Thursday, July 28, 2011

Are These Trees Too Close To My House ?

Should a buyer be concerned that Cypress trees are too close to the house? During a recent inspection on Staten Island... Cypress trees were a concern.The buyer wanted to know... do these cypress trees need to be removed? I conducted my own research on the matter....the Cypress tree on the left side of home was biggest concern....being closer to the  house.

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I Spoke to experts who looked over the situation....the tree on left has 50% dead branches.It was advised to remove all dead branches and keep tree .....or take down tree totally. The tree on the right appeared healthy as did the one on the left. As far as being a concern in strong winds......these trees are not abundant with foliage, ex.Bradford Pear tree. Therefore the wind blows through tree branches. On the other hand a Bradford Pear tree would be a concern, because of the dense foliage....foliage blocks the air flow.  Provided with expert information....the new Staten Island home owner can now decide how to approach this situation. The aesthetics of trees certainly adds to the natural beauty in an outdoor landscape......which in turn provides shade and healthy living.
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Check out homes for sale in Staten Island at www.holly1.listingbook.com .Staten Island's North Shore http://facebook.com/northshoreholly. Also join me on twitter http://twitter.com/hollyolivieri

There are 2 kinds of Real Estate professionals...those who understand the emotional and financial complexity of selling and buying a home....and those who don't. Have an extraordinary day !

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

Friday, July 22, 2011

Cool Front Door Designs

Your entry door is where it all begins....the first impression. What door inspires you? Bold, classic, colorful.....make a lasting impression. Where is the beginning of your house ?  In my opinion....from the entry door. This door displays....your personality.....who you are. Why not make it look fantastic, stylish and unforgettable. Create curb appeal.......that will be remembered!

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Check out homes for sale in Staten Island at www.holly1.listingbook.com .Staten Island's North Shore http://facebook.com/northshoreholly. Also join me on twitter http://twitter.com/hollyolivieri

There are 2 kinds of Real Estate professionals...those who understand the emotional and financial complexity of selling a home....and those who don't. Have an extraordinary day !

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

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

What Are Your Top Lifestyle Priorities?

If you want to make a sale, selling the lifestyle in a community or neighborhood is becoming an important piece of the presentation of a home, according to a new survey. One in five home owners have moved or would like to move because they don’t think their neighborhood or community is a good fit to their lifestyle, according to a recent survey of more than 1,000 home owners and future home buyers

The majority of those surveyed said they would place more weight on lifestyle factors–such as family-friendly neighborhoods or easy access to cultural activities like museums and music venues–when shopping for a future home. The survey was conducted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC and and Meredith Corp.

“While the relation of price to features has become very favorable in many areas throughout the country, ultimately the surrounding community may determine how happy you are with your home purchase,” says Sherry Chris, president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC, which used the survey results to launch a “Lifestyle Search” tool on its web site to help buyers factor in community preferences–such as “arts and recreation” and “family and community”–more in their search.

Here are some of the top lifestyle priorities survey respondents reported they’ll be looking for in their next home:

  • Ease of commuting by car: 38%

  • Access to health and safety services: 34%
  • Family friendly neighborhood: 33%
  • Availability of retail stores: 32%
  • Access to cultural activities: 21%
  • Public transportation access: 19%
  • Nightlife and restaurant access: 18%
  • Golf friendly area-access to golf courses: 6%

What is important to you when deciding on a neighborhood or community? Well I know what I like.....parks, easy access to NYC, cultural centers, friendly people. You decide.... what compliments your lifestyle....then when choosing a home have your list ready....to fit your lifestyle!

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

Time To Celebrate....Silver Lake Park, Staten Island N.Y.

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Happy couple.... spotted in Silver Lake Park http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/silverlakepark . What a great way to celebrate..... future wedding....with spectacular photos in this fabulous park!

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

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Wall Decals....Classy Art Trick or Tacky Accessory? :

Wall Decals: Classy Art Trick or Tacky Accessory?

July 5, 2011 by Melissa Tracey · 2 Comments
Filed under: Staging Tips 

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR Magazine

wall decalsWall decals–or pretty much wall stickers–are increasingly growing in popularity to decorate walls in a room, but should you use them in staging properties for sale or will it send the message as tacky? (Take the poll.)

These peel-and-stick decals can depict anything and everything, from bold graphics to cartoon characters to motivational phrases. They are inexpensive and easy to stick onto a wall and just peel off when you’re ready to move on.

“Those old-fashioned, ‘Home Is Where the Heart Is’ kind of sayings in that script, I think those are a little cheesy,” designer and TV host Sabrina Soto, a guest designer on HGTV’s “HGTV’d” series, told Florida Today (“Designers’ Do’s and Don’t for Decorating With Decals”).

But wall decals aren’t just for spreading “cheesy” messages or showing off the latest “Cars” or “Toy Story” character in children’s bedrooms. Some designers are actually using wall decals more artistically and incorporating them like wallpaper or an accent wall (see video below). Unlike wallpaper, though, the decals are easy to peel off. And as an art accessory to the walls, they won’t leave any holes behind either.

For example, for a small or awkward space, a single, graphic image decal can actually give “depth to a room and gives some interest to the architecture,” Betsy Burnham of Los Angeles’ Burnham Design told Florida Today in the article. For example, in a small bedroom, a headboard decal may be “a great way to have fun without taking up any space,” Soto adds.

Watch the video below from the Home Staging Channel to see an example of using wall decals more artistically.

Do you think wall decals are a good staging tool or just plain tacky?

I like the option of applying decor to the walls....that can be rearranged or changed very easily. Bringing in a natural look with branches accented with a few flowers would be my choice. Keep it simple and elegant to compliment your interior environment. What's the worst that can happen ? I would definitely give it a try.

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

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Why Live In Grant City Staten Island New York ?

Are you looking for an easy commute to Manhattan and Brooklyn? Do you like the convenience of being near all shopping, restaurants and buses? How about having the train 1 block away? Better yet... a new home built in 2011, is waiting for someone to enjoy 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, private yard ,driveway and top notch construction..... plus tons more!

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