Cathy Cataletto's Real Estate Today
Staten Island, New York, Real Estate Compared To Monmouth County Stats To Date…
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Outerbridge Crossing
As this spring market is coming to an end I wanted to keep on top of the market conditions in both Staten Island, New York and in Monmouth County, New Jersey. It seems though out the years I’ve been selling that both states seems to parallel each other. When the homes in Staten Island seem to be on a slow trend, than New Jersey seems to follow suite.
During my research from January 01, 2010 to date in both states I have compiled a list for the stats of sold/under contract and acceptances.
Staten Island, New York Residential:
Acceptance: 274
Under Contract: 864
Sold: 1256
Monmouth County, Residential New Jersey (keep in mind that in the state of NJ there is no acceptance, an offer is drawn up on a contract)
Under Contract: 1126
Sold: 1776
These numbers in both states is a clear indication that the market is not only repairing itself but moving forward. I hope the stats for Staten Island, New York Real Estate Compared to Monmouth County, New Jersey is something you find informative.
If you have any questions in regards to Real Estate Stats and how much homes are closing for then don’t hesitate to contact me at: 917-829-1402.
Cathy Cataletto Licensed Real Estate Professional
To view homes for sale in Staten Island, New York, click on this highlighted link.
Staten Island, New York Homes for sale during the Summertime…..
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Summer is here.
Warm weather allows us to dress with lighter clothes but also the toys start to come out. If you have a home with children, or you are a sports enthusiast, you know what the word clutter means.
Hey, I am the last person to preach on this subject but on the other hand, because I fall victim to this, I can both empathize with you and show how it could affect the sale of your home.
Perhaps you are already on board with me and know where I’m about to go with this, if not, then, as they say JUST DO IT!
Of course your family has to continue to live while you’re in the process of selling and SHOWING your home. But your home shouldn’t look like a sports arena. TOO many times I’ve showed homes and tried to walk without kicking a ball into the family cat or trying to prevent a buyer from falling and owning your home without PAYING FOR IT due to a law suite.
Invest in some net orginazers, some plastic containers and find places that are less visual. What I tried to explain to my own sport warriors in my own home, that unless you are so gifted that you can ride your bike, hit a baseball, kick a soccer ball and make a touch down all at one time, then pleaseeeeeee put away what you’re not using.
The second a buyer comes into your home, or drives up, it is at that moment they are already making a mental note as to if they can visualize themselves living there. Very few can see through the clutter and you may lose a buyer before they even walk into the next room. (if they can). Colors play a major role as well as if furniture is too large for the room.
So remember when you get an appointment, to make a clear pathway, shove and stuff if need be, and allow that buyer to walk freely in your home. It can, and usually does make a difference when the buyer comes through.
You will also find many interesting blogs that can help both the buyer and sellers by clicking here:
Cathy Cataletto Licensed Real Estate Professional
To be connected to homes for sale on Staten Island you double click on:
Tags: buyers, homes for sale, new york, sellers, staten island
STATEN ISLAND REAL ESTATE MARKET – WHAT IS GOING ON NOW?
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When the I hear and see all the news reporting on how bad the market is,
how it’s the worse market they’ve ever seen before shows me that when the stats are gathered and not used in individual situations it may not apply to every state/area that is included in those stats.
For example: The State of New York consisting of many boroughs offering many different style and price homes and within each borough you also have the same smorgasbord of homes to choose from.
The State of New Jersey consisting of North, South, Central, Upper, and Lower as with New York the variety is just too many to put a cap on it.
Which brings me to my point: How a market is doing depends on many factors. Which State you live in, what kind of product you have to sell, how is the working force in that area and in my professional opinion one of the biggest factors of them all SUPPLY AND DEMAND, along with many other factors.
I have found this year so far to be a very productive one. I’m listing and selling and also have made many buyers happy with finding them their next home.
However, the problem I am encountering is a not enough homes, A LACK OF INVENTORY, A LACK OF SUPPLY. I have at this point in time, more buyers then sellers. I am finding with each home that I have sold this year, there as been MULTIPLE OFFERS on each home. Which is a clear indication that we need more people to list their homes.
If sellers are waiting, they should make the move now.
Of course we will not see the numbers as we did raise to what they were in the peak of the market, but on the other hand, when that seller goes to sell their home, they will also be buying in that same market price range. The GOOD DIFFERENCE IS, THEY WILL SELL THEIR HOME MUCH QUICKER THEN THEY THINK THEY CAN. If buyers are waiting on the side lines then all we need is the homes for them to move on.
A seller that is still waiting at this point in time is cutting themselves short of getting the most for their home then if others who choose to continue to wait.
Supply and Demand applies to so many different aspects and the housing market is one of the BEST EXAMPLES of it being a buyers or sellers market.
I hope that this blog helps put some things into perspective for many of you.
If you wish to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would be more than happy to let you know what your home is worth or to help you find that perfect home.
Cathy Cataletto Licensed Real Estate Professional
917-829-1402
To see what Sellers are asking for their homes, just double click on this link and enjoy.
More about me: http://play.goldmail.com/6o1j2w8ja2i8
Homes For Sale on Staten Island – Stats to Date
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Below you can find the Stats on the Market. The dates go from January 1, 2010 to today May 10th, 2010.
Homes that have acceptances are – 219
Homes that have now gone into contract are – 980
Homes that have sold and closed – 800
The total coming to almost 2000 homes that are being sold here on Staten Island in less than 5 months time.
We are still not at the half way point and I find those numbers to be both very exciting and impressive.
If you have a home that you would like to become added to these statistic, or you would like more information on what is and what is not selling, please feel free to contact me @ 917-829-1402
Cathy Cataletto Licensed Real Estate Professional
For more about me and my blogs visit: cathycataletto.com
STATEN ISLAND REAL ESTATE AGENT SHARES THE BEGINNING OF MOTHER’S DAY
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History
First attempts to establish a holiday
Early “Mother’s Day” in the US was mostly marked by women’s peace groups. A common early activity was the meeting of groups of mothers whose sons had fought or died on opposite sides of the American Civil War. There were several local celebrations in the 1870s and the 1880s, but none achieved resonance beyond the local level.
In 1868 Ann Jarvis created a committee to establish a “Mother’s Friendship Day” whose purpose was “to reunite families that had been divided during the Civil War”, and she wanted to expand it into an annual memorial for mothers, but she died in 1905 before the celebration became popular. (her daughter Anna Jarvis would continue her mother’s effort shortly later, see below)
In New York City, Julia Ward Howe led a “Mother’s Day” anti-war observance in 2nd June, 1872, which was accompanied by a Mother’s Day Proclamation. The observance continued in Boston for about 10 years under Howe’s personal sponsorship, then it died out.
Several years later, a Mother’s Day observance on May 13, 1877 was held in Albion, Michigan, over a dispute related to the temperance movement According to local legend, Albion pioneer, Juliet Calhoun Blakeley, stepped up to complete the sermon of the Rev. Myron Daughterty, who was distraught because an anti-temperance group had forced his son and two other temperance advocates to spend the night in a saloon and become publicly drunk. In the pulpit, Blakeley called on other mothers to join her. Blakeley’s two sons, both traveling salesmen, were so moved that they vowed to return each year to pay tribute to her and embarked on a campaign to urge their business contacts to do likewise. At their urging, in the early 1880s, the Methodist Episcopal Church in Albion set aside the second Sunday in May to recognize the special contributions of mothers.
Frank E. Hering, President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, made the first known public plea for “a national day to honor our mothers” in 1904
Holiday establishment
In its present form, Mother’s Day was established by Anna Marie Jarvis, following the death of her mother Ann Jarvis on May 9, 1905, with the help of a Philadelphia merchant called John Wanamaker. A small service was held in 12 May 1907 in the Andrew’s Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia, where Anna’s mother had been teaching Sunday school. But the first “official” service was in 10 May 1908 in the same church, accompanied by a larger ceremony in the Wanamaker Auditorium in the Wanamaker’s store on Philadelphia. She then campaigned to establish Mother’s Day as a U.S. national holiday, and later as an international holiday.
The holiday was declared officially by the state of West Virginia in 1910, and the rest of states followed quickly. On May 8, 1914, the U.S. Congress passed a law designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day and requesting a proclamation. On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation, declaring the first national Mother’s Day, as a day for American citizens to show the flag in honor of those mothers whose sons had died in war.
In 1934, US President Franklin D. Roosevelt approved a stamp commemorating the holiday.
In May 2008, the US House of Representatives voted twice on a resolution commemorating Mother’s Day, the first one being unanimous so that all congressmen would be on record showing support for Mother’s Day.
The Grafton’s church, where the first celebration was held, is now the International Mother’s Day Shrine and is a National Historic Landmark
Carnations
Carnations have come to represent Mother’s Day, since Anna Jarvis delivered 500 of them at its first celebration in 1908. Many religious services held later copied the custom of giving away carnations. This also started the custom of wearing a carnation on Mother’s Day. The founder, Anna Jarvis, chose the carnation because it was the favorite flower of her mother. In part due to the shortage of white carnations, and in part due to the efforts to expand the sales of more types of flowers in Mother’s Day, the florists promoted wearing a red carnation if your mother was living, or a white one if she was dead; this was tirelessly promoted until it made its way into the popular observations at churches.
Related events
In the United States, “Mother’s Day Work Clubs” were organized by Anna Jarvis’s mother, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis (1832-1905), to improve sanitation and health in the area. These clubs also assisted both Union and Confederate encampments controlling a typhoid outbreak, and conducted a “Mothers’ Friendship Day” to reconcile families divided by the Civil War. From Wikipedia
From Wikipedia
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY FROM MY HOME TO YOURS:
Cathy Cataletto Licensed Real Estate Sales Professional 917-829-1402
More fun, interested and educating blogs visit: cathycataletto.com
Staten Island, Real Estate, A TOUGH MARKET NEEDS AN EDUCATED AND TOUGH AGENT…..
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A TOUGH MARKET NEEDS AN EDUCATED AND TOUGH AGENT
My name is Cathy Cataletto and I am a FULL TIME & FULL SERVICE Licensed Real Estate Professional in the Staten Island, New York area.
Being in this field for as long has taught me never to give up. To hang in there and follow through to the end. My Client’s, past and present, all know what I believe in and what I stand for. I take pride in helping each of my Client’s in their own individual way.
A good agent knows the mechanics of a transaction, where a GREAT Agent Never forget’s that this is/was someone’s home, placing the emotions along with their finances in your hands. Some need gentle guidance and some need an a very aggressive agent. To know the difference is needed to apply it takes years of learning.
We as agents do this daily, and it is so important to remember that most people only buy/sell a few time’s in a lifetime. They need our expertise, they need our knowledge and they need to know the entire anatomy of a transaction so they can be prepared. But most important, is education, I feel that every Client should be educated as much as possible, making them a stronger buyer/seller, for educating my Client’t, gives them control and power over the outcome.
The market that we’re in is a tough one, but it is still a good market. Interest rates are low, supply gives more choices, and most of the time a buy and a sale are a lateral move. No real lose or gain in the end, and it allows for people to “move on”.
In the end, I would like to say that if I can be of some assistance, please don’t hesitate to call on me. I can be reached from 9-9, 7 days a week.
I would love to chat with you.
Cathy Cataletto Licensed Real Estate Professional
For more about me: http://play.goldmail.com/6o1j2w8ja2i8
To be connected to homes for sale on Staten Island, just double click on this link and enjoy!
Staten Island Real Estate Agent gives tip’s on MISTAKES A BUYER CAN MAKE.
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Buying a home is usually one of the BIGGEST financial decisions the average person will make in their lifetime. As we forge forward in this every changing market, there are still mistakes that a buyer can make no matter what market we’re in.
BELOW PLEASE FIND SOME TIPS:
Being pre-qualifed – knowing your credit score – knowing what the banks are requiring is the FIRST STEP that any buyer needing a mortgage should do even prior to looking at homes. The smart buyer will be prepared and not be side blinded after spending time and money only to find out their in the wrong price range, or that the bank may refuse them a mortgage due to something on their credit.
Though there are different laws as we go from State to State there are some States that don’t required you to have an Attorney represent you in buying a home. (New Jersey being one of them) However, I would highly recommend anyone, anywhere looking to purchase a home to hire an Attorney. Here some can find themselves being a penny wise and a dollar foolish if a problem arises that an Attorney might have picked up on.
The buyer should be aware that any large purchase during the course of buying a home, (a car) or adding another credit card can put an immediate S T O P to you getting your mortgage. Again, go over all the do’s and don’ts that are the requirements for the bank you’re using. It is an awful feeling to know that with your closing date within close range won’t happen because of something you just recently did and would’ve been prevented.
A buyer should meet with their accountant or take stock as to the cost of owning/purchasing a home. Taking into consideration the Home Owners Insurance, the possible increase in their utilities, travel expensive if moving further away from their jobs. Your home should be somewhere that you enjoy spending your most cherished moments. If your bills exceed your income, or if there isn’t enough breathing room, then you will.
To own a home is truly an American Dream
NOT being able to afford to live there would be a TRUE NIGHMARE!
A buyer should also not skimp when it comes to knowing the quality of a home they’re about to purchase. Not only could there be some underlying problems but an good Home Inspector/Engineer can give you some good insight as to what your future repairs may be. How long you have left on a roof/heating system/air conditioning unit/hot water tanks..etc..
I would like to finish this by saying that there are so many other tib bits that an experienced Realtor can help you with, that I would highly recommend that you do your research and find someone that can best assist you before you even begin.
Looking for more interesting blogs like this, then come visit me at: cathycataletto.com
Cathy Cataletto Licensed Real Estate Professional
More about me – double click here.
Selling or Buying homes on Staten Island…INTERNET, NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES OH MY!.
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INTERNET, NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES OH MY!…Everyone knows that the internet is the way to go to market a home.
I’m using it right now to voice my opinion and you’re using it to read what I’m writing…So obviously it is something that we all agree on and use frequently…
But, with working with many different types of people, I have found that there are plenty of them whom don’t even own a computer..In fact, they rely on the newspaper and television to get their information. Some don’t understand English well, some can’t read or write well, some are afraid of technology, and some just don’t have a desire to learn. I have clients who don’t own a cell phone, nor will they leave a voice mail when they can’t reach me. They say, “sorry but I’m old fashion, I come from the old school!”
Making them feel comfortable with them knowing that ANYWAY they want us to be contact with each other is fine by me.
Actually, I was thinking last night….(did you smell the smoke???)…In my own family…I could think of at least 10 people that don’t own a computer. Their ages are over 60, and today that isn’t old…in fact the older I get..that age almost seems to appear to be youthful…But my point is..they buy and sell..and with no access to the net,,they have no choice but to depend on a agent to look for them, or to look in the newspaper.
Yes, there are statistics to support that the computers work best for the real estate market, but I feel we should keep in mind that not everyone looks for homes on the net, and we may be missing a few good clients.
I guess what my suggestion would be is if you know anyone who is as I described and they are looking to buy or sell a home, to give them some assistance with using your computer, or having them meet with an experienced agent who can do this with them.
Everyone have a great day and I’ll SEE YOU ON THE INTERNET.
Cathy Cataletto Licensed Real Estate Professional
Get to know Me: http://play.goldmail.com/6o1j2w8ja2i8
Visit My Forum at: cathycataletto.com
Staten Island, Homes for Sale, What are Short Sales? Is this the way for you to go?
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What are Short Sales?
Is this the way for you to go? If you’re looking to purchase a short sale, or if you are in financial distress on your home, if you decide to go the short sale route, then you should be educated as to the process before you begin. To venture down this path
without the facts, could be more then you bargained for.
I’m certain that by now you have heard the words Short Sales. Years ago not only would the normal person never hear this word, but even the average agent wouldn’t know too much about it.
However, in today’s market you can’t avoid hearing about it. You would truly be surprised as to the amount of homes that are subject to bank approval in Staten Island New York.
But what really is a short sale? Who do they benefit? You may be able to save yourself by doing a short sale. Or you may even be able to purchase one and make money doing so.
I have spent many hours educating my buyers and sellers and because of this, we have worked as a team making them very happy that they hired me.
Short sales happen before a bank foreclosures. Making it possible at times for the seller that is in distress to walk away with a forgiveness letter.
The buyer on the other end is getting a home well below market value.
Everyone at this point is happy with this situation. That even goes for the seller too.
However, there are also pitfalls that can happen with these types of transactions.
Bank owened, foreclosures, and short sales are all different types of distressed properties with each of them having their own pros and cons. Some can be very costly too.
So please, reach out to me if you need additional information on either selling your home before the bank owns it, or finding a great value in today’s market.
Cathy Cataletto Licensed Real Estate Professional
917-829-1402
To be connected to homes for sale on Staten Island, just click on this highlighted link and enjoy!
If you wish to see more of my blogs you can visit me at: cathycataletto.com
HOMES FOR SALE, STATEN ISLAND – HOW TO GET THE BUYERS TO COME INTO YOUR HOME!
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What will set your home apart from the thousands of others for sale?
Let’s use the analogy that Staten Island is one Huge Shopping Mall.
Then continue that thought and let’s pretend that your home is one of HUNDREDS of stores in Shopping Mall.
What do you think those store managers and owners do to entice you to come into their store as oppose to the stores on either side of them.???
Well the answer is…they start at the WINDOW’S.
Now, let’s compare that to your home and let’s see what the analogy is.
WINDOW DRESSING IS LURING CUSTOMERS TO ENTER INTO THEIR STORE. THAT INTERESTING, WANTING TO BUY FEELING STARTS BEFORE THEY EVEN ENTER THROUGH THE DOORS.
CURB SIDE APPEAL IS WHAT LURES YOUR POTENTIAL BUYERS INTO YOUR HOME. IT SET’S YOU APART FROM ALL THE OTHER HOMES WITH SIGNS ON THEIR FRONT LAWNS. IT GIVES THAT POTENTIAL BUYER THE CURIOSITY AND THE NICE FEELING YOU NEED FOR THEM TO WANT TO SEE MORE.
(which one home would you like to enter?)
So many times I read a listing and feel how that seller is cutting their chances greatly because of “not a drive by”, “home is deceiving from the outside”, “house IS nicer on the inside”….
I find that the average buyer DRIVES BY the home prior to seeing it. Even prior to them calling an Agent for more details. At which point the Agent reading the Agent notes don’t even have the opportunity to say, it may be worth going inside. Because that buyer most likely has already made up their mind to PASS ON THIS ONE.
The sad thing is that most sellers don’t realize the importance of the outside of their home is to a buyer. The seller is probably concentrating on the oh so many things they need to do on both the inside of their home and their personal issues at hand.
Some suggestions that have worked for my past clients are:
Cut your grass; seed your lawn; pull out weeds; paint the front door; change your door knob; change your door bell; make sure the light over the front door is working; if the light is in need of repair, repair or replace it; fix any broken steps leading to your home; blacktop or fix your driveway; plant some colorful flowers; plant some bushes; add some pretty rocks; fix or replace your old mailbox;
MAKE THOSE BUYERS WANT TO COME INTO YOU “HOME”. GET THEM TO FEEL THAT THEY WILL BE LUCKY TO SEE THE INSIDE. HAVE THEM WAIT IN LINE TO GET IN TO SEE YOUR HOME!!!
If you really look at most of these tips you will see that the money spent may be cost-effective for you in the long run.
Good Luck and if you would like additional tips, please don’t hesitate to call on me.
Cathy Cataletto - Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
TO SEE WHAT YOU’RE NEIGHBOR IS ASKING FOR THEIR HOME JUST DOUBLE CLICK ON THIS HIGHLIGHTED LINK
FOR MY OTHER BLOGS YOU CAN VISIT ME AT: cathycataletto.com
