According to the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island, 40 homes sold in Port Washington in the first quarter of 2010 (11 in January, 16 in February, and 13 in March). The average listing price at the time of sale was $744,000 (compared to the original asking price of $774,000), and the average sold price was $694,000. The homes ranged from the low at $170,000 to just under $1.8 million. The average tax bill was $12,500 and average days on the market was 118.             As of April 1, there were currently 187 homes available (55 of those pending sale). The absorption rate is about 14 months. What that means is if no new homes come on the market, it would take 14 months to deplete the inventory. A healthy market is considered to be about 3-6 months, so our market is still sluggish. It... 05/04/2010

Port Washington is in full Spring Bloom...we had our weekly office meeting at the beautiful mansion at the Village Club of Sands Point.  I snapped this shot looking from the mansion terrace on my way out...breathtaking.  Sands Point is one of the incorporated villages of Port Washington, and the club is one of many wonderful reasons people choose to live here...which is a perfect transition into seeing what is happening with home sales activity in Port Washington! During this period, 31 new homes came to market, 20 homes went under contract and 7 closed.  Here are the details: New Listings                                                              List Price 1158 Port Washington Blvd                          $365,000  8 Carey Street                                            $389,000 ... 05/02/2010

Spring is bursting out all over Port Washington...and so are home buyers who are out looking, offering and buying great homes in one of metro NY's coolest suburbs.  Located on the beautiful North Shore of Long Island, Port offers one of the best commutes to NYC on the Port Washington branch of the LIRR.  Surrounded by water, this charming community offers all the amenities of city living and the peace and quiet associated with the suburbs in a setting so pretty and quaint is hard to believe you are so close to NYC...that maybe why so many city folks leave Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn for this little town by the bay. Here's the latest in Port Washington home sales activity:  29 New Listings, 13 Homes Under Contract, and 12 Homes Closed....Here are the details...     New Listings       ... 04/13/2010

Just when everyone was certain that long term rates would rise, they fell. Wednesday's 10-year T-note auction drew more bidders than any since '94, and its yield thumped down from near 4.00% to 3.85%, mortgages back down to 5.125%. The improvement is gradually reversing, but for the moment we're okay. An $11.5 billion dive in consumer credit in February more than wiped out a revised gain in January, the first in 11 months. New claims for unemployment insurance were supposed to continue improvement, dropping to 433,000, but jumped to 460,000. Careful with the hosannas to March retail sales: the measure that jumped 9% was a year-over-year comparison, and March last year was the pit of panic.     The easy Treasury auction revealed the enormous gulf between the noisy sustained-recovery beli... 04/11/2010

In an odd leap, long-term Treasury yields blew up, Wednesday the worst single day in nine months. The 10-year T-note stopped at 3.88%, a level touched for the fifth time since last June, but the violence of this move threatens upward breakout. Meanwhile, mortgages held fairly well, inside the 5.25% top that has held since August.     The peculiar part: big sell-offs like this are driven by good economic news, but that's not what we got. February sales of new and existing homes fell (new ones at the   lowest pace since stats began in 1963, 303,000 annualized), and unsold inventory rose.      Unemployment claims fell to 442,000 last week, but must drop well into the 300s to mark new hiring. The BLS says unemployment in February rose in 27 states, fell in 7, and 16 were flat. California at... 03/26/2010

Long-term Treasury rates have remained stable, the 10-year T-note in a band 3.60%-3.75% for a whole month. However, mortgages are beginning to vibrate, trying to find an appropriate level as the Fed stops buying: in just the last week rates have moved between 4.875% and 5.125%.     Treasury's are getting buying support from the slow-motion chaos in Europe. Germany has at last refused to help to Greece, saying it's an IMF problem and not the European Union's, thereby putting the rest of the Club Med dominoes on notice. Germany never has graded better than a "C" for playing well with others. France today expressed dismay at Germany's IMF proposal. Although dismay is a French specialty, it is correct: if Europe cannot look after its own, "union" is a fantasy.      As so often during fractu... 03/19/2010

This article was first published on the Port Washington Patch on January 28, 2010This is Part One in a weekly series on the many different neighborhoods of Port Washington.As a real estate agent, I've heard the question from buyers, "Where is the best place to live in Port Washington?" Well, of course it depends on what you want (and how much you can afford). Manorhaven is one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Port.The Village of Manorhaven (one of five villages in Port Washington) is known as "The Pearl of Manhasset Bay." Others call it a "diamond in the rough." But as a resident of Manorhaven, I call it a great place to live. With such diverse residences as houseboats for under $50,000, cottages, two-family homes, and $1 million condos, there is something for everyone. It also o... 03/10/2010

Here's the current market report for Port Washington, NY 11050.  In summary, 22 new listings, 9 homes under contract and 10 closings.  Despite a snowy, cold winter activity is UP!  Great time to list as buyers are out and buying now.  Great time to buy as the real sellers are on the market. New Listings                                                                                               List Price 42 Sagamore Hill Drive                                                                                       $469,000 75-08 W Shore Road                                                                                         $549,000 51 Wakefield Avenue                                                                                         $550,000   6  Oldwood Road                  ... 02/17/2010

"Annie, what's it like to live in Port Washington?" Many customers new to the area ask me that question, and I always tell them to get out and enjoy some of the local events to meet the people who live here and see what the town is all about....here is an event that is a perfect place see what Port Washinton is all about!  ANNUAL PORT WASHINGTON SOUPer BOWL For the third year in a row, Port Washington is celebrating Souper Bowl Saturday.  The event is from noon to 3pm at Fellowship Hall in the United Methodist Churche at 35 Middle Neck Road (zip is 11050 for all you GPS fans).  Fifteen local restaurants and food places(see list below) will donate their best soup and hope be to voted Port Washington's 2010 SOUPer Bowl Champion.  Here's how it works: You buy a spoon ($7 for adults and $3 ... 02/04/2010

If you are thinking of buying a house, now is the time to get serious. If you don't act soon, you will someday find yourself asking: "Why didn't I buy in 2010?" If you are a first-time buyer, or a current homeowner who meets certain requirements, there are generous tax credits available until the end of June 2010, but that's not the most important reason to buy now. The most important reason is: historically low interest rates - the lowest they have been in almost 40 years! In 1970, interest rates were approximately 7.25%. Rates were near 10% in late 1973, and ranged from 8.5% to 10% by 1977. There was a drastic rise to a whopping 18% by 1981, and it took 5 years to recede to previous levels. From 1986 until the early 1990s, rates hovered at from 9% to 11%, and after that ranged from 7%... 12/26/2009

 Port Harbor At Port Washington NY is a 55 and over 3 story building in Nassau County Long Island.Residences in this 3 story elevator building that was built in 1981 at 372 Main Street in Port Washington NY on Long Island's famed North Shore have 2 bedrooms, laundry facilities and emergency medical alert system in each apartment. There is central air condtioning, electric heat, and a party room in this building. A covered parking space is provided and in the rear there is a guest parking area.  Cats are permitted here, but dogs are not allowed.   You can reach Port Harbor by the Long Island Expressway Exit 36N Call for current pricing! LAWRENCE AND SHEILA AGRANOFF can sell you a condo in Port Harbor At Port Washington NY when available, or any other 55 and over community on the North Sh... 12/09/2009

The holiday season has begun. It seems to start a little earlier each year! There are many great things to do around town and here are just a few: Christmas Tree Lighting - At Blumenfeld Family Park on Main Street, Sunday December 6th at 4:30 pm. There is no cost to enjoy this event with a live nativity, sing-along, refreshments, and a visit from Santa! Christmas Mini-Fair - At St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Sunday December 6th at 11:15 am. The Klezmatics - At Landmark on Main Street, Saturday December 12th at 8 pm. The Grammy-winning Klezmatics celebrate the beginning of Chanukah's Festival of Lights with a variety of music: gospel, punk, African and more. Prices and details are on the Landmark website. Menorah Lighting - At the LIRR station, Sunday December 13th at 4:30 pm. No cost f... 12/08/2009

The Port Washington Chamber of Commerce is compiling recipes from residents, restaurants, and businesses to be published in a community cookbook tentatively entitled A Taste of Port Washington. We invite you to participate in this exciting new project by sending in your favorite recipes. When the cookbook is published, your name will appear with each of your recipes that are accepted. If you wish to be identified with the Chamber, another organization, or your business, you can add the organization or business name in the space provided on the submission form, and it will also appear with your name, but this is optional. Click here to download a copy of the Recipe Collection Form, along with the instructions on how to submit your recipes. You can fill it out and either print it out and ... 11/23/2009

Feng Shui in Long Island NY --  Beautiful Port Washington New York For those of you who have ever visited Long Island New York, I hope you got to stop and see the beautiful town of Port Washington in the Town of Hempstead NY. Port Washington Long Island NY Settled 1644 As a New York Feng Shui Consultant I have had the privilege of doing Feng Shui Consultations in both Homes, Condos and Businesses in Pt. Washington.  Yet when I think of this place, one Feng Shui consultation always comes back to me.  I couldn't help my client as hard as I tried. Quaint little shops in Pt. Washington Long Island I arrived a few minutes early at "Linda's" lovely Long Island Condo.  They appeared from the outside to be very well kept and had large windows which I knew would allow in a lot of natural light. ... 10/28/2009

My sweet tooth keeps begging me to take it back to Sweet Comfort Bakery and Cafe...this wonderful addition to Port Washington is located at 5B Irma Avenue in Port Washington.  It is on the north side of Irma off of Main Street diagonal from the Port Washington train station. My fabulous colorist, Stephanie shared a rocky road brownie with me while having my color done and it was so rich and yummy I could not finish it!  I had to get over there and check out what other goodies they offer...what a wonderful new discovery! In addition to wonderful baked goods, they offer great coffee drinks too.  And, the atmosphere is wonderful.  The kind of place you want to me your girlfriends for a cup of coffee after you have the kids off to school, or if you are lucky enough to - take the Sunday pape... 10/21/2009

Is it right time to sell? How do I do it? What happens during the sale process? All of these questions and more were answered at the Home Seller Seminar held on September 17th at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Port Washington. Five local experts spoke about their respective specialties and one lucky participant won a free home design consulation (a $100 value).Five Local Experts Share Their ExperienceFirst, Jason Marcus of Continental Home Loans discussed the age-old question - "Is it the right time to sell?" Whether you are downsizing, making a lateral move, or trading up, Jason discussed the pros and cons, the importance of being motivated, and the importance of pricing correctly and keeping up with the market.Katherine Crean of Apple Home Inspections made the case for doing a pre-... 10/05/2009

There's a Luxury 55 And Over in Port Washington Long Island called Harbor View. This a an active 55+ community that was built in 2003 in Nassau County New York. This Luxury 55 And Over in Port Wshington Long Island has a guard gated entrance at this unique community for active adults. Harbor View consists of 125 residences that includes free standing detached homes, semi-attached villas, attached townhouses, and a six story condominium building with 145 residential units and underground parking.  Harbor View amenities include a fully-equipped, professionally staffed health club, indoor and outdoor pools, sauna and steam rooms, lockers, card rooms and billiards and 24 hour concierge service. There is also a courtesy mini-bus that transport residents to and from the Port Washington LIRR t... 09/14/2009

  Sandy Jo Becker Hyman / PortViews Photography will be the featured photographer at the Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore (RSNS) on Plandome Road in Manhasset, from September 1 through the end of October. The show, "Let There Be Light," reflects Sandy's passion for how light plays on water and buildings, and affects how we see and react to our surroundings and to images of those surroundings.Born with limited vision, Sandy explains, "The ability to capture intense and varied light and texture in my photographs compensates for my visual lack of depth perception. I can now not only see the amazing beauty and character of my surroundings more as others do, but also allow others to see what fascinates me - fog, texture, reflections. Never take your visual acuity or your surrou... 09/10/2009

Mortgage rates are still  close to their historic lows! People with decent credit and 20% down can finally qualify again! First time buyers have until November 30th to close on a house, to still get the $8,000 tax credit! Prices have come down significantly, and their are plenty of choices!   So we should all agree that we have finally reached a classic BUYERS MARKET! Most experts believe house prices are at or near their lows! Then, why aren't more people taking advantage of this? My best guess is that it is FEAR, and not feeling comfortable with the overall U.S. economy.   All things being considered, however, we are closest to a GREAT buying opportunity in this generation. 09/09/2009

The Sand Castle is not the most expensive home in Suffolk County currently listed for sale on the Long Island Multiple Listing Service (MLSLI). But considering that the most expensive is $32,000,000, the Sand Castle is a bargain at a mere $8,695,000 to $9,994,876. The 14,000 sq. ft. home was built in 1991, and is located on 2.3 acres of waterfront property, has 22 rooms, 8 full baths, dock, indoor and outdoor pool, 8-car garage, home theatre, spa, raquetball court, and more. Annual taxes on this property are $63,000. A February Newsday article featured the Sand Castle sale as well as Sycamore Lodge in Roslyn Harbor, which was on the market at the time, but is not currently listed on MLSLI. This home has an interesting history, having been owned by General John J. Pershing and composer ... 08/03/2009