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The Best Places for Holiday Shopping on Staten Island’s North Shore

We can hardly believe the holiday shopping season is upon us! Friends, family, co-workers; it seems like every year our lists grow a little bit longer. While some shoppers will instantly flock to their laptops in search of the best deal, Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty likes to keep it local. Some of our favorite places for unique gift-giving options are conveniently located right in the heart of the bustling north shore of our borough. So, if you’re looking to cross some names off your holiday shopping list then check out these recommendations for the best places for holiday shopping on Staten Island’s north shore.

Forest Avenue Shopping Center, Port Richmond

Located at the corner of Forest & Barrett Aves., this retail space originally opened in 1957. An open shopping mall, with over 800 parking spaces, Forest Avenue Shopping Center is home to about 20 retailers. In 2015, the area was completely renovated providing shoppers with a beautiful new façade to enjoy as they shop. PetSmart, TJ Maxx, Party City, and Michaels Craft stores are just a few of the fantastic stores in this development. Work up an appetite searching for deals? Trust us, you’ve come to the right place! This complex offers an array of restaurants where you can grab lunch before resuming your holiday shopping marathon.

Empire Outlets, St. George

Right outside the Staten Island Ferry terminal lies an oasis of more than 350,000 sq. feet of retail space in New York City’s first outlet mall. Empire Outlets features over 100 designer stores and 3.5 acres of outdoor green space. Tenants include such notable retailers as H&M, Nordstrom Rack, Nike Factory, and Gap Inc.’s subsidiaries Banana Republic and Old Navy. Even Ebenezer Scrooge would agree that the deals at Empire Outlets simply can’t be beat!

Wicked Stitches, West Brighton

Wicked Stitches in West Brighton embroiders monograms and other designs on any item you bring into their store, without having to buy one of their items first. So, if you want a personal item you own already to be embroidered, they can do it for you. Wicked Stitches also allows you to buy from their line of products to embroider for gifts this holiday season. Monograms start at $5 and up. It’s the perfect place to purchase a custom gift this holiday for a friend or business owner.

Richmond Hood Company, West Brighton

Staten Island is an obscurely special place. It’s New York City without a question, but it’s also a proper small island community. The Richmond Hood Company’s goal is to showcase and celebrate this unique cultural blend while offering a nice mix of footwear, apparel, eyewear, accessories, and skate goods. This specialty shop sells products that are hard to find and represent the local flavor with their selection of t-shirts, hoodies & gifts representing the whole island.

Hall of Frames, Grasmere

Is there an art lover on your list? Hall of Frames in Grasmere sells local artists’ paintings in the store. You can also buy the art in a custom-made frame. If you don’t want to buy the original painting, you can buy a print of the painting instead. Stocking stuffers rejoice, the store also sells other local business items including soaps, scarves, and jewelry.

Honor Wines, St. George

Honor Wines is a family-owned wine shop that specializes in organic small-batch, delicious, unique wines. The establishment’s knowledgeable and approachable staff will be only too happy to assist you with selecting the perfect bottle of spirits to take to your holiday party or to give as a holiday gift. Bonus tip, the store hosts a meet and greet every Friday where friends and neighbors can sample some of the store’s unique stock. Buy a bottle as a gift and take one home for yourself.

Gifted, West Brighton: Gifted is a kaleidoscope of curious trinkets, classic toys, handmade jewelry, small-batch sweets, bath & body products, men’s grooming gifts, scented candles, tabletop gifts, and fashion accessories. The store is a celebration of all seasons, traditions and occasions – including the holidays! They offer great gifts for men, women and children. In addition, Gifted ships nationwide and offers in-store pickup. You can’t beat the convenience or the selection at this north shore treasure.

As your dedicated Staten Island Licensed Real Estate Broker, Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty wants to help you get to know and support our local small business owners. So, get out there and enjoy the season in some of these north shore establishments that will undoubtedly have the perfect presents for everyone on your list!

Find a great deal or unique gift at one of these locations? Message us or tag us on one of our social media handles. We wish all of our friends and followers a Happy Holiday from Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty, 4 Minthorne Street, Staten Island N.Y.10301 Today! Office: #718-702-6848 or #917-414-0847

More about Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty

Buying or selling a home is an exciting yet stressful time, so finding the right realty is an extremely important decision. We believe that there are two kinds of Real Estate professionals: those who understand the emotional and financial complexity of selling and buying a home, and those who don’t. If the idea of buying or selling a home is perplexing to you, look no further: we work with integrity and knowledge to guarantee that your experience is unmatched.

Don’t hesitate to contact us on Facebook or Twitter, and be sure to visit our about page. Holly can also be reached by email Holly@WiesnerOlivieri.com. Find out why our clients keep recommending us as their Staten Island Real Estate company of choice!

I look forward to meeting up with you soon!

Tips For Decorating Your First Staten Island Home

You’ve finally purchased your first home and you’re absolutely bursting with excitement. But before you dive into a world of paint samples and fabric swatches, it’s a good idea to slow down and take a deep breath. While you may be in a hurry to put your personal stamp on your new property, becoming a homeowner involves a large financial commitment. Let Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty help you balance your checkbook while giving you some practical ideas for decorating your first home.

It may seem counterintuitive but decorating your first home actually begins with purging your previous residence. This critical first step will not only make your current digs easier to pack up, but it will help you feel less stressed during the moving process. It’s a good idea to rid yourself of anywhere from 25% to 50% percent of your old stuff. Items you’ll want to discard may include wobbly furniture, old linens, and those dust-collecting knickknacks you’ve accumulated over the years. Plan on having a garage sale, auction items off on eBay, or donate them to charity. Remember, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

Once you’ve got the keys to your new house, go immediately to the bedroom. Why? Because you’ll be spending one-third of your life in that room! Opt for new bedding and don’t skimp on thread count. If you can afford it, paint your bedroom walls to complement your new bedding. You may also want to add coordinating window treatments. Invest in a sturdy bed frame and headboard that reflects your personality and unique style.

When it comes to home furnishings, fight the urge to match. Retail stores would love for you to buy everything in sets, but don’t do it! A few pieces with the same styling are fine, but any more than that and your home has the lifeless, generic look of a furniture showroom. Make sure your own personal style comes through! Your top priority should be proportion, scale, and balance of your furniture and accessories within each room. Don’t overcrowd your home! In addition, use color to tie your living spaces together. If you have a splash of blue in your kitchen countertops, try to incorporate some of that color into your living room with either a piece of accent furniture or throw pillow in the same tone. Color can be the ultimate unifier.

Remember, don’t bust your budget by thinking you need to buy everything all at once. A good rule of thumb is to live in your new home for at least two months before making any significant purchases. Consider how you’re going to utilize your new space. Ask yourself, “what are my priorities?” If you like to entertain on a regular basis, investing money into a kitchen renovation may be more important to you than purchasing furniture for the media room. Get to know your house and give yourself time to “live” in it before making any huge purchases.

Finally, try to solve your problems inexpensively. Freshen dated kitchen cabinets with a new coat of paint and consider changing out the hardware. Replacing bathroom light fixtures or updating medicine cabinets can immediately improve the room’s appearance without breaking the bank. Artwork and accent walls are also a good way to bring a new, updated vibe into what might be considered dated décor. Use what you have before getting into debt by impulse buying.

Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty is proud to serve as a resource for all your home buying needs! Whether you need advice envisioning how to decorate your new property or require our help to stage a home you want to put on the market for sale; we are here for you!

Contact Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty, 4 Minthorne Street, Staten Island N.Y.10301 Today! Office: #718-702-6848 or #917-414-0847. Be sure to follow Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and of course, Instagram for more ideas on decorating and staging your property!

More about Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty

Be sure to visit our about page. Holly can also be reached by email Holly@WiesnerOlivieri.com. Find out why our clients keep recommending us as their Staten Island Real Estate company of choice!

7 Must See Staten Island Attractions To Visit This Fall

7 Must See Staten Island Sites This Fall

Staten Island is known as both the “borough of parks” and “the forgotten borough,” but Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty believes it should also be recognized as one of the most family-friendly New York City destinations. With a rich cultural history dating back to 1661 and the Revolutionary War, families will undoubtedly find many of our borough’s landmarks both educational and entertaining. Here are 7 must-see Staten Island sites this fall.

1) Staten Island Children’s Museum: 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301

Staten Island Children’s Museum is located in the historical district, Sung Harbor. Although it isn’t a recognized landmark, Snug Harbor’s very own children’s museum has entertained NYC kids since 1974 when it was founded by a group of parents. The museum opened in 1976 in a small rented storefront with one exhibit and program. A series of “hands-on, minds-on” exhibitions followed about history, the natural science, and fine arts. By 1980, space limitations drove the museum to seek a larger venue. The City of New York invited the Children’s Museum to join the Cultural Institutions Group, which included plans for the Museum to relocate to the ground so the newly acquired 83-acre Snug Harbor. In 1986, the museum opened the doors to its new home. In 2003, the facility expanded to 40,000 square feet with the addition of the historic barn and the bi-level glass passageway. In 2013, the Museum completed another capital project, with the addition of a state-of-the-art tented picnic and performance pavilion on the East Meadow, and a vertical axis wind turbine and wind scoop addition to its roof. The mission of the Staten Island Children’s Museum is to nurture the creativity and curiosity natural to all children, to recognize and celebrate different learning styles, and to demonstrate vividly that learning can be exciting and fun.

2) Staten Island Zoo: 614 Broadway, Staten Island, NY 10310

The biggest “little” zoo in America, the Staten Island Zoo showcases more than 1,100 animals nestled in a beautiful eight-acre park. The Zoo’s collection has nearly doubled over the last two years and features over 350 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates from six of the world’s seven continents. Referred to as Barrett Park until the 1960s, the Staten Island Zoo has a long and interesting history. Since 1936, the family-friendly zoo has strived to educate college students, educators and the public about wildlife. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for children. Children under 2 are free.

3) Richmond County Bank Ballpark: 75 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301

The Richmond County Bank Ballpark at St. George (RCB Ballpark) is located on the north-eastern tip of Staten Island in historic St. George. The ballpark is the home of the Staten Island Yankees, the NY-Penn League affiliate of the New York Yankees, and of Wagner College Seahawks Baseball. RCB Ballpark has 18 regular-sized luxury suites along with a 60-person Skyline Suite with one of the best views of the harbor. A small kids’ area is located down the left-field line with games. A replica of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge is located on top of the main scoreboard.

4) Alice Austen House: 2 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305

Home to an ambitious Victorian female photographer, the Alice Austen House was built in 1690 as a one-room Dutch farmhouse. Referred to as “Clear Comfort” it was purchased in 1844 by John Haggerty Austen, Alice Austen’s grandfather. Alice Austen herself moved there as a young girl in the late 1860s with her mother, Alice Cornell Austen, after the two were abandoned by Alice’s father. In 1917, Gertrude Tate moved in, and the two lived together until financial problems forced them to move in 1945. When they left, the house fell into disrepair until a group of concerned citizens saved it from demolition in the 1960s. The house successfully gained status as a historic landmark and was restored in the mid-1980s. The home now functions as a museum comprised of exhibitions that showcase Austen’s prized photographs. For a small donation, your family can see the world through the lens of one of Staten Island’s most talented female photographers.

5) Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden: 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301

Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden is the result of more than four decades of restoration and development to convert a 19th-century charitable rest home for sailors to a regional arts center, botanical gardens, and public park. It is a place where history, architecture, gardens, agriculture, visual and performing arts, and education come together to provide a dynamic experience for all ages. Snug Harbor consists of 28 buildings, fourteen distinctive botanical gardens, a two-acre urban farm, wetlands, and park land. Visitors of Snug Harbor can take a stroll through the magnificent Chinese Scholar’s Garden or take in a show at its historical Music Hall.

6) Garibaldi-Meucci Museum: 420 Tompkins Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305

The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is owned and administered by the Order Sons of Italy in America. It was the home of Antonio Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone, and a refuge to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the legendary hero who championed the unification of Italy. For over 50 years the museum has fulfilled its mission to preserve the legacies of these great men and to promote understanding of the Italian-American heritage through cultural, artistic and educational programs and classes. With an admission price of $10, you can explore the rich and complex history of these prominent Italian figures.

7) Staten Island Lighthouse Museum: 200 The Promenade at Lighthouse Point, Staten Island, NY 10301

Located on the former site of the United States Lighthouse Service’s (USLHS) General Depot in St. George, Staten Island, the National Lighthouse Museum educates visitors about the history and technology of the nation’s lighthouses. The General Depot was the national headquarters, testing ground, and distribution center for all materials and equipment used by light keepers and USLHS personnel from 1864 to 1939. Once a lively and bustling site of 18 buildings, today only 6 remain. It is 2,400 square feet and is self-guided. Museum exhibits include Beacons Through Time, Supplying the Nation’s Light Stations: The General Depot, Optics: Projecting the Light, Life at the Light: Lighthouse Keepers, and much more! Children under 12 can enjoy free admission, while adults pay $5 per ticket for entry.

Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty believes once you’ve visited Staten Island you will want to call it home – and there is simply no more beautiful time to enjoy our borough than in the fall! If you’re in the market to purchase a home near one of these family-friendly locations, we can help. When you choose Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty Inc. as your realtor we consider the needs of the entire family! Contact Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty 4 Minthorne Street Staten Island N.Y.10301 Today! Office: #718-702-6848 or #917-414-0847

Be sure to follow Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and of course, Instagram!

Thank you, Marc and Margaret, For Another Great Review on Zillow

Thank you, Marc and Margaret, for the fantastic review! It was my pleasure to make it all happen on the sale of your duplex in Bay St. Landing, St.George.

Check out more Happy Clients, here. Looking for Staten Island North Shore Homes? Click here.

Home Organizing Tips from Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty

It may be hard to believe but we’re already more than halfway through 2019! As we look towards these last few weeks of summer maybe we should review some of those New Year’s resolutions we made. Were your plans to lose weight? Save money? Start a new career? Did you have any specific goals you may have set for your home? A home should be a sanctuary for both you and your family. Keeping it beautiful, clean, and efficient is healthy for your mind, body, and spirit.

At Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty, we know our clients live busy and active lives. It’s easy for home organizing to be a low priority on your family’s “to do” list. However, when you streamline your life through organization, you ultimately help alleviate undue stress.

If you are looking to purchase a home, being organized will help you prepare for moving into your new residence. Purging old possessions and sorting through your family’s most cherished mementos will ensure you take only what you need and help safeguard what means the most to you.

When you’re looking to place your home on the market, you want your property to shine. It’s time to declutter and put away items that may distract buyers from being able to imagine the space as their own. As we prepare to market your property through video, photography, social media and open house events; it’s crucial to remember organization is key. Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty will be there to help guide you every step of the way.

Are you ready to get started? Here’s a list of 7 tips from our Instagram series, Holly’s Home Organizing Tips.

Tip #1: Make A Plan: Bullet point specific areas in your home and what you want to organize. Know what household areas are your priority. Get the family involved to divide and conquer.

Tip #2: Use A Label Maker: Labels will help you to know what things are and remember where they are stored.

Tip #3: Color Coordinate: Let color be your guide. Keep pots and pans from the same collection. Buy prep tools and kitchen accessories with similar coloring. The same color palate helps unite a space.

Tip #4: Replace the Mismatched: Replace mismatched glassware and towels with a matching set. Continuity promotes organization.

Tip #5: Remove the Clutter: Remove elements of clutter from cabinets, drawers, and countertops. If you have not used it in six months, donate it or throw it away.

Tip #6: Expired Items: Check your pantry, medicine cabinet, make-up drawer, cleaning supplies and toiletries. If it’s expired, toss it.

Tip #7: Organize Photos: Print several pictures from your electronic collection each week. You will now have the keepsakes forever and you don’t have to worry about old electronic files becoming obsolete.

Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty Inc. is committed to our clients. We can help you stage your home to optimize its buying and selling potential. Contact Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty
4 Minthorne St. Staten Island N.Y.10301 Today! Office: #718-702-6848 or #917-414-0847

More about Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty

I look forward to meeting up with you soon!

8 Secrets of The Staten Island Ferry

For more than 200 years, the Staten Island Ferry’s iconic orange fleet has easily become one of the most recognized symbols of our borough. These boats transport millions of passengers across the Hudson River from the St. George Ferry Terminal to Manhattan’s Whitehall in downtown Battery Park. Whether for business or pleasure, the panoramic views of the Verrazano Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and New York City skyline make this mode of transportation truly one-of-a-kind. With such deep-rooted NYC history, check out these 8 secrets of the Staten Island Ferry.

It wasn’t always orange: While it’s hard to imagine the Staten Island Ferry without its distinctive bright orange paint, its original color was actually a much more boring white. White boats were a trend in the early 1900s. However, in 1926 the city opted to change the color in favor of the burnt-orange alternative. The color choice helped allow the boats to be easily seen in fog and snow, increasing the overall safety of the crew and passengers.
Vanderbilt Family Money Started the Fleet: In 1810, 16-year-old Cornelius Vanderbilt received $100 for his birthday. He used the money to purchase a periauger boat and started a ferry and freight service. Vanderbilt would take people, cargoes of fish, and produce from Manhattan to Staten Island. His business grew so quickly, he eventually enlisted the help of his brother-in-law to create the first motorized ferry in New York City. The family bought up all the other competition and established the Staten Island Ferry route.
It Wasn’t Always A Free Ride: Throughout the history of the Staten Island Ferry, the cost has ranged from a nickel to fifty cents per passenger. On July 4, 1997, New York City decided to do away with any cost to ferry goers, establishing the 30-minute ride would remain free for all.
It is the Most Reliable NYC Transportation: The ferry carries approximately 25 million passengers annually on a 5.2-mile run. Boats operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. On a typical weekday, five boats make 117 trips, carrying approximately 75,000 passengers. Unlike the New York City subway system, the Department of Transportation (DOT) boasts the Staten Island Ferry is on time for close to 92% of its rides.
The Ferry Was Once Separated by Gender: The Staten Island Ferry was once divided into a men and women’s section. In the early years of the NYC Ferry system, restrooms were divided on either side of the boats; men were on one side and women were sent to the other. In an effort to make life easier for passengers who needed to locate restrooms, signs were made so they wouldn’t circle the boats trying to find them. It was because of these signs that men often sat in one section of the ferry and women were asked to sit on the other.
The Staten Island Ferry was part of the 9/11 Boatlift: The Staten Island Ferry, along with all other ferries serving the city, relocated tens of thousands of people out of harm’s way during the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Staten Island Ferry Boat captains sailed in nearly zero visibility helping save countless lives by bringing people from the devastated financial district to the safety of St. George Terminal.
The Ferry Once Carried More Than Just People: In the 19th century, the Staten Island ferry moved horses. With the evolution of automotive technology, those horses were eventually replaced by cars that were allowed on the boat for the cost of $3. However, after the September 11th attacks, the ferry banned cars altogether.
NASDAQ Paid for the Latest Boat: The newest addition to the DOT fleet is the American Legion. It was purchased with $1 million dollars that were donated by the NASDAQ Disaster Relief Fund to enable the Department of Transportation (DOT) to respond to emergency situations in and around lower Manhattan. Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding in Somerset, Massachusetts built the vessel, which was delivered in March 2007. The new boat can hold 12 passengers in addition to its crew and has a top speed of 30 knots.

Are you in the market for a home with an iconic view of the Staten Island Ferry? Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty Inc. is here to help! Check out homes in St. George and surrounding areas near the iconic Staten Island Ferry, some properties which can provide you with a daily glimpse of this quintessential orange fleet.

More about Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty

I look forward to meeting up with you soon!

Just Sold! Spectacular Luxury Duplex in Bay St. Landing, Staten Island New York 10301

Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty understands that buying a home can be stressful and exciting all at the same time. Once you’ve put down roots in a community, the idea of relocating elsewhere – even within the same city – may seem like a daunting task. Fearing the unknown can work against you purchasing a new property and that reluctance to step out of your comfort zone can result in a missed opportunity. So, have you ever asked yourself – “What would it take to get me to move?” Check out what just sold in Saint George! A Spectacular Luxury Duplex in Bay St. Landing, Staten Island New York, 10301.

We received a phone call from a couple who was requesting a showing at Bay Street Landing. The woman said it would have to be “a very special home” to convince them to leave their current address of 26 years. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty knew we had the perfect property in a location they just could not resist – Bay Street Landing in historic Saint George!

Historic St. George & Bay Street Landing:

Home to the Staten Island Ferry terminal, St. George is a vibrant community on a hill that’s infused with charming Victorian homes, a bustling downtown strip, the borough’s municipal buildings, and trendy restaurants. With the grand opening of Empire Outlets in downtown St. George it’s New York City’s first and only outlet mall featuring 100 designer outlet stores!

Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty, Inc. is proud to assist our clients with purchasing waterfront properties in this dynamic area! With all the amenities included in this north shore community, we knew 48 Bay Street Landing would absolutely compliment the buyers’ current lifestyle and careers while providing them with the potential for a great financial investment.

A Home That Matches A Lifestyle

Located on the waterfront with spectacular views of the Manhattan Skyline and the Verrazano Bridge, our clients loved the ambiance and convenience of being minutes away from the Staten Island Ferry. They could not resist all St. George had to offer and ultimately decided to leave their previous residence of 26 years to purchase one of the most spectacular and luxurious duplex homes Bay Street Landing has to offer! This magnificently renovated luxury duplex transformation of 2000 sq.ft., including 2 + bedrooms and 2.5 baths is one of the largest units in this co-op building. This property contains a breathtaking grand entrance, soaring 18 ft. ceilings and a dramatic overhead mezzanine. The sellers preserved the original century ceiling architecture, ductwork, and timber beams. Every stone of the original brickwork was also cleaned and restored to highlight its natural beauty. Our new buyers will enjoy fabulous water views and stunning sunsets in a home that matches their lifestyle while enjoying the all amenities Bay Street Landing has to offer.

Amenities include a gym, tennis courts, barbeque area, basketball court, dog run, and playground. Minutes to the free ferry, the New Empire Outlets, restaurants, St.George Theatre, Staten Island Yankees Ballfield, Lighthouse Museum, and the future Lighthouse Point. Enjoy luxury living in this prestigious gated community, 24-hour security and includes 1 parking space. The amazing home’s outstanding flow and energy are a delightful treat for the soul! Much happiness to the new owners! Welcome to Bay St. Landing!

Interested in exploring properties in Bay Street Landing? Does the charm and convenience of historic St. George appeal to your home buying needs?

Then check out my current listing at 10 Bay Street Landing, another SPECTACULAR DUPLEX TOWNHOUSE FOR SALE! It’s a magnificent 1150 sq.ft, 1-bedroom mezzanine unit with 2 baths. 15ft. + soaring ceilings, a tremendous walk-in closet, and custom wall to wall bedroom cabinets right in the heart of the North Shore. LOW MONTHLY MAINTENANCE FEE and an assigned parking space included in your purchase.

Click Here

Another AMAZING LUXURY DUPLEX FOR SALE! A totally renovated oversized 1 bedroom mezzanine conversion to a 2 bedroom/office space. Fabulous PANORAMIC WINDOWS with Spectacular Manhattan skyline, New York harbor views.

Minutes to the Ferry, near buses, restaurants, shopping & schools. Quick & easy commute to Manhattan and conveniently located near the New Empire Outlets, St. George Theatre, Staten Island Yankees Ballfield, Lighthouse Museum, and the future Lighthouse Point!

You don’t want to pass up these amazing properties!

More about Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty

Contact Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty 60 Bay St. Suite 701 Staten Island N.Y.10301 Today! Office: #718-702-6848 or #917-414-0847

10 Little Known Facts About the Verrazano Bridge

As one of the most iconic Staten Island landmarks, the Verrazano Bridge provides millions of commuters with safe passage to the outer boroughs. Homes for sale near the Verrazano Bridge offer a multitude of convenience and some of the borough’s most gorgeous views. The structure was named after Italian Giovanni da Verrazzano who was the first European explorer to sail the Atlantic coast of North America. Unfortunately, New York City officials misspelled the bridge’s namesake using only one “z” in the spelling of the name in its 1964 unveiling. In October 2018, the spelling error that had spanned decades was finally corrected when Governor Cuomo who agreed to add a long-lost “z” to Staten Island’s Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge Grammatical errors aside, the bridge has a long and interesting history.

Here are 10 little-known facts about the Verrazano Bridge

01.) It was one of the fastest bridges ever built! The Verrazano only took five years to complete. This was a sharp contrast to the Brooklyn Bridge which took almost 16 years from start to finish.

02.) Close to 7,000 residents in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn were displaced to make room for the construction of the Verrazano. Thanks to eminent domain these Brooklynites were forced to move to other areas of their borough, with some choosing to relocate entirely to Staten Island.

03.) The Verrazano is the world’s heaviest bridge weighing a whopping 1,265,000 tons!

04.) On the day of its original opening, the cost of the toll was $0.50. It now costs commuters $17.00 to cross one way.

05.) The Verrazano Bridge was designed by architect Othmar Amman. Amman went on to design 5 additional New York City area bridges including the George Washington, Bayonne, Triborough, Bronx Whitestone, and Throgsneck.

06.) The upper and lower decks of the Verrazano did not open at the same time. The upper deck opened in November of 1964. However, the lower deck wasn’t opened until five years later in 1969. The reason for two decks? To accommodate the massive amount of traffic influx as people began to call Staten Island home.

07.) Surprisingly, animals have caused a lot of issues on the Verrazano Bridge. With Staten Island’s rising deer population, it’s no wonder a few have ended up attempting to cross the historic bridge. In addition, peregrine falcons have nested on the Verrazano for years with New York City’s Environmental Protection officials working in conjunction with the MTA to ensure these birds are kept safe.

08.) Regular maintenance of the Verrazano Bridge is a must. It takes approximately 11,530 gallons of paint to help protect the bridge and keep it looking beautiful despite New York City’s harsh weather elements.

09.) On June 28, 1976, the world’s largest American flag was hung on the Verrazano Bridge to celebrate our country’s bicentennial. However, the designer did not consider the force of the wind across the structure and the 71,000-foot flag became shredded in just a few hours.

10.) It cost approximately $320 million to build the Verrazano Bridge in 1964. In 2019, the comparable cost would be close to 3 billion dollars, a substantial difference.

Interested in homes for sale near the Verrazano Bridge? Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty Inc. is dedicated to addressing all your realty needs in the borough we love. As a native Staten Island, Holly Wiesner Olivieri has called the north shore home for her entire life. Are you ready to work with a realty firm that is committed to the Staten Island community and its unique history? Contact Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty 60 Bay St. Suite 701 Staten Island N.Y.10301 Today! Office: #718-702-6848 or #917-414-0847

Be sure to follow Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and of course Instagram to see more fantastic properties around the Verrazano Bridge!

5 Home Maintenance Tips For Winter

As mother nature becomes prepared to move from fall to winter, Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty wants to help you tackle some important household maintenance tasks that will ensure your house stays safe and warm during these cold weather months.

From the attic to the basement, “Holly’s 5 Winter Home Maintenance Tips” will save you money on your energy bills, keep your hoses and faucets from freezing, and help your heater hum with efficiency. So, grab your toolbox and get started on these December chores, courtesy of your neighborhood North Shore realtor.

Tip #1: Insulate Exposed Water Pipes: A frozen or burst pipe is a very unpleasant winter surprise, so it’s a good idea to insulate water pipes in a crawlspace to reduce the chance of freezing.

Tip #2: Winterize Outdoor Spigots: It’s important to drain and cover outdoor hose faucets to prevent the pipes and spigot from freezing.

Tip #3: Disconnect Those Garden Hoses: Now is the time to head outside and drain your garden hoses before freezing weather arrives. Hoses left attached and full of water can be ruined if the water freezes and splits the hose.

Tip #4: Insulate Drop Down Attic Stairs: While you’re in the attic, don’t forget the attic stairs! Drop down attic stair ladders are notorious for leaking precious heated air into the attic and reducing the energy efficiency of your home.

Tip #5: Replace Your Furnace Air Filter: The air filters on your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system needs to be replaced every 1-3 months to keep the air in your home clean and flowing freely. A high-quality air filter is the best choice to remove mold, pollen, and other microscopic particles from the air.

Be sure to follow Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and of course, Instagram! Visit our Instagram page every Thursday for more “Holly’s Home Selling Hints!”

We are committed to working towards helping your family achieve their real estate goals Winter – Spring – Summer – or Fall! Contact Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty 60 Bay St. Suite 701 Staten Island N.Y.10301 Today! Office: #718-702-6848 or #917-414-0847

7 Fall Home Selling Hints For Staten Islanders

FALL is our favorite season at Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty! The cooler weather and falling leaves create the perfect backdrop for embracing family traditions like apple picking and pumpkin carving. While spring is considered the “peak” real estate season to sell a home, the romanticism of fall can absolutely help maximize your bottom line. As your trusted realtor, we’ve put together a list of “7” Fall Home Selling Hints for attracting autumn homebuyers.

Tip #1: Bring in the Light: As the days get shorter, the sun sets earlier, making homes appear darker. Adding extra indoor light with floor lamps and battery-operated candles can help brighten up a home. Consider solar-powered landscape lighting for outdoors.

Tip #2: Flexibility Sells a Home: Cooler weather means more outdoor activities for families. It helps to be flexible with showings, which may include evenings and weekends. As your realtor, we aim for minimal disruption and optimal results.

Tip #3: Too Much Seasonal Decorating Can Hurt: As you decorate for the holidays, remember less is more. Potential buyers need to see themselves in your home and too much seasonal décor can be distracting.

Tip #4: Show Them Your Cozy: Help potential buyers see the cozy corners of your home. Light fireplaces and show off finished basements for hang out space. Let them know they could spend a few cold months comfortably indoors.

Tip #5: Check the HVAC: You want the air inside your home to smell fresh. Have you HVAC system checked before you need to turn on the heat. If you discover problems with the furnace, it’s better to fix them before your home goes on the market.

Tip #6: Prepare Some Autumn Edibles: Bring autumn scents indoors! Set out freshly baked pumpkin cupcakes or simmer hot apple cider on the stove. Put a tray of cinnamon sticks on the counter, prop open a cookbook to an autumn stew, or fill a bowl with crisp red apples.

Tip #7: Make Your Windows Sparkle: Rain and wind from over the summer months can make your windows dusty or streaked by autumn. You might not notice smudges, but your buyers will. To sell your home, make your windows sparkle.

Be sure to follow Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and of course, Instagram! Visit our Instagram page every Thursday for more “Holly’s Home Selling Hints!”

Whatever the season, Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty is here to represent “you.” We are committed to working towards helping your family achieve their real estate goals 24/7, 365 days a year.

Contact Holly’s Staten Island Buzz Realty 60 Bay St. Suite 701 Staten Island N.Y.10301 Today! Office: #718-702-6848 or #917-414-0847

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