Tom Crimmins Realty Blog - Tom Crimmins Realty

Preserving Culture in the Face of Redevelopment

New York City is known for its bustling art and culture scene. In any of the five boroughs, one can be greeted by a mish-mosh of creative expression unique to its residents.  However, this city is also known for staying chic and contemporary; So how do you maintain this balance of redevelopment and preservation of culture, especially in the ever-changing Staten Island? Nationally recognized project incubator, Design Trust has a plan. 

About Design Trust 

Since 1995, Design Trust has been working to re-purpose and revitalize New York City's public shared spaces with art. According to their website, their mission is to "bring together city agencies, community groups, and private sector experts to make a lasting impact–through design–on how New Yorkers…

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Surf, Sun, Sand: A Staten Island Summer

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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Organize Your Move!

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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Protect Your Family: Lead Paint Law

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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Forest Avenue: The North Shore's Business Epicenter

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 Best Kept Secret on The North Shore: Lower Todt Hill

Lower Todt Hill in Staten Island is a residential neighborhood located just south of the Staten Island Expressway between Todt Hill Road to the east and Manor Road to the west. Lower Todt Hill is surrounded by beautiful areas like Todt Hill, Emerson Hill, and Castleton Corners. I am going to take you for a walk through this lovely neighborhood and tell you a little bit about what we have here and why we are so proud of it. A lot of the houses in this area have been family owned for many years, and as time goes on, they get passed on or sold to newer generations. I happen to be one of those people who live in a home that was built by my in-laws. My husband and I owned it and now my daughter and her family own it. If you take a walk down the streets of …

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Credit 101: What You Need to Know

We here at Tom Crimmins Realty can attest to the importance of a good credit score. When it comes to buying a home, big or small, all credit-collecting companies look at one thing before offering a loan: your credit report. This might be a breeze for some and nerve-wracking for others. Here’s a crash course on all things credit and how to break the coveted 850.

What is a Credit Score?

A credit score is a three-digit number ranging from 300-850 that expresses how likely you are to repay your debts. This number is created by the three main credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, using algorithm models created by companies like FICO. Lenders use this number to determine approval for loans, credit limits, interest rates, and other financial…

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The Willowbrook Carousel

Tucked away in the heart of our borough, lie 164 acres of grassy, scenic land, known as Willowbrook Park. This park is one of Richmond County’s many Greenbelt Conservation lands, containing protected space for wildlife, along with various recreational areas and activities. It is located in New Springville, only minutes away from the Staten Island Mall. Yet, this park still manages to feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of Richmond Avenue, giving Staten Islanders and visitors a chance to escape into nature.

More on New Springville

Almost 4 centuries later, New Springville has remained a highly sought after neighborhood. In addition to Willowbrook Park, other small greenlands, give the area a quaint, calm feel. It offers a wide array of retail,…

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Cheap Home Renovations

Your home is your sanctuary, your personal space. It should be a place that is welcoming to both you and others. When you buy a home from Tom Crimmins Realty, you are buying not just a house, but a place of potential: of memories, growth, and comfort for years to come. For our eager buyers, there is nothing more exciting than decorating their new home to their personal style. But often, as we get busy and caught up in our lives, years pass by, and our home decor falls to the wayside. Professional renovations can be complicated and costly, not to mention the weeks spent dealing with strangers in your home. But fret not, here are a few do-it-yourself tips to bring the life back into your home.

Paint, Paint, Paint

Do you feel like your house is dull…

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SI Live's Home of The Week! " Country Living in the City!"

Definitely a Home You Won't Want to Miss!

We've mentioned this gorgeous home and here it is again, this time on SI Live! Welcome to 465 Henderson Avenue located in peaceful Randall Manor. When you arrive at this stunning home, you'll soon find it to be a slice of country living hidden away in the city. Huge amounts of land included in this property, the backyard sprawls out with room for your hearts desires. But let's not focus on just the yard, as the home itself is stunning in of itself. The article found on SI Live showcases all of the photos of the property and highlights some of the lovely features which you can read about on their website, and you can also read more on our page about 465 Henderson Here. When you enter this house, it'll feel…

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