Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Your house is printing. please wait

From an entry in deblogatory, is an article about how homes of the future might be made:

This is a picture of the Radiolaria pavilion, a complex, free-form structure produced using the world’s largest 3D printer. Measuring 3 x 3 x 3 metres, the structure is a scale model of a final 10-metre tall pavilion to be built in Pontedera, Italy, in 2010.



radiolariapav3.jpg

From Earth Architecture's blog post: The ultimate aim was to produce a geometry that could be self-supporting and demonstrate the capabilities of this innovative technology: being made of artificial sand-stone material and without any internal steel reinforcement the pavilion’s design and execution had to be intrinsically resilient to several static stresses.

The printing process takes place in a continuous work session: during the printing of each section a ‘structural ink’ is deposited by the printer’s nozzles on the sand. The solidification process takes 24 hours to complete. The new material (inorganic binder + sand or mineral dust) has been subjected to traction, compression and bending tests. The results have been extraordinary and the artificial sandstone features excellent resistance properties. Effectively this process returns any type of sand or mineral dust back to its original compact stone state. The binder transforms any kind of sand or marble dust into a stone-like material (i.e. a mineral with microcrystalline characteristics) with a resistance and traction superior to Portland cement, to a point where there is no need to use iron to reinforce the structure. This artificial stone is chemically one hundred percent environmentally friendly.

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So who knows, in a few years, you won't be living in a regular house, but one that is environmentally friendly, solid stone, printed to your specifications!


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Golden Nuggets of Opportunities in Foreclosures

Sometimes someones misfortune is another persons gain. In the case of foreclosures this holds true, and first time home buyers are the ones who are truly benefiting from this unfortunate yet fortunate situation. With mortgage rates at their all time lows, the $8,000 tax credit and the great deals on foreclosures this is certainly a first time home buyers goody bag of golden opportunities. Check out the below video from CNN about buying foreclosures/Real Estate Owned Properties.

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Monday, June 29, 2009

Video Feature: Passion Pit and PS 22 Chorus Group

As I'm blogging right now I'm listening to one of my new favorite songs called "The Reeling", by Passion Pit, which features Staten Island's very own PS 22's chorus group. This band is amazing and I can listen to the album straight through, over and over, and never get sick of it. Just the mere fact that the Passion Pit collaborated with this endearing chorus group, and are just plain GREAT; these videos are certainly blogworthy and what better way to start off a Monday.

Also, check out the official video of "The Reeling"....it's a really cool video, which was featured on the Highlark Emissary blog as well.


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Thursday, June 25, 2009

Top Ten Tips for Before you get a Mortgage



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Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Part II: Top 9 Real Estate Social Media Sites

Here are Peter's last top 4 real estate social media sites that you have all been waiting for. For the real estate professionals looking to grow their business, I hope this helps you in some way, shape or form.

6. Meetup Another great site to create relationship and connections for yourself. Just like LinkedIn, Meetup is a great way to network in your area.
Action Tip: Form a Meetup Group in your area. This is a great way to mastermind with other investors. Your imagination are the limits to what you can do there are.

7. Trulia Over the past year, Trulia has become very popular. Many buyers and sellers head over to that site in search of finding answers and/or selling their home. So, how can you benefit there? Through their Trulia Voices.
Action Tip: Trulia Voices gives people the ability to ask their question and for expert to answer those questions. This is the place where you can answer common questions for people who are in need of selling their house.

Hmmm, could this be a way of finding possible sellers? I think so… Make sure you answer their questions and don’t blatantly advertise yourself. Most of all, don’t spam or you’ll get banned. I just looked on their site and there was one lady looking for a foreclosure and short sale specialist in her area. I don’t think it can get any easier than this :)

I’m on a roll. Here’s 2 more bonus sites…

8. Twitter What the hell is twitter you ask? if you haven’t already heard of this site, Twitter is a social media site that uses micro-blogging technology. Basically, you post short posts on their site, under 140 characters. You can follow and be followed by others. This site is focused more on building personal relationships than anything else. I am planning on experimenting with this platform in the next few months and will keep you updated.
Action Tip: Signup for twitter and you’ll get addicted. Don’t believe me, try it? :)

9. Zillow’s Duscussions Similar to Trulia’s Voices, you can use Zillow to answer questions from people that need answer. By answering questions, you become an authority and who knows, you might get your next deal there. As always, don’t spam and do be selfish.

+ Part I: Top 9 Real Estate Social Media Sites
+ Top 7 Real Estate Social Media Sites [Real Estate Internet Marketing]

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Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Part I: Top 9 Real Estate Social Media Sites

I've recently been reading a bunch of Peter Kolat's blog posts on social networking. He has a wealth of knowledge on real estate marketing and offers some insightful tips on his blog. For those of you who do not know who Peter is, he is the founder of the Real Estate Black Book.

Here are his "Top Real Estate Social Media Sites" for real estate professionals, with an additional 2 bonus sites from SIREN (SIBOR and StreetEasy). Come Back tomorrow for Part II and see the other 4 social media sites Peter recommends.

1. ActiveRain ActiveRain is a Real Estate Networking site for real estate professionals. As of me writing this post, there are over 98,000 members there. You can signup for a free membership, create your profile, and start interacting with the community.
Action Tip: Make sure you use their unique referral program. As of right now, the service is free. You can use the referral service to find the best real estate professionals, real estate leads and form local real estate relationships. One of the best parts of the referral service is the ability to search on a local level, right in your county.

2. Facebook One of my favorite social media sites. I use Facebook on regular basis. Unlike Myspace, Facebook has developed a platform that prevents spam. It is a very professional network that is growing at an unprecedantant rate. Everyone on Facebook is real. Their identities are real and because of their profiles, you can form great relationships in a much better way.
Action Tip: This tip was one of the tips I was going to share on my July 22 Brain Dump Webinar But I decided to share it here. (If you are going to be on the webinar, don’t worry because I have more tips to share with you).

Unlike other Ad services around the internet, you can target your EXACT audience on a much deeper level by using Facebook Ads These ads, when properly configured, will be displayed to the right person at the right time. You can target your audience by age, location, keywords and their relationship. Also, I will be sharing some more real estate marketing secrets with my Real Estate Internet Marketing Domination Facebook Group in the near future.

3. FlippingPad All real estate, all real estate investing. Flipping pad is designed specifically for real estate investors. It’s a great site for creating relationships with other real estate investors in your area and around the country. You can list your Pads (flips) there very easily. If you are a rehabber or a wholesaler, this site is a great opportunity to network and get new leads.
Action Tip: Interact with other investors in the forums section of the site. Ask and answer questions that provide valuable information. More you interact, more visible you become among flipping pad members.

4. LinkedIn Linked in is one of my favorite sites I use to form relationship among real estate professionals and other industries. This one site has provided me with many leads, different relationships and outsourcing opportunities. Sign up is free as well. Once you signup you can start networking and building relationships with others.
Action Tip: Make sure to build out your profile. When people search for you, they can find you by your keywords, places, employment, and experience you have in your resume. When searching for people, never spam others. When asking people to be added to your network, it is best to ask people you know first.

Just like Facebook, LinkedIn is very protective of their members and can cancel your membership if they suspect you are spamming other members. If you would like to join my network, send me a message from my LinkedIn profile , tell me you saw me on my blog and I’ll be more than happy to network with you.

5. Localism How would you like to own your neighborhood? The entire neighborhood! Well, here’s your chance. Join this site and whenever someone goes over to their city on Localism, you’ll be right there in front of them. So, become a neighbor at Localism and you are well on your way.
Action Tip: To become the Top Neighbor, make sure you provide quality information on your blog there. I’ve noticed that top neighbors are the ones who are most active.

SIREN's Bonus Sites:

1. SIBOR The Staten Island Board of REALTORS® (SIBOR) is a 2,400+ member, not-for-profit trade association that serves real estate professionals throughout the borough of Staten Island and surrounding areas. Its purpose is to enhance the ability and opportunity of its members to conduct their business successfully and ethically; and to promote the preservation of the public’s right to own, transfer and use real property. All members belong to the New York State Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®.

2. StreetEasy StreetEasy, Inc. operates an online community for the real estate industry. It provides information for home shoppers, such as public school information, market data, mortgage rates, stats and trends, rentals, details about neighbors and neighborhoods, and building and neighborhood photos. The company helps the shoppers, sellers, and brokers to discuss things related to neighborhood and real estate.

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Video Feature: Homer Simpson Tries To Vote For Obama

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Monday, June 22, 2009

Video Feature: Facebook Etiquette Lessons

To my fellow real estate bloggers and industry professionals this video is especially dedicated for you. Here is a fun little video about some of the “rules” on Facebook. It is done in a retro type setting but the rules apply.

Also, check out the podcast on How To Dominate Your Local Real Estate Market Using Facebook, here.

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Friday, June 19, 2009

Where To Live As We Age



Residential eldercare is a big business today. As the population ages, more an more seniors are looking for a place to live that defies the traditional preconceptions of senior living. Places that don't smell like a nursing homes with a disinfectant odor, quiet rooms without beeping machines and clattering carts, and smaller communities that provide a more private personalized experience, win the hearts and wallets of this new breed of homeowner.

These new communities seek to be as much like home as possible, rather than an institution. Residents are called "elders," not "patients." Unlike in most nursing homes, residents can have pets, and instead of mandated mealtimes, they can choose when to eat.

Read more about this in an article from Parade Magazine about aging and how conceptions of where to live are changing.

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Most Overvalued and Undervalued Housing Markets

http://imgs.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2008/04/30/mn_home_prices_nybz.jpg

Low prices bring investors back into many markets according to a report from CNNMoney
. Home price declines have sent affordability soaring. Prices have fallen so far that the average U.S. home is now undervalued by 12.2%, according to a new report from IHS Global Insight.

"The good news is that the declines are happening as consumer confidence is rising and housing sales and [building] starts seem to be bottoming out," said Jeannine Cataldi, senior economist for IHS in a statement accompanying the study.

There are still some over-valued areas. Atlantic City, N.J., for example, where overvaluation is at 44.1%, the most of any metro area. Others include Ocean City, N.J. and Wenatchee.

In the biggest metro area, New York City, the price is just about right, with a median at $469,400, an under-valuation of just 3.3%.

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Thursday, June 18, 2009

Seniors Drawn to Mortgages That Give Back

http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/hotproperty/Reverse_Mortgage.jpg

A small excerpt from an in depth article from a Wall Street Journal MarketWatch article on reverse mortgages, one of the bright spots of the mortgage market.

Federally insured reverse mortgages enable senior citizens to take money out of their homes. In March and April, the number of reverse mortgages backed by the government jumped nearly 20% from the same period last year. In April alone, the government insured 11,660 reverse mortgages, the highest monthly total since the government-backed program began in 1990. By contrast, the number of new home-equity loans, which similarly allow homeowners to tap the equity in their homes, fell around 70% in the first quarter from the prior-year period, according to Inside Mortgage Finance.

More seniors now qualify for a reverse mortgage since Congress in February raised the maximum home value that seniors can borrow against to $625,500 from $417,000.

In a reverse mortgage, the bank makes payments to the homeowner instead of the homeowner making payments to a bank. To qualify for such a mortgage, a senior must be at least 62 years old and have a lot of equity in the home. The way it works is this: Say a senior owns a house worth $500,000 that has a $50,000 mortgage. The senior might get a $250,000 reverse mortgage to pay off the existing loan and then have $200,000 left over. The homeowner could get that as a lump sum or a line of credit, and wouldn't have to pay it back until he moved or died and the house was sold. The bank is repaid, including interest, from proceeds of the sale.


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What are the top ways to add value to your house?

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As a part of Homeownership Month, here is an article about what the top ways to add value to your home are.

Americans spent over $216 billion on home remodeling in 2008, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). But all home remodeling projects are not equal. Which projects are the best ones for those looking for a solid return on their investment — and higher profits come selling day? Here are some top ways to add value to your home:

A Home Office Remodel
Home offices are becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity, with more people telecommuting. The number of Americans that work from home is in the millions, and that number has continued to grow every year. With many companies cutting costs and becoming more aware of their carbon footprints, telecommuting has become a viable solution for many in the working world. Making sure that your home has a state-of-the-art space for potential teleworkers is a surefire way to increase your home’s value.

Renovate or Add a Family Room.
With open floor plans becoming more in demand, a family room is an excellent way to make existing homes more like new construction. Remember, it’s a good idea to keep in mind what homes in your area are like. People like to purchase homes that blend with other homes around them. Chances are you’ll find many of your neighbors are investing in family rooms as well.

Replace the Roof.
The roof is one of the first impressions people have of a home. Make sure yours passes the test by replacing an old roof. You can also change the character of your home by looking into architecturally styled roofing tiles.

Landscape Your Yard.
Along the same lines of thinking as the roof, landscaping can give a great – or not so great – first impression. Backyard landscaping can transform ordinary spaces into incredible entertaining areas by including elegant water features and lush plants. Consider your area’s climate. If you live in an area that receives temperate weather year-round, you’ll find that your new landscaped yard adds value to your home and increases your living space.

Replace Old Windows.
Thirty percent of a home’s energy is lost through its windows. Replacing old windows with energy-efficient ones signals to home buyers that you really care about the house and it reflects on the quality of the house as a whole. Plus, who doesn’t like to save money on energy bills?

Remodel Your Basement.
Look at space you already have. Do you have unused space that serves as a black hole for all things without a home? Try remodeling your basement. Remodeled basements can make excellent game rooms or guest suites, adding value to your home without adding space.

Paint, Paint, Paint.
Enough said. But remember to hire a professional if you need help and keep the colors neutral if you’re looking to sell. Nothing looks worse than a poorly done paint job in bright fuchsia.

Remodel Your Kitchen.
Small changes can result in big value. Upgrading appliances, door handles and painting tired walls can add new life to your kitchen, and add value to your home. The general rule when doing a remodel is not to overdo it…unless it’s the kitchen. Kitchens sell a home, and in this case, size does matter. But a kitchen remodel is a long-term investment; you’ll see payback 10 years down the road. And if you are a DIYer, know your limits. Sometimes doing it yourself can save money, but always bring in a professional for the big jobs.

Remodel or Add a Bathroom.
A bathroom remodel can often mean simply making the most of your current space, by upgrading fixtures, flooring and lighting. Have a little more money in the budget? Adding a bathroom is a great way to increase the value of your home. Is your only bathroom upstairs and not convenient for dinner guests? Often the area under a set of stairs is the perfect place for a powder room.

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Wednesday, June 17, 2009

A guide to Cash For Clunkers Bill


While this is (obviously) not related to real estate, it is about saving money... money that you could be using to help build a down payment! Aside from that, it is part of the Obama's administration's stimulus plan, and even though the Jalopnik aritcle is not wholly in support of the efficacy of the bill, who knows? it might just work for you.

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Avoiding Firms That Prey On Troubled Homeowners

A New York Times article on how to avoid predatory firms who take advantage of homeowners who are having problems paying their mortgages.

A Google search for “Help For Homeowners" the name of the Obama administration’s program for distressed homeowners.yields several Web sites offering help who are in fact scammers.

Be wary of the many companies that advertise on the Web, who offer guarantees and who tell you to send them your mortgage payments. And don’t sign anything without reading the small print — some homeowners have unwittingly signed away their deeds to fraudsters who ultimately evict them.

You can learn more about the Obama loan modification program at MakingHomeAffordable.gov. But if you’re still having trouble getting results (and many consumers have) contact a housing counselor that has been approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. You can also receive advice through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.

None of these organizations charge fees — if you come across a company that does, you know you are in the wrong place.



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Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Recession likely to end in Sept.




According to a recent USA News and World Report article, the recession is likely to end this September, with a mild recovery starting in October.

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How to use the Tax Credit for Up Front Costs

By now most of our readers have heard us talk about the $8,000 Federal Housing Tax Credit, as well as the FHA announcement that will allow the $8,000 to be used to pay for up front costs. But exactly how is that all going to work? This NAHB article answers those questionsThere is also a helpful PDF from them that is available for download. The new FHA monetization program is expected to result in an additional 40,000 home sales, many of which will be made to trade-up buyers who have been able to sell their existing home to a first-timer.

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It's a Dance Off...Obama VS McCain!

OMG....this video of Obama and McCain having a dance off is hysterical.

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Monday, June 15, 2009

"Tweet" Your Properties on Twitter



Twitter basically bum rushed the social networking game and said I'm the new big dog in town, just as Facebook and Myspace did. The crazy thing about Twitter is that they are a non revenue generating business (for NOW at least), but yet they stay strong and are growing everyday. I'm sure they have plenty of big buyout offers on the table; after all every celebrity seems to Twit and endorse this site. It's almost like a novelty thing at this point.

To build on top of the Twitter phenomenon, there is a new site call Tweetlister that promotes properties over Twitter. So the question is, how can real estate agents use this site to their advantage? Well, Tweetlister takes all the listing details you input in to the site and automatically creates a 140 character “tweet” for you and gives you a landing page for the property. It's very simple to use and links directly to your Twitter account, with an intuitive control panel to help manage, schedule and post real estate lisitngs on Twitter.

As crazy as it sounds, if you are a real estate agent and have not heard of Twitter, check out this post from The Real Estate Tomato, Twitter Explained for the Real Estate Blogger.

Don't forget to check out SIREN on Twitter and show me some love!

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Friday, June 12, 2009

Art By The Ferry Part II

http://www.artbytheferry.org/2008_Art_by_the_Ferry_festival_files/Media/-0142/-0142.jpg?disposition=download

I just wanted to remind people about the second weekend of Art By The Ferry. I went last Saturday to visit my friends Stephen Barnett and Shannon Foreshee who were exhibiting at the event and it was a lot of fun. The event is hosted at 14 different locations all roughly between The Staten Island Museum near Borough Hall and the corner of Victory Blvd. and Bay Street. The event features an extraordinary showcase of talent from Staten Island -- who knew there were so many interesting artists (hundreds) working in so many different media all right here on the Island?

http://www.artbytheferry.org/2008_Art_by_the_Ferry_festival_files/Media/Art%20by%20the%20Ferry%2008%20tiffs%20%2022/Art%20by%20the%20Ferry%2008%20tiffs%20%2022.jpg?disposition=download

http://www.artbytheferry.org/2008_Art_by_the_Ferry_festival_files/Media/-0398/-0398.jpg?disposition=download
The event is a great chance to go for a nice walk down in St. George, to listing to some of the musicians that are part of the show, show your support for the arts, have some food and even to pick up something decorative for the home. All the artwork is on sale, which is not immediately apparent from the press and advertising. The locations are all marked by a small blue and orange flag, and you can get this map of the events venues at several of their locations.



Art by the Ferry runs both this Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 6pm. You can get more information here: http://www.artbytheferry.org/Welcome.html

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The Tax Benefits of Homeownership




Here is an interesting study from NAHB concerning the tax benefits of homeownership, a perfect post to add to our coverage of National Homeownership Month. While it gets a bit technical, it generally talks about how purchasing a home is typically the largest purchase and among the most important financial decision a family makes, and that among the most important are the tax benefits that help offset some of the cost of homeownership.

Using the methods developed in the paper, a household, for example, with $80,000 in annual income who obtains a $200,000 mortgage will save on average $1,765 in the first year of homeownership. By the end of the fifth year of homeownership, the household will save on average $8,607 on taxes, and this amount grows to $19,488 by the end of the average period ownership — twelve years. This stylized homeowner can expect to save $21,650 in capital gains taxation, yielding a total benefit of $41,138 over the expected period of homeownership. Further, the paper provides variants of these calculations if the analysis allows the homeowner’s income to increase with their age and labor market experience. For example, the five-year tax savings for this homeowner increases to $9,723.

The article also discusses the new $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit which increases the estimates in each of these tables on average by $8,000, a significant increase in the tax savings of the first five years of homeownership. For example, for a homebuyer with an income of $70,000 who obtains a mortgage $200,000 the tax savings increase from $7,718 to $15,718 — an increase of 104%. Or as another example, a homebuyer with $80,000 in income and a $200,000 mortgage can expect his/her five-year tax savings estimate to increase 82% from $9,723 to $17,723.

The combination of the standard tax benefits of homeownership combined with the temporary tax credit makes 2009 an attractive time period to purchase a home.

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Thursday, June 11, 2009

How Long will it Last?


House in Decay by Bawmer.

As a part of National Homeownership month, I thought I would share an interesting little article about how long you can expect the components of your home to last, from roof to paint. A house is just like the human body, your home is made of parts, all working in unison, and we often don't think of these parts very much. Ideally, these components would have an unlimited life expectancy. But given the realities of day-to-day use, means that we all should be aware of how long you can expect things to last.

A new study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and sponsored by Bank of America Home Equity provides insight into the life expectancies of a number of products in the home. The study intentionally overlooked consumer preferences, acknowledging that if they were considered, kitchen counters would be replaced long before the end of their useful life, and rooms may be repainted only once in 50 years. Other factors that can have a significant effect on life expectancy include maintenance, proper installation, the level of use and the quality of the materials. And some components, while remaining functional, become obsolete due to changing technology or improvements.

Insulation
According to the study, all types of insulation can be expected to last a lifetime if they are properly installed and are not punctured, cut, burned or exposed to ultraviolet rays and are kept dry. Proper installation not only extends the lifetime of your insulation, it also ensures that it will perform properly, resulting in reduced energy use and expenses, as well as increased home comfort.


Windows
Windows, because they can be exposed to extreme weather conditions, have a much shorter life expectancy. The study, which polled experts in the various fields, found that aluminum windows can reasonably be expected to last 15 to 20 years and wooden windows can last upwards of 30 years. An important element of maintaining your windows is the window glazing – the putty that secures the glass to the sash. Over time, this glazing can crack, resulting in drafty and loose panes. Available at any hardware store, glazing can be replaced by simply chipping or scrapping off the old putty, cleaning the window thoroughly and installing new glazing with a putty knife or caulking gun. Some types of glazing require a coat of latex paint for weatherproofing.

Roofs
Like windows, the life expectancy of a roof depends on local weather conditions as well as appropriate maintenance and quality of the materials. Slate, copper and clay/concrete roofs can be expected to last more than 50 years. Roofs made of asphalt shingles should last for about 20 years; fiber cement shingles should last about 25 years; and wood shakes for about 30 years. In regards to roof maintenance, it’s important to be proactive to prevent emergency and expensive repairs. Look for include damaged or loose shingles; gaps in the flashing where the roofing and siding meet vents and flues; and damaged mortar around the chimney (especially at the joints, caps and washes). If you see any signs of damage, call a professional to repair it.

Paint
Although some avid decorators may repaint every six months, homes usually need to be painted every five to 10 years depending on the content of the paint (its glossiness), its exposure to moisture and traffic. Quality paints are expected to last upwards of 20 years. Exterior paint conditions should be regularly monitored in order to catch problems early on. Assessing paint for dirt, mold, cracking, peeling, fading and rusting—and repairing immediately, usually through simple cleaning methods such as scrubbing or power washing—can end up saving homeowners much more costly repainting jobs in the long term.

Although these numbers are averages which are greatly affected by usage, weather, maintenance and a number of other factors, chances are that many of these components will have a shorter life cycle due to changing trends as homeowners update and remodel their homes.

For more information on home maintenance, visit the National Association of Home Builders online at www.nahb.org/forconsumers.

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Wednesday, June 10, 2009

The City Concealed: Freshkills Park Project

Did you know that the City of New York makes over a million dollars a MONTH from reclaiming methane gas from the Fresh Kills landfill and turning it into natural gas that they sell to National Grid? That and some very interesting history, views of the park as it is now and insight into the future plans for Fresh Kills from an excellent video segment from Channel 13's The City Concealed series.



I found it particularly interesting that the 10 million cubic feet of gas that the landfill pumps out daily produces over $12 million dollars a year in revenue for the City. So after dumping on Staten Island for 50 or more years, the City is now harvesting the corollary revenue from that as well. I sure hope that all that money is ploughed back into servicing the residents of Staten Island.

As says Eloise Hirsch, the Fresh Kills Park Administrator, says at the beginning of video: "People really shouldn't underestimate how wounded people in Staten Island are by what the rest on the City essentially dumped on them."

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Horribly Memorable

A broker's ad in Toronto. Horrible, yet instantly memorable. This guy has gotten a ton of publicity just from people forwarding it around the internet because it is so bad.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/3605053258_eed7637911_o.jpg

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Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Carmen’s Restaurant: A Taste of Spain With a View of Raritan Bay


Staten Island may be known for their pizza and Italian food, but we can also lay claim to a nice variety of restaurants whose specialties span the globe.

Bienvenido a Carmen’s Restaurant! A staple of Staten Island for many years, this Spanish-Mexican restaurant is located at 750 Barclay Avenue, off Hylan Blvd., just south of Richmond Ave, and offers patrons absolutely stunning views. Carmen’s is located right on the water and gives their customer’s the option to either dine al fresco on their outside deck or enjoy their meal in the comfort of the dining room while watching the waves through the floor to ceiling windows. Whichever location you choose, make sure you order a pitcher of sangria. While not the best sangria I’ve ever had, it is certainly one of the better examples that I’ve had from around the island. And even though I am a fan of red wine, I have to say that the white sangria is the better of the two, with a much sweeter and more distinct fruity taste.

Carmen’s is probably best known for their authentic Paella Valenciana, which is such a large dish that 2 people splitting it will still take home leftovers. The shrimp, scallops, muscles, clams, chicken and sausage all come together in one pot to create a perfect Spanish Paella that would leave true Valencians smiling. And if you still believe that there’s something missing, you have the option to order the Paella Valenciana with lobster. While going to Carmen’s simply for the Paella is reason enough, they offer an extensive menu that touches on all the major food groups. Plenty of seafood entrees like mariscada, shrimp, lobster, clams, scallops, and crab legs could all be had in any one of Carmen’s delicious homemade sauces. These sauces include green, ajillo (a creamy garlic base), white (brandy and white wine), diablo and creole. My favorites are the white and green sauces. You also have a choice of fish dishes like filet of sole, salmon and red snapper. And for all you carnivores out there, Carmen’s even offers an extensive list of Spanish-Mexican meat dishes which include pork chops, veal, sirloins, filet mignons and chicken. You could also enjoy enchiladas, tacos and burritos from the Mexican side of the menu. Most of the entrees are in the $18.95-$22.95 range with some lobster, crab and filet mignon dishes creeping up into the $34.95 range.

All in all, Carmen’s offers great food at reasonable prices. The stunning views and Spanish charm only add to the experience and help to ensure your time here is muy excelente.

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Monday, June 8, 2009

Video Feature: I Love Lucy, Staten Island Ferry Episode

That's right, I'm back with a fun video that will stir up a sense of nostalgia for some of you. Here is a segment from I Love Lucy that takes place on the Staten Island Ferry. Hands down, I Love Lucy is one of the best shows of all time, so enjoy!

I Love Lucy [imdb]

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Friday, June 5, 2009

Ix Nay on the Landfill

I know the albatross on the neck of Staten Island is The Dump, and its something that deserves its place in history rather than being dug up again. But if you ever wondered what happens to our trash now that Fresh Kills is closed? The City's Park's department can tell you, and they have at their Fresh Kills Park blog, which is the blog that is documenting the transformation of one of the world great landfills into one of the worlds great parks.

SITS floor

You can see more at the blog post, but its nice to know that our albatross has flown off to South Carolina.

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Home Loan Learning Center



As a part of the National Homeownership Month, I am sharing this little site with you that tells you about how to go about buying a house and what to expect in the lending process in seven steps. Here's an excerpt:

Just how do you buy a house? The Home Loan Learning Center delivers information on the home buying process in two ways: through in-depth information on pages sorted by topic and in our step-by-step mortgage process guide that is provided in this section. Here you can view the process from beginning to end, referring to the more in-depth information on other pages as you need it. MBA has identified seven steps that make up the mortgage lending process. By reviewing them, you will know what to expect at each point in the process.

In addition to the seven steps, MBA has developed the Top 10 Tips for Home Buyers, a concise list that you can print out for reference if you like. Use it as a checklist as you're going through the process. It can help keep you on track as you move through the steps. All of the topics are also addressed in the topic-specific pages on this site.

Once you finish going through this site and start to feel comfortable with the process, you will be ready to take the first step, finding a lender. To help you take that step, you will find the list of MBA members — experts in mortgage lending — in this section. Some are regional and others have nationwide operations. Take a look. After you read this site thoroughly, go to their Web sites and check them out. If you think you see a few that might work for you, give them a call. Ask some questions.
Top 10 Tips for Home Buyers

1. Check your credit score. Get your credit history in order before beginning the home buying process.

2. Develop a monthly budget based on your income and expenses so that you can determine what is realistically affordable in terms of a mortgage payment.

3. See a lender first. Shop around — compare various mortgage lenders and find one that will work well with you and your situation.

4. Needs vs. Wants — what features do you need in a new home versus what you want? Don't make an emotional decision, make a financial one.

5. Take time to learn important terms and understand their meaning.

6. Once you've found a lender, thoroughly investigate the mechanics of the deal — are there additional costs, such as origination and/or application fees?

7. Learn about the various types of mortgage packages. Figure out, with your lender, what type of mortgage is best for you.

8. Get pre-qualified so you are aware of what you can afford as well as prepared to seriously consider real estate options.

9. Visit as many homes as possible and decide on the house you are interested in based on your approved loan amount.

10. Work interactively with a mortgage lender and be accessible to him/her in order to secure the loan.

You can also get an interesting PDF document about the Loan Application Process from the Mortgage Bankers Association.


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Thursday, June 4, 2009

SI Film Festival



With National Homeownership Month, as well as Art by the Ferry and the Fifth Annual Staten Island Pride Parade going on this weekend, I almost forgot that the Staten Island Film Festival also opens today at College of Staten Island's Center for the Arts in Willowbrook! The Festival, the Packed with 60-plus films, the festival goes until June 7. For the complete schedule, visit www.sifilmfestival.org.

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The Outstanding Value of Homeownership

Solar power increases home value

To help kick off National Homeownership Month, I thought I would share an article about the value of homeownership:

Homeownership is by far the single largest creator of wealth for Americans, and consumers who take advantage of today’s excellent buying climate to purchase a home will find that it is the best investment they ever made. Here are a few examples of why, dollar for dollar, homeownership is a solid stepping stone to a future of financial security.

Over the long term real estate has consistently appreciated, even through periodic adjustments in local markets in response to economic conditions. On a national level, home appreciation has historically increased 5-6 percent annually.

Five percent may not seem much at first, but here’s an example that will put it into perspective. Say you put 10 percent down on a $200,000 house, for an investment of $20,000. At a 5 percent annual appreciation rate, that $200,000 home would increase in value $10,000 during the first year. Earning $10,000 on an investment of $20,000 is an extraordinary 50 percent annual return.

In contrast, putting that $20,000 down payment into the stock market and getting a 5 percent gain would only yield a $1,000 profit.

Looking at it another way, over a longer period of time, if someone put $10,000 into the stock market in 1996, the average annual S&P return would make that investment worth $21,500 today – an increase of $11,500. The median home price in 1996 was $140,000. Today, that same home would have gained nearly $100,000 in value.

Homeownership is also a more stable investment. Home values tend to increase at a steady pace while alternatives can be extremely volatile. For example, during the stock market decline of 2001-2002, households lost more than $1 trillion in stock value, while their housing equity continued to climb.

Don’t forget there are also fantastic tax incentives designed to make owning a home more affordable. Home owners save nearly $100 billion annually on mortgage interest and property deductions alone.

In most instances, all of the interest and property taxes you pay can be fully deducted from your gross income to reduce your taxable income. These deductions can result in thousands of dollars of tax savings, especially in the early years of the mortgage when interest makes up most of the payment.

Plus, the best tax break available to homeowners is when they sell their primary residence. A couple who own and live in their home for two years and then decide to sell can keep up to $500,000 of the profit tax-free, and a single owner can keep $250,000. If the homeowner uses these gains to buy and live in a bigger home for at least two years, the same benefits apply when they go to sell that home.

Buying a home is the largest, and smartest, investment most families will ever make. And with the long-term financial benefits, variety of homes for sale in all price ranges, and historically low interest rates, the timing couldn’t be better.

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Welcome to National Homeownership Month!

June is National Homeownership Month, and in recognition of the incredible rewards of homeownership, SIREN will be providing a series of articles and reports covering this special event.

The advantages of homeownership don’t just benefit individuals home owners, it also has a positive impact on our own community and country as well.

Joe Robson, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders, noted that “As the current economic downturn has shown, housing has a significant impact on our national economy, and for that reason it's important that we recognize the importance of homeownership this month as well as throughout the year."

For individuals, homeownership means mortgage interest and property tax deductions; the stable investment that comes with home appreciation; increased borrowing power; and the ability to build equity. More broadly, a healthy housing market creates a positive ripple affect into our communities across the country — housing accounts for 15 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP)and is a significant employer, supporting job creation.

To help celebrate this special recognition, SIREN will be posting a series of articles about the benefits of homeownership, as well as useful articles for homeowners!

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The 2009 Art by the Ferry Festival




Just a reminder that this weekend is the first weekend of the 2009 ART BY THE FERRY Festival which highlights the wide variety of excellent visual arts, crafts, spoken word and performing arts on Staten Island in spaces provided by local real estate developers, restaurants, galleries and the Staten Island Museum. And it’s free!

LOCATION: St. George, Staten Island, NYC

DATES:
June 6,7 & 13,14, 2009
11am to 6pm

Check it out at http://www.artbytheferry.org/Welcome.html

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Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Top 3 Celebrities and Notable People from Staten Island Part 2

I'm backkkkkkkkkk and Part 2 is here! I'm about to fall asleep, so if you start seeing weird misspelled words, than you know my big head ended up slamming against the keyboard.

1. Daniel D. Tompkins. The sixth Vice President of the United States, an entrepreneur, jurist, Congressman, Governor of New York, and established Tompkinsville in Staten Island and the Staten Island Ferry.



2. Gene Simmons. Yes it's true...the blood-spitting, fire-breathing, and tongue-wagging bassist and vocalist in the hard rock band Kiss went to the College of Staten Island.

3. "Macho Man" Randy Savage. Whether or not you watched wrestling growing up, "Macho Man" Randy Savage was a household name that everyone in their mother knew, and yes he was a Staten Island Boy!

+ Top 3 Celebrities and Notable People from Staten Island Part 1

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Monday, June 1, 2009

Top 3 Celebrities and Notable People from Staten Island Part 1

To take away from the monotony of the typical work day, I thought you might enjoy my top 3 celebrity picks and notable people from Staten Island. Some of you might have known that these celebrities once lived and were raised on Staten Island, but for those of you who did not know, well now you do, and my job is done for the day! Enjoy and come back tomorrow for Part 2!

1. Ingrid Michaelson. Currently one of the most popular musicians hailing from Staten Island. After having several of her songs featured on Grey's Anatomy which put her on the map, and having her first hit single "The Way I Am" featured in the Old Navy Commercial, Ingrid Michaelson has been non stop in the public's eye. She has also performed with Dave Mathews Band at Madison Square Garden and was featured on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, incuding a laundry list of other accomplishments. Also, I recently found out she went to my former college at Binghamton University.


2. Alice Austen...If you're from Staten Island and do not live under a rock you definitely heard of Alice Austen, have been to the Alice Austen House or have seen her work.

1896 - Peddler of Sponges by Alice Austen

3. The hot and spicy Alyssa Milano. A sure favorite of mine growing up, but her acting was not the main reason :)

+ Alyssa Milano on IMDB
+ Official Site

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