How Can Realtors Be Seen As Professionals   How come when most people want real estate advise they talk to their neighbor?  Their Lawyer? Anyone but calling a Realtor?  Why did we score below used car dealers in the latest Harris Poll?  Why do people search online for an average of 6 weeks before contacting a Realtor? Is it because we work on commissions?  Does that make the majority of us so insecure and hungry that we behave too aggressively?  Does the public see us crossing the lines between social media and social networking and just plain socializing .. I mean are we too solicitous?  When we constantly say "price your home right and it will sell" are we also saying we don't actually do too much to facilitate sales?  I think there's probably some truth to all the above and it makes ... 03/19/2012

I’m proud to announce that we have recently launched our new website www.PREVIEWsiHOMES.com The new company website showcases all homes being sold on the Staten Island multiple listing service via an integrated IDX feed from our local Staten Island Board of REALTORS MLS.  This will allow buyers to search for homes based on their criteria in the same manner as real estate agents would do a search on the MLS. Many of the syndicated websites out there are very inaccurate.  Sites such as realtor.com, trulia.com, zillow.com, and many others, frequently post incorrect and inaccurate information about listings.  With our new site, buyers can get accurate, up to date search results. “I was calling my agent and giving him addresses to houses I wanted to see…problem was many of them were already ... 03/08/2012

Spring garden and home maintenance tips   Spring Garden tip; Did you know that Veterans and active military personnel can get a 10% discount at Lowe’s and Home Depot?  All you need to do is show some form of ID that shows your status.  I looked in my box of memorabilia and found my Navy ID card.  Now I carry it with me every time I go to the giant store.  Hey, 10% off, it’s not a bad deal. While on the subject of spring gardening, remember that termites like dead wood.  So take a check around your property for fallen twigs and other debris that termites might want to snack on.  After they eat that stuff, your home might be next.  The month of May in our area is the swarming time, so you have some time yet, but don’t forget. I like to spread an environmentally safe insect killer around m... 03/02/2012

STATEN ISLAND NY. SE ANNADALE, HOMES FOR SALE This Center Hall Colonial Masterpiece Home for sale in beautiful SE Annadale with amazing Ocean views from all views no matter what season it is the view is breathtaking! This home for sale is located on a dead end block, great for privacy! This master piece has 4 floors of living space in this home for sale with the third floor has a great view of the water and has a play room or could be a office a must see! This custom plus home has  5 bedrooms, 5 baths. Flow from the grand entry foyer into all extra large  rooms throughout this home for sale! The formal living room is large enough to entertain in and flow from room to room, the open lay out is great! The formal dining room has beautiful hardwood floors that you also find through out the ... 02/17/2012

Theresa de Crescenzo of Neuhaus Realty, Inc. is showing a spacious and fantastic two family colonial home for sale in Rossville Staten Island NY. This 4,000 sq ft home sits on a tremendous 10,000 sq ft lot, Privacy abounds in this exquisite home, and it is loaded with amenities. A grand 2-story entry greets you as you walk into this two family home for sale, followed by a formal living room, family room with fireplace, and formal dining room. The first level also features a large eat-in kitchen with access to the large yard, a half bath, laundry room, and the spacious 1 bedroom rental apartment. Heading up to the second level of this Staten Island NY home, we find the decadent master bedroom suite, which features a private full Jacuzzi bath and plenty of walk-in closet space. IN additio... 02/09/2012

Orchard Estates New Construction Homes For Sale in Woodrow       Robert DeFalco Realty continues its excellent success in selling the New Construction Homes at Orchard Estates in Woodrow.  The Orchard Estates project started in January 2011 and was created by the renown custom builder, Robert Mack.  Mack has earned his reputation by honoring his commitments and exceeding his customer’s expectations.  His New Homes and New Construction Developments have garnered him a stellar reputation.                   Click here to visit our website                                                                   Orchard Estates in the Woodrow area of Staten Island is an elegant assembly of New Construction One and Two Family Attached homes for sale.  There are a total of 24 new homes in the first P... 02/07/2012

As I promised, Great Kills semi For Sale Papers and pictures almost ready, this 4 bedroom, 3 bath semi with garage, in Great Kills Staten Island is about to be offered. Large living room, hardwood flooring, master bedroom has walk in closet and 3/4 bath, first level also has a full bath, second kitchen, bedroom and play room. More to come, stay tuned or call me to be among the first to see it. 02/03/2012

a href="http://deborahbracco.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/great-kills-harbor-this-one.jpg"> Great Kills, Staten Island, N.Y. IS a great place to live. Great Kills Park has a beautiful beach, marina, trails, fishing, bird watching fields and sports fields. You can enjoy a meal by the sunset while sitting at the Marina Cafe, one of Staten Island's most well-known restaurants or its counterpart, The Marina Grand. Meanwhile, several other restaurants line the shore as well, so you have your pick. The town is also home to Great Kills Little League, one of 8 little leagues in Staten Island. Various schools, churches, libraries, and shopping is all within close access as well so convenience and beauty are side by side. Famous names that once lived here are the actors Rick Schroeder, actress Aly... 01/26/2012

Eltingville Has A New Food Store King Kullen is gone, now we have Stop & Shop I went in yesterday to take a look.  It looks good.  Most of the same workers from King Kullen stayed on.  I'm happy for that.  They were a good group of workers. Hey, this is not far from my new listing of 82 Pacific Ave.  If your looking to buy a nice one family detached home in this area, give me a call.  See you there. 01/25/2012

  Sellers, want to sell your home? Don't delay any longer, the mortgage rates are better than ever! Buyers ARE out there taking advantage of it RIGHT NOW! Buyers, are some of you still waiting to buy? DON'T WAIT! As of January 19, 2012, the results of Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Survey states that mortgage rates are reaching all time lows!! The average 30 year fixed mortgage rate has been below 4.0% for the last 6 weeks! The survey states that the 30 year fixed rate mortgage averages 3.89% while last year the 30 year fixed rate mortgage averaged 4.71% at this time.  The 15 year fixed rate mortgage averages 3.16% and last years 15 year fixed rate mortgage averaged 4.08%. So, like the saying goes "There's no time like the present!" Call me at 718-619-5701 or email me at deborahbracco@liv... 01/23/2012

Are you unable to make your mortgage payment?  Are you in over your head and don't know                                            which way to turn.  Don't get overwhelmed by an unmanageable mortgage payment.  I can                                             help you to get your home sold before its too late and you are facing the uneasiness of                                             foreclosure.  At Appleseed Homes we are well-trained to help you get a quick sale and move                                             on with your life, free of the burdens of a home you really can't afford.  You will receive                                             professional advice and help, we are equipped to deal with the banks and get the job done for                                        ... 01/21/2012

Don't renovate your home because home buyers will remodel to their liking, but you can add appeal. First view of home should be attractive and eye-catching so consider trimming existing shrubs or adding new ones and maintain a clean and neat entranceway. Add color to the home front by planting some pretty and colorful flowers. Pavers up the walkway or driveway add a nice touch. Paint front door and polish or replace door knob. A pretty door wreath is always welcoming. Buy a new front door welcome mat. Paint inside or touch up where ever needed, especially wall and door moldings. Shampoo or replace carpets, or even better, remove completely to reveal beautiful hardwood floors. Polish hardwood floors or clean ceramic tile floors to uncover their beauty. Clean windows to make them sparkle... 01/21/2012

This lovely one family detached home for sale is located on a large corner lot in Willowbrook Staten Island NY. It features 6 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and plenty of room for all.   Located on a 4,000 sq ft lot, this one family home for sale features fenced in propery and a large, fenced-in driveway. This home features a very large basement that is fully finished with a family room & office, a full bathroom, a summer kitchen, and even a private side entrance. This home for sale features plenty of room for getting work done and for having guests stay over. The first main level of this Willowbrook home for sale features a grand entry foyer, large living room/dining room combo, a working kitchen, family room, library, and a full bath. The second level features a large master bedroom with... 01/18/2012

   STATEN ISLAND, NY . SE ANNADALE,NEW CONSTRUCTION FOR SALE                   Top of the line New Construction! 10 beautiful homes for sale available in the beautiful, well kept SE Annadale location! These homes for sale are mint One family homes for sale with three bedrooms, including the master bedroom that has a private 3/4 bath. There are 4 bathrooms total with all top of the line amenities, fully tiled. This home for sale in Se Annadale features spacious living rooms and dining room, a large eat in kicthen with oak cabinets , granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances.This is a kitchen that is perfect for that gourmet chef in the home or for entertaining guests! The SE Annadale home for sale also offers a 2 car back to back garage wihich is great for parking all of your fami... 01/13/2012

Today I was delighted to speak at a local AARP Today, January 11, 2012 I was very pleased with my presentation and the warm welcome I received at the local AARP meeting. One of the recipients of my newsletter asked me if would be willing to speak at her local AARP chapter.  She said she liked my homeowner tips I write about in my quarterly newsletter. I gladly accepted, and today there were over 130 people in attendance. The folks were very much into the talk, home preventive maintenance and property Tax Exemptions, raising their hands and asking questions.  I know I am saving more then a few seniors money next year on their New York City Property Taxes by the response I got. If you live on Staten Island, and need a form or two, to help lower your taxes, give me a call.  Maybe I can hel... 01/11/2012

STATEN ISLAND, NY TODT HILL, HOMES FOR SALE   Must See this Impressive Home for Sale in Beautiful Todt Hill! This home for sale is located on a private dead end street with unbelievable view form every inch on the home, you will feel you are on top of the world! This a TURN KEY HOME!!                                                                   This All Brick Center Hall Colonial is a One Family 7500 sq ft of living space home for sale in the desirable Todt Hill area on a grand scale, definitely a rare find.  The home for sale features 14 spacious room in the home including 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms! In this home there is a Banquet size dining room that fits 14 -18 plus people for dinner , the dining room overlooks grand two story foyer with the mahogany front door and granite flo... 01/06/2012

STATEN ISLAND, NY PRINCES BAY CUSTOM HOMES FOR SALE One of a kind brick custom one family detached colonial home for sale with a magnificent two story entry on a custom tree lined block with beautiful custom homes. As you walk through the doors of this home you can't miss the grand oak wood banister staircase in this home for sale in Princes Bay. This home for sale is 4500 square feet of space, rare find! This home for sale features six generous size bedrooms including a huge master bedroom suite with cathedral ceilings, a custom dressing area, fireplace, a private bath with jacuzzi suite and of course a private balcony that overlooks the yard.  This home for sale also has a spiral staircase to a nice loft area that has a four piece bath and wet bar. The eat in kitchen in this home for ... 12/30/2011

Privacy abounds in this woodland hideaway. This High Rock home for sale is a custom colonial with 3 spacious bedrooms and 3 elegant bathrooms, on a massive 22,000 square foot property! This massive home is located in the serene, picturesque, and secluded High Rock neighborhood of Staten Island NY. This home is far too special to pass up. Take a look at some of the features and rooms below: A grand entry foyer welcomes you into this luxurious High Rock Staten Island NY home, featuring towering ceilings and skylights. The family room and formal living room make for great areas to relax and to entertain. As you can see, this High Rock home for sale features sliding glass doors to your own private slice of tranquility. You will be able to enjoy unmatched environment in the heart of the Stat... 12/28/2011

STATEN ISLAND, NY GREAT KILLS HOMES FOR SALE JUST LISTED! This beautiful Two Family 3 bedroom side hall colonial home for sale on a quiet street lined block In Great Kills!    When you walk through the doors to this two story entry you will see gleaming hardwood floors throughout this masterpiece home! You will Flow through beautiful French Doors to a very elegant Formal Dining room. Than flows to an extra large Formal living room with a gas fireplace, crown moldings through out the rooms and hardwood floors as well! These rooms are great for entertaining or to just come home to relax in you home after a long day! This home for sale also offers a warm and cozy Great Room that has sliders to the trex deck & entertainers yard, and of course the greatest feature is the "radiant heat" in th... 12/20/2011

  The Short Sale - What You Need to Know A short sale basically means a lender will be willing to take less than the total amount due on the property, in order to sell it as quickly as possible. These are not foreclosures - they are properties where the seller can no longer make payments, and is trying to avoid bankruptcy or foreclosure proceedings. This can be very appealing to buyers - good properties, at a great price. With so much potential for a excellent deal, it can seem to good to be true. There are no guarantees, however, that a short sale will be a breeze. Or even "short".  An acceptable offer that the lender finds appropriate takes research and an understanding of the current market. While the lenders are looking to sell properties, they aren't going to be willing to take ju... 12/12/2011