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By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, Long Island Condo and Home Specialists
(The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803)
 One LookLarry and I worked with a young couple who swore they needed to see at least twenty homes before making a decision.  They had spreadsheets, color-coded notes, and even a rating system for every property they toured. They were determined to be thorough with no impulse decisions and no rushing.One afternoon, we entered a condo that felt instantly bright and welcoming. Before we even reached the kitchen, I noticed them exchange a quiet smile and whisper, “This is it.” Their notebooks hung at their sides, completely forgotten.They laughed at themselves for breaking their own rule but couldn’t ignore the feeling. By the next day, they had signed the papers and were already picturing where their favorite chair would go.Later, they told us that the very first few minutes in that condo...
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By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, Long Island Condo and Home Specialists
(The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803)
Have you heard about The Vineyards in Blue Point Long Island?Take Sunrise Highway South Service Road, Blue Point to Exit 51 County Road 97/Nicolls Road toward Blue Point/Stony Brook. Stay on South Service Road in the right lane for The Vineyards at Blue Point gated entrance. Opened in 2016, The Vineyards has a variety of units including townhouse, condos and The Terraces. Each unit has Central Air Conditioning and Gas Heat. The community offers a 7,500 clubhouse, great room with fireplace, outdoor heated pool, gym, billiards, cards, bocce, play area, and social activities. There is a variety of floorplans at The Vineyards in Blue Point Long Island. Some units have basements. There are townhouses, condos and the last phase are The Terraces 3 Story building with secure entry into the buil...
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By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, Long Island Condo and Home Specialists
(The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803)
 Wednesday Words of Wisdom “Owning a home is a keystone of wealth  both financial affluence and emotional security.”~ Suze Ormon Yes, a home provides financial stability, builds long-term equity, and offers a place of comfort and security. Real estate is both an investment and a place to call home! Happy Wednesday Rainer's Sheila
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Westchester County Real Estate — Flood Zones, Part 2: How to Evaluate and Mitigate Flood Risks Before You BuildOnce you’ve identified a parcel that may have flood zone or drainage concerns, the next step isn’t necessarily walking away — it’s understanding what can be done to work with the land. In Westchester County, some of the most beautiful and buildable properties lie near water features, but they require careful planning and expert guidance. With the right due diligence and design, flood risks can often be managed — or even turned into an advantage.The process starts with evaluation. Before you purchase, order a topographic survey from a licensed surveyor. This map shows elevation changes and can help determine where the low points are and how water moves across the land. Pair that...
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By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, Long Island Condo and Home Specialists
(The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803)
A Long Island Move Made Easy Another Sold on Long Island! Our clients were a couple downsizing after retirement, and they reached out unsure how to start. We coordinated everything: staging, professional photos, and marketing. Their home sold in under a week. They were thrilled to close quickly and move closer to their grandkids. Seeing their joy and relief as everything came together so smoothly was incredibly rewarding.  It was an honor to guide them through the transition and moments like these are why we’re passionate about what we do!  Ready to make the move on Long Island also? Let's talk! Lawrence and Sheila Agranoff, REALTORS®  Cell: 631-805-4400
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By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, Long Island Condo and Home Specialists
(The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803)
Real estate is like designing a custom home. You listen carefully, plan with purpose, and combine just the right features to fit your client’s vision.  And just like building, there are always a few surprises along the way, but when everything comes together, it feels exactly right. Happy Sunday Rainer's Sheila
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By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, Long Island Condo and Home Specialists
(The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803)
When Vivian first reached out to us, she was going through a big life change. After many years of marriage, she was now facing an emotional divorce while also managing the challenge of selling her family home on her own. The house held decades of memories, and it was a lot to take in both personally and in terms of day-to-day details. It was all the little reminders of her life there and letting go felt overwhelming.From the beginning, Larry and I had a goal to make things easier and help Vivian feel confident every step of the way. We went over everything together from pricing, a little staging, and some small repairs. Since she had limited time and energy, we took care of most of the coordination with contractor, photographer, and potential buyers, keeping her in the loop so she alway...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Strategic Preparation Getting Your Land Ready Before You ListBefore the first photo is taken or the first buyer calls, the most successful land sales begin with preparation. Presentation drives value — but preparation defines it. The more a parcel tells a clear, complete story, the easier it is for buyers to envision what’s possible.Preparation means more than just clearing brush or updating a survey. It’s about assembling the puzzle pieces that buyers and builders need to move confidently. Recent surveys, soil tests, topographic maps, and even conceptual site plans all help paint the picture. These details don’t just inform — they inspire.When a property is presented with organized, accurate information, it sends a message: this land is ready. Buyers recognize that readiness and respon...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Land Timing — Knowing When to Hold, List, or DevelopIn land real estate, timing can be just as valuable as location. Markets shift, town plans evolve, and buyer demand rises and falls — all of which affect when a property’s true value can be realized. Knowing when to hold, when to list, and when to develop is part instinct, part experience, and part market awareness.Sometimes, the best move is patience — waiting for infrastructure improvements, zoning changes, or new neighborhood growth that could significantly increase value. Other times, the moment is now — when inventory is tight, buyers are motivated, and your land meets a specific need in the market.A skilled land agent reads these signals. They monitor local planning boards, track comparable sales, and understand how broader econo...
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By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, Long Island Condo and Home Specialists
(The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803)
Want to know about the Willow Wood subdivision in Smithtown Long Island?Lawrence "Larry" and Sheila Agranoff, Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker & Licensed RE Salesperson are presenting our Community Profile:Willow Wood in Smithtown New York was opened in 1995 through 1998. It is surrounded by Merrimack Road and Monitor Road, off of Terry Road.There were several floor plans built at this North Shore condominium. They include the Applewood, Beechwood, Cedarwood, Dogwood and the largest is The Elmwood. These are 2 Story Townhouses with 2 bedrooms 2 baths to 3 bedrooms 2.5 baths units, and there are also some Ranch style units with no steps. There are attached 1 car garages and backyard patios.This is not a gated community, but homeowners can enjoy the pool, clubhouse and exercise room....
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Adapting Pays Off — The Buyers Are Out ThereChanging with the times isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s a survival skill. Over the past year and a half, I’ve watched the traditional listing-focused approach struggle to deliver results in this unpredictable market. But agents who adjusted—those who marketed themselves instead of just their listings—are the ones seeing activity.The truth is, buyers are still out there. They’re cautious, educated, and online more than ever. The key is making sure you are the one they find when they start searching. That’s where service-based advertising shines. When buyers see an agent who understands market shifts, zoning nuances, or how to navigate a tough inventory climate, they reach out. And when they do, they’re serious.I’ve had multiple calls from buyer...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
The Ups and Downs of Working with a Fellow Agent on UptimeIn real estate, uptime isn’t just about when the phones are ringing or when leads are flowing in. It’s about being “on” — alert, engaged, responsive, and ready to move. And when you’re working with another agent, uptime becomes a shared responsibility — one that can either elevate the experience or test your patience.Every agent knows the rhythm of the business — the rush of a new lead, the late-night offer call, the back-and-forth negotiations that seem to never end. When both agents are in sync, uptime feels like teamwork at its best: quick responses, mutual respect, and a shared goal of getting everyone to the finish line. Deals move smoother, clients feel cared for, and professionalism shines through on both sides.But the rea...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Seeing Potential — How Vision Turns Raw Land Into OpportunityThe most successful land buyers and sellers share one thing in common: vision. They can look at a raw, overgrown parcel and see what could be instead of what is. That ability to imagine the next chapter is what separates opportunity seekers from true land strategists.Vision means seeing a gentle slope not as a challenge, but as a natural setting for a walk-out lower level. It means recognizing that an old driveway cut could save thousands in site costs, or that a ridge with southern exposure could be perfect for solar gain. Every feature on the land — from rock outcroppings to tree lines — tells part of the development story.A good agent helps translate that vision. They connect what’s on the ground with what’s possible under ...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
how should an agent prepare for the upcoming winter season?1. Reconnect and Nurture Your DatabaseWinter is relationship season. Check in with past clients — handwritten cards, market updates, or a quick “how are things?” text can go a long way. Reach out to cold leads — use this quieter time to rekindle conversations that went cold during the busy spring/summer months. Host client appreciation events — virtual or small local gatherings (holiday coffee drop-ins, toy drives, or donation events) build goodwill and community presence. 2. Focus on Education and Strategy Review the year’s performance — what worked, what didn’t, where can you improve? Update your marketing materials — fresh headshots, listing templates, and digital branding. Invest in training — sharpen your skills in land, in...
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By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, Long Island Condo and Home Specialists
(The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803)
Are you looking for a Condo community in Commack Long Island?     Tara At Smithtown is a lovely condominium community located in Suffolk County New York. Although it is called Smithtown Tara, it is actually situated in Commack Long Island.      Smithtown Tara In Commack New York was opened in 1985 with 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms, and is situated by Veterans Memorial Highway, just South of Harned Road.  While showing clients the Tara Condo community, Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff, Real Estate Associate Broker and RE Salesperson passed the street names of Scarlett Drive, Melanie Way, Rhett Court, and Ashley Circle. Positioned within the Commack School District #10 in Zip Code 11725, Tara Condos are Ranch Style and 2 Story Duplex Floor Plans. The amenities at Smithtown Tara in Commack Long ...
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By Paul Dougherty Associate Real Estate Broker, Trusted, Tested & True. Our Results are Better!
(Howard Hanna / Coach Realtors)
150 Ocean AvenueNorthport, NY 11768www.150OceanAvenue.comTIMELESS ELEGANCE WITH MODERN AMENITIES IN THIS HISTORIC GEM150 Ocean Avenue is a distinguished Queen Anne Victorian designed by architect George F. Barber, thoughtfully preserved to showcase the craftsmanship, materials, and character that define this era. Known locally as a notable Painted Lady, the home offers a rare blend of architectural integrity, historic detail, and careful modern stewardship.The entry sets the tone with original front doors, restored plaster medallions, and period wallcoverings that complement the home’s late-19th-century design. Formal and informal living spaces flow seamlessly through working pocket doors, each room enhanced by historically appropriate wallpapers, antique chandeliers, and restored plast...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Reading the Land What a Walk Can Tell You That Maps Can’tYou can study maps, review surveys, and analyze aerials all day long — but until you walk the land, you’ll never truly know it. Paper and pixels can’t capture the subtle rise of a knoll, the way sunlight filters through a stand of oaks, or how the ground feels underfoot after rain. Those details matter — because that’s where real value hides.Walking the land reveals what the eye can’t see from behind a screen: natural drainage paths, soil consistency, stone walls marking old boundaries, or a view that only opens up once you reach a certain elevation. These are the discoveries that separate a decent parcel from an exceptional one.For buyers, that walk can spark imagination — showing how a future home might sit on the ridge or how a...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
More on Westchester County Real Estate — Flood Zones: Beware of ThemFlood zones are one of the most underestimated factors in land evaluation, yet they can completely change the trajectory of a property’s value, usability, and development potential. In a county as diverse and topographically complex as Westchester, water can be both a beautiful feature and a hidden liability. Rolling hills, stone-lined brooks, and wooded valleys define much of the region’s landscape — but those same features can also create unpredictable drainage patterns and flood-prone pockets.A parcel that looks high and dry in the fall can tell a very different story in spring. Saturated soils, pooling water, or a steady trickle in an unexpected spot often reveal a natural drainage path or wetland buffer area. Once ...
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By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, Long Island Condo and Home Specialists
(The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803)
Larry and I often joke that being REALTORS is part negotiator, part therapist, and part magician, and a recent client’s message proved just that.  That’s right, we got praised for emotional support, not just paperwork.The backstory makes it even sweeter. This couple was relocating from another state and felt overwhelmed by the different neighborhoods, inspections, appraisals, and a seemingly endless list of paperwork. We walked them through every step, explained each form, and even what to expect at each stage. We also shared lessons we’ve learned from other clients along the way, like how to make the most of a limited viewing window, how to anticipate common inspection surprises, or how to negotiate the extras without losing sleep.Their heartfelt response reminded us why attention to d...
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By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, Long Island Condo and Home Specialists
(The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803)
A Great Neighborhood. A Fair Price. Endless Potential. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES!  GREAT LOCATION, GREAT PRICE! BRING YOUR VISION TO LIFE! SEE ITS POTENTIAL! DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!  GREAT BONES and GREAT VALUE! MAKE IT YOUR OWN! The value is there, and the price is right!Call our Cell: 631-805-4400Lawrence and Sheila Agranoff, REALTORS®
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New York Real Estate Agents and Real Estate Professionals