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.
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