FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS - A Happy and Healthy, Productive and Prosperous New Year to all! This is a cute and easy way to make a family video during the holiday and you can share it with family and friends. It's guaranteed to elicit laughs when they see you and your pet dressed in cute holiday outfits, busting a move to the accompanying soundtrack. http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/dJ2IxhmYChLUbZE1x6Z6 12/22/2010

Once they see it, so many people choose Merrick Woods as their destination for a home purchase.  There are so many benefits to living in "The Woods."  On Long Island's south shore of Nassau County, it's a 41 minute ride on the LIRR into midtown. For much of Merrick Woods, you're within easy walking distance to the railroad and in comfortable commuting distance to New York City.  Merrick is the third stop on the Babylon branch of the Long Island Railroad, after which the train expresses into Jamaica, on it's way into Manhattan's Penn Station. The schools of Merrick Woods fall into three districts: on the north end, the children go to North Merrick schools (SD #29), the southern end attend Merrick Schools (SD# 25) and on the east side they attend N. Bellmore schools (SD# 4).  Both Merric... 12/16/2010

I've always done a fair share of relocation work, enjoying much of the process as I help familiarize buyers with our towns on Long Island and the many amenities available to them.  One of my favorite families turned out to be a young couple with two small children.  I was able to find them a beautiful, custom built seven year old home on a cul de sac that exceeded their needs in every way.  They happily settled in to life on Long Island, loving their neighbors and becoming fast friends with some of the parents of their older son. It was with some surprise that I heard from them a short two years later when the company decided to transfer him again.  Fortunately for me, even though relo gave them a couple of options for listing that didn't include my office, they asked if they could use ... 12/11/2010

  TODAY marks the last of the eight days of Chanukah.  An annual tradition in Merrick is the Chanukah Wonderland held at the Merrick Road Park Golf Course.  The event was sponsered by Chabad Center for Jewish Life.  It was a warm and lively atmosphere where there was something for everyone to do; adults and children alike.  No one went home empty-handed and a great time was had by all. SOME OF THE MORE POPULAR BOOTHS included:  Decorate and Fill your own Doughnut; Make your own Potato Latkes; and Sew your own Dreidel-shaped Wallet. THROUGHOUT THE CELEBRATION, the children lined up to pour jellybeans into the branches of a large, clear plastic menorah.  Upon completion, there were words of introduction by the many dignitaries present and, amidst much excitement, the candles were lit. AS ... 12/09/2010

We Care Blankets - Non-Profit Organization Dedicated to Easing the Trauma of Pediatric Hospital Stays FOR WARMTH AND COMFORT, NOTHING BEATS A SNUGGLY On three occasions, I was given the rewarding opportunity to help out a very fine non-profit organization that hand-makes and delivers blankets to 23 hospitals from New York to Boston. IN 1999, Founder Tamara Baker, who was being treated for her own medical emergency, realized that children undergoing chemotherapy often feel cold.  With an innate desire to help and initial funding from her doctor, http://www.wecareblankets.org/ was born.  She and a small handful of friends began crocheting and now, almost 13 years later, there are dozens of volunteers who work on this project alongside her.  THEY MEET at the Merrick Library or other local ... 12/05/2010

There is nothing that stirs the spirit more than the natural beauty all around us.  We have but to open our eyes and see it.  I came upon this scene today on my way back from a Broker's Open House.  You couldn't have asked for better weather.  Parks were filled with children, the pond with all manner of water fowl, as if someone sent out an invitation to a party that everyone chose to attend. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About the author:  Geri Sonkin is a Licensed Broker Associate/Stager/Decorator serving Long Island sellers and buyers for over 24 years. Areas of expertise include Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens and Brooklyn. Specializing in resales, new construction, co-ops/condos, waterf... 11/11/2010

Whether you're considering buying a home in Merrick or selling your current Merrick real estate, knowing what the statistics are telling us about market conditions can be helpful in making your decision.  For the month of October, 2010, 18 homes sold in Merrick, 3 of them in North Merrick, 11 in Merrick and 3 in South Merrick.  Of those, 3 were capes, 4 colonials, 1 expanded cape, 2 hi ranches, 1 raised ranch, 3 ranches, 1 splanch, 2 splits and 1 tudor. Selling prices, on the low end - $323,500 On the high end - $995,000 How does this compare with sales of residential real estate in Merrick one year ago?  Let's take a look at the numbers.  From October 1 - 31, 2009, 28 homes sold, 7 in Merrick, 11 in North Merrick and 10 in South Merrick.  Selling prices, on the low end - $240,000 On t... 11/07/2010

Should you sell Merrick Real Estate in 2010? View these numbers to see. Homes For Sale In Merrick, New York - 2006 - 2010 From January To October Market Statistics    The Average Days On Market of the Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To October has been increasing for several years. The Average Days On Market of Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To October have increased by 18 market days. This represents a 22.2% increase in the Average Days On Market of Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To October.   The number of Closed Sales of Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To October has been steadily decreasing over the past several years. The decrease in the number of Closed Sales of Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 -... 11/06/2010

It was not at all unusual to be working with relocation buyers.  I'd been doing it for years.  Our first conversation was pleasant enough.  We discussed the parameters of his search, his preferences for this move and his concern that his partner, who had never set foot upon New York soil, might not be comfortable.  So, it was with some trepidation, and more than a little exitement that he arrived one weekend late in the summer.  Little did I know at that time, a weekend of his arrival in town meant putting everything else on hold while we did a marathon run of all the inventory in a number of areas that struck his fancy in his initial internet search.  He was easy to be with and we were becoming fast friends by the time his significant other arrived in New York for the first time.  Ever... 10/26/2010

How Was The Merrick Real Estate Market In 2010 So Far? Homes For Sale In Merrick, New York - 2006 - 2010 From January To September Market Statistics    The Average Days On Market of the Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To September has been increasing for several years with an apparent dercease this year. The Average Days On Market of Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To September have increased by 17 market days. This represents a 21.3% increase in the Average Days On Market of Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To September.   The number of Closed Sales of Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To September has been steadily decreasing over the past several years with an increase this year. The decrease in the numb... 10/25/2010

IS AN OPEN HOUSE A WASTE OF TIME   WHAT CAME OVER ME? I REALLY COULDN'T SAY!  Not long ago, I ran an open house for another agent in my office.  It was a really great house - all newly renovated and very moderately priced.  If you had asked, I would have told you, "this house will be gone in no time."   I sat in the kitchen making small talk with the homeowner.  An hour and 1/2 later, and still, not even one customer. I became incensed!  I just knew that if we could attract lookers, we would most definitely also have a buyer.   So, what I did next may sound a bit extreme to some.  With a great deal of energy and enthusiasm, I went out into the middle of the street and started waving people down.  With loud repetition of the words, "Open House, Open House" and excessive arm movement, I d... 10/07/2010

The planets aligned this past weekend to create the perfect backdrop for the Merrick Street Fair, a familiar rite of passage, ushering in the fall season.  Closed off from vehicular traffic, Merrick Avenue between Loines Avenue on the north and Sunrise Highway on the south, became a welcoming walkway for enthusiastic visitors of all ages. Children lined up for rides, tickets in hand as their parents surveyed the many booths that lined the streets, flowing into the railroad station parking lot.  Aromas wafted through the air, carried by a gentle breeze, beckoning the hungry to stop and sample their wares.  Not a great environment for this writer, committed to a diet and trying valiantly to stay on track.   Always popular attractions, the petting zoo and pony rides had their fair share o... 09/27/2010

Homes For Sale In Merrick, New York - 2006 - 2010 From January To August Market Statistics    The Average Days On Market of the Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To August has been increasing for several years with a decrese this year. The Average Days On Market of Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To August have increased by 15 market days. This represents a 19% increase in the Average Days On Market of Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To August.   The number of Closed Sales of Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To August has been steadily decreasing over the past several years with an increase this year. The decrease in the number of Closed Sales of Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To Augus... 09/07/2010

POINT SUMMARY aka Newbie's Lament     I turned on my computer and signed on to ActiveRain, as I often do. Overnight, I had reached the coveted 10,000 points and my picture appeared, like magic.No more faceless messages!  I'm somebody now! Sweet and serene but, alas, only a dream. Still 6,000 points short andThe anticipation is killing me!  I guess I'll just keep plugging away.To all who are dancing in the Rainsinging under your collective breath"get a life."I HEAR YOU.all I ask for is empathy -  it's for a friend...                                                                                                                                                                                    08/30/2010

Whether strolling about town or taking a leisurely drive on a lazy Saturday afternoon,you'd do well to stop in at La Bottega, an expanding Italian gourmet eatery serving a steady stream of local patrons on a daily basis.  I remember the first time I heard about this place.  If memory serves me, it was a couple of years ago when one of the girls in my office picked up lunch for those of us lucky enough to be around when the call came in.  She arrived a short time later with a wonderful assortment of paninis, filling the space with the tempting aromas of a meal well made. "What is this?" we all asked as we chowed down, smacking our lipsand issuing forth almost imperceptible sounds of delight.  My office mate and I chose Cotolettas that first time, a chicken cutlet, smothered in fresh mozz... 08/18/2010

Homes For Sale In Merrick, New York - 2006 - 2010 From January To July Market Statistics    The Average Days On Market of the Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To July has been increasing for several years with a decrease for the last 2 years. The Average Days On Market of Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To July have increased by 9 market days. This represents a 11% increase in the Average Days On Market of Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To July.   The number of Closed Sales of Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To July has been steadily decreasing over the past several years with an increase this year. The decrease in the number of Closed Sales of Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To July... 08/08/2010

Merrick NY Homes for sale $300,000 to $1,900,000 dollars.  Wow what a range!  Now that I've gotten your attention let me explain why I wanted you to read this post. First things first I am a Realtor marketing  Merrick NY Homes for sale $300,000 to $1,900,000 dollars is my career.   Chances are you are a first time home buyer somewhere between 26 and 35 years of age.  You're new to the process of purchasing a house and you're somewhat overwhelmed with the process. You've been to MLS.com searching for homes, you might have even visited other sites like Zillow and Trulia too and they just add to the confusion.   You wonder why a Merrick NY Homes for sale $300,000 to $1,900,000 dollars shows up on Zillow with a value of far less than the asking price and wonder where these homeowners' heads... 07/19/2010

Homes For Sale In Merrick, New York - 2006 - 2010 First Half Market Statistics    The Average Days On Market of the Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To June has been increasing for several years with a decrease this year. The Average Days On Market of Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To June have increased by 31 market days. This represents a 50% increase in the Average Days On Market of Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To June.   The number of Closed Sales of Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To June has been steadily decreasing over the past several years with a increase this year. The decrease in the number of Closed Sales of Homes For Sale In Merrick - 2006 - 2010 From January To June is 67 closed sales. ... 07/09/2010

  Low Mortgage Rates Spurs Merrick, NY Home Affordability Bolstered by record low mortgage rates, there's never been a better time to invest in Merrick NY homes and real estate. Merrick, NY (PRWEB) June 24, 2010 -- With mortgage rates remaining at a record low for the fourth straight week, real estate investors are finding it an opportune time to invest in real estate properties in areas like Merrick, New York, says Merrick Real Estate Specialist Charles Greco. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.17 percent for the week ending June 10, 2010, according to Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®). That figure, which was down from last week's 4.20 percent, is the lowest figure ever recorded for the 15-year FRM since Freddie Mac started tracking it in 1991.    Wit... 06/25/2010

Real Estate Merrick NY god what a bore!  Can't find anything better to write about than Real Estate Merrick NY? Oh wait I am a Realtor isn't that the type of Blog I should be writing about?  Don't people want to read about Real Estate Merrick NY?  I guess buyers might, you know who you are don't you?  You are out there looking for a home seeking Real Estate in Merrick NY?  Are you seeking a Cape or perhaps a Ranch?  Maybe you want to live in Merrick Woods or in the Lea section?  Wherever you chose to purchase Real Estate Merrick NY you will be buying in a great area with wonderful schools that develop great adults.  I've called Merrick home for most of my life.  Was born and raised here left for a while to live on my own then got married and came back to in 1993.  Truth be told the area... 06/22/2010