Thrilled meeting...Chris Smith,Tech Savvy Agent at Triple Play convention. http://www.inman.com/news/2011/05/12/chris-smith-tech-savvy-agent-co-founder-... great meeting up with Sandy Edry of Citi Habitats NYC. http://edryrealestate.com/
http://HollyWiesnerOlivieri.com
Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine
The design forecasts are rolling in for the new year and the predictions of what’s going to be popular in interior decorating in 2012.
According to Beasley & Henley Interior Design in Winter Park, Fla., here are some interior design trends to be on the lookout for in the upcoming year:
Hickory chair featuring hot 2012 trend of yellow and gray; Photo Credit: Beasley & Henley Interior Design
Homes go gray: All shades of gray will be making up more households, from warm grey to charcoal gray, through furnishings, window treatments, and artwork.
Yellow pops: Yellow can lift practically any room, according to Beasley & Henley Interior Design. Pairing yellow with gray can bring a trendy look to a home in 2012.
Photo Credit: Beasley & Henley Interior Design
Rustic: Furnishings from natural, reclaimed, and rustic wood are expected to catch on. “Finishes on these rustic pieces will range from wire-brushed to bleached oak to gray washes,” according to Beasley & Henley Interior Design.
Photo Credit: Beasley & Henley Interior Design
Repurposed lighting: Reclaimed pieces that are turned into lamps and lighting pieces is expected to continue its wave of popularity in 2012.
The industrial look: The industrial look is also gaining traction, such as repurposed, industrial occasional tables or side carts.
Lower seating: Chairs and sofas are sitting lower to the ground. More home furniture manufacturing companies are debuting lounge chair seating lower than the standard 20’’ off the floor. They’re introducing more products at 17-18’’ off the floor–possibly to fit in smaller homes.
Oversized photography, such as in Sepia or computer-enhanced, will dominate the look of artwork in the coming year. Photo Credit: Beasley & Henley Interior Design
Supersized artwork: Artwork continues to get bigger with oversized photography dressing up interiors with black and white, Sepia, or standard pictures.
Loving the grays...... creates a cozy relaxing interior. Mixed with natural furnishings for a simple easy feel... , without all the fuss.
What type of interior design do you prefer?
Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource
Looking for homes on Staten Island......checkout www.holly1.listingbook.com http://facebook.com/northshoreholly
Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource
Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource
Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource
Staten Island's North Shore http://facebook.com/northshoreholly
Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource
Staten Island's North Shore.... http://facebook.com/northshoreholly
Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource
By Jeremy Olshan
- istockphoto
- Baby boomers want new homes that can stylishly accommodate the needs of aging.
The blueprints for retirement are changing, homebuilders say, with baby boomers demanding fewer stories, step-less front entrances and showers, and doorways wide enough to one day easily accommodate wheelchairs.
A survey of what the new homes of 2015 are likely to feature indicates that following the housing bust, aging boomers have more modest notions of where they’d like to live, the National Association of Home Builders says. “Affordability was number one, and with that a substantial reduction in the square footage from years past,” says Stephen Melman, the group’s director of economic services. “They also want grab bars in the bathrooms, step-less showers, and when there is more than one story – they want the ability to put a master bedroom on the first floor.”
While boomers are often said to be ill-prepared for the future, there seems to be a concerted effort to project ahead through the decades and imagine their needs as they become less mobile, Melman says. “We found that 89 percent of older homebuyers want to be able to live in the house for as long as physically possible. As the sandwich generation they watched their own parents and learned how their needs will change.”
But the builders surveyed indicated that the older home buyers wanted the houses to have the capacity to become fully wheelchair accessible “without needing ramps,” Melman says. “I think what they want to do is stay independent – and what they don’t want is the place to look institutional. They don’t want a hospital, but a home.”
Such features are also being designed to appeal to younger families as well to ensure that the homes will have greater resale value, the study found. “One thing we’re no longer seeing is all the fancy spas and kitchens – the goals seem to be more pragmatic and affordable,” Melman adds.
As homeowners age...what is important in a home ? The outlook for what new homes in 2015 will feature appears to be a more modest approach.... then in the past. In my opinion affordability and simplicity of lifestyle is best fitting for many.
Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource
http://www.education.com/schoolfinder/us/new-york/staten-island/
How about local recreation .....beach, boardwalk, freshwater pond, shopping and fabulous restaurants.
http://www.whereyoueat.com/restaurants-in-Staten-Island--1.html
These happy buyer's have found all of this and more on Staten Island! http://posterous.com/#spaces/hollywiesnerolivieri/posts/56365750
There are two kinds of Real Estate professionals.....those who understand the emotional and financial complexity of selling or 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
On a recent jog through Silver Lake Park in Staten Island's North Shore....I noticed the lush wine grapes located on the golf course...they were being covered ....to prevent the birds from eating the grapes... http://hollywiesnerolivieri.blogspot.com/2010/07/staten-islands-silver-lake-c...
Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine
A “minor” kitchen remodel will cost home owners, on average, $21,695, according to the Cost vs. Value survey, an annual report by Remodeling magazine, in cooperation with REALTOR® Magazine, that reveals the top remodeling projects offering the highest returns at resale. Home owners stand to recoup about 72 percent (or $15,790) of that investment from a kitchen remodel when it’s time to sell too.
So the kitchen can offer some big payback at times of resale, but for the average home owner, $21,000 nowadays may be too much for their budget. So what should you do when a dated kitchen is still in desperate need of some TLC?
Check out this video below from AOL Real Estate with Jeff Lewis, star of Bravo’s “Flipping Out,” sharing how he transformed a kitchen for less than $5,000. He painted the cabinets, added new countertops, replaced the faucet, added a stainless steel kitchen island, and accessorized to give the kitchen an updated, fresh look. What are your best ideas for remodeling a kitchen on a tight budget? Get more ideas at REALTOR Magazine online: Easy Solutions for Kitchens & Baths.
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A simple kitchen remodel can offer big payback on resale. The kitchen actually gives you the highest return .......when its time to sell. A few simple tips can guide you to highest yield ..... at minimal cost. Looking for a quick new look in your kitchen with out all the bells and whistles ?
Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource
Demographic Shifts Are Changing What’s Considered Desirable in Homes
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR Magazine
Married couples no longer hold the majority in households. In 1960, married couples made up 75 percent of total households. In 2010, that percentage has dropped to 48 percent, according to U.S. Census data.
Meanwhile, “family households”–which includes married couples with no children–has bloomed from 45.1 million in 1960 to 77.5 million in 2010. And non-family households (people living alone or households where no one is related) has soared–increasing nearly five times in the last 50 years–from 7.9 million in 1960 to 39.2 million in 2010.
“These significant demographic shifts create opportunities to design and sell homes to a growing group who cannot find what they want in the resale market because the resale market was primarily built for families,” according to a report by John Burns Real Estate Consulting.
So given the growth in non-family households, what do these potential home buyers desire? Here are some of the findings from John Burns Real Estate Consulting:
Smaller home size. Non-family households tend to want less space than a family household–opting for a home under 2,500 square feet. A recent survey also found that more than two-thirds of non-family households tend to want no more than three bedrooms in a home too.
Location is key. Non-family households want a good location near work, entertainment, and shops. In fact, they consider the location more important than the size of the home.
Nothing over-the-top. Non-family households are less likely to choose extra amenities like media rooms, community pools, and tot lots.
Research has shown a big shift in housing...big growth in non-family households. This group desires...less space and location is the most important factor. This is definitely something to consider.....when working with buyers. Knowing their lifestyle...and what is..... the most important elements and factors in choosing a home. Understanding, knowledge and communicating is key.
Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource
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!
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
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
Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource
Wall Decals: Classy Art Trick or Tacky Accessory?
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR Magazine
Wall 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
Sex today is used for marketing just about everything and anything not remotely connected to sex–but it works. And real estate staging does for houses what sexy ads do for marketing–it sells!
In today’s competitive real estate market, you cannot afford to gamble with your equity by not staging. Sure, I have heard all the reasons why you think you don’t need to stage (and you can probably think of some I haven’t heard too!), but ask yourself:
- Do you really want to sell your property?
- Do you want to sell in the shortest amount of time (or an indefinite time with poor results)?
- Do you want to secure the most amount of equity possible when the sale goes through?
If you answered “yes, yes, and YES!,” then staging is what you need to do.
Let’s Talk Facts
FACT: Everything counts! That means everything you do–or don’t do–to ready your property will make or break the sale.
Here are more facts that may help make your decision easier on whether to stage or not:
–78 percent of sellers today are willingly investing up to $5,000–and often more–to make their property move-in ready.
–More than 63 percent of buyers today say they are willing to pay more money for a move-in ready property (Read: We don’t have time or money to do the work).
–93 percent of buyers today look at property on the Internet first to create a list of “Must See” listings. In other words, the photos posted of a property on the Internet must sizzle–staging by a professional who knows how to stage for the perfect photos is crucial.
–Decisions to buy are made emotionally and then supported intellectually. First impressions–good or bad–are made in the blink of an eye.
–A recent survey showed, in the opinion of 1,000 real estate professionals, that the projected ROI for staging to be as high as 589 percent.
Staging is an umbrella word for three definite steps: Consultation, Work, and Showcasing. (Work means fixing and upgrading the condition of the property.)
Everything counts! That means anything you decide not to fix, clean, upgrade could be the reason your property is on the market longer or sells at less than expected.
Once your seller decides to move, they need to divest their emotional connections to the property and accept objective advice from a professional who has the credentials to help market their biggest asset.
In today's competitive real estate market.... everything counts! Definitely put your best foot forward when presenting your home. Buyers prefer move in ready... so plan out your presentation....from awesome photos..to full descriptions....emotions play a big part in the home buying and selling process..... everything you do or don't do will count!
Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource
Mood Booster....Smile Instantly !
Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource
Do you wake up anticipating a great cup of coffee? Is it the jump start of your day ....the fuel that keeps you going ? I definitely look forward to a great cup of coffee....after my morning run in Silver Lake Park.... a stop at the "Coffee & Tea Market" on Forest Ave. is a great way to start the day. This wonderful niche gathering place is located within Silver Lake; part of Staten Island's North Shore community.
The Silver Lake community has many options of housing...charming colonials, capes, condos, apartments and magnificent victorian homes. Many of the home date back to the early 1900's. Click here to find homes within the Silver Lake area. http://mysibor.com/%28lkmz1sewfcn5pr554avtvj45%29/default.aspx?sitecode=9425
Many local buses and the X30 express bus to midtown Manhattan, travel along the main street of Forest ave. Also in the area is the beautiful Silver Lake Park http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/silverlakepark , which just added a tot park for the little ones to enjoy.
The "Coffee & Tea Market" is part of the Forest Avenue Business Improvement District or BID http://www.forestavenuebid.com/about-us Owner Todd David provides a large selection of coffees and teas to fit everyone's taste. I personally enjoy the flavor of the day....every morning there is a different flavor of coffee written on the chalk board. The anticipation of the flavor of the day ....is something I look forward to daily.
Many locals enjoy their morning and afternoon coffee or tea...while chatting with old friends and new friends. The sense of community and good old neighborly interaction is so pleasurable here. Knowing everyone in the Coffee & Tea Market just by being a customer...is certainly a nice feeling.The next time you are in Staten Island's North Shore.... make sure to travel through the Silver Lake community. Discover why so many love this area....parks, golf course, small town community....just to name a few attractions... a wonderful place to live.
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
Flickr image courtesy of The New Ruffian.
Now that spring is on its way, it's time to get going on that long list of projects that has been building during the wet, cold months.
Reviewing some basic safety points is part of shaking off the cobwebs. Occasionally, we've had to learn this the hard way. There were a couple of doozies early in our careers and, frankly, we consider ourselves lucky that we're still here to tell about them.
Years ago, Bill was using a pneumatic nail gun to install a soffit in a rental house in Boise, Idaho. With just one more nail to go, he decided to lean and stretch rather than climb down and reposition the ladder. His hand slipped, the gun fired a 16d nail between his thumb and index finger, and we got to make a trip to the emergency room.
As for Kevin, he was using a reciprocating saw (the one that looks like a swordfish) to cut a cripple stud away from a mudsill when we were replacing a foundation. While he was foolishly pulling the saw toward him, it kicked back and plunged into his leg. There wasn't much blood, but it did make mincemeat of about an inch of his quadriceps muscle.
Underwriters Laboratories, the product testing group that's been around for 115 years, recently sent out an email with a list of safety precautions. Today, we would like to pass along some of these tips and add a few of our own.
Suit up properly
Article continues belowIf spraying paint or herbicides, cover up from head to toe. Same goes when installing insulation. Wear shoes and socks, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, appropriate gloves, head covering, safety glasses or goggles, and an appropriate respirator. When painting indoors, open all doors and windows and use fans when practical.
If the job is noisy, wear earplugs.
Invest in a good pair of safety glasses and use them.
Beware of heights. Use the 4-to-1 rule for ladder placement. For every 4 feet of ladder height, the bottom of the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall or object it is leaning against. This works out to about a 75 percent incline. Pay special attention to the ladder weight and height limits. As a general rule, the third step from the top is the limit of safety. Always use a ladder that is long enough for the job. Overreaching or balancing on the top rung is an invitation for disaster.
Inspect the ladder before you use it. A cracked wooden ladder or bent metal one is an accident waiting to happen.
10 rules for power tools
1. Inspect your tools before use. Inspect especially for frayed power cords and cracked or broken casings. If the tool is damaged, have it repaired by a qualified technician or toss it.
2. Follow instructions, not intuition. Maintain and use power tools in accordance with the manufacturer's warnings, precautions and instructions.
3. Check the switch on power tools and garden appliances to make sure it's in the off position before you plug it in.
4. Keep your tools in shape. Don't carry tools by the cord and never yank the cord when removing it from an outlet. When disconnecting the cord, always grasp the plug, not the wire. Keep the cord away from heat, oil and sharp edges.
5. When necessary, use clamps or a vise to hold work in place. This frees both hands to operate the tool.
6. Buy a saw with a blade guard and don't disable it. Before operating saws with guards, make sure they are in place and in proper working order. Kevin's father-in-law was a master brickmason. To increase productivity, he wired the blade guard on his circular saw in the open position. Production increased until the day he set the still-running saw in his lap.
7. Prevent against kickback. If a saw blade begins to bind, immediately stop the cut and hold the saw and work piece completely still. Wait for the saw blade to stop before pulling away from a cut.
8. Discard saw blades that are chipped, bent or in any way damaged.
9. Never leave an active power tool unattended. Unplug power tools before leaving the room and store them out of children's reach.
10. Remove all jewelry before using power tools.
Other things to consider
Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure you know where others are at all times to prevent accidents or injuries. Keep kids and pets away from tools and projects.
A clean, well-lit workspace is a safe workspace. Store power tools, sharp tools or dangerous materials on high shelves or in a locked storage cabinet out of a child's reach.
Use the proper extension cord. If you're tackling outdoor home improvement projects, make sure extension cords are rated for outdoor use.
Take your time. Rushing can lead to accidents, injuries, and more often than not produces an inferior finished product.
Finally, keep a first-aid kit on hand. Even the most careful among us can have accidents. It's the nature of the home improvement beast.
It certainly has been a long cold Winter.....time to tackle those home improvement projects. Remember....don't rush...think out your project,,,and always consider your and others safety. If you are tired..stop for a while or tackle on another day. Spring time brings out the smiles,sunshine, flowers and outdoor enjoyment. Enjoy your project and be safe!
Posted via email from Holly Wiesner Olivieri , The Staten Island Real Estate Resource
