Accessibility is a huge consideration when choosing a home. Although there is no place like home, you want the security of knowing you can run errands, go to work, or school with ease, even without a car. Luckily for Staten Islanders, this borough is all about easy transit. Besides the very commonly used MTA buses, there is also the SIR or Staten Island Railroad.

What is the Staten Island Railroad (SIR)?

The SIR is a rapid transit system that runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, comparable the the MTA subway system. However, the SIR is an elevated train, allowing you to get a gorgeous view of Richmond County during your trip. Trains every 15 minutes during rush hour, with both local and express service available, which runs non stop from Great Kills…

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What is the importance of farmers' markets?

Farmer markets allow people to buy fresh produce directly from farmers. These markets help farmers turn profit while producing what they love to make, be it vegetables, honey, flowers, and sometimes even smoked meats. When farmers have to sell their produce or items, they have to sell them to large corporations or stores, but this prevents them from selling directly to their customers, and they have to conform to what the food trend is. They not only profit more by selling directly to their customers, they can also produce what they like, and get to see how happy their products make their customers. Farmer markets have fresh artisan goods at a lower cost to you, and more easily accessible to the public and…

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These blistering July days call for sun, surf, and sand! Fortunately, Staten Island doesn't get its name for no reason. Richmond County, completely surrounded by water, is home to these stunning, yet different beaches:

South Beach

South Beach is the perfect mix of chill beach vibes, and boardwalk fun. It is located in the Eastern shore of the island, very accessible via car, bus (s51 or s52) or walking. The beach is around 2 miles long, which mean there's always a place to lay your towel! The boardwalk, officially the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, stretches 2.5 miles, from Fort Wadsworth to Miller's Field. It was built in 1935, under the guidance of the Works Progress Administration, and once boasted the bustling Happy Land Amusement. With this…

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What is Private Mortgage Insurance?

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an insurance policy that pays out to a lender in case a homeowner defaults on a mortgage.

The homeowner pays a monthly or one-time premium on their mortgage payments, but the lender is the one getting the protection.

PMI is usually requested for and arranged by the lender, and is offered by private insurance companies. Lenders usually request PMI if the homeowner wishes to put less than a 20% downpayment on the house, and usually require the policy to be in place until there is at least a 20% Loan-To-Value, or LTV ratio on the house. The LTV ratio is calculated simply by taking the value of a loan on a house and dividing it by the value of the house. For example, if a…

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What is RESPA?

RESPA, or the Federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, is a federal act passed by congress in 1974. After being controlled under U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), responsibility for the act was assumed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in 2011.


The act regulates the real estate settlement process by requiring lenders, mortgage brokers or servicers of home loans to provide disclosures to borrowers that will inform them about real estate transactions, settlement services, relevant consumer protection laws and any other important and relevant information connected to the cost of the real estate settlement process. Any business relationships between closing service providers and other parties…

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RECYCLING TODAY

In today's day and age Recycling has become central to everyday waste disposal. We have recycling bins in every home, restaurant, store or other facility all across the country. Although the idea of the three R's (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) has become prevalent in today's society, some individuals are still unfamiliar with the whole concept and what to and what not to recycle. Recycling Laws are different to various types of facilities across the city ranging from Residents, Apartment Duplexes, Schools and Businesses.

RECYCLING BASICS

WHAT TO RECYCLE

  • Metal

    • metal cans (soup, pet food, empty aerosol cans, empty paint cans, etc.)
    • aluminum foil and foil products (wrap and trays)
    • metal caps and lids
    • household…

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The homebuying process is filled with so many emotions. Excitement, anxiety, hope, concern. One thing task that can be a huge source of stress about when acquiring a new home is the move-in. You have shift your entire life from one space to another, arranging things to fit your new living area. Take the stress off your shoulders by keeping your move efficient and organized. How? Marked crates! Marking and organizing boxes of your household item can be a huge help in assuring that things end up where they belong when you need them.

Before you being, you need your supplies:

SUPPLIES

Markers: Buy quality marker to label boxes. It may be tempting to steer away from markers on the pricier side, but you want to make sure your writing is clear, dark,…

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When looking to buy a new home, there are so many factors to consider. As a vigilant new homeowner, you want to make sure that your house or apartment is a safe and comfortable place. One thing that is of the utmost importance for your families safety is an absence of lead paint. Lead is an extremely toxic metal that was once a popular base in the paint. This material can be seriously detrimental to the health of you and your family. Luckily, the state and the federal government have taken steps to outlaw the use of lead paint, with various Lead Paint Laws.

What is the Lead Paint Law?

In 1978, the federal government officially outlawed the use of lead-based paint in residential buildings. This was after many state governments had independently…

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Looking for a quick bite to eat? Sit down dinner? Want to take a fun exercise class or catch the latest feature film? Look no further than the North Shore’s own gem, Forest Avenue.

Forest Avenue has humble beginnings, formerly used at Route 439, connecting the Staten Island Ferry to Elizabeth, New Jersey. Today, it still extends almost completely across the northern island, with Gulf Avenue in Mariners Harbor as the western border and Victory Boulevard, near Tompkinsville to the east. Known as the “business district,” this winding road is home to 165 businesses, big and small, and features a variety of eateries, as well as professional services.

Places to Eat:

There are dozens of unique, tasty eateries along this strip. Feeling exotic? Try …

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The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), more famously known as the Y is a worldwide organization that began in Geneva, Switzerland. Many may think it is just a place to get their daily work out but it is so much more than that. Founded 174 years ago by George Williams, the Y's mission was to uphold Christian principles by developing a healthy "body, mind, and spirit". However, in modern times, it is more focused on building a strong sense of community and family. To strive for that goal, they have tons of programs that they offer at the center. 

Programs tend to vary in different locations but always intend to better the community, but they will always have something for everyone from the youngest to the oldest. In our New York City there are…

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