Short Sale Homes Suffolk County Real Estate Market Report For January 2010 Newly Listed Short Sale Homes: 195Average Listing Price: $315,947Average Taxes: $7,696Low-End Listing Price: $80,000Taxes: $2,308 High-End Listing Price: $3,000,000Taxes: $21,650   Short Sales Homes Under Contract: 97Average Listing Price: $255,339Original Listing Price: $295,932Taxes: $7,249Days On The Market: 199 Low-End Listing Price: $89,000Original Listing Price: $109,900Taxes: $2,365Days On The Market: 10 High-End Listing Price: $899,000Original Listing Price: $998,826Taxes: $21,100Days On The Market: 932   Short Sale Homes That Sold: 76Average Listing Price: $290,757Original Listing Price: $323,961Sold Price: $270,962Taxes: $7,343Days On The Market: 169 Low-End Listing Price: $94,500Original Listing Price... 02/22/2010

West Babylon Sunrise...... Both photos were taken outside my front door. Sometimes, the tree looks like it's on fire but today it wasn't as dramatic and the clouds quickly covered the sun soon after these photos were taken. 02/19/2010

Real Estate News & Trends Here are links to important information on real estate housing trends, pending home sales, mortgages and other articles to help you. I will post articles like this each week. Real Estate Outlook Loans For Green Homes Real Estate Outlook: Positive Moment The Kitchen Is Still King Housing Affected by Demographic Trends Pending Homes Sales Up 1%; Recover from November Plunge Feds Giving Mortgage Modifications Additional Boost Added Tax Credit Benefits For Military Home Buyers Market Conditions Median Home Prices Show Signs of Stability Landlords Move In Furniture To Help Rent Properties Real Estate Outlook: National PMI Index     02/19/2010

South Bay Elementary School In West Babylon Ravaged by Fire Last night a fire destroyed 2 of 3 wings of this beloved elementary school that educates 400 children, Kindergarten through 5th grade. It continued to rage for 6 hours into the wee hours of the morning today. A gas line exploded in the cafeteria and the boiler room may be to blame. It is not clear if the children will attend that school come this Monday. A volunteer fire-woman, Christine Manzi, teaches at the South Bay Elementary School and has said, "there will be a "big adjustment" for children and adults alike. She said the classroom is a teacher's "world," and contains things that can't be replaced. A new library was built in the school recently. Since this school is only a few blocks from where I live, I was able to pass i... 02/18/2010

...They are. I held a Broker's Open House in Lindenhurst, Long Island today from 1:30 to 3:30. It wasn't too cold out and the sun was out and felt warm. This short sale home is winterized and has no heat, and no electric. After about a half hour of being in the house with only 1 agent showing up thus far, I went inside my car, turned it on and hit the heat! It felt good and I was content. One neighbor came by and wanted me to come inside her home and offered me coffee or tea. I declined since I needed to see anyone entering the home and needed to be there. I said thank you and she left. Another neighbor came out and offered me the same things. Again, I had to decline for the above reasons stated. And another neighbor. Same thing. I also had to decline. After she left, it made me think ... 02/18/2010

Suffolk County Short Sale Market Report4th Quarter (Oct, Nov, Dec) 2009 230 Short Sale homes were placed on the market in Suffolk County, NY during this period. Average Listing Price: $269,684Taxes: $6,862 Low Listing Price: $45,000Taxes: $280.34 High Listing Price: $1,900,000Taxes: $26,727.25 Suffolk County Short Sale Homes Under Contract for the 4th Quarter (Oct, Nov, Dec) 2009 208 Homes went under contract in Suffolk County, NY during this period. Average Listing Price: $288,340Original Listing Price: $349,237Taxes: $7,314 Low Listing Price: $95,000Original Listing Price: $28,990Taxes: $2,901.42 High Listing Price: $2,500,000Original Listing Price: $4,750,000Taxes: $18,348.68 Suffolk County Short Sale Homes That Sold for the 4th Quarter (Oct, Nov, Dec) 2009 210 Homes Closed in Suffo... 02/16/2010

Mystic Elements Florist & Gifts West Babylon New York My husband surprised me last night with this beautiful floral arrangement of roses! Thank you honey :) He purchased them at Mystic Elements Florist & Gifts in West Babylon. They are located at 419C Great East Neck Road. I've always been impressed with them. The owner is very meticulous when it comes to choosing the flowers and the arranging. I've never seen a nicer presentation ever! My husband buys me flowers often and Mystic Elements is the best florist by far. She even tells you how to take care of them by changing the water, cutting the stems, etc. She cares a great deal about your purchase. The roses in the picture are so gorgeous wiht rows and rows of petals. She puts in the right amount of baby's breath and then wraps the arra... 02/12/2010

I just want to share the snow. We got about 10" here in West Babylon Long Island New York:       I had nothing else better to do yesterday.................. 02/10/2010

Snow Storm On Long Island - It's Time To Have Fun! Forget the shoveling for now. You are home from work, the kids are home from school. Do something fun for a change! ...Make a snowman ...Go sledding ...Have a good 'ol fashioned snowball fight with the neighbors ...Play with your dog in the snow ...Take pictures of this winter wonderland ...Make hot chocolate with the teeny marshmallows ...Teach your kids to make snow angels After all it's said and done, put your feet up at the end of the day knowing you had fun with your kids. They will treasure these moments for the rest of their lives! 02/09/2010

First Time Home Buyers - What Do You Mean My Job Is Done? I am currently working with a wonderful couple who are first time home buyers. They were approved for an FHA mortgage and wanted to purchase a condo in the Ronkonkoma area of Long Island where they are more affordable. But, a 40 minute commute at minimum to both their jobs and that is just one way! Then I got the bright idea of maybe they can afford a co-op since they are cheaper and there are a lot of co-op developments that are closer to their jobs. Their income is fine and their credit scores are high. Turns out I was right and they can get a conventional mortgage. Yeah! The downside of co-ops is some co-op boards want 15 to 20% down even though the bank said they can put 10% down. I found one development in Islip, New York c... 02/09/2010

To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity 1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See if they  Slow Down. 2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom.. Don't Disguise Your Voice! 3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, ask If They Want Fries with that. 4. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso. 5. In the Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write "For Marijuana". 6. Skip down the hall Rather Than Walk and see how many looks you get. 7. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face. 8. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is 'To Go'. 9. Sing Along At The Opera. 10. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Beca... 02/06/2010

You Are Never Too Old To Start A New Career I just had a conversation with a long time friend of over 30 years and she wants to start a new career as an Esthetician. She has been wanting to do this for so long and when you work 40+ hours a week it's difficult to be able to go to school. She is unemployed due to an eye condition she has that makes her see double so driving is not an option for her right now. She found a new doctor that specializes in this condition and it seems like he might be able to help her. We had a conversation about that she could get financial aid from the government and she is looking into that. She told me since she can't drive, how does she get there? Our Long Island transportation system is awesome and I'm sure there is a bus stop by her house and even if sh... 02/05/2010

Long Island, Manhattan and New York State Job Resources I complied a short list of job resources to assist you in your job search. I hope you find it helpful! Companies on Long Island, Manhattan and New York State New York Job Source Long Island's Fastest Growing Careers Long Island Jobs New York State Department of Labor Long Island's Top 50 Private Companies   Make It A Great Day!   02/02/2010

Babylon Real Estate Market Report Sold Homes For January 2010 This real estate market report for Babylon, New York is being compared to 2008 & 2009: There were 2 homes that sold in January of 2008 There were 4 homes that sold in January of 2009 This month, there are 8 homes that sold in Babylon, New York. That is quadrupled compared to January 2008 and doubled compared to January of 2009. These numbers will continue to increase in the next few months since the spring selling season is now. The Average Listing Price for January 2010: $492,109The Average Sold Price for January 2010:    $475,063% Difference: 2.93% <-----this is what happens when you price at market value. The lower that percentage is, the better, and the quicker your home will sell.Average Days On The Market: 97 Average Ta... 02/01/2010

Babylon Real Estate Market Report New Homes Listed For January 2010 This real estate market report for Babylon, New York is being compared to 2008 & 2009: There were no homes listed in January of 2008 and 2009. That is not uncommon for Babylon, New York. Babylon does not have a high turnover of homes like other towns and villages Babylon Newly Listed Homes for January 2010: 24The Average Listing Price for January 2010: $586,040Average Taxes: $12,211.00 Homeowners that can sell now are taking advantage of the massive amounts of buyers that are out there NOW that want the $8,000.00 tax credit being offered. The spring selling season is now, not in March because of the home buyer tax credit.     02/01/2010

What Are You Grateful For Today? As I'm getting ready to start my day, I realize that not everyone feels grateful for what they have. Maybe it's because they lost their job, are having financial difficulties because of that, and maybe they are facing the possibility of losing their home. I'm not saying it's easy to see the glass half full, but maybe try and find the things that are good in your life. Are you healthy? Be grateful for that. Is your marriage for the most part good? Be grateful for that. Are your children happy and healthy? Be grateful for that. Does your dog at the end of the day wag their tail and is happy to see you? Be grateful for that. Try to find the little things in life that make you happy and be grateful for them. Once you do this every day, you will find you wil... 01/31/2010

Saturday Night Funny At All American Hamburger In Massapequa Little kids are too cute. They always ask why even when they are past the ''why" stage which normally starts at around 2 or 3. I decided I wanted All American located in Massapequa, New York. My Grandmother used to take me there on weekends when I would sleep over which was usually every single weekend. It is my favorite memory of her. After I placed my order, a Mom with her two, cute little daughters ordered them hot dogs and french fries. The older girl, who must have been around 7 or 8, says to her Mom, "why can't I have a knish and french fries instead of a hot dog and french fries?" "It's not healthy says her Mom". Ooooookaaaaaay, yes, a hot dog is so much better than a knish? NOT! The confused look on the girls face just... 01/30/2010

Selling Your Home on Long Island - Why Didn't The Internet Marketing Plan Work? I see so many expired and withdrawn listings on the Multiple Listing Service Long Island and it's almost always the same reason: lack of Internet marketing. How do I know? I can tell by the agency that listed the home in the first place. As Realtors, we have to know who our competition is. So, you saved 1 or 2% and at what cost? The cost is the fact that your home didn't sell. Was it worth it to you? Most likely not. Maybe you didn't know enough to ask the right questions. With 90% percent of buyers utilizing the Internet for their home search, a few websites is not enough to market your home anymore. Coldwell Banker has over 12 websites alone. Then there is our local MLS, New York Times. com, Trulia.com, O... 01/29/2010

Feng Shui Workshop On Long Island With Carol Provenzale and Laura Cerrano Carole Provenzale and Laura Cerrano did an excellent job tonight with their Feng Shui workshop in Farmingdale Long Island! We learned about Feng Shui principles including the history of Feng Shui, the different Methods of Feng Shui, how to use the Bagua, which I never heard of until tonight, and the Five Element Theory. We were given a packet of information with simple tips to improve our lives: Getting rid of clutter. By doing this you give more room for new positive energy to come in. Repairing Leaks - they relate to bloodflow which can have an impact on our health. Bathroom doors - You have to keep them closed and the toilet seats down. Bathrooms are considered a "drain" energy that you want to keep away from ... 01/28/2010

Luxury Homes on Long Island Market Report 4th Quarter of 2009 & 2008 For Suffolk County Luxury Homes That Closed in October, November & December of 2009 59 Luxury Homes Sold In 2009Average Listing Price: $2,037,703Average Sold Price:    $1,816,735Average Property Taxes: $17,865Average Days on the Market: 160 Luxury Homes That Closed in October, November & December of 200847 Luxury Homes Sold In 2008Average Listing Price: $1,832,440Average Sold Price:    $1,646,149Average Property Taxes: $17,360Average Days on the Market: 164 The most popular style luxury home is the colonial. Prices of luxury homes have not come down a lot compared to your average single family, non-luxury homes. The difference between the listing price and sold price is under $200,000 which is not uncommon. Consumers ... 01/28/2010