Posts in category 'Real Estate Blogs'

In Season 4, Episode 4 of the Work Hard, Play Hard & Give Back podcast, host Mike Litzner sits down with top-producing agent Tom Nails from the Coldwell Banker American Homes Hicksville office to explore how 25 years of hyper-local focus, system-driven consistency, and third-generation industry heritage built his standing as "Mr. Salisbury".

Third-Generation Real Estate Heritage and Levittown Construction History

Real estate runs deep in Tom Nails' bloodline, tracing back to his grandfather Frank LaRosa, who established LaRosa Realty in 1951. Growing up around job sites and learning fundamental work habits while repairing post-World War II housing inventory gave Nails a practical understanding of Long Island residential construction.

Reflecting on the roughly 8,500 homes across Salisbury—where over 50% are classic Levitt-style builds—Nails highlights how understanding local architectural nuances and municipal permit histories protects clients during property transfers. That foundational knowledge enables him to navigate property searches, town approvals, and structural additions smoothly.

"It takes 10 years to become an overnight success. The business isn't complicated; the hard thing about this business is being consistent." — Tom Nails

Building the "Mr. Salisbury" Brand and Involving the Next Generation

Operating from the Coldwell Banker American Homes Hicksville office, Nails systematically captured market share across Westbury and Salisbury by treating community engagement like a local popularity contest. What began as organic PTA involvement alongside his wife Melissa evolved into a recognized local brand that captures more than 10% of local market transactions.

To keep his marketing modern, Nails embraced video content and social media by featuring his daughters, Sophia and Olivia. This multi-generational approach connects with home buyers across print, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok while preparing his daughters to potentially carry the family practice into its fourth generation.

Community Philanthropy and Local Giving Back

For Nails, giving back locally is fundamental to operating a real estate practice on Long Island. Every October, his team hosts an annual food drive for Island Harvest at the Salisbury Tavern, gathering over 1,200 pounds of food for regional families in need.

Additionally, as an alumnus of Clarke High School, Nails established the Nails Family Scholarship. Each June, the initiative grants financial awards to graduating male and female student-athletes, reinforcing a commitment to support local youth and community development.

"My grandfather always used to say, 'Do what you can, be a good person, and stay true to who you are.' If you stay disciplined every day, good things are going to happen." — Tom Nails

Planning Your Next Long Island Real Estate Move

Whether buying a home near major parkways like The LIE or preparing a property for sale in Central Nassau, working with a dedicated advisor ensures a smooth transaction.

Sellers interested in reviewing their home's market value can generate a preliminary evaluation using the CB Estimate Home Valuation tool. Prospective buyers looking to analyze community data or relocation options across Long Island can utilize the CB MoveMeter application. To connect with experienced real estate professionals across our regional offices, visit the Coldwell Banker American Homes Agent Directory or explore our main CBAM Homes Blog Index.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Tom Nails build his market identity as "Mr. Salisbury"?

Tom Nails built his "Mr. Salisbury" brand through decades of hyper-local community presence, active involvement in PTA and Little League, and multi-channel marketing across Salisbury and Westbury. Over 25 years of consistent service established him as the dominant real estate specialist in the neighborhood.

What advice does Tom Nails offer new real estate agents entering the Long Island market?

Tom advises new agents to align with experienced mentors, establish strict daily discipline over fleeting motivation, and implement repeatable systems. He emphasizes that long-term career growth comes from commitment to consistent execution rather than seeking quick results.

What community and charitable initiatives does the Nails family support locally?

Tom and his family organize an annual October food drive benefiting Island Harvest and fund the Nails Family Scholarship at Clarke High School. The scholarship awards financial grants to graduating student-athletes each June.

Top Dix Hills real estate agent Ron Starantino leverages Wall Street trading background, Hollywood motorcycle consulting experience, and extreme competitive discipline to secure top-dollar results for home sellers across Long Island. In Season 4, Episode 1 of the Work Hard, Play Hard and Give Back podcast, broker owner Mike Litner interviews Starantino on his unique career trajectory, high-stakes negotiation strategies, and passion for community involvement.

From Wall Street Floor Trading to Hollywood Sets

Before becoming an award-winning agent at Coldwell Banker American Homes, Ron Starantino navigated the high-stakes trading floors of Lower Manhattan. As a principal at 14 Wall Street holding level-three market-making trading privileges, Starantino handled immense financial volume during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Following his career in finance, Starantino transitioned into high-end motorcycle customization and celebrity brand management. He served as vice president for major lifestyle brands and build teams, working alongside iconic figures like Gene Simmons of KISS, Nickelback, and Orange County Choppers.

His work eventually led him to Los Angeles, where he spent 11 years on Hollywood production sets. He served as both a cast member and technical motorcycle consultant on hit television series, including Sons of Anarchy.

"I'm a salesman at heart. I have no problem asking for money... I find out the 'why', which is more important sometimes than the 'how' or the 'what'. If you tell me your family lives two doors down, you're not losing a house over a couple of dollars. That's where I can keep going back to get my seller their dream price."

Applying Fearless Negotiation to Dix Hills & Long Island Listings

Starentino notes that his diverse background taught him to never back down during complex real estate transactions. Rather than settling for initial offers, he relentlessly advocates for his listing clients by identifying buyer motivations and pushing for maximum valuation.

Whether navigating competitive multi-offer bidding wars in gated Dix Hills communities or listing properties near the Northern State Parkway, Starantino emphasizes that price advocacy separates average agents from top producers. His proactive communication prevents deals from falling apart during contract periods or inspection phases.

Host Mike Litner emphasizes that home sellers frequently make the mistake of shopping purely by commission rates rather than agent skill. An agent with superior negotiation capabilities routinely secures thousands of dollars above the asking price, far outweighing minor fee differences.

Hyper-Local Reach: From Manhattan to Montauk

While rooted in the Coldwell Banker American Homes Dix Hills Office, Starantino's footprint spans all of Long Island. He operates seamlessly across diverse regional markets, from co-ops and multi-family units in Queens to luxury coastal properties in Montauk.

Navigating major thoroughfares like the LIE, the Northern State, and the Southern State allows him to keep a direct pulse on multi-county inventory listed through OneKey MLS. He treats every property with extreme detail, whether it is a starter home in Ronkonkoma or an estate on the North Shore.

Competitive Athletic Discipline and Local Business Leadership

Long before entering real estate, Starantino achieved elite athletic success as Mr. Long Island in 1990 and an East Coast bodybuilding champion. Training alongside Mr. America Tom Terwilliger taught him that consistent daily work yields long-term success.

That same work ethic propelled his leadership in local business networking. Taking over a struggling local BNI chapter, Starantino applied structured discipline to grow the group from 26 members to 115 members.

Under his seven-year tenure as president, the chapter became the only Platinum BNI chapter in the world, generating over $10.3 million in verified closed business for local mom-and-pop vendors in a single year. This community impact earned him the "Man of the Year" honor at the Power Move Gala.

"What do you do when you get to the top? You reach down and you pull others up. Anything good that's ever happened to me has been through trying to help somebody else."

Philanthropy and Veteran Advocacy

Giving back forms an essential pillar of Starantino's daily life and business philosophy. Through personal connections made on production sets with Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, Starantino became a dedicated ambassador for the Boot Campaign.

This national veteran organization directs proceeds directly toward housing, medical care, and wellness support for returning military service members. Starantino regularly sports signature military combat boots during public appearances to raise awareness and funds for combat veterans and military families.

In addition to national military support, he stays actively involved in local Long Island initiatives. He frequently organizes charity motorcycle rides and supports food distribution programs through Long Island Cares.

Planning Your Next Long Island Real Estate Move

Whether you are planning to sell a home on the South Shore or searching for luxury properties across Suffolk and Nassau counties, partnering with an experienced negotiator is critical. Coldwell Banker American Homes provides industry-leading tools to help home sellers evaluate their equity and assist buyers in planning their next move.

Sellers can discover their property's market value using the official CB Estimate Valuation Tool. Buyers planning a relocation across towns can utilize the interactive MoveMeter Tool to evaluate cost-of-living metrics.

Episode FAQ

How does Ron Starantino's background on Wall Street help Long Island home sellers?

Ron Starantino spent years as a level three market-making trader at 14 Wall Street. This fast-paced trading floor background instilled a fearless negotiation style where he focuses on identifying buyer motivations to secure maximum price points for his property listings.

What geographic areas does Ron Starantino cover across Long Island?

Ron Starantino operates under the rule of serving clients "from Manhattan to Montauk". Based in the Dix Hills office, he regularly represents residential properties, co-ops, and multi-family homes spanning Queens, the North Shore, the South Shore, and the East End.

Why is local business networking and community involvement critical to real estate success?

As former president of Long Island's largest BNI chapter, Ron Starantino helped generate over $10 million in local business transactions annually by adopting a "givers gain" mindset. Building strong local business relationships creates a reliable network that supports clients and strengthens neighborhood economies.