Tom Crimmins Realty Blog

Spring Cleaning: Follow Our Handy Guide to Organizing

As much as we wish for Spring to be around the corner, we're still surrounded by snow. Even with all this snow, you can get a jump start on "spring cleaning." We might be snowed in soon enough so why not sweep those cobwebs, start reorganization paper and throw away useless junk. 

Gutting Out Your Garage & De-Clutter Your Basement

You'll likely need to set aside a full weekend to organize your garage. Go through tools, unpacked boxes from when you moved and anything else that gets in your way. Separate the items that you want to sell or donate, items that you want keep and stuff that you want to throw away into a separate pile.

Use as much wall space as possible to store tools and boxes by installing shelves inside your garage. Organize the items…

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3 Trends to Be Aware of Before Renovating

Renovating your kitchen is an excellent way to improve its appearance, increase the value of your home and appeal to a more diverse range of home buyers. Kitchen remodeling can cost $10,000 to $20,000 or more, which is why you want to make sure it is the best decision for you and your home. 

Traditional Is Back

Trends are temporary, but classic is forever. Although we personal may want to stick to trends, some times retaining that traditional look are more appealing. 

If you are curious about this year's trends, some of them include darker wood colors for cabinets, tables, counters and even floors. Other trends include rustic farmhouse tables, double porcelain sinks and natural stone counters.

Going Green

It's hard to go anywhere today…

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iPhone and Android Apps That Help Manage Mortgage Payments

What aren't you able to access on your phone these days? If the answer is "nothing," you are 100% correct! Everything is accessible right at the tip of your fingers, even paying for your groceries in the store. This past summer we wrote about the best apps to use for your real estate needs and started a social media series.

So here are some apps to help manage your important and challenging mortgage payments for both iPhone and Android.

1.) Mortgage Mentor

This app is available for both Apple and Android users. It can calculate PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) for adjustable rate and variable rate mortgages, and it can help you to determine the true cost of a mortgage. You can track your account information in real-time, or you can manipulate the…

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Benefits of Hosting a Broker's Open House

So you just listed your home on the market with a respectable agent from Tom Crimmins Realty, what can you do to attract potential buyers? Hosting an open house should be on top of that list. 

But did you know there is such a thing call Broker's open house? We know, it's like you learn something new every day!

What is a Broker's Open House?

A broker's open house is hosted by the selling agent and showcases the MLS listed home to other brokers and real estate professionals whose clients who might be interested, while answering any questions. This open house is not open to the public.

According to…

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Winter Staging: How to Make Your Home Look Beautiful when It's Miserable Outside

When you're staging a home for sale, you want to make it as appealing as possible for obvious reasons. Even if the outdoors aren't exactly in your favor, you can still create an unforgettable interior that will leave everyone impressed and longing for a second look...or maybe even an offer to purchase.

Embrace The Season

Catch the seasonal spirit and place festive accents throughout the home like Christmas trees, ornaments and holiday vignettes. Although there are many possibilities for wintertime decorations, be sure your choices are tasteful, but not overdone. Too many blinking lights or faux wreaths can look tacky, so use your best judgment as you decorate. "Less is more" rings quite true in this scenario.

Keep It Clean

If you live in an…

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How does your Credit Report Affect Your Mortgage?

One of the first (and very important) steps in qualifying for a mortgage is to have your bank run your credit report. Your credit report has a major impact on what type of mortgage loan you qualify for.

What is on my credit report?

 Your credit report will consist of three separate scores from each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Transunion and Experian. The scores from each bureau are usually different of varying degrees. The report also consists of all your monthly payment obligations and your payment history on each one. What banks do with your credit report is to make sure you have a history of making your payments and making them on time. If you are behind on any of your payments, the bank will see this on your credit report. They…

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Time For A Bathroom Makeover

Besides your kitchen, the restrooms in your home probably get the most use. Not only is it nice to step into a clean, modern bathroom, but also giving this room a makeover will increase the value of your home and see a return when it’s time to sell. Below are five ideas to brighten up your morning routine and make you feel like you’re stepping into a spa.

1. Refinish Your Tub

After a while, every white bathtub starts to get a little dingy. Hiring a professional to refinish your tub could cost you upward of $300. Don’t spend the big bucks when you can do it yourself. You can purchase a refinishing kit for around $30 at any hardware store.

2. Install His And Her Showerheads

If your shower is large enough, then install custom his and her…

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Should You Sell Your Home By Yourself Or Use A Realtor?

People fail to realize that a real estate agent is an experienced, trained, licensed and often seasoned professional. Yes, you have to 'interview' and hand pick your real estate agent, but it is important to have one to guide you and work for you when you are selling your home.

Providing you find a reputable agent that you feel comfortable with - there is no better way to sell your home.

Aside from having all the necessary tools, contacts and needed internet access, a realtor knows how to properly market your home to get you, the seller, the best possible price.

Realtors are also savvy negotiators. Strong negotiators usually bring much more in the way of final agreed sale price to substantially cover a seller commission and beyond to put more…

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Tom Crimmins Realty Comes to The Small Screen

If you haven't heard already, Tom Crimmins Realty now has a commercial spot on cable! Some channels that you'll be able to see us include TLC, ESPN, Bravo, E! Network, HGTV and so many more. 

The filming and editing process was exciting and we could not be more happier with the results. We have received so many texts and calls from those who have seen it and have heard only great things. 

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Tom Crimmins Realty Agent Installed To Become A MLS Director

At Tom Crimmins Realty, we pride ourselves in being tight-knit and extremely family oriented. When it becomes news that one of our agents is being honored, or even featured in independant articles - we like to celebrate. 

Tonight, January 22nd, Tom Delese will be installed into the MLS Board of Directors. He has been in the real estate industry for 3 years making a name for himself and continues to move to the top.

Tom Delese started to work at Tom Crimmins Realty in December 2011 after 34 years at working for the Staten Island Advance as a retail advertising account executive. It may seem the shift from Delese's previous title to real estate are two opposite ends of each other, Delese's experience at the Advance had helped him in his career as a…

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