The debate between which is the better option- renting or buying - is always at work. The truth is that both choices have their own advantages, and their own disadvantages.

Thinking About Your Wallet

Many people, especially recent college graduates, decide to rent, thinking that it to be cheaper. However, is not necessarily true. Both Staten Island renting and buying a property come with their own costs. Buying a house is strenuous, as well as expensive -the hundreds of thousands of dollars can be intimidating. Because of this, people continue to rent for longer periods of time, and delay buying their own home.

Food for thought - home prices may be frightening and discouraging, but you never have to pay the entire amount upfront although down…

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George Cromwell Center located in Tompkinsville, Staten Island North Shore. 

Staten Island is currently hosting a state of the art indoor track and field facility named Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in South Beach. The original recreational center back in the day was the George Cromwell Center in Tompkinsville, Staten Island North Shore. Named after Staten Island's first Borough President who served from 1898 until 1913. He later was the primary developer of the Staten Island Dongan Hills community.

Pier 6 (which later supported the Center) was built in 1923; eleven years passed, and the federal Works Progress Administration converted the pier into the multi-use recreation center for one million dollars.

Opened in 1936, the George Cromwell…

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The rise of female entrepreneurs has lead its way to the Staten Island, West Brighton. Shauna Small (middle) , owner of Relax Be Healthy, which she just opened in West Brighton, along her side is her brother Sasha Small (far right) and her sister-in-law, Christine DeSousa-Small (far left).

Shauna Small was diagnosed with several autoimmune diseases over a decade ago and has since be seeking relief through medicine and diet adjustments. 

Her motivation to stay in remission led to her to become a certified health coach, herbalist and Reiki master, specializes in weight loss, as well as launch her own business, Relax Be Healthy in West Brighton. 

SiLive | Health struggles lead entrepreneur to open wellness store

"I have realized that people need…

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1020 Arden Avenue is a phenomenal two family home located in the wonderful town of Annadale. This fully renovated side hall colonial includes three very spacious bedrooms and a one bedroom apartment found on the second floor. The main unit has a lovely living room and family room with a gorgeous double-sided fireplace to enjoy with your loved ones and is absolutely perfect to entertain guests or watch a movie with your family. Also, lets not forget the large backyard to host all your summer BBQ's. This amazing home is a must see and is move in ready!

Book your appointment with Rashid of Tom Crimmins Realty 347-276-2788 today to see this lovely home in Annadale!

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201 Currie Avenue Oakwood Staten Island201 Currie Avenue is that unique and gorgeous home with all the "bells and whistles" in Oakwood, Staten Island. This spacious 4 bedroom and 4 bathroom custom Staten Island home was architecturally designed with a big family in mind. The home sits across the way from the quiet unbuildable Staten Island Greenbelt on a peaceful dead end street.

No corners were cut here on this Staten Island home. The Oakwood home sports granite counters, hardwood floors throughout, crown molding, vaulted ceilings and gas fireplace. The amenity list goes on and on. A must see in Oakwood Staten Island!

Call Mary Raymond, Tom Crimmins Realty at (917) 494-6188 for an appointment. 

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Sheree Goode, Staten IslandOne of our agents, Sheree Goode, is an advocate for Women of Achievement 2016.

Sheree Goode: A staunch advocate for those looking to reboot their lives on Staten Island

By Claire M. Regan | regan@siadvance.com  

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- When a 17-year-old convicted of drug possession sits down for the first time with Probation Officer Sheree Goode in her Bay Street office, waves of defiance, fear and rage can fill the room.

The teen has been expelled from school, fired from his job, spent time in jail, faced a judge and is about to begin a three-year sentence of probation.

"By the time they get to us [the city Department of Probation], they are broken, tired and worn-out. They feel no one is listening and knows what they're going…

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Every year, termites cause billions of dollars in home damages. These pests feed on wood, but also damage insulation, swimming pool liners and filtration systems. Acknowledging termites is important when buying or selling a home since a termite inspection/infestation report is normally a condition of sale. It's time to face termites head on before they ruin the biggest investment of your life.

When Is It Time to Start Preparing

Between the spring months of March and May, infestations are mostly discovered of winged termites, known as "swarmers," emerge inside homes due to warmer temperatures and rainfall. These termites will eventually drop to the ground, shed their wings, pair off with a mate, and attempt to begin new colonies in the soil. Winged…

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"Pull open the door and you are in a Southerwestern cantina, with walls reminiscent of sun-dried clay, a glowing fireplace and memorabilia of the borough's unlikely 1930s rodeo days." - NEW YORK TIMES

When Adobe Blues in New Brighton on the Staten Island North Shore first opened, it showcased 45 brands of beer and the dining area opened about a year later. 

Recently, the Mexican restaurant and bar Adobe Blues ranked in the top 10 for biggest selection, variety, rarest brews and cheapest prices among hundreds of bars around the city.

The draft list changes regularly and there are myriad options for bottle consumption, depending your preference. There's live music many nights, too, and food should you need it. If you don't end up ordering a plate…

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So you've found the perfect Staten Island home, but there's just one problem: the kitchen isn't as big as you'd like it to be. At first glance, a smaller kitchen might seem like a deal-breaker. With a few space saving design tricks, though, you'll have all the space you need and then some. Here’s how you can turn even the smallest kitchen into an efficient cooking and dining space.

Fill Up The Walls: There’s Ample Storage All Around You

Walls are a surprisingly underused surface area in most kitchens. From spice racks to towel racks to magnetic knife boards, walls can offer a wealth of space options. Ditch the bowl fruit painting and throw up some hooks and shelves. Not only will everything you need be within reach, you'll open up more space in your…

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A borrower's credit score is one of the most significant driving factors that can influence the interest rate and loan terms they qualify for, and this can impact the mortgage payment and even loan qualification and approval. Because of how important a credit score is in the home loan process, many are searching for ways to improve their credit score. The good news is that there are several tips to follow to improve a credit rating.

Reduce Outstanding Balances

It is not necessary to have all debts paid off in order to have a great credit score, but a credit rating can be dinged if outstanding balances are too high. Paying off accounts that have a low balance and reducing balances on accounts that are close to being maxed out can be beneficial. For…

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