Well, let's name some pitfalls that can occur in the home-buying process. 

 Waiting for a better deal.

There is an emphasis on getting a good deal when it comes to buying real estate, or anything for that matter! But, what is a good deal? You should aim to pay within a ballpark of prices based on comparable listings in the market. If you are anywhere within that ballpark, then consider yourself successful. To wait until you can find a steal may be unrealistic and leave you waiting for a long time. If you love a home enough, it’s not about getting the best deal. Rather, it’s about paying a price that you’re comfortable with for a place that you love! When you win the bid, you won’t even remember those extra thousands that you may have paid when…

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During the late 1800’s, Staten Island began its life as a borough of New York City with a heavy and almost sole purpose in agriculture. Through the decline of farming on the Staten Island, the borough transitioned into the suburban borough. To date, the borough offers suburban life with New York City lines, distinguishing itself from the other NYC boroughs. Whether it was through farmer life or suburban life, Staten Island has always had its family-oriented neighborhoods, many of which remain between the North and South shore. 

 

Looking for something to do with the kids? Staten Island has got it! Whether you’re interested in educational fun, all day activities, or just a good ole playgroup, Staten Island has the essentials to fit any kiddie’s dream…

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It's that time of year again, where family and friends come out into the night (and day) to celebrate one of America's most popular, and exciting holidays! Thankfully, our beloved borough is no exception when it comes to showing off our Halloween spirit! 

Offering events that cater to individuals and families of all ages and sizes, there's always plenty of activities available to give us good reason to don our best spooky outfits and go prowling into the night. Make sure to check out some of these popular options this year! 

 

 

Staten Island Zoo "Spooktacular" 

 

One of the most frequented events, the event hosted by the borough's only zoo ends up selling out every single year! Due to take place on October 13th and 14th of this year,…

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New York City historically has been a hub for U.S. manufacturing. Many renowned companies like Procter & Gamble, William Wrigley’s Company, Bethlehem Steel Corporation, The S.S. White Dental Factory (which was the largest manufacturer of dental products in the world), Constanz Brewery, and many others have housed factories in Staten Island. These factories were responsible for the production of beer, milk, steel, some of the country’s favorite gum (Juicy Fruit and Wrigley’s Spearmint), and various other products. In this regard, Staten Island has played an integral part in the industrial revolution of the United States. 

Staten Island’s unique geographic characteristics have also made it a prime location for U.S. military bases like Fort Wadsworth and…

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Many of you read a few months ago about the historic 41 Million dollar Staten Island shopping center deal know as South Shore Commons - sold by yours truly and the amazing commercial team at Casandra Properties.  While it was another milestone achievement in the Staten Island real estate market, and typically the closing represents the end of the transaction – at Casandra Properties it was the beginning. Now more than ever, the customers come first when talking about Staten Island retail space.  

 

A time for innovation

 

After the closing, we sat with ownership to create a comprehensive marketing plan.  We felt it was critical to look at co-tenancy synergies, traffic flow, customer experience, and the Holy Grail of retail – customer…

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What does it mean to “be in escrow?” 

We hear buyer and sellers often use this phrase and in context, we know that this means the process of buying/selling a home is almost done, but what does it really mean?

In real estate, escrow companies are non-interested third parties that hold funds from both parties until all agreements of a contract have been fully executed. Ever wonder how a seller actually gets paid when selling their real property? Escrow! Financers of the purchase of real estate, whether it’s a lender or cash purchaser, deposit that money into an escrow account where the money is securely held from both parties until the transaction is complete. So, the buyer hands the money to Escrow, who keeps it safe, until both parties have…

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Closing costs consist of costs that have been incurred throughout the home buying process. These fees vary from inspection fees, to loan origination fees. Depending on where you live, the type of home loan you have, and your lender, these fees vary greatly. Per Zillow, here are some fees that you will see associated with the purchase of your home. 

Application Fee: Cost to apply for a loan. In some cases, this includes costs associated with a credit check and verification. 

Appraisal: Cost to get home appraised to confirm the fair market value and is close to the listing price.

Attorney Fee: All associated attorney’s fees to review legal documents and agreements in the transaction.

Closing Fee or Escrow Fee: Cost associated with the use of an…

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Spruce it up!  

When gearing up to put your place on the market, it is important that you spruce the place up a bit. Touch up your landscaping, clean up the exterior of your home, make repairs, and clean out/organize your closets. These few improvements will enhance your home’s curb appeal and boost potential buyer’s first impressions of your home. Messy closets give off the impression that there isn't enough storage in your home. Even if that is the case, you don’t want to give off that impression! A clean fresh exterior and landscaping makes it easier for a potential buyer to see themselves in your home. 

 

Depersonalize!  

When approaching listing, you should start to separate yourself from your home. Very soon (hopefully) the home will…

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For nearly two decades, I have made it my life’s work to deliver the absolute best in all areas of Staten Island real estate we at Casandra Properties practiced. Over the years we grew from a small boutique residential firm, to a full service real estate brokerage with divisions focused on seller and buyer representation, commercial leasing, and consulting.  We were thrilled to be named a top 10 boutique real estate firm in NYC.


LEASING EXPERIENCE 

One of my long-term goals always included adding tenant representation to our repertoire.  After successfully negotiating a host of successful deals on the landlord side with retail giants, banks, governmental entities, names such as Nordstrom’s Rack, Brooks Brothers, Wendy’s, Autozone, TD Bank,…

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As real estate professionals, it’s important to stay informed when it comes to industry news. The landscape is constantly changing especially with the advent of new technology in the digital arena. This is changing the way we sell, market and purchase real estate. 

It’s been reported that a new start up called Bungalo has launched a solely digital platform where buyers can search, finance and purchase newly renovated homes. Bungalo joins a growing group of iBuying platforms that includes Opendoor, Zillow and Redfin. All of these online platforms purchase and sell homes directly to clients after renovating the houses. 

According to the Company’s CEO, Greg Stuart, Bungalo will start by selling 25 homes in Dallas-Forth Worth and 10 in Tampa, Florida,…

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