This morning we had a fantastic guest speaker- John Ingrassia from Image in Stone. He makes some AMAZING custom products, such as business card holders, golf tools, and gorgeous personalized gifts. Reach out to him for more info! 

Written by Diane Malagreca / NYS Licensed Associate Broker of Ditommaso Real Estate.

​Every buyer has a dream home in mind, but the buyer who wants to purchase a historic home has a vision of the future and also the past history.   Some buyers happen upon a historic home by chance, others by decision.  It is a decision based on a love of history, architecture and perhaps being an “old soul”.   Some of the features of historic homes are cornices, stained glass, lattice windows, pantries built in the wall, window seats that bring us back to days gone by.  Also, floor to ceiling windows and paneled shutters.  A buyer must either have the resources to make changes within the parameters of a landmarked home or be very skilled at restoration themselves.  This will be a work in progress and there will always be something to attend to.  
Savvy buyers might consult with an architectural historian or a building conservation expert.  Some might plunge right in and make an emotional decision without consulting these experts.  Most buyers look for good bones but are willing to make changes.  Some will even lift joists and fix structural issues that may arise.  A smart decision would be to hire an engineer that has an extensive knowledge of historical homes and will know exactly what to look for.  Bear in mind there may be electrical, plumbing updates and interestingly enough I had one couple tell me about “powder post beetles” that existed from the time the home was built, a serious issue to tackle.  The definition of a “powder post beetle” is a small brown beetle whose wood-boring larvae reduce wood to a very fine powder.  Not something a new homeowner wants to hear……………….
Some buyers will be attracted to tax incentives offered or lower interest loan options and grants available.  Most buyers want to purchase in an area that lends itself to historic homes, but some are more interested in the school district, what the area offers their family and convenience to the workplace.  An established neighborhood may be a draw to some or some may prefer a more rural area.  Buyers should research a landmarked property and understand that they have to maintain the original integrity of the home.  This may be as simple as using the same paint colors or it may mean  restoring the exterior, or restoring a cupola which is a small, most often dome-like, structure on top of a building. Often used to provide a lookout or to admit light and air, it usually crowns a larger roof or dome.
There are many advantages to purchasing a historical home.  Such as unmatched architecture, it can serve as a place for public functions such as wedding or tours.  Also valuable outbuildings that may come with the home such as a caretaker’s quarters, stable etc. The disadvantages of owning a historical home are costly restoration, possible structural issues, hazards like mold or lead paint, upkeep and maintenance costs and of course adhering to the strict guidelines, rules or restrictions.  
The history of the home is often an appeal to most buyers.  So an historic home is going to appeal to those who have a love of history and architecture.  There is nothing more charming than a home that has features of yesterday and beckons us back to a simpler time.  With this an owner will feel the warmth and keep the love in an older that it so justly deserves.  However, this gives an opportunity to buyers to have their heart in the history of the home and a chance to preserve a precious gem for future generations.

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New Member Ilene Greinsky, MS/Eldercare Resources works on assisting seniors in regard to in house Medicaid, Medicaid Pool Trusts and at the end of the day she is the hand holder for seniors. Ilene can be reached at 917-301-7624 or isgreinsky@aol.com for any of the above needs
Ida Coohill VP/Branch Mgr at Northfield Bank Tip of the Day is to beware of ATM machines. There are thieves who are installing cameras that can steal your data. Ida can be reached at 718-948-6700 or idac216@aol.com for any of your banking needs
Vanessa Rumayor, RN/BSN of Adele's Electrolysis Tip of the Day is watch out in this fluctuating weather that your allergies don't act up and you mistake it for a cold, see your doctor. Vanessa can be reached at 646-270 2607 or vmrumayor@aol.com for any of your beauty needs
Ronald P. Cutrone/Financial Advisor at Foundation Financial Advisors has two offices one here in Staten Island and one in Manhattan near Carnegie Hall. He uses strategies that other financial advisors do not use to build your portfolio. He specializes in covered calls, hedging and other financial strategies. Ron can be reached at 718-757-5100 or RPCutrone@brillsec.com for any of your financial needs
Sam Schiff/Owner of Computer Sam does computer, phone and laptop repairs. Sam can be reached at 646-761-5807 or computersamnyc@gmail.com or www.computersamnyc.com for any of your repair needs
Ed Brochin/Franchise Consultant/Fransight Tip of the Day is make sure you build your email address. Ed can be reached at 347-524-0222 or ebrochin@fransight.com for any of your franchise needs or if you're thinking of franchising your business
Dr. Joseph Castellano/Castellano Chiropractic wants to mention the difference between health and wellness and he does patient counseling and chiropractic health and wellness. His Tip of the Day is to beware of winter dehydration, keep yourself well hydrated and use lotion for dry skin. Dr. Joe can be reached at 718-236-8886 or drJoeCastellano@gmail.com for any of your health and wellness needs
Our Guest Speaker today was Lisa Vento Nielsen, MBA, PMP and she has opened career doors with her constant blogging. She teaches at The College of Staten Island and is affiliated with the Board of Education and their Ladders for Leaders program. She advises to use newsletters, blog and be informative and engaging and highlight your expertise. She writes her own content and if finished two e books. She has a corporate background of 15 years. She also advises in your business be an educator, lecture but use brevity and get your point across. She is a avid fan of Instagram, Instaquote and Twitter as well as YouTube.com. Use the power of social media to build your business, she builds her client base via blogging. She specializes in college and career readiness. You can visit her website at www.thenextstep1234.com. 
Today our meeting generated two referrals. 
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