Archive for September, 2007

Corn Mazes and Pumpkins on The North Fork

September 24th, 2007 category: People and Places3 Comments »

Now that the North Fork of Long Island has played host to our out of town summer visitors and fall is making it’s predictable appearance, the second
wave of visitors fast approaches. Fall in the the North Fork offers the beauty of changing colors, beaches less traveled, and…CORN MAZES.

My first foray into a corn maze took place with my niece and nephew a few years ago. Not knowing what to expect, we entered with a bit of adrenaline. At
the risk of ruining the experience for those planning to visit, just know to expect the unexpected, and laugh harder than you thought possible. I liken it to an outdoor haunted house, with more laughs and less gore. Hokey, effective, and FUN- and a day I’ll cherish with the kids.

There are several corn mazes available for the brave, with locations both on Main Road and the North Road (Sound Avenue). We happened upon Wickhams farm in Cutchogue- when they’re fully ready, this is a veritable Halloween feast for the senses. In addition to the corn maze, they offer a haunted “barn”. Pumpkins are available, as are gourds, front door decorations, and assorted Halloween goodies.

We are going to try Harbes corn maze on North Road this year- it’s just too tempting to pass up. Larger than some that we’ve seen, the maze appears to go on forever- and we’re hoping to get the same laughs that we enjoyed a few years ago.

Plan on picking up your pumpkins (or, literally picking your pumpkin), enjoying fresh roasted corn, and an array of fresh vegetables and pies- and bring along your camera. If you find that you’re laughing as hard (or harder) than the kids, well…you’re in good company!

TO GET A LIST OF OFFERINGS/PRICES/TIMES FOR CORN MAZES AND OTHER EVENTS ON THE NORTH FORK, CLICK HERE.

For an appointment to view houses while you visit, give us a call- you’ll catch us in the maze!

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Todays Musings

September 23rd, 2007 category: Real Estate News1 Comment »

Here’s an interesting blog post that I came across regarding the housing market and Home Depot. The best line in the post, I thought was this quote, “Even with the cuts in interest rates by the Federal Reserve, the housing market won’t suddenly rebound, especially with the amount of homes on the market.”
Read the entire article on Zacks Investment Research blog here.

I saw that fixbuffalotoday has reported on a historic home that has been saved from demolition up there.
Perhaps Riverhead can take inspiration from Buffalo. Is there a historic property in Riverhead that need to be restored that you know of? Send us pics of your entry into Options Realty’s Fix Historic Riverhead Campaign.

Just send us an email of the property location and any snap shots that you may have, and we’ll include them in our stack of our historic diamonds in the rough of Riverhead portfolio.

Another blogger makes his point about the housing bubble in Is a Bull Market on its Way?

I enjoyed Tim’s sly take on the economy and the housing market. See his timeline over here.

Get yourself a chuckle from Doug Trudeau in Tuscon with his “7 More Ways To Keep Your Home From Selling”

If you haven’t yet seen the most recent editions of The News Review or The Suffolk Times, you missed Laurie’s interview with Michelle Myers on the front page of the Real Estate section.

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Over 55 and Looking for an Active Adult 55-plus?

September 21st, 2007 category: Buyers2 Comments »

I recently finished up a highly successful active adult community for a national builder. The process afforded an ear to this buying contingent- and their
ideas varied as widely as the offerings for adult communities on the North Fork.

For many, “cashing out” equity in their existing home and down-sizing was the primary objective. With many still working, and planning to do so for several years, the consideration of a move in the sudden absence of children underfoot and too much space, combined with the idea of lower taxes and less “to do”, made it a non-negotiable move- it just sounds too good to be true.

A breakdown of the process as told to me by this buying contingent:

The kids leave; college tuition lingers; there’s a big, empty house. That it’s full of “stuff” delays the decision until it becomes JUST TOO TEMPTING…

Iwww. A “retirement” community. “WE’RE TO YOUNG.” Often, the next thought. Being “too young”, whether in years or spirit doesn’t deter…just looking around. If this buyer hasn’t yet hired someone to take care of the yard work, it is often one or the other that starts the looking process- weekends are tediously full.

One of the first lessons learned, if a buyer is presented the right active adult community, is that somehow, the “retirement” part- the inactive, reclusive “old age” perception dissipates. While this is crass and inappropriate, this next concern was voiced by a customer of mine. “I was worried that it would be a bunch of old people pissing in their beds.” This was not said “jokingly”- rather, it was offered when, to his delight, the community that his wife located had an abundance of still working active adults. REMEMBER: medical facilities are not offered at active adult communities, nor is maid service, nor are meals.

We ALL dread, to some extent or another, that vision of permanent care. For the active adult contingent, it is simply not appropriate- not to mention, premature.

The ultimate goal of a retirement/active adult buyer includes shorter, as well as longer term goals. The years coming up AFTER retirement may involve travel. The convenience of having a gated, secure environment in which to leave belongings is NICE. Nicer than locking up the house, re-routing the mail, leaving the landscapers check under the front mat, etc. It’s a more secure feeling, those shared walls and now known neighbors. The friends from the old neighborhood have moved, many of them- it isn’t the same. These buyers are often the “sandwich” generation, assisting parents as well as children. Sometimes, concurrently, health issues with spouses come into play. This is a group of people who have found themselves involved enough in the interpersonal play of relatives that it is just TOO MUCH to worry about a house that is now too big. MY HAT’S OFF TO THEM. I’ll be making the same decisions in eight short years- they’ve provided me with insight that in it’s absence, would have created a longer process for me.

In the final analysis of this buyer, adding up the benefits for use of pool, tennis, clubhouse, perceived increased security, lower taxes, a paid for house with savings accrued in the old house at the ready…all permit for a bit of well-deserved peace of mind.

For a list of ALL properties available for the 55 and better set, contact Options Realty- we’ll make it easy.

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New York State Middle Class STAR Program

September 21st, 2007 category: Real Estate NewsNo Comments »

The New York State Assn. of Realtors sent me this today. I’d thought I’d pass it on to you.

STAR rebate program reminder from - In 2006 certain homeowners automatically received a rebate check from the New York State Middle Class STAR Program.

This is a reminder that in 2007 property taxpayers are again eligible for the program, but you must apply for the rebate. This year’s rebate check is based not only on your property tax burden, but also on your ability to pay, factoring in your income level.

Starting July 16, the Tax Department began mailing letters alerting homeowners who receive the basic STAR exemption of the need to apply and provide income information to receive this year’s middle class STAR rebate.

Click here to learn more about the program, including how to apply.

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A Closer Look at Retirement Communities on the North Fork of Long Island

September 21st, 2007 category: Buyers2 Comments »

SPOTLIGHT COMMUNITY: FOXWOOD VILLAGE, RIVERHEAD, NEW YORK
Foxwood Village, located in Riverhead, New York, is a 55 and better active adult community offering manufactured homes.

What makes this community a stand-apart alternative to other communities is the look. While manufactured homes conjure up images of a mish mash of
assorted trailer type homes, Foxwood Village affords a clean, manicured and very upscale look, unlike any neighborhoods of this type that we’ve visited.

Large trees and strategically placed homes create a “regular” neighborhood look, with obvious care on the part of the residents- while this is a maintained community, residents declare their pride with an assortment of flowers, baskets, and lovely personal landscape touches.
Gated, this community offers a secure and friendly feeling- residents were out and about on the day that we visited, with friendly waves offered to us as we explored this opportunity.

The homes are manufactured, built on their own foundations. The newer section has the latest in design, departing from the traditional ranch style exterior look in favor of exterior details often found in more expensive homes.

The land itself is leased, with residents owning the homes. Monthly fees are in the 400/mo range, depending on the home. Included is full landscape
maintenance, pool, shuffleboard, clubhouse, bocce…

For particulars on this special neighborhood, please give us a call- we’d love to explore the opportunity with you. Current offerings include homes
ranging from $175k- 375k.

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Choose Your Real Estate Attorney Wisely on The North Fork

September 14th, 2007 category: Buyers, Real Estate Philosophy, SellersNo Comments »

Choosing an attorney for your real estate needs would seem to be a simple task. IS IT?

With an ever changing real estate market, simplicity is no longer…SIMPLE. As basic as real estate contracts are, the arena has changed. Foreclosures, short sales, credit issues, buyer rebates…all relatively new to most home sellers and buyers. And, some attorneys.

You would likely pass on a dentist that offers teeth cleaning and maintenance if you have an issue with your gums; you would likely pass on a doctor that specializes in feet if you have an issue with your heart. And so it goes, with attorneys who offer “real estate services” in addition to a myriad of other services. Jack of all lawsuits; master of none.

OBTAINING A REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY is critical in todays marketplace. If your attorney is stretched thin with other endeavors, you are risking up to the minute knowledge that could be imperative to your situation. A case in point (true story):

A buyer purchased a condominium that was to be built. Delays created life changes; two years and two weeks into the purchase, the buyer had a life change that resulted in the decision to cancel the contract. Told by employees of the builder that the earnest money was non-refundable in the event of a cancellation, the buyer conferred with their attorney, who reviewed the terms of the agreement. The buyer, not wanting to lose the 10% down payment, continued with the purchase.

HAD THE ATTORNEY BEEN A REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST, it would have been determined that in fact, the contract permitted full cancellation, with earnest money returned, in the event that the construction process exceeded two years.

As long as New York insists on the presence of lawyers for your real estate closings, choosing a specialist in real estate is imperative. There is far too much to lose in the event that your attorney is not “on the ball”- and with the current huge changes in the marketplace, gambling that you have someone competent without the assurance that their primary (if not only) focus is real estate is comparable to seeking an ear specialist when you have a broken toe.

Your REAL ESTATE TEAM, due to New York’s antiquated system, demands an attorney. Make it the right one- as real estate professionals, at Options Realty we want everyone on your team watching out for YOU.

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Harvesting Home Buyers on The North Fork

September 14th, 2007 category: SellersNo Comments »

If you’re a seller on the North Fork of Long Island, it’s possible that you’ve seen the summer crowd come and go, without a contract on your property. Pricing? Condition? Timing?
Heading into fall, there are some advantages coming your way. MAKE SURE THAT YOUR HOUSE IS READY.

Fall is “harvest” season here on the North Fork. Farmstands are abundant with the season’s offerings, from fresh vegetables to pumpkins. It’s a seasonal look that visitors (and potential buyers) find themselves falling in love with- changing colors, cooler weather, and warmer thoughts.

Your home, in keeping with the seasons, may benefit from a simple warm look. Nothing expensive- things as simple as a fall arrangement inside will help. Candles in the rich oranges and reds of the season offer a nice accent. Warm throws, strategically placed, add vivid color.

While true that statistics show a drop off of showings this time of year, an advantage is that those that do look tend to be very interested. Summer crowds can draw the curious; fall and winter visitors tend to be on a mission.

FALL SPECIAL: A free staging appointment from Staged2SellNY, that includes a comprehensive list of “things to do” to GET YOUR HOUSE SOLD! Service to be performed within seven days of your signed listing agreement with Options Realty- let’s get your house ready, and let’s get it SOLD.

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Market Report Update Available Now- North Fork, Long Island NY

September 12th, 2007 category: Buyers, SellersNo Comments »

 In response to consumers seeking up to the minute real estate market updates, Options Realty is now offering, at no charge to you, an additional program on our website. It’s called Market Snapshot. This report will be provided to anyone thinking of buying or selling on the North Fork of Long Island, to include Riverhead, Aquebogue, Jamesport, S. Jamesport, Baiting Hollow, Calverton, Mattituck, Laurel, Peconic, Cutchogue, Southold, Greenport, East Marion, and Orient, New York.

It’s easy to use: just click to the right and enter requested info. You will receive a report from us within thirty minutes that includes all for sale and sold data for your targeted area, with parameters that you provide for us. Additionally, you have the option of receiving automatic market updates via email.

Try it out- Market Snapshot is a great way to receive all desired market data, including graphs, maps, and for sale and closed figures. We’d love to get feedback from you on this latest “widget”- check it out!

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Why Retire on the North Fork of Long Island?

September 9th, 2007 category: BuyersNo Comments »

A question was posed to me recently about the benefits and/or motivation involved for individuals that choose to locate a retirement / second home on the North Fork of Long Island.

For those individuals approaching their fifties, thoughts about where to “be” when the kids are gone is one that niggles- ideas about personal freedom and lower taxes notwithstanding, a very important factor is a “family friendly” location.

Being close, yet…a vacation away.
For those of you that live mid-island, or in close proximity to the city, your transition from family home to ease of 55-plus living has an abundance of offerings. If peace and quiet, along with a very low key and bountiful lifestyle is on your agenda, few areas offer the charm of the North Fork.

Family visitors are often at the heart of the decision to go “a little bit east” on Long Island. While family members may be starting their own lives, offering a respite in your own home is key to some relocating or second home families. Beaches, boating, fishing, corn mazes, fresh produce at farmstands (in some cases, with a tin can and an honor system) are compelling reasons.

The “Mayberry”-esque environment is a welcomed change for most visiting families- and with the enormous offerings for kids from two to ninety two, a “permanent” vacation is often an interesting alternative (and certainly, much closer than Florida).

The train station is close by, and while trips to the city will no longer take a half an hour, the two hour ride, on occasion, is relaxing- and, a small price to pay for the benefits offered in the city, now and then. Only to return home, to your peaceful and pastoral environment.

Living in a place that beckons family members for a vacation full of activity, with a bent toward “peaceful”, is a rarity, indeed- and offered in the North Fork of Long Island. No manic summer, filled with “celebrities” and the accompanying frenzy; no bumper to bumper traffic on any given day; and, with the ocean a short weekday ride away (weekends in the Hamptons are a bit congested), everything is right here.

What often motivates people to plan retirement on the North Fork of Long Island? Based on what has been the deciding factor for many people, it is the simplicity and peace of this lifestyle, full of possibilities for the rest of the family to create their own memories of the North Fork, returning again and again.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING RETIREMENT/INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES ON THE NORTH FORK, PLEASE CONTACT OPTIONS REALTY: 631-727-2227 AND LET THE “NOTION” BECOME A REALITY!

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Retiring on the North Fork of Long Island

September 5th, 2007 category: Buyers, Riverhead Real Estate, Southold Real Estate1 Comment »

With the local real estate market slowing and properties remaining available for more time than in the recent past, exploring your retirement options on the North Fork has never been easier. Whether you’re relocating from western Long Island, New York City, or the surrounding tri-state area, there are increasing opportunities to make this thought a reality.

If you’re looking for an over 55 condominium, there are some wonderful opportunities in Southold, Riverhead, Calverton and Eastport (to name a few).

In Southold, Founders Village is a charming enclave of condominiums that offer 1100+ square feet. Built in 1980, these condominiums feature kitchen nooks, full basements, and a great room style. Recent sales pricing/closing indicates that you’ll get a nice value for this location- upper 300’s. Add a pool, walking distance to the town park (summer concerts) and all shopping, and this is a terrific option for someone that wants value, proximity, well thought out floorplans, and simple amenities with a reasonable monthly fee.

Foxwood Village, a community of homes in Calverton, offers a terrific price point for manufactured homes. This community demonstrates the adept planning of the builder (OK, we have some family connections here) by creating a community of ranch plans that offer price VALUE. Starting in the 200’s, this community is beautifully presented, and has been a popular resource for those that want to move “down”, but maintain a high standard of living. An oversized pool, beautiful landscape, and variety of homes offer the discriminating (yet budget conscious) consumer a lovely opportunity to relax in the North Fork!

In Riverhead, Willow Pond offers some interesting exterior design. The condominiums are situated around actual ponds, providing a park like setting. This community offers a small clubhouse, complete with pool. There are several different models, with pricing starting in the high 300’s. The look is “newer”- and a nice opportunity for those that enjoy a Riverhead location.

OK- this next one- I admit it- I fell in love with. There is a community called Windcrest East in Calverton that is just adorable/lovely. This cluster of condos, complete with front porches, beautiful landscaping, and a charming clubhouse, are detached condos. When we visited, there was a gathering at the pool- friends taking a mid-day swim. Flowers were in abundance, planted by people that appear to care very much that their community is welcoming. These homes were built in 2005, and offer nice size- often, three bedrooms. Sizes of these charming homes hover in the 2000+ s.f. range. While offerings are a rarity, pricing falls into the mid-500’s to mid 600’s price range. Pets are allowed; two car garages are included.

In Eastport, just a short ride from the North Fork, WCI Communities is offering an amazing opportunity at Atlantic Shores. This neighborhood has approximately 200 homes, and the clubhouse (and floorplans) are ELEGANT. The floorplans offer master bedrooms on& the main floor, with guest areas upstairs, and in some cases, also on the first floor. If you plan on entertaining, this is a superb community- the clubhouse offers everything imaginable, with elegance at the forefront. The floorplans are two to a building, with two car garages included. While the HOA dues run in the high 400’s monthly, the amenities offer exercise, a pool, card room, billiards, an outdoor pool, and just…elegance. A country club community. Here’s the thing: they are getting low on homes. Call me, to discuss all the details.

THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE OFFERINGS FOR THOSE LOOKING TO RETIRE ON THE NORTH FORK.

SO…if you’re thinking of retiring on the North Fork of Long Island (or to a 55+ active adult community) call me. Having worked in the new home environment for many years with some high profile builders, I know what to look for, and would love to help you. Offering plan books, specifications, expectations, etc.- it’s all there for us to find.

GOLF COURSE PROPERTIES, WATER VIEW PROPERTIES, RETIREMENT PROPERTIES…LET’S FIND YOURS!

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