Date Archives: October 2020

Real estate is a financial investment, but it's also an investment in the type of lifestyle you want to enjoy. There are advantages to purchasing a home, and there are advantages to buying a condo. Carefully weighing your options is the key to making the right choice for your future.

Comparing the Costs of Fees and Maintenance

A house is more than just four walls and a roof that encloses a large space. It is also a yard, fence, and landscaping that you will need to maintain. And, unlike a condo, all of the maintenance is your responsibility. Unless you have an HOA, the advantage is that as the sole owner, you have full decision-making authority over how to maintain it and what you want to include in the landscaping. In general, you can expect to spend approximately 1 to 2% of the home's purchase price each year on maintenance. Further, if an HOA governs you, you will also need to pay HOA fees to maintain landscaping, parks, pools, etc. within the community.

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While it's true that two offers are better than none, that doesn't make it any easier to make the right decision. There are many factors to consider, and you will want to weigh each offer carefully as you decide which one to accept. Our real estate agents understand the challenges in front of you and recommend the following to help guide you to the right choice.

Price Vs Terms

This is only part of the equation you need to consider. If it's an all-cash offer that comes in at or above your asking price, it's an easy decision to make. In fact, most sellers will accept this offer without a second thought. While a generous offer is certain to catch your attention, the bottom line is that you should always pay close attention to the offer's terms and conditions. For example, suppose a high bid is contingent on the buyer selling another property or securing financing. In that case, it can be riskier than accepting a lower offer with no strings attached from a buyer with secured financing.

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What could be better than Dessert Day? Celebrating that special day on Long Island, of course! There are so many legendary, local bakeries throughout Long Island communities, many of which have been serving the region for decades. Whether you're looking for a traditional treat or a fresh, new custom creation, Long Island's bakeries have it all. Our real estate agents are saving room for dessert, and we have all the delectable details on 5 of the best bakeries on Long Island.

• Copenhagen Bakery – 75 Woodbine Ave., Northport, NY 11768
  You won't ever have to travel far from Northport homes for sale to enjoy a delicious dessert, thanks to legendary local bakeries like Copenhagen Bakery. Enjoy a meal from the extensive breakfast/lunch menu, and be sure to save room for dessert! Copenhagen Bakery offers a little bit of everything to satisfy your sweet tooth, including cookies, danish, pastries, cakes, and fresh breads. Grab a fresh cake from the shop to celebrate Dessert Day with your family, or call ahead to have a special cake custom made.

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If you're buying a home in a location that you can't readily commute to, video visits are a perfect way to get up close to a house you may not be able to see in person just yet. Video visits can help you narrow down options, or reduce the risks when you must buy a new home sight unseen. Our real estate agents are highly experienced in helping home buyers in a variety of situations, and we want you to make the best of your visits, whether virtual or in person. You should have a list of questions to ask about the homes you view; you can add these, or use them to start your list. 

• How long has this property been on the market?
  Sometimes, a home just needs the right buyer. But if a home has been on the market for more than a few months, it may have problems that local buyers have spotted more readily. It shouldn't bar you from considering a property you love, but it should prompt closer inspection and further questions.

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