This morning I attended our meeting Hosted by Hank Setaro Owner/Operator of Appleseed Realty GMAC Real Estate & Scott Sertaro of Mortgage Links our Mortgage Company, who have now partnered with G.M.A.C Mortgage Company.  With all positive expectations of Real Estate, Henry Setaro of Appleseed Realty G.M.A..C. Real Estate talked about the low interest Rates, of 5 3/8 this morning, and together with low housing prices have given the buyers a winning combination. There are many buyers that are taking advantage of this great market before Spring Season is here.  Hank gave us an up lifting experience at todays breakfast meeting. Thanks to Henry Setaro we had a positive Good Morning. 01/17/2008

For the past 5 years thousands of individuals have secured a Real Estate License with hope of making thousands of dollars.  In some cases success was accomplished, in many more cases success was not accomplished.  This was done in past due to lack of time, lack of training, no presold image or just not a people person. People ask me today, I have a license what should I do?  If you are going to give it the time and effort needed to succeed, go for it.  Take advantage of the professional training "Use the Tools Available", build a strong listing presentation around yourself, you personally.  Be prepared to invest in yourself and most of all work everyday in Premier Service.If you are not prepared to do this, then put your license with a reputable referral company who's presence gives you... 01/17/2008

BEHIND ON YOUR MORTGAGE?THIS PAST WEEK WE MET WITH SEVERAL FAMILIES THAT ARE HAVING CHALLENGES ISTAYING CURRENT WITH THEIR MORTGAGE PAYMENTS.ONE FAMILY IN PARTICULAR IS  10 MONTHS IN ARREARS AND HAVE A PENDING AUCTION DATE IN THE NEXT 2 WEEKS. ONCE YOU FALL BEHIND 3 MONTHS, FORECLOSURE PROCEEDINGS WILL  BEGIN. HERE ARE SOME DO'S AND DON'TS. WHEN YOU MISS YOUR PAYMENTS ,FORECLOSURE MAY OCCUR.THIS MEANS THE LENDER MAY REPOSSESS YOUR HOME.ONCE THE HOUSE IS SOLD AT AUCTION YOU WILL HAVE TO MOVE OUT.IF THE HOUSE IS SOLD FOR LESS THAN THE MORTGAGE AMOUNT YOU MAY ALSO BE HELD LIABLE FOR THE DIFFERENCE.MONTHS PRIOR TO AN AUCTION YOU WILL RECEIVE LETTERS FROM YOUR LENDER INDICATING YOU ARE IN ARREARS.DO NOT IGNORE THESE LETTERS!!!  IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THE LENDER TO DISCUSS YOUR SITUATION AND OPT... 01/16/2008

Yesterday wasn't an ordinary real estate day here at Appleseed Realty GMAC real estate.  I got a call from Michelle Park Reporter NY1 News, Staten Island Unit, first thing in the morning regarding the Outlet Center now known as: Waterfront Commons in Tottenville.  My blog comment on activerain had been found somewhere at the top of a google search.  Michelle wanted my opinion as a Tottenville resident of the planned project.  I agreed and we set up an appointment to meet later in the day.  New York1 News Interview      Click on the link to read the full story and also to listen to the television interview.   Here are a few photos taken during the interview. Reporter Michelle Park, Staten Island Unit, and Concetta Pepenella The Tottenville Waterfront Outlet Mall is a wonderful idea.  But... 01/16/2008

Last night I attended the Special Meeting of the Tottenville Civic Association at St Marks Church.  I could guess about 75 people were there along with two uniformed police officers,  the project manager Joseph Margolis, and the Engineering Consultants, the Realtor selling the project.  To their credit they brought the waterfront project and made an excellent presentation of the Outlet Mall. The project will be built on 30 acres of property including underwater;  4.8 Acres wetlands and Ponds. A 14 screen multiplex, 16 restaurants and 15-16 outlet stores.  A total of 400,000 sq ft of retail space, 1189 parking spaces underground and 1700 above ground. The mall will be shaped like a horse shoe with the center area as large as 2 football fields. The football field area will host local comm... 01/15/2008

FORECLOSURE: FACT VS.FICTIONTHERE ISNT A DAY THAT GOES BY WITHOUT SOMEONE ASKING ME ABOUT FORECLOSURES AND HOW TO OBTAIN THEM.HERE ARE SOME BASIC INFO YOU SHOULD KNOW.IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT REAL ESTATE INVESTING PLEASE CALL ME DIRECT TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO FURTHER DISCUSS IN DETAILS THE RISK VS. REWARD.   Q; WHAT IS A FORECLOSURE?A; A FORECLOSURE IS A HOME THAT THE MORTGAGEE HAS DEFAULTED ON.GENERALLY AFTER 3 MONTHS MISSED MORTGAGE PAYMENTS THE BANK STARTS FORCLOSURE PROCEEDINGS.IT COULD TAKE BETWEEN 6 MONTHS TO OVER A YEAR BEFORE AN AUCTION DATE IS SET.Q; HOW DO I FIND THESE FORECLOSURES?A; THERE ARE NUMEROUS WEB SITES THAT OFFER FORECLOSURE INFORMATION ON ALL 50 STATES.I HAVE FOUND SOME OF THE SITES USEFULL,BUT MANY OF THE HOUSES THEY LIST ARE OUTDATED .AUCTION DATES ARE POS... 01/15/2008

A couple of days ago I decided to sign up on another bloging site to see If could expand my sphere of influence.  The site was Wanna Networking, which is not half as interesting as Active Rain.  I set up my page and started to blog when I received an e mail from what they call my colleagues, I couldn't believe how many people requested to be my colleague on this site. I have met so many interesting people so far, but the reason I am writing this is because one of the people that contacted me was my very first boyfriend who is now a mortgage broker.  The one thing about expanding my sphere of influence is that you never know who your going to meet, and it really is a small world, especially on the Internet.  Active Rain is still # 1 on the bloging circuit for me.  01/14/2008

I work for Appleseed Realty GMAC and just wanted everyone to know what a great company and office I work for.  The company has been in operation for 30 years and I have worked for Appleseed Realty for 27 years.  My office has over 70 Realtors and I am the manager.  I have been the manager for 7 years and have experienced the good and the bad the market has to offer.  We have a great staff who works very hard especially within this very difficult market.  I am just proud to be the manager of such a great office and just wanted everyone to know how special the staff is. 01/13/2008

There are a lot of happy fans here in New York tonight.  This would have been three strikes your out (oh wrong sport)! A nice victory for all the Giant fans and to all who are celebrating or counting there money "Congratulations".  This has been an unbelievable football season.  New Yorkers have been waiting a long time for this to happen and the partying here is unbelievable.  The city is alive with fans, bars are overflowing with excitement and the mood is happy and cheerful. To all our New York Giant fans - unbelievable!   This is the only way to go. 01/13/2008

Is the seller's agent who INTRODUCES a buyer to a house(gives buyer the address) or the seller's agent who BRINGS ABOUT THE MEETING OF MINDS-- with the same buyer and the same house--due commission?    Some agents feel that if they INTRODUCE a buyer to that house and every other house for sale, they are the procuring cause of that deal and due the commission.  Comments please! 01/12/2008

What will happen to our industry if we can only refer our clients to banks and we lose our mortgage brokers due to the loss of their investors?  Will this eventually hurt us as realtors?  The investors are pulling out because of this subprime debacle.  Without the investors our mortgage brokers are having difficulty approving buyers.  With banks as the only venue for buyers to turn to for approval, will this cause banks to become more of a monopoly which in turn will be more stringent on approving buyers?  If that's the case, won't that hurt us as realtors to close a sale?  01/11/2008

A Senior Real Estate Specialist is a member of Senior Advantage Council who has successfully completed a designation program and passed a final exam.This program offers you the opportunity to learn and build key skills in counseling seniors.  As a SRES, we not only assist seniors with their real estate needs but are able to direct them to other professionals who's service they might need. Benefits include networking and referrals, monthly updates of latest marketing techniques, AARP reports and housing options.  The information is priceless!  Working with seniors can be both rewarding and satisfying.  CHECK IT OUT! 01/11/2008

Today when I came home from work I found on my door step a bright green flyer from the Tottenville Civic Association; Informing of a joint meeting with the Pleasant Plains and Richmond Valley Civic Association, next week.  A 200 Store outlet to be considered for this area.  The developer of the property will be giving a special presentation for the project. The area under consideration borders along the water of this area.  I drive past this location almost everyday to work. Its my secret no traffic drive to the office. The area is mostly wooded with sweeping views of nature and the lay of the land,and only two lanes.  The road takes the driver to the Outerbridge into New Jersey or 440 North to the Verrazano Bridge. A few small shopping centers dot the drive including a diner, a veterin... 01/10/2008

I can't thank Active Rain enough for this great blogging site.  I have agents in my office who hate the computer and  internet but enjoy reading the blogs and posting their own.  So far we have 21 agents from my company on Active Rain and we are shooting for 100 more.  I have blogged on other sites but this one is #1.......   01/09/2008

STEP 6 MAKING AN OFFERPRIOR TO PRESENTING AN OFFER ASK YOUR REALTOR FOR COMPARABLE SALES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. REQUEST SIMILAR STLYE HOUSES,WITH SIMILAR SQUARE FOOTAGE AND THE CLOSED SALES WITHIN A HALF MILE RADIUS FOR THE PAST 6 MONTHS.THOSE NUMBERS WILL GIVE YOU A MEASURE OF WHAT THE HOUSE IS WORTH. ADD A FEW DOLLARS FOR  HOMES THAT ARE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. TAKE AWAY A FEW DOLLARS FOR HOMES THAT REQUIRE SOME WORK. STAYING ON TOP OF THE MARKET WILL ENABLE YOU TO PRESENT A FAIR OFFER.  STEP 7 LEAVE ROOM FOR A COUNTER OFFER.MOST SELLERS WILL LIST THEIR HOMES ABOVE THE  ACTUAL SALES PRICE THEY ANTICIPATE RECEIVING.THEY EXPECT TO ENTER INTO SOME NEGOTIATIONS.WHEN YOU PRESENT YOUR FIRST OFFER ,LEAVE ROOM FOR A HIGHER COUNTER . IN A BUYERS MARKET DON'T BE SHY(BUT BE REALISTIC)ABOUT THE AMO... 01/09/2008

Since January 1, 2008 my Staten Island real estate office has been making some deals made right out of the box. Also agents are working buyers and we are getting listings too. I admit some of the sales and listings were being cultivated before years end, but it all stayed together, even with all the negative real estate news. OPEN HOUSES are starting to do well too. 01/07/2008

Residential - Two Family Semi-Attached Click Photo for Additional Media and Enlargement Status:Active (12/27/2007)MLS#: 1042266p ERType:Two Family Semi-Attached ListPrice:$369,000Address:44 WILLIS AVEYearBuilt:1920/APROXSTATEN ISLAND, NY 10301Style:VictorianArea:WARD HILLBldgDim:22X45County:RichmondBuildingSqFt:1,980 SqFtCondition:Good$/Sqft:$186.36LotSize:1,980 SqFtRooms/Unit:4/4LotDim:22X90Bedrooms:2Garage:Detached/2 Car(s), OffStreetTotalBaths:2Basement:Full/UnfinFull/3/4/Hlf:2/0/0Taxes:$2,963Zoning:R3-2Abated:NoCofO:NParcelID:00574-0009Rented?:Y/$1,160Directions:VICTORY TO FIEDLER - RIGHT ON WILLIS AVE MAKE RIGHT PROPERTY ON THE LEFT HAND SIDERemarks:TRUE DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. MINUTES TO NYC, CLOSE TO FERRY. GOOD FOR INVESTMENT OR LIVE MORTGAGE FREE. LOTS OF OLD WORLD CHARM W/PRICE ... 01/06/2008

Residential - Two Family Detached Click Photo for Additional Media and Enlargement Status:Active (12/12/2007)MLS#: 1042117m ERType:Two Family Detached ListPrice:$469,900Address:29 BOND STYearBuilt:1930/APROXSTATEN ISLAND, NY 10302Style:ColonialArea:PORT RICHMONDBldgDim:20X45County:RichmondBuildingSqFt:2,250 SqFtCondition:Excellent$/Sqft:$208.84LotSize:5,250 SqFtRooms/Unit:8/6LotDim:56X110Bedrooms:3Garage:None/0 Car(s), OffStreetTotalBaths:1Basement:Full/UnfinFull/3/4/Hlf:1/0/0Taxes:$1,980Zoning:R3AAbated:NoCofO:YParcelID:01013-0065Rented?:N/$1,600Directions:JEWETT AVERemarks:PLENTY OF ROOM TO GROW. UPDATED COLONIAL FEATURING HUGE PROPERTY, CATHEDRAL CEILINGS, & UNIQUE TOUCHES SETTING HOME APART. CLOSE TO PARK & TRANSPORTATION. A MUST SEE FOR THOSE SEEKING LARGE ROOMS & GREAT VALUE. WILL... 01/06/2008

TIPS FOR SELECTING THE PROPER REALTOR FOR TODAY'S BUYER:Make sure agent has gone over agency and what each agency may or may not mean for you. Don't feel scared by the term "BUYERS AGENT", because it does not mean that the cost of the home will be more (having a professional negotiate for you may actually SAVE you money).Make sure the agent specializes in the types of homes and area that you are looking for. Just as you wouldn't go to a cardiologist for a back ache, you should look for a realtor who specializes in what you are looking for.If your agent is asking if you are prequalified, or if they request you get qualified first THEY ARE DOING YOU A FAVOR!!! There is nothing worse than finding the property you were looking for, ready to make an offer and now because you do not have your... 01/06/2008

While viewing a listing in the Oakwood section of Staten Island I came across an unusual object made of wood, which stood about 6 feet tall.  I asked the owner of this home to tell me about this and the other handmade Karate objects..He explained to me that these are all learning devices for Karate and usually are shipped from overseas.  He has an outrageous following...When I hear this I said to him"why don't we exchange cards and websites?" He agreed ,and this is another way to get referrals..His website is WARRIORMARTIALARTSUPPLY.COM and is worth your time to visit him...See, ths is another way to meet new people and exchange busdiness cards and knowledge...Hey, you never know....Good Luck to everyone..... 01/05/2008