Real Estate Blogs - May, 2025

New Jersey First-Time Homebuyer Grants: Up to $40K in 2025

New Jersey’s high home prices and tight inventory can make a 20 % down payment feel out of reach, yet state, county, and lender programs now offer first-time buyers up to $30,000 – $32,000 in forgivable or grant assistance when the right options are stacked together. The state-run NJHMFA Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) supplies $15 k interest-free help, with an extra $7 k for first-generation buyers—totaling $22 k toward closing costs and down payment. Meanwhile, the Homebuyer Dream Program® (HDP®) from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York allocates grants of up to $30 k through participating lenders such as Northfield Bank, creating even larger opportunity windows during its annual funding rounds.Local programs, like Monmouth County’s…

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Open House Red Flags: 8 Things to Look For When House Hunting

Spotted early, open house red flags can save us from regret. We must learn to identify signs of hidden damage, cover-ups, or seller manipulation. This list explains the top 8 red flags, so we protect our future home and wallet.

1. Inspect for Fresh Paint in Isolated Areas

Fresh paint on small spots often hides damage. We need to be cautious if we see patchy or mismatched paint. It may be covering mold, water stains, or cracks.

Check ceilings, baseboards, and basement walls. If only part of a wall is freshly painted, ask why. Real estate data confirms this is a tactic to conceal water leaks or structural flaws.

Also look for warped drywall or uneven textures under the paint. These often signal past repairs.

2. Check for Musty Smells or…

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Pre-Qualification vs. Pre-Approval: NYC & NJ Buyers’ Guide 2025

In the fast-paced 2025 NYC and NJ housing markets, timing and preparation are everything. With the average days-on-market in NYC at just 42 and bidding wars involving three or more offers becoming the norm, having the right financing letter can make or break your homebuying journey. Sellers and listing agents prioritize offers backed by solid financial documentation, often favoring pre-approval over pre-qualification. Understanding the nuances between these two can give you a competitive edge in securing your dream home.

What Is Mortgage Pre-Qualification?

Mortgage pre-qualification is the real-estate equivalent of a “getting-to-know-you” chat with a lender: you share a snapshot of your income, debts, and assets, and in return the lender gives you…

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10 First-Time Buyer Mistakes in NYC │ Robert DeFalco Realty

Buying your first home in New York City means navigating one of the world’s tightest markets, where first-timers now make up a rising share of purchase mortgages even as affordability shrinks. Median Manhattan condos cost roughly 15 – 25 % more than comparable co-ops, bidding wars push 27 % of new leases and many sales above ask, and accepted offers average a 3.7 % premium in high-demand segments. Factor in closing costs that run 2 – 5 % of the loan amount plus New York’s mansion tax at $1 million+, and it’s easy to see why 47 % of recent owners report at least one regret—most often surprise maintenance and hidden fees. Add strict board approvals, 20–50 % down-payment norms for co-ops , and rapidly changing commission rules that shift more costs onto…

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Explore Robert Defalco Realty Neighborhood Pages | Local Real Estate by Area

At Robert DeFalco Realty, we’re proud to unveil our newly enhanced neighborhood pages—your all-in-one resource for exploring Staten Island, Brooklyn, and New Jersey communities. These pages are more than just listings; they’re immersive, hyperlocal guides designed to simplify your home search and deepen your understanding of each area. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seasoned investor, or simply curious about local markets, our neighborhood pages offer the tools and insights you need to make informed decisions. (Follow us on Facebook)

1. Discover Hyperlocal Listings Instantly

Our neighborhood pages provide immediate access to up-to-date listings tailored to each community. Whether you’re interested in the serene streets of Oakwood or the…

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Why Didn’t My Home Sell? 5 Common Reasons & How to Fix Them

In most cases, an expired listing boils down to five preventable mistakes—over-pricing, weak online presentation, lackluster curb appeal, ineffective representation, and poor timing. Fresh 2024-25 data from national real-estate studies show that homes priced correctly sell in days, not months; listings with magazine-quality photos dominate buyer clicks; and professionally staged, landscaped properties can return double their improvement costs. Follow the action plans below and let Robert DeFalco Realty show exactly why your home didn’t sell and—more importantly—how to relaunch it so it attracts offers quickly.

1. Price Your Home Competitively From Day One

Industry analysis shows that fairly priced homes secure offers within three-to-five days, while…

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Robert DeFalco Realty Report (Updated May 15th, 2025)

FEATURED LISTINGS

24 St Stephens Place, Staten Island, NY 10306

9 BEDS 2 BATHS 5,200 Sq Ft

LISTING PRICE: $1,599,999

Built in 1855 on the former grounds of the Rose & Crown Tavern, this iconic Italianate villa is one of Staten Island’s most storied homes. Designed with the picturesque ideals of Davis and Downing, it later became home to confectioner Gustav Mayer, where the original vanilla wafer recipe—later used by Nabisco—was created.

This architectural gem features a fully restored, museum-quality first floor with a double parlor, three bedrooms, two kitchens, and handcrafted historic details. The upper levels offer over 2,800 sq ft of restoration-ready space and creative potential.

Set on over half an acre with a signature cupola…

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Staten Island’s $400M Waterfront Makeover: What It Means for You

A Sustainable Vision for the North Shore

Mayor Eric Adams and the city's Economic Development Corporation have announced plans for the city's largest mass timber residential project. Developers Artimus and Phoenix Realty Group will lead the construction of 500 mixed-income housing units on two vacant sites along Stapleton’s waterfront. Notably, 25% of these units will be designated as affordable housing for families earning between 40% and 80% of the area median income.New York Post

Mass timber, an engineered wood product, will be utilized in construction to reduce the project's carbon footprint and expedite building timelines. This sustainable material aligns with the city's "Green Economy Action Plan," which aims to create 400,000 green jobs by…

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325-327 John Street Union NJ | 5-Unit Income Property for Sale

Click for the listing page for 325-327 John Street →

Welcome to 325-327 John Street, a prime investment opportunity nestled in the heart of Union Township, NJ. This income-producing, five-unit brick apartment building offers a total of 3,876 square feet of living space on a 4,709-square-foot lot. Built in 1976, the property features a mix of 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units, each designed for comfort and functionality.

Strategically located just minutes from major transportation routes and amenities, this property is ideal for investors seeking a solid return in a thriving community. Union Township is known for its vibrant neighborhoods, excellent schools, and convenient access to shopping and dining options. For more information on the area,…

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Robert DeFalco Realty Report (Updated May 7th, 2025)

FEATURED LISTINGS

63 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10301

7 BEDS 7 BATHS 4,649 Sq Ft

LISTING PRICE: $1,475,000

Experience refined living in this spacious two-family luxury home with 6 bedrooms and 6 baths in the main residence, plus a private one-bedroom apartment upstairs. Ideal for multi-generational living or hosting, it includes separate quarters by the pool house with a summer retreat and bath. Inside, enjoy grand ceilings, detailed moldings, formal living and dining rooms, a den, office, and a chef’s kitchen. The primary suite boasts a balcony with stunning views of Silver Lake Park. Step outside to your private backyard oasis, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Just minutes from Manhattan, this one-of-a-kind home blends elegance,…

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