When is the best time to check for termites? If you live in the New York City area, the answer is NOW!  Take a look around the the outside of your house.  Turn over any rocks, tree limbs or planters in pots and take a look at what's underneath.  If you see anything like the photo below, you have termites outside. Take a good look at the guy with the wings bottom right.  That's what you will see when they swarm.  May is the month for this. Now don't get upset, as long as they don't get inside your house you're OK.  For the inside inspection, best to call an expert. Every spring I sprinkle this insect killer around my house. Folks, other insects like carpenter ants also can do a lot of damage.  Always best to get a pro to look at your investment. 05/09/2013

When is the best time to make a new lawn? If you start from seed, I believe fall is best.  If you need a new lawn in the spring, sod is the way to go. For years I have been over seeding my backyard lawn, and it looked great for about 6-8 weeks.  Then when the roots started to compete with each other the lawn died.  I almost gave up and started planning to put down artificial turf. Last Sunday I was listening to a garden show on the radio and I found out what I was doing wrong.  Over seeding.  So this week I ordered sod.  In about 2 hours I had a beautiful backyard lawn.  see photos below. 05/08/2013

Hello Brooklyn, take a look what's over the Bridge The Verazanno bridge I'm talking about.  Check out the great houses for sale in Staten Island. Yesterday I had the privilege of visiting your great Boro, thinking to myself "Wow these houses must be very expensive"  So if you want some grass on all sides of your house, parking not only in your driveway but also in front of your unit, great transportation to Manhattan, why not go to my website and see what's available.  BTW, we also have very nice parks and shopping is nearby no matter where you live on Staten Island. I can't leave out dining, Bonefish Grill is one of my favorites. Now if you like the country, but need to live in the city, take a peak at my blog post about a beautiful home right here in Staten Island and not far from the... 05/05/2013

Selling Real Estate on Staten Island You might want to check the competition.  First, you can check Staten Island South Shore Real Estate,  and see the units that will be competing for the buyers.  Remember the items to check are; A) size of the lot B) size of the unit C) condition of the unit D) area, area, area. You can change many things of the unit and even the lot, but you can't change the area. So, if you are looking to buy or sell Real Estate on the South Shore of Staten Island, and need help in determining the value of your property, give me a call, I can help. My number is 917-696-0275 05/04/2013

Coming soon, Great Kills/Bay Terrace 2 Family Colonial Wait till you see this beauty.  I'll post plenty of high definition photographs,  even do an audio/video presentation of this 2 family, 4 bedroom 4 bath home in the best section of Great Kills/Bay Terrace.   It has so much to offer,  Hardwood flooring, fireplace, granite kitchen counter tops with island, upgraded cabinets, Master suite has walk-in closet, and a 4 piece tiled bath, double sink and Jacuzzi. and so much more. When listed I'll create a special web page listing all the features, so buyers be on alert. If you want a special notice when the listing is public, just drop me a note and I'll be sure to let you know just as soon as I can. In the meantime, why not drop by my new website, http://eltingvillehomesforsale.com/,  log... 05/03/2013

Staten Island’s Gone Green!  Things You Should Know About Staten Island, New York   If you are considering moving to Staten Island, or are a local who is looking for some fun facts about the island, here are some things that you should know. The borough of Staten Island has a reputation for being one of the greenest Boroughs based on its thousands of acres of not only federal, but city and state parklands, most of which is overseen by the Parks Dept.   Some of the most beautiful landmarks on Staten Island consist of: Alice Austen House & Park, Arthur Von Briesen Park, Barrett Park, Blue Heron Park & Nature Center, Benjamin Soto Skate Park, Bloomingdale Park, Clove Lakes Park, Cedar Grove Beach, Corporal Allan F. Kivlehan Park, Conference House Park, Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve, ... 04/25/2013

  Spotlight on Willowbrook Staten Island Homes for Sale Green space is a hallmark of Staten Island’s Willowbrook neighborhood. Farmland through the 1960’s, this serene community is part of the Staten Island Greenbelt – 2800 acres of designated parkland. Residents are connected to their community and enjoy the green oasis that surrounds them. Along with farms, Willowbrook housed several large institutions over the years, including the abandoned Sea View Hospital – added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005 – and a military hospital turned state school. That property is now a campus of the College of Staten Island. The homes for sale in Willowbrook are spacious split-level and high ranchers, as well as townhouses and semi-attached homes. Tree-lined streets and quiet neighb... 04/25/2013

Ward Hill Staten Island Real Estate Spotlight on Ward Hill Staten Island Homes for Sale Gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor are the main draws of the northeastern Staten Island neighborhood of Ward Hill. Sitting atop the northernmost ridge of hills (which includes Todt Hill), this charming area follows winding, tree-lined streets to a selection of beautiful and classic homes. While there has been new construction, the historical character of Ward Hill remains intact. This is one of the best kept secrets in Staten Island real estate! Named after property owner Caleb T. Ward, this neighborhood retains the elegance of his residence, a Greek Revival Style home built around 1835. It is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places and one of the last remainin... 04/25/2013

 Travis Staten Island Real Estate Spotlight on Travis Staten Island Homes for Sale On the west central shore of Staten Island sits Travis, a tight-knit neighborhood with well-priced home and a strong sense of community. Residents are proud of their history – site of a major battle between Patriots and Loyalists in 1777 – and celebrate with an annual 4th of July parade that is over 100 years old. Named after Colonel Jacob Travis, a land owner and resident from before the Civil War, Travis also boasts one of the oldest fire houses in the country. This sense of history, pride and preservation is a hallmark of Travis. Homes for sale include great choices for first time buyers and young families; charming and well-priced ranches, townhouses, multi-family homes and new construction await, all... 04/25/2013

 Tompkinsville Staten Island Real Estate Spotlight Tompkinsville Staten Island Homes for Sale An exciting and vibrant neighborhood in northeastern Staten Island, Tompkinsville began life as “The Watering Place”, a fresh spring where explorers would stop to replenish their water supplies in the early 1600s. Now, it’ s home to a diverse community in a mix of commercial and residential spaces. The oldest European settlement on Staten Island, Tompkinsville was also the first place to offer ferry service to Manhattan. At the heart of this neighborhood is Tompkinsville Park, founded in the 1930’s - and recently renovated and improved - offering an oasis for commuters and residents to enjoy. A large boulder and plaque mark the former location of the spring where explorers visited; it’s the old... 04/25/2013

 St George Staten Island Real Estate Spotlight St. George Staten Island Homes for Sale St. George Staten Island is a thriving and exciting waterfront community at the northeastern tip of the island, where the Kill Van Kull enters the Upper New York Bay. Ideally located for commuters, this diverse area enjoys the convenience of having a Staten Island Ferry terminal as its gateway to the rest of the New York City. Throughout the latter half of the 1800’s, St. George was home to luxury hotels, which lined St. Mark’s Place. The rich history was the impetus behind the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission designating an Historic District in 1994, consisting of 78 homes and one church - St. Peters Roman Catholic Church is the oldest parish on Staten Island. Many businesses, governme... 04/25/2013

 Butler Manor Estates New Construction Homes for Sale Staten Island Spotlight The Estates at Butler Manor Staten Island Homes for Sale The Estates at Butler Manor, located in Tottenville Staten Island, is a stunning oasis in the middle of the bustling city! This exclusive gated community combines the highest quality new construction blending with  the graceful natural surroundings of Conference House Park, a wooded park and the ocean. Butler Manor was once the site of a grand home owned by maritime and shipping magnate Elmer Butler, built in 1908. Now that luxury and fine living is brought to life again in the Estates at Butler Manor. Six different model homes await at the Estates at Butler Manor, with custom lots and numerous upgradable features – including oak floors, radiant heat, 9 ... 04/24/2013

 Spotlight Todt Hill Staten Island Homes for Sale Spotlight Todt Hill Staten Island Homes for Sale This Staten Island neighborhood has an interesting claim to fame – Todt Hill is the highest natural point in New York’s five boroughs, and the highest elevation on the Eastern Seaboard from Cape Cod to Florida! There are some of the most beautiful homes in the area tucked away on this hill, everything from Victorians to upscale mansions. Impressive views and immaculately kept streets and yards are just a few of the highlights of this beautiful neighborhood. Minimal traffic and an abundance of greenery make Todt Hill an oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Staten Island. This secluded community offers an amazing array of potential homes for sale for the selective buyer, including... 04/24/2013

Your Listing Agreement Has Expired, What Have you Learned? Well for the obvious the house did not sell.  But why?  Was it priced too high so as to omit potential buyers who think "They'll never go down to my price range". Maybe you were not available or your agent was not available to let buyers in when they could come.  So they bought something else.  Did you show the house and not let the agent do his/her job?  Were you "On top" of the potential buyers so they couldn't even think clearly?  Did the house have an unpleasant odor?  How are you to know if no one was honest with you?  Some owners live with the odor for so long they are immune to it, cat odor, dog odor or even "stale" air can drive a good buyer away. What about your agent, did he/she market your home to the fullest?  How ma... 04/18/2013

Heartland Village Staten Island New York, Relocating to NYC Part 3 Looking for a condo, single or two family home in Staten Island, near fine stores, restaurants and easy commute to Manhattan?   Just click on the link below; http://eltingvillehomesforsale.com/heartland-village-staten-island-new-york-condos-for-sale.aspx   Very nice Condo, well maintained. Within walking distance from many Condos in the area. Shopping in fine stores and plenty of parking.     04/14/2013

Relocating to New York City Part 2 New York City is a big place, home prices vary from under $100,000 to several million dollars. There is a very wide range of different communities.  Some have transportation at your doorstep, others you must have a car or a good pair of legs to get around.  There are single detached units, semi attached units, fully attached (Townhouses) and apartment house units you can own, as well as Condos.  All have their advantages.  In Great Kills, Staten Island, we have it all, with the exception of the big apartment type units. I believe what attracts most people to Great Kills is its country like atmosphere while still having the benefits of city living.  We have room between units, open spaces, parks nearby, with the big one, Gateway National Recreation Area... 04/12/2013

Spotlight on Mariners Harbor Staten Island Homes for Sale Mariners Harbor is a quaint suburb tucked into the northwestern corner of Staten Island. Nice homes with affordable price tags and a warm sense of history and community highlight this growing area. Named for its 19th century business of the harvesting of oysters and other seafood from the Kill Van Kull, Mariners Harbor has also been home to shipbuilding and marine salvage companies. The water has always played a huge part in the development and growth of this neighborhood. Homes for Sale in Mariners Harbor are a mix of stately older homes with great curb appeal and tons of charm, and new builds including single family homes, duplexes and townhouses. This affordable neighborhood has deep roots and continues to grow, with business... 04/04/2013

  Spotlight on Manor Heights Staten Island Homes for Sale Located on the North Shore of Staten Island, Manor Heights is a cozy neighborhood known for its immaculately maintained homes. Community pride is the key word for Manor Heights. Charming one-family and multi-family homes, as well as townhouses, make up the real estate available in this friendly neighborhood. Small but accessible, Manor Heights is serviced by a variety of buses for easy transport around Staten Island and to the city. Close to the Staten Island Mall, Manor Heights enjoys the convenience of local stores and restaurants. Manor Heights is served by PS 29, IS 27, IS 72 and Susan E. Wagner High School, as well as St. Rita’s, a private school. Homes for Sale in Manor Heights are spacious, with good-sized lots and tree li... 04/04/2013

  Spotlight on Livingston Staten Island Homes for Sale Livingston is a quiet, diverse and green neighborhood on the North Shore of Staten Island. It’s chock full of colorful history and large beautiful homes, most of which were built before 1900. This is one of the most interesting and charming neighborhoods in Staten Island. Begun in the mid 1600’s as a farming community, the area that would eventually be christened Livingston was once home to a colony of famous abolitionists. Several of the historical homes along Davis Avenue still bear evidence of their use in the Underground Railroad. Spacious Colonials, wide tree-lined streets – Livingston has retained its roots in all the best ways, keen to preserve historical buildings and keep green spaces available to residents. Homes for sale ... 04/04/2013

  Spotlight on New Brighton Staten Island Homes for Sale New Brighton is a charming neighborhood on the North Shore of Staten Island. Home to classic architecture, a vibrant community and an easy commute to the city, New Brighton is an ideal location to put down roots. The village was incorporated in 1866, and has long maintained its comfortable and friendly vibe; residents take pride in their property and enjoy affordable taxes, excellent schools - both public and private - and plenty of near-by attractions. Homes for Sale in New Brighton represent the best of classic architecture. Gingerbread Victorians, Queens Annes, Second Empires and Gothic Revivals fill the neighborhoods. This old world feeling extends to the mature landscaping and public areas. With affordable real estate prices... 04/04/2013