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.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
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.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
How To Sell Your Property In 30 Days, Is your house a quick sale property?
7 Qualifications for a Quick Sale Property
#1 Proper Price A market analysis should be completed to compare the listed property with other sold and for sale properties in the area of the subject. This should be presented on a scale as all properties are not exactly alike in design and features. A “quick sale” property should be on the lower end of the scale. Properties listed above the scale will not qualify.
#2 Good Condition
Buyers expect a property to be in reasonably good condition. Most buyers are not skilled or interested in completing repairs even if they are cosmetic. For a “quick sale” the property should be in good condition.
#3 Easy Accessibility
Home buyers want to look at properties that are for sale on their own time. Homes that are not easily accessible could be passed over by a qualified buyer. There are plenty of homes on the market. “Quick sale” properties are available at any reasonable time.
#4 Reasonable Commission Real Estate agents work hard for a commission. They are not different from normal people. They work hard and expect to be paid for their time and knowledge. Cutting commissions might sound like a good idea on the surface, but this can cost the Seller tons of money and cause the property to not qualify for a “quick sale”.
#5 Seller Flexibility
Some Buyers need help with closing cost, some need to lease prior to close and some need other incentives to purchase a property. The wise Seller will remain flexible and willing in order to accentuate a “quick sale”.
#6 Property Appeal Staging a property can mean the difference. Buyers can’t visualize what a property could look like. They need to see it in its best light. Property appeal is a key ingredient to a “quick sale”.
#7 Proper Advertising If a Buyer doesn’t know it’s for sale they won’t try to buy it. Advertising should be far reaching in order to locate the best Buyer for your property.
Make sure your next Buyer knows about your property!
To see if your house qualifies for a quick sale contact me today.
#1 Proper Price A market analysis should be completed to compare the listed property with other sold and for sale properties in the area of the subject. This should be presented on a scale as all properties are not exactly alike in design and features. A “quick sale” property should be on the lower end of the scale. Properties listed above the scale will not qualify.
#2 Good Condition
Buyers expect a property to be in reasonably good condition. Most buyers are not skilled or interested in completing repairs even if they are cosmetic. For a “quick sale” the property should be in good condition.
#3 Easy Accessibility
Home buyers want to look at properties that are for sale on their own time. Homes that are not easily accessible could be passed over by a qualified buyer. There are plenty of homes on the market. “Quick sale” properties are available at any reasonable time.
#4 Reasonable Commission Real Estate agents work hard for a commission. They are not different from normal people. They work hard and expect to be paid for their time and knowledge. Cutting commissions might sound like a good idea on the surface, but this can cost the Seller tons of money and cause the property to not qualify for a “quick sale”.
#5 Seller Flexibility
Some Buyers need help with closing cost, some need to lease prior to close and some need other incentives to purchase a property. The wise Seller will remain flexible and willing in order to accentuate a “quick sale”.
#6 Property Appeal Staging a property can mean the difference. Buyers can’t visualize what a property could look like. They need to see it in its best light. Property appeal is a key ingredient to a “quick sale”.
#7 Proper Advertising If a Buyer doesn’t know it’s for sale they won’t try to buy it. Advertising should be far reaching in order to locate the best Buyer for your property.
Make sure your next Buyer knows about your property!
To see if your house qualifies for a quick sale contact me today.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Closings For Plainview & Old Bethpage, September & October 2010
St # D Street Name Sfx Town Zip SoldPrice Style
8 Radnor Rd Plainview 11803 $489,000 Split
44 Virginia Ave Plainview 11803 $335,000 Exp Cape
26 Lillian Ln Plainview 11803 $430,000 Exp Ranch
116 Sagamore Dr Plainview 11803 $980,000 Colonial
13 Eldorado Blvd Plainview 11803 $300,000 Ranch
9 Pearl Dr Plainview 11803 $540,000 Split
11 Vanderbilt Ln Old Bethpage 11804 $640,000 Hi Ranch
22 Jamaica Ave Plainview 11803 $395,000 Cape
110 Plymouth Rd Plainview 11803 $486,000 Split
15 Lindsay St Plainview 11803 $530,000 Colonial
31 Myron Rd Plainview 11803 $550,000 Split
20 Abbey Ln Plainview 11803 $452,000 Ranch
533 S Oyster Bay Rd Plainview 11803 $355,000 Ranch
61 Joyce Rd Plainview 11803 $630,000 Split
8 Pickwick Dr Old Bethpage 11804 $510,000 Colonial
16 Vernon St Plainview 11803 $345,000 Exp Ranch
21 Gerhard Rd Plainview 11803 $412,000 Ranch
42 Lincoln Rd Plainview 11803 $363,000 Cape
81 Manetto Hill Rd Plainview 11803 $726,000 Colonial
45 Cranberry Ln Plainview 11803 $615,000 Split
81 W Northern Pky Plainview 11803 $402,500 Ranch
55 Audrey Ave Plainview 11803 $340,000 Exp Cape
35 Pine St Plainview 11803 $430,000 Split
12 Steven St Plainview 11803 $920,000 Colonial
16 Overlook Ln Plainview 11803 $520,000 Split
9 Mac Arthur Ave Plainview 11803 $459,500 Split
15 Sydney St Plainview 11803 $765,000 Colonial
51 Virginia Ave Plainview 11803 $399,000 Exp Cape
96 Elmwood St Plainview 11803 $385,000 Exp Cape
5 Birch Dr Plainview 11803 $440,000 Colonial
21 Laura Ln Plainview 11803 $625,000 Split
22 Helen Ave Plainview 11803 $350,000 Ranch
8 Radnor Rd Plainview 11803 $489,000 Split
44 Virginia Ave Plainview 11803 $335,000 Exp Cape
26 Lillian Ln Plainview 11803 $430,000 Exp Ranch
116 Sagamore Dr Plainview 11803 $980,000 Colonial
13 Eldorado Blvd Plainview 11803 $300,000 Ranch
9 Pearl Dr Plainview 11803 $540,000 Split
11 Vanderbilt Ln Old Bethpage 11804 $640,000 Hi Ranch
22 Jamaica Ave Plainview 11803 $395,000 Cape
110 Plymouth Rd Plainview 11803 $486,000 Split
15 Lindsay St Plainview 11803 $530,000 Colonial
31 Myron Rd Plainview 11803 $550,000 Split
20 Abbey Ln Plainview 11803 $452,000 Ranch
533 S Oyster Bay Rd Plainview 11803 $355,000 Ranch
61 Joyce Rd Plainview 11803 $630,000 Split
8 Pickwick Dr Old Bethpage 11804 $510,000 Colonial
16 Vernon St Plainview 11803 $345,000 Exp Ranch
21 Gerhard Rd Plainview 11803 $412,000 Ranch
42 Lincoln Rd Plainview 11803 $363,000 Cape
81 Manetto Hill Rd Plainview 11803 $726,000 Colonial
45 Cranberry Ln Plainview 11803 $615,000 Split
81 W Northern Pky Plainview 11803 $402,500 Ranch
55 Audrey Ave Plainview 11803 $340,000 Exp Cape
35 Pine St Plainview 11803 $430,000 Split
12 Steven St Plainview 11803 $920,000 Colonial
16 Overlook Ln Plainview 11803 $520,000 Split
9 Mac Arthur Ave Plainview 11803 $459,500 Split
15 Sydney St Plainview 11803 $765,000 Colonial
51 Virginia Ave Plainview 11803 $399,000 Exp Cape
96 Elmwood St Plainview 11803 $385,000 Exp Cape
5 Birch Dr Plainview 11803 $440,000 Colonial
21 Laura Ln Plainview 11803 $625,000 Split
22 Helen Ave Plainview 11803 $350,000 Ranch
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