Open Heart Surgery, My StoryWhere do I start?  First let me say that I'm writing this for only one reason, information for anyone experiencing symptoms that might be related to heart disease, to give you hope and courage so that you take whatever steps are needed for your good health.  Doing nothing is not the answer.Twenty years ago, my doctor told me during a routine exam, that I had a heart mummer. I was referred to a Cardiologist, and he told me that in ten years or so I might need surgery to replace my Mitral Valve.  Well, the time has come.  Tests and my deteriorating condition confirm surgery is needed. So many questions, where do I find some answers, what are other people saying about their surgery, what hospital do I go to, what doctor shall I go to, pain after surgery, fear ab... 05/19/2015

Why rent when you can own? And why rent when you can be a part of the exiting revitalization of St. George and Port Richmond on Staten Island? Nicholas Avenue Estates is offering newly constructed, beautiful two-family detached homes starting at just $449,000! These homes offer the best of two-family home living, with separate entrances and utilities.  Nicholas Avenue Estates offers more than just a beautiful home - it's also an invitation to live in a booming area at the right time. Buy now and enjoy the blossoming of St. George and Port Richmond on Staten Island. What's more, special financing is available for qualified buyers - two grants are available for up to $65,000 towards the purchase of a Nicholas Avenue Estates home. The potential income from the rental unit adds to the affor... 05/06/2015

Don't miss this great opportunity! Only two single family detached homes left at Staten Island's Tenafly Estates! New construction in a great location, Tenafly Estates provides top of the line education opportunities as well as shopping, dining, recreation, and the arts - all with easy access to New York City. This is a perfect location for commuters and those who desire a family-oriented, safe and progressive neighborhood to live in. These last two beautiful Colonials for sale are top of the line, luxury homes at unbelievably affordable prices.  You will be impressed with the custom eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances and top of the line granite counter tops. The open floor plan flows beautifully with a living room / dining room combination and the family room features a war... 04/26/2015

BEAUTIFUL 4 BEDROOM 4 BATH 2 FAMILY CENTER HALL COLONIAL FOR SALE LOCATED IN ELTINGVILLE STATEN ISLAND NEW YORK 10312 LISTED FOR $779,900 WEBSITE: WWW.VALERIEBARTOLONE.LISTINGBOOK.COM Valerie Bartolone Cell 917-733-5240 Neuhaus Realty, Inc  NYS Lic Re Salesperson 03/23/2015

 Claire Properties Celebrates 5 Year Anniversary   Claire Properties is celebrating its Five Year Anniversary this month with momentum and a busy spring market already underway.  Five years is not just a milestone but a span of time used to efficiently hone and grow the staff of Claire Properties into the most detail oriented and customer service centric firm in Staten Island and Brooklyn. “My inspiration came from the realization that if I really wanted to change how real estate business was conducted, I would have to do it myself,” said Claire Bisignano Chesnoff. “Over the years I’ve gained an amazing amount of experience and witnessed some fabulous consumer centric approaches yet I also witnessed some other practices that didn’t really thrill me. As we start our sixth year in busine... 03/16/2015

Sellers, Beware of high prices from your buyer Why would a buyer over bid on a unit that is on the market?  Because they want to be the winner on the unit.  Maybe its priced low or just right and it's getting a lot of action, the high priced bid will definitely get attention.  What are the pitfalls of accepting a high offer? Depending on how high over the asking price the offer is, it may not appraise.  Now what do you do with that offer?  You can lower your price to the appraised number, or you can ask the buyer to up their down payment money, or agree somewhere in between. So what's the problem you ask?  Well, here is my opinion. In Staten Island, the appraisal comes around in about 3 to 4 weeks after the offer is accepted.  If you can't agree on a new price with the buyers, the deal ... 03/11/2015

Gorgeous Two-Family Home in S. E. Annadale, Staten Island for Sale!   S.E. Annadale, Staten Island is the location for this stunning all brick two-family CHC with a killer view! Located on Nicolosi Drive - one of the most prominent and luxurious streets on Staten Island! This four bedroom beauty - including an incredible master suite - is filled with classic detailing and extras that make it a must-see home for sale! This Center Hall Colonial demands your attention inside and out; lake and ocean views, access to a private beach, not to mention the ideal entertainment spot in the yard with an in-ground pool, hot tub, waterfall and outdoor kitchen! In addition to the brilliant main house, this incredible home includes a huge, fully finished three room loft with a 3/4 bath and ocean views ... 02/22/2015

 Staten Island's Nicholas Avenue Estates is a Hit! Nicholas Avenue Estates has taken Port Richmond Staten Island by storm! Prospective buyers are flocking to visit the beautiful model home and see all the amazing potential the Nicholas Avenue Estates hold! The January 17th Open House kicked off an exciting new opportunity for potential home owners.  These brand new two-family detached homes start at $449,900 (with Two Grants available up to $65,000 for qualified buyers) are in high demand! Why rent when you can own at Nicholas Avenue Estates - three bedroom master homes with a one bedroom apartments (with separate entrances), with a total of four luxurious baths are available to make your dreams come true! The main space includes a designer kitchen with deck access as well as a spacious... 02/20/2015

Introducing Tenafly Estates!      Great location, beautiful new construction - if you're looking for an incredible new development, don't miss Tenafly Estates! Choose between one and two family Luxury Colonials for sale; these lovely homes offer high end amenities and luxurious living at extraordinarily affordable prices. The five bedroom Colonials feature a one bedroom rental unit, with separate entrances and utilities, providing an easy-to-manage rental income.  Tenafly Estates is located in Staten Island and provides top of the line education opportunities as well as shopping, dining, recreation, and the arts - all with easy access to New York City. This is a perfect location for commuters and those who desire a family-oriented, safe and progressive neighborhood to live in.  These be... 02/13/2015

Staten Island Resurgence - Nicholas Avenue Estates and St. George!   Why rent when you can own? Why rent when you can be a part of the exiting revitalization of St. George and Port Richmond? Nicholas Avenue Estates is offering newly constructed beautiful new two-family detached homes starting at $449,000! These homes offer the best of two-family home living, with separate entrances and utilities; this is an incredible opportunity to live in blossoming area!  Special financing is available for qualified buyers - two grants are available for up to $65,000 towards the purchase of a home. The potential income from the rental unit adds to the affordability of these outstanding homes for sale. Custom designed by Aldo T. Puletti, Jr., one of Staten Island's foremost builders, the Nicholas Aven... 02/06/2015

Successful Grand Opening for Nicholas Avenue Estates in Staten Island   The Grand Opening of the Nicholas Avenue Estates in Port Richmond Staten Island was a huge success! On January 17th, prospective buyers had the opportunity to visit a beautiful model home and see all the amazing potential the Nicholas Avenue Estates hold! This event kicked off a fantastic home buying opportunity for the public.  Brand new two-family detached homes start at $449,900 with Two Grants available up to $65,000 for qualified buyers! Why rent when you can own? Each Nicholas Avenue Estates home is a three bedroom master home with a one bedroom apartment (with separate entrance), with a total of four luxurious baths!  The main space includes a designer kitchen with deck access as well as a spacious master bed... 02/01/2015

Parting is such sweet sorrow. Update March 2015. Yesterday I said good-bye and thank you for your trust and business to my wonderful clients.  We went from strangers to more then just client/broker relationship in such a short time.  House closed. Happy sellers, happy buyers and two happy Real Estate Agents. My clients had their unit "On the market" before and were disappointed with the results.  After it expired three years ago I began sending them my Staten Island Real Estate Newsletter.  While that didn't get me to know them, it helped them to know me and what I do. I got the call for an appointment to come and look at the house and meet the owners last September.  Two things that I do really hit home with them.  They felt strongly that pictures were very important in the marketing p... 01/15/2015

Coming Soon - Staten Island's Nicholas Avenue Estates! An exciting new Community has come to Port Richmond in Staten Island! The Grand Opening of Nicholas Avenue Estates on January 17th signals a fantastic home buying opportunity for the public.  Brand new two-family detached homes start at $449,900 with Two Grants available up to $65,000 for qualified buyers! Why rent when you can own? These homes for sale are a must-see for buyers seeking a top-quality home in an ideal location for transportation, shopping and recreation. The attached rental apartment - with its own entrance - income makes Nicholas Avenue Estates a unique opportunity for home ownership! Each Nicholas Avenue Estates home is a three bedroom master home with a one bedroom apartment (with separate entrance), with a total ... 01/12/2015

    Apartments for rent in Staten Island, NY If you are thinking of making a move to Staten Island, NY please preview some of the apartments available for rent.  If you have an interest in any of them, please be sure to give me a call.   Two Room Studio for Rent in Tottenville Three Bedroom High Ranch for Rent in Great Kills Three Bedroom Detached Home for Rent in Huguenot These are just a few of the available apartments in Staten Island, NY. Staten Island is home to great cultural attractions, beaches, theatres, zoo, nightlife, and more than 170 parks.  College of Staten Island, St Johns University, Wagner College and Empire State are some colleges in Staten Island.  Here you can view some of the homes for sale in Staten Island   Call Rosemarie Rivicci Licensed Real Estate Salesperson ... 01/09/2015

Verrazano Narrows Bridge At 50 Years of Age. November 21, 1964, the first day the bridge was opened, the fair was $0.50 each way, making the round trip $1.00.  Today the toll is $15.00 one way, if you don't have EZ Pass, but free the other way, to Brooklyn. No, we don't like the toll, but you must agree, it is pretty.  The photo below is on my website, available for purchase, just click on the link or picture.  It was taken this summer, it's a four exposure fireworks burst combined into one photograph. a href='http://fineartamerica.com/featured/verrazano-narrows-bridge-at-50-years-old-kenneth-cole.html' size='20'>   11/20/2014

Selling your House From A-Z   First question is, "Where do I start?" One place is to call the Agent who sold it to you.  Can't find him or her?  OK then, drive around the neighborhood and look at the signs posted on the units that are for sale.  Pick out three or four agents who have the signs and call them.  Let them know that you are in the "Discovery" phase in selling.  You want to interview them to seek their advice.  Make appointments on different days, not all on the same day.  Give yourself about 60-90 minutes for each interview.  Ask each agent the same questions.  Take notes. Sample questions might be: 1-What do I need to do to sell my house with the least cost and effort to me? 2-How will you market my home? 3-Can I see some of your marketing material? 4-Will you be here each ... 11/14/2014

479 Leverett Ave, Staten Island, New York Located in the Great Kills area of Staten Island's South Shore, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath unit has off street parking for two cars, is almost maintenance free, has beautiful hardwood flooring, ceramic tile, granite counter-tops and back-splash, high hat lighting, crown molding, stainless steel appliances, central air, cable ready, and more.  For most folks with 20% down, it can be CHEAPER than renting.  That's right, CHEAPER than paying rent.  Let's take a look at the numbers. List price is only $409,000 20% down payment is $81,800 Balance to mortgage  $327,200 Mortgage at today's rates, 30 year conventional 4.125% Monthly payments, principle and interest  $1,585.77 Taxes about $4,000 a year.                      $333.33 Insurance about $800 a year... 11/03/2014

  Come and see this beautifully maintained three bedroom raised ranch in Eltingville! New eat in kitchen with stainless, granite, vaulted ceiling with two remote skylights, garden window, cherrywood cabinets and so much more!! “L” shaped dining room and living room with two large windows, custom decorated and gleaming hardwood floors. Sleep under the stars in your master bedroom with large skylight equipped remote shade. Half bath for your convenience, and entrance to your serene backyard retreat with covered deck. All bedroom closets have mirrored doors. Interior doors have been upgraded to six panel doors with updated hardware. Finished basement with two large rooms, one being used as guest bedroom. Beautiful custom built in for all your storage needs. Garage, laundry, utility room, ... 10/08/2014

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10/02/2014