Blog…What’s Brewing
EARTH DAY 2022 – APRIL 22 The theme is Invest In Our Planet! It’s NOT just a day, it’s a movement. Find out more information here www.earthday.org
The environment is a treasure and needs that delicate balance to be protected and preserved for a future of sustainable living. Many areas of the earth are in jeopardy. The work of earthday.org is vast. Here are the areas of concern which are the focus:
- Climate and environmental literacy
- End plastic pollution
- Conservation and restoration
- Food and environment
- Act on climate change
What is happening in your community to assist with the awareness to REDUCE, REUSE, RECYLE ?
🌎Creative use space https://www.retake-remake.org/ is the brainchild of local entrepreneur Barbara Korein. The mission is to promote creative reuse, environmental awareness and community by providing affordable, reclaimed art materials.

🌎 Artist Natalya Khorover‘s mission is Art for Earth’s sake. She uses materials that many consider to be trash. This repurposing creates amazing canvases that are architectural, organic, purposeful and delightful to view. Her work can be found here https://www.artbynatalya.com/

🌎 Sculptor Wilfredo Morel is a highly acclaimed Hudson Valley Region artist known for his utilization of recycled materials, related to the communities where materials are found. As such his work provides a powerful symbolic model for art as a focal point in urban renewal, emphasizing a revitalization of discarded and neglected resources. http://wilfredomorel.com/

🌎 Protecting our natural resources is essential. Riverkeeper https://www.riverkeeper.org/ protects and restores the Hudson River from source to sea and safeguards drinking water supplies, through advocacy rooted in community partnerships, science and law. SATURDAY MAY 7 Riverkeeper Sweep – 9am-12pm. Join in for a clean up by the river. Kayak Launch, Tarrytown, Lot G. Info: https://tarrytownenvironmental.org/
🌎 Ossining is on board with the Annual Earth Day Festival on April 23rd, Westchester County’s largest community-run earth day festival. https://www.greenossining.org/earth-day-festival/
🌎 Bedford 2030 envisions a carbon neutral world and aspires to a sustainable community that conserves natural resources for future generations. See more about their mission here https://bedford2030.org/
🌎 Towns in Westchester county participate in programs and initiatives as a commitment to environmental justice and sustainable practices. https://sustainablewestchester.org/
🌎 Food scraps are one of the largest components of trash sent to landfills and incinerators. However, food scraps are not trash, they are a resource that can be turned into useful compost. Many town have this program, does yours? If so are you doing your part?
https://www.yorktownny.org/refuserecycling/food-scrap-drop-site
https://www.scarsdale.com/495/Food-Scrap-Recycling
https://www.mynewcastle.org/452/Food-Scrap-Recycling-Program
https://www.mountkiscony.gov/residents/food_scrap_recycling.php

There are many resources to explore where we can be responsible and accountable for how we treat the earth and all its beauty!
Make every day Earth Day!
Elisa Bruno-Midili is a local guide, Realtor and small business advocate. A Westchester resident for about 45 years she grew up in the Bronx in the 60s and attended school in the 70s. Elisa always considered herself an artist expressing herself through design, photography, graphics and now as a curator of content.
What should a buyer expect from their Realtor? A Realtor is hired to represent a buyer in the purchase of what very well could be the largest asset of their life, so what is expected?
Firstly, understand that the Realtor/buyer relationship is a partnership and there is a team necessary to complete the process. Buyer, agent, loan officer, financial advisor, attorney, title company, inspector, and brokerage support. When all parties to the transaction are in sync it creates a smooth, seamless experience.
Setting expectations – It starts with a dialogue that explains the market and buying environment. Right now it is a seller’s market so buckle up and be ready to listen to the strategy for this type of market. Inventory is at historic lows, rates may be rising, and pent up buyer demand looms.
Finding your property – Be enrolled in a portal and on the agent’s website to get notified of any new properties. Response time will be critical from scheduling a showing, to making an offer, to doing an inspection. A new property on the market means getting in to see it immediately and acting quickly.
What is needed – A current preapproval from a reputable lending institution. The choices are a retail bank, a mortgage bank and a mortgage broker. Ask your Realtor which is right for you. Please note that your financing options, downpayment amount are important factors. Is your team ready to perform? Have an inspector and attorney on standby.
How to win an offer in a multiple offer situation – Be prepared with your preapproval, proof of funds, inspector, and attorney. Be sure your Realtor composes the offer to purchase email to include the facts: you have an attorney and inspector on hand to perform quickly. Include any timing issues with closing and be as flexible as possible. When involved in a multiple offer situation remain calm, remove your emotions as to not get disappointed if your offer is not accepted. Think of it as a business transaction although you are in love with the house! Put in your BEST offer, this could sometimes be 20% more than asking. Be sure to ask for comparable SOLD properties as well as PENDING properties to see how much the market has accelerated in the past 6 months. This will help to determine where to start. Some buyers are willing to overpay for a home that you do not think is worth it…it happens. If this is you, then the home has absolute value and overpaying should not be an issue. If you do not want to overpay in this highly competitive market, expand your search into an area with less buyer competition or seek other options. Offer to pay closing costs, for the seller to rent back with no charge, to pay moving costs. Contingencies are often waived such as inspections and appraisals. Discuss these points to see what your options are. Tactics may add value to your offer in addition to purchase price. Don’t give up!
Buying a home is an exciting time, enjoy the process, you WILL find the right home with a knowledgeable Realtor!
If you like what you are hearing in this blog please contact Elisa, Team Leader with The Café Residential Team at McGrath Realty Inc and 35 year residential expert. We specialize in a delivering an educational and stress-free real estate experience.
914-912-1355 call/text or Ebruno@McGrathRealtyInc.com
Guide to a Stress-Free Moving Experience: 10 Tips from a Real Estate Pro
Your home is your sanctuary, your abode, your domicile, the place you go to when you seek shelter, comfort and solitude. You may be thinking of selling because it’s too much maintenance, the taxes are too high, or your lifestyle has changed.
When getting ready, an important thing to realize is that the only good time to put your home on the market is when you are ready. The market has its seasonal cycles, holiday gyrations and Super Bowl Sunday myths but you are the only one who can make the mental and emotional decision to move. When you do, you are half way there. Mindset is the first and foremost thing that must change in order to be successful the rest of the way.
It’s also good to know where you will go! Have a destination in mind and visualize the kind of lifestyle you desire. Where do you want to go? What do you want to be near? What kind of weather is best for you?
When your decision to move is made consider the following tips:
- Do speak to an expert Realtor for market trends and values in your area to get an idea of what your options are for selling. Your Realtor is your guide, a communication channel and a resource for all of your real estate needs, questions and problems.
- Do consult your financial planner, accountant and/or attorney to discuss the financial impact this decision will have for you.
- Look around…are you surrounded by years of collections, furniture and your kids’ stuff? Make 3 lists: 1. DONATE/GIVEAWAY 2. SELL 3. TRASH. Whatever is left, take it with you and since you have decided to move pack that extra stuff away and store discretely in the home or off-site. RESOURCE: https://www.gominis.com/ and https://clancymoving.com/
- Check with your city or town to be sure everything is legal: additions, decks/patios, finished basements/attics, fireplaces/wood burning stoves, pools/hot tubs, oil tank removal paperwork. The building department should have the documents on file. Just because you bought it that way does not mean it won’t be a problem now. RESOURCE: https://consumer.westchestergov.com/local-building-dept-contacts
- Check to be sure everything is up to code and safety standards: railings, deck and stairway spindles, smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors, electrical outlets, fireproof sheetrock over heating system, steel door in utility room, ventilation, electrical connections, mold in basements/attics, GFCI outlets, peeling paint, broken, windows, leaking roof. A pre-inspection will uncover things that may need repair.
- Replace loose deck boards, patio stones, walkway railings, pool fence enclosures, light bulbs, hardware, HVAC filters, broken screens, non-working appliances.
- De-clutter by packing items that you are not using: personal photos, holiday décor, extra knick-knacks, souvenirs, religious items. The goal is to make the place as inviting and neutral as possible with some flair.
- Contact a professional stager for advice about furniture placement, paint colors, wood flooring stain, carpeting, window treatments, lighting and accessory placement. Paint does wonders for any room! RESOURCE: https://therefreshedhome.com/ and https://organizingwisdom.com
- You only have one chance to make a first impression, the curb appeal consists of landscaping, the front door and an overall feeling when a buyer drives up to the house. Put away hoses, garbage/recycling bins, toys, remove dead/artificial plants. Decorate seasonally and simply.
- Always speak with your Realtor before starting any project, an expert will know if your expense will be worth your time, money and energy.
BONUS RESOURCE: Are you a caregiver or do you know someone who is? This resource page has many options. https://www.realestatecafeny.com/resources/?cn-s=&cn-cat=22
The intention is to create a near perfect condition situation to obtain the highest value producing stunning photos and video. The better it looks the more attractive it will be. The more attractive the more interest and that means possible multiple offers and more profit for you! Your agent may be experienced in helping with the staging but if it needs a facelift for optimal value then a stager consult is an inexpensive and valuable resource.
These are some pre-listing preparation tips to encourage you to get started before you choose your moving timeline, logistics and ultimately the agent who will represent you.
If you like what you are hearing in this blog please contact Elisa, Team Leader with The Café Residential Team at McGrath Realty Inc and 35 year residential expert. We specialize in a delivering an educational and stress-free real estate experience.
914-912-1355 call/text or Ebruno@McGrathRealtyInc.com
OR How an independent brokerage remains relevant and communicates value to customers and agents alike in a continuously changing environment.
You may ask the question “Does an independent brokerage have the same tools at their disposal as a well-funded competitor? And the answer is yes!
Café Realty has the technology necessary to service our clients and agents in a personal and customized way. The leveraging of powerful brands to systemize operations and optimize marketing is carefully chosen and implemented.
Sellers and buyers have access to digital presentations, documents and links to online forms in their listing program.
Agents who are looking for a better fit to elevate and organize their business have VIP access to the suite of systems for productivity, tracking, marketing and analytics.
The independent model is not for everyone, it is for those who believe in and want to support small, local independent businesses. We are 2/3rds women owned and uphold our code of ethics, fair housing and anti-discrimination laws.
Sellers – We get you more and in less time, anyone can say it, we are confident that we can do it. Buyers – We artfully negotiate and navigate you through the offering process.
It is 2021 and Cafe Realty has been upgraded, connected and energized to serve you and your real estate needs.
Elisa Bruno-Midili is the co-founder and partner at Cafe Realty. She is also a Score Certified Small Business Mentor and advocate for collaboration.
LOCAL. INDEPENDENT. COMMUNITY-FOCUSED. REAL ESTATE. Café Realty | 914-666-7792 | info@CafeRealtyNY.com
T’was the week before Christmas when all over the place,
Realtors were stirring to cover their face,
With masks that they use to work they are going,
The virus wouldn’t prevent Christmas from coming.
Covid it struck while all snug in their beds,
While visions of clients danced in their heads!
Protection we need from a virus so bad,
Everything changed and it was so sad.
When out in the field there arose such a clatter,
Quarantine is the thing that will certainly matter,
When dealing with people and homes and the process,
Remotely is how to be safe nonetheless.
Offices were closed for safety you know,
Adapting was key and from this we will grow!
When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a way to continue to do business this year!
With an independent company so nimble and quick,
I knew all the while there would be an uptick.
More rapid than eagles the solutions they came,
Thinking of our children we called them by name:
Now Chase, now Ellie now Andon and Teagan,
On Jaelyn on Monty on Maylene and Kalynn!
On them that we focus and their future secure,
Now stay home and stay safe for this we assure
Will help us to stop the spread that is near,
And calm in our heads the things that we fear.
Their futures are bright and for certain they’ll thrive,
While many are grasping for ways to survive.
A bundle of services went quickly remote,
As a company retooled and pivoted take note.
Presentations how clever and messages so merry,
Like an ice cream dessert topped with a cherry!
The agents have patience, resilience and strength,
Coordinating transactions mostly arms length.
Their mindsets are set to serve you sincere,
Especially at Christmas and all through the year!
With tactics and strategy second to none,
And follow up response to please everyone.
From sellers and buyers and investors alike,
We acknowledge that covid inspections could spike.
The precautions we take and never for granted,
Real estate has never been so demanded!
The market we watch so diligent and focused,
And nothing we do will go unnoticed.
For a company that’s independent and local and small,
Is the best choice we profess and it is for all!
When you are thinking of making your move,
It’s Café Realty that makes all things go smooth.
A stress free experience is all that you need,
We guide you, connect you and it’s guaranteed!
You’ll love the attention that you will receive,
And in this small company we hope you believe.
That higher standards, integrity and trust we profess,
In all that we do education is best!
Sharing our knowledge with you is our gift,
As we navigate through and dance with the shift.
A year like no other, unprecedented they say
We made it through this one so what can we say?
Onward and upward to a brand new year,
We wish for this season some holiday cheer!
I heard some exclaim as we carried on with delight,
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Elisa is a Co-Founder and Creative Director for Cafe Realty, a local, independent, community-focused real estate brokerage. https://instacard.co/Elisa-BrunoMidili