FSBO On Long Island Things You MUST Know When Selling Your Own Home   Ah, you feel so proud after you've placed the For Sale By Owner sign on your front lawn. And you can't wait for those offers to come flying in! You are even saving the Realtor commission! Are you really? Saving the Commission - The principle objection raised with the most frequency is that you can save the commission by selling your home yourself. Experience proves that this usually is not the case. Buyers today are knowledgeable. They feel, whether it is true in particular instances or not, that:a. owners overprice their homesb. what the owner really expects and wants to get for his home is inflated by the amount of the commission, so that in case he can't sell the home himself the selling price will include enough ... 11/22/2009

Last year my husband won a contest that Subway and Mastercard were having. We won to go see the Jet's game and go down on the field during half time for the Superbowl Reunion III that included Joe Namath. We were ushered to the tunnel and were with the families of the reunion team members. I struck up a conversation with a really nice woman named Denzi from Atlanta, Georgia. Her husband is Don Maynard. She was telling me that her hubby and Joe are great friends. They used to room together for years in the early days. So, I told her my son collects autographs and she takes my son by the arm and brings him to Joe Namath. At first he was reluctant since he doesn't sign autographs anymore due to people selling them but he did because of her. I will never forget wha she did for my son. We al... 11/19/2009

My son collects celbrity autographs. He met Joan Rivers at a book signing and last weekend met with The Soup Nazi from Seinfeld. My ex went with him since I had to work. My son said he was so nice and you could tell he wanted to be there. Come celebs just sign and barely say anything to you.     11/19/2009

All you have to do is select a card, select the saying that is already written for you, your first name and hometown and that is it. They are there protecting our freedom with their own lives. Sure, they chose the profession but it is what it is. Please, send a card today. It will make their day! Thank you! Send A Free Card 11/18/2009

Should I Sell my Long Island NY Home Now or In The Spring? Most Long Island NY home sellers are under the assumption that selling their home in the Spring increases their chances of selling quickly because most people look for homes during the nicer weather. Not all true. 1. The fall and winter bring out the serious buyers. Spring time will have a mix of serious buyers and the "just looking" type and it's hard to tell who is who unless you know for a fact they are pre-approved for a mortgage. When someone looks at your house in the middle of the winter, you know for the most part, they are very serious. Who wants to "just look" at homes when it's 25 degrees outside and windy? I opt to stay in those days with a cup of hot chocolate unless I have a serious buyer to help them buy a home. 2... 11/14/2009

I had the pleasure meeting a newly married couple this past Thursday night for a little over two hours. Didn't feel like two hours though because it went fast! And it's probably because we connected right away and they were super nice to say the least! And they were so adorable together :) They are first time home buyers. Not sure what they want. Single-family home? Condo? Co-op? Foreclosure? I advised them to get pre-approved for a mortgage first so they know what their price range will be and we can take it from there. If they didn't know what their price range is, then they can see homes, fall in love with something only to find out they won't be able to afford it and we will have hearts broken. Then mine will break for them because I didn't do my job and now I'll have lack of sleep ... 11/14/2009

See that little bunch of dryer lint? Believe me, it can kill you. I was reading another blog about dryer lint here on ActiveRain and it reminded me of a story I should tell. Last year, a close friend of ours has a sister that lost their home to that little guy in the picture above. Their teenage son was asleep and woke up to the sounds of the smoke alarm. He walked into the kitchen to see it was engulfed in flames. He grabbed the dog and left the house. He called 911 and by the time the firemen came, the house was completely taken over by the flames. It only took the firemen a few minutes to get to their home. Their home burnt right down to the ground. They lived in a trailer for months while their new home was being built. Thankfully, their son and family pet were able to get out with... 11/11/2009

New York Real Estate Code of Ethics New York State Association of Realtors For Sellers & Buyers   New York State Association of Realtors - Main Page Code of Ethics - What every buyer and seller should know! As consumers, whether you are a buyer or seller, should really educate yourself when it comes to finding a Realtor and read the Code of Ethics. It's lengthy, but worth the read! There is a tab on the main page for sellers and buyers and a mortgage calculator. If you have any questions regarding Code of Ethics or anything else on the NYSAR site, you can always contact me anytime.   11/11/2009

  This blog is dedicated to my Uncle Freddie (USMC) My uncle Freddie was a great man, husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He, at that time, was the only adult in my life that never treated me with that, "children should be seen at not heard" mentality. He was a great listener and could make you laugh no matter how bad of a mood you were in. If you were sad, that sadness would go away in seconds when he was around. One time he made me laugh so hard, soda came pouring out of my nose! Those were great times! You see, he passed away suddenly in November of 2011. When the day came to attend his funeral, my car broke down. It needed a new computer and I was frantic to get it fixed. It ended up taking all day even though my mechanic tried to fix it soon, but he had to wait for the new com... 11/11/2009

HomeBase The HomeBase™ transaction management system is an exclusive online tool for accessing and reviewing a real estate purchase and sale via a personal account. From start to finish, this web-based system provides you and your customer with safe, secure and user-friendly communication and documentation platform. Convenient features like automated email alerts keep you informed, while the dedicated Web site hosts and stores your transaction-related documents, simplifying your life and helping you stay organized. And because this system allows secure around-the-clock viewing, you’ll always know where you stand, day or night. When you stop to consider the benefits of utilizing the HomeBase transaction management system, the difference is clear. • Greater confidence in the sales process... 11/10/2009

Long Island Real Estate Market BABYLON VILLAGE, LONG ISLAND Babylon Village, Long Island Babylon is an incorporated village located in Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. It is referred to as Babylon Village and a part from the Town of Babylon. As of the 2000 census, there were 12,615 people, 4,554 households, and 3,324 families residing in the area. According to a 2006 estimate, the median income for a household in the village was $70,879, and the median income for a family was $82,164. Males had a median income of $58,059 and only $38,770 for females. The latitude of Babylon is 40.695N. The longitude is -73.326W. It is in the Eastern Standard time zone. Elevation is 7 feet. In 1670, the area known as Village of Babylon was bought from the Sumpwam Indians. The farmers came down from... 11/09/2009

As I was perusing my local MLS online last night trying to find condos and co-ops so I can knock on doors and say hello, I came across a two-family home in the midst of all these condos and coops. I had to look at the listing three times because I was in such disbelief that a HOUSE listing was in the middle of all these condos and co-ops. It was obviously misplaced which shouldn't happen. He listed his home in July! So, by MLS rules, I cannot, as a Realtor, try to get him to list his home with me when it's listed with another Broker which was not my intention in the first place. I called the homeowner and introduced myself. When I told him his two-family home was listed with condos and co-ops he was livid as well he should be. I told him to call his discount brokerage and have them cha... 11/07/2009

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time. We get together with family and friends we haven't seen in a while. We cook, we eat, we laugh. We even laugh together while cleaning off the table and doing dishes. My fondest memories are of watching my Aunt, Mom and their Sister clean up and do the dishes while reminiscing their childhood. Oh the things they would say! They would also talk about their Brother who passed away a few days before Thanksgiving in 2001. He was a good man and I miss him also. As we all have fun together, think about a person or you may know who needs a little help this Thanksgiving. So many people are out of work and scramble to keep a roof over their heads, other bills to be paid and food on the table. If you know someone who is having a hard time, invite them over to shar... 11/05/2009

I'm sure many of you are tired of hearing it but here is the news:Moments ago, the U.S. House of Representatives voted by an overwhelming 403-12 margin to approve the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act (H.R. 3548) that included, as an amendment, the extension and expansion of the Homebuyer Tax Credit. The bill already passed in the U.S. Senate yesterday by a vote of 98-0, so now it will advance from Congress to the White House for President Obama’s signature. It is one step away from being signed into law, and the Administration already has signaled its support of the Homebuyer Tax Credit amendment as well as the President’s intention to sign the bill. Again, this bill is now one step away from becoming law. I think at this point it's safe to say it's going to be signed by Presiden... 11/05/2009

I hope I found something for everyone! Lindenhurst Dec 06, 2009 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.OLPH School, 240 South Wellwood AveDescription: A fun-filled day of Christmas cheer for the whole family! 50 vendors, fresh home baked goods, 50/50, raffles, white elephant sale, face painting, balloons, sand art & Santa! Vendors Needed-visit our website for more info & a printable application. 516-242-9531 PatchogueNov 07, 2009 9:00AM-4:00PM15th Annual Craft FairMt. Carmel Church 495 No Ocean Ave Patchogue Description: 15th annual craft fair with handmade craft, soaps, candy, florals, jewelry and gift items. 631-475-4739 MerrickNov 05, 2009 4:30-9:30 pmLevy Lakeside 3rd Annual Evening of ShoppingDescription: Vendors wanted for school shopping night. $30/ 6 foot table + a raffle donation. All types of ... 11/04/2009

We all know what paying it forward means, but, do you really do it? I was in the post office this morning and the line was long. I was looking out the window and saw this older woman with a walker trying to cross the street at the light no less. So, after 10 minutes, I got what I needed and left. As I walked out the front door, that older woman was STILL trying to cross the street. No one allowed her to go. I was so livid!! I approached her and told her I'll get her across the street. So, when the light turned read I stood in the middle of the street like a crossing guard and she was able to cross. You wouldn't believe the amount of car horns that were sounding off and some of those people flipped me off. Oh well, deal with it people! That woman was thankful and she kissed me on the ch... 11/04/2009

  The Senate and House are poised to agree on a compromise measure to extend unemployment benefits that also would expand a popular $8,000 tax credit for homebuyers, despite a recent government report on extensive mistakes and suspected fraud in the program. The Senate might pass its version as early as Wednesday, and aides to Congressional leaders say the House could accept it this week, sending the bill to President Obama to sign into law. After weeks of partisan delay in the Senate, Democrats are eager to show progress before Friday, when the October jobless report is again expected to show high unemployment. The homebuyers’ credit — enacted last year, expanded this year and scheduled to expire Nov. 30 — would be extended to cover homes under contract by April 30. Also, it no longer... 11/03/2009

Having A Buyer's Agent To Represent YOU When a real estate agent represents a seller, they have their best interests at heart. It's the law. There is no way that agent can represent the seller and a buyer that has no agent at the same time. It's called Dual Agency. That agent can help the buyer by steering them in the right direction about mortgages and such, but that is it. When it comes time to make an offer on a home and you ask the seller's agent, "how much should we offer?" That agent will tell you, "as close to the asking price as you can get". They have to tell you that because it's their job to get the seller the highest price possible. When you, the buyer, are represented by an agent, there is a lot they can do for you: After you sign a Buyer Agreement with your agent (can be c... 11/02/2009

Babylon Real Estate Market Report For October 2009 This report is for single-family homes only. Homes Currently On The Market - 10 Mean (Average)                                                     $628,197 (Listing Price) Median$465,500 (Listing Price)Mode            $329,990 (Listing Price)Low      $329,990 (Listing Price) High    $1,600,000 (Listing Price)The above homes have been on the market for 30 days or less. When a home is priced right, that is, at Market Value, then there is no reason why a home can’t sell in 60 days or less unless there is a defect that would prevent that from happening or a seller wants to try to go above Market Value just to see what happens in the hopes of getting more for their home. That is not going to happen in this market. The market of 2005-2006 is ... 11/01/2009

There are multitudes of things to do! Live Animal Exhibit - Tanglewood Preserve - Rockville Centre Glencove Exhibits - Roslyn Harbor Wine Tasting - Peconic Family Fun Days Ongoing - Huntington William Floyd Estate Tour - Mastic Beach Robotics At Cradle Of Aviation - Garden City Laboratory Walking Tour - Cold Spring Harbor Sunset Wagon Rides - Yaphank Family Sunday At The Museum - Nassau County Museum of Art - Roslyn Harbor Bayville Scream Park - Bayville Little Farmers - Fun For Preschoolers - Yaphank Fall Senior Tuesday - Stony Brook Fall Country Kids - Yaphank Fall Garden Seminars At Hicks Nursuries - Westbury But Who Will Bell The Cats - For The Kids - Roslyn Harbor Tiny Tots Let's Discover Nature - Smithtown Family Adventures At Connetquot Park - Oakdale Crazy For You (Play) - East... 11/01/2009