Date Archives: February 2019

Our real estate agents are here to support your home buying goals every step of the way.

That includes providing expert insight on the parts of the home buying process people find confusing. Many customers report their biggest questions have to do with securing a home loan.

No matter what kind of mortgage you pursue, odds are credit will be a factor. Good credit can help you get better loan terms. Only a few programs, most catering to first-time homebuyers, do not consider credit.

Your credit score is a numerical representation of the level of risk lenders take on when they offer you a loan package. It is determined by your history of paying debts on time, as well as the type and number of financial obligations you have.

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Feel like chillin' out, but don't want to have to go far to have a great time? To find fun with friends and family, all you have to do is head on to TOBAY Beach on Ocean Parkway on the morning of March 16th. That's when polar bears from throughout New York will descend on Oyster Bay to splish and splash their way through a day of unforgettable memories.

Polar Bear Plunge - 15 Years of Support for Special Olympics

Special Olympics New York is one of the largest athletic organizations in the country. There are currently just under 69,000 athletes and partners training with the organization. Each year they support area athletes who are eager to show off their skills at competitions around the world. Since 1968, the organization has made it possible for hundreds of thousands of athletes to compete in everything from track-and-field events to basketball games and Alpine skiing. With 22 Olympic-styled sports to choose from, there are plenty of opportunities for athletes to shine.

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Laffey Real Estate presents the distinguished recipients of the 2018 Sales Awards at the firm's gala event held at Carltun on the Park. 

• The Diamond Award is presented to individual Realtors with the highest in total sales and units.  This year's award winner was Janet Berookhim receiving both for sales and units sold. 
• The Shining Star Award honors Associates who have experienced the greatest increase year over year.  Recipients included Peter Koh and Lisa Goodbinder with production 100% greater than the prior year.
• The Rookie Team of the Year Award is given to the newest team of agents and was awarded to Yakshi Carlino and Katherine Sreckovich.
• The Rookie of the Year Award is given to the first year agent who excels in overall sales and units. This year the award winner was Stephanie Lorber.
• The Hall of Fame Award inductees are those Realtors who have exceeded $50 Million in sales.  This year saw the induction of Arpi Candan, Diane Leyden and Kathleen Christie. 
• The Top Producers by Office for the year ending 2018 are as follows: Kay Kwak, Bellerose; Tim Lau & Ira Gross, Brookville; Lynne Jaffe, Corporate Services; Angela Chaman, Great Neck; Michelle N. Cohen, Greenvale; Janet Berookhim, Greenvale 2; Katy Anastasio, Huntington; Jorge Armas, Jackson Heights; Carol Chang, Little Neck; James Gavin, Manhasset; Lori Castoria, New Hyde Park; Linda Michael, Port Washington; Nelly Menendez, Syosset and Kathleen Myers, Westbury. 

"As a brokerage, we put quite a lot of stock in training and marketing education.  This year's group of award recipients is a demonstration that knowledge and dedication is a path to continued success", explains Philip C. Laffey, Principal and Broker/Owner.  "Clients, especially repeat customers, know that our agents work tirelessly and always have their best interests at heart.  We are both proud and grateful." 

About Laffey Real Estate
Laffey Real Estate is one of the largest privately held independent family-owned residential real estate firms on Long Island with a network of almost 500 agents in 13 offices throughout Nassau, Western Suffolk and Queens Counties. Their global partnership with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^®, Luxury Portfolio^® and Who's Who In Luxury Real Estate^® extends their reach to more than 50 countries worldwide. The firm is a full-service provider offering expertise in sales, rentals, relocation, mortgage, new development marketing, mortgage and title insurance to the marketplace. The cutting-edge technology supporting field agents, premium brand identity and industry-leading tools embody best in class standards. Consumers trust in the Laffey Real Estate name to provide tools and resources that help navigate the process of buying and selling residential real estate in any economic environment. Consistently ranked in the top 10% of the brokers locally and as a Top 500 Broker in the US based on the 2017 Real Trends reports, Laffey Real Estate has an exceptional record of success.

 Media Contact:  Cathy M. Poturny  Laffey Real Estate  516.626.1500 x390  cpoturny@laffeyre.com

Laffey Real Estate, Long Island's premier family owned residential real estate brokerage, is pleased to announce the promotion of Linda Soldano Ragione Michael to the role of Branch Manager of the New Hyde Park office.  The announcement was made jointly by principals, Mark T. Laffey and Philip C. Laffey, the Broker-Owners of the old firm.   "Linda has real estate in her DNA.  As a second generation realtor, Linda's in-depth perspective of the real estate market is a priceless attribute to the firm," explained Philip C. Laffey/ Principal, Broker Owner. 

Her progress has been well documented: awarded Laffey's 2017 Shining Start Honor, named 2018 Career Leader, responsible for mentorship, innovative thinking and strategic planning and, most recently recipient of the 2018 Overall Top Producer Port Washington Office Award.  

Linda quickly assumed the Branch Manager role of nurturer, teacher and mentor with the same electricity and vigor she has used throughout her entire real estate career.  Her common sense, direct approach is invaluable to the development of strong realtors, a responsibility she has excelled at from the very start. 

In this new chapter, she is managing a robust office of realtors, navigating the complex market and applying her skills to foster a growth-oriented sales culture.  Using her notoriously high energy business style, Linda's impact is already beginning to see results.  A Realtor's Realtor, she is actively marketing and selling real estate closing out another banner year matching her 2018 success while recruiting, mentoring and challenging her team of professionals. 

A Board member of the Port Washington Senior Center and a fifth generation Port Washingtonian, Linda still resides in Port Washington with her extended family. 

About Laffey Real Estate
Laffey Real Estate is one of the largest privately held independent family-owned residential real estate firms on Long Island with a network of over 500 agents in 13 offices throughout Nassau, Western Suffolk and Queens Counties. Their global partnership with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World and Luxury Portfolio, extends their reach to more than 60 countries worldwide. The firm is a full-service provider offering expertise in sales, rentals, relocation, mortgage, developments and title insurance to the marketplace. The cutting-edge technology supporting field agents, premium brand identity and industry-leading tools embody best in class standards. Consumers trust in the Laffey Real Estate name to provide tools and resources that help navigate the process of buying and selling residential real estate in any economic environment. Consistently ranked in the top 10% of the brokers locally and as a Top 500 Broker in the US based on the 2017 Real Trends reports, Laffey Real Estate has an exceptional record of success.

Media Contact:  Cathy M. Poturny  Laffey Real Estate  516.626.1500 x390  cpoturny@laffeyre.com

Laffey Real Estate celebrates the success and accomplishments of Janet Berookhim, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker at the firm's annual year end celebration.  The awards ceremony was followed by a gala Holiday event at Carltun on the Park.

Janet received the 2018 Companywide Top Producer Overall Company Diamond Award for her exceptional business success.   As a consistent top producer in the Laffey Organization, member of the coveted Hall of Fame and a leader in residential new construction home sales industry wide, Berookhim epitomizes the best of the best. 

"Janet exemplifies the Top Producer," commented Philip C. Laffey, Broker Owner of Laffey Real Estate. "From her work ethics to personal integrity, she knows what it takes to succeed and to thrive. We are very proud to present her with this honor." 

Over Ms. Berookhim's real estate career, she has worked closely with buyers and sellers in all price ranges along the North Shore. She has worked tirelessly to cultivate a loyal referral network among the Gold Coast Developers representing luxury new construction in Nassau County.  Her long-standing success is a testament to her local area knowledge.  By year end 2018, Janet has sold close to $500 Million worth of residential real estate over the course of her illustrious career, a feat not easily topped in the highly competitive real estate industry.

About Laffey Real Estate
Laffey Real Estate is one of the largest privately held independent family-owned residential real estate firms on Long Island with a network of almost 500 agents in 13 offices throughout Nassau, Western Suffolk and Queens Counties. Their global partnership with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^®, Luxury Portfolio^® and Who's Who In Luxury Real Estate^® extends their reach to more than 50 countries worldwide. The firm is a full-service provider offering expertise in sales, rentals, relocation, mortgage, new development marketing, mortgage and title insurance to the marketplace. The cutting-edge technology supporting field agents, premium brand identity and industry-leading tools embody best in class standards. Consumers trust in the Laffey Real Estate name to provide tools and resources that help navigate the process of buying and selling residential real estate in any economic environment. Consistently ranked in the top 10% of the brokers locally and as a Top 500 Broker in the US based on the 2017 Real Trends reports, Laffey Real Estate has an exceptional record of success.

Whether you are buying or selling your first home or your fiftieth, it's always a good idea to have an experienced real estate professional by your side. You often hear people use the terms real estate agent and REALTOR® used interchangeably.  While both types of professionals must be licensed to sell real estate, there is a difference. If this is your first time entering the Long Island real estate market, knowing the differences could be a little confusing.  

Our team at Laffey Real Estate is here to explain the difference hiring a REALTOR® during your real estate experience makes.

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Celebrate National Love Your Pet Day

National Love Your Pet day is coming up on Wednesday, February 20th. Just like you, our real estate agents at Laffey Real Estate love their pets. Whether you're a dog person, a cat person, or anything else, there's one thing we all agree on: Pets are part of the family!

With that in mind, it's vital to take steps to keep them safe and comfortable while you move.

Moving day is an exciting time, but it can be stressful – to pets as well as people. The noise, confusion, and movement can lead to unexpected behavior from overstimulated animal friends. By taking a few quick steps early on, you can make the process more peaceful for your pets.

Let's look at seven quick tips for moving with your pets:

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