The LOVE of Home

The LOVE of Home

With February being the month of love, we felt it important to share with our readers what people love most about their homes.  Over the years our agents at Meg Smith and Associates have been finding our clients and customers their dream homes, or at the very least, a starter home to build their dreams on.

In asking people what they love most about their home, many of the answers were clearly tied to feelings.  Leading the poll was that they love the family that lives within it.  Being specific, the house in which you live is your comfort and your friend, your safe haven and your contentment.  The definition of home is : A familiar or usual setting, congenial environment, the focus of ones domestic attention.  Home is where the Heart is.

When people ask why we love what we do, the answer is clearly in the above definition.  We love to bring to people that safe haven, comfort, congenial environment that is the heart of their life.

When I am happy, I want to run HOME, and tell everyone all about it.  When I am sad I want to run home and take comfort in my own personal space.  When I am looking for fun, my home is my entertainment.  When I am looking for privacy, my home is my fortress.

Of course there were other answers of what people love about their homes, and great features that stood out.  A nice cozy fireplace was surely appealing when we have been covered in snow for weeks.  A large family room for everyone to gather was among the popular requests.  High up on the list was a nice kitchen to cook fabulous meals for the family.

However, even in those statements, the feelings came through.  They didn't just love the fireplace, they loved the "cozy", the "warmth".  They didn't just love a big living room, as they mostly referred to it as the "Family Room" because they loved the space designed to hold their family.  And most especially, not a single person said I love the big empty useless nice looking kitchen...no, they all said they loved the kitchen because it is the place that they could "create" meals for those we love, could "share" meals with those we care for, and could relax for the first morning cup of coffee, knowing full well that this place we call "home" is much more than a house.  It's a place that provides us with all of lifes Loves...and we here at Meg Smith and Associates are so very proud to be a part of that journey.

Thank you for choosing us, and allowing us to find your safe haven, your comfort and the heart in your life.

We are so much more than Realtors!

When you think of your local Realtor do you think of them only when buying or selling a house?  Well think again.   Your realtor is your contact to community and can be an excellent resource in any decisions or concerns that you may have regarding you local area.  Realtors will often have information on new businesses and projects in your community and new enhancements that may be taking place in your local parks, hospitals, and strip store developments.  This is all information that we love to provide at Meg Smith and Associates, but there is so much more.

One of our greatest assets is our team of professionals that give of themselves to help others.  Our office is one of the first on hand to support our local community in efforts to help those in need.  Through our own program Tidings for Tweens and Teens we help hundreds of children each year who are in need of gifts during the holidays.  Through our cooperative efforts in joining with organizations such as the Bay Shore Lions, the Girl Scouts of America or the local YMCA we are able to be helpful in so many areas of demand and need.

We love what we do, and we love that what we do can enhance the lives of others...from finding you your first home, to planning your retirement home options, to stepping in when you need help, to reaching out when you require team support.  We are much more than realtors, and we hope you will consider calling upon us if ever in need of our assistance. 

Here are some of the greatest moments we have shared as an office, we hope you will share them with others.  Click here to view the video:

We Are More Than Realtors

As we approach our 4 year anniversary at Meg Smith and Associates, we are so proud of all we have accomplished and look forward to all that we will do in the many years to come! Check out our video about what makes us who we are! We Are More Than Realtors

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.