By: Daniel Boxman of United Northern, NMLS ID# 1077102

Mortgage Application Process

Now that you have negotiated a sales price and reached an agreement with the seller of your home, it is time to apply for your mortgage.

You can first reach out to the lender that gave you the mortgage pre-approval, or any other lender if you desire. Since you now have a contract of sale and are ready to apply, it is not a problem to check out which lender can give you the lowest rates and fees.

Once you decide on the lender, you will need to gather up some more documents. The lender will need to get a copy of the contract of sale, as well as a canceled check you are using for your down payment. If you decide to pursue with a different lender than the one who…

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By Larry Ambrosino of Continental Home Loans

With Staten Island’s OPEN HOUSE weekend upon us, this Saturday and Sunday April 26th & 27th. Being a Senior Loan Officer with over 10+ year’s experience, the importance of a Pre-Qualification in today’s marketplace is as important as going to see a doctor when you’re sick for a proper diagnosis. Please call Larry Ambrosino at 917-952-5851 today to set up an appointment for your free Pre-Qualification.  Continental Home Loans is heavily involved in the Nation’s Union Members, Active and Retired, and their families, this includes, no processing fees, no application fees, no commitment fees and competitive rates.

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Staten Island's real estate market is still on the upside. March had a small sale side decrease in average sale prices, however, an increase in monthly sales compared to last year's month.

Staten Island February 2014 Real EstateLast month, the Island had 239 sale sides with a monthly volume of $104,121,027. This differentiates to March 2013's 199 with a monthly volume of $88,413,037. 

Month Year Monthly Sales Monthly Volume Avg List $ Avg Sale $ Median Sold $ Avg DOM
March 2014 239 $104,121,027 $435,652 $413,916 $378,000 162

Staten Island wrapped March up with an average sale price of $435,652. This is a slight decrease from the $444,286 that was raked in March of last year. 

Month Year Monthly Sales Monthly Volume Avg List $

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By: Daniel Boxman of United Northern, NMLS ID# 1077102

Once your offer has been accepted, but before you sign your Contract of Sale, it is very important to get your home Inspected by a qualified home inspector. This is a very important step in the home buying process. 

The home inspection consists of a very detailed look throughout the home. The main goal of a home inspection is to make sure that the home is safe to live in. For example, the inspector will take a close look at the roof to make sure it is well intact. They will also check to see if there is any structural or mechanical damage such as broken heating systems, or a collapsing floor. The basement will be checked for cracks and damage as well as your toilets and more. A termite report is…

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The Staten Island Zoo unveiled its new $3,545,000 million Amur Leopard Exhibit last November after 12 years of planning. The exhibit is now the home to leopards - Valeri, Kolya and Fitty. Capital funds were allocated by former Mayor Bloomberg through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

The Zoo revealed it's plans back in the fall of 2012 when the Zoo celebrated its 75th anniversary. The exhibit is 4,500-square feet and three-stories tall, replicating the leopards' natural habitat. Their new home consists of: real and fake trees for climbing, heated rocks for relaxing, and a pond. The zoo now has one of the largest exhibits for Amur leopards in the country.

The Amur Leopard is the world's rarest cat and is also known as the Far…

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By: Daniel Boxman of United Northern, NMLS ID# 1077102

Get Preapproved

After you've gotten yourself prepared and feel ready to move forward with your home purchase, the next step is to get pre-approved with your mortgage lender. A pre-approval is based on your financial situation and includes a loan amount agreed upon between you and your lender that they believe you will be able to repay. 

A pre-approval letter is not necessarily a commitment to the loan, but it is a huge asset to have when you are searching for your home, as it shows any realtor and/or seller you are working with that you are serious about this purchase and ready to qualify. This gives you an advantage over other buyers who have not pre-approved through a bank yet. Also, many…

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While most homeowners are vigilant about regularly wiping down surfaces, disinfecting bathrooms, dusting furniture and mopping floors, there are many nooks and crannies that don’t receive as much attention. That’s why April is the perfect month to do an annual overhaul on your home.

Below is a spring cleaning checklist to help you knock it out:

Living Room

  • Wash curtains and throw pillows.
  • Take rugs outside and beat them.
  • Vacuum and spot clean sofas.
  • Dust lampshades.
  • Wipe down the television and all other electronics. 

Kitchen

  • Organize and clean cabinets.
  • Sort pantry and discard items past their due date
  • Go through your refrigerator. Take everything out, wipe down shelves and throw out anything that has expired.

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Staten Island will now have something else to be proud of: home of the second largest film and tv production complex in the country - outside of Hollywood. Staten Island is no stranger to movie productions or being a backdrop in numerous films and shows. The Godfather house is located on Emerson Hill, Jim Carrey filmed Mr. Popper's Penguins in the Staten Island Zoo, and you might spot local landmarks in countless episodes of Law & Order. 

It is confirmed that the former Arthur Kill Correctional Facility will be converted to a film lot. This will be the fourth lot that the Island has seen. Fred Scott's Movie Ranch was located on Sand Land in South Beach by in the 1890s to 1914. New Brighton and Stapleton hosted Biograph Company from 1906 to 1922.…

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St. Vincent Catholic Medical Centers, West Brighton

Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers was founded and directed by the Sisters of Charity of New York from 1903 to 1999. The hospital built its foundation from St. Vincent's Hospital Manhattan; it operated as a 74-bed facility, as well as a soup kitchen. A New York Times article, that was published when St. Vincent's Hospital Manhattan first opened, said what distinguishes the hospital from others in the city is its care for those who were unable to meet fees.

The hospital in West Brighton originally opened to tend to tuberculosis patients and later became a Level 1 Trauma Center. St. Vincent's Hospital was renowned for its care of women and children, delivering over 3,000 babies each year. (x)

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