Open House Saturday February 13, 2010 1:00-3:00PM  300 Brighton St Staten Island, NY 10307.  One Family 4 Bedroom 4 Bathroom Colonial

The opportunity of a lifetime is at hand - right now.

Plenty of homes are available at affordable prices. 

Interest rates remain historically low.

There is no minimum income for claiming the credit. If you don't owe any taxes, you can receive it in cash. 

You can claim the credit when you file your 2009 or 2010 tax return- or, if you'd rather not wait, file an amended 2009 or 2009 return and receive the money upon the purchasing your home.  There are also programs that will advance the money to help you on your down payment.

And to sweeten the pot, there's the tax credit - up to $8000 for qualified first-time buyers whose income is within IRS established limits and up to $6500 for most other homebuyers. This is money that never has to be repaid, provided you live in the home for three years. 

If you co-sign a mortgage to help your non-dependent child buy his or her first home, your eligibility does not affect you child's ability to qualify for the credit.

Tax Credit Basics

• You are considered a first-time home buyer if neither you nor your spouich has owned a principal residence in the U.S. within the last three years.
• Most other buyers are eligible for up to $6500. if they lived in their residence for five consecutive years of the last eight.
• You must sign a purchase contract no later than April 30, 2010 and close before July 1.

I can't provide every detail of the program here- and I'm not qualified to give you tax advice- but I can help you make sense of regulations.

Don't wait. Give me a call 718-979-3000 ext 125 or email me, and I can help you decide whether now is the time for you to buy.  And if the time is right, I'd be honored to represent you as you seek out your dream home. 

Remax Metro 718-979-3000 x125

Connie Pepenella Associate Broker

585 North Gannon Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10314

my web address : www.pepenella.com

my company web address www.remaxmetrony.com

Concetta Pepenella Joins Remax Metro  as new Associate Broker

Staten Island, New York - Concetta Pepenella has joined RE/MAX Metro as the newest member of this dynamic sales team. Concetta brings to the office 18 years of experience in real estate and was formerly with Appleseed Homes and Centry 21 Calabrese Realty. The Calabrese brothers Mike and Sal are owners of RE/MAX Metro, the same brokers Concetta started her real estate career and worked with for 10 years, until opening her own agency Pepenella Real Estate a small boutique office. I know that the real estate market has changed, and consumers want to sell their homes with a large company, RE/MAX Metro is the way to go.  Specializing in high end and new construction homes, vacant land and resale.

"I am proud to be a part of the RE/MAX Metro team and affiliated with the RE/MAX organization," said Concetta. "Connecting with RE/MAX will be a significant benefit to my clients, because it has the most powerful and efficient referral system in the business. There are nearly 100,000 RE/MAX Affiliates in more than 70 countries, meaning that when I list a property here in Staten Island it is exposed to a huge audience. And the technology tools that RE/MAX has to offer can help my clients get the best possible price for their home in the least amount of time."

Pepenella said another advantage offered by the company is RE/MAX Mainstreet, an extranet that allows its agents to share referrals, marketing techniques and the latest information about technology, advertising and similar topics. "Ongoing education is a strong priority at RE/MAX," said Pepenella. "No other real estate organization has a higher percentage of Affiliates with advanced, professional designations."

RE/MAX Metro is located at 585 North Gannon Avenue Staten Island, NY 10314. Concetta Pepenella may be reached at 718-979-3000 ext 125.

Pepenella's listings, and all U.S. home listings in thousands of cities and towns can be found at www.remax.com.

About RE/MAX International, Inc.

RE/MAX was founded in 1973 in Denver, Colorado by Dave and Gail Liniger. It has grown to a global network of nearly 100,000 Sales Associates in more than 70 countries. No one sells more real estate than RE/MAX. Today, all U.S. home listings in thousands of cities and towns can be found at www.remax.com.

RE/MAX is proud to help raise millions of dollars and support charitable organizations like, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Children's Miracle Network and The Sentinels of Freedom Foundation.

Remax Metro 718-979-3000 ext: 125   Concetta Pepenella associate broker

Robert M. writes...

Forgive the tardiness of this "Thank You," but I can not commend you enough on your handling of the sales of both my and my fiance's homes, and the successful purchase of our new home.  At a time when the real estate market couldn't have been worse, and the mortgage market even more dismal, you persevered through the two sales and one purchase through every possible high and low that these transactions could have possibly encountered.

To be honest, I thought the transaction was "dead in the water" on more than one occasion; however your knowledge, experience, and unflappable optimism brought about the successful purchase of our "dream home."

I would be pleased to recommend your services to any friend who wanted to buy or sell a house at a fair price on Staten Island. Please feel free to use me as a reference.

Sincerely,

Robert

Nikki M. writes....

Hey Connie...

I wanted to tell you that you did a excellent job with photos today... Because of your wonderful photo shots, as you know we already got someone looking tomorrow... Thanks so much...

J. Mimsont writes.....

I've bought one house from Connie, and sold two others.  The most recent sale, she already had an interested buyer ready when she listed it; and house was sold within three days.  Can't recommend highly enough...

Armond writes.....

No phase of selling a home is an exact science. However, when it comes to initiating a deal & nurturing that deal to a successful conclusion, I could not have been happier or more gratified than the execution of same by Connie, Pepenella Real Estate...............I would recommend Connie & her trained staff with anyones real estate needs on Staten Island or beyond. Thank you Connie for helping me move on with my life!

John & Lorraine writes.....

Connie went out of her way to help me purchase my house. She was always there to help, and always available.

Carole writes....

Your professionalism and compassion were boundless. I am going to recommend you highly to all my friends and  family~ Home Buyer

Florence writes....

I want you to know I am grateful for all you have done for me in selling my home and finding my present home. You have been with me all thru the process of selling and finding my new home.

J.,Morales.....

Allow me to take this time to thank you for your time and efforts in our recent meeting. It was indeed both a pleasure and a convenience to work with someone as professional as you. I know that in business, time does not always allow us to be helpful, courteous and honest, and with that in mind, I sincerely thank you for your manor and availability.

Alfred Crettella writes....

I was more then satisfied with the final purchase price as well as the financing arrangements. I very much appreciate the extensive time and energy that you obviously made on my behalf. Alfred Cretella

Tilde from Idaho.......

It is a very nice and easy site!

Rose from Brooklyn.... 

Connie, This is a wonderful web site, I will email it to everyone that I know. Congratulations

Fred from Staten Island writes ....

I was recommended by a friend to Pepenella Realty. I was professionally greeted at my residence by Connie who quickly showed me how to make thousands more selling my home than I could have on my own. The service was top notch. Several months after doing business with Pep Reality we are still good friends and, Connie brightened up my day.

Neil from Brooklyn

I like the newsletter and the flyer on 350 St. Marks Place. Very professional

Andrea from Staten Island writes....

Hey Connie, just wanted to thank you again for all your help finding my new home. You have been more than an agent, you have been a true friend. Good luck in all you do! Andrea

Thank you for visiting Pepenella Real Estate web site. We look forward to hearing from you real soon!

Connie Pepenella  Associate Broker

Remax Metro

 Serving Staten Island Since 1992

The highest compliment I can receive

is the referral of friends and family. 718-979-3000 ext 125

click on picture below to buy or sell a house...

I recently commented to my husband that a front door says a lot about the person and family living there. Before, stepping foot inside, the front door will tell.  It knows!  This gave me the idea to take some close up pictures of front doors, as is,  at the moment visited. 

"Creepy door" Is this front door still decorated for Halloween?  Maybe Elvira lives here!  Notice the color skull and cross-bone, with the steel door sun-burst overlay! 

 This "red door" is entry to a lovely old colonial, and as you can see the owners are very patriotic, with their red white and blue motif. A strong welcome in red - softened by the flower wreath.

"Antique" is the first impression given from this front door, a welcome into a Victorian home, with all the Victorian trim.  "Come in for some apple pie," is the second impression. I wonder whats the story behind the wrought iron gates?   Not the first time this front door has been noticed by the 'New York Times.'

"Private" quiet & beautiful solid cherry wood doors on a center hall colonial. High class people of means - almost like doors on a castle.

This front door is covered in plywood just begging to be brought back into grandeur. A French Mansard built some time in the 1700's, a house long abandoned, and abused and finally sold in foreclosure.  Some locals might recognize the humiliation this front door was put through, by the previous owner, who wanted to tear down the house, and couldn't then painting it into a rainbow of colors in retaliation.

"No one is home." The front door newbie on a new construction house, not yet a home, but obviously carefully chosen. A note paper taped to the door, most likly from a construction worker eager to talk to the builder.

Staten Island, New York is certainly the melting pot, of front doors. Front doors come in all shapes and sizes and colors and condition. Just like the people who live behind them.

Any comments about the doors posted here are welcome!

Concetta Pepenella associate broker

Remax Metro

718-979-3000 extention 125                                                             

http://www.pepenella.com

photos by Genevieve 

Yes, it is possible to buy a piece of land 15,561 square feet in New York on Staten Island. Recently listed two adjoining lots on Amboy Road and Minerva, cross street Giegerich Avenue. 27X117 lot and 106x117 lot. Vacant and raw, with a survey. Located across the street from the Bethel Church in Tottenville - should make it easy to find this property.

This is an estate sale.  ask price is $389,000.

Connie Pepenella - associate broker

Appleseed Realty GMAC real estate

240L Page Avenue Staten Island, Ny 10307

718-226-7100 extention 207

http://www.pepenella.com

Staten Island Shore Line - Tottenville Along the Conference House Preserve

Photo by Genevieve

Concetta Pepenella

associate broker

Appleseed Realty GMAC real estate 718-226-7100 ext 207

http://www.pepenella.com

This morning Barbara my secretary took a call from a real estate magazine ad I have advertising a short sale. Before I phoned the customer I pulled up the property data sheet from the mls site and proceeded to phone the perspective buyer.  The Mrs. answered the telephone and I gladly introduced myself and we began to discuss the property. After a few minutes she requested to see the property tonight when her husband got out of work? I said sure and asked about their bank pre qualification certificate. The Mrs told me I would have to speak to the Mr. later. The Mr. phoned me and asked to see the property. I replied sure and then asked about the certificate. He told me " Oh yea." I know about that." I don't need that now, we just want to see some houses now and we'll get that later." Then he said," Tell me now Yes or No do you want me to get that to see this house.?"  His tone had a bit of arrogance behind it as if he knew better than anyone.  I also asked him Mr. buyer, do you have to sell your property, a condo, to buy another house. "Oh no, I can keep it and rent it if I want. But, we don't have to worry about this now, I just want to look at some houses."

Why do I ask if a buyer has been pre-qualified before I show them property?

1. The Sellers expect that any buyer that is walking through their house has his or her finances in order.
2. No one has time for sight seeing tours- neither the seller nor the Realtor.
3. Its a professional way to do business. 
4. Saves the buyers time and prevents disappointment. 
5. The buyer should know exactly how much they can Afford to purchase.
6. If a property is found all documents are ready to present an offer.  

This is the way it is and I would rather walk away from an uncooperative customer than waste anyone's time. And with the financial climate the way it is and all the information available why not arrive prepared?

Appleseed Realty GMAC real estate

Concetta Pepenella associate broker

718-226-7100 extention 207

http://www.pepenella.com

240L Page Avenue Staten Island, NY 10307

I just received a news update from the New York State Association of Realtors stating FHA Will allow $8000. tax credit funds to be available at the closing table to be used as a down payment. Read the article below.

  Homeowners can use $8,000 tax credit as down payment

 by clicking on the pictureen  you will be directed to my web site. 

Remax Metro 585 North Gannon Avenue Staten Island, NY 10314

718-979-3000 extention 125