Tom Crimmins Realty Blog

Give Your Home An Instant Facelift: Wallpaper Is Back

Get out the soaking bucket and scraping tool, wallpaper is coming back into style. Wallpaper is going to help you accomplish a fashionable living space faster and easier than you could have imagined. It's time to get with the trends, and give your home a quick and easy facelift!

A World Of Design With Wallpaper

With many patterns and styles available, suddenly your home's imperfections can easily be hidden. You can give the small room in your home a facelift with a wallpaper pattern with vertical stripes, instantly making the room feel larger. Or you can suddenly have the accent wall you've always dreamed of but have been to afraid to commit to, creating a focal point behind the bed in your master bedroom, or behind the sofa in the living room. Or…

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April 2014 Staten Island Real Estate Market Recap

Staten Island's real estate market is still on the upside. April 2014 had a sight monthly sales decrease but increase in average sale price in camparison to April 2013.

Last month, the Island had 241 sale sides with a monthly volume of $96,902,646. This differentiates to April 2013's 255 with a monthly volume of $100,133,380. There was an increase monthly sales from March 2014 to April 2014. 

Staten Island wrapped April up with an average sale price of $426,255. This is a small increase from the $422,374 that was raked in April. There was also an improvement of…

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Five Places Mold Could Be Hiding In Your Home

Even the most aesthetically pleasing homes can have mold issues. A type of fungus that thrives on moisture, mold can trigger symptoms such as itching eyes, asthma attacks and bouts of sneezing or coughing. As a result of the possible health issues, mold is the sort of problem that should be dealt with prior to listing a home.

For those who are in the market to buy a home or those who are under contract - should hire a licensed professional to conduct a mold test. Here is a rundown of five places in the home where mold could be hiding.

Not On The Kitchen Menu

We all have saved leftovers; however, not all of us remember what is in our fridges and forget. WhatsCookingAmerica says it best, "While most molds prefer warmer temperatures, they can grow…

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Why, What, How - Home Appraisals

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

What is a home appraisal and why do lenders need to know my home’s value?

An appraisal is a report that outlines an appraiser’s professional opinion of your property’s value at a specific point in time, based on specific factors. These factors include the location of the property, square footage, age and room count. The appraiser will also take into account what comparable properties have recently sold for in your area. 

Whether you’re refinancing or buying, a bank must have a good idea of the value of your home because it determines your maximum approvable loan amount. Once they have your home’s value, they can determine your loan-to-value ratio. Your loan-to-value ratio is one of the…

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Green Living: Water Saving Tips For Spring

Access to clean water is a privilege that, unfortunately, many people still take for granted. Cutting down on consumption whenever possible is something that everyone can do to live a little greener.

Making Sure Your Home Holds Water

Ensure your home is free of water leaks. Make your way through your home, and properly shut off the water at all fixtures and faucets - including air-cooling systems and other devices that use water. Read your water meter, wait two hours (without using any water), and check it again. If your water meter gives you two different readings, you are losing water somewhere, and the problem needs farther investigating. Most issues are easily repaired or upgraded, but sometimes a fresh efficient start may be a simpler…

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Kid, Teen and Adult-Friendly Attractions for the Summer

Do you ever think to yourself that "there's nothing to do on Staten Island"? Well...you are wrong. Besides the usual shopping at Staten Island Mall, going to Ralph's Ices or the movies, Staten Island has a lot more to offer:

1. The Staten Island Zoo is always a focal point when school is out. The Zoo recently had new additions to its exotic inventory. There are also class/group programs specified for age groups.
2. Need to blow off some fun without getting in trouble? 5050 Skatepark is NYC's open indoor skate park and is opened 7 days a week to all bikes, skateboards, scooters, and rollerbladers. They also offer summer sessions up to 8 weeks long.
3. Staten Island Children's Museum urge to nurture the creativity and curiosity natural to all children,…

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Step By Step: Mortgage Application Process

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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National Open House Weekend & the Importance of Pre-Qualification

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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March 2014 Staten Island Real Estate Market Recap

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.

Last 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. 

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. 

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Home Inspection Report When and Why

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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