Top-rated Midwood Brooklyn real estate team:4.9(133 Google reviews)Read Google reviews


Quick answer: The right Brooklyn listing agent depends on your neighborhood and your property type. The Behfar Team focuses on sellers in Midwood, Madison, and Marine Park. Brown Harris Stevens and Garfield are well known for Park Slope and Carroll Gardens brownstones. Corcoran and Douglas Elliman are recognized luxury brands across Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, and Williamsburg. The full breakdown, with each firm’s public focus areas and the questions you should ask before signing any listing agreement, is below.

Updated: May 2026 · Q2 market data refreshed · Post-NAR commission section added

Brooklyn Real Estate in May 2026: What Sellers Are Walking Into

Brooklyn’s median home price crossed $886,500 in Q1 2026, up 6.5% year over year, per Corcoran’s quarterly market report. New listings ticked up 14.6% YoY, but months of supply still sits at 3.8, which keeps well-priced homes in a seller’s market. Two-family homes in southern Brooklyn are running ahead of the borough average at a median of $1.2M, up about 6.2%.

The 30-year fixed sat at 6.09% in mid-April 2026, which has kept jumbo-loan buyers selective and made co-ops in some pockets soften. Move-in-ready single-family and two-family homes in Midwood, Madison, and Marine Park have been the steadier part of the borough this spring. The Behfar Team’s recent listings in those neighborhoods are averaging roughly 38 days on market, faster than the borough-wide pace, with most homes going under contract close to asking when priced from comparable closed sales rather than aspiration.

What Changed for Brooklyn Sellers After the NAR Settlement

The NAR settlement that took effect in August 2024 is finally showing up clearly in 2026 listing agreements. Sellers now separately negotiate buyer-agent compensation rather than building it into a single MLS field. Most Brooklyn sellers still offer something in the 2% to 2.5% range to keep buyer-side agents motivated to show the home, but it is no longer the default 2.5% to 3% slot it used to be.

Three practical takeaways for 2026 sellers:

  1. Ask for a written commission breakdown before signing a listing agreement. Total commission, listing-side share, and the proposed buyer-side offer should each be on the page.
  2. Watch how an agent describes the buyer-side offer. Agents who can explain the trade-off between offering 2% vs 2.5% in your specific neighborhood, with comparable closed sales to support it, are doing the post-settlement math correctly.
  3. Verify staging, photography, and marketing are still included. Some firms quietly unbundled these after the settlement. They should be itemized in writing.

For the full breakdown, see our Brooklyn Real Estate Commission Guide for 2026.

How we wrote this guide: Descriptions of other Brooklyn brokerages are based on each firm’s publicly stated focus areas, published market reports, and public market activity. We have no formal relationship, referral arrangement, or partnership with any of the firms listed. Inclusion is not endorsement. The Behfar Team is one of many real estate teams active in Brooklyn, and you should interview multiple agents before listing your home.

Brooklyn Brokerages and Teams to Consider, by Neighborhood Focus

Firm Public Focus Areas Often Considered For
The Behfar Team Midwood, Madison, Marine Park Single-family, co-op, and condo sellers in southern Brooklyn
Corcoran Brooklyn Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, DUMBO Luxury, prime north Brooklyn, sellers who want a national brand
Douglas Elliman Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Williamsburg Renovated luxury homes, new development
Brown Harris Stevens Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Prospect Heights Brownstones and pre-war townhouses
Garfield Brooklyn Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, PLG First-time sellers wanting a small-firm feel
Pen Realty Bay Ridge, Sunset Park Sellers who prefer a consultative, low-pressure style
FCMRE Investment-property zones borough-wide Multi-family and mixed-use sellers
Robert Howe Law Office Co-op heavy buildings, older properties Co-op transactions with complex board or title considerations

What Brooklyn Sellers Should Watch For in 2026

Three patterns come up a lot when sellers are interviewing agents this year. None of these are unique to any single brokerage. They’re common across the industry, and being alert to them helps you choose well no matter who you ultimately hire.

The first is aspirational pricing. Some agents quote a list price higher than recent comparable sales support, knowing the home will likely need a price reduction once it goes stale on the market. By the time the cut happens, you’ve already lost negotiating leverage and buyers wonder what’s wrong with the home. The protection here is straightforward: get two or three competitive listing presentations and ask each agent to walk you through the comparable closed sales they used.

The second is generic marketing. Stock listing copy, photos shot on a phone, and listing descriptions that don’t speak to the specific neighborhood are still surprisingly common. Brooklyn buyers search by neighborhood, so a listing without neighborhood-specific positioning leaves showings on the table.

The third is unfamiliarity with your blocks. Brooklyn has 70-plus distinct neighborhoods, and an agent with strong sales numbers in one area doesn’t automatically translate to another. Co-op board dynamics, buyer demographics, and pricing patterns vary block to block. When you interview an agent, ask specifically about closed sales near your home in the last six months.

The 8 Brooklyn Brokerages and Teams Below, in Detail

1. The Behfar Team: focused on Midwood, Madison, and Marine Park

Best for: Downsizers, Life Event Sellers, and Relocating Families in Midwood, Madison, and Marine Park. Multilingual team (English, Hebrew, Spanish, French, Farsi). Counseling-trained pricing approach.

Office: 1524 East 23rd Street, Midwood, Brooklyn
Founders: Karen Behfar and Aharon Behfar
Core neighborhoods: Midwood, Madison, Marine Park
Property focus: Single-family homes, co-ops, and condos in southern Brooklyn
Languages spoken on the team: English, Spanish, French, Farsi, Hebrew

The Behfar Team is based in Midwood and serves sellers across Midwood, Madison, and Marine Park. Karen Behfar leads the team. Her academic background includes a Master’s in Psychology, which informs how the team coaches sellers through the emotional side of pricing decisions, particularly around the common pitfalls of overpricing because of attachment or underpricing because of fear. Aharon Behfar is co-founder. Brokerage and licensure information is available on the team page.

For sellers, every listing includes professional photography, staging consultation, virtual tour, StreetEasy and Zillow syndication, and targeted social campaigns. The team’s stated approach to pricing is to use comparable closed sales inside a tight radius, draw on recent rather than historical data, and decline listings where the seller insists on a price the comps do not support.

Often considered when: The home is in Midwood, Madison, or Marine Park, and the seller wants an agent focused on that specific corner of southern Brooklyn.

Get a free home valuation  |  (347) 988-2526


2. Corcoran Brooklyn: prime north Brooklyn, luxury

Best for: Luxury sellers in prime north Brooklyn who want the visibility of a national brand and detailed quarterly market reporting.

Corcoran is one of the most recognized residential brokerages in New York and publishes regular Brooklyn market reports that are widely cited across the industry. Their reports have tracked the borough’s median price trajectory closely, including the move past $1 million reported in recent quarterly data. Public information indicates Corcoran’s Brooklyn footprint is concentrated in prime north Brooklyn, including Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, and DUMBO, with strength at the luxury end of the market.

Often considered when: The home is in prime north Brooklyn, the price tag is at the upper end of the borough range, and the seller values the visibility a national luxury brand can add.


3. Douglas Elliman Brooklyn Luxury: turnkey and renovated homes

Best for: Sellers of renovated, turnkey homes in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights, and Williamsburg targeting an out-of-state luxury buyer pool.

Douglas Elliman is another major national brokerage with a Brooklyn presence. Their Brooklyn coverage skews toward luxury and renovated properties, and their published market reports have followed the widening gap between renovated and unrenovated homes on similar blocks. They are commonly considered for fully renovated homes in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights, Williamsburg, and Prospect Heights.

Often considered when: The home is fully renovated, priced at the higher end of the borough, and the seller wants luxury-brand marketing.


4. Brown Harris Stevens Brooklyn: brownstones and pre-war

Best for: Sellers of brownstones, pre-war townhouses, and historic homes in Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, and Prospect Heights.

Brown Harris Stevens is well known for brownstone and townhouse sales in Brooklyn. Their chief economist, Gregory Heym, publishes regular research on NYC residential trends, and the firm has tracked the brownstone segment for many years. Public information indicates their strongest activity is in Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, and Prospect Heights, with familiarity around the appraisal, board, and financing considerations specific to brownstones.

Often considered when: The property is a brownstone or pre-war townhouse in their core north and central Brooklyn neighborhoods.


5. Garfield Brooklyn Real Estate: small firm, Park Slope corridor

Best for: First-time sellers in the Park Slope corridor who want a small-firm feel and high-touch communication.

Garfield Brooklyn Real Estate is an independent brokerage focused on Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Windsor Terrace, and Prospect Lefferts Gardens. Their public-facing content emphasizes an educational, low-pressure approach, and they are often discussed as a fit for first-time sellers who prefer a smaller firm to a national brand.

Often considered when: First-time seller, Park Slope corridor, and the seller wants a smaller, neighborhood-focused experience.


6. Pen Realty (Peter Mancini): consultative, no-pressure style

Best for: Sellers in Bay Ridge and Sunset Park who prefer a consultative, no-pressure listing experience.

Pen Realty is led by Peter Mancini and operates primarily in Bay Ridge, Park Slope, and Sunset Park. Public reviews and the firm’s own positioning emphasize a consultative style that prioritizes listening to seller goals before recommending a price or strategy. Sellers who prefer a frank, conversation-first approach over polished sales presentations often place them on the shortlist.

Often considered when: Bay Ridge or Sunset Park, and the seller prefers straight talk over a polished pitch.


7. First Class Management (FCMRE): multi-family and investment

Best for: Tired Landlords selling multi-family or mixed-use Brooklyn investment property. Investor-buyer network and 1031 exchange experience.

FCMRE is focused on investment properties, multi-family buildings, and mixed-use sales across Brooklyn. Their work involves analyzing rental income, cap rates, and mixed-use considerations, including the FARE Act (which shifts rental broker fees to landlords in many situations). They are commonly considered for sellers whose buyer pool is investors rather than owner-occupants.

Often considered when: Multi-family, mixed-use, or investment sale where the buyer pool is primarily investors.


8. Law Office of Robert Howe: attorney-agent for co-op transactions

Best for: Sellers navigating co-op transactions with complex board approvals or older buildings with title considerations.

Robert Howe operates as a real estate attorney with brokerage involvement, which can be useful in transactions where legal review during the listing phase has practical value, such as co-op board approvals in strict buildings or older properties where title or structural questions may surface in due diligence.

Often considered when: Co-op transaction in a strict-board building, or an older property where legal review during the listing phase is valuable.


How Do You Choose the Right Brooklyn Real Estate Agent for Selling?

Three factors matter most: neighborhood expertise, property-type experience, and pricing methodology. The questions below help you evaluate any agent, no matter which brokerage they work with.

Questions to Ask Before You Sign a Listing Agreement

The first question is about closed work, not credentials. Ask which homes the agent has sold within five blocks of yours in the last six months. If they cannot identify recent closed sales nearby, they may not be active in your specific micro-market regardless of their overall production.

Then ask about the price. “How did you arrive at this number, and can I see the comps?” A clear answer should reference recent closed sales inside a tight radius. Be cautious if a single agent’s suggested list price is materially higher than what others quoted without comparable evidence to support it.

Ask what the agent would do if they later concluded you were overpriced. A candid answer (release the listing, re-price aggressively, recommend a withdrawal) is more useful than an answer that hedges.

Ask about marketing beyond the MLS. Photography, staging consultation, StreetEasy, Zillow, and targeted social posts are baseline expectations. Ask what is offered above that baseline.

Ask about days-on-market in your specific neighborhood. The borough average reported in recent industry data has hovered around 78 days. If a particular agent’s average is materially higher in your neighborhood, ask why.

Ask who handles your listing during the agent’s busiest stretches. Solo agents during peak season can struggle with capacity. A team structure or a clear handoff plan is worth understanding before you sign.

Finally, ask for the all-in commission and what is included. Total commission in Brooklyn typically ranges between 5% and 6%, divided between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. Confirm the breakdown of services included (photography, staging, ad spend) in writing before signing.

Things That Should Prompt a Closer Look

Several patterns are worth a careful conversation, or in some cases reason to interview a different agent. A suggested list price materially above what other agents quoted, with no comp evidence to back it up. A 12-month exclusivity request when 90 days is the norm. Difficulty producing closed comps inside a 5-block radius from the last six months. Vague answers about what happens if the home does not sell at the listed price. Or unclear answers about which photographer, stager, or marketing specialist is actually working on your listing. None of these alone are disqualifying, but each is a reason to ask follow-up questions before signing.

Pick by Neighborhood: Where Each Firm Is Most Active

  • Midwood, Madison, Marine Park: The Behfar Team focuses here.
  • Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Prospect Heights: Brown Harris Stevens for brownstones, Garfield for first-time sellers.
  • Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Cobble Hill: Corcoran or Douglas Elliman.
  • Williamsburg, Greenpoint: Douglas Elliman for renovated condos and new development, Corcoran for prime townhouses.
  • Bay Ridge, Sunset Park: Pen Realty for a consultative style, FCMRE for investment-property exits.
  • Borough-wide investment exits: FCMRE for multi-family, Robert Howe Law Office for co-ops with complex considerations.

Pick by Property Type

  • Single-family detached, southern Brooklyn: The Behfar Team.
  • Brownstone or townhouse: Brown Harris Stevens or Corcoran.
  • Co-op: The Behfar Team for southern Brooklyn co-ops; Robert Howe Law Office for buildings with strict boards.
  • Condo: The Behfar Team for southern Brooklyn; Douglas Elliman for north Brooklyn renovated luxury.
  • Multi-family or mixed-use: FCMRE.
  • New construction or sponsor unit: Douglas Elliman.

Brooklyn Market Context for 2026

A few patterns from recent industry reporting are worth knowing before you list. Public Brooklyn market reports from Corcoran, Douglas Elliman, and Brown Harris Stevens have tracked a tightening of inventory under $1 million, a widening price gap between renovated and unrenovated homes on the same blocks, and an evolving share of cash buyers as financing conditions change. Reported borough-average days on market in recent quarters has hovered around 78 days, with well-priced homes in tighter-inventory neighborhoods typically going under contract faster. For specific current numbers, consult the latest market reports from those firms or the StreetEasy and REBNY market data pages.

FAQ: Choosing a Brooklyn Listing Agent

Who is the right real estate agent in Brooklyn for sellers?

The right fit depends on your neighborhood and property type. Sellers in Midwood, Madison, and Marine Park may consider The Behfar Team. Sellers of Park Slope or Carroll Gardens brownstones may consider Brown Harris Stevens. Sellers in Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, or Williamsburg luxury segments may consider Corcoran or Douglas Elliman. Interviewing two or three agents before listing is a sound default.

What commission do Brooklyn real estate agents charge?

Total commission in Brooklyn typically ranges between 5% and 6%, divided between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. Photography, staging consultation, and basic syndication are commonly included at that rate. Ask for a written breakdown before signing.

How long does it take to sell a home in Brooklyn?

Recent industry reports place the borough-wide average around 78 days on market. Well-priced homes in tighter-inventory neighborhoods can go under contract faster. Overpriced homes typically take longer and may sell below original asking after a price reduction.

Should I use a national brand or a local Brooklyn agent?

It depends on the buyer pool for your specific property. A national brand can help in luxury north Brooklyn where out-of-state buyers respond to recognized names. In southern Brooklyn neighborhoods like Midwood, Madison, Marine Park, Bay Ridge, or Sunset Park, the buyer pool is more local and a neighborhood-focused team or agent is often the more effective choice.

How do I know if my agent is overpricing my home?

Get two or three competitive listing presentations. If one quote is materially higher than the others without comparable closed sales to support it, ask the agent to walk you through their pricing methodology before deciding.

Can I switch real estate agents if my home isn’t selling?

Listing agreements vary, but 90-day exclusivity is a common industry default. If your agreement runs longer and the listing has stalled, ask for a mutual cancellation in writing. Always review the specific terms of your signed agreement.

What’s the difference between a listing agent and a buyer’s agent?

The listing agent represents the seller. They handle pricing, marketing, offer negotiation, and the path to closing on the seller’s side. The buyer’s agent represents the buyer in the same transaction. The total commission funds both sides under the traditional split.

Selling in Midwood, Madison, or Marine Park?

The Behfar Team focuses on these three neighborhoods. Reach out for a free, no-obligation home valuation conversation.

Get a Free Home Valuation
Call (347) 988-2526

About the Authors

The Behfar Team is based at 1524 East 23rd Street in Midwood, Brooklyn, and serves sellers and buyers in Midwood, Madison, and Marine Park. Karen Behfar is the founder and lead agent. Aharon Behfar is co-founder. Licensure and brokerage information is available on the team page.

More Brooklyn Seller Resources

Disclaimer: This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects The Behfar Team’s professional observations as of the date of publication. References to other Brooklyn brokerages are based on each firm’s publicly stated focus areas, public market reports, and publicly available information about their market activity. The Behfar Team has no formal relationship, partnership, referral arrangement, or endorsement with any other firm listed. Inclusion in this guide does not constitute endorsement, and exclusion does not imply criticism. Specific market statistics referenced in this article are sourced from publicly available reports including Corcoran, Douglas Elliman, Brown Harris Stevens, REBNY, and StreetEasy market data, and individual neighborhoods and property types may differ materially from borough-wide averages. Real estate decisions should be made in consultation with a licensed New York State real estate professional, and you should review your specific situation, financials, and any contractual terms with appropriate licensed professionals before listing. The Behfar Team’s licensure and brokerage of record information is available on the team page. Equal Housing Opportunity.

May 2026 Brooklyn Seller Updates — By Specialty

Looking for a Brooklyn agent matched to your specific situation? See our specialty-mapped guides: