Why Would You Want To Live In The Snug Harbor Community Located In Staten Island's North Shore ?

    Do you love the Arts ? Do you enjoy museums, gorgeous gardens or taking classes ? Well 83 acres of exploration is awaiting you at Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden. This center is located in Staten Island's North Shore Community of Snug Harbor .The recent buyers of a 1925 colonial home in the  Snug Harbor community wanted to ring in the "New Year" with their first time home purchase.

Why did the buyers choose this community ? This wonderful location offered them a Cultural Center within walking distance from their new home. In addition Walker Park was located down the street . Walker Park boasts a playground, baseball fields,cricket fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, football and soccer fields. Also an easy commute to the Staten Island Ferry and Manhattan.

In addition the happy buyers received a great mortgage rate under 5 percent ! Knowing even a 10 percent drop in home prices would immediately nullify a mere 1 percent increase in interest rates on a 30 year mortgage. The buyers seized the opportunity to purchase their first home. The happy Buyers are ringing in 2011 with a new home purchase! And the happy Sellers are delighted going into 2011 with a sold home they lived in for 26 years. Additionally knowing a new family will give their home new life. Making for a fabulous" New Year" for all !

"like our page" http://facebook.com/northshoreholly . Click here: www.holly1.listingbook.com and enter your email to receive daily updates on what homes hit the Staten Island market.

Consultations are always FREE!   Have an extraordinary day !

Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource

If You Like It Sweet, Smooth and Tasty...Checkout What I Found On Staten Island's North Shore !

 Welcome to the Businesses, People and Homes of Staten Island's North Shore community .

Today's business highlight is Lee Sims Chocolates located in Staten Island's North Shore.

Who can resist shopping in a chocolate shop this time of year ? Certainly not me! The wonderous selection of intoxicating treats brought me back to my childhood .

I was reliving the magical feeling felt when surrounded by delicious homemade chocolates.Lee Sims Chocolates  located on 1909 Victory Blvd. is a definite stop for your holiday and year round shopping.

The scrumptious selection includes dark and milk chocolate, filled with cremes, jelly ,carmel and nuts just to name a few .

 The smooth dark chocolate pretzels and commendable graham crackers (my favorite) were so delicious!

  I had to control myself from over indulgence of these tasty treats!

 The most popular item in Lee Sims is the award winning Gift Pyramid.This tower of treats include, delectable chocolates, delightful cookies and delicious nuts.

If you are looking for astounding homemade chocolates, be sure to check out Lee Sims.

Staten Island's "North Shore" community embraces this wonderful family run business.

Lee Sims is owned by a dedicated mother and daughter team who take pride in their delicious treats!

  The personalized service and homemade goodies are sure to please even the fuzziest shopper.

If you enjoyed this, subscribe below to receive my next blog. Click here: www.holly1.listingbook.com and enter your email to receive daily updates on what homes hit the Staten Island market. Consultations are always FREE!

Have an extraordinary day!

 

 

 

Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource

America Do You Believe Buying A Home Now Is A Good Idea?

NAR (National Association Of Realtors) conducted a recent survey, and 8 out of 10 respondents believe buying a home is a good financial

decision. A few key results : Job insecurity and lack of jobs continue to be a primary obstsacle to home ownership and market recovery.

 

Respondents see the recession and job losses as the main reason for foreclosure problems.

Majority of Renters believe owning a home at some point in the future is either one of their highest priorties 39 percent

or a moderate priority 24 percent,  21 percent not a priority at all.

Most respondents are more concerned about drop in home values then about home costs being too high.

Costs still remains the significant barrier to many who would otherwise like to buy a home. MY QUESTION TO YOU IS WHY WAIT TO PURCHASE A HOME ?

What is not widely understood is the impact interest rates can have on real monthly costs of  homeownership.

Even a 10 percent drop in home prices is immediately nullified by a mere 1 percentage point increase in interest rates on a 30yr. mortgage.

Think about it .....falling home prices are a great opportunity for move up buyers. Even though your home sale price may be lower, the 

smaller loss at sale can be compensated by greater savings at purchase!

Buying a home in my opinion is still The American Dream !   Never stop dreaming, what is not understood is what creates uncertainty. Staten Island's "North Shore" is comprised of a diverse selections of homes. Locating a home that fits your lifestyle and budget should be the approach to reaching your American Dream!

If you enjoyed this, subscribe below to receive my next blog.   Click here: www.holly1.listingbook.com and enter your email to receive daily

updates on what homes hit the Staten Island market. Consultations are always FREE !

Have an extraordinary day !

 

Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource

Do You Feel Nuts ? Could Be The Stink In Staten Island's "Silver Lake" North Shore Community !

Running through beautiful Silver Lake Park located in "Staten Island's" North Shore community is a great way to focus and reflect . 

The Park's treasures include a tennis court, golf course, vineyards, baseball field, dog run, tot park and a splendid reservoir and lush Fall  landscape.

While gazing at all the beautiful vibrant leaves laying on the ground a sudden strong odor of old cheese or vomit was in the air.

This smell was disturbing on such a fabulous day!   The odor was in the area of a fantastic  30-40 golden yellow tree.    A  woman was 

searching for something under this golden tree. I was curious to know what she was looking for , and decided to stop and chat.

The bold golden tree is the Ginkgo biloba.The sweet lady hidden under her jacket was seeking out the magical medicinal fruit nut which the tree bears this time of year. The woman was a wonderful source of information for the Ginkgo and didn't want her face in my camera.

In order to bear fruit there must be a male and female tree looking at each other she stated. The female Ginkgo  biloba bears the fruit nut.

The strong odor is from the fleshy outer skin of the fruit. This fruit is very popular among Chinese and Korean cultures for its medicinal purposes. When harvesting this fruit the fleshy skin must be removed by covering your hands with plastic gloves. The skin is very allergic to the juice of the Ginkgo fruit and avoid contact at all costs.  Rinse the fruit with water, then heat the nut fruit in a frying pan until it cracks open. Inside is the medicinal nut that you eat. I was told not to eat more than 10 a day. The hidden nut is heathly eating for your lungs, blood circulation, memory and overall health.

Staten Island's Silver Lake area has a variety of housing. Whether you desire a Victorian mansion, pristine colonial, condo or  apartment. The search for housing is as diverse as the community. The Silver Lake area located on Staten Island's North Shore is located west of Grymes Hill. Silver Lake's community is a short distance to downtown St.George and the Staten Island Ferry. There are plenty of buses accessible on the main roads of Victory Blvd., Forest Ave., and Castleton Ave. I suggest Stopping to chat with Staten Island's wonderful diverse residents. I love Learning about a new culture and embracing all Staten Island's North Shore has to offer. You will not be disappointed !

If you enjoyed this, subscribe below to receive my next blog.   Click: www.holly1.listingbook.com and enter your email to receive daily updates on what homes hit the Staten Island market.

Consultations are always FREE!

Have an extraordinary day !

Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource

Staten Island's "NORTH SHORE" Community WESTERLEIGH -See What Just Sold !

Happy Seller, happy buyers make for a great day in Staten Island's  Westerleigh "NORTH SHORE" community ! This 2 family fixer-upper located in the heart of Westerleigh was owned by a war veteran.

Apropos for today- Veteran's Day the sale day of this colonial home! 

The new owner's will renovate and bring new life to this 1920 colonial home, adorned with chestnut floors and trim.

Chestnut trees beautified many Staten Island streets in the early 1900's.

A blight took over this fabulous tree. Less and less Chestnut trees were seen adorning Staten Island streets.

Valued for its strength and rot resistance, the timber was prized by woodworkers.

Local homeowners  know the beautiful woodwork in their home is due to the chestnut blight.

 

The Westerleigh neighborhood gained much local attention for the abundance of patriotic decorations

adorned on its homes in the aftermath of Sept.11,2001 attacks.

 

Hope you enjoyed this and feel welcome to subscribe and or write a comment. Remember to click www.holly1.listingbook.com

Open a FREE account ,receive daily reports that are updated every 30 minutes on homes that hit the Staten Island market.

Consultations are always FREE.

Have a extraordinary day !

 

Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource

Living Life To The Fullest ? Make It Happen On Staten Island's "North Shore" !

Have you ever desired to learn the Italian language ? Now that desire can happen on 

STATEN ISLAND'S North Shore- Grymes Hill at CASA  BELVEDERE  "house with a beautiful view".

Located on Howard Aveue  this fabulous historic landmark purchased in 2008 for 3.6 million has been restored .

Situated on 3 acres atop of Grymes Hill with spectacular views of the New York City Harbor.

The Italian Cultural Foundation of New York seeks to preserve and celebrate the heritage of Italy by

promoting Italian language, arts, literature, history, fashion and cuisine. 

Embrace the culture and traditions of Italy on STATEN ISLAND'S "North Shore".

 

Across the street from "Casa Belvedere" is Notre Dame Academy.

A private Catholic Academy for girls and young women pre K-through Grade 12. Located on 13 acres of beautiful campus

 on top of splendid Grymes Hill.

Grymes Hill is situated on a hill. Major Charles Howard built many of the earliest homes. His name survives in Howard Ave.

The hills main street  is named Howard Ave.

 

 Much of Grymes Hill consists of private homes but also includes Grymes Hill apartments constructed in the late 1940's.

Grymes Hill is the second highest point on Staten Island.

Staten Island  is definitely a place to live life at its fullest ! Come visit and enjoy all Staten has to offer.

 

Hope you enjoyed this and feel welcome to subscribe and or write a comment.

Remember to click: www.holly1.listingbook.com , enter your e-mail and receive daily reports that are updated 

every 30 minutes  on homes that hit the Staten Island market .  Consultations are always FREE!

Have an extraordinary day!

 

Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource

Did You Miss This? All Stop And Stare! Found In "Staten Island's" Historic Richmondtown !

While traveling through "Staten Island's" Historic Richmondtown, I was compelled to stop my car. Before me were dozens of green 6 inch fruits dropping from a 30-40ft. tree.

This was amazing, and what is more amazing is the tree's history!

This wonderous tree is an Osage Orange or Hedge Apple tree. The Osage Orange was the first tree Lewis and Clark sent back east from

St. Louis during their expedition. Lewis and Clark's expedition yielded the Osage Orange tree ( named after the Osage Indian tribe.)

Believed to have grown from slips, Lewis sent to President Jefferson.

The Indians utilized the Osage tree's oak strong hickory tough wood for their hunting bows.

The non-edible fruit contains a chemical that repels many insects. The green-yellow wrinkled ball can be up to 6 inches in diameter.

The fruit smells like the rind of an orange.

I was thrilled to find in "Staten Island's" Historic Richmondtown  this splendid tree !

While floral designing on 5th Ave. in NYC. this time of the year ( when the female osage bears her fruit) I would have the splendor of

designing with this unusual unique fruit!

Embracing mother nature on Staten Island is a naturalist's field day!  Explore the Island and enjoy nature's splendor .

Staten Island is a fabulous place to live! 

www.richmondtownstatenisland.com             www.osageorange.com

Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource

Top 10 Haunted Homes in the U.S.

Top 10 Haunted Homes in the U.S.

Looks And Feels Like An Italian Villa ? Staten Island's "NORTH SHORE" ?

 Celebrate the fabulous Tuscan Garden on Staten Island's "NORTH SHORE"  at  Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens.

  I didn't miss the opportunity to celebrate" ExpoItalia" at Snug Harbor Cultural Center this weekend.

The 1 acre garden is modeled after the Villa Gamberaia, a 16th century garden outside of Florence Italy.

Designed by Milan based landscape architect Enrica Buccioni.

While touring this wonderous garden,we were treated to authentic gnocchi ( potatoe dumpling) .

This cuisine was created by the Port Richmond High School Culinary Department.

Delicious... yummmmm  . These future chefs did an awesome job!    There was wine tasting ....from the Tuscany region of Italy, Excellent !

 Music was flowing as we were treated to an authentic Italian feast within the fabulous garden attraction.

Definitely a wonderful attraction for Staten Island's "NORTH SHORE" community is the new Tuscan Garden.

A product of more than 30 years of development and restoration, Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden is proof that

hardwork,dedication and perseverance reap wonderous results!   Take time out of your busy day to enjoy life's simple pleasures .

Definitely have it include a visit to the new Tuscan Garden on Staten Island's "NORTH SHORE" !

Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource

Have You Seen This? Check it out ! On Staten Island's "NORTH SHORE".

Welcome the fabulous fall weather.... pumpkins, mum plants and autumn harvest.

With that thought I traveled over to Gerardi's Farm Market, located on the "NORTH SHORE" of Staten Island in New Brighton. As I was greeted by Fran and Christina Gerardi, I was surrounded by amazing produce, plants and pumpkins.

The Gerardi family of Enzo, Fran, Vinny and Christina run a business filled with ownership pride. They supply Staten Island with top quality

fresh produce, fruits and plants. Enzo brings much of his produce from his 41 acre farm, located in Vineland New Jersey. His farm produces corn, tomatoes, apples, plums,

sweet potatoes and lettuce. Other produce comes from Hunts Point, California and various parts of the world.

Neighboring farms in New Jersey supplement Enzo's daily inventory of top quality produce.

Staten Island's "NORTH SHORE" community embraces this wonderful family run Farmer's market.

I suggest  when visiting Staten Island stop by  Gerardi's Farmer's Market ..... Located on 561 Richmond Terrace, phone # 718-727-7787

Tell the Gerardi's Holly sent you!

.

Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource

"The Real Housewives Of New Jersey" Love This! Found On Staten Island's "NORTH SHORE" Community !

This  Saturday I enjoyed a delicious cake tasting at The Cake Artist . Located on Staten Island's "NORTH SHORE" community.

I was greeted by the charismatic chef, owner of this unique bakery Vincent Buzzetta.

The bakery showcased a fabulous display of Vincent's eclectic and unique award winning cake designs. One cake in particular caught my eye, it incorporated beautiful red roses, lush purple grapes, glistening gold tassels, realistic zebra print and an elaborate black top hat. 

Intricate lush rose petals were gently flowing around the gorgeous towered cake.

 This fabulous cake was especially designed for a photo shoot at Caroline Manzo's house, of "The Real Housewives Of New Jersey".

 

Vincent himself will be featured on his own reality show. The new show will be presented on WE t.v. titled "Staten Island Cakes".

This spectacular bakery is located on Staten Island's "NORTH SHORE" community !

Looking for a unique cake experience? Check it out at www.thecakeartistnyc.com

  I highly suggest visting Vincent at " The Cake Artist"  tell him Holly sent you !

Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource

Smells Good and Feels Good ! Check out What I Found On Staten Island's "NORTH SHORE" Community !

This weekend was a blend of work, leisure and fabulous weather here on Staten Island's "NORTH SHORE".

In my travels I came across a church fair... thinking I saw a sign that said soup shoppe. I decided to stop and check it out. I was pleasantly surprised to see Tottenville Soap Shoppe selling their hand-made 100% all natural soaps and lotions at the church fair on

Staten Island's "NORTH SHORE".

Speaking to owner creator Theresa Incarbone I learned that this fabulous product is made here on Staten Island.

The fragrance was intoxicating and luring me in .. the vast varities of hand made soaps were displayed in large bars. 

 I decided on Ginger-Orange scrub, which was cut and nicely packaged for me as I viewed a photo albumn on how this fine

product is produced.

Theresa informed me of her new fragrance "South Shore", which is a blend of rose, musk, patcholi. Certainly delightful to smell!

I suggested to Theresa... where is the " NORTH SHORE" fragrance?  She informed  me it is in the works!

This new found simple pleasure is produced with pride here on Staten Island . Definitely check it out at www.tottenvillesoap.com

Tell Theresa .. Holly sent you!

Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource

PICASSO Would Be Smiling ! Fabulous! Check It Out..Located On Staten Island's "NORTH SHORE".

I have known Chris Williams owner of Williams Eye Works Optician located on Staten Island's "NORTH SHORE"  community for some time now.

Chris Williams has created a friendly, community conscious business. So it was no surprise when I noticed a striking mural on the side of his building. So I decided to stop by and chat...

 

NYC Arts Cypher is a non-profit organization committed to promoting positive values in at risk youths ages 14-18 . The goal is to keep  the

youths off the street and introduce them to a safe, creative environment. An example of this is creating murals; this mural was created by

this wonderful organization!

Christina, Svetlana and Chris will provide a  friendly, positive shopping experience. I suggest stopping by to check out  the new art

work at this Staten Island "NORTH SHORE" establishment. Tell them Holly sent you!

 

 

Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource

Mood Booster ? Check Out What Makes You Smile Instantly ! Happening on Staten Island's "NORTH SHORE" !

How would you like to smile and feel good as soon as you enter a room!  I love the happy elated feeling flowers bring into any environment.

I use my artistic mastery of floral design when embellishing home interiors for sale. Nature has a tremendous way of making any interior wake up!

 

Greenery brings a feeling of the outdoors to your home interior. Placing cut foliage or loose flower stems in your own containers creates a  unique style of design.

Bring cut blooms and foliage  from your garden into your home. Experience this delight all year long with the seasonal selection of natures harvest!  

Here on Staten Island's "NORTH SHORE"  community I treasure this fabulous mood booster ! Creates a smile instantly.

 

Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource

Do You Like It Sweet Without The Guilt ? Check Out What's New In The "NORTH SHORE" Silver Lake Community!

I was so happy to see a new business YOGURBERRY arrive on Forest Ave. next door to my favorite coffee shop in the "NORTH SHORE" Silver Lake community! This quaint store serves delicious frozen yogurt and shakes. You can get original flavor and strawberry everday, other flavors alternate during the week.

 Friendly server Samantha gave me the option of today's  flavors- Raspberry or Green Tea.  I decided on Raspberry with granola, coconut

and some chocolate chips. WOW ! Alittle bit of heaven.  Very delicious and a must stop when passing through in  the "NORTH SHORE"

Silver Lake area.  The indulgence is nice without all the guilt!  Enjoy!

Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource

My Winning Prize Arrived Today !! Sooooo Excited To Share My Prize With You!!

FortuneKeeper a "Fabulous" new company founded by Chrisie Canny had a contest to win one of her beautiful handcrafted jewelry designs.

Each piece of jewelry holds a stimulating fortune that inspires you !

I was determined to win one these unique designs, and asked my friends to vote for my fortune, which I posted on her site. I WON!! I received this beautiful bracelet today, which was especially crafted for me!

I love my bracelet and wish Chrisie and her new founded company much Success!  She is a local designer- just over the bridge from Staten Island in Bayridge Brooklyn. Check out her unique jewelry at  www.fortunekeeper.com        Tell her Holly sent you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Having met the designer in the past I knew I would love to own one of her

Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource

World Trade Tribute Garden-Located On Staten Island's "NORTH SHORE", Where Is It ??

Snug Harbor Cultural Center  located on Staten Island's NORTH SHORE" has within their Botanical Gardens a World Trade Center Educational Tribute Garden. This Tribute garden is located in a beautiful secluded area of the Botanical Gardens. Being there I felt a very calming feeling while remembering how precious life really is. Within Snug Harbor's  spectacular grounds exists a beautifully aged hydrangea tree that stands so gracefully for all  to admire! This fabulous tree arch is featured in the Botanical Gardens, within this 83 acre property. Visiting Snug Harbor on Staten Island's" NORTH SHORE" you can enjoy the architecture ,visual and performing arts and century old pine and maple trees.  Make sure to visit this fabulous location when on Staten Island's "NORTH SHORE" !

Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource