Take a look at our November newsletter!
REALESTATEPLANNINGLAW.COM 718-698-2200 November 2025
WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
IN A MANOR OF SPEAKING
HOW JEANNE VOLPE FROM DITOMMASO REAL ESTATE FOUND HER CALLING Keys to Success
worked in Staten Island and Brooklyn, and in 2020, I expanded into New Jersey. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but through all the market ups and downs, one thing has kept me steady: family. Sometimes that meant bringing my daughter to closings or balancing showings between soccer games, but it always worked. I like to think that balance has made me a better agent and, more importantly, a happier mom. Fast forward to today: My daughter is 30, my son is 24, and I’m a proud grandma to a 1-year- old grandson who lights up my world. Last year, my husband and I made a big move ourselves from our home in Staten Island, where we’d lived for 32 years, to New Jersey. We chose a 55+ community close to my daughter and the rest of our family, and honestly, the transition couldn’t have been better timed.
attorneys; they’re problem-solvers, hand- holders, and steady voices of reason when the stress starts to creep in. Their office made everything smooth, seamless, and (dare I say?) pleasant. I tell all my clients the same thing now: If you don’t already have an attorney, they’re my go-to recommendation. They’ll guide you through it all … and they even have candy waiting when you walk through the door. These days, most of my business is referral- based. Clients come back when they’re ready for a new home, or they send their kids and cousins my way. Some have even become lifelong friends. That’s the magic of real estate. You’re not just selling houses, you’re building relationships. And with the right team by your side, those relationships only get stronger. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that buying or selling a home is a deeply personal journey. It comes with excitement, stress, and a
This month, we’re thrilled to feature our dear friend and colleague, Jeanne Volpe of DiTommaso Real Estate. Jeanne, thank you for trusting us with your own move and for allowing us to be part of your clients’ journeys, too. Your faith in us means the world.
When I look back over the past 26 years of my career, I still smile at how it all began. I was a stay-at-home mom at the time, juggling nap schedules and playdates, when my sister-in- law came to me with an idea: “You’ve got to get your real estate license!” She had just earned hers, and at first, I laughed it off. My daughter was only 3 years old! Yet, something about it stuck, and before long, a close friend and I were signed up for night classes right around the corner from my house. That decision in 1999 changed my life. My sister-in-law was already with a brokerage and pulled me in. Practically on day one, they handed us an open house. I’ll never forget it. The ink on my license was barely dry, but my partner and I managed to sell it. And just like that, I was hooked. From the very beginning, I loved the energy, the people, and the chance to help someone’s “someday” dream home become today’s reality. As time went on, my career grew and shifted. I took a break when my son was born and later branched out on my own. Over the years, I
And let me tell you, even as an agent myself, selling a home and buying another is always
stressful, no matter how many years of experience you have. Of course, I knew what to expect, but I also felt the nerves. That’s where Merlino & Gonzalez made all the difference. I had worked with them before on clients’ deals, but going through my own sale and purchase with their team gave me a whole new appreciation. They’re more than just
whole lot of moving parts. But with the right team, aka your Realtor and your attorneys, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. For me, that team is Merlino & Gonzalez, and I’m grateful not only to work alongside them but to have trusted them with my own family’s move.
–Jeanne Volpe
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FIXTURES THAT DEFINE A ROOM FORM, FUNCTION, AND FLAIR
Lighting doesn’t just help you see in the dark. It also affects how a room feels. Often, the right fixture can make everything else around it click.
A geometric pendant could be a great option if your space needs a focal point. The clean lines work exceptionally well in open foyers and dining areas. For something warmer and more rustic, try an Edison bulb. They add a unique charm to any space, especially with exposed fixtures. Sometimes, even furnished rooms feel unfinished. A sculptural floor lamp can fill in the gap while making a statement. Look for one that feels more like an accent piece than a utility. Want to add sparkle and elegance? A small crystal fixture will catch the light and your eye.
You don’t have to follow any single rule. What matters is that the fixture fits the space and makes it feel more like yours.
RETRO REMEDIES FOR A RADIANT HOME CLEANING CLASSICS
Mint will suppress summer stink. Although the air tends to cool off this time of year, summer will be here again before we know it. If heat and humidity make your garbage cans stink to high heaven, you can find the answer to overcoming the odor in your garden. Grow or purchase fresh mint and place a sprig in each can daily. You’ll be amazed by how quickly the stench goes away. Tidy pet hair without time travel. Pets bring joy and companionship to our lives, but their hair can do a real number on our rugs and upholstery. Interestingly, the secret to purging pet hair emerged nearly 80 years ago. In the May 1946 issue of Better Homes & Gardens, a reader recommended rubbing a wet rubber sponge on the affected areas, a process that rolls up the hair into easy-to- remove balls. A writer from the magazine decided to test this method last year, and the decades-old directions still did the trick.
Today’s home makeover marketplace is full of high-tech goods and gadgets designed to keep your spaces clean. However, looking to the distant past reveals plenty of practical (and, in many cases, less expensive) options to bring your pad back to perfection. Here are three vintage cleaning tips that still work well today. Markers are no match for rubbing alcohol. Most parents encourage their children to explore their artistic side. Still, the possibility of your little ones becoming future Picassos can become problematic if they use markers to turn your refrigerator, countertops, walls, or other nonporous surfaces into makeshift art galleries. Instead of shrieking in horror upon discovering their creations, reach for rubbing alcohol and apply it to a cloth. Rubbing the fabric on the scribbles will dissolve the pigments, making it easier to restore your child’s ad-hoc canvas to its original, clean condition. Of course, you may want to snap a few photos of your child’s art before wiping it away — and consider purchasing more appropriate things for them to draw on!
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Don’t Let Long-Term Care Drain Your Savings How to Safeguard Your Assets and Get the Care You Deserve
When it comes to long-term care, waiting until a crisis hits can cost more than money; it can cost peace of mind. Planning early gives you control, protects your savings, and ensures you get the care you deserve. Medicaid in New York covers extended care, from nursing homes to in-home assistance, but qualifying isn’t automatic. Your income and assets must meet strict guidelines, and starting early is the smartest way to secure your options. Medicaid Myths That Can Cost You We hear it all the time: “I have Medicare, so I’m covered,” or “I’ll just give my assets to my kids if I need help.” The truth is that Medicare won’t pay for long-term care, and gifts made too close to applying can trigger penalties under New York’s five-year lookback rule. Even if you think
you’ll never need a nursing home, home care can be expensive, and Medicaid planning helps you stay prepared. Waiting too long can delay benefits or force you to spend your life savings. Medicaid Planning Strategies That Work Medicaid planning isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it’s about crafting a strategy that fits your life. Options often include:
Application expertise: Guides you through the sometimes overwhelming paperwork with our expert help.
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Every plan is tailored to your situation, your goals, and the people you love. How We Support Staten Island Families At Merlino & Gonzalez, we guide families through the complex world of New York Medicaid with clarity and compassion. From safeguarding a modest home to managing larger estates, we help you make decisions that protect your future without adding stress. The key is starting early. Protecting your assets today ensures that tomorrow, you and your loved ones can focus on what matters most: family, security, and peace of mind.
Irrevocable trusts: Transfers assets like your home while retaining some benefits or control. Strategic gifting: Reduces countable resources carefully to avoid penalties. Spousal protections: Keeps the spouse financially secure while the other receives care.
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APPLE-CRANBERRY SALAD MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER
INGREDIENTS • 6 slices of bacon • 1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette • 1/3 cup olive oil • 2 tbsp raw honey •
DIRECTIONS 1.
In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove it from the pan and set on a paper towel-lined plate to cool. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, and honey. Set aside. In a large bowl, add spinach, cranberries, apple slices, red onion, and feta. Crumble
2.
Take a Break
8 oz fresh baby spinach, rinsed and dried 3/4 cup dried cranberries 1 Honeycrisp apple, peeled and thinly sliced 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
3.
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bacon pieces over the top. Use salad forks to toss ingredients thoroughly. 4. Add dressing to the salad and toss again until well-coated.
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1/2 cup feta cheese
Inspired by WanderlustAndWellness.org
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718-698-2200 | realestateplanninglaw.com WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH Behind Every Home Is a Story: Jeanne Volpe Shares Hers Page 1 Make Fixtures the Focal Point Old Ways, Fresh Days Page 2 Medicaid Myths That Could Cost You Big Apple-Cranberry Salad Page 3 Jazz Beats, Harvest Feasts, and Holiday Streets Await This November Page 4 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Don’t Miss These Festivals Bringing Magic to November Harmonies, History, and Holiday Cheer
November brings a lively kickoff to the holiday season across Staten Island and New Jersey! From the soulful sounds of jazz echoing through Cape May to harvest traditions brought to life in Historic Richmond Town, and the timeless magic of Dickens in Smithville, this month is bursting with opportunities to celebrate community, culture, and cheer. 2025 Autumn Exit Zero Jazz Festival Nov. 6–9 ExitZeroJazzFestival.com Get ready to swing, dance, and celebrate at the 2025 Autumn Exit Zero Jazz Festival, happening in Cape May, New Jersey! For three unforgettable days, this seaside town transforms into a music lover’s playground where Grammy-winning headliners share the stage with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Feel the energy of New Orleans-
style second-line parades, groove to Brazilian drum lines, and soak in jazz, blues, funk, and R&B pouring out of every corner, from the grand Main Stage to cozy bars and restaurants. Add craft brews, fine wines, and coastal charm, and it’s pure festival magic. Hearth & Harvest Festival Nov. 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. HistoricRichmondTown.org/events Step back in time and celebrate the season at Hearth & Harvest Festival at Historic Richmond Town. This immersive event honors centuries-old traditions with an exhibition of Native American life and culture, featuring indigenous dance, storytelling, and crafts. Wander through historic kitchens to watch costumed interpreters bring 18th and 19th century harvest recipes to life over open hearths. Sample Native American food
traditions with Buffalo Jump NYC, shop handmade artisan goods, and experience the warmth, flavor, and community spirit of harvest celebrations past. Holiday Dickens Fest Nov. 29–30 HistoricSmithville.com Embrace the magic of the holidays at the Dickens Festival in Historic Smithville, New Jersey! Riddlesbrood Touring Theatre Company presents a lively outdoor musical adaptation of “A Christmas Carol,” complete with Scrooge, the Ghosts of Christmas, and a heartwarming carol sing-along. Stroll among holiday vendors, enjoy festive treats, and stay for the dazzling Christmas tree lighting and the breathtaking Light Show on the Lake, featuring over 50,000 dancing lights reflected across Lake Meone. Admission is free!
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