Take a look at our December newsletter!
REALESTATEPLANNINGLAW.COM 718-698-2200 December 2025
WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
IN A MANOR OF SPEAKING
40 Years in Real Estate and Charles Martino Still Loves Every Minute Generations of Clients, One Passion for Real Estate
Some of my favorite moments come from first-time buyers, the nervous ones who walk through my door wondering if they’ll ever be able to afford a home. You can see the weight on their shoulders when they sit down. That’s why I hold homebuyer seminars, where we talk through everything, from budgeting to mortgages, bidding wars, and closing costs. And here’s the funny thing: Even in today’s world, where people would rather text than talk, 9 out of 10 clients want to come in person. They want to sit down, face-to-face, and feel like someone actually sees them and cares about their future. By the time they leave, that weight is gone. They have a plan. They have hope. Of course, the real estate world has changed a lot since I started. Back in the day, you couldn’t even put an address in a listing; you had to call the office just to find out where the house was! Now, buyers have seen every picture, every price history, every tax record before they even call me. Technology gives them information, but information isn’t the same as guidance. Buying or selling a home is emotional. It’s personal. No app or website can sit at a kitchen table with you and say, “It’s going to be okay. Here’s the plan.”
We’re excited to introduce our friend and trusted partner, Charles Martino of Martino Realty and Richmond County Mortgage! Charles has been helping families find their dream homes for over four decades, bringing heart, expertise, and a personal touch to every step of the journey.
partner with, like the team at Merlino & Gonzalez. I can’t say enough about them. They’re true professionals: knowledgeable, responsive, and they make every transaction feel seamless. I even used them for my own real estate transaction! When someone earns your trust and your business, you know they’re the real deal. After four decades, here’s what I know: Real estate is about people first, houses second. It’s about the young couple buying their starter home, the retirees downsizing for a simpler life, and the family planting roots for the very first time. It’s about dreams, legacies, and sometimes even miracles. And honestly? That’s why I’m still here. Because when someone walks out of my office with keys in their hand and hope in their heart, there’s no better feeling in the world.
Forty years. That’s how long I’ve been in real estate, and people still ask me the same question: “Charles, why haven’t you retired yet?” The honest answer? Because this doesn’t feel like work. I don’t drag myself out of bed in the morning. I get up excited because every day I get to help people change their lives. Buying a home isn’t just about four walls and a roof. It’s about new beginnings, generational wealth, and sometimes even rewriting the story of a family’s future. How could I walk away from that? I’ve seen things in this business that never stop amazing me. Clients I helped buy their first homes decades ago now send me their kids … and even their grandkids. Do you know what it’s like to stand at a closing table with three generations who all bought homes through you? It’s surreal. It’s beautiful. And it reminds me every single day why I love what I do.
–Charles Martino
One of the things that makes the process smoother for my clients is the people we
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Simple Fixes to Your Office Setup Cozy Up Your Workspace
Are you trying to work in a home office that feels like a storage closet with Wi-Fi? You’re not alone. Small changes can make it cozy, less cramped, and maybe boost your productivity. Start by clearing your desk. Tuck away wires, receipts, and plastic trays. Then add one soft thing. It might be a knit blanket over your chair or a small throw pillow. If it’s in your budget, get a new chair. Something comfortable but supportive will make a world of difference.
Swap your overhead light for a small lamp with a warm glow. You can also add a candle. Scented candles bring warmth to a room and can have a soothing effect. A plant is a nice finishing touch. Real or fake, it doesn’t matter. Green things make a space feel alive.
You don’t need a complete redesign. These quick, easy additions can give your home office a new vibe.
Marketing and Social Influence Of course, the tech industry feeds on this craving. Marketing campaigns frame every release as revolutionary. They want us to feel left behind if we don’t buy the latest model. Social media piles on the pressure, with influencers and peers flaunting the latest devices. Then there’s FOMO (fear of missing out) that makes sticking with last year’s model feel worse; we’re no longer part of the in-crowd. Personality and Identity Not everyone upgrades for the same reasons. Some of us are natural thrill-seekers who love being first in line, even if it means dealing with buggy operating systems. Others see technology as an extension of identity: Owning the newest gadget becomes a badge of honor for the forward-thinking and tech-savvy. For these buyers, the purchase is less about functionality and more about aligning with innovation. Convenience Over Mastery Sometimes, buying is easier than learning. Mastering the quirks of an older device can feel like a chore, while a newer model promises smoother, more intuitive use. Many people convince themselves that an upgrade isn’t an indulgence but a convenience. The Hidden Cost Frequent upgrades carry consequences. Perfectly functional devices often end up in drawers or landfills, adding to the growing mountains of e-waste. Before chasing the next shiny release, it’s worth asking: Do we really need it, or are we chasing novelty, status, and validation at a hidden cost?
Shiny, Sleek, and Addictive The Science
of Gadget Obsession
There’s something thrilling about unboxing a new gadget. The shimmer of the screen, the sleekness of the design, the moment you first power it on … it’s a rush. Behind this excitement, many psychological triggers pull us toward the upgrade cycle. The Pull of Novelty We’re hardwired to chase newness. Psychologists call it neophilia, an attraction to fresh experiences. Gadgets deliver that hit of novelty: sharper cameras, faster processors, and cutting-edge features that feel like a leap forward. These upgrades don’t just make life easier; they signal progress and feed our innate desire for self-improvement. Studies show people are far more likely to upgrade if the new version feels substantially different from the last.
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DON’T LET AN OUTDATED POA TRIP YOU UP THE 2021 POA OVERHAUL
Why Work With an Attorney Even though the new POA is easier to understand, it’s still a powerful legal tool. Giving someone authority over your financial and legal decisions is a big step, so you want to be sure it’s done right. Our team ensures your POA does the following:
In recent years, New York took a big step toward making the Power of Attorney (POA) process easier and more accessible. In 2021, lawmakers rolled out updates to the state’s statutory short form POA, aiming to remove confusion and simplify the experience for families. But while the new form is far more user-friendly, it’s still a legal document that needs to be set up carefully and correctly. What Changed in 2021 Before the update, New York’s POA form had a reputation for being overly intricate. Minor technical errors often led to banks rejecting forms, even when properly signed. The 2021 changes addressed many of these issues. • Simpler language for easier understanding and completion • Substantial compliance, so small mistakes won’t automatically void the document • Elimination of the separate gift rider • New witness requirements, with two disinterested witnesses needed in addition to notarization
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Grants only the powers you want your agent to have Complies with the 2021 law and all legal requirements
• Coordinates with your overall estate plan and personal situation • Names someone you fully trust to act on your behalf
Our attorneys help clients make decisions that fit their lives, protect their assets, and align with their bigger estate planning goals. Is It Time to Review Your POA? If you signed your POA before 2021, or your life has changed since then, now is the perfect time for a review. We’ll walk you through your options, explain how the new rules work, and make sure your documents give you peace of mind for the future.
While older forms may still be valid, it’s smart to review them to ensure they meet today’s standards.
Classic Italian Tiramisu MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER
INGREDIENTS •
DIRECTIONS 1.
1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, plus more for dusting 1 cup brewed espresso 1 tbsp vanilla extract 5 large egg yolks, cold
In a bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, espresso, and vanilla and set aside. 2. In a mixer, beat egg yolks and sugar until pale and thick, about 5 minutes. 3. Add salt and mascarpone cheese, and continue to whip. 4. Add the chilled heavy cream and continue to whip until light and smooth. 5. Dunk each ladyfinger in the espresso mixture to absorb the liquid and line a 7x11-inch oval baking dish with the cookies. 6. Top the first layer of cookies with half the whipped mascarpone mixture and spread it into an even layer. Dust with cocoa powder. Repeat for another layer and then finish by dusting with cocoa powder on top. 8. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours before serving. 7.
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1/2 cup white sugar 1/4 tsp kosher salt 16 oz mascarpone cheese, chilled
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1 3/4 cups heavy cream, chilled
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28 hard ladyfinger cookies
Take a Break
Inspired by WhatsGabyCooking.com
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718-698-2200 | realestateplanninglaw.com WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH Why Buyers and Sellers Trust Charles Martino With Their Biggest Decisions Page 1 Creating a Home Office That Feels Good The Psychological Triggers Behind Constant Upgrades Page 2 New York’s Power of Attorney Form Just Got Easier Classic Italian Tiramisu Page 3 3 Destinations and Endless Holiday Cheer Page 4 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Cape May, Atlantic City, and Staten Island Turn Up the Holiday Cheer Carols, Carriages, and Christmas Lights
The holiday season is shining brightly across Staten Island and New Jersey, with festive events guaranteed to fill your days with cheer and charm. Wander through gaslit streets, hop on a horse-drawn carriage, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy twinkling lights, live performances, holiday markets, and endless seasonal fun, all just around the corner! Christmas in Historic Richmond Town Dec. 6–7, 2025 HistoricRichmondTown.org/events Step back in time for a Dickens-style Christmas at Historic Richmond Town! The village comes alive with holiday magic, including horse- drawn carriage rides, Victorian carolers, living history demonstrations, festive food, crafts, and photo ops galore. Snap a pic with Santa, explore the holiday market, watch model
trains in action, and enjoy sweet treats by the fire. Don’t miss live performances, holiday storytelling, and the big tree lighting on Friday night! It’s the perfect way to kick off the season, old-fashioned charm and all. Christmas in Cape May Nov. 22, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026 CapeMayMAC.org For those in New Jersey, you can also experience a real-life Dickens village this holiday season with Christmas in Cape May! From Nov. 22, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2026, you can stroll through this Victorian seaside town that transforms into a twinkling wonderland with candlelight house tours, festive trolley rides, live music, and dazzling decorations at every turn. Walk along gaslit streets, sip hot cocoa, and watch Santa light up the town to kick off six weeks of holiday magic. Perfect for a cozy
getaway filled with seasonal cheer, Cape May is the ultimate Christmas destination! Winter Wonderland in Atlantic City All throughout December VisitAtlanticCity.com/events Atlantic City turns up the sparkle for the holidays with a seaside twist you won’t forget! Think dazzling tree lightings, twinkling light displays, holiday shows, festive markets, themed cocktails, and shopping galore, all set against the backdrop of oceanfront casinos and world-class dining. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a full holiday getaway, Atlantic City delivers nonstop entertainment, cozy seasonal vibes, and plenty of festive
cheer. Recently named one of Travel + Leisure’s Best Christmas Towns in America, it’s the ultimate destination to celebrate the season in style.
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