is very fresh, as there is a major Chinese market next door. A la carte main courses run about $ 10
The green vegetables are done just so and the sauces have none of the gloppiness of a Junior High School cafeteria. You can even get your Chow Fun dry
The ambiance is definitely family style, expect to sit at a large round table with people you don’t know.
BTW definitely go to the market next door, the Chinese love their greens and always have at least a dozen varieties available. Don’t worry if you don’t speak perfect Mandarin, the store’s help always answer every question with “very good, very fresh”.

La Villita
1249 Avenue U
Brooklyn, NY
718 998 0222
If you want a cheap, but interesting family meal Avenue U is definitely the place to go. There are a half dozen Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants, but one Mexican Restaurant La Villita.
This small Formica table place has maybe a couple of dozen seats, but what it does have is good inexpensive food.
The Guacamole is a fresh yellow green and creamy (Guacamole turns brown almost immediately) and the Salsa fresca is a winner. Warning the regular salsa can be spicy.
I had the Mole Poblano, usually made with Turkey, but this time chicken fillets were used. Mole Poblano, a dark savory sauce is made with bitter chocolate, and should be easy to take down, but have an after burn. The sauce was thin, but tasty. A salad was included all for $ 11. The enchiladas and burritos were also good and approximately the same price
The waitress friendly and is constantly at attention. Avenue U has plenty of meters so parking is not usually a problem

 

New Star Restaurant (Dim Sum)
1217 Avenue U
Brooklyn, NY

718 998 –0350

Yes, I am a Dim Sum fanatic, but who can blame me. This Chinese brunch ritual is wonderful and New Star impressed me.

New Star has expanded and this has given them the ability to present a huge variety of Dim Sum (small plates) at a very reasonable price. Their Shui Mei (meat) and their Har Gow (shrimp) dumplings were excellent. The variety and freshness of their other offerings was amazing. I tried a new item, a mini fried egg with fish mouse inside that seemed to float off the plate and was silky smooth. Dessert for me is always an Egg Custard tart.

I know I can be picky, but I never liked plastic chop sticks the wooden ones though less hygienic have a better grip in your hand and on the food.

A “I ate too much” brunch was $ 25 for two including tip

for more see www.ditmasestates.com
 

Padre Figlio
310 east 44 street
NY, NY

There is something about Padre Figlio, which just tells you they know what they are doing. It starts with the hostess, who greets you by name even though you have never been there before and have not announced yourself. The Maitre D’ proceeds to announce the voluminous specials of the day, including the ingredients and the method of preparation…just so.

We were not interested in just beef, I wanted to see what the chef can do and even this jaded New Yorker was impressed. Some of us started with a wonderful tricolor salad topped with slivers of Romano cheese.  I had a pickled eggplant and mushroom mélange wrapped in radicchio with gobs of freshly made buffalo milk mozzarella, still warm and silky smooth.  Ah…yes

Pasta is the reason for Italy’s existence and my judgment is strict and unforgiving. I am not sure what they called my dish. It was a variation of Spaghetti Matricana. Home made spaghetti perfectly al dente, with pancetta (unsmoked bacon), onion, and garlic with slices of filet mignon in an excellent tomato sauce topped with ricotta. The serving was so large, I cancelled my next course. Also at the table was home made lobster ravioli with large chucks of lobster and a perfectly grilled mediterrain sea bass.

It’s a rough life, but someone has to do it and I am volunteering for your share at Padre Figlio.

Dinner for four was $ 250 with a tip. But I noticed that they have a limited menu prix fixe dinner at $ 35. I am definitely going back to try it

for more see www.ditmasesates.com

Smoothly introducing your dog to your new home

Moving into your new home is very exciting, for your entire family!! But did you know that introducing your dog into a new home can be incredibly stressful for them? Fortunately, there are a lot of things that we can do to make this transition easier on them, which in the end makes it easier on us!

There are a lot of things that you can do to make the move less stressful on your pet. When moving, if possible, it would be a good idea to leave the dog with a friend they know. This will keep the dog out of your way when you are moving furniture, and decrease the chance that any accidents may happen. You can also leave the dog in the backyard while you move, as long as it is fully fenced and they cannot escape! Can’t do either?  Well then, the ‘least worst’ scenario is to crate your dog while moving the furniture into the home. Make sure the crate is large enough that they can stand up, turn around and lay down comfortably, and be sure to give them access to water and let them outside to ‘do their business’ every few hours. Doors will be left open, items will be dropped, there will be a lot of commotion, and the best way to keep your pet safe during this time is to keep them out of the way!

During the packing process, you can actually plan ahead to make this as smooth a transition as possible for your four legged friend. Instead of trying to cram the packing into one or two days, planning to pack over a longer period of time can reduce the stress on your dog (and probably yourself as well!). Make sure that you pack their water and food bowls, toys, and blankets/beds in a separate box that will be easily accessible once you are at your new home. Dogs do not like change, so the more familiar the setting, the better! One easy trick is to make sure that they have belongings that smell like you, their people! Having a familiar scent in a strange place can make the transition easier. All you would need to do is put their toys in your laundry hamper for a few days, and they will smell just like you!! And don’t feel embarrassed, this is like the sweet smell of roses for your dog. These are as important to your dog as your child’s teddy bear is to them.

For more great tips on a successful move with your pet, please visit The Humane Society of the United States.

Housetraining is always a big issue, and even well-trained dogs may not know where to ‘go’ in a new home. When you bring them to your new house, make sure that they are taken into the back right away, where they can ‘do their business’. It may sound silly, but it is always a good idea to reward them with praise, so that they know they did something good! It may seem odd to your new neighbors that you are congratulating your dog for successfully going to the bathroom (you may become the most talked about person on your street), but your dog will think that they just won a gold medal for it!! You will want to keep en eye on them to make sure that they are able to find the back door (or front door depending on the home) whenever necessary. Here is a good rule of thumb to remember: let them out after playing for a period of time (15-30 minutes depending on age), after they wake up, and after they eat!

For puppies, the rules need to be modified slightly. You still want to show them where the door is, and give them lots of praise when they go where they should (this should be a very exciting event for them, and remember that the gold medal they are winning can come in the form of a treat!). Be sure to let them outside as often as possible, especially immediately after they eat, wake up, and every 10-15 minutes during playtime! There will be accidents, no puppy is perfect (adorable yes, perfect no!), so be patient and keep it positive!

Another point to keep in mind is that a puppy can ‘hold it’ for approximately 1 hour for every month they are old. For example, a puppy that is only 2 months old, can generally ‘hold it’ for approximately 2 hours at a time! This may not apply to every puppy, as they are just as different from each other as we are from other people, but it does give you an idea of what to expect.

1. Find the right representative
The experience and knowledge of a dedicated real estate professional can be priceless. A good Realtor® forms a powerful team with his or her clients that makes it possible for them to have a smooth, successful, stress-free sale.

2. Determine your needs/wants for the sale and for your new home
Selling your primary residence can be tricky because you have to simultaneously be thinking about where you would like to buy. First weigh your priorities – selling price is certainly important, but having a quick and efficient sale can often be worth accepting a slightly lower offer. Talk to your agent and make sure you’re comfortable with where your priorities are.

At the same time, you should be compiling a needs/wants list for the home you will buy. You will probably have to act fairly quickly when your house sells, so any amount of preparation you can do will serve you well.

3. Prepare your house for showing
Underprepared homes can be sales disasters. Your home will never get as much attention from potential buyers as when it is first listed, so clearing clutter, cleaning, making repairs, and putting your home’s best foot forward is essential. Don’t “open for business” until your home is ready to be seen as favorably as possible.

4. Find out what your local market looks like
Being realistic about your market is the key to a smooth sale. There is no substitute for a professional real estate representative when it comes to local market knowledge.

5. List away!
Lots of photos and online exposure are the key to getting a good response for your listing. Working with an agent who uses Point2 Agent software is a great step in the right direction. Now just “open” the house and sit back and wait for the flood of eager buyers! 

Scents and aromas can have a dramatic impact on people’s emotions, otherwise, there wouldn’t be a multi-billion-dollar fragrance industry!

Don’t ignore the power of fragrance when showing your home. Smoke, pet odors, and cooking smells can each dramatically impact how potential buyers feel about your house.

If your potential buyers never form an emotional connection to your home, chances are that they will remain just that – potential buyers.

Don’t allow smoking in your house for weeks leading up to showing it, find a pet-sitter for a few days, and clean, clean, clean!

Once you’ve removed any aromas that might be off-putting and freshened the air in your home, you can actually use scent to your advantage.

Consider doing some baking prior to showings. The scent of fresh apple pie is hard to beat when it comes to creating the atmosphere of a welcoming home!

TIP: In a pinch, a mixture of water, vanilla extract, and brown sugar in an oven on low heat can be used to create the pleasing aroma of fresh baking.

To a certain extent, buyers make purchase decisions based on their emotional response, so it’s important to make it easy for them to fall in love with your home. Pleasant smells are one more way to do so.

1.  Find the right representative
Even if you’re not quite ready to buy, your buyer’s agent can be an absolute wealth of information, and can often offer ‘scoops’ on local developments you might not have know about otherwise.  Speak to your agent first and he or she can be helping to guide you right from the start.

2.  Find out what your price range is
Online mortgage calculators are a good place to start, but as you get closer to being ready to buy, there is no substitute for a written mortgage pre-approval.  Just speaking to your lender is an extremely worthwhile venture – this is the only way to really get an in-depth picture of your overall financial picture and to discover exactly what you can reasonably afford to spend on a home (and possibly on renovating).

3.  Find out what your local market looks like
The internet can be incredibly valuable in doing preparatory research.  Start with your agent – he or she can direct you to valuable resources and immediately start e-mailing you real estate listings that may interest you (or at least give you a better idea of what your needs and wants are).

4.  Find out what your true needs and wants are
Compose a needs/wants list that takes into consideration your local market conditions, your price range, and the advice of your real estate agent.

5.  Find your dream home!
Once you’re ready to act, you may be surprised by how quickly you can make a decision.  Armed with your pre-approval, a little market knowledge, and your needs/wants list, call your real estate agent, hit the pavement, and when you see ‘the house’, put in an offer. 

Your Agent
A successful purchase starts with the right representative. In fact, once you’ve selected the best agent to represent you, it is likely that he or she can recommend other professionals to join your team, taking more of the responsibility off of your shoulders.

Lender (Appraiser)
A bank is not just a bank. Having the right backer can be extremely important – it is your money we’re talking about after all! Make sure that your lender and financial representative is someone with whom you feel comfortable, and be wary of any lender who promises you more than you think you can reasonably afford. Your lenders may or may not require an independent appraisal, and typically will make arrangements for the appraisal themselves.

Lawyer
Your home purchase is far too important a transaction to skimp on legal representation at the risk of leaving yourself open to costly future issues. Find a lawyer who is willing to take the time to answer your questions and who specializes in real estate law.

Home Inspector
No home inspection is 100% guaranteed, but a few hundred dollars to catch a major problem now is certainly better than many thousands to correct that ‘surprise’ down the road. Ask your agent for a recommendation.

Contractor
Planning some renovations? You’re not the only one! The home renovation industry is booming, and in some markets, booking a contractor must be done months in advance (that’s a long time to go without a kitchen). Don’t let finding the right contractor slip through the cracks – planning ahead will almost certainly make your renovation smoother, and you contractor will appreciate the advance notice

When you’re selling your home, the price you set is a critical factor in the return you’ll receive. That’s why you need a professional evaluation from an experienced realtor. This person can provide you with an honest assessment of your home, based on several factors including:

• Market conditions
• Condition of your home
• Repairs or improvements
• Time frame

In real estate terms, market value is the price at which a particular house, in its current condition, will sell within 30 to 90 days.

If the price of your home is too high, several things could happen:

• Limits buyers. Potential buyers may not view your home, because it would be out of their buying range.
• Limits showings. Other salespeople may be less reluctant to view your home.
• Used as leverage. Other realtors may use this home to sell against homes that are better priced.
• Extended stay on the market. When a home is on the market too long, it may be perceived as defective. Buyers may wonder, “what’s wrong,” or “why hasn’t this sold?”
• Lower price. An overpriced home, still on the market beyond the average selling time, could lead a lower selling price. To sell it, you will have to reduce the price, sometimes, several times. In the end, you’ll probably get less than if it had been properly priced at the start.
• Wasted time and energy. A bank appraisal is most often required to finance a home.

Realtors have known it for years – Well-kept homes, properly priced in the beginning always get you the fast sale for the best price! And that’s why you need a professional to assist you in the selling of your home. 

First Impressions
Remember what first attracted you to your house when you bought it? What excited you about its most appealing features? Now that you're selling your home, you'll need to look at it as if you were buying it all over again.

A spruced up house makes a great first impression on potential buyers. An attractive property grabs their attention and makes them excited about finding a house that looks and feels well-cared for. Because buyers know they’ll encounter fewer problems if they buy it, your house becomes more appealing and stands out from the competition. So if you prepare your home correctly, you’ll save time selling it when it’s on the market.

A good first impression makes an impact on a number of levels. It’s not just the way your house looks to potential buyers, but how it feels and smells to them, how their friends and family will react, how they imagine it would be to live there.

With simple improvements throughout your house, you can grab the attention of potential buyers and help them see why your house is right for them.

I constantly consel home sellers to do the little things not the big items. For example fix a broken window, but do not remodel your kitchen. Fixing the window is a small expense and always helps with first impressions. Remodeling a kitchen can cost thousands and there is no guarentee that potential buyers will like it.

Thinking about purchasing a home of your own? Keep these critical considerations in mind:

How long you plan to live in the home.
If you purchase a home and get a job transfer or decide to move after only a short time, you may end up paying money in order to sell it. The value of your home may not have appreciated enough to cover the costs that you paid to buy the home and the costs that it would take you to sell your home.

The length of time that it will take to cover those costs depends on various economic factors in the area of the home. Most parts of the country have an average of 5% appreciation per year. In this case, you should plan to stay in your home at least 3-4 years to cover buying and selling costs. If the area you buy your home in experiences an economic up turn, the length of the time to cover these costs could be shortened, and the opposite is also true.

How long the home will meet your needs.
What features do you require in a home to satisfy your lifestyle now? Five years from now? Depending on how long you plan to stay in your home, you'll need to ensure that the home has the amenities that you'll need. For example, a two-bedroom dwelling may be perfect for a young couple with no children. However, if they start a family, they could quickly outgrow the space. Therefore, they should consider a home with room to grow. Could the basement be turned into a den and extra bedrooms? Could the attic be turned into a master suite? Having an idea of what you'll need will help you find a home that will satisfy you for years to come.

Your financial health - your credit and home affordability.
Is now the right time financially for you to buy a home? Would you rate your financial picture as healthy? Is your credit good? While you can always find a lender to lend you money, solid lenders are more skeptical if your credit history is not good. Generally, a couple of blemishes on a credit report will make you a good credit risk and could qualify you for the lowest interest rates. If you have more than a couple of blemishes on your report, lenders like Quicken Loans may still provide you with a loan, but you may just have to pay a higher interest rate and fees.

Some say that you should refrain from borrowing as much as you qualify for because it is wiser not to stretch your financial boundaries. The other school of thought says you should stretch to buy as much home as you can afford, because with regular pay raises and increased earning potential, the big payment today will seem like less of a payment tomorrow. This is a decision only you can make. Are you in a position where you expect to make more money soon? Would you rather be conservative and fairly certain that you can make your payment without stretching financially? Make sure that whatever you do, it's within your comfort zone.

To determine how much home you can afford, talk to a lender or go online and use a "home affordability" calculator. Good calculators will give you a range of what you may qualify for. Then call a lender. While some may say that the "28/36" rule applies, in today's home mortgage market, lenders are making loans customized to a particular person's situation. The "28/36" rule means that your monthly housing costs can't exceed 28 percent of your income and your total debt load can't exceed 36 percent of your total monthly income. Depending on your assets, credit history, job potential and other factors, lenders can push the ratios up to 40-60% or higher. While we're not advocating you purchase a home utilizing the higher ratios, its important for you to know your options.

Where the money for the transaction will come from.
Typically homebuyers will need some money for a down payment and closing costs. However, with today's broad range of loan options, having a lot of money saved for a down payment is not always necessary - if you can prove that you are a good financial risk to a lender. If your credit isn't stellar but you have managed to save 10-20% for a down payment, you will still appear to be a very good financial risk to a lender.

The ongoing costs of home ownership.
Maintenance, improvements, taxes and insurance are all costs that are added to a monthly house payment. If you buy a condominium, townhouse or in certain communities, a monthly homeowner's association fee might be required. If these additional costs are a concern, you can make choices to lower or avoid these fees. Be sure to make your realtor and your lender aware of your desire to limit these costs.

If you are still unsure if you should buy a home after making these considerations, you may want to consult with an accountant or financial planner to help you assess how a home purchase fits into your overall financial goals.

Buying a home can be an emotional, time-consuming, and complex process. There are a few things that you can do to help make the process go as smooth as possible:

1. Check your credit.
Before you apply for a home loan, regardless of your credit, it's a smart idea to obtain a copy of your credit report from the three major credit bureaus and review the information. If there are errors or things that need to be addressed, it's easier to address them before you have found a house, than after you have found a house and are trying to close your loan.

If you know that there are a few blemishes on your credit, let your lender know what they are, why they are there, and why you are a still good credit risk. Lenders look at your credit to determine how likely you will pay back the loan. If you had extenuating circumstances - like a loss of a job or medical bills - let them know so that they understand that it is not likely to happen again in the future.

2. Get approved before you buy.
An approval means that a lender has reviewed your credit history, verified your assets and employment, and has approved your loan before you have found a home to purchase. As long as the home appraises for at least the purchase price, the loan should close.

Getting approved also gives you an advantage over other buyers. Your firm approval makes it easier for you to negotiate on the price of a home, than a person who is not approved or is pre-qualified.

While getting pre-qualified may sound official, it is really just getting an idea of what you can afford. Its having a person plug in a few numbers that you give them - your monthly income and your monthly debt - and getting an approximate payment calculated. From the payment, the calculator can approximate the house price range that you can afford. No information is verified. Because your assets, income or credit is not verified, a pre-qualification has little value when purchasing a home.

3. Find a great buyer's agent.
Traditionally real estate agents represent the sellers in a transaction. When you are not working with a buyer's agent, they are less likely to negotiate the best price or contingencies for you.

A buyer's agent's job and fiduciary responsibility (meaning legal duty) is to you, the buyer. Before working with an agent, establish if they are a buyer's agent or a seller's agent. After spending a lot of time with a Realtor, it's natural to feel like you're a team. But if they are not negotiating for you, then they are not on your team.

Whether you are buying your first home, or your fifth, the process of buying a home is a detailed, time-consuming venture. At the same time, it’s an emotional period laden with difficult choices. You want to ensure that the home you purchase meets your family’s needs now, and in the future.

Each of these decisions often involves money. When you consider all that money represents, you’ll want to ensure that you don’t pay too much. This article helps you become a savvy buyer, by pointing out some of the pitfalls inherent in the home-buying process. These include such things as knowing what you want before you begin shopping, taking your time to shop, choosing the right realtor, and remaining objective while viewing potential homes. With this information, you’ll be closer to finding your ideal home.

1. Before you shop, develop a needs vs. wants list
Everyone has a picture of an ideal home. This would include all the features you not only need, but have long desired. However, when it comes time to buying a home, the desires cost more. While it’s nice to think about having a beautifully landscaped backyard, or a solarium, perhaps even some built-in appliances, these are usually considered luxury items, which can add considerably to the price of your home.

That’s why it’s a good idea to develop a needs and wants lists. With this list, begin with items you really need like adequate space, garage and number of bedrooms. For most people, basic needs should be considered first. After that, you could consider additional desires, if you can manage these benefits financially.

With such a list in your hands, you’re less likely to be caught up in the excitement of the pursuit. You’ll have a good idea of what you want, within you price range, and if you can afford those additional items.

2. Get pre-approved prior to shopping
Visit your financial or lending institution prior to home buying. Quickly, you’ll know the amount of mortgage you’ll receive. Be sure to get a mortgage commitment in writing. Most importantly, you’ll tell sellers that you are a serious prospect. Depending upon market conditions, a seller may lean towards an unconditional offer. You’ll have less negotiating power if you have to wait for mortgage approval.

Banks and financial institutions have developed many programs especially for home buyers, be that first-time buyers or those with equity in their homes. When you review your needs and objectives with a lending officer, you’ll be one step closer to purchasing your home.

Cinco de Mayo Taqueria

Spring has at long last come to Cortelyou Road and Ditmas Park. The first warm weekend day saw couples and family promenading down the stately street of Ditmas Park. The Daffodils were admired and critical comments made as to color combinations on the never ending variety of Victorian homes. A discreet photo of someone’s garden, a child admonished about walking on the grass and a smile, when a mention was made of the upcoming Arbor Day Ditmas Park Tree Tour 4/25 ( www.sustainableflatbush.org ).

Village Gyro

1000 Coney Island Avenue

Booth Theater 3/09

282 Brighton Beach Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11235

 Grotta Azzurra
177 Mulberry Street
NY, NY

Times are tough, especially in the restaurant business.  Saturday night in Little Italy and there were many empty tables. Grotta Azzurra was doing only slightly better than some other restaurants on Mulberry Street . And the reason is SERVICE.

The most frustrating thing is to try to contact your waiter when the restaurant is empty and your waiter is talking to other waiters, but not at Grotta Azzurra. Our waiter was attentive and when he didn’t know, he got back to us immediately. The plates came out on time and in good order and in a romantic restaurant that is important.

The décor of Grotta Azzurra is simple and classic, you are immediately transported a classic Italian restaurant, large displays of famous Italian sculptures dominate the dining room.

The menu is large at Grotta Azzurra and the portions are even larger. The Calamari was tender and not greasy, the salad had plenty of Radicchio, and the Filletto di Pompadori, rigatoni with tomato sauce, cheese, pancetta and onions was immense and superb.

Grilled Vegetables were nicely done and the Shrimp Oreganata was just so. Alas, the Veal in my Saltimbocca was tough; the sauce was the same as the di Pompadori and while good this is a big no, no.

The decaf cappuccino and the decaf espresso to die for. Dessert was a blueberry cake with real blueberries and ice cream, Yum!

Dinner for two $ 100

Ristorante IL Cortile
125 Mulberry Street
(212) 226-6060

In a galaxy far away, a long, long time ago, you made reservations at IL Cortile and often you would drop someone’s name and then maybe, maybe you would get a table. Boy has times changed! The other day I was in little Italy, now a ghost town, I walked into IL Cortile and was seated immediately. The huge restaurant was so empty that some preschoolers were playing tag in a closed section that was bigger than most other restaurants.

Bollinger’s Family Restaurant

Tanoreen

Casa Calamari
8602 Third Avenue
718-921-1900

I hate warming trays!

When I walk into a restaurant for the first time and I see warming tray, my first reaction is to walk out. Foods left sitting in warming trays loose all texture and remind me a very bad junior high school cafeteria.

Casa Calamari has warming trays as you come in and all I wanted to do was walk out! But, my friends persisted and my health insurance is still in effect so I said o.k.

The décor is simple and clean, sort of an office workers lunch place. The service was friendly and actually knowledgeable. There is some confusion in that there are at least three Casa Calamari’s in Brooklyn. I do not know if they are related.

What surprised me was the food! If you are careful to order the daily specials, not on the warming trays, the food is actually good.

The Lasagna was fresh and plentiful. It needed a little more seasoning, maybe some oregano.

You can tell if Lasagna has been sitting, the edges dry up and the sauce de-emulsifies (there is a reddish water on the plate). My bet was that the sauce was made fresh and maybe even with real tomatoes (I found real tomatoes seeds in the sauce).

The calamari and linguini was also good although I like mine to have some more heat and again the portions were large and inexpensive.

Main courses are about $ 12; there is a three course dinner menu with a glass of wine for $25.

If you can find a parking space in Bay Ridge, Casa Calamari will do nicely.

San Remo Pizzeria
1408 Cortelyou Rd,
Brooklyn, NY 11226

Chinese Indian Fusion-Confusion Reigns

Lupa-The She Wolf gets it right

FILM: Four months, three weeks, two days

(with permission of the author)

This is the story of an abortion, Romanian style.  A major focus is on the dependent relationship of two young college female students and the ultimate consequences for both.  The film also speaks to the universal clash between middle class and working class mindsets.  The Romanian state's legal prohibition of abortion provides both backdrop and impulse to the film's evolution. 

As to the abortion: Two young women in their early twenties, students at a university are roommates.  One (Gabita) appears devoid of the will to think and act: she becomes pregnant, is close to five months into it (hence the film's title), and, from an unreliable source receives and follows through on a recommendation for an abortionist.  The abortion must be done in secret:  If discovered, severe prison sentencing will result for all involved.  In her first telephone contact with the abortionist, Gabrita claims that she is only two months pregnant.  The lie is to induce the abortionist to take her case; at the same time endangering her life. Even when pressed she cannot determine within months the approximate date of conception. Her general irresponsibility could lead to the possible incarceration of everyone involved in the abortion.

The above noted egregious personal behavior represents only a modest catalog of her irresponsibleness. Gabrita is a character we all have met at least once in life, one bereft of any life-compass, fearful of confronting awkward situations, and forsaking meetings requiring consequential, on-the-spot decision-making. Such personalities are in hourly need of instruction for avoiding the next misstep to disaster. Taken by itself, such a life is, to put it uncharitably, senselessly problematic. However it is in her dependency relations with others, in particular case her roommate, Otilia, that eruptive events can and do follow.

Otilia is the single hero in this film.  She alone possesses clear and consistent values, and the capacity to act resolutely with courage and intelligence.  One must assume that the source of these qualities, especially basic common sense, stem in part from her working class upbringing and identity.  She is in school for a technical education preparatory for factory work on graduation, possibly managerial. Her discipline and fearlessness reflect growing up in a household where her father has, and mother has had a military career.  Repeatedly, Otilia must resolve problems caused by Gabrita's negligence and miscalculations.  Her intercessions often lead to serious personal physical and emotional risk.

Otilia has a middle class boyfriend, Adi, and the tensions in their relationship mirror wider societal conflicts. This becomes acutely transparent at a birthday dinner for Adi's mother.  The guests include his father's colleagues and their wives from a local scientific institute. Beyond endless mind-numbing prattle, these middle class snobs cannot restrain strutting their prejudices and peevish resentments: against the younger generation generally, and specifically against Otilia for her career aspirations and her parents' lower class status.  In a confrontation with Adi following the dinner, she accuses him of holding and voicing the same abhorrent views expressed by his parents' friends.  In the most damning indictment of his values, she makes it clear that she does not consider him a reliable partner, and if she were in desperate need, say of an abortion, she would not count on him.  In such circumstances, she forcefully asserts her intention to rely on her own resources.

The abortionist is an interesting, if repulsive figure.  He is an efficient and cold-hearted realist.  He is a pervert.  The dreadful climate fostered by the illegality of abortions compels desperate women to throw themselves on the mercy and skills of such individuals. 

I thought the film was characteristically European, and one Hollywood could not produce.  For the young Romanian women in Four months…there is no deep moralizing or hand wringing about the pros and cons of aborting a fetus.  It is a practical decision made by real people in difficult circumstances.  The pregnancy is unwanted because a career is gone, the father would probably disappear, and the burdens of child rearing could reach unbearably difficult levels.  It is not that women in similar circumstances in the US do not face the same issues, and respond to them in the same way. They do, but their lives and decisions cannot appear in our films.  Instead, we confront the real dilemmas of abortion in avoidance mode.  Witness the film Juno suffused with Panglossian middle class virtue, a made-in-heaven. Hollywood ending, and humor almost absurd in its divorce from the profound logistical and emotional difficulties associated with the act in modern day America.  To my mind, its box office success was more a tribute to the film's taboo subject matter, and not as a portrayal of life's circumstances.

The acting all around was superb, as was the direction and camera work.  Most striking for me in this regard was the slow evolution of scenes and extended pauses.  The way the young women dressed, especially Otilia, reminded me more of Paris than New York.

Ralph Schiller 01-07-2008

Whether you are buying your first home or your fifth, the process of buying a home can be an emotional, time-consuming venture. Feeling that, in the end, you made the right decision and got a good deal can make all the difference.

As with most major decisions, the amount of work and research you undertake before you start shopping can have a dramatic effect on how well you do in the end.

#1  Do you really need that backyard tennis court?
Everyone can picture their ideal home. If you haven’t thoroughly prepared yourself prior to viewing houses, chances are that you will find what you think is your ideal home, and will wind up paying too much for it.

It is essential to treat the buying process in a slightly detached manner. Those who fall in love with houses usually pay too much.

That’s why it’s recommended that you develop a list of needs and one of wants. When looking at houses, make sure that they cover all of your needs – things like adequate space, a good neighborhood, perhaps a garage – and then have fun with items on your wants list. Treating the process in a regimented manner will help you to make a rational, informed decision.

#2 Get pre-approved
Visit your lending institution prior to shopping.  Be sure to get a mortgage commitment in writing. Being pre-approved gives you a solid price range, and lets your Realtor® and potential sellers know that you are serious and not just a browser.

#3 Get the right people behind you
Buying a home is a complicated process, with many people involved. Having the right people on your side can make a big difference. An experienced, dedicated, and knowledgeable Realtor® can put a team of advocates, including lenders, lawyers, home inspectors and movers, on your side immediately.

#4 Communicate
The more you share with your Realtor®, the better he or she will be able to represent you. Letting your representative know exactly what you’re looking for, in terms of needs/wants, price range, and location, can eliminate unnecessary trips to unsuitable homes and that focus can help ensure that you wind up in the right home.

#5 Location, location, location
It’s still true.  The desirability and resale value of your home depend on location more than any other factor. People want a desirable community that includes character, quality of schools, access to work, major transportation arteries, recreational facilities, etc.

On your viewing trips, take a careful look and ask the following questions: How does this home compare to others in the neighborhood? Are yards fenced? Are there many children playing in the streets? Are the front and back yards and the exteriors of the homes properly maintained? The less expensive houses in a better area tend to appreciate faster than the most expensive houses in a less desirable area.

Additional factors that affect the property value of a home include traffic, sounds, smells, zoning bylaws, and many others. Be objective. Be sure you are completely satisfied with the neighborhood. If you choose a neighborhood with problems, you likely won’t get as much as you hoped with it comes time to sell.

#6 Use your Realtor’s® knowledge
Your Realtor® is trained in all aspects of real estate, including understanding supply and demand, economics, and the neighborhoods of the city in which they practice. A professional Realtor® can do much of the work for you, by reviewing your needs, reviewing available properties, and making an informed match. A comprehensive knowledge of the available homes in your neighborhood is one of your Realtor’s® strongest assets. With the aid of computerized systems, a Realtor® is notified within hours when a home becomes available.

#7 Pay attention to red flags
When evaluating a home, be sure you know the difference between acceptable and unacceptable problems. Cosmetic items like peeling paint, worn carpeting, or unattractive wallpaper can be easily remedied, and can be used as negotiation items, as there will be costs involved in updating the home.

Major problems, however, are clearly red flags. Look for items such as major foundation cracks, water damage, outdated electrical systems, and inadequate plumbing. These items could be too expensive to remedy to make the home a worthwhile investment.

#8 Hire a home inspector
A home inspection is an inexpensive way to gain peace of mind, and guard your pocket book. A proper inspection will cover all areas of the house including foundation, electrical, heating, plumbing, floors, walls, ceilings, attic, roof, siding and trim, porches, patios, decks, garage and drainage. A professional inspector can give you an objective view of the property, with a written report, indicating the present condition and items that will need repair.

#9 Be cautious with fixer-uppers

Sometimes, a fixer-upper can be purchased below market value, and once sufficient repairs are made, can be sold at a significant profit. However, not all fixer-uppers will bring in the profits you might expect. 

Consumers often overestimate their level of dedication to doing extensive renovation work, and underestimate the costs associated with such work. A wall that needs to be replaced can often lead to the discovery of faulty plumbing, electrical, or other major undertakings. Your Realtor® and home inspector are your best allies when it comes to cost-benefit analyses.

#10 Consider your future needs
A move can be a major undertaking. Take a good look at your current lifestyle and consider the future. Will you need extra space for a home office, a child, or perhaps a child moving back home? Perhaps it may be easier and less expensive if you purchase a home that can meet these needs now, rather than moving up to a larger home a few years down the road.

#11 Proceed quickly
When you’re ready to buy, act. Good properties sell.  This is especially true given the current state of most real estate markets. However, when you work with a Realtor®, you have access to the latest technology. As part of the MLS and Agent Handshake networks, a Realtor® has access to properties within hours of when they are listed.

Technology works to your advantage. Many Realtors® now have personalized websites which allow you to sign on as a client, and receive notification of new listings via email. You save time and effort, and you can view only those homes that come closest to meeting your needs.

#12 Clarify relationships
In any real estate transaction, be very clear about who is working for whom, and what the relationship represents. Unless otherwise stated, an agent represents the seller in transactions for the sale of a home. This agent, as part of his or her fiduciary duty, must ensure that the seller’s (and not your) position is represented throughout the entire process.  Get a buyer’s agent on your side, or ensure that someone is acting in your best interests.

#13 Ask for a written CMA
A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is an analysis of comparable homes in a given neighborhood. It shows you the sale prices of comparable homes in the neighborhood, along with asking prices of other homes in the area currently on the market. A Realtor® can request this report for any home and neighborhood. Ask for this report in writing. With this valuable document, you’ll have solid, reliable information about how fairly a home is priced compared to its real market value.

#14 Know the seller
Understanding a seller’s reasons for moving could work to your advantage during negotiations.  For instance, a seller who has been transferred to another city may be more motivated to sell than someone who is still shopping for a new home.  A vacant house, or a house that has been on the market for several months and has been reduced in price, could also provide the opportunity for lucrative negotiations.

#15 Keep it impersonal
Conversely, information could be used to your detriment. Information about your mortgage, size of down payment, move-in deadline, or circumstances for buying could be used to the seller’s benefit in negotiations. While you want your Realtor® to know these details, maintain your poker face and keep your cards hidden with the sellers and their agents.

#16 Measure twice, sign once
While you definitely want to move quickly once you’ve made the decision to purchase, you don’t want to cave in to pressure for a quick close. Someone who is trying to pressure you into buying a home is likely doing so for a reason. Make sure the reasons for you to buy a home are your reasons, not theirs.

#17 Exercise your negotiating skills
Even if you prefer not to haggle, it’s worth it, especially when it’s your home and one of your biggest investments. Most people expect to haggle over the price. There is always room for negotiation, and your Realtor® should be a professional negotiator.

#18 Avoid bidding wars
In some cases, the seller’s Realtor® may use scare tactics to rush the sale or increase the price. Falling for this trap could cost you money. If there is another buyer, or some other reason this pressure is being applied, whoever wins also loses because they tend to overpay. Let reason be your guide, not passion.

#19 Get it in writing
Legally, sellers must disclose all known material defects of a property. Ask for this in writing. Also be sure to consider the ramifications of these defects. Will they be costly down the road? Are they “serious” defects?

#20 Be aware of hidden costs
While Realtors® often tempt first-time buyers with rent/mortgage comparisons, there is more to a home than simply the mortgage. You will be responsible for other items including mortgage insurance, appraisal fees, legal fees, inspection fees, transfer taxes, title insurance, inspections, property tax, increased bills, etc. Your Realtor® can give you a good idea of the costs associated with buying a home that are beyond its final negotiated price.

Of course a basement waterfall and grotto is a practical and useful addition to any home. That’s pretty much the only thing standing between you and the playboy lifestyle you’ve always dreamed about, right? But who’s going to clean it?

It’s easy to fall in love with certain features of a home, but to find out that those same features, in the long run, are your least favorite. Here are a few common ‘extras’ and a quick assessment of their relative values.

1. In-floor Heating
Also referred to as radiant heat, in-floor heating is a brand new invention. Well, except that the Romans did it a couple thousand years ago by channeling hot air under the floors of their villas. And Frank Lloyd Wright did it in the thirties with hot water, but other than that . . .

For:  In-floor heat comes in two primary forms: hot water heat and electric heat, and there are many advantages. The dramatic energy savings promised shouldn’t prompt you to ask for a decrease in salary just yet, since the more popular hot water radiant heat usually requires a second hot water heater and won’t shave too much off of your bill, but there are some notably appealing elements to in-floor heat in general. Radiant heat is just that – even and consistent, without the up-and-down temperature shifts associated with most conventional heating systems. It’s also silent and invisible, with no bulky radiators or even register vents ruining the feng of your shui. Radiant heat also won’t dry the air, and won’t have you hopping about looking for your slippers on a cold morning.

Against:  In-floor heating systems are still considered a luxury, and can add a fair bit to the value of a home.  They are new, and potential long-term issues have not been entirely worked out.  A handful of people also are leery about the prospect of piping a significant amount of water throughout their cherished home for fear of potential leakage.  All relatively minor concerns.

Assessment:  Find someone with in-floor heating who doesn’t love it.  I dare you.

2. Backyard Pool
It’s the quintessential luxury item that announces once and for all that you are a big dog, even in parts of the country like this one where it can only be used about ten minutes per year. It is the swimming pool. From pools that are little more than big pits of standing water to jewel-encrusted infinity pools that usually adjoin large bodies of water, pools were once the thing. Are they still?

For:  A 2004 4-state NAR study found that having a pool increased property values from 8 to 15%.  The idea of kicking back all summer with a piña colada, sitting next to the lapping water with friends can be quite attractive.  And rightfully so.

Against: Safety issues have not been blown out of proportion by the media.  Pool deaths happen all the time, there’s no getting around that fact.  Pools are expensive to maintain, even without hiring a pool cleaner, and are a lot of work.  As beautiful as a pool can be when it is maintained properly, it can be an eyesore if it is not.  A pool tends to negate having any significant usable space for a backyard.  Am I missing anything?

Assessment:  The issues involved with owning a pool can be overcome, and many people enjoy having a pool very much.  You just have to want one really badly for it to be worthwhile.

3. Dream Kitchen
Kitchens do cool things these days.  Appliances paneled to look like cabinets, an extra tap above the stove for filling large pots of water, $15,000 pounded-copper range hoods, and 460 different countertop materials . . .

For:  Kitchens are finally being designed with maximum utility in mind.  When shopping for a home, focus on the kitchen – it is where you will likely spend a great deal of your time, and the room in which every party tends to congregate.  Before you fall in love with that Kohler faucet, however, analyze the kitchen’s layout from a purely utilitarian standpoint.  Is the magic triangle of sink-stove-fridge arranged conveniently?  Are cabinets and other storage in logical places?  Is there sufficient light?  And most importantly, is this a space you will feel comfortable and happy in?  Don’t underestimate the importance of a functional and attractive kitchen.

Against:  Be careful not to fall in love with the impermanent fixtures in a kitchen.  While those glass-front, backlit uppers may brilliantly display the seller’s Royal Daulton bone china, will your mixed collection of garage sale Melmac have the same effect?  Likewise, if your idea of cooking is heating up last night’s pizza, perhaps space would be better used elsewhere.

Assessment:  The kitchen is the hub of virtually any home.  Don’t underestimate its importance.

4. Activity Rooms
This is an overly broad categorization, of course, but activity rooms like workshops, games rooms, and exercise rooms tend to hold common appeal – and common drawbacks.

For:  Having the right setup for a particular activity can be inspiring.  Having a single power tool in each room of your house and each corner of the garage and shed is not exactly the ideal situation for building that crib you started on for your daughter and are determined to finish before the birth of you granddaughter.  Likewise, if you have the latest elliptical trainer and weight set in a room next to your bedroom with a 12 foot plasma TV facing it, perhaps you will find that six-pack after all.

Against:  If you can’t make a dovetail joint, all of the tools in the world will not give you that knowledge.  If you haven’t lifted anything heavier than a handful of pork rinds in the last decade, a workout room will likely soon become just a TV room with uncomfortable seating.  Unreasonable expectations usually develop into unreasonable decisions.

Assessment:  Your home should inspire you and will, to a certain extent, dictate your lifestyle.  Be rational in your decisions, however, and aim for versatility rather than rooms that are locked in to a particular use that may not be as useful in the future.

The Bottom Line

With all of your dream home features, try to let reason prevail (or at least get a word in edgewise). You may absolutely worship the tumbled marble rainforest shower with the heated towel rack, but it will be of little comfort every morning and night when you are cursing the home’s lack of closet space. It is often the most boring attributes of a home that will give you the most pleasure.

Shopping for a new home is an emotional experience.  It is, however, also a business transaction, and must be treated as such.  Three of the most devastating things that can go wrong are:

• Paying too much
• Losing a dream home to another buyer
• Buying the wrong home

When you have a systematic plan before you shop, you’ll be sure to avoid these costly errors. Here are some tips on making the most of your home purchase:

Get the information you need
What price do you offer a seller? Is the seller’s asking price too high? Is it a deal? Your own research is important, as is the assistance of a Realtor®.  A professional Realtor® can offer an unbiased opinion on the value of a home, based on many factors and a great deal of information. Without knowledge of the market, your offer could be too much. Or worse, you could miss out on a great buying opportunity.  Hire the right person and trust that person to represent your interests.

Buy YOUR home
What do you need and want in a home? Sounds simple, but clearly identifying your needs and bringing an objective view to home shopping leaves you in a much better position. How much space do you really need?  Too small and you may feel like you live in constant clutter.  Too big and maintenance may become too daunting.  Outline all of your priorities, and work on finding not just a great home, but a great home for you.

Check the title
Before you sign any document, be sure the property you are considering is free of all encumbrances. As a part of his or her services, a Realtor® can supply you with a copy of the title to ensure there are no liens, debts, undisclosed owners, leases or easements against the title.

Update the survey
Before the purchase is completed, an updated survey is essential. This report will indicate boundaries and structural changes (additions to the house, a new swimming pool, neighbor’s new fence which is extending a boundary line, etc.), and will guarantee that you are indeed getting what you pay for.

Minimize the unexpected
For $300 - $500, a professional inspector will conduct a thorough inspection of the home. Their expertise can mean the difference between uncovering major flaws before or after you own a home. Make the final contract subject to the report’s findings.

Get pre-approved
It only takes a few days to get financing pre-approval. When you are shopping for a home, this gives you more power. A seller is more likely to consider an offer from a serious buyer.

Remember additional costs
Besides the funds for the purchase of a home, you’ll need funds for items such as loan fees, insurance, legal fees, surveys, inspections, etc.

Take a deep breath
Before you sign, ensure that all documentation clearly reflects your understanding and conditions of the transaction. Has anything been forgotten? Don’t rush. You could lose money, financing, or even the sale if you attempt to push things through too hastily.

Fushimi
9316 Fourth Avenue
Brooklyn, NY

An upscale dinner that had existed on this site died, but this did not deter the owners of Fushimi. Fushimi is an upscale Asian Fusion restaurant and lounge decorated in the style of a hip Japanese disco with a branch in Staten Island. There is a Sushi Bar, a liquor bar, seductive dimly lit bathrooms and even a water lily tank in the floor.

Personally I found the décor over the top and done with less taste than their annoying website. Will some tell the web designer that thin knockout type on a dark background is simply illegible? There us a tiny barely useable parking lot guaranteed to generate lot of parking lot scraps and arguments.

I went for the $15 dollar luncheon and I was very impressed. There was a choice of Miso or Lemongrass w/seafood soup for starters. The appetizer list was mostly sushi, a calamari dish, edamane, shrimp shumai and gyoza. The edamane was cold, the calamari was nicely plated and well done but the portion was very small. However the Sushi was first rate and the spicy tuna was flavorful without burning your mouth,

 The main lunch course had a surprising number of choices. The sesame chicken, sliced beef steak in a mushroom sauce, and scallops were stand outs. The scallops fresh and well seasoned, the chicken crisp and not dried out and the beef, the best I tasted in Brooklyn. Alas, the rice was cold.

While the portions were not big and the atmosphere a little over bearing, I am looking forward to dinner at Fushimi’s. While, the economy is not conducive to upscale restaurants in the boroughs, but if I had to bet on a survivor my vote is with Fushimi

Selling a home can sometimes be a long, stressful, and costly process.  Like anything, though, equipping yourself with the right tools and the right knowledge can eliminate a great number of the potential negative aspects of the process – and get you the maximum return on your investment.

Your Team

The importance of having the right allies in the selling process cannot be overstated.  Having an expert on your side, not only to assist you in making decisions and getting your home marketed, but also simply in terms of having an advocate in the process, is the single most important step you can take to reduce your stress.

The first step in selling any home should be to arrange to get Comparative Market Analyses for your home from three different Realtors®.  Many sellers take this step, but what they do with the information they receive is not always in their best interest.

Once three CMAs have been prepared, the natural tendency is for a seller to hire the Realtor® who produces the highest number.  This is often a mistake.  Competing Realtors® sometimes inflate these numbers in order to ‘buy’ your listing, intending to later drop their price.  If one CMA is significantly higher than the others, be suspicious of how that number was reached.

More important to this process is getting an idea of these Realtors®’ backgrounds, expertise, motivation, and simply their personalities – you may be working closely with this representative for many weeks, so it is important that it be someone you trust.

Your Goals

Goal #1:  Make lots of money.

Most sellers fail to move beyond goal #1, and that can cause some problems.  Another important goal that should be recognized is the attempt to minimize stress.  Will getting an extra percentage or two for your home be worth the inconvenience of having it on the market for an extra month?  Two months?

Your priorities are your own, of course, but sometimes sellers underestimate the stress that having their home on the market for an extended period can generate.  Constant showings, constant interruptions, and concerns about selling your home before buying its replacement are not minor concerns – each can have a major impact on your life.

Sit down and discuss just where you place the most importance in the selling process.  If profit is your only priority, perhaps you can afford to be firmer in your asking price, and can reject offers that are less than ideal.  Most sellers who have had their home on the market for an extended period of time, though, would agree that the few extra dollars were not worth it in the end.

Your Trust

The correlative to assembling a strong team is putting your trust in that team.

Few people would second-guess their heart surgeon and insist they could do a better job themselves, or question whether their lawyer’s knowledge of the law is more extensive than their own, but when it comes to selling a home, many homeowners find it difficult to put their faith in the knowledge of their Realtor® fully.

For example, despite the fact that studies show that less than 1% of homes are sold through open houses, many homeowners insist their Realtor® hold one.  Indeed, if a yard sign and an open house were all it took to sell a home, there wouldn’t be many Realtors® at all!

If you’ve put the right team in place, put your trust in that team.  Realtors® have access to many highly-advanced marketing strategies that you may not even realize are being utilized. 

It is your Realtor’s® job to bring qualified buyers to the table – and keep in mind that he or she likely does not get paid at all if your house doesn’t sell!  In most markets, the combination of the right representative and the right listing price will result in a sold home.  If you recognize this early on, it becomes much easier to take a step back from the process, let your professional representative market your home, and minimize your stress. 

Don’t hesitate to speak up if you think that things are not progressing as they should, but likewise, don’t hesitate to sit back and be comfortable in the knowledge that the sale of your home is being handled professionally and effectively.

Mistake #1 – Incorrect Pricing
Every seller naturally wants to get the most money for his or her product. The most common mistake that causes sellers to get less than they hope for, however, is listing too high.  Listings reach the greatest proportion of potential buyers shortly after they reach the market.  If a property is dismissed as being overpriced early on, it can result in later price reductions.  Overpriced properties tend to take an unusually long time to sell, and they end up being sold at a lower price than they likely would have had they been priced properly in the first place.

Mistake #2 -- Mistaking Re-finance Appraisals for Market Value
Re-finance appraisals can be very encouraging for homeowners, leading them to assume that the appraisal is the amount that they should expect to receive for their property. Lenders often estimate the value of your property higher than it actually is, however, in order to encourage re-financing. The market value of your home could actually be (and often is) lower. Your best bet is to ask your Realtor® for the most recent information regarding property sales in your community. This will give you an up-to-date and factually accurate estimate of your property value.

Mistake #3 -- Failing to "Showcase"
In spite of how frequently this mistake is addressed and how simple it is to avoid, its prevalence is still widespread. When attempting to sell your home to prospective buyers, do not forget to make your home look as pleasant as possible. Make necessary repairs. Clean. Make sure everything functions and looks presentable, and remove as many possessions as you can prior to showing. A poorly kept home, or one with too much clutter, will make it dramatically more difficult for buyers to become emotionally interested in your property.

Mistake #4 - Trying to "Hard Sell" While Showing
Buying a house is always an emotional and difficult decision. As a result, you should try to allow prospective buyers to comfortably examine your property. Don't try haggling or forcefully selling. Instead, be friendly and hospitable. Pointing out any unnoticed amenities and being receptive to questions is advisable, but this is not the time for negotiation and salesmanship.

Mistake #5 - Trying to Sell to Lookers
A prospective buyer who shows interest because of a For Sale sign or an open house ad may not really be interested in your property. Often, buyers who are not accompanied by a Realtor® are 6-9 months away from buying, and are more interested in seeing what is out there than in actually making a purchase. They may still have to sell their house, or may not be able to afford a house yet. They may still even be unsure as to whether or not they want to relocate.

Your Realtor® should be able to distinguish realistic potential buyers from mere lookers. Realtors® should usually find out a prospective buyer's savings, credit rating, and purchasing power in general. If your Realtor® fails to find out this pertinent information, you should do some investigating and questioning on your own. This will help you avoid wasting valuable time marketing to the wrong people. If you have to do this work yourself, consider finding a new Realtor®.

Mistake #6 -- Being Ignorant of Your Rights & Responsibilities
It is extremely important that you are well-informed of the details of your real estate contract. Real estate contracts are legally binding documents, and they can often be complex and confusing. Not being aware of the terms in your contract could cost you thousands for repairs and inspections. Know what you are responsible for before signing any contract. Can the property be sold "as is"? How will deed restrictions and local zoning laws affect your transaction? Not knowing the answers to these kinds of questions could end up costing you a considerable amount of money.

Mistake #7 - Signing a Contract with No Escape
Hopefully you will have taken the time to choose the best Realtor® for you. But sometimes, as we all know, circumstances change. Perhaps you misjudged your Realtor®, or perhaps the Realtor® has other priorities on his or her mind. In any case, you should have the right to fire your agent. Also, you should have the right to select another agent of your choosing. Many real estate companies will simply replace an agent with another one, without consulting you. Be sure to have control over your situation before signing a real estate contract.

Mistake #8 - Limited Marketing
There are two obvious marketing tools that nearly every seller uses: open houses and classified ads. Unfortunately, these two tools are rather ineffective. Less than 1% of homes are sold at open houses, and less than 3% are sold because of classified ads. In fact, Realtors® often use open houses solely to attract future prospects, not to sell that particular house.  Does your Realtor® have a website?  There are very few successful real estate professionals who don’t, and for good reason.

Your Realtor® should employ a wide variety of marketing techniques and should be committed to selling your property; he or she should be available for every phone call from a prospective buyer. Most calls are received, and open houses are scheduled, during business hours, so make sure that your Realtor® is working on selling your home during these hours (many Realtors® work part-time).

Mistake #9 - Choosing the Wrong Realtor®
Selling your home could be the most important financial transaction in your lifetime. As a result, it is extremely important that you select a Realtor® who is a good match for you. Experienced real estate agents often cost the same as brand new agents. Chances are that the experienced agent will be able to bring you a higher price in less time and with fewer hassles.

Remember what first attracted you to your house when you bought it? What excited you about its most appealing features? Now that you're selling your home, you'll need to look at it as if you were buying it all over again.

A spruced up house makes a great first impression on potential buyers. An attractive property grabs their attention and makes them excited about finding a house that looks and feels well-cared for. Because buyers know they’ll encounter fewer problems if they buy it, your house becomes more appealing and stands out from the competition. So if you prepare your home correctly, you’ll save time selling it when it’s on the market.

A good first impression makes an impact on a number of levels. It’s not just the way your house looks to potential buyers, but how it feels and smells to them, how their friends and family will react, how they imagine it would be to live there.

With simple improvements throughout your house, you can grab the attention of potential buyers and help them see why your house is right for them.

Plan Ahead

Create a plan to enhance your property. Keep a notebook for your selling project, and as you stroll through your yard, make a list of what needs to be done. Consider what your property looks like to people driving by or walking through your door. What will they like or dislike? What needs fixing, painting, cleaning? What can you improve? Whether you paint your house or fix up the yard, your efforts don’t need to be costly; even inexpensive improvements and minor repairs go far toward attracting serious buyers. But remember, those seemingly insignificant problems you’ve learned to live with can actually discourage potential buyers. Here are ideas for increasing your home’s appeal in order to sell it quickly at the best price.

Interior

Clean Everything

Buyers expect a spotless house, inside and out. So clean everything, especially your windows and window sills. Scrub walls and floors, tile and ceilings, cupboards and drawers, kitchen and bathrooms. Wash scuff marks from doors and entryways, clean light fixtures and the fireplace. Don’t forget the laundry room. And put away your clothes.

Cut the Clutter

People are turned off by rooms that look and feel cluttered. Remember, potential buyers are buying your house, not your furniture, so help them picture themselves and their possessions in your home by making your rooms feel large, light, and airy. As you clean, pack away your personal items, such as pictures, valuables, and collectibles, and store or get rid of surplus books, magazines, videotapes, extra furniture, rugs, blankets, etc. Consider renting a storage unit to eliminate clutter in your garage and attic.

It’s hard to get rid of possessions, but cleaning and clearing out the clutter can really pay off in the end. Packing away your clutter also gets you started packing for your next move. Make your garage and basement as tidy as the rest of your house. Simple little tasks such as storing your tools and neatly rolling up your garden hose suggest that you take good care of your house. Don’t let anything detract from making your best first impression.

Closets

They’re an important consideration to many buyers. By storing clothing you won’t use soon, you’ll make closets look spacious.

Paint

A new coat of paint cleans up your living space and makes it look bright and new. To make rooms look larger, choose light, neutral colors that appeal to the most people, such as beige or white.

Carpet

Check its condition. If it’s worn, consider replacing it. It’s an easy and affordable way to help sell your home faster. Again, light, neutral colors, such as beige, are best. If you don’t replace it, you can suggest to potential buyers that they could select new carpet and you’ll reduce your price; buyers like to hear they’re getting a deal. At the very least, have your carpet cleaned.

Repairs and Renovations

It’s best to avoid making major renovations just to sell the house since you’re unlikely to recoup those costs from your selling price. Make minor repairs to items such as leaky faucets, slow drains, torn screens, gutters, loose doorknobs, and broken windows. Make sure repairs are well done; buyers won’t take you seriously if your home-improvement efforts look messy, shoddy, or amateurish.

Leaks and Moisture

Water stains on ceilings or in the basement alert buyers to potential problems. Don’t try to cosmetically cover up stains caused by leaks. If you’ve fixed the water problem, repair the damage and disclose in writing to the buyer what repairs were made.

Exterior

Curb Appeal

The "Wow" factor — that first visual, high-impact impression your home makes on potential buyers — can turn a looker into a buyer. To determine your property’s curb appeal, drive through your neighborhood and note other properties; then approach your own house as if you were a potential buyer. How does it look? Does it "wow" you? Will its curb appeal attract buyers? Note what needs improving, such as trimming trees, planting shrubs, or painting gutters. Little things convey that you’ve cared for your home, and this is your opportunity to sell that important message to buyers who are shopping from the street, simply cruising neighborhoods just looking for houses for sale. To get them through your door, do what you can to make your property look like someone’s dream home.

Paint/Stain

If it’s peeling or blistering and you can’t remember the last time you painted it, your house needs some attention. That also goes for stain that is significantly faded. A newly painted or stained exterior will help sell your house faster. And whether you do it yourself or hire someone, you’ll also increase your home’s value.

In the Yard

Grab people’s attention by enhancing your yard and landscaping. If your house looks inviting and well-maintained from the street, people will imagine that it’s attractive on the inside, too.

• Prune bushes and hedges; trim trees.
• Keep your lawn looking healthy and green by mowing it often, fertilizing it, and keeping it edged and trimmed.
• Clean up and dispose of pet mess.
• Weed your gardens; add fertilizer and mulch; then plant colorful flowers.
• In winter, keep your driveway and sidewalks shoveled, de-iced, and well-lit.
• Stack firewood, clean out birdbaths, repair and paint fences.

The Front Door

An attractive entry catches a buyer’s eye and says, "Welcome," so highlight this area of your house with decorative touches, such as a wreath on the door or new shrubs and flowers around the steps. For an even grander entry, clean and paint your front door, or replace it with a new one for a few hundred dollars. Don’t forget to fix and polish doorknobs, repair torn screens, and then put out that new welcome mat.

Keep yourself organized with the following checklist.

Clean and Maintain

• Windows, sills, and screens
• Walls and floor
• Tile
• Ceilings
• Cupboards and drawers
• Kitchen
• Bathrooms
• Light fixtures
• Ceiling fans
• Carpet and rugs
• Mirrors
• Garage
• Attic
• Basement
• Laundry room
• Yard
• Gutters
• Replace furnace filter
• Dust furniture, TV and computer screens
• Closets
• Remove clutter
• Pack personal items

Repair

• Leaky faucets and plumbing
• Torn screens
• Slow drains
• Gutters
• Loose doorknobs
• Deck boards
• Broken windows
• Electrical fixtures
• Water stain damage
• Broken appliances
• Damaged walls and ceilings
• Worn carpet and rugs
• Damaged sidewalks and steps

Improvements

• Stain or paint deck
• Store tools
• Roll up garden hose
• Paint or stain exterior
• Prune bushes and hedges
• Trim trees
• Mow lawn, fertilize, edge, and trim
• Weed gardens, plant flowers
• Shovel driveways, de-ice
• Stack firewood
• Clean out birdbaths
• Caulk windows and doors
• Repair and paint fences
• Seal asphalt driveway
• Make sure doors close properly
• Enhance entryway
• Replace welcome mat

Red Bamboo Restaurant
271 Adelphi Street
Brooklyn, NY

At one time vegetarian restaurants that served mock meat dishes were a place to recommend only to your worst enemy. I am a CARNIVOIRE and unashamedly so. So, I went to the Red Bamboo, only under duress or threat of familial rendition.

I was pleasantly surprised and in some cases even amazed. The Citrus Beef served Chinese style, no only tasted like good beef, but had beef’s texture. The half chicken, no only had the right taste and texture, but also looked like a half chicken. How did they do that? I guess the next thing will be to get a drumstick, bone and all out of Soya. Tell me if a chicken goes cluck, cluck, what sound does a Soya make? The portions were not large, I guess, Vegetarians can be concerned with their weight too.

There is a good bar and you can have real alcohol there (Just because you don’t eat animals doesn’t mean that you can’t be sinful as well).

The crowd is mainly young gentrifiers and the noise is moderate, the DJ, plays ridiculous pop tunes, ballads or blues might be more appropriate. My biggest beef ( ha!ha!) is the eighteen percent service charge automatically put on your bill. What happens if you don’t like the service? Luckily, we did, but I still think that is kind of tacky.

Understanding local conditions in Brooklyn is important when it comes to buying and selling real estate, but the neighborhood you choose can have a dramatic impact on all other aspects of your life as well.

Please feel free to browse through the complimentary Brooklyn information I’ve provided.

When it’s time to move, call me at 917 912 8669 to get a representative on your side who has experience, Brooklyn market knowledge, and the confidence to help you make the best transaction possible. Enjoy!  Dan

Once your home goes on the market, it becomes a product. Home Styling or Staging simply allows you to highlight the best of your home and de-emphasize its flaws. It's not about decorating, but actually turning your home into a model, to appeal to the broadest range of prospective buyers. The goal is to make people feel like they could live there, and the best way to do this is to "neutralize" the surroundings.

Ever shopped in a store where the employees clearly work on commission and almost seem to lurk in the background, watching your every move, while you shop?

This scenario doesn't really put you in the buying mood, does it?
It can be uncomfortable exploring a home when you also feel like you’re being watched. Making buyers feel comfortable when looking for a home is absolutely essential. Buyers tend to have little interest in asking you questions about your property because the answers you provide will certainly be biased in some way. This is why you have hired a real estate agent to represent you and your home. Who better than a qualified professional to be the spokesperson for your home.

You carefully selected and hired a Realtor® to sell your house – now is the time to step back and let him or her do just that!

Alerted to a Friends and Family night at Visions, 752 Coney Island Avenue on Friday night and were pleasantly surprised. I remember 752 a dark and dirty bar you tried not to remember, because you went into it inorder to forget. But today’s Visions is a bright and sometimes loud café that’s is full of laughter and good times. The décor while unimpressive is nevertheless pleasant and even inviting.

The owner, Marack, is attentive and eager to please. And the service although not professional was very good. For example, someone dropped a fork and without being told our waiter was there promptly with fork in hand. We started with a Romaine salad, fresh, large and nicely topped with grated Parmesan cheese. For an appetizer we had the Mozzarella in Corozza, a grilled white bread sandwich of Mozzarella, topped with a cream of tomato sauce, o.k., but a zestier sauce might have helped. A rather plebian, but fresh lightly breaded fillet of sole was made a little special by a sweet glaze and a nice mesclun avocado salad. The star of the night was the fettuccini scampi with a wonderful strong but not overpowering sauce of garlic, wild mushrooms and olive oil, worth the trip. A nice Crème Brule finished the dinner nicely. Cost $ 60 with a beer and tip (there was an approximately $ 10 discount). The only downer, Marack needs a better selection of beers, there is no draft beer and Brooklyn Beer does not do it for me.

The menu at Visions is limited, one chicken, one pork dish, one steak, and a few fish dishes along with the usual wraps and burgers. As they say---The cook doesn’t do much, but what he does do, he does very well. Come hungry as the portions are large and expect to meet friends.

As we walked home, across Cortelyou we noticed is that we now had was a real choice of restaurants and places to go--- Indeed a good Vision of Cortelyou.

Preparing a house for really works, I had the chance to redo a moribund house on Marlborough road. With a modest budget and a lot of creativity, we redid the kitchen ( plumbing and cabinets ), painted the interior, did some simple landscaping, and made some minor repairs this cost less than $ 40,000 and we soon sold the house for over $ 120,000 more.

Most people only see a house two or three times before they bid and sometimes buy a house. It is not hard to figure out that the first impression is a significant, if not critical part of selling your house.

Would you buy your own house?

Put yourself in the place of someone walking into your house for the first time. Go outside your house and look at the entrance, I mean really look hard at the entrance. This is the first thing the buyer will see and it will color his or hers feeling about the house.

Recently, I came up to a house with peeling paint on the front door jam and broken step. When I entered the house, it was totally redone, new kitchen, new baths, but I couldn’t stop thinking that all the work was hiding something or it was being flipped and maybe I should leave now.

Remind you of something---“For want of a nail, the shoe was lost. For want of a shoe…”

The paint and repair was less than $ 100, but probably cost several buyers and thousands of dollars.