It’s getting close to my ten year anniversary in the real estate business. Its so hard to believe it been that long. So many accomplishments, milestones, ups and downs. While thinking of this article, I also though I would compare it to the music charts. What was popular to what is popular now. When you see the songs and the artists who created them, some are still around, some have split up.

The real estate business too has seen it’s changes. Who is still in the business, who left, and also what was once a big company is now gone and never heard of. Its interesting to see how the times have changed, and what life brings to us in opportunities.

I reflect on past sales and how families have grown faster than a speeding bullet. Some people have moved into larger more spacious homes. Some have found retirement, and moved into smaller homes, almost back to when they were single or newly married.

The amount of education I have had is also enormous. I got my Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI) designation, and took countless classes and seminars on various real estate subjects. Also going to the conventions and seeing what the trends are, and the times I’ve gone, I think I’ve been ahead of the curve in my technology and my creativity. I enjoy learning and reading and listing to the stories of peoples failures and learning from the mistakes they made.

You also have seen the people who are trying to make a comeback in the business. Not only do you see that in real estate, but you see it in other business ventures as well. Some are successful, and other struggle to erase their past, and get moving with the future.

Staten Island has also gone though its changes also and the end is not in sight. I really enjoy the fact that Staten Island has the Greenbelt, and that it can never be developed. It is acres of enjoyment for people to walk on the hiking trails, see plants, hear nature, and a place to get lost for hours in the serenity of nature, all by being in your backyard.

Social Networking has allowed me to connect with old classmates, some of which I never thought I would see again! It has been nice connecting with them, and learning what they’ve been up to. Its weird how we were once kids, and now we are grown up doing some great things.

My business is commissioned based. So its up to me to come up with my salary and to meet my goals year after year. Its about building relationships with people, so that they will introduce me to their family, friends, and neighbors. I know I can sleep well at night with the hard work and effort that I put forth in growing my business. I never thought I could give it up, while there were times I did, but I stuck it through. Countless fliers in the doors of Staten Island homes, all waiting for that magical phone call.

Driving through Staten Island, I can point out the many homes I was was welcomed into and saw go through new ownership. Truly amazing and rewarding. There are so many homes, and the stories are endless. I can only imagine what the next ten years will bring.

New carbon monoxide detector law to take effect February 22
Last year, Gov. David Paterson signed a bill amending the Executive Law requiring carbon monoxide detectors in every one-to-two family property, apartments in a multiple dwelling, as well as all condominium and cooperative apartments only where the dwelling unit has appliances, devices or systems that may emit carbon monoxide or has an attached garage.

The new law is known as “Amanda’s Law.”

I was in a conversation the other day with a good friend who knows I am in the real estate business. They asked me this question:

My friend: How’s the market?

Andrew McDermott: Overall the market is doing well.

Andrew McDermott: I’m curious when you ask how’s the market, would you be interested in specifically how much homes are selling for in your neighborhood and how long they are taking to sell?

My friend: Yes.

Andrew McDermott: What I do for my friends, family and other people in the neighborhood is send a quick email that gives you an up to the moment analysis of how well the market is doing in your neighborhood.  Would you like me to send that to you?

My friend: Yes

Andrew McDermott: Cool, what’s your email address.

When was the last time you checked your credit report? If you have not done so, you should, especially if you are looking to purchase a new home for the first time or upgrade or downgrade your current living standards.

Every year, you are entitled to a Free credit Report from each of the credit bureaus. Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. It allows you to see all of your accounts, and allows you to address any discrepancies.

You need to pay extra to see your credit score. The report is free on your anniversary date. You want to make sure that you have a credit score of 700 or higher. Any lower, don’t worry, there is always a way to fix it or improve it.

While I am only a Real Estate Agent in Staten Island, New York, experience shows by having a higher credit score means a better interest rate, and less headaches. Especially since the banks are being strict on who they lend their money to.

My only brief suggestion is that you want to stay on top of any credit card, car loan, or mortgage payment. The day that you are late, is when trouble usually happens, and it will take a while to clear up on your credit report.

If you know you are going to be late with a payment, call the company. Let them know you are going to be late. Let them know the date and the amount. They can note it in the system, and may possibly help you avoid late fees. Don’t keep it a consistent pattern or you will be on that company’s watch list.

Budgeting, and knowing what you spend can be an extremely valuable resource as well. You can see where your money is going, and you can sometimes find unnecessary spending. My website has a mortgage calculator, in which you can estimate payments, so that you can set a budget for yourself.

Also, don’t forget the utility bills, as well as an emergency fund in case something haywire goes on in your house.

Raising your credit score doesn’t happen overnight, and you can’t pay the credit bureau’s to raise it for you. You need to be smart in what you do, and communication and doing your homework is the key.

As of right now, people don’t get credit for paying their rent on time. Credit cards, personal loans, car loans, are the big ticket items. Make sure that you pay them, and possibly a little over the minimum payment.

Andrew McDermott is an Associate Broker with Clove Lake Realty in Staten Island, New York. Clove Lake Realty is located at 1267 Clove Road, Staten Island, New York. Around the corner from us is the Clove Lake Book Store, and we are across from Clove Lakes Park.