Dix Hills Blog and Long Island Living

Remodeling Projects that Pay Off!

Cheryl Grossman — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 18:56:27 +0000

Most homeowners consider a remodeling project at one time or another. Sometimes it’s to enlarge space or to update bathrooms and kitchen; and sometimes projects are undertaken to increase the home’s value before putting it on the market. But which remodeling projects actually add value to your home? Even if the motivation for the project is for your own personal needs or enjoyment, why not do it in a way that pays off when you sell your home?

After selling homes for 23-plus years in the Dix Hills, Melville, Huntington areas, my advice is to use neutral colors. If you love the newest color, use it as an accent or a removable piece (or wallpaper or paint) – rather than a permanent fixture. Mauve, turquoise, Harvest Gold – all had their “place in the sun” – and remained as bathroom fixtures and such long after their popularity vanished. Nothing makes a house look more “dated” than once trendy colors that are no longer in fashion.

Before you start a remodeling project you should read the “Cost vs. Value Report” from Remodeling Online. Every year they publish a report that compares construction costs for common remodeling projects with the value that they add to the selling price of your home. CNN Money Online has a “renovation calculator” that is based on the report. Certainly, buyers are attracted to updated homes – no matter what the market. Making sure that your home remodeling project adds value to your home is a smart move – whether you’re planning to sell or not.

So, You Want to Buy a House…

Cheryl Grossman — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:32:49 +0000

The Buying Process

So you’re ready to buy a house! Understanding the steps involved can help you anticipate what is to follow – as well as be prepared for the unexpected as the process unfolds.

Speak to a Mortgage Broker/Banker – Before you start your house-hunting, you need to know what you can afford in today’s market. With your Mortgage Pre-Approval Letter in hand you will be treated as a serious buyer by both agents and sellers alike.

House-Hunting – On Long Island 90% of sellers use a real estate agent to sell their home – most of them are listed on the Multiple Listing Service. In addition to my listings, you can search the entire Long Island Multiple Listing data base from my web site. I encourage you to register for the Free Home-Finder Service. You will receive daily updates of homes that meet your criteria from Multiple Listing. A Home Just For You! – Once you find your home – and your REALTOR© has successfully negotiated an acceptable price and terms for you – then both parties move toward a contract signing.

Engineer’s Inspection – You will need to arrange for an Engineer’s or Home Inspection as soon as possible. It takes time to arrange the appointment and then additional time for the report to be finished and delivered back to you. If you want additional inspections those should be arranged at this time also.

Certificates of Occupancy or “CO’s” – If there are extensions, additions, decks, sun-rooms or out-buildings that have been added – then you will want to check to see if “CO’s” are on file at Town Hall. In Huntington, you can check first on the Town’s Web Site at . If the list is incomplete, you may need to go to the Building Department at Town Hall and request a “Site History Report”.

Attorney – You need to arrange for an attorney who specializes in real estate and is familiar with local housing codes to handle your home purchase. After the engineer’s inspection report has been received and deemed to be satisfactory, the contracts will be prepared by the sellers’ attorney and sent to your attorney. After your attorney has reviewed them you will meet with him to sign the contracts. Your deposit will be placed in the sellers’ attorney’s escrow account when the sellers sign the contracts.

Termite Inspection – If it was not a part of the Engineer’s Inspection, you will have approximately 10 days after the contracts have been signed by both parties to inspect the home for termites.

The Survey – If all “improvements” are shown on the survey, you probably will not need a new one. However, bank and title company requirements vary on this and you may be required to have a new or updated survey.

Mortgage – Depending on when your closing date is, you will need to apply for your mortgage application as soon as possible. Once you have signed an application, an Appraiser will inspect the home and send a report to the bank. A targeted Closing Date is discussed after the attorneys receive the written confirmation of mortgage. One word of advice: Don’t just look at the interest rate; look at the terms, any price adjustments and ALL FEES that you will be required to pay.

And Don’t Forget – you will need to Select a Moving Company, Register your Children in their New Schools, Arrange to transfer all Utilities to Your Name – and then Pack, Pack, Pack! I have several books about Children and Moving. Ask me about them.

Closing – Prior to the Closing Date, your agent will arrange for you to “walk-through” the house that you are purchasing. Your attorney will advise you what certified funds and paperwork you will need to bring that day. And then the big day finally arrives! Congratulations on Your New Home! May you have many happy memories ahead!

Adding a deck can extend the living area to the outdoors!

Cheryl Grossman — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:17:13 +0000

Long Island is a wonderful place to be in the summer! Adding a deck is one way to create an outdoor living area. A deck is a desirable feature for a home and can return 86.7 percent on the original investment. There are several deck building materials to choose from: wood, composite, fiberglass-reinforced plastic and plastic.

Wood is a top choice for most and is quite affordable, but it is high maintenance. Pressure-treated lumber made without arsenic is safe and provides resistance to decay and termites. The process of pressure-treating wood involves exposing the wood to chemicals under high pressure, which then protect the wood from decay and termites. There are different grades of pressure-treated wood, which indicate its intended use. Use the highest chemical-retention level for any permanent wood foundations or ground contact lumber. The lowest chemical-retention level is intended for the actual decking. Redwood and cedar are naturally resistant to decay and termites as are some tropical hardwoods (teak and mahogany). A good deal of annual maintenance is necessary to maintain the appearance of your wood decking, After initially applying a water-repellant treatment and then painting or staining the wood, you’ll need to pressure-wash the wood to remove mildew/mold buildup and then reapply the paint/stain annually.

Composites are gaining popularity despite its higher cost due to its low-maintenance. Also, composites won’t warp, rot or splinter and they have a slip-resistant surface. They are also environmentally friendly since they are made from recycled materials, plastic bags, sawdust and wood chips to name a few. Composites are made of a blend of plastic resins and wood fiber, giving it a smooth finish with a wood-grain appearance. Since the composite decking is weaker than wood, to avoid sagging or dropping it will need to be held up by treated wood joist and beams. There are more than 50 brands of composites to choose from and they are available in a variety of colors and textures. Composite decks can weather by 10 percent within the first three months since they do contain wood material. The colors tend to fade to a natural gray over time similar to wood decks. So, if you want to get an idea of appearance of composite deck, then look at one that has been exposed to the sun for at least a year. For maintenance, you’ll want to wash the deck 2-3 times per year to prevent mildew buildup.

Fiberglass-reinforced plastic is low maintenance, just an annual cleaning is recommended. It is a strong material and is unaffected by severe weather, sunlight or heat. A downside is that fiberglass-reinforced plastic can be difficult to cut, so it will need to be pre-ordered to size.

Plastic is low maintenance, has a skid-resistant surface, is simple to install and can be a good choice if you are on a tight budget. It is similar to composite, but there is no attempt to make it look like real wood. There are also many brands of plastic decking to choose from. PVC vinyl decking usually has a lifetime guarantee and just needs to be washed occasionally. The drawback to PVC vinyl decking is that it does expand/contract with freeze/thaw cycles.

As with any construction project, check with your local building codes prior to any ordering materials. You’ll want to make sure that they don’t have any restrictions.

Moving? Compare the cost of living with your salary.

Cheryl Grossman — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:08:26 +0000

Thinking of moving from Long Island? Whether retiring or relocating to take a new job, determining how far your income will go in another location can be a major factor in your decision to move or not. There’s a helpful Cost of Living Calculator at CNN Money that can provide that information for you. Just input your current salary or income, and then your current city and your destination city. The calculator compares costs for housing, utilities, transportation and healthcare between most major cities. With those facts in hand you can ascertain whether a move is in your future!

And if you’re thinking of relocating, check out the information on my web site. I’m an active member of a national technology-networking group of agents and will be pleased to help you find a top-ranked agent – wherever you’re planning to move!

Summer Activities for Dix Hills & Melville residents.

Cheryl Grossman — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 20:43:26 +0000

Dix Hills and Melville residents are lucky during the summer months to have such easy access to both the North Shore beaches and the renowned ocean beaches on the South Shore. The Town of Huntington has 8 town beaches and they’re all open the end of May to Labor Day Weekend. The seasonal permit (for residents) is only $25 and can be obtained right at the beach with a valid driver’s license and car registration. You can find directions to the beaches and more information at the Town of Huntington’s website.

There are a myriad of summer activities sponsored by the Town of Huntington. From summer camps for children to lessons in belly dancing for adults to “Movies on the Lawn” to golf and swimming lessons – you’ll find it in the Summer Leisure Guide! Check it out! The services and facilities available to all residents is a big reason why people love to live in Huntington Township.

And, of course, the Huntington Arts Council sponsors the annual Summer Arts Festival in Heckscher Park every year. A highlight of the summer is to bring your lawn chair in the evening to sit with friends and neighbors to hear a concert in the park. The Council has a wonderful program scheduled for this year. Don’t miss it!

I found this beautiful video on You Tube which shows some of the lovely beaches and lighthouses on Long Island. I thought you might enjoy seeing and sharing it with your friends.

Home Staging Tip For Long Island Homeowners: The Master Bedroom

Cheryl Grossman — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:48:08 +0000

When preparing your house to sell, don’t overlook the importance of the Master Bedroom for today’s Buyer! Master bedrooms are retreats from the daily grind, so they should be relaxing, welcoming and comfortable – but also elegant. Create a sanctuary similar to a luxury hotel suite that appeals to both genders.

First, your master bedroom should look like a bedroom and not a space for work or exercise. Remove anything from the bedroom which does not have a sleeping or relaxing purpose, such as desks, computers and exercise equipment.

Declutter. Remember to think "less is more" when staging your master bedroom. Remove items on top of dressers and tables except for a few necessary items or a vase of fresh flowers. Declutter your closets and make them appear larger by only using 2/3 of the closet space and keeping everything off the floor.

Depersonalize. Remove any personal family photos. An attractive mirror over a dresser can replace any hanging pictures that were removed. Otherwise, buyers will feel that they are just visiting someone else’s home and could have a hard time picturing themselves living in your house.

Cleaning your Master Bedroom. Be sure to clean the windows, light fixtures, bed linens and dust under and around the bed. Steam-clean the carpets and replace any worn rugs. Open a window in the morning to let in some fresh air. Make the bed and remove laundry from the room every day.

Brighten your Master Bedroom. Clean windows and replace nonworking bulbs in light fixtures to brighten the master bedroom. Be sure to use the highest wattage bulbs allowed for the major lighting fixture. You want as much light to come in as possible – yet maintain a sense of privacy. Draw back any heavy curtains and use well-pleated sheers as window treatments.

Make Minor Repairs. Check to make sure that all the switch plates and outlet covers match and that none of them are broken. Replace if necessary. Also check the trim, repair any nicks and consider repainting. Patch any nail holes in the walls if hanging pictures have been removed.

Setting the Stage. Create a relaxing sanctuary by setting up the room like a high-end hotel suite with a tranquil color scheme, a spacious feel and a luxurious bed.

A bedroom color scheme should be tranquil rather than bright or loud. Choose a comforting, natural-tone color to paint the walls such as warm brown, beige, cream, soft greens, powder blues and gray. To select a color scheme for bed linen, pillow and window treatment accents, choose colors from the same paint chip sheet for a monochromatic scheme or use a color wheel to select harmonius color schemes. Harmonius colors are adjacent on the color wheel and complimentary colors are opposite each other on the wheel. Use complimentary colors as accent colors.

To make a room appear more spacious, remove any excess furniture. The only furniture you need is a bed, two nightstands (or equivalent) and lamps, a dresser/bureau and possibly a chest of drawers/armoire. If there is room for a reading area, then you can set up a chaise lounge or a couple of plush chairs with a small table. Also, to create a more spacious feel, pull furniture two to three inches out from the walls and make sure that all four corners of the room are visible. Installing hardware for window treatments eight inches or more above the window frame or adding ceiling-height plant can add the perception of height.

The bed should be the focal point of the room and easily seen from the doorway. Create a luxurious bed by adding a headboard and new bed linens. Choose a solid color duvet, in a silk, chenille, down or sateen fabric, with a coordinating bedskirt that reaches the floor. Thick, high thread-count sheets and pillow cases with fluffy pillows, shams and throw pillows along with coordinated window treatments will complete the upscale hotel look.

Staging your master bedroom as a calming sanctuary will help buyers picture themselves living comfortably in your home.

Huntington Farmers Market Opens

Cheryl Grossman — Fri, 23 May 2008 00:35:52 +0000

You’ll soon be able to find the freshest Long Island produce at the Huntington Farmer’s Market! The season starts June 8 in Huntington and June 14 in Northport. 12-17 vendors will be selling local fruits and vegetables - in addition to jellies, jams, cookies and more! You can even find pasture-raised chickens at the Huntington Market. Fresh-caught shellfish from Northport baymen are available at the Northport Market. The sites and hours are: Huntington - Elm Street parking lot. Main Street (25A). Open Sundays. 7AM to Noon. June 8 to late November. For more information contact 631-323-3653. And in Northport - Cow Harbor Park parking lot. Open Saturdays, 9AM to Noon. June 14 to late November. Contact: Vincent Terranova. 631-261-7070

The Greens at Half Hollow

Cheryl Grossman — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:55:50 +0000

The most desirable over-55 community on Long Island is “The Greens” – located in Melville near LIE, exit 50 or NSP, exit 41. Residents of The Greens probably are unaware of its tumultuous history and how hard their nearby neighbors fought to see this development come to pass. (I flew back from Colorado during my summer vacation one year to speak at the Huntington Town Board Hearing before the vote to approve or disapprove the plans took place. After spending years with the local civic association fighting for this development, I wasn’t about to sit on the sidelines and not see the end result!) The success of The Greens is a tribute to all who believed that this was the right plan, at the right time, for our community.

There are many reasons that this development is so successful - the magnificent Clubhouse – where activities ranging from a gym and indoor pool to card rooms and meeting rooms – all providing opportunities for a broad range of interests; the Restaurant – a central place to meet friends and neighbors; the resort-sized pool area with lounge areas, plus the tennis courts and walking trails. And then there is The Greens Golf Course whose lovely vistas are enjoyed by both golfers and viewers alike. Gated with a staffed gate house to monitor those who enter and exit provides a secure environment for all the residents. View The Greens Photo Tour.

The varied housing styles allow many opportunities for ownership. The Villas, 2-home attached housing, some with basements are at the highest end. There are three models to choose from - the Florenza, the Viscaya, and the Valencia. Next are the Townhouses - four attached homes grouped together. The Mirasol are the units at the ends and the Medici are the 2 in the middle. There are two models for the Condo units – upper and lower for each the Caspian and the Cordova. Whichever model you choose you will enjoy being a part of this vibrant and active community. One other positive feature is that The Greens is part of the Half Hollow Hills School District – and as a resident you can utilize the Half Hollow Hills Library located nearby.

If you are interested in purchasing a home in The Greens, please contact me. There usually are several units for sale. There may be a few units for rent (1-year leases) also.

Dix Hills Sellers: Last Minute Showing Tips!

Kinetic Knowledge — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:14:40 +0000

A simple check of your home before a showing can make a big impact on buyers.

You’ve cleaned and staged your home and are ready to sell! Keep your home clean and tidy, inside and outside, to make it easier to prepare for showings. Here’s a checklist of final things to do before a showing or open house.

Set thermostat to a comfortable temperature.
Turn on all the lights.
Open blinds and draw back curtains.
Dirty dishes should be in the dishwasher, not the sink.
Take out the kitchen trash.
Make the beds.
All dirty clothes should be in the hamper, out of sight
Close toilet seat lids.
Put fresh towels in bathrooms.
Put children’s toys away.
Keep your valuables in a safe place.
Turn on soft music at a low volume. (Keep the TV off.)
If you have a gas fireplace, then turn it on.
Lower the volume on telephones and the answering machine.
Keep pets out of the way or take them out of the house with you.

Home Staging Tip: Don’t Leave a Vacant House Empty!

Kinetic Knowledge — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 10:27:08 +0000

Weekly Tips for Long Island homeowners to help you prepare your home for the market.

Selling a vacant home can be difficult. Empty rooms highlight any imperfections in the floors or walls. They can feel cold and bleak, affecting the ability of a buyer to make an emotional connection with the home. Empty rooms appear smaller than furnished rooms and can be confusing to buyers. Only 10% of buyers can mentally picture how their own furniture will fit into a room. Furnishings give the room perspective in terms of scale and proportion, helping buyers visualize where their things will fit. Sometimes it is not clear what the space can be used for and furniture can show its intended use. Empty rooms can also give the impression that the seller might be desperate to sell, possibly carrying two mortgages, which can lower the offers.

Staging a vacant house can resolve these problems. Staging a vacant home adds warmth and comfort, shows how furniture can fit into a room and suggests to buyers the purpose of each room. Ideally, the house should be fully furnished. You can hire a staging company to take care of everything or you can do it yourself by renting or borrowing furniture.

If you are on a budget, then consider vignette staging. Vignette staging uses the bare minimum amount of furniture. Just enough to remove the cold, empty feeling of a vacant house and to let buyers know the purpose of each room. You should at least focus on the entrance, living room, dining room and a master bedroom. The entrance creates the buyers’ first impression of the home, so a potted plant and painting/mirror in this area can make the space feel more inviting. A lightly staged living room could have a chair or couch, a round unfinished wood table covered with a tablecloth, a table lamp, and some large potted plants. The dining room could have a table and chairs, a painting on the wall and some potted plants. The master bedroom should have a bed, a painting on the wall above the bed, nightstands with table lamps, and maybe a dresser.

Whatever level of staging you decide, it will resolve the problem of a vacant house. You will feel confident that you are presenting your home to appeal to prospective buyers.