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.
"Learn a new skill" and "eat healthy" are among the top ten most common New Year's resolutions. Our real estate agents plan to cross both off their lists with cooking classes at these convenient locations around Long Island.
According to Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli, bacon is special because it appeals to all of our senses. All our real estate agents know is that it tastes amazing. Celebrate Bacon Day on Friday, December 30 with a tasty meal at one of these great Long Island restaurants.
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.
There's nothing quite like a classic New York candy shop. From the fun interior to the wide selection of treats and nostalgic candy, visiting your local shop can be fun for both kids and adults. Plus, with the holidays coming up, a trip to the candy store is a great way to stock up on Christmas treats. Our real estate agents recommend visiting one of these Long Island candy shops.
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.
As the holiday season approaches, it's a good idea to do more of your shopping at small and local businesses. These businesses are the backbone of our local economies, owned and operated by members of our own communities. Small Business Saturday, which is coming up on November 26, is the perfect opportunity to shop local. Here are some of the local stores our real estate agents recommend visiting on the occasion.
Ready or not, the holiday season is just around the corner, and it's the most wonderful time of the year. It's not too early to start getting yourself into the holiday spirit. Our real estate agents love kicking off the holidays by attending a local event. From immersive light displays to holiday markets, there is a lot to do around Long Island, so you'll need to plan ahead. Here are some top events you'll want to add to your calendar this 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.
The holiday season always brings plenty of opportunities to run on Long Island! With lots of great holiday 5k walks and runs coming up, our real estate agents are excited to share some of their favorites.
And if you're looking for someplace to get in shape for your next big race, then you're in luck. Long Island is also home to some great trails and greenways where you can practice. So lace up your shoes, and get ready to hit the pavement in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Did you know that October 22 is National Make a Difference Day? The idea behind Make a Difference Day is that every small bit of support can make a difference in someone's life and that everyone can do their part. This is the 30th Make a Difference Day since it was originally established in 1992, presenting the perfect opportunity to show your support to some of the many non-profit organizations on Long Island that make a difference in the lives of others every day. Our real estate agents have the details on five Long Island non-profit organizations to consider for Make a Difference Day this year.
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.
For many of us, coffee is the elixir of life. It's hard to start the day without it. And October 1st is International Coffee Day. What better way to celebrate than by enjoying a cup at your favorite coffee shop? Of course, this can be more difficult if you've just moved to a new area. Our real estate agents can help you find the perfect house, but where are the coffee shops nearby? We've got you covered. Here are our picks for the best places in Long Island to stop for coffee on October 1st.
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.
Apple cider donuts are a favorite treat in the Suffolk County area of New York, and although you can often buy them fresh year-round, they're an especially good fall treat. The cake-like donuts are flavored with apple cider as well as spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice to create a deliciously unique flavor.
Our real estate agents suggest visiting the following farms and farm stands in and near Suffolk County to indulge in apple cider donuts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Our real estate agents love introducing new residents to the area. This includes helping them find the best local restaurants and watering holes. When we learned that Beer Day was coming up soon, we knew now was a great time to take a closer look at some of the excellent craft breweries nearby.
Whether you're a beer connoisseur or just open to trying something new, we recommend visiting one (or more!) of the following local breweries. You never know what awesome new beverage you're going to discover.
Pre-approval. It's the first step every homeowner should take before shopping for a new home. Our real estate agents recommend starting with this step because it helps narrow your search to homes within your price range. It also gives your offer added weight when you find the home you want to purchase. Whether you have excellent credit or a significant down-payment, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a step you don't want to skip.
We are in a low inventory market, which means that sellers receive multiple offers for their homes. Many times the offers are above the listing price. As sellers consider their options, the knowledge you're serious about and can close the deal gives you an advantage. It also helps you know how high you can go if a bidding war erupts.
With a unique blend of natural scenery, history, art, and recreation, the parks of Long Island offer endless entertainment for local residents. The many walk-worthy parks of Long Island are ideal for enjoying some natural beauty as winter turns to spring and learning about the history of local communities in the process. From inspiring one of the most popular novels in history to hosting major golf tournaments, Long Island's parks have done it all. Our real estate agents have the exciting details on five of the best walk-worthy parks to explore around Long Island.
Sands Point Preserve Conservancy – 127 Middle Neck Rd., Sands Point, NY 11050
Ever wonder what it would be like to live in the world of F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel The Great Gatsby? Then a walk at Sands Point Preserve Conservancy, located on Long Island's Gold Coast near Sands Point homes for sale, is sure to get the imagination flowing. Experience a walk on any of six marked hiking trails that stretch over 200 acres, amble through a rose garden that features more than 1,500 roses, and stick around to enjoy a sunset with stunning waterfront views.
With spring right around the corner, now is the perfect time to prepare for spring cleaning. Spring is a fantastic time to tend to all those projects you've been meaning to do, and our real estate agents know a sparkling house is more appealing to potential buyers.
Nothing is worse than settling in for a few hours of cleaning, only to discover you don't have everything you need for the job. Here are some items to add to your cleaning supply list to ensure you're prepared for any mess you encounter.
At Laffey Real Estate, our real estate agents work hard to get you to closing quickly and easily. If you're getting ready to sell your home, one of the most important parts of that process is also one of the earliest: Setting an asking price. What does it really mean if a home is "priced to sell?" It means you are getting the best deal possible aligned with your local market – and thus, attracting highly qualified buyers.
Ideally, a home is on the market for 30 days or less. Warning lights flash as it climbs toward 60 days. Pricing a property correctly is essential to that timeframe. It protects you against leaving money on the table but also against the wasted time and aggravation of a listing that lingers. If a home cannot be sold in 90 days, it often has to be relisted later. This spells disaster for sellers!
It's fair to ask: How does a real estate agent price a home?
Valentine's Day is one of our favorite holidays of the year because it's a great opportunity to show your love for the special person in your life. We know that planning a Valentine's Day date is going to be a little bit more complicated this year due to health and safety restrictions. However, a nice date night in your own dining room can be just as romantic as a night out on the town. With so many fantastic local restaurants, it's easy to enjoy your favorite dinner at home. Our real estate agents compiled a list of some of our favorite Long Island restaurants offering takeout this Valentine's Day.
Music may not make the world go round, but it sure does round out your world. Whether you're working from home or resting after a long day at the office, setting your home up for sound is a great way to enjoy the day. Day in and day out, our real estate agents will tell you that an increasing number of homes in the area incorporate systems that make it easy to enjoy music while taking a bath, working in the kitchen, or relaxing on the patio.
Want to upgrade your home in 2021? Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or staying put, adding some smart home features is a great idea! Our real estate agents are always talking to potential buyers who are interested in homes with smart upgrades, making this an excellent investment. It's also easy to get started! Follow these simple tips and you'll have your upgrades done in no time.