Halloween Fun On Long Island

         
      Boo! Ghosts, Ghouls and Jack O’ Lanterns oh my! Halloween is quickly approaching, and what a fun time of year it is for Long Islanders! There are so many fun things to do around the island leading up to the spookiest day of the year. Here are a few of our favorites...

 



                 Rise of the Jack O’ Lanterns

    Old Westbury Gardens

      71 Old Westbury Road

   Old Westbury, NY 11568

Rise of the Jack O’ Lanterns is an amazing Halloween experience taking place 17 nights throughout October and November. It takes place at Old Westbury Gardens and will display over 5,000 hand carved Jack O’ Lanterns. It it’s a breathtaking experience and is great for both adults and children. This year the Rise has all new themes such as, at the movies, video games, superheroes and the New York city skyline. Don’t miss the ghost walk, which is an amazing part of the experience. Tickets prices range, to purchase tickets of find out more information visit http://www.therise.org/ , but hurry, this event sells out fast!

 

 

                     Bayville Scream Park

       8 Bayville Avenue

Bayville NY 11709

Voted scariest haunted house on Long Island, the Bayville scream park is sure to please those looking for a good scare! Open weekends September 13- October 6^th and everyday starting October 11^th- November 3^rd. This year there are five terrifying attractions, Bloodworth Haunted Mansion, Uncle Needles Funhouse of Fear in 3D, Temple of Terror, Curse of the Zombie Pirates and Evil in the Woods. For the little ones, you can take them Saturdays, Sundays and Columbus Day from 11am-6pm for less scary versions of their attractions.  http://bayvillescreampark.com/

 

 

 

     Hank’s Pumpkintown

     240 Montauk Highway

Watermill NY 11976

Hank’s Pumpkintown is great place for kids, adults, couples, family, really anyone! They have a giant corn maze, tractor rides, games, curly slides and education stations for the kids! They also have a pumpkin patch open 7 days a week and an apple orchard open on the weekends & Columbus Day. They also sell fresh picked apples, roasted corn, cider donuts, cider, candy apples, fresh baked pies and other baked goods. There is something here for everyone in your group to enjoy! http://hankspumpkintown.com/farm/

 

 

There are so many things you can do this fall leading into Halloween! Check them out and have a Spooky, fun & delicious season!

 

Important Information Regarding 2014 STAR Exemption for Home-owners

To keep STAR tax break, you'll need to reapply by Dec. 31
In coming weeks, homeowners will receive a letter instructing them to reapply for the STAR program online or by phone by Dec. 31. People will need to verify their salaries, Social Security numbers and primary residence.

The initiative, approved as part of the state budget in March, will seek to stop some property owners from claiming the tax breaks on multiple homes.

 

The new legislation requires all homeowners receiving a Basic STAR exemption to register with the New York State Tax Department in order to receive the exemption in 2014 and subsequent years.

 

· Homeowners will not have to register in order to receive their 2013 STAR exemptions.

· Homeowners will not have to re-register every year. Based on the information provided in the registration process, the Tax Department will monitor homeowners' eligibility in future years.

 

How to register

You can register for the STAR exemption online. You'll need to:

· provide a STAR code (we're mailing codes to all Basic STAR recipients; or you can use the STAR code lookup)

· provide the names and social security numbers for all owners of the property and spouses

· confirm that the property is the primary residence of one of its owners (married couples with multiple residences may only claim one STAR exemption)

· confirm that the combined income of the owners and their spouses who reside at the property does not exceed $500,000

· confirm that no resident owner received a residency-based tax benefit from another state

 

You can also register by calling (518) 457-2036

· Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 8:00 pm

· Saturday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

 

Registration period

Registration started on August 19, 2013 and will continue through December 31, 2013.

 

Senior citizens

Senior citizens receiving the Enhanced STAR exemption are not affected by the new registration requirement. Seniors must, however, continue to:

· apply annually, or

· participate in the Income Verification Program

 

For more information contact (518) 457-2036 or visit New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

 

Jones Beach Water Tower- More than Meets the Eye!

As summer comes to a close and the new school year quickly approaches, take a moment to think about all the great memories you made on Long Island this season. Whether you spent your time at the beach, took part in your local libraries summer reading program, took the kids to the aquarium or visited Montauk and Fire Island… Long Island offers a variety of wonderful summer activities to create memories that will last a lifetime.

More than 8 million people visit Jones Beach state park every year and if you happened to spend some time there this summer, I’m sure you drove by the water tower. Fondly referred to as “the pencil” by many Long Islanders, the Jones Beach water tower has been a local landmark for 83 years. According to the New York Times, the water tower was modeled on the campanile of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice and the project was supervised by Robert Moses in 1930. It stands 231 feet high in the center of the traffic circle approaching Jones Beach. The tower is built of brick and limestone and houses a 315,000 gallon tank to store water from three 1,000 foot deep wells. Although it has never been open to the public, the tower is fully functional and supplies water to the entire park including restrooms, bathhouses, swimming pools and even the Jones Beach Theater. In 2008, the water tower underwent a restoration costing over $6 million and while the traffic circle incurred extensive damage during Hurricane Sandy, the water tower held up.

Next time you drive past the Jones Beach water tower, tell everyone in the car about it!  This historic Long Island landmark is more than meets the eye and is sure to remain a part of our local flair for many years to come.

Places to Go for a "Booming" 4th of July!!

Places to Go for a “Booming” 4^th of July!

First, let us all reflect on the true meaning of the 4^th of July, our Independence Day.

  Our Declaration of Independence stands today as one of the most profound declarations ever written.  Sharing one of the most famous lines from the Declaration of Independence . . . .

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights; that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Go 4th on the Bay with fireworks by Grucci on Great South Bay West, Fire Island, NY.

Long Island Ducks The Long Island Ducks, who are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, will be on the road during the Fourthof July weekend. However, when they return home the following weekend, they will be holding their annual Grucci Firework Extravaganza on Saturday, July 9, 2011 at 7:05 p.m. The Grucci company, which is one of the world's leading fireworks companies, should produce a spectacular show at Bethpage Ballpark, which is located in Central Islip. Fans attending the game can also enjoy many of the promotions the Ducks have such as party decks and a wide range of activities for children.

Thursday, July 4, 2013, rain or shine - Firecracker 5K Race/Walk

2013 Oakdale Chamber of Commerce Firecracker 5K Race/Walk. Starts at 9 a.m. sharp. Cash prizes for top three overall male and female. First: $100, Second: $50, Third: $25. At Dowling College, Curtin Center (gym.) Park in the main Dowling College parking lot/Chateau Drive.

Various age groups: 10 and under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-59, 70-79, 80-89. Awards for the top three male and the top three femals overall and the first three in each of the age groups.$20 if preregistered/ $25 on the day of the race.To register online, please go to www.islandrunning.net.

Thursday, July 4, 2013 - Stars Over Montauk by Grucci

Bring a blanket or chair to the annual Umbrella Beach in Montauk, on Old Montauk Highway, just one-third of a mile west of the town. Look up and you'll be treated to a fireworks display by Grucci. It's a good idea to get there early because this is a very popular event. More info: Call (631) 668-2428 for times.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

FREE event at the Pennysaver Amphitheater at Bald Hill, 55 South Bicycle Path, Farmingville, NY. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. RAIN OR SHINE. Grucci Fireworks with Mike Del Guidice & Big Shot (Billy Joel tribute band.)

 

Thursday, July 4, 2013 - Westhampton Beach Concert

FREE event. Gazebo Concert Series - Atlantic Wind Symphony. FREE admission, but donations appreciated. At 7:30 p.m. at the Villgae Green & Gazebo, Main Street and Mill Road, Westhampton Beach, NY. More info: www.whbcc.com.

 

Thursday, July 4, 2013 - Fireworks - Asharoken

The Village of Asharoken will hold its annual fireworks show in the evening. Fireworks will be launched from a barge on the sound side of Asharoken Avenue. Starts around 9:20 p.m., weather permitting. For details, please visit www.asharoken.com.

Most of all please remember, personal fireworks are strictly forbidden and against the law and can cause serious harm to users and those around you if not done under the auspices of trained specialists in that area with proper permits from the local authorities.

Summer Fun

School’s out in just a matter of days—and the lack of plans and activities can be a cause for stress for so many families trying to fill the void of time for the next couple of months.  However, with a little searching and some creativity, Long Island  and the tri-state area offers some of the best stay-cation possibilities around.

 If you like the beach for starters, maybe  a trip to a lighthouse could help add a little interest to a normal beach day.  If the Fire Island Lighthouse has already been part of your summer’s plans, maybe take a nice long ride out to Montauk and spend the day on the beach out there and visit the Montauk Lighthouse.  If you head a little north up to Gosman’s Dock , you can watch the fishing boats come in, visit the many small shops or just have a nice seasonal meal.

 For those willing to brave the outdoors, camping with family and friends in Montauk has become a beloved summertime ritual. 

Perhaps instead of watching fishing boats come in, maybe a day on a fishing boat could add a little thrill to your day.   Nothing like the excitement of  catching your very first fish!  As kids get a little older, activities need to get a little more challenging to keep them amused. 

Many different parts of the island have places renting kayaks and canoes. And being an island, there are so many different bodies of water just waiting to be discovered—from the Great South Bay, to the Hamptons and Riverhead, and up on the north shore The Sound is just waiting to be explored.

Perhaps you’ve exhausted every nook and cranny on Long Island, but still need ideas to pass the time, maybe you need to venture just a little bit further.  Well… New York City might be where you need to head. 

There are always the zoos—if the Bronx Zoo is too overwhelming, then maybe the Central Park Zoo is for you. 

Depending on the age of those in your brood, there are always the many parks the city has, or visitor spots such as the Empire State Building, the 9/11 Memorial, or Chelsea Piers.  Chelsea Piers has something for everyone of every age.  There are drop-in activities ranging from basketball, soccer, gymnastics, batting cages, and even rock climbing.

 If your dependents are a little older, a walk on the High Line on  a nice day can be rewarding.  The High Line is a one mile linear park that is an old elevated freight rail which was transformed into a public park.

One of the newest and most creative ways to spend a nice day in the city, is by bicycle.  Bike and Roll is a company offering bike rentals.  You can rent a bike for you and your children—even bike seats are available, by the hour, half day or full day and do a self-guided or a guided tour on bike of many different parts of the city.

There is no reason to sit home wondering what everyone else is doing this summer.  No matter what your interests are, or the ages of those you are trying to entertain, there is most definitely something for everyone to complete their summer! So, what are your favorite things to do for the summer?

 

 

 

It MAY just be the best season to sell!

      For years the real estate industry has noticed a surge in homes being placed on the market in the spring, and there are several reasons for that.  Among those reasons is the famous quote "April showers bring May flowers", and in real estate we can add our own ending.  When asked "What do May flowers bring?" We can answer, Sales!

     It is true that curb appeal is one of the biggest drives to calling buyers into your home.  There is no better way to show off the beauty of ones home that to surround the exterior with the beautiful colors of the season.  This is the time of year when everything first starts to bloom.  Our grass is greenest, our tulips and daffodils have blossomed, and the aroma in the air of fragrant flowers and fresh cut lawn sends a peaceful feeling of "home" amongst the shoppers.

There is much to be said about the flower beds and the landscaping of a property.  Properties that are well maintained and cared for show pride of ownership, and it makes a buyer that much more interested in seeing what the home has to offer.

Some of the other reasons that May is a great month to get things started if you are looking to sell, is because of the appropriate timing to the end of the school year.  Here on Long Island our home buyers are looking to make the move to a new home when it is most convenient.  If they have children, or happen to be teachers, it is when school is out.  Most schools are in session until the very last week in June.  Given the fact that it takes a typical 60-90 days to close on a home in our market, May is the perfect time to find your home, go to contract, and obtain a mortgage that works within the time frame of the school year ending in June. 

So, if you are waiting to open the pool and makes things just perfect for the summer, don't wait.  Take pictures to display of the open pool and the beautiful summer extra's that your property offers, but list in the spring for the best opportunity of selling your home.

If you read our blog and would like to comment please do!  All comments will be rewarded with a little spring surprise gift...just stop in and see us at Meg Smith and Associates, 249 West Main Street, Bay Shore, NY 11706. 

Newsday Features a Meg Smith and Associates Listing!

Meg Smith and Associates was featured in Newsday's Real Estate Blog on Thursday!

Check it Out Below!

Old World elegance restored in Brightwaters

Thursday April 18, 2013 2:01 PM By Elizabeth Gyori

Photo credit: Handout | On the market for $949,000, this five-bedroom, 3.5-bath Brightwater house was restored according to the original property plans, which date to the early 1900s, by the owner. (2013)

         

On the market for $949,000, this five-bedroom, 3½-bath Brightwaters house was restored by the owner according to the original property plans, which date to the early 1900s, says listing agent Margaret Smith of Meg Smith and Associates.
The white stucco finishing on the exterior and the woodwork are reminiscent of an older time.
Gargoyles also overlook and guard the property, which is on the man-made Grand Concourse canal, while slim pillars seemingly support the home's interior. The house also comes with intricate moldings and plasterwork, some of which looks like scrolls
melting into the wall, Smith says.
One of the kitchen walls has the house's original subway tiles and porcelain farm sink, Smith says. Meanwhile, there is modern lighting as well as stainless-steel appliances.
Outside, the house has three balconies, including one that is a "Rapunzel-type balcony" in the front, Smith says.