Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
REALESTATEPLANNINGLAW.COM 718-698-2200 July 2026
WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
IN A MANOR OF SPEAKING
The Family Business We Never Planned, But Were Meant to Build FROM BEST FRIENDS TO BUSINESS PARTNERS
Joe remains on the lending side and has earned national recognition, including ranking among the top loan officers in the country. Around Staten Island, many agents affectionately refer to his pre-approval letter as “the golden ticket” because they know that when Joe says a deal is ready, he has already done the homework. What probably makes us proudest isn’t the awards or titles. It’s the relationships. Many of the people we work with have become lifelong friends. Some referrals come from clients we helped 20 years ago. Others come from someone who remembers a piece of advice shared in a grocery store aisle years earlier. Those connections mean everything to us. We’re also fortunate to work alongside trusted partners like Merlino & Gonzalez, a firm we’ve referred clients to for more than two decades. Like us, they believe service comes first, and that shared philosophy has made them an invaluable part of helping clients navigate one of life’s biggest decisions. When people ask what makes our partnership work, the answer is simple. We genuinely like each other. We trust each other. We respect each other. And after all these years, we still know what the other person is thinking before a word is spoken. At the end of the day, we’re brother and sister. We’re best friends. And we feel incredibly lucky that the careers we built together have allowed us to help so many other families along the way.
of self-employment. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.
Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside many outstanding professionals, but few embody the spirit of service quite like Amy and Joe Arnone. Their success is impressive, but what stands out most is their unwavering commitment to treating every client like family. We’re honored to spotlight this remarkable brother-and-sister team and the relationships they’ve built throughout our community. Looking back, it’s funny how none of this was part of our plan. When we were kids, neither of us imagined we’d end up working side by side for more than two decades. Amy wanted to be an attorney. Joe thought about becoming a comedy writer or maybe an architect. Real estate and mortgages weren’t on either of our vision boards. But life has a funny way of creating opportunities you never see coming. -John R. Merlino Jr., Esq.
What started as Joe helping process loans quickly turned into something much bigger. His very first loan submission came back clear to close, something that almost never happens. Amy likes to joke that she hired him and then accidentally trained her replacement. In 2005, we officially became 50-50 business partners. Over the years, we’ve navigated every kind of market imaginable. We survived the 2008 financial crisis when many mortgage companies disappeared overnight. We’ve helped first-time homebuyers, growing families, investors, and retirees. We’ve watched children of former clients become homeowners themselves. Through it all, one thing never changed: our belief that every client should be treated like family. Our philosophy has always been simple: If we wouldn’t recommend something to our
In 2000, Amy opened her first mortgage office at just 20 years old and was probably one of
the first female lenders on all of Staten Island. A year later, the business was growing quickly, and she needed help. So she called her younger brother (who was only a year younger than her but had always been her best friend) and asked if he wanted to come work with her. To our parents’ dismay, he said yes.
parents, we won’t recommend it to a client. That mindset has guided every conversation, every transaction, and every decision we’ve made throughout our careers. Today, our paths have evolved, but they still run side by side. Amy now serves as National Vice President for Jason Mitchell Group, the Number 1 real estate
-Amy and Joe Arnone
At the time, our parents were blue-collar union workers who envisioned much more traditional career paths for us. Instead, we jumped headfirst into the unpredictable world
team in the country according to RealTrends. She oversees agents and brokers nationwide while continuing to train professionals throughout the industry.
Amy: ( Cell) 917-626-3747 (Office) 718-980-2200
Joe: 917.579.4176
Joe.Arnone@nafinc.com newamericanfunding.com/ lps/prequal/joearnone
1
718-698-2200
Make Your Kitchen Appliances Last Longer Protecting Your Investment
Kitchen appliances are some of the most expensive items we purchase for our homes. Each one can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, so it makes sense to make sure they last as long as possible. Thankfully, you can do a few things regularly to keep your kitchen appliances in peak condition and ensure their longevity for years to come. The Dishwasher Traditional dishwashers often have a hard-food dispenser with a chopping blade to help large pieces fit down the drain. Many newer models, especially those claiming to be energy-efficient, did away with this blade in favor of a filter system. What they don’t tell you is that the filter needs regular cleaning to remove lingering debris that gets trapped. You should also clear out the water jets in the appliance’s spray arm to prevent clogging. The Oven Spills are common in and around the oven, especially if you have a range. Any time you make a mess, clean it as soon as the area is cool and safe to touch. Wipe it down with soap, water, and a wet cloth. If you run the self- clean program, remove the oven racks and wipe away any grime or old food first. This will help prevent bad odors from taking over your home. Oven doors aren’t as sturdy as they look, so don’t put any weight on them.
Also, be extra careful around the heating element. Damaging it will be expensive and may require a total replacement. The Fridge Extending your fridge’s lifespan comes down to cleanliness. Wipe the interior and exterior of the fridge at least once a month. This will help with airflow, but if your fridge does not maintain its temperature, you may need to clean off the condenser coils with a soft brush. Don’t forget about the door seals, either! Those can always use a good wipe down. Lastly, if you have an ice maker, that also requires regular cleaning. It’s often one of the first things to break in a refrigerator.
Boundaries, Not Battles
A Smarter Way to Parent Teens
Consistency Over Perfection One of the largest mistakes parents make is being inconsistent, enforcing rules one day and letting them slide the next. Kids quickly pick up on this, and it weakens the entire system. To be consistent, you don’t have to be rigid or harsh; you just need to follow through calmly and predictably. Connection Comes First Here’s the part many people overlook: Boundaries only work when a strong relationship is behind them. If kids feel judged, controlled, or unheard, they’re far less likely to respect the rules. When they feel understood, they’re more willing to engage, even when they disagree. Open conversations, empathy, and collaboration go a long way in building that trust.
The key is intention. Boundaries should exist to build healthy habits and keep kids safe, not to micromanage every aspect of their lives. Over time, those boundaries should gradually loosen as children learn to manage themselves. The Power of Natural Consequences Not every lesson needs a punishment attached to it. Sometimes, life does the teaching for you. For example, if a teen forgets homework, the consequence might be a lower grade, not a lecture at home. These “natural consequences” help children connect their actions to real- world outcomes, which is much more powerful than imposed discipline. Instead of rushing to fix mistakes, create space for reflection. Ask questions like, “What happened?” or “What could you do differently next time?” This encourages problem-solving rather than fear-based compliance.
Let’s be honest, setting boundaries with kids (especially teens) can be one of the most challenging things in the world. One minute you’re trying to be understanding, the next you’re enforcing rules that spark eye-rolls and slammed doors. But boundaries and consequences are more about guidance than control. When done right, they become the framework that helps young people grow into responsible, self-aware adults. The Impact of Boundaries Boundaries define what’s acceptable, what’s not, and how people should treat each other. When kids understand these limits, they gain a sense of stability and direction, even when they push back. In fact, young people often feel safer when expectations are clear and consistent.
2 realestateplanninglaw.com
Is Your Power of Attorney Still Protecting You? AVOID FAMILY CONFUSION BY UNDERSTANDING WHEN A POA ENDS
A power of attorney can be an invaluable part of your estate plan, but it’s not meant to last forever. In New York, there are several situations where a power of attorney ends, and knowing when that happens can help families avoid confusion, delays, and costly mistakes. Because once a power of attorney is no longer valid, your loved one no longer has the authority to act. Common reasons a power of attorney ends. A power of attorney may end automatically upon certain events. One of the most common is the principal’s death. At that point, the agent’s authority ends immediately, and the estate representative takes over. It can also end if the principal revokes it, if the agent dies, resigns, or becomes unable to serve, if the document was created for a limited task that has now been completed, or if the power of attorney includes an expiration date. Sometimes, families only realize this when a bank, title company, or other institution questions whether the document is still valid. Does incapacity end a power of attorney? Usually, no. In New York, many powers of attorney are durable, which means they remain effective even if the principal becomes incapacitated.
That’s one of the reasons they are so helpful. They allow a trusted person to step in and handle financial matters when the principal can no longer do so. That said, older or non-durable documents may work differently. If the power of attorney is not durable, incapacity can end the agent’s authority. When should you review a power of attorney? If you are unsure whether a power of attorney is still valid, it’s wise to pause and review it before relying on it. First, determine whether the principal is still alive, whether the document was revoked or replaced, whether divorce or another life event changed the agent’s authority, and whether the POA was durable in the first place. We can help you move forward. When a power of attorney ends, the need for clarity becomes even more important. Whether you need to update a document, revoke an outdated one, or determine what comes next after a loved one’s death, we are here to help.
Contact our office today because the right guidance now can prevent unnecessary stress later.
MANGO GLAZED CHICKEN MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER
INGREDIENTS Mango Glaze • 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce • 1 tbsp honey • 1 tbsp rice vinegar • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger • 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening) Chicken • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces • Salt and pepper • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tbsp olive oil
DIRECTIONS 1. In blender, blend mango until smooth. 2. Pour purée into small saucepan and add soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. 3. Stir to combine. 4. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low and cook 5–6 minutes. 5. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until glaze thickens, about 1–2 minutes. 6. Remove from heat and set aside. 7. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. 8. Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high. 9. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally. 10. Reduce heat to low.
Take a Break
11. Pour mango glaze over chicken and toss to coat. 12. Let it simmer 2–3 minutes to fully caramelize.
718-698-2200 3
394 Manor Road Staten Island, NY 10314
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
LinkedIn.com/company/the-law-firm-of-merlino-and-gonzalez Facebook.com/MerlinoGonzalez
718-698-2200 | realestateplanninglaw.com WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
The Brother-and-Sister Team Making Real Estate Feel Like Family Page 1 Longevity Tips for Expensive Kitchen Gear Raising Responsible Kids Starts With Clear Boundaries Page 2 The Moment a Power of Attorney Loses Its Power Mango Glazed Chicken Page 3 Fun for Foodies, Families, and Festival Lovers Page 4 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
THE HOTTEST EVENTS OF THE SUMMER ARE HAPPENING NOW YOUR TICKET TO SUMMER’S TASTIEST EVENTS
From pizza and craft beer under the sun to colorful hot air balloons soaring across the sky and food truck favorites rolling into town, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the season. Gather your family, call up some friends, and enjoy these can’t-miss events happening around Staten Island and nearby New Jersey before summer slips away. Kills Boro Pizza Party July 25, 2026 Snug-Harbor.org Pizza lovers, this one’s for you! The 6th Annual Pizza Party returns for an afternoon packed with fresh slices, cold craft beer, and unbeatable summer vibes. Held outdoors at Snug Harbor’s South Meadow, this picnic-style fundraiser brings together some of Staten Island’s most beloved pizzerias and local breweries for four delicious hours of unlimited beer samples and
incredible pizza. Whether you’re a foodie, craft beer fan, or just looking for a fun way to spend a summer Saturday, this event delivers. Best of all, your ticket helps support Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden! Warren County Farmers’ Fair & Hot Air
mass balloon launch over Warren County’s beautiful farmland. You can even meet balloon pilots, explore a balloon up close, or book a ride for an unforgettable view from above! FoodeesFest July 31 – Aug. 2, 2026 FoodeesFest.com Looking to try something new? Bring your appetite to one of Staten Island’s tastiest summer events! FoodeesFest rolls into the Staten Island Mall, featuring more than 40 food trucks and vendors serving everything from savory street eats to irresistible sweet treats. Between bites, browse unique handmade jewelry, art, and crafts from talented local artisans. With family-friendly activities, a lively festival atmosphere, and free admission, it’s the perfect weekend outing for foodies of all ages.
Balloon Festival July 25 – Aug. 1, 2026 WarrenCountyFarmersFair.org
Get ready for a sky-high celebration at the Warren County Farmers’ Fair and Hot Air Balloon Festival! This beloved summer tradition combines the charm of a classic county fair with the breathtaking sight of colorful hot air balloons soaring into the evening sky. Enjoy live entertainment, horse shows, demolition derbies, traditional arts, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Each evening at 6 p.m., watch the spectacular
realestateplanninglaw.com 4
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator