Tom Crimmins Realty Blog

Only The Best In Office: Buyer Agency Representation

At Tom Crimmins Realty we are big believers in working very hard for our clients. Our clients could be either buyers or sellers. Once we have agreed to represent our clients, we aggressively handle the transaction, negotiate and advise each step of the way.

Training and continuing education is very important. At Tom Crimmins Realty we regularly educate our agents on all aspects of real estate so we can legally and properly represent our clients.

On Tuesday, December 1st, over 70 of our agents attended a Buyer Agency Representation Seminar conducted by the well known expert Rosanne Farrow, and a mortgage seminar conducted by Dan Boxman of United Northern Mortgage.

The seminar was held at the Manor House Restaurant and it was a great education…

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Budgeting For Affordable Mortgage Payments

A mortgage payment typically is one of the biggest payments that a person is responsible for. This financial responsibility might impact a person's budget significantly for several years to come. There are mortgage calculators online that can be used to estimate an affordable mortgage payment. However, it is important to start with a basic budget to determine more accurately how much mortgage payment is truly affordable before applying for a new mortgage.

List Income From All Sources

First, list all sources of income that is received regularly. This includes regular paychecks from both spouses, dividends, and annuities. Most budgets are prepared on a monthly basis, so ensure that the total amount of take-home for a typical month is included in the…

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October 2015 Staten Island Real Estate Market Recap

The ball is still in the seller's court and the real estate market is still increasing! Below are inventory reports for October 2014 and October 2015, as well as comparisons. 

Comparing October 2015 to last year's month, Staten Island's real estate market had a healthy increase in sale sides from 341 to 419.

The monthly sale sides and average sale price of October 2015 are a remarkable increase from last year's numbers.

Staten Island real…

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Tiny, but Cozy How to Furnish Small Spaces

When decorating a small room, it may seem like a struggle to make the space look and feel larger than it is while also meeting basic functional needs. By following a few important tips, it is possible to furnish smaller spaces so that they are functional and do not feel cramped.

Functional Storage Solutions

Storage solutions can be decorative, and they can be a true benefit to the décor in the room. An ottoman with hidden storage, an entertainment center with cabinets and shelves or a tall bookshelf that can hold many of the items that are needed in the room are perfect furniture pieces.

Decorate The Space Vertically

Did you know it's not ideal to decorate a smaller room horizontally. In a smaller space, decorating the space vertically by…

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Remembering Those Who Served: Vietnam War

Members of VVA Thomas J. Tori Chapter 421 at Memorial Park located in Castleton Corners.

In January 1973 a peace agreement was signed ending the direct U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War. The last American troops were withdrawn on March 29 that same year, but the battle did not end then. On April 30, 1975, the last few Americans still in South Vietnam were airlifted out of the country.

To memorialize those who were lost, the Memorial Park was opened in Castleton Corners in May 1988, as a part of the New York State Armory.

Gene DiGiacomo, President of Vietnam Veterans Chapter 421, has said, "We were worried about what was going to happen to it when we were gone." 

This past year, the park has had some massive changes and reopened June…

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Time to Give: Tom Crimmins Realty Annual Toy Drive

We have started our Toy Drive and are asking for any donations. This year, toys will go to the CYO & Police Officer Rocco Laurie Foundation for further distribution. Retired and active police officers memorialize Police Officer Rocco Laurie by continuing the foundation that has annual scholarships for junior high school students and participates in outreach endeavors. CYO's mission is to provide recreational, cultural and spiritual activities to the young people of the Archdiocese of New York.

Tom Crimmins Realty will be accepting donations, you can drop off toys at our 304 Manor Road office in Westerleigh.

Please share with family and friends!

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Why Converting Your Home to Hardwood Flooring Will Boost Its Value

When a homeowner makes the decision to upgrade flooring in an area or throughout the home, there are numerous materials that may be considered. While each material option has its unique benefits and advantages, many are drawn to hardwood flooring as an option. 

A Durable, Long-Lasting Material

Many flooring options need to be replaced or upgraded over the years. However hardwood flooring offer a timeless appeal and durability. In fact, with periodic maintenance and regular care of hardwood floors, some hardwood floors may provide the homeowner with 50 years or more of use.

Numerous Stylish Options

Hardwood floors have a universal appeal, and this increases the desirability of the home to future home buyers. This is especially true when a more…

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Acknowledge Home Selling Mistakes Before It's Too Late

Mistakes are made in most home selling. Hopefully we can help by listing the top 5 common mistakes so you can avoid them.

Neglecting Repairs

By refusing the inevitable, you're only hurting the selling process because potential buyers will turn away. If you think you can still slide by with the damage your home has - your buyers will have an inspection, and all the issues will be identified and needed repairs will be suggested. You will have to fix any damage, credit money to the buyer, or drop your price.

Don't Let Ego & Emotions Take Front Seat

It's always hard to part with an anchor where memories were created. The best way to approach the sale of your home is to be completely emotionally detached and to handle the sale like any other…

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How to Master Negotiations in Real Estate

In typical real estate transactions, the terms of purchase and other factors may be negotiated at different times throughout the process. For example, the contract may be negotiated at the time the original offer is made, but revisions to the contract may be negotiated after the property inspection has been completed.

Research All Factors

Researching includes everything from market conditions and how long the property has been on the market to how competitively priced the real estate is, how many other buyers there are and more. A successful negotiation may be about achieving specific, desired goals, but in most cases, there will be a bit of give and take on both parties' parts in order to find success. 

Understand All Motives And Influences

…

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Quick Renovations to Add Value to Your Home

While each home is unique, there are a few renovation projects that homeowners could benefit from. In fact, these are a few simple and easy projects that typically can be completed over the course of a weekend and that can add value and desirability to the home.

Replace The Front Door

Curb appeal is a big category that the front door falls in. Replacing an older door that lacks style or that is plagued with signs of wear and tear can improve both property value and curb appeal. Many homeowners who have basic tools and some do-it-yourself experience with other projects will be able to replace the front door without extra help needed from a contractor. If replacement is something you'd like to avoid, try a fresh coat of paint. You can look at these…

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