Off Campus Living

You just got accepted into the college of your dreams and are ready to begin your journey. With excitement and anticipation, you bought a whole new mature wardrobe, registered for classes, bought your books, and are in the process of saying your goodbyes to family and friends. But wait; have you decided where to live? Is dorm life for you?

Dorm life is loud. You will always be surrounded by people, so privacy is a major concern. Unless you're accustomed to studying to the sounds emanating from a multitude of iPod speakers, pack your earplugs or seek shelter in the library. You can get stuck with a roommate whom you not only dislike but who is also the biggest slob (or neat freak) you’ll ever see. Sorry, but pets are against the rules at most every school. If you need some love from furry friends, volunteer at a local animal shelter, or seek a realtor.

If you decide that off campus living is the right choice for you, where do you go from there? Meg Smith and Associates Real Estate wants to help you in your journey. As agents, we can show you ANYTHING out there. We can show you an ad on Craig’s List, multiple listing service, anything.

A Realtor will be with you during every step. He/She works with you to find your ideal apartment. A good Realtor will assist you in determining a good offer by showing you comparable properties that have been rented and are currently available in the neighborhood. The most important thing a Realtor will help you with is finding a legal structure. They will do all the negotiations for you to help you get settled.

When searching for an apartment on Craig’s List, Local Newspapers or even Community Boards in the area there are certain safety precautions we want you to follow. First, get the full name and contact information of the landlord. There are certain websites that you can visit that will find criminals in your area. (meganslaw.ny.gov) Also, Google is a wonderful tool for this situation. Make sure you Google the name of your future landlord.

When scheduling a visit to your possible future apartment, NEVER GO ALONE! Bring your realtor. Using a realtor will cost extra but it was well worth it. It will save you time, stress and aggravation. Other benefits of hiring a realtor are legal rentals, binding leases, and they are very familiar with the area. You will be more concerned with planning your college future, so let the realtor plan you living situation.

Why Move to the South Shore of Long Island?

            “What is there to do on the South Shore of Long Island?” There are so many activities to do that you will never want to leave the island. From arts and culture, wining and dining, to beaches and ocean fun, shopping and other great outdoor activities. It is family friendly but still trendy!

            You are just minutes away from the American Airpower Museum, Long Island Science Center, White Post Farms, and Kayaking & Canoeing! You can visit historic light houses, go fishing and even take many entertainment cruises.

            If you are into golfing we have some of the most beautiful golf courses in New York. Bergen Point Golf Course, Dix Hills Country Club, Gull Haven Golf Club, and many more! If you are into shopping, we have some of the greatest malls and outlet malls in the country!

            If you purchase property on South Shore be prepared to be a short drive away from enchanting Long Island Wine Country. There are over 60 vineyards and over 30 Long Island wineries that open their doors to visitors.

            I saved the best for last! The ultimate vacation getaway, Fire Island! This stunning island offers pristine beaches. Nestled in between the Great South Bay and Atlantic Ocean, it has been a haven for generations of beach-goers, outdoor enthusiasts, and water sport lovers. Free of cars and chaos this unique Island seems like a world away from its neighboring New York metropolitan way of life. A weekend at Fire Island gets you back to nature. With all the biking, hiking, swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, and tennis, you can finely break free of that monotonous gym routine. How does one get to this exceptional island? Fire Island villages are accessible by shuttle ferries departing from Patchogue, Sayville, and Bay Shore. In addition, Fire Island beaches are reachable by water taxi and private boat.

            There are numerous activities you can do on the South Shore of Long Island.
So give us a call and let us show you our favorite parts of South Shore living!

www.megsmithandassociates.com

Six Simple Steps

Interning in a real estate office has been a new experience for me. I am learning about what the agents in my office do and how they do it. However, I found myself wondering, how did they become a real estate agent? Did they wake up one morning and say to themselves, “I think I will sell houses today.” I was clueless to the process of becoming an agent. I am almost positive you are too. I asked around and did a little research and narrowed it down to Six Simple Steps.

Step One: Get Educated!
You may need to take notes, so bring pens, pencils and a note pad! You must take pre-licensing courses, no matter what state you live in. In order to obtain your Sales License in New York, you need to complete the 75 hour salesperson licensing course. (Don’t worry, it goes by quick and can be done online) You do not need to have any previous sales experience to become a salesperson, nor are there any prior education requirements. However if you do, it will help you.
(Requirements and courses are different in each state; you need to make sure you are taking the correct one!)

Step Two: Select a Brokerage

What is a Brokerage? A real estate brokerage is the agency or office from which real estate agents and brokers work. Since working with a broker is a requirement in order to practice as a real estate agent, you will need to contact a broker before finishing your training course. Brokers have at least three years additional real estate training, and can guide you through questions you have when it comes to working in the field, as well as listing and selling homes. 
How does one choose a broker? You can go online to The National Association of Real Estate Brokers and find one near you. (www.nareb.com)

Step Three: Can I see your license?

Real estate licenses require the passing of a state exam. Also, you may have to provide a criminal background check. Between the exam and license fees for a real estate salesperson, you can expect to pay at least $200. This may be different depending on what state you live in. (Exam cost is $15.00 each time you take it. You can take it as many times as you need too! License fee is $50 for two years.)

Step Four: $AVE!

Becoming a real estate agent isn't cheap. Start up fees are estimated up to $2,000. ($570 for Long Island Board of Realtors; class is $325.00+ textbook is optional.) This money goes to licensing courses, business cards, signs and advertising, association fees, and the possibility of more exam fees. This is cheaper than one semester as a full time student at a community college. Think of it as an investment in your future. Since real estate is a commission-based business, you'll also need enough money set aside for you to get by for a few months. These are ballpark figures of actual costs because they can vary based on individual choices and state costs. Basically, $AVE!

Step Five: Join the NAR (not to be confused with the NRA)
In order to use the title, "realtor," you must join the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This is done by choosing an affiliated brokerage. Also, on Long Island you must join the Long Island Board of Realtors. (LIBOR) Each region has its own local board.
As a member of the National Association of Realtors® you have access to a wide array of benefits, business tools, real estate market data, educational opportunities, and discount programs designed to help you succeed in today's market. (For more information, go to http://www.realtor.org/member-benefits/value-of-membership)

Step Six:  Networking

The best way to build your portfolio is to get a mentor, and use your personal network. Barbara Kennon, the vice president of the National Association of Realtors says, “The best arrangement for a new agent is to find a mentor in the real estate agency you choose who guides you towards buyer/seller contacts and splits commission. You'll learn the profession from your mentor, while gaining your first commission checks.” Also, asking your friends and family for referrals of people who are considering buying or selling a home is a great way to begin networking. Someone is always looking for a new home, and that referral may get you started in your new business.

To me, becoming a real estate agent is similar to starting a small business. Even though you'll work within a brokerage of established realtors or real estate agents, you need a start up fund for business expenses and to cover several months of personal expenses while you build your client base. The average agent takes two years to show a profit, but it is well worth the wait. Take every step seriously, and you'll have your first "sold" sign up in no time.

Property Virgin?

Are you tired of living in your mother’s basement? Are you desperate to end your crazy commute to work? Are you tired of moving from rental to rental? Are you possibly thinking of buying your first home but are too scared to commit? Don’t be scared, just be prepared.
 

 First time home buying can be a little frightening. There are many ups and downs and the roller coaster ride of emotion can get a little overwhelming; but don’t you worry! Meg Smith and Associates is here to help you every step of the way.

There is no doubt that this is a huge step in anybody’s life. Anxiety is normal, you are not alone! There are shows on HGTV dedicated to this experience! You are living out the American dream, but like any journey make sure you pack the right tools. 

First things first, track your expenses! You must know how much you are spending and saving. Balance your check book, take notes, make lists, draw charts, do whatever it takes to make sure you are 100% on top of your money. Once you are aware of how much you are taking in and how much you are paying out, create a budget! Remember to factor in your monthly debts and leave room for savings. This budget will serve as your road map to finding a home you can reasonably afford.

Once that is done, and you realize that you are ready to look for your first home, you must shop for a loan. It is very likely that you will be borrowing thousands of dollars, so shop around for the best interest rates and loan terms to negotiate the best deal. Finding the right mortgage broker makes all the difference. Knowing what you want to spend up front saves you from the heartbreak later down the road.

Don’t forget to create a wish list. What are some of the most important things you must have in a home? Walk in closets, an open floor plan, a pool or even a fenced in back yard for Fido. Whatever your must haves are, make sure you discuss this with your trusted agent. At Meg Smith and Associates no issue will be overlooked from the first handshake to the popping of the champagne at closing.

Lastly, it is time for the fun part, house hunting! We have some paramount agents at Meg Smith and Associates that can assist you with all your needs. It is probable you will need someone to help be part realtor, part therapist, part friend, and part financial advisor. You can find a brilliant agent at one of our many open houses. Feel free to interview us, ask us questions, and schedule a time to meet up with us.

There are high hopes when looking for your dream home and we know what it takes to find the right one. I hope these tips were helpful and make sure to check out our website atwww.megsmithandassociates.com.

Wyandanch Rises

            The South Shore is one of the most up-and-coming spots on Long Island, and it is about to get better! $2 million dollars in bonding was approved by The Town of Babylon towards the Wyandanch Rising revitalization. (A bond is a debt instrument issued for a period of more than one year with the purpose of raising capital by borrowing. Generally, a bond is a promise to repay the principal along with interest on a specified date.)

            When it comes to real estate, it is location, location, location. Wyandanch is in the Town of Babylon.  It is less than 1 hour away from Penn Station on the main line of the Long Island Rail Road, and has easy access to all major roadways and a commuter airport. It is the perfect spot to create something big.

            Wyandanch Rising is a major community recovery plan started in 2011. As stated on their website, (wyandanchrising.squarespace.com) this initiative seeks to transform an economically troubled downtown into a transit-oriented, pedestrian friendly, environmentally sustainable downtown.

            The town of Babylon would use the money towards the redevelopment of Geiger Lake Park. The park, located in Wyandanch and Deer Park, will soon be refurbished with the addition of basketball courts, a playground, Spray Park and a botanical garden, according to a recent Newsday report. Wyandanch Rising development has a unique opportunity to bring the distressed community a sense of a pride by being developed into something the locals can call their own.

            With keeping in-touch with local knowledge, Patch.com is a website to voice your opinions on local events. James from Deer Park wrote, “I am only a ten year resident of Deer Park and I am anxiously awaiting the completion of Geiger Park; especially the botanical garden. Just think of all the school kids that will have a chance to see and learn about nature.” (deerpark-northbabylon.patch.com)

            Looking ahead, this project has a range of housing types, commercial uses and public spaces; which means more jobs on Long Island.

www.megsmithandassociates.com