Frequently Asked Questions
What primary services do you offer?
Our primary services consist of finding tenants for landlords and selling property in the Cobble Hill, Carroll Garden, Brooklyn Heights & Boerum Hill areas of Brooklyn.
What do you do to help owners sell property?
The critical part of selling a property is determining the right value of ranges for a property owner. We invest the time to provide you with the comparable values. We work really hard to give you best options and guide you along the way.
What are the rates of your services?
Our rates depend on a number of factors but generally we charge 2.3-3% for sale of a house or 10%-15% for finding a tenant an apartment to rent. Our rates are negotiable depending on the size and complexity of the situation.
Where have you worked before?
We have worked at Brooklyn Heights Real Estate as well as Carroll Garden Real Estate. We have combined more than 20 years of experience in our community that we serve.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes all real estate salespersons must be licensed and insured. If you are hiring a real estate salesperson or meet one at a showing, you should always ask if they are licensed.
Where can I find out more about a New York City property building violations?
Before you buy a property or rent an apartment, you should access the information provided by New York City on the property. Information on violations can be found on the Department of Buildings here website and the New York City Housing Preservation & Development here website.
What are the rent laws in New York City?
Generally speaking there are three categories of rental apartments - Rent Controlled, Rent Stabilized & Free Market. Here is a general guide you can use to understand basic differences but note that rules change. And here are some fact sheets on various topics. There are very few rent controlled apartments left in NYC and generally you can only get one if you are born into the family that has one already like Bernie Sanders or lived with someone who passes it on to you. Rent stabilized apartments are more available but sometimes difficult to find as only certain buildings fall within those regulations. Given the complexity of the topic, give us a call to discuss further. We generally only represent landlords that have market rate rental apartments for rent in the Carroll Garden, Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill and Brooklyn Heights area.
Where can I find out how much are property taxes and did owner pay property taxes on NYC property?
The Department of Finance in New York City provides details of a property's market value, assessed value, property tax levy and outstanding property taxes by property. You can find out all the details of the property tax payments and amounts outstanding using the link here.
What are your terms and conditions?
Here is a copy of our listing agreement.
What should you ask about for a buyer or seller agent?
Hiring the right agent should focus on the advice a salesperson is going to give you throughout the process. They need to be independent and focus on your needs. The fee percentage is important but more importantly how you calculate that fee is critical. Consider factors like tenant buyout payments or your out-of-pocket costs. We will work with you to make the hiring process fair and fees transparent.
What are rental vouchers?
New York City provides vouchers for payment of rent. All landlords must take vouchers and we present all offers to landlords without conditions or requirements.
What disclosures do Landlords Have to Provide?
Briefly speaking there are both NYS and NYC disclosures that have to be provided during the time a lease is entered into or renewed. NYC landlords are also required to present tenants with an annual lead paint and window guard notice each year between January 1 and January 15. Tenants must complete and return the form before February 15.
Due to new legislation enacted, there has been substantial changes to unregulated apartments related to Good Cause Eviction which also requires disclosures.
The mandatory disclosures are:
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Download here)
Lead Poisoning Prevention Pamphlet (Download here)
Window Guards Required Lease Notice to Tenant (Download here)
Sprinkler Disclosure Lease Rider (Download here)
Notice to Tenant Disclosure of Bedbug Infestation History (Download here)
Flood History and Risk Lease Notice to Residential Tenants (Download here)
Lease/Commencement of Occupancy Notice for Indoor Allergen Hazards (Download here)
Notice for Suspected Gas Leaks, Smoke Detecting Devices, and Carbon Monoxide Alarms (Download here)
Notice Disclosing Tenants’ Rights to Reasonable Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities (Download here)
What is Good Cause Eviction Notices?
Under the new law commonly called Good Cause Eviction law, landlords are required to provide certain disclosures as follows:
1. landlord to append to any lease or renewal lease a notice disclosing whether or not the GCE law applies to the lease.
2. notice must advise the tenant as follows:
Whether the unit is exempt from GCE and, if so, the basis for the exemption;
If the unit is subject to GCE, and the landlord intends to increase the rent above the local rent standard, the justification for the increase;
If the unit is subject to GCE and landlord is electing not to renew the lease, the basis for such non-renewal.
3. All notices of rent increase or change in lease must include the above notices.
Generally it is better to disclose than not.