THINGS HAVE CHANGED A BIT
• Bidets in bathrooms for increased personal hygiene and cleanliness (and to save on toilet paper) • Contactless/hands-free light switches, water faucets, and soap dispensers in kitchens and bathrooms While we continue to navigate the pandemic, many things that were once just a luxury have become necessary, such as an extra bedroom that can be converted into a home office to support remote work, room in the basement or garage for a home gym, or a spacious outdoor area with a patio, pool, firepit, and/or an outdoor kitchen. These features have recently become much more desirable and can help to sell your home faster or for a better value. If you are interested in buying or selling a home in New York or New Jersey, the real estate attorneys at Merlino & Gonzalez are here to help! Give us a call today!
In New York and New Jersey, it’s certainly a seller’s market right now, meaning the demand for homes is far exceeding the supply. We are seeing tons of bidding wars while really low interest rates and the small availability of homes for sale are driving home prices up. At this time, you may not really need to do much to obtain a buyer for your home. However, if you want to raise the value of your home, make some wellness design feature updates that have been sought after due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some “pandemic-inspired” wellness designs include: • An oversized pantry space to store a variety of canned and boxed goods and/or an additional freezer to accommodate buying in bulk • Updated and improved ventilation/air filtration systems to promote clean air • Smart home features (hands-free/voice control technology) • Sleek and low maintenance finishes that are easy to clean, wipe, and sanitize
MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER
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I am proud to say that I am the chairperson of the Global Business Council of the Staten Island Board of Realtors, where we place a large focus on global real estate and the importance of bringing awareness to the diversities and many individual features and characteristics of different areas and cultures worldwide. Outside of real estate, I have a passion for writing. A published writer, I have been writing short stories, novels, and poems since I was 19 years old. Writing has always been an outlet for me — a great way to express myself. Balancing both real estate and writing is time- consuming, but I love both so much that it’s very fulfilling to come home from a long day’s work at the office and write. When I am able to find some free time, I love to visit the opera or tour libraries. I also enjoy getting outdoors and taking long walks or bike rides, and I’m blessed that Staten Island has so many parks and beautiful outdoor spaces to enjoy some downtime. I’m so grateful to have such a wonderful working relationship with Merlino & Gonzalez, and I look forward to collaborating with them for years to come to assist others in buying and selling the homes of their dreams. Together, we make it happen! -Rocio Uchofen
MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH RAINBOW FRITTATA
Impress Mom with this delicious breakfast recipe!
INGREDIENTS
• 1/2 avocado, pitted, peeled, and thinly sliced • Cherry tomatoes, halved • Sriracha hot sauce (optional)
• Nonstick cooking spray • 1/4 cup sweet potato, diced • 1/4 cup yellow pepper, diced • 1/4 cup broccoli, chopped • 8 eggs • Basil, thyme, salt, and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 F and coat a cast-iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray. 2. In the skillet over medium heat, cook sweet potatoes, yellow pepper, and broccoli until soft. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 4. Pour egg mixture into skillet with vegetables. Don’t stir but instead use a spatula to lift the edges of the egg mixture until it is evenly distributed. 5. Transfer mixture to oven. Bake for 5 minutes or until the dish sets. 6. Top with avocado and tomatoes. Drizzle Sriracha on top (if desired).
Inspired by EatingWell.com
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