Friday, March 30, 2012

Home Buyer Finds Happiness In Staten Island New York!

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Congratulations Mike and Beth! Enjoy your new home.....finding a home that fits your lifestyle and budget on Staten Island...is a reason to smile.

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A well informed buyer...who is guided through the entire home buying process is critical. As a buyer what is important to you? Transportation, easy of commute, location, recreation and restaurants?

"Spend a day on Staten Island and explore what our wonderful Island has to offer".

Check out my New Website http://HollyWiesnerOlivieri.com

Connect with me on Twitter  http://www.twitter.com/HollyOlivieri

There are two kinds of real estate professionals.....those who understand the emotional and financial complexity of buying or selling a home....and those who don't.

Thank you and have an extraordinary day!

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

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

What Homes Have Sold In Staten Island's North Shore?

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Looking for homes that have sold on Staten Island's North Shore within the last 6 months?

There have been a total of 315 properties sold.

Sold homes in Staten Island's North Shore.

New Website Just Launched!

Check out http://HollyWiesnerOlivieri.com

Staten Island's North Shore....What's happening? http://facebook.com/northshoreholly

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

Thank you and have an extraordinary day!

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

Friday, March 23, 2012

Are You The Buyer Closing The Deal......In Staten Island's North Shore?

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Spring is in the air... birds are singing.. flowers blooming...fresh air...open windows. What a feel good time to consider making that move to purchase a new home. Yesterday's buyer is closing the deal on his Staten Island North Shore purchase.

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When looking for a particular community to call home.....drive around, see what's happening in the area. Talk to neighbors, you will be pleasantly surprised how willing most are to boast of their neighborhood. Staten Island's North Shore is a community filled with diversity, culture, parks  with an easy commute to NYC and Brooklyn.

Are you looking for a home in Staten Island's North shore?

Check out my "New Website" just launched

http://HollyWiesnerOlivieri.com

Also join me on facebook http://facebook.com/northshoreholly

Thank you and have a fabulous day!


 

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

Monday, March 19, 2012

"The Godfather House" On Staten Island Is Sold!

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Fourty years ago last week "The Godfather" film opened.The fabulous Tudor-style home featured in the film, also Sold last week for $1,687,500. The original listing price was $2,900,000 for the famous 8 bedroom 3 bath mansion located on 110 Longfellow Ave. Staten Island New York,in prestigious Todt Hill.

After six decades of living at 110 Longfellow Ave.the Norton family sold their home,which was selected for filming "The Godfather".

The Tudor -style home was used as a back drop for many scenes in the 1972 film.

Presently there are 40 homes available for sale in the Todt Hill area of Staten Island.

Looking for properties on Staten Island http://HollyWiesnerOlivieri.com

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

Thank you and have an extraordinary day!

 

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

Friday, March 16, 2012

What Popular Night Spot Is Back....On Staten Island's North Shore?

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Wait no longer....the former Cargo Cafe will host it's grand opening today at 7p.m. The newly revamped "120 Bay Cafe" will feature diverse bands along with local artist...Scott LoBaido's vibrant exciting works of art.

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St. George on Staten Island's North Shore...is booming with excitement and anticipation of it's revitalization...while development of the waterfront community is pursued. Here are featured Homes presently available in the St.George area.

Are you looking for homes in Staten Island's North Shore?

Check out my " New Website" just launched http://www.HollyWiesnerOlivieri.com

Also join me on http://facebook.com/northshoreholly

Thank you and have a fabulous day!

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

Stage It Green Using The 4C's

Stage it Green Using the 4C’s

On March 12, 2012, in Staging Tips, by barbschwarz

By Barb Schwarz, Stagedhomes.com


Staging a home for sale involves a number of key things to do and here are four of my top things. I call them the “4 C’s” in home staging (and they’re considered “green staging” in this way as well): Clutter free, Clean, Color and Creative.

Clutter Free

Turn chaos into order and peace. Americans are the largest consumers in the world. We have too much “stuff” everywhere! When you want to sell your house you need to go through room by room and remove excess items. Leave space between items, on the walls, and floor to show off the architectural features of the house.

The room will feel larger–and better because it’ll feel more spacious. Buyers need to see and feel the space to buy it. Whether the house you are selling is vacant or lived in, you do not want the rooms empty but you also do not want them overcrowded with too much “stuff” either.

Once it’s clutter-free, commit to keeping the room this way by not bringing in more “stuff”.  Below are some important ideas to remember and do:

·     Don’t just stash the items in boxes somewhere. Donate items for reuse that you no longer need or want in your next house.

·     Companies do exist that can assist with removing large items or amounts, such as 1-800-gotjunk.

·     Implement a new policy for your family when it comes to buying things: When a new item is brought in, another goes out.

·     When preparing to sell a house, remove items that are more personal.

·     Buyers need to envision themselves living in the house and “mentally move in” so by de-cluttering your rooms you will help them be able to do that.

·     Pre-pack collectables, collections, trophies, and family photos

Clean

A sparkling house is appealing to buyers. Buyers do not like looking at other people’s dirt. Cleaning can be done without harsh chemicals and you can save money too by making your own natural cleaning formulas:

·     Natural cleaners are better for people with allergies, prevent indoor air pollution, and create less hazardous waste.

·     The main ingredients can be found in your own cupboard, such as baking soda, cornstarch, vinegar, salt, lemon juice, and even toothpaste! Test the surfaces with what you will use on them before fully cleaning it.

·     Remove windows hard water stained fixtures and make them shine with just vinegar and water.

·     Scrub sinks, clean with a mix of baking soda and salt.

·     Clean the toilet bowl with denture tablets!

·     I also recommend a product called Pure Ayre, an excellent natural odor eliminator made of plant enzymes.

·     Common house plants are pleasing to the eye while creating clean air. They provide a natural way to control indoor air pollution by absorbing the gases formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide.  Plants produce more oxygen to breathe, which provides more energy in the body

·     According to Dr. Bill Wolverton, formerly a senior research scientist at NASA’s John C. Stennis Space Center, “a living air cleaner is created by combining activated carbon and a fan with a potted plant. The roots of the plant grow right in the carbon and slowly degrade the chemicals absorbed there.”

Color

Paint is the least expensive way to change color in a room with the maximum amount of impact. When you are living in your home and not selling it, you can use color to suit your own personal taste and style.  But when you are selling your home, you want to use paint to lighten and brighten dingy walls or tone down loud color schemes.

In choosing colors, select ones that have the broadest market appeal.  They key is to use a light color and the same color on all walls so that your house is not cut up with different colored rooms, but rather the space flows from one room to the next with the same color. Having rooms all painted different, darker colors can make the house feel smaller.

A neutral backdrop on the walls makes your house feel bigger. White, off white, light beige, or light taupe is good to use.

Below are ideas about using environmentally friendly paint when painting the rooms:

·     Paints and finishes release low level toxic emissions into the air for years after application, which come from a variety of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

·     For the sake of your health and the environment, use less toxic paint and finishes.

·     Look for natural paints, zero VOC, and low VOC. They have very little odor when applying. Also, they have no “off gassing” after curing.

VOC paints are easy to clean up, as they are water based. Also they are easy to dispose of, since they are not hazardous waste like other paints.  You can also use Eco Pro brushes and environmentally friendly roller covers and paint trays.

Creative

Using creativity in staging is where the fun is. Creativity is a gift we all have whether you think you are creative or not.

There are so many ways that you can creatively stage a house for sale the green way. Find items to repurpose to use for staging.

Here are a few ideas for repurposing:

  • A large wooden door can become a table.
  • Artwork can be made out of fabric or clothing.
  • Bed linens can become window or shower curtain, or pillows.
  • Iron work can be used inside or outside for artwork.
  • Use a fishing pole or oar for a window curtain rod in a child’s room or
  • laundry room.
  • Recycled content carpet has the same look, feel, and price of virgin carpet.
  • Countertops made from recycled glass and concrete or crushed bathroom porcelain make durable slabs similar in form to granite or marble creating a smooth and shiny surface. Stainless steel and reclaimed wood are other options.
  • Go retro! Add touches of black and white to a pink tile bathroom and change out the faucets for some reclaimed fixtures from the 40s/ 50s.  The spa-look is very “in” as well.

Keep in mind this Recycle Reuse and Reclaim concept. Anything that was something else and is now used for another purpose is a part of green home staging.

Think of yourself as the buyer....what do you like when you walk in a home? Cleanliness...clutter free.. interior color scheme or the creativeness of design?
If you are on target with these 4 areas....you are doing a fantastic job in preparing your home for showings..... some natural tips in tackling the cleaning... is a great way to keep the environment healthy also.
Checkout my "New Website" http://HollyWiesnerOlivieri.com
Feel free to contact me any time. Thank you and have an extraordinary day!

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

Friday, March 9, 2012

What Do Americans Want Most Once Finances Improve?

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What Do Americans Want Most Once Finances Improve?

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Fifty-one percent of Americans in a recent poll say that if their financial situation were to improve, they’d buy a home. Coming in second on the list of wishes, they’d make repairs or improvements to the home they already have, according to the poll of more than 1,400 Americans conducted by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling Web site, www.DebtAdvice.org.

Meanwhile, 17 percent of Americans polled said they’d upgrade their car and 9 percent said they’d take a vacation. 

"Home ownership has traditionally been a part of sound financial planning," says Gail Cunningham, spokesperson for the NFCC, a nonprofit credit counseling organization. "With a combined total of 74 percent of respondents selecting a home-oriented option, the poll results strongly suggests that people continue to place value in owning a home, and are anxious to buy a house or improve their existing one." 

Much value is still placed on owning a home... if you are looking to buy or sell in Staten Island.....contact me for courteous professional service. Have a fabulous weekend ! Check out "New Website" http://HollyWiesnerOlivieri.com

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

More Trees... Or No More Trees On Staten Island?

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At the SIEDC 2nd Annual Green & Clean Expo yesterday....all where offered a Free tree... by NYRP. There were beautiful 8ft. red oak trees. Contrary to some...article, the program that offers these beautiful trees MillionTreesNYC  provides Staten Island and all New York city communities with a greener, happier more sustainable lifestyle.

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 It was a pleasure to chat with Mike Mitchell... community initiatives coordinator of MillionTreesNYC about this active program. I love the greeting of a beautiful tree in the morning ...watching it grow, providing me with shade and its seasonal beauty. Trees planted around your home or business help in water absorption and provide clean air. Proper  planting and assessment of the area for a tree is necessary for years of enjoyment.

The SIEDC Green & Clean Expo was a free event with many vendors in attendance to answer and assist you with all your questions....pertaining to sustainable intiatives which benefit residents,businesses and our local  Staten Island environment.

Check out "New Website" launched  http://HollyWiesnerOlivieri.com

Staten Island's North Shore http://facebook.com/northshoreholly

Thank you and have an extraordinary day!

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

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Quick Hot Design Tips From the International Builders’ Show

By Erica Christoffer, multimedia Web producer, REALTOR® Magazine

Looking for quick, easy ideas to bring a home to life, add value, or prep for sale without spending a lot? Learn from the pros! Designers who presented at the International Builders’ Show in Orlando last week had a plethora low-cost, chic ideas to make to most of an interior space.

1. Transform closets: Your clients might consider turning a smaller, awkward closet into a built-in with cabinetry and shelving, or if there’s enough space, even a desk nook. Add dramatic dimension with disc lighting on each shelf. Buyers are looking to maximize every inch of a home with workspaces and storage solutions they’ll actually use. (Jerry Collin, Kay Green Design) [Here are some great before and after closet transformations from Real Simple.]

2. Create a ‘Garage Mahal’: Make the garage an attractive space with a dedicated recycling area, wall mounted shop-vacuum, and maybe a mini (or big) refrigerator for adult beverages. When in doubt, hang it up – provide hanging areas for bikes, tools, equipment, etc. Consider installing a workbench and storage. (Jillian Prichard Cooke, DES-SYN)

Example of a grey color scheme in a great room.

3. Avoid seasonal colors: Greys and stone colors are the new neutrals. Accent them with bursts of bright blues, oranges or reds. (Marc Thee, Marc-Michaels Interior Design)

4. Provide simple luxury: A foldout cabana, two outdoor lounge chairs, and a small table is an inexpensive way to give a backyard living space a sense of luxury. Stage it with candles, flowers or cool drinks (iced tea, lemonade, water, etc.) that you can serve during an open house. (Jillian Prichard Cooke, DES-SYN)

5. Set the mood: Do you have a listing that flushed in harsh light throughout the house? Try halogen narrow spot bulbs to create warm, pooled light for romantic shadows and definition. (Marc Thee, Marc-Michaels Interior Design)

6. Faux wood: Textured wall finishes add weight to a space, which can provide warmth and richness to great rooms. Wood mimicking wallpaper is a great way to get the look of wood paneling without big cost or long-term commitment. (Marc Thee, Marc-Michaels Interior Design)

7. Inexpensive creativity: Molding brings depth and clever detail to a space a low-cost: for example, use molding assembled as a square over a bed with two smaller pictures hung side-by-side within the square. (Jillian Prichard Cooke, DES-SYN)

8. Give them room for thought: Create computer-generated room layout boards to help buyers envision various uses for flex space, such as a family room, office, kids’ play area, library, etc. Consider matting the floor plan  ideas for a professional presentation. Works well for new- and existing-home sales alike. (Jerry Collin, Kay Green Design)

Tips are great....especially cost effect ones. Lucky the professionals.. let us in on their money saving big impact ideas. Loved... introducing the color gray into my home..what a great color... for the fact that the big punch is with the accessories. Creating a comfortable, easy mood in a room is important. An interior that is not over powering.... and feels good ..... is key.
Launched New Website....please check it out! http://HollyWiesnerOlivieri.com

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

Monday, March 5, 2012

Who Was At Staten Island's St. Patrick's Parade?

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Who doesn't love a parade? Yesterday's St.Patrick's parade on Forest Ave. in the West Brighton area of Staten Island's North Shore was filled with.... tradition and community members coming together.
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Many politians were present.....people of all ages and backgrounds enjoyed a day of vibrant energy, fresh air while interacting with friends and neighbors. What a wonderful way to connect and get a feel for this North Shore community. Why not strike a conversation and ask.....what attracted you to this area?

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I look forward to this vibrant happy parade every year.... and chatting with the locals.  Looking to connect more to Staten Island's North Shore?

Just launched my New website http://HollyWiesnerOlivieri.com

 http://facebook.com/northshoreholly

Thank you and have an extraordinary day!

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

Friday, March 2, 2012

What Are Staten Island's North Shore Updated Housing Statistics?

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Staten Island's North Shore community includes...Westerleigh, Willowbrook, Randall Manor, West Brighton, Ward Hill, Tompkinsville, St. George, Sunnyside, Sunset Hill, Stapleton, Silver Lake, Snug Harbor, Grymes Hill, Graniteville, Port Richmond,Clove Lakes and Castleton Corners. Check out the chart below for updated statistics on Staten Island's North Shore...

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What homes in the last 6 months sold in Staten Island's North Shore?

New listings in Staten Island's North Shore over the last 3 months increased 7.2 percent to 179. Pending sales were up 33.3 percent to 24, year to date and closed sales up by 7.7 percent.

Housing inventory supply shrank in the North Shore in comparision to 2011.

Island wide housing inventory shrank 3.5 percent to 2,856 units.

Home buyer demand is.....strenghtening. I anticipate a Spring season of action buyers....ready to make a move.

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Are home buyers picking up the speed...why not? Opportunity is now available.... that was never available before.

Key factors...staying alert and informed, keeping in contact with a local expert... can only help.

Check out New Website http://HollyWiesnerOlivieri.com

North Shore Staten Island  http://facebook.com/northshoreholly

Thank you and have an extraordinary day!



 

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

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Remove or Keep Personal Photos When Listing a Home For Sale?

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

Using personal photos to decorate the walls and tables are common in homes. But when you’re listing a home for sale, can those personal photos become a turnoff to potential home buyers?

Real estate professionals and stagers differ on how much of a fuss they make over family photos gracing their clients’ for-sale homes.

Some in the industry strongly advise their clients to remove all personal photos. After all, you want potential buyers to be able to visualize themselves living in the home and not be distracted by seeing personal photos of the current home owners’ vacations, wedding photos, and family reunions.

Others in the industry may say “why not?” They argue that photos actually make a home feel more warm, inviting, and feel like a “home.” Even some builder model homes have started incorporating personal photos into the decor to personalize spaces more.

What do you think?

Certainly, asking a seller to remove their wedding photos and snapshots from happier days can be an awkward conversation. Clients can get emotional and may not understand why photos they consider just as much “art” as family photo has to be removed.

Some stagers and real estate professionals may offer up a compromise: Remove some photos, but keep a few up. An entire wall filled with family photos may be a little much and too distracting to buyers, but a frame here and there may actually do more good than harm, if it’s done tastefully.

“With a family photo wall, it may be a good thing if it’s done really well, so people can imagine their own family there,” David Kassel, owner of ILevel, a New York art placement and picture hanging service, told The New York Times in a recent article. “Our experience is that [buyers] have a really hard time making these design decisions and can’t fathom how to arrange pictures.” In that case, you might actually be doing the buyers a favor by leaving your photos up and giving them inspiration for their own photos.

To ensure it’s done tastefully, Kassel recommends using photo frames that complement one another (such as gold and wood together or black and white frames). He also recommends hanging the photos in a grid with similar spacing, such as leaving an inch-and-half between the frames to create a symmetrical look.

But if the photos prove just too much of a distraction, for the sake of a sale, you may have to ask your clients to remove them. But remember, if you do, make sure they don’t leave behind scuff marks or wall holes. Those can most certainly be a buyer turnoff too.

This is a great topic....recently on a showing appointment, the buyer commended to the seller " What a beautiful photo... are they your daughters?" This was a great way to have both seller and buyer instantly connect. In my opinion....photos sparingly and tastefully placed through out the home is a nice touch. It creates interest, intrigue and a sense of warmth in the home.Photos can definitely be used as a staging feature in showcasing a home....
Check out new Website http://HollyWiesnerOlivieri.com

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

When Is Staten Island's St Patrick's Parade ?

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Staten Island's North Shore is preparing for it's 48th annual St. Patrick's Parade. Fun festivities start at 12:30pm on Sunday. Come and enjoy...meet local politicians, old friends and new.

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Feel the energy of the happy cheery spirit in the air.....everyone is Irish at the St. Patrick's  parade.

Want to know America's best St. Patrick's Day parades?

Check out my new Website http://HollyWiesnerOlivieri.com

Stay connected to Staten Island's North Shore http://facebook.com/northshoreholly

Thank you and have an extraordinary day!

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