Countless homeowners are facing tough decisions and frightening situations - they're feeling the wall of their financial world close in on them.
If you or someone you know...
* Is behind on their mortgage
* Owes more than the house is worth
* Is facing foreclosure
* Has lost their job or had a pay cut
* Can't sell their Home
...let them know that there ARE options and people that you can trust.
Contact me today to discuss those options (516) 263-9094
FREE Consulation
Friday, November 4, 2011
Tips on Selling Your House This Fall
Tips For Selling Your House This Fall
No matter what the season, or where you live, remember the tried-and-true tips when presenting your home to potential buyers. It is always important that your home is neat, organized, clean and clutter-free during an open house or private showings. However, here are some ideas on how to take advantage of the fall season to really make your house stand out.
‘Tis the season - spruce up your entryway and yard with plants that thrive in the fall like chrysanthemums. A cornstalk or pumpkin on the front porch, or a decorative fall wreath on the front door is a nice touch…though all accents should be in moderation.
Safety first - Don’t forget to rake the leaves, as they can be slippery on sidewalks and steps. Also, scattered leaves may detract from your home’s facade.
Sugar and spice - Capitalize on the season with scented pinecones or cinnamon sticks to create warm fall aromas inside your home.
Rain or shine - Depending on the weather, you may need an indoor mat so the floors don’t become treacherous.
Warm hearth - A fireplace is a desired feature, make it a focal point of your open house with a fire and arrange the furniture accordingly.
Food for thought - It’s always good to provide delicious treats during an open house so potential buyers linger. Warm pie, hot apple cider, or fresh cookies and milk are good selections for a cozy fall snack that will make potential buyers feel at home.
No matter what the season, or where you live, remember the tried-and-true tips when presenting your home to potential buyers. It is always important that your home is neat, organized, clean and clutter-free during an open house or private showings. However, here are some ideas on how to take advantage of the fall season to really make your house stand out.
‘Tis the season - spruce up your entryway and yard with plants that thrive in the fall like chrysanthemums. A cornstalk or pumpkin on the front porch, or a decorative fall wreath on the front door is a nice touch…though all accents should be in moderation.
Safety first - Don’t forget to rake the leaves, as they can be slippery on sidewalks and steps. Also, scattered leaves may detract from your home’s facade.
Sugar and spice - Capitalize on the season with scented pinecones or cinnamon sticks to create warm fall aromas inside your home.
Rain or shine - Depending on the weather, you may need an indoor mat so the floors don’t become treacherous.
Warm hearth - A fireplace is a desired feature, make it a focal point of your open house with a fire and arrange the furniture accordingly.
Food for thought - It’s always good to provide delicious treats during an open house so potential buyers linger. Warm pie, hot apple cider, or fresh cookies and milk are good selections for a cozy fall snack that will make potential buyers feel at home.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Plainview Market Update for Oct. 2010 - Sept. 2011
Sold Property Median Price For Zip: 11803 Plainview, NY
Current Available Inventory - 163
Current Median List Price - $529,000
Date Range
Oct 2010 Sep 2011
All Property Types
Month, Current Year, Prior Year, % Change
Oct-2010 $465,000 $467,500 -0.5
Nov-2010 $475,000 $465,000 2.2
Dec-2010 $480,000 $460,000 4.3
Jan-2011 $477,500 $465,000 2.7
Feb-2011 $477,500 $465,000 2.7
Mar-2011 $475,000 $467,500 1.6
Apr-2011 $466,000 $474,740 -1.8
May-2011 $465,000 $467,500 -0.5
Jun-2011 $475,000 $474,740 0.1
Jul-2011 $457,250 $473,250 -3.4
Aug-2011 $455,000 $475,000 -4.2
Sep-2011 $457,250 $475,000 -3.7
Prepared By: Mark Schreier Century 21 Prevete Real Estate 10/03/2011 09:32 PM
516-433-5777
Friday, September 23, 2011
Buy into Plainview for under 290K **BEST BUY IN TOWN**
OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY SEPT. 25TH, 2011
1-3PM
ATTENTION INVESTORS
That's right you can buy into into Plainview, N.Y. for 289,990. Great starter house in move in condition. If you are considering moving into nassau county this deal is to good to pass-up.
8 Island St ,Plainview
• Style: Ranch
• Rooms: 5
• Bedrooms: 2 NOTE: (can be converted back to 3 bedrooms)
• Baths Full: 1
• Baths Half: 0
• Wood Floors: N
• New Construction: N
• Year Built: 1950
• # Families: 1
• Waterfront: N
• Waterview: N
• Waterfront Desc:
• Lot Size: 54 X 100
• Section Area:
• Adult Community: N
• Min Age:
• Basement: None Fin: N
• Garage: 0
• Taxes: $9,324
• Village Taxes:
• Total Taxes: $9,324
• School District: 4
Plainview-Old Bethpage
• Handicap Access: N
Bsmt/Subfl:
1st Floor: Lr, Dr, Eik, 2Brs, Fbth
2nd Floor:
3rd Floor:
Excellent Ranch With 2 Bedrooms( note: can be converted back to 3 bedrooms ), 1 Full Bath, Above Ground Oil Tank, Rear Extension, Covered Patio, 110 Amp Electric.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
ForSaleByOwner.com Founder Hires Realtor to Sell His Apartment
Want to sell your house on your own? That is what the founder and former CEO of ForSaleByOwner.com Colby Sambrotto attempted to do. Like the websites say "why hire a realtor when you can save thousands on commissions for something as easy as uploading pictures to a their sites and answering a few phone calls. Well after six months and no success Colby hired a professional real estate agent who charged a standard 6% comission to help with the sale. The agent convinced Colby he needed to RAISE the asking price because at his current price point he wasn't attracting the right buyers. Colby finally agreed and the apartment had multiple offers on it and went into contract in May of this year. The contract price of his 2 bedroom Chelsea apartment was $2.15 Million, which was $150,000 above his original asking price. Mr. Colby hired a professional and still made money in this deal because the agents brokerage fee was less than the extra 150k made on the sale. Another point to be made is that if Mr. Colby marketed his apartment with an agent from the start it most likely would of grossed even more.
Originally reported in the Wall Street Journal.
Originally reported in the Wall Street Journal.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The Plainview, New York, St. Pius X, festival is Back
Come To The Plainview, N.Y., St Pius X, Feastival Wednesday July 20th - Sunday July 23rd
Come to the Feast and enjoy Casino, Rides, Games, Food, Raffles, Face Painting and Ballons and more.
The St Pius X Feast runs from:
Thursday July 20, 7-11 PM,
Friday July 21, 7-11 PM,
Saturday July 22, 6-11 PM,
and Sunday July 23, 2-10PM.
St Pius is located just a few block north of the Plainview Community Park.
Come to the Feast and enjoy Casino, Rides, Games, Food, Raffles, Face Painting and Ballons and more.
The St Pius X Feast runs from:
Thursday July 20, 7-11 PM,
Friday July 21, 7-11 PM,
Saturday July 22, 6-11 PM,
and Sunday July 23, 2-10PM.
St Pius is located just a few block north of the Plainview Community Park.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
How To Spot A Good Buy
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, particularly when it comes to buying a home. Features that attract one home-buyer may repel another.
However, the one feature of interest to every home-buyer is price. Getting the most home for your money is paramount. The real problem is figuring out whether that fixer-upper on one street is a better buy than the home in next-to-new condition two blocks away. That’s why knowing what to look for before you buy can save you time, energy and money down the line.
The first step is figuring out what kind of house you need. A good buy is only a good buy if it meets your current and future living requirements. Before shopping for a home, decide how much space you and your family require. How many bedrooms, bathrooms? Is a family room necessary? Do you need a layout that will accommodate a lot of entertaining? Do you prefer a spacious or compact work space in the kitchen? If you have small children, can the house easily be childproofed?
Evaluate the front and back yards. Is there enough space to accommodate your children? Do you want a park-like or garden setting? Do you enjoy yard work and gardening, or do you want a low-maintenance yard? Take into consideration the cost of extensive landscaping and upkeep.
Next, determine how much work is required to make the house you are considering livable. Make an honest assessment of your fix-it abilities. How much work are you willing to do or pay someone else to do? Do you have basic decorating, carpentry and plumbing skills? If you plan to learn as you go, make sure you have accurately determined what you are getting into. Ask an experienced friend, family member or your real estate agent for their opinion, and be sure to consider how much remodeling inconvenience the rest of the family can handle.
Unless you are ready and able to tackle a major remodel, look for a house or condominium that needs only cosmetic improvements. These include painting, wallpapering and replacing items like flooring, window treatments, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, light fixtures, cabinet and interior door hardware and appliances. Remember that even these simple changes can be costly if you have to make many of them.
Beware of improvements that seem easy enough at first glance buy may turn into major headaches and require a lot of money once you’ve moved in. Remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, changes to the floor plan, room additions and redesigned landscaping are examples of seemingly minor changes that can easily eat away the money you thought you saved by selecting a so-called “bargain priced” home. Of course, you may be perfectly willing to spend whatever money is needed to customize the house to match your tastes and needs.
Make sure major systems in the house are in good working condition. The furnace, air-conditioning and plumbing should be up to date, since repairs can be costly. Your agent can arrange to have a professional inspector determine whether the electrical wiring and any room additions are to code. Local utilities often offer free or low-cost inspections to tell you if the house is energy-efficient.
Look for a house with universally popular selling points. If you’re impressed, the next buyer down the line is bound to be, too. For example, a roomy, modern east-to-clean kitchen is the best selling point a home can have. A house with only one bathroom is less desirable than a house with two or more. Many buyers expect at least three bedrooms, with a master bedroom that offers a feeling of privacy. Lots of storage space and closets, especially walk-in closets, will be a real selling point. Family rooms or “great rooms” also are desirable. On closer examination, a house that looks like a bargain may lack some of these key features.
Don’t forget the old adage: location, location, location. Unless you’re looking for a fixer-upper, the house should be in a condition that is comparable to other homes in the neighborhood. Avoid buying the biggest or fanciest home on the block. Consider the amount of traffic or noise. Homes located in a quiet area away from a busy street will command a higher price. Make sure the schools in your district have a reputation for quality education and safety. Nearby supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants and theaters also will make a location more desirable.
Good community facilities also add appeal; pools, athletic fields, community centers, libraries and hospitals all add to a neighborhood’s value and desirability. Transportation needs also should be considered. Is local public transit available? How long are typical commutes to places of current and potential employment? Are there several alternate routes? How close is a major airport? All of these can affect a home’s pricing.
Consider the cost of living in a home. It’s important to consider not only purchase price but the monthly cost of living in a home. Estimate your utility and maintenance costs. For example, will the house need to be painted on a regular basis and will you need to spend money maintaining a swimming pool? Ask your agent about the property tax rate and whether increases are anticipated. Will you have to pay special assessments for a homeowner’s association? Consider the point in the life cycle of major household systems, such as the furnace, air conditioning, roof and kitchen appliances.
You can find a bargain! Your first step should be to seek out a knowledgeable real estate agent with experience in the market areas where you wish to purchase a home. Your agent can help you locate those properties that truly are “bargains” and help find the home that most closely matches your desires and needs.
However, the one feature of interest to every home-buyer is price. Getting the most home for your money is paramount. The real problem is figuring out whether that fixer-upper on one street is a better buy than the home in next-to-new condition two blocks away. That’s why knowing what to look for before you buy can save you time, energy and money down the line.
The first step is figuring out what kind of house you need. A good buy is only a good buy if it meets your current and future living requirements. Before shopping for a home, decide how much space you and your family require. How many bedrooms, bathrooms? Is a family room necessary? Do you need a layout that will accommodate a lot of entertaining? Do you prefer a spacious or compact work space in the kitchen? If you have small children, can the house easily be childproofed?
Evaluate the front and back yards. Is there enough space to accommodate your children? Do you want a park-like or garden setting? Do you enjoy yard work and gardening, or do you want a low-maintenance yard? Take into consideration the cost of extensive landscaping and upkeep.
Next, determine how much work is required to make the house you are considering livable. Make an honest assessment of your fix-it abilities. How much work are you willing to do or pay someone else to do? Do you have basic decorating, carpentry and plumbing skills? If you plan to learn as you go, make sure you have accurately determined what you are getting into. Ask an experienced friend, family member or your real estate agent for their opinion, and be sure to consider how much remodeling inconvenience the rest of the family can handle.
Unless you are ready and able to tackle a major remodel, look for a house or condominium that needs only cosmetic improvements. These include painting, wallpapering and replacing items like flooring, window treatments, bathroom and kitchen fixtures, light fixtures, cabinet and interior door hardware and appliances. Remember that even these simple changes can be costly if you have to make many of them.
Beware of improvements that seem easy enough at first glance buy may turn into major headaches and require a lot of money once you’ve moved in. Remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, changes to the floor plan, room additions and redesigned landscaping are examples of seemingly minor changes that can easily eat away the money you thought you saved by selecting a so-called “bargain priced” home. Of course, you may be perfectly willing to spend whatever money is needed to customize the house to match your tastes and needs.
Make sure major systems in the house are in good working condition. The furnace, air-conditioning and plumbing should be up to date, since repairs can be costly. Your agent can arrange to have a professional inspector determine whether the electrical wiring and any room additions are to code. Local utilities often offer free or low-cost inspections to tell you if the house is energy-efficient.
Look for a house with universally popular selling points. If you’re impressed, the next buyer down the line is bound to be, too. For example, a roomy, modern east-to-clean kitchen is the best selling point a home can have. A house with only one bathroom is less desirable than a house with two or more. Many buyers expect at least three bedrooms, with a master bedroom that offers a feeling of privacy. Lots of storage space and closets, especially walk-in closets, will be a real selling point. Family rooms or “great rooms” also are desirable. On closer examination, a house that looks like a bargain may lack some of these key features.
Don’t forget the old adage: location, location, location. Unless you’re looking for a fixer-upper, the house should be in a condition that is comparable to other homes in the neighborhood. Avoid buying the biggest or fanciest home on the block. Consider the amount of traffic or noise. Homes located in a quiet area away from a busy street will command a higher price. Make sure the schools in your district have a reputation for quality education and safety. Nearby supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants and theaters also will make a location more desirable.
Good community facilities also add appeal; pools, athletic fields, community centers, libraries and hospitals all add to a neighborhood’s value and desirability. Transportation needs also should be considered. Is local public transit available? How long are typical commutes to places of current and potential employment? Are there several alternate routes? How close is a major airport? All of these can affect a home’s pricing.
Consider the cost of living in a home. It’s important to consider not only purchase price but the monthly cost of living in a home. Estimate your utility and maintenance costs. For example, will the house need to be painted on a regular basis and will you need to spend money maintaining a swimming pool? Ask your agent about the property tax rate and whether increases are anticipated. Will you have to pay special assessments for a homeowner’s association? Consider the point in the life cycle of major household systems, such as the furnace, air conditioning, roof and kitchen appliances.
You can find a bargain! Your first step should be to seek out a knowledgeable real estate agent with experience in the market areas where you wish to purchase a home. Your agent can help you locate those properties that truly are “bargains” and help find the home that most closely matches your desires and needs.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Six ways to live greener and save on your electric bill this summer
Six ways to live greener and save on your electric bill this summer
These days we’re all trying to save money wherever and whenever we can. Luckily, as warm weather approaches we don’t have to travel at all to save big. Check out these ideas on how to save on utilities this summer.
1)Bring in the experts. Consult the Energy Star directory and make an appointment for a professional to test your home for leaky ducts and optimum efficiency. Depending on their results you may need to purchase new insulation or just caulk small drafts.
2)New and improved. When purchasing new appliances look for energy star ratings and buy energy-efficient products.
3)Get with the program. Set thermostats so the temperature is regulated and the system does not waste energy when no one is home.
4)Light bulb of an idea. Compact fluorescent bulbs and dimmers conserve energy and don’t heat up a room like normal bulbs.
5)Unplug. Simply turning off items that are not in use is not enough. Unplug to avoid what experts call ‘vampire power’ that devices consume even when they’re off.
6)Everything in moderation. Set your refrigerator to a moderate setting instead of the coldest temperature available.
These days we’re all trying to save money wherever and whenever we can. Luckily, as warm weather approaches we don’t have to travel at all to save big. Check out these ideas on how to save on utilities this summer.
1)Bring in the experts. Consult the Energy Star directory and make an appointment for a professional to test your home for leaky ducts and optimum efficiency. Depending on their results you may need to purchase new insulation or just caulk small drafts.
2)New and improved. When purchasing new appliances look for energy star ratings and buy energy-efficient products.
3)Get with the program. Set thermostats so the temperature is regulated and the system does not waste energy when no one is home.
4)Light bulb of an idea. Compact fluorescent bulbs and dimmers conserve energy and don’t heat up a room like normal bulbs.
5)Unplug. Simply turning off items that are not in use is not enough. Unplug to avoid what experts call ‘vampire power’ that devices consume even when they’re off.
6)Everything in moderation. Set your refrigerator to a moderate setting instead of the coldest temperature available.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Stratford Road Empty Bowl Fund Raiser
I had the privilege to sponsor the Stratford Road Elementary School Empty Bowl Fund Raiser on Wednesday April 27th. The goal of the event was raise money for the Island Harvest Soup Kitchen as well as educating our young people on the importance of working together as a community to help those in need. The event was a wonderful success. Local vendors donated soup, bread, rolls, and paper goods. The cafeteria was packed with parents and children sitting at nicely decorated tables enjoying great soup in their beautiful clay bowls that were custom made by the students. Kudos’s to the PTA.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Is this a good time to sell my Plainview, New York house?
Here are the Plainview, New York Hyper Local Real Estate Facts.
With the approaching warm weather after this brutal winter many homeowners are thinking about selling their houses in search of warmer winters. They all share one common question in our less than desirable real estate market. Is this the right time to sell? The media is reporting that the bottom is near or that we hit bottom and we will be in a housing recovery by mid to late 2011. Well they have been saying these things year after for the past few years. The bottom line is as educated as their sources might be everyone is guessing. The town of Plainview/Old-Bethpage, NY is unique to itself. What happens in Manhattan or Queens for the most part has no bearing on our town. In the 2009 POB market 240 houses passed title with the average selling price being $498,937 with the average days on market being 100. Of the 240 houses 209 were in Plainview and 31 were in Old-Bethpage, 93 were Splits, 45 Ranches, 21 High Ranches, 38 Colonials, 13 Capes, and the rest were a mixture of the less common Exp Capes, Post Modern, and other styles. In the 2010 market 216 houses passed title with an average sale price of $503,218. Plainview closed 188 homes and Old-Bethpage closed 28, 84 were Splits, 41 Ranches, 34 Colonials and 15 Capes, other less popular styles making up the remaining sales. Average days on market being 98. The good news is Plainview, Old-Bethpage houses are selling and the average closing price has actual increased slightly. Interest rates have stayed relatively low hovering close to the five percent range. Winter is always a good time to beat the increased traffic of the spring housing market were inventory always peaks and increases competition.
So should you list your house?
If you need to sell yes now is the right time.
We know that houses are selling now and never know what will happen tomorrow.
For more information or if you have questions drop me a line or email.
With the approaching warm weather after this brutal winter many homeowners are thinking about selling their houses in search of warmer winters. They all share one common question in our less than desirable real estate market. Is this the right time to sell? The media is reporting that the bottom is near or that we hit bottom and we will be in a housing recovery by mid to late 2011. Well they have been saying these things year after for the past few years. The bottom line is as educated as their sources might be everyone is guessing. The town of Plainview/Old-Bethpage, NY is unique to itself. What happens in Manhattan or Queens for the most part has no bearing on our town. In the 2009 POB market 240 houses passed title with the average selling price being $498,937 with the average days on market being 100. Of the 240 houses 209 were in Plainview and 31 were in Old-Bethpage, 93 were Splits, 45 Ranches, 21 High Ranches, 38 Colonials, 13 Capes, and the rest were a mixture of the less common Exp Capes, Post Modern, and other styles. In the 2010 market 216 houses passed title with an average sale price of $503,218. Plainview closed 188 homes and Old-Bethpage closed 28, 84 were Splits, 41 Ranches, 34 Colonials and 15 Capes, other less popular styles making up the remaining sales. Average days on market being 98. The good news is Plainview, Old-Bethpage houses are selling and the average closing price has actual increased slightly. Interest rates have stayed relatively low hovering close to the five percent range. Winter is always a good time to beat the increased traffic of the spring housing market were inventory always peaks and increases competition.
So should you list your house?
If you need to sell yes now is the right time.
We know that houses are selling now and never know what will happen tomorrow.
For more information or if you have questions drop me a line or email.
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