Home Seller & Buyer Seminar

Thinking about buying or selling a home within the next year? Join our panel of trusted local experts for an informative seminar covering everything you need to know from start to finish.

Topics include:

• Pre-listing inspections
• Mortgage planning and financing
• Legal considerations
• Tax grievance pre-certification
• Buying and selling strategies
• Homeowners insurance and multi-policy discounts
• Live Q&A with industry professionals

Whether you're buying, selling, or just planning ahead, you'll leave with valuable insights and practical next steps.

MEET THE PANEL

Jodi Brust

Jodi Brust is the Owner and President of American Dream Abstract, Inc., a women-owned and family-operated title insurance company based in Patchogue, New York.

After more than a decade in the title industry, Jodi founded American Dream Abstract on April 3, 2006, with a vision of providing exceptional service built on integrity, communication, and lasting relationships. Nearly 20 years later, that vision continues to guide the company's success.

With extensive experience in both residential and commercial real estate transactions, Jodi is known for her professionalism, industry expertise, and ability to navigate complex title matters while working collaboratively with all parties to bring transactions to a successful closing.

As a hands-on leader, Jodi has built a team that shares her commitment to honesty, loyalty, and exceptional client service. She believes that strong communication and trusted relationships are the foundation of every successful transaction. Today, her vision continues into the next generation, with both of her adult children, her husband, and other family members proudly serving as part of the American Dream team.

Todd SanGiovanni

With more than three decades of dedicated experience in the mortgage industry, Todd SanGiovanni has helped thousands of individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership. Having navigated every market cycle—from historic highs to complex regulatory shifts—Todd brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge, stability, and strategic insight to every transaction.

As a Senior Mortgage Loan Originator at FourLeaf, Todd specializes in tailoring financing solutions that align with clients' short- and long-term financial goals. Whether working with first-time homebuyers, seasoned real estate investors, or clients looking to refinance, he combines a mastery of loan products—including Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, and ARM products—with a reputation for absolute transparency and efficiency.

Over a 30-year career built entirely on referrals, Todd’s philosophy remains simple: the loan process should be a milestone to celebrate, not a stressful hurdle. Outside of the office, Todd enjoys cooking, mountain biking, weight training, and traveling with his family.

Michele LaGrassa

Michele LaGrassa is a highly regarded Property Tax Analyst with the Real Estate Division at Heller & Consultants Tax Grievance, bringing over a decade of expertise in property tax reduction. Since 2009, she has been the trusted go-to tax grievance expert for thousands of real estate agents and homeowners across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, helping them maximize savings, boost profits, and accelerate home sales.

A New York State Licensed Real Estate Instructor, Michele has educated over 2,000 real estate agents, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate property taxes effectively. Her industry insights and expertise have made her a recent guest on NEWS 12, and a featured guest on LI Patriot Radio, and WLINY Radio, where she provides invaluable strategies for Long Island homeowners looking to save money, and real estate professionals looking to grow their businesses.

Michele specializes in reducing excessive property taxes on both commercial and residential properties, helping homeowners, investors, and agents save money, enhance profitability, and close deals faster. Her dedication to advocating for fair property tax assessments has earned her a reputation as a leading authority in the field.

Joseph Benincasa

Prior to joining State Farm, I was a pediatric rehabilitation professional for twenty years during which time I took care of children with disabilities. I was able to combine both my life experiences and true desire to make a difference in the lives of others and convert them into the State Farm world. In December 2009, I opened the doors to my first State Farm Agency in Hampton Bays, NY. Two years later, an agency opportunity presented itself in my neighboring town of Farmingdale, NY and I was selected to open and serve in this great community.

At the Joseph Benincasa State Farm Agency our mission is to listen to the needs of our customers and provide them with auto insurance, homeowners insurance, renters insurance and life insurance options so that they may protect their loved ones and valued possessions. Our team of professionals is here and dedicated to provide prompt, courteous and efficient customer service. We build relationships through communication, honesty and integrity. It is our goal every day to earn your trust and business by offering the correct balance of product, price and service.

We service Farmingdale, the surrounding areas and all of New York State which includes Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx, Upstate and Westchester. We are thrilled to say that we also offer services in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Vermont.

Tina M. Munz

Tina M. Munz is a founding partner of Haggerty Munz, PLLC with more than 25 years of experience representing homebuyers, sellers, and mortgage lenders in residential real estate transactions throughout New York. She enjoys helping first-time homebuyers, experienced homeowners, and real estate professionals better understand the legal aspects of buying, selling, and financing real estate, empowering them to navigate the process with confidence.

She represents purchasers, sellers, institutional mortgage lenders, local credit unions, private lenders, and mortgage brokers in all aspects of residential real estate transactions. She has extensive experience guiding clients through every stage of the home buying, selling, and financing process, including contract negotiation, title review and clearance, mortgage financing, CEMA transactions, cooperative and condominium purchases, homeowners' associations, short sales, reverse mortgages, mortgage assignments, guardianships, and complex title curative matters. She is known for helping clients anticipate and resolve issues before they delay or jeopardize a closing.

In addition to her transactional practice, she serves as general counsel to cooperative corporations, advising boards of directors on governance, vendor agreements, shareholder transfers, refinancing matters, and other legal issues affecting cooperative communities.

A graduate of St. John's University School of Law, she is committed to educating buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals about the legal aspects of residential real estate transactions. She is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the New York State Land Title Association.

Rob Byrne

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