Posts from October 2019

Owning your own home remains a crucial part of the American dream, but it isn't always easy. From growing debt problems to an ever-changing real estate market, there are plenty of potential roadblocks to homeownership. For veteran and military home buyers, there are some options well worth considering. 

Our REALTORS® are proud to have helped countless veterans and active servicemen and women buy homes—in many cases, their first homes. We're grateful for the opportunity to help. If you're a veteran or military homebuyer, keep these tips in mind as you start the homebuying process. 

1. Know Your VA Loan Options
   One of the biggest advantages active military and veterans have when purchasing a home is the ability to secure a VA loan. These home loans are backed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and are much more flexible than ordinary loans. In most cases, they cover 100 percent of a home's cost, require no down payment, and allow you to buy a home without having to pay for private mortgage insurance. 

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Who hasn't dreamed of living in a mansion of their own? Our REALTORS® know that Long Island is the perfect place to indulge in your fantasies and gaze longingly upon the many Gold Coast Mansions dotting the landscape. Although Long Island was home to more than 500 of these grand estates erected in the early 1900s, there are less than 200 still standing today. Take a relaxing drive and discover the wonder of these seven Gold Coast Mansions and envision what life in the Roaring '20s would have been like with a home this marvelous.

1. Sands Point Park and Preserve — 127 Middle Neck Road, Port Washington, NY 11050
   Known as the Guggenheim Estate after the family who called it home, Sands Point Preserve is a sprawling park that invites residents and visitors to spend the day enjoying the outdoors. Now owned by a conservancy group, the grounds host educational, cultural, fitness and seasonal activities throughout the year for children and adults alike. The Port Washington homes for sale nearby are within walking distance from this welcoming estate.

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When you're buying a house, many intangible factors come into play. Is it in a safe neighborhood? How is the school system? Does it have a great view? Our REALTORS® find that for many people, job commute is one of the top criteria for evaluating homes.

Today's job landscape has gone beyond the traditional nine-to-five workday, so commute time isn't such a cut-and-dried issue. Here are some expert tips for putting job commute in perspective when choosing a home to buy.

• How Far Is "Too Far?"
  According to the Census Bureau, the average commuter travels just over 25 minutes each way, which is the equivalent of adding an extra half-day to your work week. Times are even higher in congested metropolitan areas. If you're considering a certain home, take a test run of your potential commute under actual traffic conditions so you have an accurate picture.

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Looking to have a scary good time around Long Island this October? Our REALTORS® love exploring Long Island from end to end, searching for awesome Halloween activities for friends and families. Trust us — there are tons of ghoulishly great events happening throughout Suffolk and Nassau Counties all month long! Here are five frighteningly fun activities to put on your spooky schedule.

• Halloween Family Fun Fest at The Madison Theatre at Molloy College — 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre, NY 11570 | Oct. 26
  The annual Halloween Family Fun Fest outside of the Madison Theatre at Molloy College is a great place to celebrate Halloween with your little ones. An entire afternoon is dedicated to pumpkin picking and decorating, mask making, trick or treating, and more! With a bounce house, haunted house, petting zoo, games, and other fun activities, this event is one of the best on Long Island. Be sure to bring a costume to wear after you've checked out our Rockville Centre homes for sale.

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