Attention Union Members

I recently attended a workshop by one of the major lenders in the mortgage world. Wells Fargo. They are offering a new mortgage loan that caught my interest. The Union Plus Mortgage Program.  It is in a nutshell a product that all union members and their families should consider.  As a teacher, union member  and a  realtor I was happy to see a program that offers a little extra for us.


Home financing benefits for Union Members and Their Families

All active and retired union members and their parents or children may be eligible for exclusive home financing benefits.

• $500 Mortgage Gift award card
• Exclusive mortgage assistance benefits (interest free loan or grants  if you go on strike, become disabled or unemployed)
• $500 First-Time Home Buyer Award

Please shop around when selecting a mortgage company and contact your financial advisory before signing any documents locking you into a specific company or loan.  I have included the Wells Fargo link below, Happy Mortgage Shopping.

http://www.unionplus.org/union-plus-faq

Hello Plainview "The Sellers Market" Is Back!!!

Plainview housing inventory is at an all time low.  Houses are selling, some with multiple offers.
The numbers from the MLS are listed below. 

                                           If you are thinking about selling,

Record low interest rates + low inventory = more MONEY for you

Hello Plainview *The Seller's Market is Back!*

Plainview housing inventory is at an all time low.  Houses are selling, some with multiple offers.
The numbers from the MLS are listed below. 

                                           If you are thinking about selling,

Record low interest rates + low inventory = more $$$$$ for you



Add caption

The pros and cons of purchasing a short sale property

The pros and cons of purchasing a short sale property


Some buyers find themselves contemplating the purchase of a short sale, a property that sells for less than the balance its owner owes on the mortgage, despite the possible added complexities. If this is something that you are considering, please take note:



Pro: A major advantage to purchasing a short sale property is the price. Banks do not want a property to go into foreclosure, which is usually the next step if a short sale property fails to sell. Often buyers can purchase a property for under the market value.



Con: The disadvantage of buying a short sale is that it can be a very lengthy process. Short sales often take significantly longer than normal closings due to the amount of people involved in the transaction. The bank employs negotiators to get the maximum amount for a property and once the negotiator approves, a supervisor must review the package. You may wait for months while your offer is evaluated and the lender may reject your offer, even after having had the paperwork for a long period of time. If you do not have a flexible time frame, a short sale probably isn’t for you.



Recommendation: When shopping short sales, remember to work with a qualified real estate agent who has experience with short sales. Short sales can be complex, so it helps to ask about experience and success with short sales and familiarity with the process and lenders.



Contact me for more: Mark Schreier Century 21 Prevete Real Estate.  516 263-9094

An Organic Farm in Old-Bethpage???

Some might think they have to travel to the mountains of New Hampshire to buy locally grow organic produce. Well save your gas Old-Bethpage New York is home to Restoration Farm a 7-acre farm located on the grounds of Nassau County’s Old Bethpage Village Restoration.   Founded in 2007 by husband and wife Daniel Holmes and Caroline Fanning, the farm has a large variety of seasonal veggies, flowers, berries, and herbs.  The public can purchase their produce through a farm stand that meets Sunday morning and Wednesday afternoon or CSA shares (community supported agriculture).  Where you pay for a full or half share at the beginning of the season and make pick-ups through out the growing season. 

                                
                              www.Restorationfarm.com

  

 


Hours:

Wednesdays, 4-6pm

Sundays, 10am-12pm

June 6 thru October 21


Location:

Inside the gate o Old-Bethpage-Sweethollow Rd. (aka Spagnoli Rd.), opposite Claremont Rd. Look for the yellow tent!





Location:

Inside the gate o Old-Bethpage-Sweethollow Rd. (aka Spagnoli Rd.), opposite Claremont Rd. Look for the yellow tent!

**photos by Restoration Farm**

Why photos are so important when selling and what to remember when choosing the shots

Why photos are so important when selling and what to remember when choosing the shots

The first impression no longer starts at your front door. Instead, the majority of today’s potential homebuyers begin their property search online. The online photos of your property need to stand out among the competition and engage a prospective homebuyer enough to entice them to schedule a viewing with your REALTOR®. Here are some photo tips to remember when showcasing your home online.

1. Judge a book by its cover. What initially attracts a potential homebuyer is the exterior image of the property. The image should be appealing, and the best time of day to photograph an outdoor area is early morning and twilight. Evening outdoor shots should feature the home with the interior lights on, creating an inviting and alluring effect. Remember, try and photograph during months when there is outdoor vegetation and lush landscape.
2. Capture your best quality. Focus on the selling point of your property. What do you most want potential buyers to see? Consult with your REALTOR® and decide what feature of your home is the most in-demand. Whether it is your newly renovated kitchen or sprawling outdoor area, the image should be prominently featured in your online listing.
3. The same rules apply. When potential buyers visit your property, regardless if it is a classic cottage or opulent estate, it should be clean, neat, and organized. These same rules pertain when photographing a property. Eliminate any clutter and present a clean, well-maintained home that will attract online homebuyers.

How To Make The Most of Spring Curb Appeal

How To Make The Most of Spring Curb Appeal


Posted on April 22, 2012 at 6:11 pm According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 63% of homebuyers will drop by after viewing a home they like online. If your home isn't alluring from the outside, potential buyers may never schedule a showing to see the desirable features within it. Here are some tips to create a first impression that may lead to a sale this spring.



1. Under pressure - Pressure washing is budget-friendly way to dramatically improve a home's exterior. Dingy siding, mildewed decks, faded walkways and oil-stained driveways can be returned to pristine condition.



2. Contain yourself - Consider investing in container plants. Arranging them around the yard and entryway is a quick way to brighten up a space and create a splash of color.



3. Get rid of gutter clutter - Clean your gutters. Often leaves, branches and debris may be visible from the street.



4. Open up - Homes with open your curtains often look brighter and more inviting.



5. Enjoy the view - Clean windows speak for themselves.



6. Lighten up - Outdoor lighting is aesthetically pleasing and provides visual aid in the dark.



7. Quick fixes - Updated hardware, such as doorknobs, lighting and even the mailbox, can greatly enhance an entryway.



8. Store more - Put away any tools, toys, bikes etc. out of sight so they do not detract from the home.



9. Repair and renew - Improve the obvious by filling in sidewalk cracks, fixing screen doors, and touching up any paint that is chipped.



10. Tidy up - Remember to rake the leaves and trim the hedges to give the yard a boost.



For more tips on selling your house contact Mark Schreier, Realtor, Century 21 Prevete Real Estate, http://www.TopLiRealtor.com