Rahmé Team FAQs

Find quick answers to the most common questions about Brooklyn real estate.

As of late 2025, the median home sale price in Brooklyn is approximately $995,000 to $1.05 million, marking record-high territory for the borough. The average sale price is even higher, at around $1.32 to $1.39 million. Prices vary significantly by neighborhood and property type:

Condos: Median around $1.0–1.15 million

Co-ops: Median around $440,000–555,000

Townhouses/1-3 Family Homes: Median $1.2–1.3 million

Price per Square Foot: $731–1,050 on average

Premium neighborhoods like Williamsburg, DUMBO, Park Slope, and Brooklyn Heights command prices well above these averages, while areas like Flatbush, Bay Ridge, and Gravesend offer more accessible entry points.

 

Brooklyn continues to demonstrate remarkable investment potential in 2025, supported by several key factors:

Record Prices: Median prices have hit all-time highs for three consecutive quarters, with year-over-year appreciation of 6–12%.

Strong Demand: Contract signings increased 7% year-over-year, reflecting sustained buyer interest despite higher interest rates.

Low Inventory: Chronically limited supply keeps prices elevated, with 22% of sales going over asking price.

Multifamily Growth: Brooklyn recorded $730 million in multifamily sales in the first half of 2025, a 28% increase from 2024.

International Interest: Global investors continue to view Brooklyn as a safe, appreciating market.

Brooklyn's diverse economy, cultural appeal, and relative affordability compared to Manhattan make it one of NYC's most compelling real estate markets for both homebuyers and investors.

 

Brooklyn's real estate landscape has undergone significant transformation:

Price Milestone: In Q3 2025, Brooklyn's median price crossed the $1 million threshold for the first time in history.

Neighborhood Evolution: Areas like Williamsburg and DUMBO have transformed from industrial zones to luxury destinations. Northwest Brooklyn townhouses have seen 21–26% price surges.

Buyer Preferences: Strong demand has shifted toward move-in-ready, turnkey properties. Renovated homes command significant premiums and sell faster.

Rental Market: Vacancy rates have remained below 2% for consecutive months, driving rents up approximately 5% year-over-year to an average of $3,424.

Regulatory Changes: New ADU regulations and tenant protection laws are reshaping both the rental and sales markets.

 

Brooklyn's unique market requires specialized preparation:

Hire a Real Estate Agent: Brooklyn's market moves fast and has unique complexities. An experienced local agent—like The Rahmé Team—can help you navigate competitive bidding, identify off-market opportunities, negotiate effectively, and avoid costly mistakes.

Get Pre-Approved First: In a competitive market, sellers take pre-approved buyers more seriously. Have your financing in order before starting your search.

Understand Property Types: Condos typically require 10% down; co-ops usually require 20% down and involve board approval with strict documentation requirements.

Budget for Closing Costs: Expect 2–5% of the purchase price for closing costs, including title insurance, attorney fees, and taxes.

Hire a Real Estate Attorney: In New York, attorneys are essential for contract review, title searches, and closing coordination.

Research Neighborhoods Thoroughly: Each Brooklyn neighborhood has distinct characteristics. Visit at different times to assess commute, noise, and community fit.

Inspect Older Properties: Many Brooklyn homes are pre-war construction. Check plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and foundation carefully—especially in brownstones built before the 1980s.

 

The Brooklyn homebuying timeline typically spans 3–6 months:

Pre-Approval: 1–3 days to establish your budget

Home Search: 1–9+ months depending on criteria and inventory

Offer to Contract: 1–2 weeks for negotiations and attorney review depending on property type.

Contract to Closing: 60 days on average (co-ops may take longer due to board review)

 

Brooklyn offers exceptional family-friendly neighborhoods, each with unique appeal:

Park Slope: The gold standard for families, with tree-lined streets, excellent schools (PS 321, Brooklyn Tech), stroller-friendly sidewalks, and proximity to Prospect Park.

Bay Ridge: A hidden gem offering a suburban feel, historic Victorian homes, waterfront parks, and strong community festivals. More affordable than northwest Brooklyn.

Cobble Hill: Village-like atmosphere with quiet, tree-lined streets, proximity to Brooklyn Bridge Park, and excellent schools.

Boerum Hill: Historic brownstones, strong sense of community, the Boerum Hill School for International Studies, and easy Manhattan access.

Windsor Terrace: Brooklyn's best-kept secret—blocks from Prospect Park with lower prices than Park Slope.

Brooklyn Heights: Historic grandeur with stunning Manhattan views, top schools, and NYC's first historic district.

 

Accurate home valuation in Brooklyn requires analyzing multiple factors:

Comparable Sales Analysis: Recent sales of similar properties in your immediate area provide the strongest value indicators.

Neighborhood Location: Proximity to parks, transit, schools, and cultural amenities significantly impacts value.

Property Condition: Renovated, move-in-ready homes command 15–25% premiums over properties needing work.

Property Type: Brownstones and townhouses typically appreciate faster than condos or co-ops.

Market Conditions: Current inventory levels, interest rates, and buyer demand all influence pricing.

The Rahmé Team provides complimentary home valuations using comprehensive market data, local expertise, and current comparable sales analysis.

 

In Brooklyn's competitive market, successful listings share key characteristics:

Turnkey Condition: Move-in-ready properties sell faster and command premium prices. Buyers increasingly avoid renovation projects.

Professional Photography: High-quality images and virtual tours are essential for capturing buyer attention online.

Strategic Pricing: Competitively priced homes generate more interest and often sell over asking. Overpriced homes linger.

Proper Staging: Highlighting your property's best features through professional staging can yield 1.5x returns on investment.

Enhanced Curb Appeal: Simple improvements like fresh paint, landscaping, and clean stoops make strong first impressions.

Eco-Friendly Features: Energy-efficient upgrades and outdoor spaces are increasingly desirable to Brooklyn buyers.

 

Brooklyn market timing varies by property type and neighborhood:

Borough-Wide Average: 70–118 days on market, depending on the source and time of year

Well-Priced Properties: 40–60% of competitively priced homes sell within 30–90 days

Premium Neighborhoods: Downtown Brooklyn averages 60 days; desirable areas like Park Slope and Williamsburg often see faster turnover

Overpriced Homes: Can sit 150–275 days or longer

Key factors affecting time on market include pricing strategy, property condition, seasonal timing (spring is busiest), and market conditions. Properties priced right from the start typically sell faster and for better prices than those requiring price reductions.

 

The Rahmé Team brings unmatched expertise to Brooklyn real estate:

Deep Local Knowledge: We live and work in Brooklyn's neighborhoods, understanding nuances that out-of-area agents miss.

Proven Track Record: Our successful transactions across diverse property types demonstrate our ability to deliver results.

Comprehensive Marketing: We deploy professional photography, strategic pricing, and multi-channel marketing to maximize exposure.

Skilled Negotiators: We advocate fiercely for our clients' interests, securing favorable terms in every transaction.

Trusted Network: Our connections to inspectors, attorneys, lenders, and contractors streamline your experience.

Client-First Approach: We prioritize honest guidance and transparent communication throughout your journey.

 

Before hiring a real estate agent, ask these essential questions:

How long have you been working in this specific area?

How many transactions have you completed in the past year?

Can you provide references from recent clients?

What is your communication style and availability?

How will you market my home (for sellers)?

What is your strategy for finding homes in my budget (for buyers)?

How is your commission structured?

What happens if I'm not satisfied with your service?

Do you have a network of trusted professionals (lenders, inspectors, attorneys)?

 

Real estate commissions in New York typically range from 5–6% of the sale price, split between the listing agent and buyer's agent. Key points:

NYC Average: Approximately 5.43–5.76% total commission

Split: Typically 2.5–3% to listing agent and 2.5–3% to buyer's agent

2024 Changes: Following the NAR settlement, buyer and seller agent compensation is now negotiated separately. Sellers are no longer required to pay the buyer's agent commission.

Negotiable: Commission rates are always negotiable based on services, market conditions, and property value.

Remember: the lowest commission doesn't always yield the best results. An experienced agent who secures a higher sale price or better terms can more than offset their fee.

 

Brooklyn stands apart as one of America's most dynamic and desirable places to live:

Scale & Diversity: With 2.7 million residents, Brooklyn would be America's 4th largest city on its own. Over 60 ethnic groups and 42 languages create an unparalleled cultural mosaic.

Architectural Heritage: From iconic brownstones to the Brooklyn Bridge (completed 1883), the borough is a living architectural museum.

Cultural Capital: Home to 600+ cultural organizations, the Brooklyn Museum, BAM, and a thriving arts scene that rivals Manhattan.

Green Spaces: Prospect Park (585 acres designed by Central Park's creators), Brooklyn Bridge Park, and dozens of neighborhood parks.

Food & Nightlife: From world-class restaurants to legendary pizza, Brooklyn's culinary scene is internationally renowned.

Historic Landmarks: Coney Island, Green-Wood Cemetery, and neighborhoods that shaped American history.

 

PROS:

More affordable than Manhattan while offering urban convenience

Abundant green spaces and parks

Excellent public transportation (170 subway stops)

Diverse, vibrant neighborhoods with distinct personalities

Thriving arts, food, and cultural scene

Strong sense of community

Walkable lifestyle (many neighborhoods score 94–98 on Walk Score)

CONS:

High cost of living (housing costs significantly above national average)

Smaller apartment sizes compared to suburban areas

Limited parking and difficult car ownership

Longer commutes to Manhattan (30–45 minutes from many neighborhoods)

Competitive rental and sales markets

 

Brooklyn can be an excellent choice depending on your priorities:

For Retirees:

Walkable neighborhoods reduce car dependence

World-class healthcare facilities (Brooklyn Hospital Center, NYU Langone Brooklyn Heights)

Cultural amenities and entertainment within walking distance

Quieter neighborhoods like Bay Ridge offer suburban tranquility with city access

For Second Homes:

Strong appreciation potential protects your investment

Rental income opportunities (extremely low vacancy rates)

Gateway to NYC's cultural, dining, and entertainment offerings

Consider neighborhoods like Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, or DUMBO for walkability and Manhattan access, or Bay Ridge and Gravesend for quieter, more affordable options.

 

Absolutely. Brooklyn is one of America's most walkable urban areas:

Walk Scores: Most neighborhoods score 88–98 out of 100, classified as "Walker's Paradise"

Top Walkable Neighborhoods: Brooklyn Heights (98), Downtown Brooklyn (97), Bedford-Stuyvesant (94), Park Slope (93)

Transit Excellence: 170 subway stops provide "Rider's Paradise" public transit across the borough

Car-Free Living: 57% of NYC households don't own cars—the highest rate in the nation. Many Brooklyn residents live entirely car-free.

Bike-Friendly: Extensive bike lanes and Citi Bike stations throughout

Daily errands, dining, shopping, and entertainment are accessible on foot in most Brooklyn neighborhoods, with excellent transit connections to Manhattan and beyond.