Take a look at our April newsletter!
REALESTATEPLANNINGLAW.COM 718-698-2200 April 2025
WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
IN A MANOR OF SPEAKING LEGACY IN EVERY LISTING How Hometime Estates Honors Family While Serving Their Community
today: integrity, community, and never backing down from a challenge. We’ve weathered personal losses that could have shaken any business to its core. Our uncle Wayne passed away, and later, our dad did as well. So, on the day we signed the lease for our New Jersey office, we had to dig deep. We wondered if we should put things on hold. But instead, we pressed forward. Because the one thing Dad always told us was to keep it going, no matter what. Today, we’re proud to lead a team of over 50 agents, some of whom have been with us from the start, across Staten Island and Brooklyn, plus Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex counties in New Jersey. We love what we do — not just because we’ve always done it but because every home sold or bought is a chance to build someone else’s story. Real estate may be our business, but our purpose is connection. Lauren brings the energy to our social media and marketing, keeping us connected to the community and our clients. We’re proud sponsors of numerous local events across Staten Island, and we jump at any chance to support a school, youth sports team, or neighborhood cause. Staten Island isn’t just where we work; it’s where we live, raise our families, and spend even more sibling time together ( because, apparently, working together all the time still isn’t enough ).
We’ve had the distinct pleasure of working alongside the incredible team at Hometime Estates for many years. Jon, Lee, and Lauren Goldstein are not only exceptional real estate professionals but also a dynamic sibling trio who lead with heart, dedication, and deep community roots. It’s an honor to work with a team that brings so much professionalism and warmth to every transaction. They truly embody family in business. If you ask any of us — Jon, Lee, or Lauren Goldstein — what we were doing at 18, we probably weren’t hanging out at the mall like our friends. We were learning how to write contracts, walk open houses, and help people find their home sweet home. Real estate has been in our blood since day one, thanks to our father, Glenn, and our uncle Wayne, who planted the seeds of Hometime Estates back in the 1980s at a single Century 21 office in Brooklyn. It wasn’t long before they moved to Staten Island and expanded that business into three different offices across the island. Hometime Estates has since grown into a family-run business that spans Brooklyn, Staten Island, and large parts of New Jersey. And through it all, our foundation has been family. Our father and uncle were more than business partners. They were mentors. They taught us the values we carry
have made the journey undoubtedly smoother. When we pass along a deal to their team, we know it will reach the closing table with care and precision. That peace of mind is priceless — not just for us but also for our clients. We’ve seen the industry change over the decades, but what hasn’t changed is the importance of trust, service, and community. Our story is one of growth, perseverance, and hope. And through it all, we’ve stayed true to what matters most — each other and the people we serve. At Hometime Estates, we’re not just in the business of selling houses. We’re building something bigger: a lasting legacy, one home at a time.
–Jon, Lee, and Lauren Goldstein
As Hometime Estates has evolved and expanded, trusted colleagues like Merlino and Gonzalez
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PAW-SOME ADVENTURES
In many ways, your front entryway is your home’s command center. It’s where some of your most precious possessions reside and the first thing guests see when they visit. Unfortunately, it can also be your home’s most cluttered and disorganized space, leading to everything from desperate, already-late-for-work dashes to find your car keys to pets looking at you quizzically as you embark on a scavenger hunt for their leashes. Here are two quick tips to clear up that all-important space and save you from hustling to find those items that always seem to vanish whenever you need them. Stop the Shoe Stack If your front entryway typically looks like a sneaker factory hit by a tornado, the first step is to get all that footwear — especially if it’s wet or muddy — out of your way and into easily accessible locations. You can utilize baskets or shelves to organize those items by person and even assign each area a name or number to help family members (or guests) find them without hassle. The same goes for gloves, hats, scarves, socks, boots, umbrellas, and other weather-specific attire. If your entryway space is minimal, consider adding hooks and shelves to a nearby wall to keep these essentials — plus purses, keys, and other daily accessories — in one spot. Best of all, everyone will know where to place certain items instead of dropping one glove in the living room and another in the kitchen. Imagine that ! Perfect the Pet Parent Playbook Of course, you also need to keep things neat for your beloved animal companions. Leashes, pet clothing, and waste scoopers should also have designated spaces in your reorganized entryway. Storing your pet essentials in a dedicated place will be especially helpful when your furry friends wake you up in the middle of the night so you can take them outside to do their business. From making a great first impression to keeping tasks convenient for your family, a decluttered front entryway is one of the best and most practical gifts you can give your home.
Declutter Your Entryway Tips to Master This All- Important Space
Protect Your Wallet and Your Pet’s Health ARE YOU MISSING OUT ON THIS MONEY-SAVING OPTION?
What kinds of strange things could be in your dog’s stomach? According to veterinarians, dogs find socks weirdly delicious, and at least one has swallowed an engagement ring! These stories sound funny — until it happens to you. All pet owners try to keep their dogs out of the holiday chocolate or their cats from nibbling on poisonous houseplants. Still, fewer than half have insurance to cushion the financial blow if an unexpected visit to the vet becomes necessary.
cost is worthwhile compared to paying out of pocket for an unexpected surgery, up to $7,000.
Pet insurance is just like many human health insurance plans. When you take your insured pet to the veterinarian, you pay the bill upfront and then file for reimbursement with the insurer. Pet policies fall into three general areas — illness and wellness check-ups, only well check-ups, or accident-only coverage — but they can be combined. You can save money by comparing the coverages of large insurance carriers against pet-specific carriers. You can also ask your current insurer about bundling coverage with your renter’s, auto, or homeowner’s policies. They may even have a discount for enrolling multiple pets. To ensure you get the right policy, find out what is excluded from coverage, like preexisting conditions. It can be helpful to confer with your vet first about your pet’s medical needs for a good fit. Medical care is essential for pets. Budgeting insurance coverage for them can save your sanity and wallet if an emergency arises. Without it, a simple accident can really blow a hole in your finances.
Insurance is growing in popularity, with about 24% of U.S. pet owners opting for coverage, but that’s a small number given that nearly 70% of households have a pet. More people have pets than children these days! Like any family member, a pet’s medical needs should be part of the household budget.
Average pet health insurance premiums are between $10 and $50 per month, with most people paying $354 annually. Additional options like dental coverage may make sense depending on your pet’s breed and habits. The
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THE FIRST STEP IN EVERY SUCCESSFUL SUCCESSION PLAN Before You Pass the Torch, Know the Value of the Flame
• Support fair transfers: Whether you’re passing the business down, selling it outright, or dividing shares, a valuation makes it easier to do so equitably. • Prevent unnecessary conflict: Financial clarity reduces emotional friction, especially in family-run or closely held businesses. • Enable smart planning: Valuation helps inform tax and estate strategies, ensuring a seamless transition with fewer financial surprises. Professional Guidance Makes All the Difference You built your business with strategy, passion, and purpose. Now, take the same thoughtful approach to what happens next. Whether you plan to pass it on, sell it, or simply want to be ready for the future, it all starts with knowing its value. At Merlino & Gonzalez, we work alongside business owners every day to help them protect what they’ve built and plan for what’s next. Reach out today to schedule your consultation. Let’s put the right number on your legacy and create a plan that honors it.
If you’re a business owner thinking about the future, there’s one essential question you need to ask before anything else: What is my business truly worth? Succession planning starts here, not with paperwork, not with promises, but with numbers. Until you know the value of what you’ve built, you cannot plan where it’s going or who should take the reins. Start With the Facts A business valuation provides an accurate, objective picture of what your company is worth. It looks at factors like financial performance, assets, market position, and future growth potential to calculate fair
market value. Without this number, the rest of your succession plan may be built on guesswork or outdated assumptions. Valuation provides a strong foundation for making informed decisions and setting realistic expectations with stakeholders, family members, or future buyers. Your Road Map to a Smoother Transition When you understand your business’s fair market value, the next steps become clearer and more effective: • Build trust: Partners, family members, and key employees can all operate from the same set of facts.
CLASSIC FISH FRY Michele’s Recipe Corner
INSPIRED BY FOODNETWORK.COM
DIRECTIONS 1. Pour 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Cut cod into 4 servings and season with salt and pepper. 3. Place flour into a pie tin. Whisk egg and water in a second pie tin. Combine bread crumbs, mustard powder, and cayenne in a third pie tin. 4. Coat your fish in the flour tin, then the egg tin, then the bread crumb tin. 5. Set coated fish in hot oil and fry for 5 minutes on each side. 6. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy! We’re in the middle of Lent, so there’s no better time to host your own fish fry for your loved ones! INGREDIENTS • Vegetable oil • 2 lbs fresh cod • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1/2 cup all-purpose unbleached flour • 2 large eggs • 2 tbsp water • 2 cups plain bread crumbs • 1/2 tsp mustard powder • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper • Lemon wedges
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718-698-2200 | realestateplanninglaw.com WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH The Goldsteins’ Guide to Real Estate and Resilience Page 1 Claim the Compact Storage Crown The Shocking (and Avoidable) Cost of Uninsured Veterinary Bills Page 2 Don’t Plan Your Business Succession Without This Classic Fish Fry Page 3 Your Local May Bucket List: Music, Magic, and Historic Adventures Page 4 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
3 CAN’T-MISS EVENTS TO KICK OFF A FUN-FILLED SEASON Celebrate Spring the Staten Island Way!
Open Village at Historic
April and May on Staten Island are all about fun, family, and unforgettable experiences! Whether you are swaying to smooth jazz at the historic Conference House, sharing pancakes with the Easter Bunny at Grand Colony Hall, or stepping back in time at the immersive Open Village in Historic Richmond Town, there is something magical happening around every corner. Mark your calendars and get ready to make memories right here on Staten Island! Jazz Union Performance at the
Jazz Union delivering rich, soulful instrumentals in a one-of-a-kind setting. Tickets are $35 and nonrefundable. Reserve your spot now at the above website or call the Conference House Association office at (718) 984-6046. Book early for a night of great music and ambiance! Breakfast With the Bunny at Grand Colony Hall April 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Facebook.com/DaddinosGrandBallroom Breakfast with the Bunny is the perfect springtime celebration for the whole family! Join the community for a cheerful morning featuring a delicious buffet, festive music, a free photo with the Easter Bunny, an Adopt- a-Stuffed-Bunny activity for the kids, and a fun-filled Outdoor Egg Hunt to wrap up the day. Tickets range from $17.95–$39.95. Hop on over to Grand Colony Hall on April 13 for an eggcellent event!
Richmond Town May 7–Aug. 24, 2025 HistoricRichmondTown. org/events/ openvillagehrt
From May 7 through Aug. 24, explore centuries of Staten Island’s history at Open Village, a captivating living history experience. Wander through three immersive zones — set in the 1770s,
Conference House April 12, from 7–9 p.m. ConferenceHouse.EventBrite.com
1820s, and 1860s — where costumed historical interpreters bring the past to life through trades, domestic life, and cultural demonstrations. Set against lush woodlands and wetlands, this open-air museum experience offers education, inspiration, and a rich journey through time — all included with general admission!
Experience an unforgettable evening of smooth sounds at Jazz Night Instrumentals with Jazz Union on Saturday, April 12, at the historic Conference House Kitchen in Staten Island. Presented by the Conference House Association, this intimate performance features the talented
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