I am on the commitee for our local st patricks day parade which happpens to be the third largest St Patricks Parade. It will be held on Sunday  March 9,2008 on Forest ave ,Staten Island.This years Grand Marshall will be Teddy Atlas,the very successful boxing trainer and Espn announcer. Teddy is a very charitable man raising funds through the Dr. Theodore Atlas Foundation.If anyone wants to support the parade please contact me. Its a great community activity 01/24/2008

STEP 3 THE NUMBERS NEVER LIEWE HAVE ALL SEEN THOSE T.V PROGRAMS THAT GLAMOURIZE FLIPPING.I WISH IT WAS SO EASY THAT EACH AND EVERY HOUSE THAT WAS PURCHASED WITH INTENT TO FLIP  YIELDED SUCH A LARGE MARGIN. INVESTING REQUIRES LOTS OF DUE DILIGENCE DON'T BE FOOLED INTO THINKNG ITS FOR EVERYONE.HERE'S THE INSIDE SCOOP ON THE NUMBERS AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. LETS TAKE A TYPICAL SINGLE FAMILY HOUSE THAT YOU FEEL MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR THE FLIP.I ALWAYS START WITH THE SELLOUT PRICE AND BACK OUT ALL THE OTHER COSTS TO OBTAIN MY ANTICIPATED NET .HERE'S AN EXAMPLE :ADDRESS:1313 MOCKINGBIRD LANESELLOUT: $350,000PURCHASE PRICE:200,000LEGAL FEES ON THE BUY;$1000CLOSING COSTS(IF MORTGAGING):$10,000IMPROVEMENTS:$50,000BROKER FEES @ 6% $21,000 (ON THE SALE)MIN. 6 MONTHS OF MORTGAGE PAYMENTS @ 7% INCLUDI... 01/24/2008

STEP 2PICKING A DEAL FROM A DUD.THE SEARCH IS ON LOOKING FOR THAT PERFECT FLIP!!! DECIDE ON A  TARGET AREA THAT INTERESTS YOU.DO SOME DRIVING(LOTS OF DRIVING) THROUGH THE NEIGHBORHOOD.ALL THE WHILE LOOKING SIDE TO SIDE FOR  HOUSES THAT ARE DISTRESSED,MAYBE AN OVERGROWN LAWN,BOARDED UP WINDOWS(YOU GET THE IDEA).WRITE DOWN THE ADDRESSES, LISTING OFFICES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS.  ONCE YOU HAVE DONE YOUR RESEARCH ,CALL YOUR REALTOR OR THE FSBO(FOR SALE BY OWNER) .ASK THEM FOR THE ASKING PRICE AND PROCEED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO VIEW THE INTERIOR.ONCE YOU HAVE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO VIEW,TRY TO BRING YOUR CONTRACTOR W/ YOU.THIS WILL ENABLE YOU TO CRUNCH NUMBERS CORRECTLY W/ RESPECT TO IMPROVEMENTS.(THE CONSTRUCTION NUMBERS PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN YOUR OFFER TO PURCHASE ).IT'S TIME NOW ... 01/23/2008

There was an interesting feature in Sunday's New York Times on commuting in NYC. This week they focused on Staten Island transit, the SIRR and the Ferry.There is a tradeoff in Staten Island. More house and property for the money, but a commute to Manhattan that could create challenges for the city worker. But, what we do have, in terms of train service (while not enough) and ferry is highly efficient. On time, reliable and factored in, creates comfort and balance in the city commuter. If you drive and get stuck on the Verrazano Bridge during the morning rush, you're probably not happy camper. But if you can use the ferry, which has undergone a tremendous renovation, you'll find it to be a relaxing 25 mintues to downtown NYC. And it's free -- where else does this city give you a free rid... 01/22/2008

 FLIP TO WIN!A STEP BY STEP APPROACH OF WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN BUYING TO FLIP. IN THE PAST 10 YEARS THERE HAS BEEN A FLOOD OF NEW INVESTORS WANTING TO BECOME INVOLVED IN SPECULATING REAL ESTATE. DURING THE COURSE OF THE NEXT WEEK , I WANT TO SHARE SOME IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS,AND CONCERNS ON HOW TO SPECULATE . I BEGAN "FLIPPING" HOUSES IN THE EARLY 90'S. SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN NUMEROUS TRANSACTIONS. EACH PURCHASE AND SALE I COUNT ON MY TEAM FOR ADVICE.THESE ARE THE PROFESSIONALS YOU WILL NEED.STEP 1BUILD YOUR TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS.1.ATTORNEY,BE SURE TO RETAIN ONE THAT SPECIALIZES IN REAL ESTATE(IF POSSIBLE ONE THAT ONLY DOES R.E. TRANSACTIONS)2.APPRAISER.,THEY WILL MAKE SURE THAT THE VALUE ON THE HOUSE IS CORRECT FOR THE BUY. THE APPRAISER WILL ALSO PROVIDE A SELL OUT NUMBER ... 01/22/2008

As President of Appleseed Realty GMAC Real Estate and CEO of Mortgage Links, a licensed mortgage banker in N.Y./N.J./Fla.  I meet constantly with banking individuals about interest rate programs.  I recently met with the financial economist for Citibank.I caution today's buyers on the over the top negativity by so many in the media with reference to home prices.  I point out many of the doom sayers are making millions of dollars by creating fear in the market place, exp. stocks, bonds, housing etc.  to cause prices to fall and they are in what we call short positions.What they failed to tell the Real Estate community is that interest rates are at a "Historical" low.  Buyers for the five years have purchased homes not on sticker price of the home but the monthly affordable payments.  The... 01/21/2008

I was trying to think of what to write about and decided to offer to all my Active Rain friends the same discounts that we receive as a members of GMAC.  We switched to GMAC less then a year ago and in the beginning when our broker, Henry Setaro told me he was thinking of changing I was very much against it.  We were previously Prudential and had been Prudential for approximately 15 years. We were so afraid of the GMAC name and thought that we would lose business, but just the opposit happened. We have so many great programs for the agents and now with the sub prime and mortgage problems, we have just signed on with GMAC Mortgage Company, giving our customers better programs and many more choices.  We are able to give everyone we know the discounts from major vendors through GMAC Home R... 01/18/2008

Nothing melts my heart more than when I look into the eyes of my lovable puppy as he sits by my side as my day unwinds.  Who else greets me with yelps of joy when I come home, following my from room to room just happy to see me.  He might only be six pounds but he is as protective of me as if he was 100 pounds. Where can you find someone who will get up whatever time you get up, go to sleep whenever you decide its time and spend his night curled up beside me happy to lick my face at any given time.  My life is so enriched with the unconditional love I receive from my little white ball of fur. He is patient and kind and in return for a little food and water and a lot of love he gives endlessly.  I am blessed to have him. 01/17/2008

After reading what NAR is proposing to stimulate our market it seems to me its just not enough.  Increasing the loan limits will help a few but the people who really need the help are not the jumbo loan homeowners, but the people who have mortgages that are below that guideline.  In my office the houses that we are doing short sales on are not the owners with the jumbo rate mortgages but the middle of the road homeowner.  The single mother who bought a home and was sold monthly mortgage payments that when it adjusted was more then she could pay.  Or the first time buyer who also was sold a mortgage that they could never pay.  I also read about a homeless woman who was given a loan to buy her very first home, a lone that she could never pay. Her only income was her disability check.  The... 01/17/2008

  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