Is Your Real Rstate Agent A Local Expert!

...People often joke about me being like a Staten Island tour guide, with most conversations ending up about or involving some sorta Staten Island happening or real estate story.  I'm cool about it though, LOL what can I say real estate is in my blood literally, you can thank Douglas Franks for that!

Douglas Franks

So the question... Is your Real Estate Agent a local expert, or just someone with a real estate license trying to sell you, or move you into a property and neighborhood that they know nothing about?  Don't be on the other end of what can turn out to be a horror story.

Apart from the actual apartment or home itself, you have to know the area in Staten Island real estate. Knowing what is in a given Staten Island neighborhood is just as important as knowing about the property itself. Additionally, having an understanding of what is around also provides you leverage when you are previewing the apartment or home without your roommate, spouse or partner.  Here are just a few key neighborhood elements that you should look out for when viewing a local property:

• Schools and Day Care Centers
• Grocery Stores and/or Bodegas
• Post Offices and FedEx Locations
• Laundry Mats and Dry Cleaners
• Notable Restaurants and Cafes
• Gyms and Fitness Centers
• Bars, Pubs and Lounges
• Historical Landmarks and Museums

BTW, your Real Estate Agent should know this information on cue when asked, if he or she has expressed that they are an Expert on the local market.

By taking note of this information, you will be able to understand what the Staten Island neighborhood offers you.

Furthermore, knowing the current state of the Staten Island real estate market is as much about knowing the Staten Island apartment inventory and the homes available as it is in knowing the neighborhood in which they exist. It is crucial that you understand the type of homes, apartments, history, stats, conveniences and geography of any given Staten Island neighborhood.  Remember this is a significant investment in real estate; and for many,  especially if your buying a home, it’s the largest purchase and one of the most important steps of your life.

History — Knowing factual information about communities, buildings, streets, landmarks and parks is vital to enabling you to be confident and certain about your Staten Island living decision. The more information you have the more at ease you will feel about choosing your place to live.

Stats — It is important that you have excellent knowledge of information pertaining to the breakdown of any Staten Island neighborhood where you plan to live on the island.  Knowing the makeup of the neighborhood, schools and school districts, and total population will also aid you in making an informed decision.

Conveniences — When you are looking for a place to live in a Staten Island neighborhood you are not only looking at the cost of the unit or property, but also at the neighborhood conveniences. Grocery stores, bodegas, train/bus/boat access, post offices, cafes, delis, restaurants, and bars are top considerations for anyone on the Island. How far is the nearest 24-hour bodega? What public transportation is close to the property? What can you expect to do in the neighborhood after hours or late night?  Make sure to write down and/or note the answers to these important questions.

If your Real Estate Agent does not readily know this information perhaps you should consider finding a real expert in that neighborhood in which you plan to live.

Take myself for instance...  

I am a 41 year Staten Island North Shore resident.  

My home was purchased on the North Shore.

My beloved ex wife, a NYC DOE teacher taught on the North Shore.

My children and I all went to/ currently go to school on the North Shore.

My community, volunteer and charity work is done on the North Shore.

My office and businesses are based on the North Shore.

Approx 94% of my real estate transactions involve properties on the North Shore.

... you get the picture.  

I am a Staten Island North Shore Real Estate expert and my clients, customers, co-workers, partners, friends and family will all say the same!

So if you see me in the local supermarket, walking in the park or at the gym and I have on my shirt that says "Ask Me About Real Estate",  don't be shy....   Ask!  
I love to chop it up.

Johnel

Johnel L. Franks

The Franks Agency

REAL ESTATE CONSULTANT

347-728-1956