Green House

June 26th, 2008 by erik.reilly

Just
a few years ago, making a commitment to help the environment meant
recycling your plastic bags and glass bottles. But today that concept
can be taken much further, to the products we buy, the cars we drive,
and even the homes we live in.

Now builders have the know-how
to make your home healthier, more energy-efficient and more
cost-effective by using green materials and technologies. Here are some
questions you may want to ask if you are interested in hiring a
professional who is also committed to the cause.

  • Have
    you completed any special education or training courses on this topic?
    Some states and local agencies offer training and even certificate
    programs for builders who are serious about putting green technologies
    to work for their clients.

  • How
    can we use the latest technology to reduce costs and boost comfort?
    This could include using specific kinds of insulation, a special
    ventilation system, or even solar panels to supplement traditional
    energy sources.


  • What
    kinds of appliances and home systems should we use? When you think
    green about all parts of the home, from the toilet (water conservation)
    to the windows (are they energy efficient?), is when you can make the
    most difference. An experienced green builder should be able to
    recommend the products and fixtures that are best.


  • How
    do you reduce, re-use, and recycle? Find out if the builder uses
    materials made from recycled materials when they are available and
    recommended. Also, inquire how he disposes of waste materials from the
    construction site.


Going
green when you are building a new home is a worthwhile and serious
undertaking. Learn as much as you can about the topic and the builder
to ensure a smooth process and productive result. For more information
on green building, visit the Green Advantage web site at http://www.greenadvantage.org/index.php

 

Posted in Buyer Information | No Comments »

New York State housing sales up from February

June 20th, 2008 by erik.reilly

Empire State housing sales up from February

Albany -
April 23, 2008 - Sales of existing single-family homes in New York
State in March increased by more than 10 percent compared to February,
but lagged behind March 2007, according to preliminary single-family
sales data accumulated by the New York State Association of REALTORS.

New York
REALTORS sold 5,035 existing single-family homes in March 2008, a
10.1-percent increase compared to the 4,575 sales recorded in February.
The March sales total represents a 29-percent decrease compared to the
March 2007 total of 7,094.

The March
2008 median selling price of $210,000 represents a 6.7-percent decrease
from the February median of $225,000. The March 2008 median selling
price represents a 14.7-percent decrease compared to the March 2007
median of $246,150.

In March
2008 sales gains were reported in 31 counties compared to February,
while just four experienced growth compared to March 2007.

Thirty-one
counties reported gains in median selling price in March 2008 compared
to February 2008, while 20 posted gains compared to March 2007.

“With a
more than 10 percent increase in sales of existing single-family homes
in March compared to February, the New York State housing market is
performing better than the national housing market,” said Duncan R.
MacKenzie, NYSAR chief executive officer. “While changes in the median
selling price fared better on a national level, New York’s median price
continues to remain above the national median.” 

The New
York State Association of REALTORS is a not-for-profit trade
organization representing more than 61,000 of New York state’s real
estate professionals. The term REALTOR is a registered trademark, which
identifies real estate professionals who subscribe to a strict code of
ethics as members of the National Association of REALTORS. These
REALTORS are also members of the New York State Association of REALTORS
as well as their local board or association of REALTORS.

Posted in About | No Comments »

Improving Affordability = Buying Opportunity

June 13th, 2008 by erik.reilly

Improving Affordability = Buying Opportunity

Here’s
an all-points bulletin to prospective homebuyers: The protracted
decline in home prices has made many houses more affordable than
they’ve been in years. You know what this means? Housing could shift
from a buyer’s market to a seller’s market before you know it.
 Remember, incomes are still rising, so home prices don’t have to
fall as much as you think before buyers decide that they can once more
afford the home of their dreams. Sooner or later, the fact that housing
is more affordable will sink in. That’s when the market will turn.

– “Housing Market May Turn More Quickly Than You Expect,” by Dr. Irwin Kellner, MarketWatch,June 3, 2008.

Declining
home prices across the nation are bringing valuations - the difference
between what a home should cost and its actual price - back to
pre-bubble levels, according to a survey conducted for financial
research firm Global Insight and banking company National City Corp.
“We’ve covered a lot of territory in terms of restoring balance in the
housing market. The froth has been completely blown away.”

– Richard DeKaser, National City’s chief economist, “Housing Affordability Back to Pre-bubble Levels,” by Ben Rooney, CNNMoney.com, June 2, 2008.

The
reason sales are slowly turning around is that smart homebuyers
recognize that prices will recover. They’d rather benefit from the next
boom than see the current seller get it. When have you ever seen
housing retest previous lows? This past year is the first in decades in
which housing prices went lower. Typically, housing prices beat
inflation by one or two percent. The 2007-2008 housing recession is an
anomaly. You’ve seen housing prices retreat as far back as 2004 in some
locales, but you don’t see them retreating to 2000.

– Richard DeKaser, National City’s chief economist, “Realty Viewpoint: Guess What? Equity Recovers,” by Blanche Evans, Realty Times, May 30, 2008.

Foreign Buyers Have Confidence in U.S. Housing Market

Declining
prices and a weak dollar have made U.S. property more appealing to
overseas buyers, while a weak U.S. economy has forced real estate
agents to look farther afield for buyers.  Last year one-third of
American agents worked with at least one international buyer, according
to the National Association of Realtors. The top five countries
supplying international customers were Mexico, Britain, Canada, India
and China.

– “They’re getting away from it all, to the U.S.,” by Jane Hodges, MSNBC.com, June 4, 2008.

While
Americans are discouraged by images of neighborhoods blighted by “For
Sale” signs and taped-off properties, foreign buyers are much more
optimistic, especially about the long-term health of the U.S. market.
“The foreign buyer has an unbridled confidence in the U.S. market that
is lacking in the domestic purchaser today. They view this as the
bargain of a lifetime and are terribly excited about it.”

– David Michonski, a certified international property specialist, “Foreign Buyers Flock to U.S. Housing Market,” by Aleksandra Todorova, SmartMoney.com, May 23, 2008.

Posted in Buyer Information | No Comments »

Stage your home for sale

June 9th, 2008 by erik.reilly

Your Home At Center Stage

 Staged livingroom picture

In
Hollywood they are called stylists. They are fashion professionals who
help celebrities shine by outfitting them in the right clothes and
accessories. In the world of home buying and selling, real estate
professionals fill the same role, but in this case the “star” is your
home. Here are five things you can do to stage your home for sale.

Staging
is an important part of the home sale process.Staging is presenting
your home in its best and most appealing light to the majority of
buyers. In the end, it may even lead to less time on the market and a
better sales price.
1. De-clutter and de-personalize: Remove all
clutter and reduce the number of personal pictures and mementos. You do
not have to purge everything, but packing away items at a friend’s
house or in storage might be a good idea.

2. Go for an updated
look: If you have well-worn, wall-to-wall carpet, rip it up and replace
it. If your kitchen cabinets are dated, spruce them up with new paint.
Making your home look its best may take some money and some elbow
grease.

3. Create a warm and cozy environment: You want your
home to have a welcoming feel. Rearrange seating to create conversation
areas. You want buyers to want to stay and relax.

4. Lighten
up: Use table lamps to create a warm glow and mirrors to reflect the
light around the room. Open up blinds and shades to let the sunshine
in. A fresh coat of paint in an inviting, neutral tone will play up the
sense of light and warmth.

5. Use accessories: Accent pillows,
throw blankets, fresh cut flowers, bowls of polished fruit and artfully
arranged books, can help you complete the sophisticated and inviting
scene. Remember, you want buyers to imagine themselves living in this
setting.

Your real estate professional is your greatest resource
when it comes to preparing your home for sale. Work with them to create
the home of your buyer’s dreams.

Posted in About | No Comments »

The Wedgewood section of Oceanside NY

May 29th, 2008 by erik.reilly

Oceanside
is a hamlet in the Town of Hempstead with a population of app. 32,733
residents.  There are currently 277 homes on the market in
Oceanside.

The
Wedgewood section of Oceanside NY 11572is a quiet neighborhood, which
is bordered on the north by the Waukena Avenue, on the east by Middle
Bay Golf Course and Country Club, on the south by a Nature Preserve and
the on the west by canals leading out to Middle Bay.  Most of the
homes in this area are Split levels or Hi Ranches. There are a few
ranches as well. Some homes have basements and two car garages.
All the homes are three to five bedrooms, 1.5 to 3.5 baths.  The
lot sizes range from app. 60×100 to 80×220. Some of these homes have
lovely backyards and bulkheads on Bedell Creek offering easy access to
Jones Inlet and the ocean.  Others homes border and have lovely
views of the golf course, the Nature Preserve or the bay. Children
attend Boardman elementary school #9, Oceanside Middle School and
Oceanside High School.  There are currently five homes on the
market. They range in price from $549,000 for a three bedroom, two bath
split level with taxes of approximately $10,000 to a diamond condition
4 bedroom 3.5 bath split asking $849,000with taxes of $15,700. One of
the homes currently on the market is a splitlevel with waterfront
property at the end of one of the canals with an asking price of
$679,000. It has been on the market for almost six months.  In the
last six months there have been two sales- a large waterfront split
level with 4 bedrooms, 3.5baths and an in ground pool which sold for
$850,000 after 62 days on the market.  Taxes were approximately
15,000 per year.  The other home was also a large Split on 82×114
property with taxes of $12,599.  The house asked $675,000 sold for
$635,000 and was on the market for 79 days until full contract.


Tags: , ,
Posted in Buyer Information, Oceanside NY 11572, Seller Information | No Comments »

Houses are selling in Elmont

May 14th, 2008 by erik.reilly

From April 1st to today (May 12th) 57 houses went into
contract or closed in Elmont, NY. Not bad since everyone seems to think
that the market is slow right now. These numbers came from my own
reasearch with the help of the multiple listing of long island.
Out
of those 57 houses for sale, 16 of them were either foreclosures or
short sales. The majority of the inventory consisted of capes and
colonials and the prices ranged from $270k all the way to $510K!
A
bank owned colonial on Doherty Ave in Elmont, NY sold for $270k. It was
only on the market for 22 days. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath colonial needed
some TLC and was a great investment property or perfect for the first
time home buyer. For $270K the new owner got a great bargain! I took a
drive past it a few weeks ago and saw lots of busy workers putting a
new roof on the 3 bed, 2 bath colonial. That is probably just the
begining of what is to come for that house. I’m sure when all is done
the house will be beautiful and have a much higher market value.
Its
a shame that there aren’t more investors out there to help the
community of Elmont. Where are all the investors for these foreclosures
and short sales? We need them to get out there and save this
neighborhood! Stop building these huge houses on streets like Meacham
Ave and leave those properties for commercial buildings. Go into the
quieter streets away from the traffic and noise, find those diamonds in
the rough and fix them up and get them sold. You’ll find that you will
probably get more money out of your investment and a shorter time on
the market.


Posted in Neighborhoods | No Comments »

Long Beach NY 11561 Real Estate

May 13th, 2008 by erik.reilly

Long Beach NY 11561  Real Estate

Long Beach is a City located on a barrier island off the south shore of Long Island.

Long
beach is neighbored on the west by Atlantic Beach and on the east by
Point Lookout. Long beach is made up of a number of areas each with its
own character.


Homes in the west end are” beach homes”. Capes ranches and high ranches
are the most common types of homes. Most of these are located within a
block or two of the ocean on the south shore and Reynolds channel on
the north shore. Water views abound. Many homes have private docks.
Home owners in long beach experience some of the best fishing and
boating on the east coast.

The
central area of Long Beach is the West Holm area. This part of the city
features beautiful stucco homes built in the 1920s and 30s. These homes
feature slate roofs, stained glass windows, ten foot ceilings and grand
staircases of mahogany and oak. Some have been designated historic
landmarks. Many of these elegant homes were the summer homes of
celebrities of the era. A beautiful belonging to the silent screen
actress Clara Bow was recently purchased and lovingly restored. The
West Holm area is home to the city’s own municipal swimming pool, ice
skating rink and fishing pier.

Located
45 minutes from New York City by train and 1 hour by boat, Long Beach
is a conveniently located beach resort community featuring pristine
beaches, a beautiful boardwalk and great restaurants. Co-ops and
condominium buildings line the board walk. Many of these feature
private pools and gyms. Apartments with southern exposure have
beautiful ocean views.

Moving
east will bring you to the Canal area of Long Beach.  Three and
four bedroom capes, ranches and split level homes flank four boat
canals offering residents private docks with easy access to Reynolds
Channel and the ocean. This area also features quiet tree lined streets
and local schools and shopping.

Moving
east, heading toward the quiet sea side town of Point Lookout you will
pass large three and four bedroom luxury colonials and split level
homes of Lido Beach. These homes feature large bedrooms, sky lit family
and living rooms, luxury kitchens and water views.

Long
Beach NY currently has 213 residential properties available today,
ranging in price from $180,000.00 for a 2 bedroom colonial with
property taxes of approximately $3,400.00 per year to $3,800,000.00 for
a six bedroom six and one half bath open bay waterfront contemporary
colonial with taxes of $26,000.00.

There are
currently 217 condos and co-ops available today, ranging in price from
a low $125,000.00 for a studio with monthly maintenance of
$409.00 to a high of $1,900,000.00 for a 3 bedroom 2.5 bath Oceanfront
Hampton Style 2700 Sq Ft Duplex Corner Unit Townhouse with $17,148.02
in taxes and $446.00 in Common Charges .


Posted in Long Beach | No Comments »

Long Island NY home sells for Less than $60,000!!!

May 11th, 2008 by erik.reilly

Long Island NY home sells for Less than $60,000!!!

This
week at the foreclosure auction  Nassau County Courthouse in
Mineola on Tuesday May 6 2008 at 11:30 am 98 Brittle La, Hicksville NY
11801 was sold to an investor for $57,000.00. (pictured below)

 

98 Brittle Ln

The same unknown investor bid $231,000.00 on 24 Primrose Ave Levittown NY 11756 and was the winning bid. (pictured below)

These 2 were the only Long Island Foreclosed homes that were purchased or even bid upon by investors.

The
following properties were offered for bid, and recieved no bids from
the investors at the Nassau County foreclosure auction on Tuesday May 6
2008 at 11:30 am

230 West Pine St Long Beach NY 11561 a 2 Family, The Bank was looking for bids above $481,000.00

1675 Cornelius Ave Wantaugh NY 11793 a 4 bedroom 2.5 bath splanch, The Bank was looking for bids above $780,000.00

176 Biltmore Ave Elmont 11003 a colonial built in 1918 that needed work, the bank was looking for bids above $297,658.00

186
Jerusalem Ave Levittown NY 11756  a 5 bedroom 2 bath Hi Ranch on a
50 foot by 86 foot lot, the bank was looking for bids above $334,400.00

161 Colonial Ave Freeport NY 11520 a 4 room cottage on a 50 x 165 foot lot, the bank was looking for bids above $280,000.00

106 Peters Ave Hempstead NY 11550 a 2 bedroom 2 bath cape, Deutsche Bank was looking for bids above $251,487.07

1933 Anita Ct N. Baldwin NY 11510 a 3 bedroom Cape styled house, Deutsche Bank was looking for bids above $339,690.37

178 Hollywood Valley Stream NY 11581 a 3 bedroom ranch, Wells Fargo Bank was looking for bids above $364,012.60

100
Jerusalem Ave Levittown NY 11756 a 4/2 cape cod styled home in the
Levittown School District, Wells Fargo Bank was looking for
$403,394.00 US

148 Harris
Ave Freeport NY 11520, a 3 bedroom 1.5 bath colonial house, Option One
Mortgage Corp was looking for bids above $ 320,450

18 Andrews
Ave Roosevelt NY 11575, a cape that the previous owner said was a Huge
Dormered  Cape With Room To Grow! 6Brs,3 Full Baths, And A Pos
Mother/Daughter. Extra Large 100X125 Yard (Pos Sub-Division). Ideal For
Landscaper, Contractor, Builder! Great Buy! Reduced Thousand For Quick
Sale!!!! Hsbc Bank Usa was looking for more than $278,414.07 

These homes will be REO properies for sale soon. 

Foreclosures are on the rise for more go to http://www.nypost.com/seven/01282007/news/regionalnews/foreclosures_soaring_regionalnews_elizabeth_wolff.htm

 

Posted in Long Island | No Comments »

Long Island real Estate Buyers having the upper hand in negotiations

May 3rd, 2008 by erik.reilly

 

Long Island Real Estate Buyers having The Upper Hand in negotiations

When
there are more homes for sale than the market demands, the advantage in
the real estate transaction shifts to the buyer. Often called a
“buyer’s market,” it means the purchasing party holds most of the
power. Add to that a softening economy, higher unemployment rates and
escalating prices, and the buyer is in a real position of strength.

Now
the question becomes, “How can I use the current market condition and
my favorable position in it to my advantage?” Here are four ways you
can capitalize on that power position.

In recent months the
real estate market in many parts of the country has softened. There are
simply more homes available for purchase than consumer demand requires.
However, that does not mean you should sit back until conditions
improve. Now is the time when you should prepare for the future.

Price
- This is the most obvious and perhaps the most important place buyers
can exercise their advantage. In such a market, buyers may have the
opportunity to bid below asking price, especially if a property has
languished for several weeks without an offer. A proactive approach
will allow you to space out the projects and the related costs.

Timetable
- In a market without bidding wars and multiple offers, sellers may be
willing to make allowances to keep their buyer satisfied. If you have
specific timing needs make them part of the negotiations.

Repairs
- The home inspector may recommend certain upgrades or repairs after
his review. Consider asking the seller to make these changes or to
reduce the asking price to pay for these extra costs. In different
market conditions, the seller would probably refuse, but in a buyer’s
market, they might be more inclined to make concessions.

The Extras -
Think about requesting additional items, such as window treatments and
furniture, to be included in the sales price. Although it is nice to be
in the party with the upper hand, a word of caution. Don’t be greedy.
Follow your real estate professional’s lead about what is appropriate
and what would be overstepping your bounds. The idea is to use the
market conditions to your benefit, not to make the transaction
difficult. Remember, if you take your demands too far, it could
jeopardize the sale.

A Change In Direction

When you set your asking price, it was with the belief that the home
was worth and could ultimately earn that amount. However, if it is
several weeks later and there have been no offers, or only a very few
and those far under your price point, it could be time to take action.
Discuss
with your agent whether or not you should reduce your asking price.
Many sellers might feel discouraged at this prospect, but lowering the
price to the right amount, at the right time, could work to your
advantage.

It indicates to potential buyers that you
understand the market conditions and are willing to make compromises
when warranted. It also shows that you are truly motivated to sell the
property. Both characteristics can be very appealing to buyers and
their agents

Once you decide to reduce the price, work with
your real estate professional to make the most of the decision. For
instance, he can run tailored marketing including ads tagged, “Just
Reduced” or “New Price.” He can contact all prospective buyers that
visited your open houses or toured the home and let them know about the
reduction. He can reach out to his professional network and let his
colleagues know that, “This terrific home is now available for even
less!”

Also, it is important to remember that lowering the
price may open your home to a segment of buyers who were previously
locked out by the higher threshold.

 

 

Posted in About | No Comments »

Newer Entries »