The New York City Landmarks Preservation today voted unanimously to approve the designations of Horton’s Row on Staten Island, a group of four, rare single-family rowhouses on Staten Island, citing their distinctive architecture and important roles in the history of housing in New York City. Horton’s Row is comprised of four rarowhouses at 411, 413, 415 and 417 Westervelt avenues between Scribner and Corson avenues in Tompkinsville, located in northeastern Staten Island. They were constructed between 1880 & 1882, and were originally part of 12 identical attached masonry rowhouses that were built as affordable rental housing for middle-class families, but were converted to multi-family flats around 1901. The rowhouses were developed by Harry L. Horton, a successful banker and broker who also constructed and operated water plants on Staten Island, and was the president of the village of New Brighton.
The row was considered an anomaly, not only because most dwellings constructed in the 19th century on Staten Island were single-family frame houses, but also because it’s built on a slope with each building rising higher than the other, creating a stepped pattern.

NEED INFORMATION ABOUT A PUBLIC SCHOOL? VISIT THE SOURCE; http://schools.nyc.gov./default.aspx

LOOKING FOR THE MOST CREDIBLE INFORMATION IN NYC RE: CRIME IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD,

http://www.nyc.gov

There is a rental scam being perpetrated on Craigslist.The perpetrator goes by the name Mary at mary_hartkins5@yahoo.com. The scammer clones (copies and pastes) somebody else’ s listing for sale with their pictures, without their knowledge,permission or authority. The scammer then puts the for sale listing up for rent at a very low price under mary_hartkins5@yahoo.com. The scammer does not provide a phone #, just the above e-mail address. When a unsuspecting victim inquires they receive the following e-mail;
I just joined my husband whom has been on a ship building contract with nigerdock plc.Nigeria  www.nigerdock..com.I flew down to the country with our 4 year old daughter and we are going to be here till his project is concluded so we want the place occupied asap.

We initially anted to sell but we later changed our minds and wanting to rent now and looking for someone to move in asap,the place was newly renovated and is sparkling clean.

For now we are looking at a 1 or 2 year lease or rather lets know how long you wish to stay,just get back to me so i can know your plans and intentions as we want someone whom will take absolute care of the apartment.

Mary.

The next step Mary will ask the victim to wire her a deposit, and or rent. The victim has now been scammed. Unfortunately, craigslist has been slow to remove the fraudulent posting. SO BEWARE!

It was with great concern that I read the latest issue of my favorite periodical The Real Deal (Vol.7 No.6) The disturbing news articles outlined the closure of 2 well known NYC real estate firm’s here; JC DeNiro, and Coldwell Banker Hunt Kennedy. I agree with Publisher Amir Korangy’s sentiment that the summer of 2009 may be a time to fight on and figure out how to work with the hand the market has dealt us.

A Boutique Agency (such as Clove Lake Realty) could be described as a firm that has between 5 and 30 agents. Recently a number of small firms have gone out of business, and some large firms have changed their names (unable to pay their franchise fees) and downsized. But there are some smaller firms that are still surviving, and in some cases even thriving in the current market, namely Clove Lake Realty. The reason is their reputation, history, and established client base. That combined with advances in technology, marketing strategy, low overhead, and a personalized managerial style allow this small firm an advantage over larger franchises. In uncertain markets clients and customers lean toward well established firms that have survived tough times. Most sellers are looking for a firm that demonstrates stability and a hands on broker. Sales agents are jumping ship at many big companies where there is a lot of dead weight, anonymity, and your on your own attitude. They find solace at boutique companies due to more personalized training, guidance, and broker access. Buyers and sellers also realize boutique agencies provide the same access to peruse everything that’s on the market. I hope this blog will assist you when deciding to choose a real estate agency to represent you, or associate yourself with as an agent. Remember Clove Lake Realty Inc. is licensed by the NY State Department of State. Visit us on the web at www.clovelake.com or our office 1267 Clove Rd. S.I., N.Y. 10301, 718-556-7797

2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Info

Written by JOE RUNFOLA, Broker in Staten Island

May 20, 2009 5:23 PM Home Buying

No comments

7 views

WHO QUALIFIES? First time buyers who purchase homes between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009. To qualify as a first time home buyer the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.
WHICH PROPERTIES ARE ELIGIBLE? The 2009 first time home buyer tax credit may be applied to primary residences, including:single family homes, condos, townhouses, and co-ops.
HOW MUCH WILL THE CREDIT BE? The maximum allowable credit for home buyers is $8,000. Each home buyer’s credit is determined by two factors: The price of the home-the credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $8,000. and the buyer’s income-single buyers with incomes up to $75,000. and married couples with incomes up to $150,000.-may receive the maximum tax credit.
IF THE BUYER(S)’ INCOME EXCEEDS THESE LIMITS, CAN HE/SHE STILL GET a CREDIT? Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit. The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $75,000. and $95,000. for single buyers and between $150,000 and $170,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum qualifying income-over $95,000 for singles and over $170,000. for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Recently I have noticed some Real Estate Brokers and Sales agents with very poor or negative attitudes. Your attitude is a badge on display, at all times. Your facial expression, how you hold your body and the way you walk reflect your attitude. Personally I choose not deal with these pissey attitudes especially from uneducated, sloven, miserable,  tardy, hustling pot bellied little men. They can attempt to do business elsewhere, I’ll deal with well adjusted professionals when I can find them. Remember if you are a home owner searching for a Broker or Sales Agent to sell your home the person you choose to buy, sell, or rent a home represents YOU. I would want to be represented by one with a positive attitude. Do you know any pissey attitudes real estate know it all wannabes, you want to “OUT” publicly? Any Real Estate experiences you with to share?

Do you have a favorite restaurant? I do. My favorite Staten Island restaurant is the TRATTORIA ROMANA. Located at 1476 Hylan Boulevard. This Italian restaurant has excellent food, and the most friendly professional waiters. A great meal is truly one of life’s pleasures. Chef Vitorio, and his staff truly care about your experience here. You will be treated with esteem by their attentive, friendly, and caring manner. I give this restaurant my highest recommendation!

WOW!, CLOVE LAKE REALTY is now the best place to search for more available apartments, and home rentals!, they actually show exterior and interior photos of the rentals!, landlords pay NO FEE!, and they get a credit report on the potential tenant upon request! So what are you waiting for? Call Clove Lake Realty NOW! to rent that apartment. www.clovelake.com