Luke's Blog

OPEN HOUSE BENSONHURST/DYKER PARK SUNDAY OCTOBER 5th 1-4 PM!!!

2008-10-04T06:47:44Z

LUKE CONSTANTINO | REMAX METRO | 718-362-0098

HOUSE FOR SALE

312 Bay 13th Street, Brooklyn, NY

2 Bdrm Single Family House with a Separate Garage

$499,000

*Year Built*	*1945*
*Bedrooms*	2
*Bathrooms*	*1 full, 1 partial*
*Floors*	2
*Parking*	*Unspecified*
*Lot Size*	*1,653 sqft*

This beautiful cozy house with a finished basement also has a community drive, separate garage with a deck on top and is a block away from the Belt Parkway.

This house is also one block away from the Shore Promenade, which is great for walking, jogging, bike riding and has a magnificent view of the Verrazano Bridge There are also 2 Express buses to Manhattan stop on Cropsey Avenue. Some of Brooklyn's best schools, restaurants, shopping and houses of worship are within walking distance...

Just ask Luke!!!

LUKE CONSTANTINO

REMAX METRO

lukeconstantino@aol.com

718-362-0098

(Google my name)

Neighborhood Profile: Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY

2008-09-23T00:48:35Z


	Brooklyn Heights is a neighborhood within the New York City borough of Brooklyn; originally designated through popular reference as 'Brooklyn Village', it has, since 1834, become a prevalent area of the Brooklyn borough. As of 2000, the Brooklyn Heights sustained a population of 22,493 people. The neighborhood is part of Brooklyn Community Board 2. Brooklyn Heights stretches from Fulton Street near the Brooklyn Bridge south to Atlantic Avenue and from the East River east to Court Street and Cadman Plaza. Adjacent neighborhoods are : DUMBO, Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill. It is the part of Brooklyn closest to Lower Manhattan[citation needed], directly across the East River, and easily accessible via the Downtown and multiple subway lines. The area was heavily fortified prior to the largest battle of the American Revolutionary War - The Battle of Long Island (also known as The Battle of Brooklyn). After British troops landed on Long Island and advanced towards Continental Army lines, General George Washington withdrew his troops here after heavy losses, but was able to make a skillful retreat across the East River to Manhattan without the loss of any troops or his remaining supplies. Brooklyn Heights in 1854Brooklyn Heights occupies a bluff that rises sharply from the river's edge and gradually recedes on the landward side. Before the Dutch settled on Long Island in the middle of the seventeenth century, this promontory was called Ihpetonga ("the high sandy bank") by the native Lenape Native Americans. The neighborhood is largely composed of block after block of picturesque rowhouses and a few mansions. A great range of architectural styles are represented, including a few Federal-style houses from the early 19th century in the northern part of the neighborhood, brick Greek Revival and Gothic Revival houses, and Italianate brownstones. A number of houses, particularly along Pierrepont Street and Pierrepont Place are authentic mansions. Brooklyn Heights was the first neighborhood protected by the 1965 Landmarks Preservation Law of New York City. Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims is in Brooklyn Heights. The executive offices of the Brooklyn Dodgers were, for many years, located in the Heights, near the intersection of Montague and Court Streets. A plaque on the office building that replaced the Dodgers' old headquarters identifies it as the site where Jackie Robinson signed his major league contract. The Promenade cantilevered over the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) is a favorite spot among locals, offering magnificent vistas of the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline across the East River, as well as views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge. It is a popular tourist destination for the Macy's July 4th fireworks, and for the unobstructed views of the skyline. Robert Moses originally proposed to build the BQE through the heart of Brooklyn Heights. Opposition to this plan led to the designation of the Heights as a historic district, and the re-routing of the expressway to the side of the bluff, allowing creation of the Promenade. 150 - 159 Willow Street, three original red brick early 19th century Federal Style HousesBrooklyn Heights, being a historic district has very few high-rise buildings. Among these buildings are 75 Livingston Street, Hotel St. George, the Concord Village co-op development on Adams Street (though that is considered Downtown Brooklyn by some), and the Montague-court building. Because of the lack of high-rise buildings, Brooklyn Heights has a small town atmosphere. Situated so close to the foot of Manhattan, Brooklyn Heights is serviced by numerous subway lines, specifically the A, C, F, M, R, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Famous residents over the years have included John A. Roebling, Washington Roebling, Henry Ward Beecher, Marilyn Monroe, Norman Mailer, Thomas Wolfe, W. H. Auden, Truman Capote, Arthur Miller, Bob Dylan (who memorialized his stay on Montague Street in "Tangled up in Blue"), Andrea Dworkin, and Carson McCullers. Brooklyn Heights architectureThe Jehovah's Witnesses have their world headquarters in the north heights just north of the BQE, and have a pronounced presence in the area. The organization has restored a number of historic buildings to house their staff, including the former Bossert Hotel, once the seasonal home of many Dodgers players, on Montague Street. Saint Francis College, founded in 1858 by the Franciscan Brothers on Baltic Street, moved to its current location on Remsen Street in 1960. It was the first private boys' school in the Brooklyn Catholic diocese, and later became a college in 1885. http://lukeconstantino.tripod.com/

Buy in a low market?

2008-09-23T00:08:38Z

I have prided myself on having everything a person would need to sell a property or buy for a very long time. Being in the business for over 12 years is an acomplishment in itself these days! I have even sold houses where no one in my office has. This is a very diffrent market. You got to roll with it or get kicked to the curb.

In light of all these financial institutions hitting the crapper, there are still awesome property deals! Even "Donald Trump" has said this is the best time to buy.I still, to this day, do not understand why there is a buying frenzy in a high market more than a low market. To have a skilled Realtor in this market right now can get you more bang for your buck.

Do your homework...

Read my profile, "Google" my name (Luke Constantino) or even better, my number (718-362-0098).

Email (LukeConstanino@aol.com) or...

Call me.

Luke Constantino
Commercial/Residential
RE/MAX METRO
(718) 362-0098
http://LukeConstantino.tripod.com

Remenbering 9/11 through a native New Yorker's eyes...

2008-09-11T08:18:47Z

September 11th devastated a lot of New Yorkers and left a lot of Americans very depressed. I was watching the trauma unfold from across The Brooklyn Bridge. From the time the second plane hit The World Trade Centers till the first building fell I was in shock, thinking that it all was just a dream. I couldn't believe it!

I went to ground zero that evening to help with the recovery/cleanup. I never saw anything like what I saw there in my life and never wish to again. I do not wish to elaborate. My heart goes out the families who lost any loved ones in this tragedy.

A year later I went to the September 11th anniversary/memorial at "Ground Zero". I stopped for a moment of silence at 8:46 with a large group of NYPD officers. It was extremely crowded with people from all over the world. It was like the world just stopped on the freeway to take a look at a very bad accident... New Yorkers have to live with this every day.

One of the greatest things I saw there were these two Hawaiian guys who were giving out thousands of real purple orchid Hawaiian leis. I saw they still had LaGuardia arrival stickers on their shirts. They came all the way from Hawaii to Ground Zero just to give them out... "Mahalo" (thank you in Hawaiian).

Also there was a girl sitting on a stool with a sign that read "I Give Free Hugs" with a heart next to it. I thought this was strange/different so I stood in front of her with my arms wide open; she gave me a big hug. It was one of the most sincere hugs I've gotten in a very long time.

The one year anniversary/memorial has eased the depression I have had . Nothing can make me understand why this happened, it was senseless. They were just going to work. Being born and raised in New York makes you privy to a lot of hard-core shit (circumstances) but nothing could have prepared us for what happened that day.

BE PREPARED! - What Every Renter Should Know To Step In Front of the Line

2008-09-09T07:34:45Z

BE PREPARED! - What Every Renter Should Know To Step In Front of the Line

Luke Constantino| September 9, 2008

I deal with a lot of buying and selling of property in NYC, but along with that, I also deal with rentals. Renting an apartment can be a pretty big job. Going to different sites on the internet, newspapers and just finding that decent location that coincides with your lifestyle can be very stressing. For me, rentals often bring on new home buyers later on. Here are some of my sure-fire tips on how to get in front of the line and be the best candidate for a rental in NYC:

5 TIPS ON WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO BE THE BEST CANDIDATE:

• Have a credit report ready from all three credit bureaus in hand. This is the most important thing you will need. You don't need perfect credit, but the higher your credit score the better. Anything above 580 is an open door, no questions asked. If a student loan or medical bill has brought your credit score down (and nothing else), you should point this out.

Best credit report: Creditreport.com

• Photocopy of your driver's license, social security card, 2 pay stubs from your employer and W2/1099. You have to draw a picture of who you are and how substantial you are to the person from whom you are renting.

• A letter from your employer. A letter from your employer (on the company's letterhead) stating how long you have been employed by that company and anything else that might be useful (Like the "He/she is an exceptional part of our team" statement, etc.).

• Do a "background check" on yourself. I do this on every renter I deal with along with a statewide U.S. Party/Case Index court check. This makes the person you are renting from very comfortable about you.

"Integrascan" background check: http://www.integrascan.com/

• First impressions count! When meeting with the person whom you will be renting from, dress nicely, be on time and bring all the information you have assembled. The bottom line; They want to know who you are on paper and that they are going pay them the rent in a timely manner.

Provide the person who you will be renting from all these assurances and you will move to the front of the line!

Luke Constantino has been a realtor for over 12 years and is currently employed by Remax Metro in NYC. He has also been quoted in the April 08' issue of " Time Out New York" magazine on "How to be the perfect candidate - Tips for renters" along with many other publications.

ONE OF THE BIGGEST MERGERS IN NYC...

2008-09-04T14:57:05Z

YOU GOTTA ROLL WITH IT BABY! (How To stay ontop in a Changing Market)

2008-08-25T13:11:47Z

Has the news of the declining real estate market hurt your business?

Luke Constantino|August 25th, 2008

Many of you have noticed the news regarding real estate nationwide, and it has been quite depressing. It discourages good people from buying and selling property in our "ambiguously recessive" market. Yes, I have to admit, the value of properties have gone down, the mortgage companies have been very strict with loans above $650K and the "no doc' loan has been phased out, but I do not see this as a declining market, just a different one, which has to be dealt with accordingly.

How many keys have you given out this year?

In my area, I am accustomed to dealing with properties above the $850K mark. Most of my peers have all their listing in this range and are not doing very well. As you know, with personal investments, you have to diversify your portfolio. As a Realtor/agent in this market you must do the same. I knew this at the last quarter of last year and started hunting for "bargain properties." These are properties in desirable areas that were $50-75K under fair market value. I am still busy now going into contract with two properties before Labor Day. Yes, I am getting a lot of "professional jealousy" from my peers.

"I hate that Constantino guy..."

Secondly, I went out to find the best qualified buyers I can. I searched law firms and large corporations, networked with United Nations buyers, took courses in foreign investor marketing (due to the strength of the Euro), and learned quite a bit about "short sales" and how to negotiate with a pre-foreclosure sale. No one can tell me they didn't see this coming; it's hitting you in the face every day on the news.

"What do you have for us today Mr. Constantino?"

In conclusion, I would like to say that yes, we are in a declining market, but that does not mean the populous will not be buying or selling property. It means that the intelligent realtor has to be ready to change from the norm. We can blame the subprime market's actions for this change from the way we do everyday business, but I will not change my profession. I wouldn't be caught dead slinging pizza at my local pizzeria to make a living because someone said "the market is declining!"

"O' Solo Mio..."

Luke Constantino
Licensed Realtor/Consultant
Commercial/Residential
RE/MAX PROFRESSIONALS
(718) 362-0098
http://LukeConstantino.tripod.com

NYC (Midwood - 1141 East 14th Street Brooklyn NY 11230) Real Estate For Sale

2008-07-02T08:41:51Z

1141 East 14th Street, Brooklyn, NY
You will not find a house at this price in this area ever again...

3BR/1.5BA Single Family House offered at $469,000
Year Built 1930
Sq Footage 1,526
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial
Floors 2
Parking Unspecified
Lot Size 1,700 sqft
HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIGHT FIXER-UPPER ON ONE OF THE NICEST BLOCKS IN THE HEART OF MIDWOOD. EVEN AFTER RENOVATIONS THIS WILL STILL BE WAY UNDER FAIR MARKET VALUE! YOU WILL NOT FIND A HOUSE AT THIS PRICE IN THIS SECTION OF MIDWOOD AGAIN. SERIOUS BUYERS ONLY!!!
PROPERTY FEATURES

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Walk-in closet Hardwood floor Living room
Dining room Dishwasher Refrigerator
Stove/Oven Basement Washer
Dryer Laundry area - inside Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard

Luke Constantino
REMAX PROFESSIONALS
718-362-0098

The NYS Commission Escrow Act

2008-07-01T05:56:01Z

Luke Constantino|Remax Professionals, Brooklyn, NY (718) 362-0098|July 1st, 2008

I remember the first house I sold as an Agent in 1996. It was a large Dutch/Colonial style home in a very nice neighborhood in NYC. A family came in to see me in the beginning of October and I had them in contract by the end of November. This being my first deal, I was very excited. I did everything the best way I possibly could as a Real Estate Agent. The family was also happy and very satisfied with the work that I did. The commission split was 50/50 on 6% of $875,000.

It was the first time I was ever in a lawyer's office for a closing, and I was anxiously waiting for my commission check. Both buyers, sellers and their attorneys were there for over an hour and a half. The buyers' attorney came to me in the lounge area and said "this deal is not going to go through unless you and the sellers' agent shave a point off of each of your commission..." I was afraid of not getting paid at all, so I reluctantly agreed.

Later on, I found out that this was just a ploy by the buyer's attorney to pull down the closing costs. I heard the attorney walking away from the closing table saying "I'll be damned if that guy makes more money than we do." At that time I was also paying 50% of what I made to a Real estate office. Now, every time I go to a closing and am asked to lower my commission, I smile, slightly, laugh and say "no." This ploy has never worked on me ever again, but I've had commissions lowered during the contract period, right before a closing by unscrupulous sellers.

A lot of people do not know it takes an average of 125 working hours to sell a home, and sometimes, hundreds of dollars of target advertising in newspapers and on the internet. Even though I've been in real estate for twelve years, I still put on a red Re/Max polo shirt, a pair of Adidas jogging pants, sneakers and a backpack to go door to door farming throughout NYC,just meeting/talking to people.This is the most successful advertising that I do. I believe it is a great value to my community.

(The good ol' traditional door hanging advertisement)

The NYS Commission Escrow Act will protect the commission of every real estate agent from unscrupulous sellers/lawyers that want to lower the commission that is stated on the contract. I believe this should have been something iron-clad without passing an act a long time ago. A good realtor will work very diligently to sell a home and make it look easy to the satisfaction of the homeowner and the buyer, but they don't not know how much time, money and effort is involved.

If you are a NYS Realtor or associate please take the time out to read and take action on this issue. A lot of good people who are in Real Estate work too hard to be unfairly chopped down and taken for less than their value.

http://takeaction.realtoractioncenter.com/campaign/cfa_nyscpb/i6wwiis227ejw733?

Luke Constantino

The Difference Between Working Hard and Working Smart

2008-05-07T09:05:38Z

A while back I went out to hand out flyers and put up doorpost ads. In Brooklyn you can have over one hundred houses on a block (both sides of the street). I dress accordingly, bring a backpack and try to get 10 blocks in.

By the time I am finished I'm usually very tired and need a shower. I was stopped by a friend who lived on one of the blocks I was canvassing. He looked at me in a strange way and asked me " What are you doing Luke?" I told him I'm getting some fresh air and smiled. "Why don't you have the kids in the neighborhood do that? You have enough money to have a fleet of kids comb this area!" He still looked puzzled. So I explained to him about working hard and working smart:

There's only so much you can do by sitting on your ass in an office. I have over twelve years of skill and knowledge behind me. Nobody can doubt that I have made deals happen that shouldn't have and I have many of them to my name. I know quite a few people in the business like this who also strive to learn the ever changing real estate market....

But I don't know many Realtors who are doing very well that will put on a pair of sneakers, a backpack and canvass an area by themselves. How are you going to know your neighborhood and what it has to offer by not walking down a block you have a property for sale on? How are you going to meet the neighbors that are going to probably do business with you? You got to get out there!

He looked at me and said: "Wow... That's pretty kewl... But do you think other people will understand?

I replied:

"The right ones will."

Are we in a recession?

2008-04-30T11:07:19Z

Things are not as good as they can be...

I walk around my neighborhood and surrounding ones and notice there are a lot of stores for rent.

Milk is about 5 dollars a gallon

The price of gas is disgusting

And I think our President should be arrested

for the con game he and the lobbyists are doing to America.

How stupid does he think we are?

It is going to be extremely hard on whomever becomes the next President.

*********************

Everybody must be alittle nervous about their financial situation lately

It makes it hard to sleep.

God...
I need a little help here.
Eventhough the mortgage rates have come down the damage done by the storm is still there(sub-prime market aftermath). Yes buyers can get a great deal today, but with America's economy being so bad I see alot of my business going to an international market. Yes, the Euro is stong and slowly but surely the international buyers are seeing the bargains in front of them.
Where are the days when Mom and Dad owned a store and you knew everyone on your block?

Midwood: 923 East 31st Street: 500K- Low Priced house on a Beautiful Block!

2008-04-30T10:58:22Z

This is one of the most peaceful, beautiful tree lined blocks in Midwood!

THIS 2 FAMILY CONVERTED INTO 1 IS ON A BEAUTIFUL TREE LINED BLOCK. CLOSE TO BROOKLYN COLLEGE, 2 & 5 TRAIN, GREEN BUS LINES, LIRR & MANY BUSES AT THE FLATBUSH / NOSTRAND JUNCTION. THERE IS A WIDE VARIETY OF SHOPPING, RESTAURANTS, SCHOOLS & HOUSES OF WORSHIP. FRONT & BACKYARD WITH A GARAGE. WHY EVEN LOOK AT A CONDO?

MLS#: 43261 List Price: $510,000 Bld. Type: Semi-Detached Off. List: N In BKLYN: Y Cert. of Occ: Y Block: 7595 Lot: 36 Tax ID: # Families: 1 Tot Rms: 8.000 Condition: Good Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 2 Part. Bths: Apx. Sqft: 800 Stories: Style: Duplex Class Code: Zoning: Yr Built: 1925 Cross St #1: AVENUE I Cross St #2: AVENUE J

Lot Size: 20 X 100 Building Size: 16 X 41 Features: Washer, Dryer, Microwave, A/C Unit Parking: Detached Garage Flooring: Carpeting, Ceramic, Tile Exterior: Stucco Construction: Frame Basement: Finished Yard: Back, Front Roof: Asphalt/Tar Foundation: Poured Concrete Heat Source: Gas Electric: Circuit Breakers Heat Delivery: Steam Hot Water: Gas Terms: Negotiable Finance: Total Rooms Bedrooms Baths Rent/Month Occupancy Lease Expire Date Finished 2 1.0 1st-Rear: 2nd-Front: 2 1.0 2nd-Rear: 3rd-Front: 3rd-Rear: Owner Name: SIMPSON Owner Phone: Premises Owner Y/N: Y DOM: 13 Address: City: Backup Offers: Y State: Zip: Showing Instructions: CALL BROKER Date Closed: List Firm: RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS 360 F.B. Comm: * Sell Price: List Office: 360 Phone: 718-232-1110 S.B. Comm: 2 Financing: List Agt: LUKE CONSTANITINO Possession: Sell Firm: Sell Office: Sell Agent: Co-List Agent: List Type: MLS Anticip Cl Dt: Expire Date: 12/28/2008 Contract Date: Anticip Cl Prc: Binder Date: Withdrawn Date: Pending Cl Prc: Seller Concessions: Copyright 2008 Brooklyn MLS - - - - Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed - - - - 04/30/2008 11:53 AM Residential 1-4 Active

A BEAUTIFUL CO-OP AT A BEAUTIFUL PRICE!!!

2008-04-25T11:33:08Z

MLS#: 43275 Off. List: N In BKLYN: Y Cert of Occ: Y Block: Lot: Tax ID: Floor: 5 Total Units: 0 Bedrooms: 1 Baths: 1 Partial Baths: Tot Rooms: 4.0 Sublet: Other Sublet Date: Pets: Own. Pets: Prop Cond: EXCELLENT Apt #: 5C Condo: N Cross St #1: KNAPP STREET Cross St #2: BRAGG STREET Project Name: BEAUTIFUL 1 BR CO-OP IN A WELL MAINTAINED BUILDING (APPROXIMATELY 850 SQ.FT.). EXCELLENT CONDITION. OVERNIGHT SECURITY, INDOOR GARAGE, AVAILABLE LAUNDRY ROOM IN BUILDING. WALKING DISTANCE FROM FISHING FLEET DOCKS, MOVIE THEATER & A VARIETY OF RESTAURANTS & ENTERTAINMENT CLUBS. Y Maintenance: $469 Transfer Fee: Y Co-Op Shares: 675 Est Tax Deduct: Units Sponsor Owned: Flip Tax Fee: Owner Occupied Units: Units Sold: 95 Minimum Down Payment: 10 Comm. Charges/Mo: Annual R.E. Tax: Features: Microwave, A/C Unit Parking: None Utilities: Owner Name: DABID SHAMOUN Owner Phone: Premises Owner Y/N: Y Address: City: State: Zip: Showing Instructions: CALL BROKER List Firm: RE/MAX PROFESSIONALS 360 F.B. Comm: * Date Closed: List Office: 360 Phone: 718-232-1110 S.B. Comm: 2 Sell Price: 360 List Agent: LUKE CONSTANITINO Backup Offers: Y Financing: Sell Firm: Sell Agent: Co-List Agent: Possession: Anticip Cl Dt: DOM: 7 Sell Office: Anticip Cl Prc: Expire Date: 12/21/2008 List Type: MLS Pending Prc: Binder Date: Withdrawn Date: Contract Date: Seller Concessions: Copyright 2008 Brooklyn MLS - - - - Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed - - - - 04/25/2008 12:30 PM Co-Op/Condo Active 3080 VOORHIES AVENUE APT 5C BROOKLYN 11235 List Price: $185,000 List Price: $185,000 Co-Op Information Stock Certificate: Co-Op Board Approval: Condo Information Showing Information Office Information

The Worst Story I Ever Heard!!!

2008-04-25T11:22:46Z

I was speaking to my friend "Mary" who owns a few tenements in Brooklyn, NY on the phone when she told me the most horrendous tenant rental story I have ever heard!

She was so mad when she told me this:

I rented out a 2 bedroom apartment to these two guys a few years back and didn't hear from them for 2 months. I went up to the apartment (Which was above a store) to see what was going on. No one answered the door, so I took out my keys, opened the door and was in total shock:

"There was a big tree going through the roof in the middle of the living room, the walls were spay painted red and they stole a very large, cast iron radiator!!!

I was first in shock hearing this story but then soon after started laughing uncontrollably! I couldn't help it! I apologized to Mary but she understood. Mary is still amazed at how strong these two guys had to be to put a huge tree through the roof like that!

you cannot make this kind of stuff up.

My Second write up in "Time Out" Magazine....

2008-04-25T11:03:00Z

I sometimes get calls on advice from different columnists in the NYC area to give them advice on different areas of real estate. I have had my name in a few publications but never "Time Out" Magazine. They called me via "Active Rain". This is article 1:

Time Out New York / Issue 656 : Apr 23-29, 2008
Apartments '08

The place to be

Where to move next? We crunch the numbers-considering culture, character
and commute-and spotlight the four hottest 'hoods.

By Scot Meyer

HUDSON SQUARE | SUNSET PARK | SOUTH BRONX | BAYSIDE
Sunset Park, Brooklyn

This Brooklyn enclave-30 minutes from midtown on the N train-has been reshaped in the

recent past by waves of Latino and Asian immigrants, and is now seeing an influx of students

and young professionals drawn by housing more affordable than in nearby Park Slope.

"In Sunset Park you can find a nice one-bedroom apartment for $750 to $900 a month," says

Luke Constantino, a Realtor with RE/MAX Professionals. "For $1,150 to $1,400 a month you

can find a two-bedroom that could be a whole floor in a two-family home, where you have use

of the backyard, too. That compares with Park Slope, where rentals go for $1,500 to $1,900 a

month for a studio."

Andre Burton, 38, who moved here five years ago, agrees that the housing prices were a big

draw. "Previously I was living on the Upper West Side, but I decided I'd rather eat," he says.

4/24/2008 http://www.timeout.com/newyork/articles/features/28891/the-place-to-be/2.html

Hey, I'm in "Time Out" Magazine!

2008-04-25T10:57:48Z

Time Out New York / Issue 656 : Apr 23-29, 2008
Apartments '08

How to be the perfect candidate

TIPS FOR CO-OP BUYERS | TIPS FOR RENTERS
Five tips for renters
For you, the application process is mainly about paperwork. You
can gain an edge over others by doing yours ahead of time, says
Luke Constantino, a real-estate agent with RE/MAX Professionals.
1. Know your credit score. If you don't have a recent credit report, get one before you start

looking for an apartment (go to ftc.gov). "Nobody expects perfect credit from a renter, but a

score above 580 or 600 is a plus," Constantino says.

2. Know yourself: Do a background check through an online service like intelius.com.
3. Line up your fan base. Prepare a list of references in advance, and get a letter from your

last landlord that brags about what a wonderful tenant you were.

4. Xerox stuff. Photocopy your driver's licence, Social Security card and work ID.
5. First impressions count. When you meet with a building owner, dress nicely, be on time and

bring all the information you've assembled. "Owners want to know who you are and that

they're going to get paid," Constantino says. "Provide them with assurances, and you move to

the front of the line."

-Scot Meyer
4/24/2008 http://www.timeout.com/newyork/articles/features/28895/how-to-be-the-perfect-candidate/2.html

A BEAUTIFUL HOUSE AT A BEAUTIFUL PRICE!!!

2008-04-17T17:29:29Z

Midwood/Ave I and 31st

Priced to sell!!!

20X100 Lot

This 2 to 1 family conversion has a finished basement, garage, steps away from all types of shopping, 2/5 trains ,Green line buses, LIRR and quite a few different buses going to all destinations stating from the Flabush Ave./Nostrand Ave. Junction and Brooklyn College. There are also various schools, restaurants, shopping and houses of worship within walking distance.

510,000

BEST INVESTMENT/GREAT INCOME ASIAN RESTAURANT!!!

2008-04-09T09:03:15Z

Luke Constantino | REMAX Professionals Brooklyn, NY | 718-362-0098

7222 18th avenue, Brooklyn, NY

NEWLY RENOVATED ASIAN FUSION RESTAURANT FOR SALE!!!

Retail/Commercial

offered at $150,000

Year Built	2004
Sq Footage	2,000
Floors	0
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	Unspecified
Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

THIS RESTAURANT IS IMMACULATE, NEWLY RENOVATED EVERYTHING, A THAI/FUSION SUSHI BAR WITH ALL NEW SPOTLESS KIT, NEW HVAC AND BEAUTIFUL DECOR, SEATS 75+, HAS GREAT INCOME, 7 YEAR LEASE - A MUST SEE AT A GREAT PRICE!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Newly Renovated/new interior

LOCATION FEATURES

Long lease

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Excellent Profit

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Luke Constantino

REMAX Professionals Brooklyn, NY

718-362-0098

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Apr 5, 2008, 3:31am PDT

INEXPENSIVE CORNER HOUSE IN SHEEPSHEAD BAY!!!!

2008-04-09T08:59:32Z

Luke Constantino | REMAX PROFESSIONALS | 718-362-0098

2754 East 28 Street, Brooklyn, NY

BEAUTIFUL INEXPENSIVE CORNER HOUSE IN SHEEPSHEAD BAY WITH 4 CAR PARKING!

4 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $640,000

Year Built	1930
Sq Footage	1,500
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	1 full, 1 partial
Floors	4
Parking	4 Uncovered spaces
Lot Size	1,820 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This beautiful corner home in Sheepshead Bay comes with a finished basement and a large backyard that can accommodate parking for 4 cars. It is next to the Belt Parkway, trains, buses, schools,restaurants, houses of worship and a variety of shopping...
THIS IS A GREAT LOCATION AT A GREAT PRICE!!!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Family room	Living room	Office/Den
Dining room	Breakfast nook	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Basement
Yard

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Luke Constantino

REMAX PROFESSIONALS

718-362-0098

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Apr 5, 2008, 3:31am PDT

WHY BUY A CONDO WHEN YOU CAN OWN A HOUSE?

2008-04-09T08:55:14Z

LUKE CONSTANTINO | REMAX Professionals | lukeconstantino@aol.com | 718-362-0098

312 Bay 13th Street, Brooklyn, NY

WHY BUY A CONDO WHEN YOU CAN OWN A HOUSE?

2 Bdrm Single Family House

offered at $540,000

Year Built	1945
Sq Footage	928
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	1,653 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This beautiful cozy house with a finished basement also has a community drive, separate garage with a deck on top and is
a block away from the Belt Parkway.

This house is also one block away from the Shore Promenade, which is great for walking, jogging, bike riding and has a magnificent view of the Verrazano Bridge, Statue of Liberty and the New York Skyline across New York Harbor.

2 Express buses to Manhattan stop on Cropsey Avenue. There are also various schools restaurants shopping and houses of worship within walking distance...
Just ask Luke Constantino!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Hardwood floor	Tile floor
Family room	Living room	Dishwasher
Refrigerator	Stove/Oven	Basement
Washer	Dryer	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Beautiful, inexpensive house a block away from the Shore Promenade...

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

LUKE CONSTANTINO

REMAX Professionals

lukeconstantino@aol.com

718-362-0098

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Apr 5, 2008, 3:31am PDT

Shakin Hands with a Mortgage Company...

2008-04-04T18:58:22Z

These days the economy is bad, houses aren't selling like they used to and you have to be very diversified to stay on top. We all know advertizing your name and properties you have listed (At fair market value) is key to making money in this market.

I have never teamed up with any Mortgage lending institutions in my years as a Realtor. I usually hang up on them, laugh and watch the majority of them go out of business, but recently, but I found one that has impressed me by being extremely competitive in my market (NYC).We spoke on about sponsoring my advertizing at a high level if they can put a footer on all my stuff and in return, would use their paper for loans.

One of the owners was on the board of Fanny Mae and they have been very competitive with the best lender in my area, so I am going to have them as a parner on my dealings for a while. I think this is a good idea for any Realtor who is an expert in their area and works every angle of real estate (commercial/Residential).

THE BUYERS ARE COMING...THE BUYERS ARE COMING!!!!

2008-04-04T17:27:08Z

THis is my 12th year doing Real Estate and this market is very much a buyers market. Sure I have listings, but the majority of my business is dealing with buyers. They are looking for deals and trust me, they are out there! Anyone selling knows they have to be slightly underpriced and willing to step down at least 10K more.

I have always been proud of the fact that I have alot of listing but this year I havevery few and I'm making more deals. I have never worked with so many buyers! The key to my market here is what I call "Bridge The Gap".

You have a buyer who is overpriced and a buyer who is underbidding: Show the seller what is out there and for how long. Tell him what is selling in his area and for how much. Everyone in this business has heard the term "The seller is the last one to realize they are overpriced". Don't let that be the case! Come in well informed!

If you can do this you will sell this year, I guarantee it!

It's going to be the buyers choice for a while...

Stick it out and get use to it!

Why buy a Condo when you can own a house?

2008-04-04T17:12:12Z

Why buy a Condo when you can own a house?

312 Bay 13th Street

Brooklyn, NY 11214

$540,000

This beautiful cozy house with a finished basement also has a

community drive, separate garage with a deck on top and is

a block away from The Belt Parkway.

This house is also one block away from The Shore Promenade which is great for walking, jogging, bike riding and has a magnificent view of The Verrazano Bridge, Statue of Liberty and the New York Skyline across New York Harbor.

2 express busses to Manhattan stop on Cropsey avenue. There are also

various schools restaurants shopping and houses of worship

within walking distance...

Just ask Luke Constantino!

A Great House At A Great Price!!!

Luke W. Constantino | Licensed Realtor / Consultant

1584 86 Street | Brooklyn, NY 11214

718.362.0098 | LukeConstantino@aol.com

http://activerain.com/tino

Who is Cliff Young? If this doesn't inspire you...

2008-02-09T19:56:34Z

Cliff Young...

N Australian farmer who inspired a whole nation!

The whole nation thought he was a crazy old man to undertake an almost impossible feat. Most feared that he would die trying. But this humble old man proved all the critics wrong.

Cliff Young, at 61 years of age, participated in 1983's Sydney to Melbourne race. Considered to be the world's toughest race, with the distance of 875 kilometers and took at least 5 days to finish, Cliff Young entered the race against world-class athletes. Read how he achieved the unthinkable and inspires the whole nation.

The Beginning

Every year, Australia hosts an 875-kilometer endurance racing from Sydney to Melbourne - considered to be the world's longest and toughest ultra-marathon. It's a long, tough race that takes five days and normally participated by world-class athletes who train specially for the event. Backed by big names in sports like Nike, these athletes are mostly less than 30 years old men and women equipped with the most expensive sponsored training outfits and shoes.

In 1983, these top class runners were in for a surprise. On the day of the race, a guy named Cliff Young showed up. At first, no one cared about him since everybody thought he was there to watch the event. After all, he was 61 years old, showed up in overalls and galoshes over his work boots.

As Cliff walked up to the table to take his number, it became obvious to everybody he was going to run. He was going to join a group of 150 world-class athletes and run! During that time, these runners don't even know another surprising fact - his only trainer was his 81-year-old mother, Neville Wran.

Everybody thought that it was a crazy publicity stunt. But the press was curious, so as he took his number 64 and moved into the pack of runners in their special, expensive racing outfit, the camera focused on him and reporters started to ask:

"Who are you and what are you doing?"

"I'm Cliff Young. I'm from a large ranch where we run sheep outside of Melbourne."

They said, "You're really going to run in this race?"

"Yeah," Cliff nodded.

"Got any backers?"

"No."

"Then you can't run."

"Yeah I can." Cliff said. "See, I grew up on a farm where we couldn't afford horses or four wheel drives, and the whole time I was growing up- until about four years ago when we finally made some money and got a four wheeler- whenever the storms would roll in, I'd have to go out and round up the sheep. We had 2,000 head, and we have 2,000 acres. Sometimes I would have to run those sheep for two or three days. It took a long time, but I'd catch them. I believe I can run this race; it's only two more days. Five days. I've run sheep for three."

When the marathon started, the pros left Cliff behind in his galoshes. The crowds smiled because he didn't even run correctly. Instead of running, he appeared to run leisurely, shuffling like an amateur.

Now, the 61-year-old potato farmer from Beech Forest with no teeth had started the ultra-tough race with world-class athletes. All over Australia, people who watched the live telecast kept on praying that someone would stop this crazy old man from running because everyone believed he'll die even before even getting halfway across Sydney.

Turtle vs rabbits

Every professional athletes knew for certain that it took about 5 days to finish this race, and that in order to compete, you would need to run 18 hours and sleep 6 hours. The thing is, old Cliff Young did not know that!

When the morning news of the race was aired, people were in for another big surprise. Cliff was still in the race and had jogged all night down to a city called Mittagong.

Apparently, Cliff did not stop after the first day. Although he was still far behind the world-class athletes, he kept on running. He even had the time to wave to spectators who watched the event by the highways.

When he got to a town called Albury he was asked about his tactics for the rest of the race. He said he would run through to the finish, and he did.

He kept running. Every night he got just a little bit closer to the leading pack. By the last night, he passed all of the world-class athletes. By the last day, he was way in front of them. Not only did he run the Melbourne to Sydney race at age 61, without dying; he won first place, breaking the race record by 9 hours and became a national hero! The nation fell in love with the 61-year-old potato farmer who came out of nowhere to defeat the world's best long distance runners.

He finished the 875-kilometre race in 5 days, 15 hours and 4 minutes. Not knowing that he was supposed to sleep during the race, he said when running throughout the race, he imagined that he was chasing sheep and trying to outrun a storm.

When Cliff was awarded the first prize of $10,000, he said he did not know there was a prize and insisted that he had not entered for the money. He said, "There're five other runners still out there doing it tougher than me," and he gave them $2,000 each. He did not keep a single cent for himself. That act endeared him to all of Australia. Cliff was a humble, average man, who undertook an extraordinary feat and became a national sensation

http://lukeconstantino.tripod.com/

Flowering Cherry Blossoms at The Brooklyn Botanical Garden.

2008-02-09T19:46:35Z

Ahhh... It's springtime. You know what that means. It's cherry blossom season! I love passing by a cherry tree in full blossom. This is a very rare thing in Brooklyn unless you go to The Brooklyn Botanical Garden

When most people think of Brooklyn they don't think we have such beautiful things. This is one of the most beautiful places to go in NYC for Easter or anytime of the year. There's always something going on there

Calander of Events

Sorry...

There's no Easter Egg Hunt here...

Just beautiful cherry blossoms.

http://lukeconstantino.tripod.com/