This past month's real estate numbers are notably less concerning than April's, but still strange upon detailed examination.

To begin, current days on the market averaged just 138, which is lower than we have seen in seven months, when the number fell to 135 in October. This beat last month's already low 149, and fell 25% from 183 days in May 2013. This is also among the lowest we have seen in several years; homes are selling so fast, it is difficult to keep them in stock.

This increase in sale speed is coupled with a slight price increase over the prior month. Homes in May fetched a median sale price of $380,000, compared to the previous month's $368,250. However, this number is far lower than last year's $415,000 by more than 8%. The percentage of…

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We want to make sure your yard is ready for the summer! The last thing you want is to not be prepared for backyard fun in the sun days, so let us get started!

  • A properly maintained garden: A garden is not a need for your yard, but it does dress it up, and is good for the environment! If you know you will not have time to take care of a garden, opt for drought-tolerant plants. They do not need as much care and can survive through rainy days or the summer heat.
  • Furniture: No need to worry about if you took cushions inside anymore! There are now outdoor sets that are made with acrylic fabric and are fade resistant and waterproof! You can now create a permanent outdoor living set up!
  • Cooking space: Create a space needed for efficient prepping,…

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April was one of the strangest months in recent memory when it came to real estate numbers. The question is, what will it mean in May? 

Perhaps strangest of all is the median sale price. Of all homes sold in Staten Island in April 2014, the median sale price was a mere $369,000. We have not seen numbers this low since 2011, when the median sale price for the month of May fell to $360,000. Alone, this number seems odd, but it is even more puzzling when looking at inventory numbers.

Available inventory on the market during April was just 1977 homes in total. In April 2013, 2423 homes were up for sale locally. Although up from the previous month (March 2014 listed just 1859), the median for the past 5 months of 1859 compared to the summer median last…

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Just because you are moving out, does not allow you let your house go. It is probably the most important now to keep up with your chores and house’s appearance since you are going to want it to look welcoming and ready to buy!

  • The lawn: The first thing buyers are going to see is the front of your house. Letting the lawn go uncut is not the first impression you want to make for your house; your lawn sets the exceptions of your house to the buyer before they even step foot inside. Be sure the lawn is mowed, brushes are trimmed, and weeds are pulled.
  • Scents: Give your house the “sniff test”. There is nothing more off putting to a buyer than a house that smells stale or like litter boxes. Sometimes, we are so immune to the smells of our own home that…

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When a disaster strike within your home, you feel a little relief knowing your home insurance will be there to pick up the pieces. But did you know there are certain things that are not covered? It is always important to read the fine print and know what your plan covers. Here is a general list of damages most insurance policies do not cover and how to prevent them from occurring:

  • Mold. There are about 1,000 different species of mold. Not only does it look disgusting, it is also a health risk, especially for people with allergies or breathing problems. Standard homeowner insurance limits its coverage for mold outbreaks. Prevention: contain moisture in your home. If your basement, doorways, or windows leak during a rainstorm, or if a pipe leaks,…

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It is becoming a common lawsuit in states like California and Colorado against properties without disability access. Do not let that be yout case! If someone in your household (family member, tenant, or renters) needs a wheelchair to get around, you are going to want to equip the home to benefit their needs and promote safety for them. 

  • Begin with the home’s entrance. The cost to build a ramp varies depending on the materials and size of the entrance. The ramp should include handrails, non-slip surface, and a cover. If a ramp will make your exterior look cluttered, consider investing in a vertical platform ramp. Also consider installing the ramps or platform at every entrance for the house.
  • Stairs: If the home is more than one floor, invest in a…

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“Your bathroom is the size of my apartment!” Did you ever think that was a bit of an exaggeration until you lived in your very own apartment and realized the statement can stand true? Here are ways to make the most of your space:

  • Furniture with storage. Not only does it serve its initial purpose, but will also helps declutter. Consider getting a storage ottoman, television stand with shelves, a coffee table with an opening top, and a bed with draws under it. All this storage will be helpful in the long run. 
  • Fold away table. Want a table to eat on but do not want to give up the space? Consider a collapsible table or even a fold-up wall table.
  • Need extra storage? Carrie Bradshaw had the right idea when she stored stuff in her oven. You do not…

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If you have a front yard, you are going to want to make it stand out and look good every season. Here are some tips to follow by to help you put together your Front Yard Garden. 

  • Use containers that can be moved so you can plant according to season: tulips in spring, daisies in summer, mums in fall, and evergreen in the winter.
  • Create a gravel path with a stone walkway. It will help you maneuver around as well as giving your garden the extra focal points.
  • Include lighting. If your walkway to your house appears dark, it will feel unwelcoming. Try solar panel lighting to brighten up your walkway at night and to give it some appeal.
  • Be sure to plan your landscape so that it can be enjoyed in all angles.
  • If the space allows it, add a sitting…

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With Earth Day approaching, we are providing tips to help make your house environmentally friendly and help lower the cost of your bills! Just by changing and installing a few things, you can make a BIG difference!

  • Install motion sensor light switches or dimmer switches. Just dimming the light will more than doubles the bulb’s life span. Use Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) bulbs; they use about one-fifth less electric power and last eight times longer.
  • Getting indoor plants will help clean your air. You can begin an indoor herb garden in your kitchen (a popular recommandation from TrendingSINY.com's Top Ten List!), or just have flower and/or greenery plants around your home. 
  • If you can, opt for a gas stove instead of an electric stove. It is…

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With the looming ghost of Hurricane Sandy overhead, it’s difficult to ascertain how much this March’s housing statistics have actually improved in comparison to last year. 

Monthly sales increased fifteen percent from last month, a hopeful sign of a steady spring and summer season. 

Home Sales on Staten Island for March 2014Mortgage rates have seesawed back and forth in March but have remained relatively stagnant.  Fortunately, sales have gone up fifteen percent from the month before, with 223 homes sold in March.  When compared to last year (pre-Sandy) the numbers are seemingly on track for a strong spring/summer sales period, although difficult to accurately compare with this exact time last year due to the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. 

The average cumulative number of days that homes…

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