Should you sell your Midwood home this summer?

If you’re considering selling in Midwood, summer 2025 could be the perfect time. With steady buyer demand, low inventory, and peak seasonal interest, many sellers are securing strong offers—especially if their homes match current buyer preferences.

Why Summer Is a Smart Time to Sell in Midwood

Midwood, Brooklyn sees an uptick in buyer activity during the summer months. School is out, families are preparing to move before fall, and more buyers have flexibility to tour homes.

Summer market advantages include:

More daylight and better curb appeal

Families planning moves before the new school year

Competitive buyer behavior driven by limited inventory

According to Ideal Properties Realty’s Dalia Samouha, summer has consistently been one of the busiest seasons for Midwood sales—especially for homes near Avenue J, Kings Highway, and transit hubs.

What 2025 Buyers Want in Midwood

Summer buyers are often serious and ready to move quickly. They know what they want—and homes that match their wishlist tend to go fast.

Top buyer priorities this summer:

1. Outdoor Space

Buyers love:

Private backyards

Patios for entertaining

Space for a sukkah or kids’ play area

2. Modern Kitchens and Bathrooms

Homes with recent renovations and neutral finishes get more attention. Think quartz countertops, white cabinetry, and sleek tile.

3. Energy Efficiency

With rising utility costs, features like:

Solar panels

New insulation

Updated HVAC systems

…are more appealing than ever.

4. Extra Living Space

Finished basements, walk-up attics, and home offices are still in demand. Buyers want flexibility—especially those working hybrid jobs.

5. Parking and Storage

Private driveways or garages remain a big plus. Bonus points if your home includes ample closet or storage space.

Should You Wait or Sell Now?

While timing always depends on your personal goals, here are reasons to consider selling this summer:

High demand: Midwood remains a seller-favored market in mid-2025.

Less competition: Inventory remains tight, giving your home a chance to stand out.

Strong pricing: Sale prices remain steady, especially for move-in-ready properties.

Seasonal motivation: Buyers want to close before school resumes in September.

If you’ve been thinking about listing, this could be your moment.

How to Maximize a Summer Sale

Dalia Samouha works with Midwood sellers to prepare listings that shine in summer. Her approach includes:

High-quality photos taken in natural light

Landscaping tips for curb appeal

Open houses timed around weekends and holidays

Pricing strategies based on live market comps

She also connects sellers with trusted contractors for quick updates that make a big impact.

Final Thoughts: This Summer Might Be Your Best Window

Midwood continues to attract well-qualified buyers—and summer 2025 is already shaping up to be an active season. If your home checks the boxes buyers are looking for, listing now could help you sell faster and for a better price.

Thinking about selling your Midwood home this summer? Contact Dalia Samouha at Ideal Properties Realty for a free consultation and custom pricing strategy.

Filed under: Blog by daliasamouha

Understanding NYC Transfer Taxes When Selling Your Midwood Property

What are NYC transfer taxes when selling your Midwood property?
When you sell real estate in Midwood, Brooklyn, you’re responsible for paying New York City and New York State transfer taxes. These taxes are calculated based on the sale price and are typically deducted from your proceeds at closing.

What Are Transfer Taxes?

Transfer taxes are fees imposed by state and local governments when ownership of real estate is transferred from one party to another.

In New York City, sellers are usually responsible for paying:

New York State (NYS) Transfer Tax

New York City (NYC) Real Property Transfer Tax (RPTT)

These are separate from income or capital gains taxes and are due at the time of closing.

How Much Are NYC and NYS Transfer Taxes?

1. NYS Transfer Tax

0.4% of the sale price

Applies to all property sales above $500

2. NYC Transfer Tax

The rate depends on the property type and price:

Residential properties under $500,000: 1.0%

Residential properties $500,000 or more: 1.425%

Example for a Midwood home sale:

If you sell your home for $1,000,000:

NYS Transfer Tax = $4,000

NYC Transfer Tax = $14,250

Total Transfer Taxes = $18,250 (paid by seller at closing)

Are Transfer Taxes Negotiable?

In NYC, the seller almost always pays the transfer taxes. While they are technically negotiable, it’s rare for buyers to agree to pay them in a competitive market.

In buyer’s markets, or if you’re selling an investment property, transfer tax costs can sometimes be shared or credited—but this is not typical in Midwood’s current market (as of 2025).

Who Handles the Payment?

At closing, your real estate attorney and title company coordinate the payment of transfer taxes. These amounts are deducted from your proceeds and submitted directly to the appropriate agencies.

You’ll see the tax amounts itemized on your closing disclosure or HUD-1 settlement statement.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay Transfer Taxes?

Failing to pay your transfer taxes can lead to:

A delay in closing

Legal action from the city or state

A lien placed on the property

Fortunately, with the right professionals handling your sale—including your attorney and experienced local agent Dalia Samouha—this is never a concern.

Are There Any Exemptions?

Certain transfers may be exempt from transfer taxes, such as:

Sales between spouses in a divorce

Gifts of property with no monetary exchange

Inheritances (under some conditions)

If you believe you may qualify for an exemption, speak to a real estate attorney.

Why Understanding Transfer Taxes Matters for Midwood Sellers

In Midwood, where sale prices often exceed $900,000, transfer taxes are a significant closing cost. Knowing what to expect helps you:

Accurately calculate your net proceeds

Avoid surprises during negotiation

Plan for your next move or reinvestment

How Dalia Samouha Helps Midwood Sellers Navigate Taxes

Dalia Samouha of Ideal Properties Realty provides every seller with:

A clear breakdown of estimated transfer taxes

Net sheet projections before listing

Referrals to trusted attorneys and title companies

Her goal is to make the financial side of your sale just as smooth as the marketing and negotiation.

Final Thoughts

Transfer taxes are a standard part of selling real estate in NYC—but they don’t need to be stressful.

If you’re preparing to sell your home in Midwood, reach out to Dalia Samouha at Ideal Properties Realty. She’ll help you understand all your costs and guide you through every step of the process

Filed under: Blog by daliasamouha

What Costs Are Associated with Selling a Home in Midwood? Dalia Samouha Breaks It Down

What costs are associated with selling a home in Midwood? When selling a home in Midwood, expect to cover transfer taxes, potential repair or staging costs, broker commissions, attorney fees, and other miscellaneous closing expenses. Working with a local expert like Dalia Samouha helps you navigate these expenses efficiently.

The Real Cost of Selling a Home in Midwood, Brooklyn

If you’re planning to sell your home in Midwood, understanding the full range of costs is essential. Many homeowners focus on the potential sale price but overlook the expenses that come out of their final proceeds. From agent commissions to legal fees and local transfer taxes, selling a home in Midwood comes with a few unavoidable costs—and some that can be minimized with the right guidance.

Let’s break down these costs and how working with a trusted local agent like Dalia Samouha of Ideal Properties Realty can make the process smoother and more transparent.

1. New York State & City Transfer Taxes

If your home sells for over $500,000, you’ll pay:

NY State Transfer Tax: 0.4%

NYC Transfer Tax: 1.425% (for sales over $500,000)

On a $1,000,000 sale:

Total transfer taxes = ~$18,250

Note: These are paid by the seller in most cases.

2. Property Preparation Costs

To sell a home in Midwood competitively, most sellers invest in prep work, which can include:

Minor repairs or touch-ups ($500–$2,500)

Professional staging ($1,500–$5,000)

Cleaning and decluttering ($200–$1,000)

Professional photography or videography (often covered by the listing agent, like Dalia)

Dalia’s listings typically include high-quality photos, 3D walkthroughs, and strong marketing—all key to attracting serious buyers.

3. Real Estate Agent Commission

This is usually the largest cost associated with selling a home. In New York City, the typical total commission is around 4% of the final sale price. This is often split between the listing agent (like Dalia) and the buyer’s agent.

For example:

If your Midwood home sells for $1,000,000:

4% commission = $40,000 (split between two agents)

While that may seem steep, a skilled local agent helps you net more overall. Dalia Samouha, who specializes in Midwood real estate, knows how to price, market, and negotiate your home for top dollar.

4. Attorney Fees

New York real estate deals require attorneys for both buyer and seller. Sellers in Midwood usually pay between $1,500 to $3,000 in legal fees, depending on complexity.

An experienced attorney ensures your paperwork is clean, the deal is protected, and closing goes smoothly.

5. Mortgage Payoff and Prepayment Penalties (If Applicable)

If you still owe on your mortgage, the balance will be paid out of the sale proceeds. In rare cases, there could be prepayment penalties, though most modern loans do not include these.

Your attorney and Dalia’s team can help confirm payoff amounts and coordinate with your lender.

6. Open Permits, Liens, or Title Issues

Unresolved issues like open Department of Buildings permits or tax liens must be cleared before closing. This may involve extra legal or contractor fees.

Midwood homes, especially older or renovated properties, often require a title check. Ideal Properties Realty works with title professionals who can help identify and resolve these issues early.

7. Concessions or Buyer Incentives

Depending on market conditions, you may need to offer:

A closing cost credit

Repairs before closing

Move-in flexibility

In spring 2025, Midwood remains a seller-favored market, but concessions are still common in competitive deals.

Dalia Samouha uses her local experience to assess when and how these should be offered—or avoided entirely.

8. Moving Costs

While not part of the real estate transaction, moving out costs money:

Local movers: $1,000–$3,000

Temporary storage: $100–$300/month

It’s a good idea to budget for these so they don’t surprise you later.

How the Midwood Market Affects Your Bottom Line

In Midwood, the average days on market (DOM) for single-family homes is around 30–45 days (as of Q2 2025). Homes near Avenue J, Ocean Parkway, or with parking space tend to command higher offers.

Pricing smart and staging well are critical. Dalia Samouha’s clients benefit from her deep understanding of buyer trends specific to Midwood and her ability to advise on pricing and prep.

Final Thoughts: Selling Smart in Midwood

Selling a home in Midwood can be a profitable and smooth process—when you’re prepared. The costs involved are real, but manageable with the right strategy and support.

Dalia Samouha and the team at Ideal Properties Realty offer local expertise, transparency, and hands-on guidance that help sellers stay in control of their sale and avoid costly surprises.

Ready to Sell in Midwood?

If you’re thinking about selling your Midwood home, start with a no-pressure consultation. Dalia Samouha is here to guide you every step of the way—from pricing to closing.

Contact Ideal Properties Realty today to schedule your personalized home valuation.

Filed under: Blog by daliasamouha