Thinking of how you might save a little money in 2023? How about cutting some energy costs? In our region, where the heating season can be rather long, we must cut back on electricity, gas, or heating oil use to realize cost savings. Although it's not easy to save when the weather is cold, there are various means to reduce energy bills. Surprisingly, one of the best ways to cut down on electricity use is by adding solar panels.
When the wind is howling, and snow is drifting on the driveway, nothing seems more inviting than snuggling up on the couch with our loved ones. To keep your home comfortable through the coldest New York winters, our real estate agents want to offer you a few helpful hints.
Most of us don't need a reason to bake up a yummy batch of cookies, but National Bake Cookies Day gives us a perfect reason to indulge. Since Bake Cookies Day happens during the Christmas holidays on December 18th, our real estate agents think it's a great way to celebrate your sweet tooth and enjoy the holidays with family and friends.
The holidays are a fun, festive time of year, but let's face it: They can also put a substantial dent in your budget. Fortunately, when it comes to decorating, you don't have to forego festive decor to save some money. With a little creativity, you can deck your home out for the holidays while staying on a budget.
With the cost of natural gas predicted to rise more than 30 percent over last year, homeowners throughout the country are bracing for big heating bills this winter. In addition to higher energy prices, demand could outpace supply, and winter weather could be slightly colder than last year.
With home values at historic highs, many homeowners are rushing to put their houses on the market to take advantage of the increase in their equity. But our real estate agents want to caution sellers that hasty decisions can mean necessary repairs can go unidentified and delay closing the sale. A pre-inspection can be a worthwhile investment and reveal issues that can be resolved before listing.
If you're craving a home overhaul, you may hesitate to go through a demolition's time, expense, upheaval, and mess. You can still make your home more beautiful and functional with a renovation project that avoids many of the negatives associated with a demo.
Our real estate agents suggest 10 tips for a successful "no-demo" reno project.
Our real estate agents know that financing is one of a homebuyer's biggest worries. It continues to be a concern even on your second or third home. In fact, homeowners have unique challenges when it comes to selling their existing home and buying a new one!
When there's a gap between the time you close on a new home and closing day on your existing one, it can introduce real financial peril. In many cases, this can stretch your budget to the breaking point. But even if the timing doesn't line up perfectly, you still have options you can pursue.
One of those is the bridge loan.
When it comes to buying a home, planning is essential. The sooner you get started, the better. That is especially true for most buyers who will need some financing to meet their goals. Our real estate agents are always glad to clear up your questions and make homebuying easier.
You don't have to have the perfect credit score or a huge down payment saved up to buy a home, but there are some things you should avoid doing. While lenders have a lot of leeway in deciding who to offer financing to, there are some issues that they simply won't be able to overlook.
The purpose of showing your home is to hook a buyer. You want the buyers to come through your house and be impressed - so impressed in fact, that they're ready to make an offer! You'll have one chance to make a great first impression on the potential buyers, so make sure to follow these five helpful tips to really make it count!
First impressions are HUGE when showing you home to potential buyers, but by following the simple tips above you will be well on your way to making a great impression and, hopefully, receiving multiple offers! (And if you are at all anxious about this important step, just reach out to a trusted real estate agent in your area who can help guide you through this process!)
Fall is a wonderful time for festivals around Long Island, with something to suit every taste and member of the family. With events celebrating the fall harvest, culinary culture of Long Island, and the communities we love to call home, there's something new to enjoy nearly every weekend throughout the fall. Our real estate agents have all the exciting details on five fall festivals that you won't want to miss around Long Island.
If you feel like your outdoor spaces constantly look messy, it's time to revamp your cleaning routine. A clean exterior helps your home look its best while making it more appealing to potential homebuyers. Our real estate agents encourage you to follow these hacks for cleaning your outdoor areas.
Closing day is a big deal! It's a culmination of all your hard work: getting your house ready to sell, going through the work of keeping it clean and staged for showings, and negotiating with your buyer. It's normal to be both excited and nervous about closing day, especially if you haven't closed on a property as the seller before.
Fortunately, things rarely go wrong on closing day, especially when you have our real estate agents guiding you through the process. Here is a rundown of everything you need to know about the big day.
From light beach reads to page-turning thrillers, getting lost in a book is the perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon. And with so many independent bookstores around Long Island, your new favorite novel might just be a few blocks away.
Long Island was home to many great authors, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Truman Capote, and even poet Walt Whitman. This area's literary legacy lives on through our dozens of independent bookstores, which have become important community assets. These shops not only provide an excellent inventory of literature but also serve as neighborhood gathering spaces, promote learning, and host local events.
Summer on Long Island is in full swing, and the kids have been complaining that there's nothing to do. They've even gotten bored with video games! But parents, have no fear! A spacious backyard is a perfect venue for a summer fun fest, and our real estate agents have plenty of ideas to help make that happen.
Oil paintings may be impressive, but there are so many other artistic mediums out there that are just as beautiful. July is World Watercolor Month, so now is a great time to get better acquainted with this exquisite art form. According to our real estate agents, these five locations around Long Island are good places to begin.
Our real estate agents know that deciding precisely when to sell your house can be a real challenge.
Whether it's a buyer's or seller's market, conditions never stay the same for very long. It's up to sellers to time their transaction for the greatest advantage, then get the right help from a real estate agent. However, there can be a lot of conflicting information to sort through.
With interest rates rising, many sellers have concluded that they "missed the boat."
There are so many good reasons to shop at farmers markets. First, it's just fun to walk around and see all the local goods for sale. You also support the local economy, meet the people who grow your food, and purchase fresh produce to enjoy at home. Our real estate agents know the local farmer's market scene and recommend stopping by the following markets on Long Island.
Downsizing can simplify life, whether you're an empty nester or looking to get into the tiny home trend. A smaller house means less upkeep, lower bills, and more time and money to do the things you love.
Our real estate agents can smoothen your transition to a smaller space by helping you find a home that's perfect for you.
With the temperatures finally getting warm consistently, there's no better time to plan a project in your yard or garden. You may want to add some plants, install a pond, add a retaining wall, or make another type of improvement. To get the supplies you'll need and some help and advice, stop by a landscaping supply business around Long Island.
Our real estate agents recommend visiting the following destinations to find the landscaping supplies you need.
It's never a bad time for ice cream. However, some days seem made for it. June 7th is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day, so why not celebrate with a cup or a cone? If you're new to the area, our real estate agents can help you find your way around and get what you need. Here are our picks for the best places to get chocolate ice cream on Long Island.
Bidding wars occur when housing inventory is low in a popular location. It occurs when two or more buyers are interested in the property. As a buyer, it's not advisable to rely solely on the seller's agent when you find yourself in a bidding war; you should have your own home-buying pro. Our real estate agents are ready to negotiate on your behalf to help you navigate this tricky process.
In today's competitive market, houses in all locations and price ranges are receiving multiple offers, and bidding wars are becoming a lot more frequent. Sometimes, a listing can be purposely underpriced to trigger a bidding war. One of the primary reasons longtime home searchers find it difficult to close on a home is because they end up outbid repeatedly.
As we approach the warmest time of the year, adjust your outdoor space to match the summer. Your outdoor space is more valuable during summer, and you need to get it ready in anticipation of entertaining your friends and family. Hosting a festive outdoor party filled with fun and laughter involves more than moving your indoor party to your patio. Our real estate agents recommend these tips to get your outdoor space ready for summer entertaining.
Director Quentin Tarantino once declared that hamburgers are the cornerstone of a nutritious breakfast. There's no wrong time for a burger, especially in May during National Hamburger Month. Join our real estate agents in exploring the range of unique burgers at these restaurants around Long Island.
Whether you love fiction, nonfiction, fairytales, or romance novels, May is the month for you. It's Get Caught Reading Month. Even if nobody catches you, this is the perfect occasion to curl up with a good book and let your mind explore. Our real estate agents recommend visiting one of these Long Island book stores to find the perfect book.
Bike riding is one of the best ways to spend time outdoors and keep your physical activity levels high. Our real estate agents swear by it, especially in the right setting. Whether you're bringing family members or going it alone, these stellar bike trails are some of the best places to enjoy a ride on Long Island.
At Laffey Real Estate, our real estate agents want to help you make informed decisions about homeownership. One of the biggest ones is whether to tap into your home's equity.
Equity is the value that builds up over time as you pay off more of your mortgage. Every cent you pay on the principal, the initial mortgage amount, becomes equity. On the other hand, money that pays for loan interest provides no benefit to the homeowner; it is pure profit for the mortgage lender.
Sometimes our real estate agents crave a good grilled cheese sandwich, especially on a cool, rainy day. With National Grilled Cheese Day coming up April 12, we started thinking about how to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
Not all grilled cheese is created equal. Our favorite version has slightly toasted golden bread, a good blend of melted cheese, and just enough butter. Of course, everyone has their own version, including many of the great restaurants on Long Island.
A galley kitchen can seem small and dark if not utilized properly. In reality, it's actually one of the most functional designs for a kitchen since everything you need while you cook is at most a few steps away, if not right in arm's reach. How, then, to make this design look more welcoming? The difference is all in the details, as our real estate agents will show you.
While whole-house renovations make your house more attractive to buyers, they are expensive and will eat into your profits. Fortunately, there are DIY upgrades that can boost your home's value. DIY Day is the perfect time to try your hand at these projects recommended by our real estate agents.
Nothing warms the soul quite like a nice glass of bourbon. Trying different types of bourbon can be a lot of fun—there are many subtle differences in flavor.
Our real estate agents love gathering with friends and trying new varieties, and there are quite a few popular bourbon destinations around Long Island. If you're thinking about a bourbon tour around Long Island, make sure to stop by some of our favorites.
Home decorating trends are constantly changing, and staying up to date with home designs is essential for anyone looking to sell. The last two years have brought substantial changes to how we live. As life eases back to normalcy, new home trends are popping up while designers retire other designs. Our real estate agents have the exclusive scoop on the hottest trends to refresh your decorating style below.
2022 is an exciting year for home designs, thanks to trends like the following.
St. Patrick's Day is coming up—how do you plan to celebrate?
Local parades are a great way to enjoy the merry atmosphere of the holiday while also connecting with your friends and neighbors. If you're ready to join in the fun, here are some of our real estate agents' top picks for upcoming St. Patrick's Day parades you can attend around Long Island.
You may not realize it, but National Peanut Butter Lover's Day is right around the corner. On March 1st, feel free to indulge in your favorite snack, whether it's a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich or a high-calorie candy. There are plenty of places where you can pick up something special, so our real estate agents have picked out their favorite spots and treats.
For many families, the kitchen is the most important room in the house. That's why it's imperative to prioritize the kitchen when purchasing a home and choose one that suits your family's needs and lifestyle. Inform our real estate agents what you're looking for in a kitchen and which features are non-negotiable, so they can find you houses that are up to your standards.
One of the key features you should consider is storage and workspace; there's no such thing as too much kitchen storage space. Even when you have enough space, your kitchen pantry can quickly become overrun with all the canned goods, cereal boxes, and miscellaneous cooking ingredients that tend to pile up.
Mmmmm, what smells better than something in the oven? Our real estate agents will assure you that many potential buyers have been attracted by the aroma of freshly baked cookies in the kitchen. Why not enjoy that same sensation while spending some quality time with your loved ones to celebrate National Bake for Family Fun Month? Here are a few tasty treats that everyone can enjoy:
Female friendships deserve to be celebrated, and February 13th is the perfect opportunity to do just that. Over the past few years, this date has become known as Galentine's Day. Celebrating is easy: Grab your girlfriends, dress up, and go out for a nice brunch together, perhaps with a few drinks. Our real estate agents can recommend some great spots to celebrate Galentine's Day on Long Island.
During winter, outdoor dining is now an option on Long Island, with some of the best local restaurants adding heated igloos that allow you to dine outdoors during any season. This dining trend has quickly become very popular, with outdoor igloos/greenhouses becoming some of the hottest tables at your favorite dining destinations. Our real estate agents have the inside scoop on 6 of the best places to have dinner in an igloo on Long Island.
Have you ever looked at a beautiful painting and wished you could create something similar? While some people do have a natural knack for painting, it is a skill that can be learned and practiced. A great way to get started with painting is to take a class or two at a local studio. Our real estate agents recommend these great art schools and teaching studios offering painting classes on Long Island.
Home garages are not what they used to be. Homebuyers expect the garage to have adequate space for parking one or two cars, storing tools and household items, building home projects, and pursuing hobbies. According to our real estate agents, buyers expect the garage to be a livable space in the home that serves multiple purposes.
In most newer home developments, the garage is attached to the house. This provides easy access to the house and added safety when parking the car, especially at night. The garage has become an important home feature that prompts home buyers to ask a lot of questions before making an offer on a property.
Do you laugh when people tell you it's National Houseplant Appreciation Day because you're a notorious plant killer? If, like most of us, you enjoy the beauty houseplants bring to a home but have a brown thumb, have no fear. Our real estate agents have some nearly bullet-proof suggestions that will let you join the ranks of houseplant aficionados whose homes proudly display elegant living decor. Your first step will be assessing the light levels in the spaces where you want to place your plants.
Talk about a staple of traditional American cuisine—buffalo wings have become the quintessential sports bar food. Originating in 1964 on the western side of the state, buffalo wings are now one of the most popular menu items for restaurants across the country. Whether you're having an outdoor cookout or watching the big game, wings make for the perfect food choice. Who can resist that delicious combination of crispy, deep-fried chicken and spicy sauce paired with a cold beer?
Long Island has no shortage of restaurants serving up great buffalo wings. Below are some recommendations from our real estate agents.
When you're decorating your new home, it can seem like there are so many style choices and decorating rules to follow. One choice that everyone seems to have an opinion about is ceiling fans. Even though some people feel they're outdated, ceiling fans do serve an important function, and our real estate agents can affirm that plenty of buyers and homeowners appreciate having them. There are plenty of on-trend designs and updated finishes available so ceiling fans can look great in any style of home.
If you don't have ceiling fans, here's why you might want to add them, even if you're selling soon. And if you already have them, you may want to update them rather than removing them completely.
A lush lawn can be a real booster when it comes to your home's selling price, as our real estate agents will tell you. That's good news, but attaining a beautiful lawn requires some work and commitment. Here are some tips that will guide you toward creating the lawn of your dreams.
International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21, so grab a mat and a bottle of water and head to a local Long Island yoga studio. You'll be practicing one of the oldest and best ways to relax your mind and body, and who doesn't need to release some tension after COVID-19 quarantines?
Our real estate agents suggest finding your om at these yoga studios on Long Island.
Real estate markets across the country are booming, with more buyers shopping than there are homes available in many markets. With homes selling so quickly, it's important to consider all options for landing the top choices on your list of potential homes. For buyers in a competitive market, an early offer can be an appealing option for trying to land a home before more buyers get the opportunity to make a bid. There are both positives and potential pitfalls to making an early offer, and our real estate agents are here to help you decide on the best options for purchasing your next home.
If you've been known to have a sweet tooth, then June is your month. That's right, June is Candy Month, which gives you all the reason you need to indulge in some extra chocolate or a bag of your favorite sour gummies. Luckily for you, the Long Island area is home to many wonderful candy stores. Our real estate agents recommend visiting one of these top shops to indulge your sweet tooth this June.
Our real estate agents can tell you that no matter how green-thumbed you are, the success of your garden still depends on a higher power. Before you design your garden, buy seeds, or get into the weeds with a new vegetable patch or flower bed, it's important to consult one of the top arbiters of horticultural success: the sun. Just like choosing plants for your climate zone, you also have to pick the right spot for your garden. This means determining how much sun exposure your garden will get, especially in areas where tall buildings and trees cast shifting patterns of shade. The method you'll use to choose the best area for your plants is called sun mapping.
Solar energy is fuel for plants, but this doesn't mean that all plants require the same amount of sun exposure. Some plants need full sun, which means 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day. Plants labeled as part sun and part shade require 3-6 of sunlight each day, while those labeled as shade need 3 hours or less of sunlight a day. A sun map can give a clear picture of where and when the sun hits throughout the day. This can help you plan the landscape around your home and determine the best area for certain crops. Tracking sun exposure and shade patterns on clear days during different months of the growing season will give you a guideline for planting a healthy garden.
If you're a resident of Long Island, looking at your community through the eyes of a tourist can help you rediscover or make a first trip to many interesting local destinations. You won't need to worry about traveling far or spending a lot of money, and if you'd like to make a return trip, they're within an easy drive.
Our real estate agents suggest exploring the following destinations to take a look at Long Island through a tourist's eyes:
Whether you're trying to get rid of the "Quarantine 15" or you just want a healthy boost, fresh-made juices are all the rage! After a full morning of helping clients find their dream home, our real estate agents love stopping by one of the great local juice bars for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Unique Beverage Day is coming up on May 6th, so now is a great time to venture out and try a new juice cocktail for yourself. Here's a round-up of our favorite healthy hot spots.
Long Island is rich with history, with several sites that make ideal destinations for trips that are fun and educational. Theodore Roosevelt, as well as the Guggenheim and Vanderbilt families are part of the area's history, so you'll be able to visit their former homes as well as other interesting locations.
Our real estate agents suggest making a trip to visit the past at these historic Long Island destinations and making sure of any restricted hours due to COVID-19 before your visit:
Is it time for a spring makeover for your front yard? It is the "face" of your home, and to passersby, it is an indication of what the inside of your home looks like. An unkempt yard gives the impression of a home that is just as messy and disordered, while a well-maintained one builds the expectation of an orderly, tidy home.
Along with spring cleaning your home, consider doing a spring makeover for your front yard. The weather is perfect for it, and so are the bright, uplifting plants and flowers that come with the season. The following guide will take you through how to do your makeover: