Grieving your real estate taxes is the first step in saving money.  It can be accomplished by yourself or by hiring a company to file and complete the process.  It can take up to 18 months to obtain the results, so patience is required.   However, there are some misconceptions about filing a grievance and you should be aware of them.1.)  Filing a grievance could result in increasing my taxes.  In NYS and Nassau County, it states that’s not the case.  Nassau County’s official site, states that “The Assessment Review Commission will never increase the assessment” when you file your grievance.2.) Filing a tax grievance will not create a situation, where Nassau officials will personally inspect your home.  Instead, they will use comparable sales which is public information to determine the ... 09/10/2024

The other week I had the pleasure of facilitating an intergenerationl drum circle in support of a community health program sponsored by the Jewish Parker Institute at the Lakeview Public Library in New York. We had 7 children and 12 adults creating rhythmic music together! Drumming is a fantastic way to improve social connections, provide an outlet for self expression, encourage deep listening, being present and having fun! There are so many benefits! There was talk about setting up a children's drum circle at the Lakeview Public Library. You can follow my events page for more info.     08/24/2024

                   Home Business All Things Real Estate: The possibilities of securing financing Business All Things Real Estate: The possibilities of securing an financing By Philip A Raices- August 19, 2024   Many are waiting for Fed Chair Jerome Powell to announce a ¼ point reduction in interest rates in September. This will assist those who have the money to afford to buy a home, condo, or even a coop. But that small decrease won’t be that substantial, as prices continue to increase here in Long Island. As I mentioned many times in my past columns, with historic lows in inventory (as of July, there were three months of available housing), there is still consistent demand, and some bidding wars are gobbling up homes; even some buyers are offering above the asking price. My real conce... 08/21/2024

Over the weekend I worked with a client who lives in Nassau County, NY. During our Feng Shui consultation she brought up the topic of loud noises that have increased over the years within her neighborhood. She described noises relating to car traffic, airplanes, trains and at times late night neighborhood parties. She asked me, would this be considered a negative in the practice of Feng Shui?The quick answer is, yes. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, noise pollution is defined as "unwanted or disturbing sound”. In modern-day Feng Shui practices we classify this as "sha", life draining energy.In the article "Sha Energy in Feng Shui - Noise Pollution" I offer some additional insights about how noise pollution can affect our well-being, paired with the biggest... 08/13/2024

Virtual Reiki Healing Circle - Thursday, August 8th, 2024 at 7PM Eastern Time on ZOOM (online)Exchange: $10 USDFacilitator: Usui Reiki Master, Laura Cerrano Virtual Reiki Healing Circle Registration and Payment Link Join Usui Reiki Master, Laura Cerrano for a virtual community reiki healing circle that is open to all! Each gathering is dedicated to holding a safe space for releasing, sharing, reconnecting, healing, and restoring on an individual and global level.   Each reiki circle provides the group with an initial check-in, followed by a reiki-guided meditation and healing to support the clearing and rebalancing of the chakras and auric bodies. Pre-registration and payment are due prior to attending the virtual reiki healing circle. Once payment is received, that will officially conf... 08/08/2024

I am pleased to announce that I was recently interviewed by Natural Awakenings Magazine for an article titled "The Power of Healing Circles: Resilience and Enjoyment in Nurturing Company". The article explores the significance and advantages of Healing Circles whether it involves activities like drumming and dancing, specific healing rituals or simply trying something different in a community setting. Enjoy!Read the Full Article by clicking on: The Power of Healing Circles: Resilience and Enjoyment in Nurturing CompanyTo read more about the healing circle services I offer, you can click on: Healing Drum Circles and Reiki Circles with Laura Cerrano 08/07/2024

Today I completed my Fairhaven fair housing online course that is required and mandatory by my local Long Island Board of Realtors to be on any of their local committees. It was an excellent course that covered many situations that revolved around discrimination and steering and other protected classes.  There are 18 protected classes in the U.S.: 1.) Race 2.) Color 3.) National origin 4.) Religion 5.) Sex 6.) Familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18) 7.) Handicap (disability) 8.) Age 9.) Ancestry 10)Citizenship 11) Gender Identity and Gender Expression 12) Genetic Information 13) Immigration Status 14) Marital status 15) Primary language 16) Sexual orientation 17) Sou... 08/05/2024

I am excited to announce that I will be presenting a new topic at Long Island's oldest metaphysical center, The Eyes of Learning. The topic of discussion will be "Geopathic Stress Dowsing" and the event will take place on Friday, July 19th, 2024 from 8PM to 10PM. I look forward to sharing my knowledge on this fascinating subject with all attendees. Join us for an engaging and informative evening at this special event.   Program Description:Dowsing is a common practice in many cultures that dates back thousands of years. Dowsers of the past and today understand there is a subtle, yet powerful entanglement of energy between humans and the earth. The word Geopathic comes from two Greek words. Geo means ‘of the earth’, and pathos means ‘suffering’ or ‘disease’. Exploring Geopathic Stress D... 07/15/2024

The Parker Jewish Institute is hosting a special event at the Lakeview Public Library in Rockville Centre, NY on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024 from 11AM - 1PM , "Drum and Tambourine Circle". The drum circle is facilitated by Laura Cerrano of Feng Shui Manhattan. Join us for a fun and interactive rhythmic experience that promotes wellness and community engagement.All drums and small percussions will be provided! We'll drum inside the library in Meeting Room #1. No prior drumming experience is needed. We are encouraging the senior community to join us! However, all are welcome to attend the Drum Circle! Three Ways to Register for this FREE event:1. Call Parker Jewish Institute at: (516) 586-15002. Register with the Lakeview Public Library. Contact: Adriana Arguelles at 516-536-3071 or email: ... 07/14/2024

        Great Neck News Manhasset Times NHP Herald Courier Port Washington Times Roslyn Times Williston Times Promoted       Business All Things Real Estate: How has the Nassau County real estate market... Business All Things Real Estate: How has the Nassau County real estate market been doing? By theisland360.com- July 12, 2024 Phil Raices   Year over year the real estate market has done fairly well considering the average selling price, which as of June 2024 was $1,042,353. The average median selling price was $801,000, which means half of the homes sold above and half sold below the median sale price. The average original listing price was $1,053,617. The median original listing price was $799,000. We had 2.6 months of residential inventory as of June 2024 (the number of months it wo... 07/13/2024

Another Condo Sold on Long Island courtesy of Lawrence and Sheila Agranoff, REALTORS®.     Located on Autumn Drive in Plainview, Long Island, we successfully sold a 2-bedroom, 2-bath upper-level condo at The Seasons in Plainview, Zip Code 11803. This is a 55+ community where residents can enjoy carefree living in a convenient location.   The Seasons in Plainview offers a 2-story clubhouse, pool, gym, and a variety of social activities. The condos here are attached units featuring gas heat and central air conditioning. Each unit was originally constructed with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, though some owners have made modifications. The upper-level units have a loft, while the lower-level units include a basement. Note that there are no garages in the 55+ section.   Contact us on our cell pho... 07/13/2024

    All Things Real Estate: Verifying permits can save you from buying a money pit By Philip A Raices- June 30, 2024   Phil Raices   You’ve looked at 30-plus homes and are getting a bit concerned, tired, and depressed that you have not found one to meet your needs. You think you have a deal and then get outbid. Worst of all, suddenly right before you sign your contract, another offer is provided that is not subject to an inspection and is waving the mortgage contingency. Your offer is subject to mortgage approval and an inspection. It’s disappointing and challenging that you aren’t in a position to waive those important items. You are now experiencing what many purchasers lately are experiencing over the last few years; many are losing their deals for the former and latter reasons and t... 07/05/2024

I am excited to announce that I will be presenting a new topic at Long Island's oldest metaphysical center, The Eyes of Learning. The topic of discussion will be "Geopathic Stress Dowsing" and the event will take place on Friday, July 19th, 2024 from 8PM to 10PM. I look forward to sharing my knowledge on this fascinating subject with all attendees. Join us for an engaging and informative evening at this special event.   Program Description:Dowsing is a common practice in many cultures that dates back thousands of years. Dowsers of the past and today understand there is a subtle, yet powerful entanglement of energy between humans and the earth. The word Geopathic comes from two Greek words. Geo means ‘of the earth’, and pathos means ‘suffering’ or ‘disease’. Exploring Geopathic Stress D... 07/03/2024

Phil's Home NewsQuick Quiz Each month I'll give you a new question. Just reply to this email for the answer. How long is the biggest swimming pool in the world? Reply to this emailAsk the Agent What Is a Buyer Agency Agreement? When a buyer and an agent agree for the agent to represent the buyer in the purchase of a home, that agreement is called a buyer agency agreement. The buyer has no obligation to continue working with the agent if the agent is not performing per the agreement.The buyer needs to make sure the right conditions are outlined in the agreement. A buyer agency agreement usually spells out the duties the agent has towards the buyer in finding and closing a home. The buyer can participate in negotiating the terms of the agreement. Buyer agency agreements have typical term ... 06/24/2024

Turn Key Real Estate Phil's Home News The purpose of this uplifting newsletter is to provide you with a change of scenery through heartwarming stories, and insightful advice as well as give you a smile for a few minutes. I hope you enjoy it! If you know of any local families or organizations that are especially in need at this time, please give me a call or reply to this email. I will do my best to spread the word!Moments Links You Can Use Now Summer Vacations As we enter the summer season, it’s probably high time you began making sunny plans! Whatever your vacation preferences, if a vacation is top on your agenda this year, perhaps we can help with a few ideas. First up, if you’re looking to go green and save on air miles, here are some of the best places in the US for a dream domestic... 06/24/2024

All Things Real Estate: A pre-inspection can save you money and your sale By theisland360.com- June 17, 2024 0 Phil Raices   However, I remember when my daughter gave me a mug when I was 60, 12 years ago, that said, “You’re not 60; you’re 18 with 42 years of experience.” I am older now, but I still feel like I am 18 and in the best condition of my life! No one likes to spend money foolishly. However, spending wisely on a pre-inspection can save you thousands of dollars and minimize the stress when selling if your home is 20 years or older. Hiring a certified home inspector or professional engineer will be a prudent and smart activity. This will ascertain what is right, but more importantly, what is wrong with your home. Knowing this before putting your home on the market will educate yo... 06/18/2024

Renovate and expand, buy another, or build new? By theisland360.com - June 9, 2024 0 Phil Raices  Share  Tweet  Pin  Email  Share You’ve been in your current home for longer than you anticipated.  Your family is growing and you need more space and potentially more tax deductions to reduce your taxable income. You need to decide whether to expand the footprint of your home and increase the living space, find another home to renovate or buy a piece of land to build a new home. Staying put and doing the necessary expansion and upgrade to increase the size of your home is possible, but at what cost? Finding a piece of land in your local area just might be feasible if you reside in Suffolk County, but it is somewhat doubtful within Nassau County. Lastly, finding a reasonably priced house in ... 06/11/2024

Long Island Condo OwnersTHE TIME IS NOW TO LIST AND GET SOLD!That's Right Condo Owners, The Time Is Perfect To Sell Your LONG ISLAND Condo. Today we are featuring Country Pointe, The Seasons and The Villas in Plainview, Long Island. Currently, there are only a limited number of listings at the above condos, and the demand is hot, hot, hot! At these 3 popular communities, buyers are very interested, and yours may be the one they have been waiting for!Owners: Are you prepared to sell your property? Rest assured, Lawrence and Sheila Agranoff REALTORS®, have the expertise and resources to successfully market and sell your condo NOW!Call Our Direct Cell: 631-805-4400 Be a part of our many seller clients, and their condo success stories! 06/08/2024

2 Harold RoadPlainview NY 11803www.2HaroldRoad.comJust Listed in Plainview, a wonderful expanded front to back split level home, sunny and spacious and brimming with potential. Inviting den with fireplace (gas), great room with vaulted ceiling, wood burning fireplace and windows galore overlooking your covered patio and private fenced backyard. The great room is open to the dining area offering the perfect entertaining floor Plan. Large eat-in kitchen with gas cooking. Upstairs the Primary bedroom with full bath, plus 2 bedrooms and hall bathroom. The den on the main level can also be a 4th bedroom. Big partly finished basement, perfect for recreation, game room or hobbyist. The 2 car garage with entry into home. Central air conditioning, in-ground sprinklers, hardwood floors, natural g... 06/07/2024

The $64,000 question is what are you willing to do to make that goal come to fruition? How can you save more money regularly to make your dream of homeownership come true?  The name of the game is called “Sacrifice.”Think of whatever other activities you can do to squirrel away your money for your down payment.  So many of us are spoiled with conspicuous consumption as this is, unfortunately, what our economy is based on and dependent upon.Games on a hand-held device or computer for the children will go a long way toward keeping them occupied.  However, the games my children played way back when they were growing up were Candyland, Battle Ship, Monopoly, and Scrabble.Before computers and computer games, having fun with Hide and Seek, tag, duck, goose, hopscotch, baseball, football and s... 06/01/2024