Tom Crimmins Realty Blog - Real Estate Tips

What is a Condominium?

Pros and Cons of Buying a Condo:

A condominium is a separate unit located in a community with many of those units. A condominium is also known as a “condo.” Condominiums are single units with an abundance of these same units. Some condominiums contain different amenities depending on which condominium you are located in. Some of these amenities could include a fitness area, a social gathering area, a pool, a private parking garage, and many more features. Prices for one of these units could vary based on size of the unit, location, and the amenities. A condominium could be suitable for you depending on your lifestyle.

The advantages of living in a condominium are having cheaper insurance. If you are paying for an HOA then they insure the…

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What is a Cape Home?

Pros and Cons of Buying a Cape Style Home:

Cape style homes come in different variations which change the layout of the home. There is a cape cod style home which is, typically single-story structures with a pitched, side-gabled roof, with a rectangular design, and a central chimney. The essential elements of Cape Cod homes were preserved, but dormers or second floors were frequently added in succeeding decades. A full cape style home is also referred to by the term double cape. Includes a center entrance and two symmetrical multi-paned windows which are positioned on either side. Additionally, it has a very steep roof and a huge chimney. Naturally, different versions of the Cape design homes will have varied floor plans. A half Cape has a living…

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What is a Bungalow?

Pros and Cons of Buying a Bungalow:

A bungalow is a small single story home that usually contains a low pitched roof. The home style bungalow was built in 1869 in England. Most bungalows have either a single story or a partially second story that has a built in sloped roof. Most bungalows are viewed as small and cozy homes. The bungalow home supplies an open concept throughout the home which contains a living room, a kitchen, lots of storage, and many more features. The majority of New York's bungalows, which once numbered more than the hundreds, have vanished from the city's coastline. However if you do find a bungalow in your area it can be a good purchase depending on your needs.

Some pros of purchasing a bungalow is that it can have a…

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What is a Townhouse?

Pros and Cons of Buying a Townhouse:

Townhouses are a type of multi-floor residence that have their own doors but shared walls with surrounding houses. These properties are often uniform dwellings constructed in discrete communities in the suburbs, most townhouse communities are monitored by a homeowners association. Townhouses are being constructed very often, townhouses account for around 13% of all new single-family construction as of today and have had a 38% increase in growth in just one year. With that being said, the trend will only continue as the years go on. However, living in a townhouse comes with many pros and cons that you may need to weigh out. If you are in the market to buy a new home then a townhouse might be the home for you.

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Finding a Real Estate Agent

The Best Ways to Find a Realtor in your Area:

When it comes to buying or selling a home, going through the steps alone with no help can be tricky and stressful. Finding a realtor in your area is the best way to go. However, finding a good realtor that meets all of your needs and wants during the process can be tricky. Finding a reliable real estate agent can be simple if the proper research is done.

Doing research to find a good realtor in your area is the best way to make sure your needs are met. Researching online is one of the main ways to find a highly recommended real estate agent in your area. Different websites and apps are available for all to use to find the best agent that is suitable to you. As well as looking at reviews and…

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Home Improvement Tips: Cleaning Your Driveway

Ways to Clean your Driveway:

Have you cleaned your driveway since purchasing your home? If you haven’t then maybe you will consider giving your driveway a good clean to ensure the safety of your family and to avoid repairs. Some things that grow throughout the driveway include green algae, black algae, moss, and other things. This moss and algae can take away from the appearance of the home and cause some hazards. Some hazards caused by the algae and the moss is the slipperiness. Aside from the hazards, having a clean driveway can be a great attraction for curb appeal. Cleaning your driveway can seem time consuming but it is an easy project for a wonderful summer day especially with the weather we are currently having in Staten Island. Here are…

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FAQs for First Time Buyers

Questions to Ask as a First Time Buyer?

As a first time homeowner it is difficult knowing what to ask your Real Estate Agent while searching for a home. Agents can answer plenty of questions and concerns you have and you shouldn’t steer away from asking. The more you ask, the more you learn, meaning you are more prepared when going into the process. Some frequently asked questions you should ask your agent are as follows.

How much can I spend on a home?

As a first time homeowner, you should go see a mortgage lender to discuss important information from how much you qualify for, with your credit score, and what type of loan should I get. Aside from seeing a mortgage lender, you should review your financials and see what money you have set…

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What You Should Know Before Renting Out Your Home

What to do to become a landlord:

Have you been interested in investing into real estate or hoping to make a little extra money every month? Well then you can actually make it happen with your own property, some rent out one room as an AirBnB rental or even rent out the whole property if they can afford to stay at a second property. Especially here in Staten Island it is very common that many people rent out basements, bedrooms or even whole floors out. However, there are some important things to consider and make happen before moving forward with renting out your property.

Having a rental unit, rental room, rental property, it all comes with risks so you need to be prepared. First thing you should do is assess your situation. Are you comfortable…

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Real Estate Signs that Homeowners Have Fully Paid of their Mortgage

Lion Statues and Red Door's have meaning:

Have you ever been around Staten Island, Brooklyn or different parts of New York and seen two lions in front of homes or even a red door? Well in Real Estate there are traditions that homeowners uphold depending on their own beliefs or based on what the signs mean.

Well homeowners having two lions on the front of their home actually have significant meaning. The meaning of the lion stands very true and honest to its meaning, representation of honor, respect, and strength whether it is put in front of a door or beside a stairway. It can also be found in well-known structures like New York and Paris or even Quebec. A lion statue found at the front of a driveway is meant to watch over a certain area.…

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Advantages/Disadvantages of an Open House

What you Should Know About Open Houses

If you are currently in the process of selling your home or you are a prospective buyer, you may have heard of the term “Open House” It essentially means the seller or seller's agent enables interested buyers to enter the property and stroll through it at their leisure or with the assistance of a realtor. The purpose of an open house is to pique the curiosity of potential buyers. There are many advantages and disadvantages to allowing open houses if you are a seller, listed below are some things you should know or consider discussing with your Real Estate Agent about.

While open houses do not sell properties by themselves, they do serve a vital purpose. They attract attention and traction to getting offers.…

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