Kudos to the other side Yes folks, kudos to the other Realtor in my last transaction.  I know she is the "competition" but after you read this post you will see that she is really the example of what we all should be. After we closed last week, I get a call from her about 6 days post closing.  Seems the buyers are having a hard time of it with everything going wrong with their new home.  One thing after another, in the interest of confidentiality, let's just say unexpected problems with this unit.  Even though the inspection went well, an over extended period of a vacant unit proved to be an unexpected series of problems after it became occupied. Listed below is an edited transcript, confidentiality again, of what transpired between us. Be mindful both of us Realtors are "Mature" in age... 04/02/2013

SPRING TIME = NOW IS THE TIME TO SELL   Spring is the busiest season in the real estate market, and from the look at it, it’s looking to be a great time to buy or sell.  Before you put the For Sale Sign up, you should give your home an ultimate spring cleaning. Since spring 2013 is already starting to be one of the busiest seasons we have had in a while, why not give that buyer that extra WOW factor with a super clean bright home! Prior to your first open house or broker open, you should take a look at each room in your home and get rid of the clutter including those storage spaces that we always tend to throw everything into (garage, attic and basement). Putting a fresh bouquet of flowers and a candle on makes the room smells wonderful and gives a room an extra homey feel that a buyer... 03/25/2013

Robert DeFalco Realty closed 2012 with numerous top producing titles for the company as a whole and for several members of it sales team.  The office once again ranked on top for production within Staten Island and did outstandingly in its’ New Jersey market.  Ann Grande was named the NO.1  producer and the team of Ken and Patricia Licata took the title for the number one team an honored he has achieved since joining the company in 2010. Neil Litvin Managing Director has known Ken for 25 years and knew he would be a tremendous asset for our company. The merger with Vitale Sunshine Realty really infused the company’s position as the top producer with the top agents among all others on Staten Island was an important highlight of 2012.“I am extremely proud of my team and their outstanding ... 03/25/2013

  Financially Aggressive Buyers Recently I listed and sold a short sale property here in Staten Island.  Funny thing about it was that I had 4 buyers, 2 were very aggressive financially.  They kept outbidding each other, until I emailed both the same message.  Please submit your highest and best offer, we can't keep going on like this.  One of the buyers had his  own Escalation Clause without me saying anything about outbidding the other buyer.  Both were my buyers so there was never an issues with agency. The funny thing about it was not too long ago I did a post about Escalation Clause in helping my buyer outbid any and all competition.  I received over 90 comments and 2000 views, so it must be a hot topic. BTW, I sold it in 8 days. 03/23/2013

HERMAN & CO is pleased to announce that we are offering live chat for our website and Facebook page visitors. Broker / Owner Herman Herrera says “website visitors want answers immediately or they’ll keep surfing until they find it.  I’ve always wanted to offer this service and now we can.  A visitor clicks the chat button on our website or Facebook page and they immediately begin chatting with a licensed real estate broker.” Visit us on the web at www.HermanREALTORS.com or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/hermanandco HERMAN & CO is a boutique real estate brokerage firm founded in 2007.  We represent buyers and sellers of residential and commercial properties in Staten Island, New York and Monmouth County, New Jersey.  We are an independent company, not part of a franchise or conglomerat... 03/22/2013

GET READY FOR CLASS! New Jersey Real Estate Pre-Licensing Classes Starting Soon!   DeFalco Real Estate Academy Is Now Offering New Jersey Pre-Licensing Classes   Spring/Summer Schedule: Monday – Thursday Class Schedule April 29th 2013 – May 14th 2013 [Monday Through Thursday 9:00a.m-4:30p.m] _______________________________________________________________ Saturday Schedule Classes April 27th 2013 – June 29th 2013 [Saturdays 8:30a.m – 5:00p.m]    (No Classes Scheduled Memorial Day Weekend) • $50 deposit to pre-register • Tuition is $375 [Includes Textbook] • This course meets the State Educational requirements for those wishing to qualify for the State Licensing Exam. • Students must be 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent. The NJ Real Estate Commission will condu... 03/21/2013

Richmondtown is a premiere destination on Staten Island for those seeking outstanding values on beautiful homes for sale! Historic and welcoming, this centrally-located neighborhood offers an impressive array of homes for sale, ranging from stately mansions to new construction, older homes for sale and new construction townhouses. Richmondtown was established in 1728, and that rich history is maintained in amazing Historic Richmond Town, over 100 acres of preserved land and buildings, including thirty original structures and a museum, plus NYC’s oldest continuously operating farm. Homes for sale in Richmondtown Staten Island encompass a wide variety; from the older ranches to sprawling luxury homes, home-buyers have their choice of size, location and price to fit most any wish list. Ri... 03/19/2013

Homes for Sale Oakwood Staten Island East Central Staten Island is the location of the ocean-side neighborhood of Oakwood. Quality homes for sale line the well-maintained streets, with ample parks and open space. This is an amazing area, born from lush farmland, and still maintaining plenty of green space to enjoy. The homes for sale in Oakwood are a classic array of one and two family homes, townhouses, condos and garden apartments. This is a premiere destination for luxury homes for sale in Staten Island. Oakwood borders the Gateway National Recreation area, with Great Kills Park, a beautiful space for swimming, running, hiking, biking or enjoying the natural beauty of this ecological haven. Historically farmland and once a thriving beach resort, Oakwood maintains a sense of family an... 03/19/2013

 Homes for Sale Great Kills Staten Island Located on Staten Island’s South Shore, Great Kills is a great area with so much to offer prospective homeowners. Great Kills has its own railway station, allowing a quick commute to the Staten Island Ferry and beyond, as well an expansive bus service. A commercial area offers shopping, restaurants and an array of services, and the diverse community sponsors recreational activities for children and families alike. Homes for sale in Great Kills range from new construction townhouses to spacious one and two families and luxury houses. This mix of styles – Colonials, Tudors and Capes – and it’s fantastic location make Great Kills a dream come true. Many homes for sale offer waterfront views of the Raritan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The Great Kills... 03/19/2013

Woodrow Staten Island Homes for Sale Modern real estate blending with a strong sense of history and community, Woodrow is located on the South Shore of Staten Island. Woodrow homes for sale are generally newer builds; this is a great location for luxury community living. From townhouses to sprawling homes on large plots, Woodrow homes for sale offer something for everyone.   With a Staten Island Railway stop and express buses, Woodrow is ideally located for commuters. Woodrow is served by P.S. 56, I.S. 75, Tottenville High School, as well as several private Catholic schools. Community common areas such as pools and parks frame Woodrow as an excellent home base for families as well.   Woodrow homes for sale include luxury homes on expansive lots. Semi-attached homes, condominiums – well-... 03/19/2013

Irish eyes are smiling as Staten Island St. Patricks Day Parade 2013 prepares to march on St. Patricks Day for the first time in a decade!  When St. Patricks Day  falls on a Sunday the organizers of the Manhattan parade  will not hold the parade, which passes St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue, on a holy day of obligation for the Catholic Church. When this happens the Manhattan St. Patricks Day Parade is then switched to the Saturday before.  And lucky for us, this switch allows island organizers to hold the Staten Island parade on St. Patricks Day!! The parade will step off at noon at Hart Boulevard and Forest Avenue, West Brighton, and the route runs to Jewett Avenue. The reviewing stand will be at Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church. See you at the Staten Island St. Patricks Day Parad... 03/16/2013

Don't open the door My daughter was made homeless because of Hurricane Sandy.  As luck would have it, she found a very nice apartment, only 5 minutes away from me, and is doing great.  many people have brought stuff to her for her family.  Today someone knocked on her door, said he had a package for her.  She responded, "can't open the door right now, just leave it on the steps and I'll get it in a few minutes."  After the person left she opened the door to find NO package.  Folks, you just can't be too careful these days.  Don't open the door if you don't know the person. This is also good advice for FSBO's 03/16/2013

I'm very proud of this recognition.   The SIEDC (Staten Island Economic Development Corporation) recently honored Claire Bisignano Chesnoff as one of their Women of Influence, celebrating both her distinguished service in the organization and her exemplary service to her clients.  Claire is a strong community leader and one of the most knowledgeable real estate professionals in Staten Island. As a member of the Elite organization, The Council of Residential Specialists, (CRS) she has achieved her CRS designation and is in the top 4% of all REALTORS® in the nation. As a highly trained and experienced REALTOR®, Claire has provided real estate services that truly exceed her customers and clients expectations. With her Board Certification, Claire has met rigorous requirements in education, ... 03/15/2013

Another Staten Island Home Sold by HERMAN & CO! Beautiful, well kept 2 BR townhouse features spacious rooms, cathedral ceiling in living rm. new roof/windows/skylight/heater/hot water/ac, community pool. Nice quiet neighborhood, close to transportation, shopping, & schools. HERMAN & CO REALTORS® Your trusted Staten Island Real Estate professionals! 03/14/2013

Homes for Sale in Concord!   The quaint Staten Island neighborhood of Concord is a comfortable, diverse place to settle down and raise a family. Homes for sale in Concord include a variety of multi-family, one-family and condominiums, neatly arranged on the North Shore of Staten Island.   Concord was so named in 1845 – after the Massachusetts town - after beginning as “Dutch Farms”. Famous early residents include Judge William Emerson – brother of Ralph Waldo Emerson – for whom nearby Emerson Hill is named for, and Henry David Thoreau.   Good schools, accessible transportation and a central location to roadways make Concord homes for sale an ideal match for those seeking the suburbs close to the city. Concord is served by P.S. 48 and Concord High School, There are several busses for an... 03/03/2013

Homes for Sale in Elm Park!   Elm Park is a charming neighborhood nestled in the Port Richmond section of Staten Island.  Homes for sale in Elm Park are among the best priced on the North Shore. Single family, multi-family and condominiums are all available in this ideal commuter location.   So named for the stately elms on the estate of a local doctor in the late 1800’s, Elm Park has deep roots in turn of the century immigration. Attractive homes and a convenient location ensure Elm Park homes for sale are ideal for those looking for that great mix of suburban living and city life.   Elm Park’s youngest residents are served by P.S. 21, P.S. 22 and I.S. 51 as well as Port Richmond High School, which is nationally recognized by Newsweek magazine for its excellence. Bordering Port Richmo... 03/03/2013

  Homes for Sale in Fort Wadsworth!   Historic Fort Wadsworth boasts beautiful homes for sale in a convenient location on the North Shore of Staten Island. A great mix of large older homes and newer waterfront construction means Fort Wadsworth is a desirable location for families and commuters.   Fort Wadsworth is home to a Civil War era fort, sister to the one found in Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn. Responsible for the defense of New York City and the harbor during the Civil War, the area is now a spectacular destination for history buffs and urban campers. Locals will also enjoy Von Breizen Park, with it's landscaped grounds and dog runs.   Fort Wadsworth homes for sale offer character and quality in a tight-knit community. Colonials and Second Empire style architecture share space with tow... 03/03/2013

www.defalcorealty.com   Robert DeFalco Realty’s   Featured Town Of The Day  Bulls Head Staten Island, New York 10314 Bulls Head, located in the center of Staten Island. Bulls head is conveniently   located next to two major Avenue's, Richmond Avenue and Victory Blvd. Bulls Head received its name from an 18th century tavern located at the intersection of Victory Boulevard and Richmond Avenue. Bulls Head tavern became the local headquarters during the American Revolution.  Bulls Head is conveniently located in the center of Staten Island, close to all forms of transportation, highways, schools, stores & much more including local parks and wooded areas. Robert DeFalco Realty has many listing’s in Bulls Head, Staten Island New York. Below you can find two of our featured listings. Click on... 03/01/2013

   Fema Flood Map if you're looking to buy in Staten Island, New York, check the flood map.  Many places were not hit by Hurricane Sandy, but some were.  There are pockets of flooding where you would not expect it due to low elevation, also some areas that were higher than surrounding streets were not effected.  To be sure look at the map. Interesting Map.   View Larger Map 02/26/2013

SPOTLIGHT ON DONGAN HILLS COLONY Dongan Hills Colony is a neighborhood located in Staten Island. Dongan Hills Colony is located on the eastern part of Staten Island. Dongan Hills Colony is located above Richmond Road and borders the neighborhood of Todt Hill. Dongan Hills Colony was one of the first Staten Island neighborhoods to have new construction after World War II. This area experienced one family homes being built in the 1950’s. Population growth increased when the Verrazano Bridge opened in 1964. Dongan Hills Colony was first named Linden Park. Later renamed Dongan Hills after Thomas Dongan a governor. 130 Old Farmers Lane is located in Dongan Hills Colony  and it's Magnificent! This custom ALL Brick 1 Family Colonial located in prestigious Dongan Hills Colony This property is ... 02/18/2013