Island Realtor Puts 57th Business Anniversary On Back Burner As Helping Sandy Victims Becomes A Top Priority

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Realtor® Jon Salmon plans to mark the 57^th anniversary of his family business in 2013, but more quietly than originally planned.

“I can’t imagine celebrating any business milestone with so many Staten Islanders still suffering the effects of Hurricane Sandy,” said the president of Salmon Real Estate, Castleton Corners. “For now, my plans are simple: Cater to my clients in the respected tradition of my father, Egon, who opened Salmon Real Estate in 1956, and continue helping Islanders in need.”

By the time the storm had departed Staten Island, hundreds of residential and commercial properties were destroyed or later deemed uninhabitable by the New York City Department of Buildings; thousands more are in need of repairs.

“I was in shock when I saw the devastation: Fronts and backs of homes blown away, entire houses gone – nothing there. My brain had a hard time comprehending what I had seen,” Salmon said. “It’s heartbreaking to see piles of cherished possessions and stuffed toys on the street.”

BEFORE THE STORM

During the last full week in October, business at Salmon Real Estate was good, reflecting claims by some industry analysts of a housing market turn-around.

On Friday, Oct. 26, three days before the super storm hit the Island, the agency had three acceptances on properties, within 15 minutes of each other.

“What a way to end the week, with the accomplishment of three transactions and more opportunities on the horizon,” said Salmon, whose thoughts have turned to the storm’s long-lasting influence upon the damaged areas. “Many homes will be demolished. People, comfortable before the hurricane, are now homeless. And what will get rebuilt? It’s possible the city, state, and federal governments may say, ‘You can’t build there.’”

In the mean time, Salmon, and others like him, are doing their best to provide assistance and support to the storm victims.

“Members of the five of Rotary clubs on Staten Island have volunteered with cleanup and supply deliveries,” said Salmon, a past-president and member of the South Shore Rotary Club.

Additionally, the five groups have created a Website, http://statenislandrotaryrelief.com, where people can send monetary donations dedicated to providing food and supplies for Hurricane Sandy victims on Staten Island.

Meanwhile, at the Salmon Real Estate office, the number of people seeking temporary apartments has risen. However, Salmon said, “The issue is problematic because most landlords won’t lease for less than a year, and many won’t accept tenants with pets.”

As for the 57^th anniversary of Salmon Real Estate, “We’ll all know when it’s time to celebrate,” the broker/owner said. “Right now, it’s time to help.”

About Salmon Real Estate

Salmon Real Estate was established by former NYC Tax Commissioner Egon J. Salmon during a real estate career that began in 1956. The agency is a member of the Staten Island Board of Realtors (SIBOR), the New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Today, with the Egon Salmon’s son Jon at the helm, Salmon Real Estate continues to be a highly respected full-service agency with extraordinary insight of the local marketplace, and community involvement benefiting all neighborhoods of Staten Island.

In addition to providing its services locally, Salmon Real Estate assists buyers and sellers of properties in the global marketplace through its association with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World™.

Thank You For VisitIng The Blog of  The Staten Island Board of REALTORS® (SIBOR)

Relevant Public Relations, LLC

Headquarters: 718‑682‑1509

Mobile: 917‑715‑8761

Email: Bhorowitz@RelevantPR.com