Staten Island has numerous hidden gems. We spotlight locations or upcoming events that families may be interested in checking out or attending.

Staten Island, Richmond Town is America’s town.  It is Staten Island’s preserved farm museum complex and town dating back to the 1600’s.  Today, we were there to enjoy all that Staten Island has to offer with its numerous restaurants, breweries and bakeries: Afternoones Restaurant and Bar, Alfonso's Pastry Shoppe, Bin 5, Brooklyn Brewery, Cabot Creamery, Café Gourmand, Christine's Restaurant, Cucina Teresa, Da Noi, Edible Arrangements, French Tart, Heidi's Homemade, Ho'Brah Tacos, In the Middle, Jade Asian Bistro, Killmeyer's Old Bavaria Inn, Lee Sims Chocolates, Liberty Tavern, Lucy's Cuban Restaurant, Maizal Restaurant, Melone Brothers Bakery, Michael's Meatballs and Martinis, Miller's Ale House, NATURZBEEZ, Novelli's Pork Store, Oishi Asian Fusion…

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I step out my front door and the humidity is intoxicating. I want the day off because I'd like to go to the beach. I am surrounded by water and to my east is the Atlantic Ocean.

Starting at the Verrazano Bridge, South Beach has a board walk that stretches two miles from Fort Wadsworth and then another half mile to encompass Midland Beach. Off the boardwalk at South Beach you can kayak, play tennis, or fish at the Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier. On top of that there are other amenities offered in the park area such as chess tables, benches and bocce courts especially designed for seniors. Midland Beach has a playground and courts for shuffleboard and tennis as well as a Sea Turtle Fountain for children.  Staten Island's newest beach Cedar Grove follows and…

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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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It can be difficult finding the perfect gift to give someone no matter the occasion. You want to buy something original so they don't end up with the same ol' tool set.

The Home Owner's Manual: Operating Instructions, Troubleshooting Tips, and Advice on System Maintenance by Dan Ramsey

The best piece of advice for buying a house warming gift - "think of a housewarming present as a lesser wedding present. You're giving something your friend will be using in their new home, but you shouldn't be shelling out the big bucks."

The Home Owner's Manual - The typical "how to own a home for dummies" manuscript. The Home Owner's Manual includes basic facts every home owning newbie should know, as well as tips to help with everyday repairs.

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Westerleigh is one of the most desirable neighborhoods on Staten Island. It features lavish colonial and ranch homes, but some may not know the grand victorian house on the corner of Wardwell and Waters Avenue.

273 Wardwell Avenue was built back in the late 1800's although public records say 1905, the house was originally occupied by a Dr. Green who practiced in the house. Since Dr. Green, the Queen Anne Victorian house had been sold throughout the years and homed many families.

The architecture is beyond unique, no house in the area resembles any similarities:

Cedar shingles cut in different patterns - as a signature from the original architect - and clap board siding. This creates a complex texture to the exterior.

The interior and…

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Summer may seem over and the kids are back to school, but who said the fun had to stop? Saturday, September 20th, Westerleigh Park will host the 7th Annual Westerleigh Folk Festival, also known as WestFest.

This year a total of 15 music acts of all different genres will take three stages, and an art exhibit by the South Shore Artists Group will be on display. For the kiddies - there will be face painting, pony rides and balloons. WestFest 2014 will be this Saturday in Westerleigh Park from 11:00am to 7:00pm.

In an article written by Nicholas Rizzi, from dnainfo.com, he interviewed and reported the festival organizer, Jim Indelicato, discussing how Westerleigh Folk Festival came to be.

"Indelicato, a musician himself, said he started the event six…

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Your credit score is an important part of your financial profile. It has a direct impact on your ability to take out loans. The score itself is a numerical reflection of your credit history. It gives lenders a way to discern your reliability before approving a loan like a mortgage for instance. 

Mortgage Loan Approval: Will Your Score Make the Cut?

First and foremost, the status of your credit score is a deciding factor in whether or not you are approved for a loan. Even if you put down a large down payment on your home, a low credit score can still cause the loan to be rejected. For this reason, it's best to wait until you've built up a good credit score before looking to purchase a house.

Mortgage Interest Rates: The Lower the Score the Higher…

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When you are constantly on the go, the best information is the kind you can access at the touch of your finger. You constantly read reviews and waste time on apps to see which works best. These are 10 apps that will make your real estate experience easier.

1. Evernote: Have too many business cards and want to consolidate? Brought to us by LinkedIn - Evernote allows you to transfer scans of business cards and the app will transcribe the cards into a detailed contact list. You can also send LinkedIn requests using the information provided. Perfect for networking! Originally CardMunch (which will be discontinued as of July 11).

 

2. DocuSign: "The complete solution for managing real estate transaction." You can sign documents, send documents out…

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Newly renovated Westerleigh Park has been on the up and up lately. Westerleigh Improvement Society and Friends of Westerleigh Park teamed up to bring the beautiful neighborhood of Westerleigh a fun and eventful summer for all families. 

June 14 - Fitness Mobile    12-2PM June 21 - Make Music New York    3-9PM *June 22 - Patriotic Sunday In The Park    2-4PM July 1 - Puppet Mobile    12-12:30PM July 8 - Art In The Park    10AM-12PM July 15 - Art In The Park    10AM-12PM July 17 - Starlight Concert July 22 - Fitness Mobile    12-2PM July 29 - Skating In The Park    12-2PM Aug 8 - Army National Guard Band    7-9PM Aug 29 - Movie In The Park    TBA Sept 3 - Wag Your Tail Social    8-10PM Sept 13 - Westerleigh Park…

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Animal Planet Treehouse Masters

Remember when you were a kid climbing up that knotted rope to get to your secret place up in the trees? Well Animal Planet's Treehouse Masters does not create your typical childhood hideaway. If you haven't seen or heard of Animal Planet's brillant new show - think of ABC's Extreme Home Makeover but with an obvious twist.

This past Friday, Treehouse Masters and Pete Nelson have returned for their second season. 

Pete Nelson is the mastermind treehouse builder. He has his own treehouse-building business, runs a treehouse hotel in Washington State and has written a number of books about treehouses all over the world.

Nelson and his crew of contractors travel across country to build luxury backyard escapes that feature arboreal architecture. All…

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