Adding plants to a room is a fantastic way to add color and express the decor scheme. They make a room feel more welcoming and can be a relatively low-maintenance focal point for any room. Our real estate agents appreciate it when they see that each decor element in a home has been chosen with care. If your family includes pets, you'll want to make sure that the plants you choose will be as kind to them as you are. Some plants can pose a serious risk to animals, and you'll want to be cautious when shopping at your local nursery. 

• Consider The Lilies 
  Calla lilies are striking and graceful in appearance but can be toxic to animals and humans. These are normally grown outdoors, but you may receive an arrangement, including lilies. If you grow them outside, keep them well away from pets and children. If you receive a bouquet or wreath, including lilies, keep it out of reach until it's time to dispose of it.

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Pools, spas, and meticulously manicured lawns are lovely but few backyard amenities are as exceptional as an outdoor kitchen. An outdoor kitchen is a staple of luxury living. Whether it's poolside, atop a patio, or used to create the transitional indoor-outdoor space that so many homeowners desire, the outdoor kitchen is a fantastic feature. Unfortunately, it's also one of the easiest luxe renovations to botch.

When you're transforming your outdoor space with luxurious upgrades, it's important to make sure your investment is protected before, during, and after the project is completed. Our real estate agents have identified five of the most common mistakes homeowners make when installing an outdoor kitchen and how you can avoid them.

1. Mistake: Not Planning the Project Professionally
   Solution: Hire A Consultant
   
   How do you turn the outdoor kitchen of your dreams into a reality? You're going to need some help. Even if you plan on completing most aspects of the project yourself, you should still consult a team of professionals before you begin. This project will involve the installation of ventilation, electrical, gas, and water lines, all of which aren't elements an amateur should attempt to handle alone. Bringing in a professional consultant to help you detail the logistics of your vision will help you avoid mistakes.

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Laffey Real Estate, a leading residential real estate broker on Long Island, launched their Virtual Showing Platform in early April to much acclaim.  The demand for virtual viewings is still strong.  Visit Laffey.com/OpenHouse page to participate.  Interested buyers can find homes to preview every Wednesday from noon to 1:00 pm via Facebook Premier and Laffey.com. 

This is simple and safe home showings.  Go to Laffey.com/OpenHouse page.  Choose the property.  Click on the Facebook Live button under the listing address.  The open houses are scheduled in advance so the date and time is shown on the listing page as well.  Visitors will be notified when they are registered and will receive a notification that their Virtual Open House is beginning.  It is easy to explore open houses from a desktop, laptop and smart device.   

The market is very robust.  Nationwide, there was a 20.7 percent increase in existing-home sales — which includes single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops — between May and June of this year, according to the National Association of Realtors. 

On Long Island, the number of pending sales spiked by 60.6% in Nassau County and by 55.6% in Suffolk last month, compared with a year earlier, OneKey MLS, the multiple listing service that includes Long Island, reported Thursday.

Prices increased in both counties. In Nassau, closed sale prices ticked up 1.1% annually, to a median $551,250, and pending sale prices rose by 6.4%, to a median $580,000. Suffolk County median closed sale prices jumped by 5.8% to $439,000 and pending sale prices rose by 8.4% to $450,000, the listing service reported.

In July 2020, the median list price of single family homes in Queens County, NY was $750K, and media sale price was $650,000; condos median list price was $638,000 and media sold was $530,000. Homes in Queens County, NY sold for 3.5% below asking price on average in July 2020

Combined with record-low interest rates and high rents, City dwellers are adding another element to the frenzied pace of available home buyers. The average interest rate was 2.96% last week, down 0.64 percentage points from a year ago, mortgage giant Freddie Mac reported Thursday.

"This method of engaging our customers have proven fruitful for everyone", explained Donnamarie Chaimanis, President Laffey Real Estate.  "With Zoom, WhatsApp, Google Meets live streaming and showing appointments, the overwhelming number of buyers coming to our website requesting virtual showings and meetings has been awe-inspiring." 

Since mid-April, during the height of the pandemic and beyond, Laffey Real Estate débuted more than 500 Virtual Open Houses reaching thousands of potential buyers across Laffey.com, Agent Websites and Facebook. 

Waffles are simple in creation and appearance, but they lend themselves to a seemingly infinite number of variations, which is why they're such a popular brunch dish. Our real estate agents will be indulging at these great waffle spots to celebrate National Waffle Day on Monday, August 24. Why not find a new favorite flavor combination? 

• Costa Nova Waffle - 211 - 2nd St., Mineola, NY 11501
  Named after a scenic beachside community in Portugal, Costa Nova Waffle will change everything you thought you know about waffles. Costa Nova serves a unique hybrid of traditional waffles and crepes, prepared Bolacha (crispy) or Tripa (soft). Choose from a selection of delectable fillings such as chocolate chips, cookie butter, and ovos moles, a traditional Portuguese egg custard. Costa Nova's waffles are designed to be portable, so you can eat on the go before viewing Mineola homes for sale. Hours are 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday, noon - 11 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday.

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Iconic Melville Estate Rich in History and Design Excellence

Greenvale, NY – Laffey Real Estate is proud to represent the sellers of this mid-century modern masterpiece by the famed Architect of Rockefeller Center, the United Nations Headquarters, the master plan for Lincoln Center, the Perisphere and Trylon at the 1939 World's Fair and many other high profile historically significant structures in New York City. 

Located in Melville at a very desirable address, the Harrison House imbues architectural excellence.  This 3.6 acre private and masterfully restored estate is just as much a home as it is a work of art that celebrates form, material and the architect's penchant for circular spaces. 

Harrison House was the place for the lively social and artistic "who's who of the time" hosting everyone from Alvar Aalto and Marc Chagall to Robert Moses and French Painter Fernand Leger. 

In 1975 the house was sold to art dealer Harold Diamond and his wife. If the name doesn't spark a memory, the Diamonds are parents to Mike D of Beastie Boys fame.  During their ownership, the Diamonds were instrumental in getting the house designated on the National Register of Historic Places though it offered no protection from demolition. 

Fast forward, the current owners, while admittedly knowing very little about modernist architecture, recognized that the house was special and vowed to restore to its original luster.  Together with the guidance of Steve Schappacher and his partner Renee White, SchappacherWhite DPC and the new owners embarked on a 2-year odyssey to restore, rework and repair the once magnificent estate where it remains today as a testament to the memory of Harrison's remarkable vision. 

Three original circular rooms are the center design elements of this mid-century modern home. The circular living room with the original terrazzo/wood dance floor was the model for NYCs Rainbow Room. Grand rooms include the Gourmet kitchen with clerestory windows, upper and lower family rooms and library. Design features include 5 fireplaces, custom millwork and cabinetry throughout the house by Dune, walnut flooring and walls of glass which allows abundant light and landscaped grounds into the fabric of the home. An expanded lower level boats a multimedia theatre, wine cellar and gym and a convenient walkout to the rear grounds.

The grounds are a private resort with a stunning circular saltwater pool, new Turf Tek surface tennis court, slate patio, 8 hole mini-golf, waterfall and rolling hills of lush mature landscaping complete this architectural showcase.

Offered at $5,999,000 by Broker Owner Philip C. Laffey  516.359.1489 plaffey@laffeyre.com

About
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 575 agents in 11 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 70 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 Long Island marketplace. Their pioneering sales management platforms, worldwide brand identity and industry-leading training curriculum embody best in class standards throughout the industry. Consumers trust in Laffey Real Estate name to represent their home buying and selling interests locally and globally. 

Consistently ranked by the two of the industry's leading consulting and research firms, REALTrends and T3 Sixty, Laffey Real Estate has an exceptional record of success proudly recognized in the largest independent brokers, total sales volume, largest brokers nationwide and network partner Leading RE affiliates. 

Laffey Real Estate announced the appointment of Donnamarie Chaimanis, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, to the position of President of the brokerage effective immediately. 

In this newly created role, Chaimanis is tasked with maximizing branch productivity; supervise the daily sales operations, branch services, recruiting platforms and growth strategies in the markets served including Long Island and the five boroughs.  She will continue in the role of overseeing the team of branch managers and career leaders.

The announcement was made by Philip C. Laffey, Broker Owner via a senior management Zoom meeting.  "We are very pleased to have Donnamarie work alongside us.  Since joining the firm in 2005, she has been a proven leader, innovator and team player," explained Laffey.  "This offers both Mark and me the opportunity to continue to focus on more strategic initiatives while ensuring that our company is moving forward as we have envisioned." 

Chaimanis, a 15-year residential real estate veteran, has previously served in leadership positions including Branch Manager Brookville Office, Regional Vice President and Luxury Marketing Division Manager.  Before her promotion, she led the company's Luxury Marketing Division instituting training strategy, marketing initiatives and agent mentoring. 

Donnamarie has a real penchant for luxury real estate, as the market on the Gold Coast certainly warrants.  Overall, these legacy sales include the $36.5 Million Searingtown Road, Manhasset land; $20 Million Easton Estate, Muttontown; $19.88 Million Alan King Waterfront Estate, Kings Point; the $9.035 Million, Oyster Bay Cove Cassini residence and many other notable estates.  

In commenting on Donnamarie's appointment, Mark T. Laffey, Broker Owner added that "we've been grooming her for this position for a few years.  She stepped up naturally and efficiently. With her professionalism and knowledge, we are confident that Donnamarie will be an integral part of the strategic growth of Laffey Real Estate for years to come."

With her extensive experience and background in residential real estate, she will continue to work closely with the Broker Owners.  As the firm enters another chapter in their storied and well-regarded history, the vision for expansion will be well served under her guidance.  

Who Are Long Island's Top Realtors?

Laffey Real Estate's James Gavin!!!

Long Island Press recently named Manhasset's own James Gavin to the 2020 Top Realtors of Long Island.  We are proud to recognize James Gavin, a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, as a true professional in the Residential Real Estate industry.  He is a Luxury Home Marketing Expert with a very successful and impressive portfolio of representing notable and distinct North Shore homes.   

Gavin's accolades include being named "Rookie of the Year" at his Manhasset firm in 2015, earning the title of "Rising Star Residential Agent Of The Year" by Long Island Business News in 2017, and being named to Zillow's Best of the Best list in 2019. He sells homes all along the North Shore Corridor from Great Neck to Cutchogue with a specialty in the Manhasset-Port Washington-Sands Point Markets. 

To preview his historic legacy transactions and read more about his beginnings, visit his website Jamesgavin.laffey.com.  A lifelong resident of the North Shore, Jim resides with his wife and daughters in Manhasset.  

Laffey Real Estate congratulates all of the recipients named to the 2020 Long Island Press Top Realtors List. 

August is National Golf Month, and it's hard to imagine a better time to be out on the links. Considering how much time we've all spent in self-quarantine this spring, getting out and playing a round of golf sounds better than ever. 

Here on Long Island, our real estate agents are always grateful to live in a place with some of the best golf courses in the Northeast. Golf is also a great activity when you want to get outside and have fun while still practicing safe social distancing. Be sure to check out these amazing Long Island golf courses this month:

• Harbor Links Golf Course - 1 W Fairway Dr., Port Washington, NY 11050
  Nestled among the rolling hills of Nassau County, Harbor Links Golf Course offers well-groomed greens and fairways that challenge players of all skill levels. Harbor Links includes an 18-hole championship course as well as a 9-hole course and driving range. There are great views to be had from practically every hole. Harbor Links Golf Course is convenient to many beautiful Port Washington homes for sale and is routinely ranked among the very best of Long Island's public courses.

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