Who Is Your Realtor?

Why you should choose one Realtor to help you buy a home.

I went to a conference several years ago where the speaker had talked about it. How when people were asked, “Who is your Doctor?” they could answer the question immediately. “Who is your Dentist?”  Same.  “What Nail Salon do you like?”  Almost every service job and answer came immediately. Why doesn’t the same principle apply to the question “Who is your Realtor?”

Your home is your single largest financial asset and yet people will choose someone who is in the business part time or a friend that they know “sells houses” but doesn’t have the experience to best serve the client.  What’s worse is some buyers go from one open house to another without any representation until they find a house they like and then begin the negotiations with the Listing Agent!  People believe that by negotiating with the Listing Agent that agent will be more willing to negotiate with them because they want DOUBLE the commission. I think nothing could be farther from the truth.

The Listing Agent has been hired by the SELLER to represent them. Their job is to get the most amount of money for the seller.  They do not work for you.

If you choose one Realtor to work for you as a Buyers Agent, they work for YOU.  Their job is to get you the best price for a house and to advise you as what the market comparables look like, what the fair market value is, what past sales look like, as well as what strategies we utilize regarding when to put in an offer.  The list is endless. It amazes me that people do not research their Realtor’s qualifications before beginning their house searching process and choose one Realtor to represent them to get them the best price for a home.

If you needed your appendix removed, would you choose the doctor who has just begun his career?  Or would you take the surgeon who is well known in this field and whose personality and skill match your own?

There is a major difference between a Realtor who works part time in this  field and one who has been in the business a while.  Negotiating is a skill. Picture it as if it were a surgery where you get better the more you do it. If you only did one appendectomy prior to being hired, don’t you think a surgeon who does 5 surgeries a day would be better at it?

In today’s market with inventory being so low and multiple offers being common practice, you need an agent who is readily available, knows the paperwork necessary to present a formal offer, and can look out for your best interest by having a network of lenders and attorneys to recommend to you to give you the best and most options. 

There are so many other considerations to take into account.  For instance making sure Certificates of Occupancy or CO’s are in place, attending the engineering inspection and knowing what falls under “normal sellers representations” to protect your client, and attending the appraisal and knowing how to reposition your deal if the appraisal falls short.

Do your research.  If you are choosing a new restaurant don’t you look at the reviews of new places to go?  What are the Realtor’s reviews?  How many homes has the Realtor sold?  What is that Realtor’s local knowledge of the neighborhoods you are interested in?

There is a major difference between Realtors based on their education and a Realtor based on their experience. Do you research - so the next time someone asks you “Who’s you Realtor?” you will be confident answering as you will any other question.

~Meg Smith

Broker/Owner

Meg Smith and Associates Real Estate

Let Us List the Reason, that NOW Is the Season!

You have been considering a move for a while now, but summer was here, and like many homeowners you just want to enjoy some time off with your family.  The beauty of the season before the kids go back to school.  The relaxation of the unstructured and regimented schedule has been much needed at this time, and so the decision is placed on hold.   Yet, here you are thinking...it's time for a change.

For many of you its the ending of the summer season and the reality that soon the winter months will be upon us that make you want to head south.  For others, you've realized over the summer that you've outgrown your home and need something bigger.  Then there is the reality that the kids have gone to college and each morning you pass by the empty rooms that just make your home seem far too large for your needs now.

There are so many opinions as to what season is the best time to sell.  Some believe that spring is the best time to sell. Flowers are in bloom, the grass looks greener, and the children are all in school, which makes showing an orderly home easier.  Some believe that the fall is best. The smell of pumpkin spice and vision of fallen leaves remind people that winter is around the corner and the snow is on its way.  Some believe that the winter is better.  The most serious of shoppers come out in the winter  because viewing a property in chilling snow and ice isn't a comfortable feat.  Then there are those that believe summer is ideal as they set up in a new home before the fall school years starts.

At Meg Smith and Associates Real Estate our experienced sales agents all realize that the best time to list a house is neither Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, but now...Now, when YOU are ready.  Our office is made up of Moms, Dads, Grandparents, and community residents that realize that the best time for you to sell your house is when you have decided that it is the right time for you.  Selling a home is hard work, its every day appointments, organizing and upkeep that keeps you going to show the home in its best appeal in order to find the right buyer.  Our skilled agents are here to help you every step of the way, with suggestions and marketing tools for every home in every season.  So, if it is your desire to make the move, the right time is when you say its time.  The right time is Now.

It's not the seasons nor the weather that determine your success, it is the seasoned agent.  Let us make your dreams a reality.  Call Meg Smith and Associates help you with all your real estate needs at 631-647-7013

Real Estate Reality – How Real Estate should work in your best interest

       

      Many people believe the job of a Realtor is to list, sell and market homes.  While this is true, a Realtor is hired to work for YOU.  If you are a homeowner looking to list your home, more than likely you are looking to sell for the highest price that the market can bare.  The Agent that you choose to hire has to tackle the job of marketing your home, but more importantly they are hired to represent you, and it is their job to see to it that their fiduciary responsibility to you is first and foremost.

      If your Realtor requests that your home listing remain exclusive with their firm, what does this mean?  Well, for starters, if you are looking to have less traffic in your home, and keep it rather quiet and private, this may be the way you want to go.  However, if you are looking to get the best price for your home, this alternative is more than likely not the best choice.

      The Multiple Listing Service has approximately 17,000 realtors, which enables us to share our listings with one another, allow for showings and hopefully offers.  Having your home exposed to this many Agents means each Agent can tap into their individual data base of buyers and share your home with them.  Chances are, one of them may be the perfect match for your home.  If you are not able to reach these buyers, how can you be sure that you are getting the right price for your home?

      Some agents like the comfort of dealing with one agent, and if that is the case, ask that agent to accompany showings, but don’t exclusively limit yourself to one agency when the best chance of getting the best price is to open it to all others.  If you were looking for a job, would you interview with only one firm, or would you send your resume’ out to many to increase your chances that the best opportunity would present itself?

      Selling your home is no different.  In being completely honest, the only person that is benefiting by your exclusive listing is the agency you hired.  The chances of their firm gaining the full commission compensation rather than having to share it is in their best interest…but is it in yours?

      To truly understand the difference in listing your home as an Exclusive or as a Multiple Listing Property – stop in and speak with one of our associates. Let us explain the difference! 631-647-7013. 
Visit our New Website www.MegSmithandAssociates.com.  Like Us on Facebook www.Facebook.com/MegSmithAndAssociatesRealEstate.

Why Selling in the Winter is a Wonderful Idea!

So often we hear that homeowners want to wait until the spring to sell their homes.  After all, in the spring  the grass is greener, the flowers are blooming, the curb appeal is prettier and the weather is the most comfortable for home shopping, so surely this is the best time to sell, right? Well, while this is all true, it is also true is that so many others are thinking just like you.

  What sellers don't realize when they want to wait until the spring is that their neighbor is contemplating the same strategy.  In the spring the market becomes saturated, and a saturated market often becomes a buyers market.  The more competition you have, the more likely you are to have to negotiate more aggressively to beat the competition, often resulting in a lower sales price.  The more homes on the market, the less traffic there is coming to view yours.

  The spring is often not enough lead time for those that wish to be out by summer.  It takes several weeks or months to find the right buyer.  This coupled with the process of the mortgage application, new funding guidelines, title searches and all of the necessary items needed to close the transaction, summer may very well have passed you by.

The goal of many to move in the summer is due in part to the fact that those with children would like to be settled into new school districts, which starts early September.  It is also a great time for teachers and others whose careers allow them more flexibility in the summer months to make this move.

According to successful Realtors, the advice is to give yourself enough lead time to make this transaction as comfortable as possible.  List your home in the winter, when others are waiting until spring.  The most serious of shoppers will come out when the weather is at its worst, and after all, isn't it the serious shoppers we want?  Listing this winter will give you the extra needed time to market, find the right buyer and prepare to move in the summer months ahead.

My Love/Hate Relationship With HGTV by a Realtor!

So I have a blog for my Office but I don't generally blog....... I have People that blog....and they do a much better job than I think I can..... But as I prepare to put my house up on the market this weekend- a blog has formulated in my head (over and over for the past few weeks......) Should I entitle it- Why every Realtor should put their house on the market every few years? OR  My Love/Hate Relationship with HGTV..... I decided on the love/hate thing. The content and message are pretty much the same- but I think maybe the Love/Hate thing might get a bit more attention. People generally love HGTV..... not so much Realtors! (weewoo- sorry staff and fellow Realtors- but you know this to be true.....)
So my husband and I decided it was time to put our house on the market. We love our house! There are so many wonderful things about it.....from the outside porch overlooking Manatuck Lake (lots of Heron sightings and ice skating Norman Rockwell type moments- to all the wonderful nooks and crannies inside.  We feel it is time..... But now- we have to PREPARE to put our house on the market. I have to do all the things I casually say to my clients that they should do to make their houses more marketable.....things like "you need to declutter.... bathrooms should be spotless, personal photos to a minimum, landscaping spruced up...... things like that! In fact- I have a fabulous list of suggestions written in bullet points I hand to my clients when we meet for the first time! I can rattle these things off like nobody's business! As I rattle these things off to my husband and prepare new lists each day - the sideways looks he first gave me are turning to arched eyebrows to a low whistle to a resounding "are you crazy?" How did this come to be- you might wonder? ahhhhhhhhh here comes the tie in: My Love/Hate relationship with HGTV (and Realtor Internet sites too!) Before the Internet and HGTV (yes I have been a REALTOR that long!) people relied on their Realtor to take them to houses they thought were good houses.  The houses looked like people lived in them. They didn't have perfectly straightened closets with their clothes in color order! Personal photos were all over the place- and houses with kids actually had toys strewn about!!!!! Stagers didn't need to be hired- because people actually let people see what it was like to live in these houses!!! Ahhhhhhh I miss the good old days! As I work to make my house look like we are an Episode to be featured on HGTV- I encourage you to come see my work of art this Sunday 9/13/2015 from 12-2 pm at 9 Lawrence Lane, Bay Shore, N.Y. 11706. You won't be disappointed- my closets are not only in size order- they have bins labeled inside!

Take a Long Island Stay-cation!

So many of us are sick and tired of this cold weather and need to get away, but not many of us have time or funds to put an entire vacation together. But do not fret! We have some fun, exciting ideas for a stay-cation- a vacation right in your area- to escape the cold, dreary weather.

          Inside 97-acre Hidden Pond Park in Hauppauge, The Rinx has two indoor ice rinks. The venue provides figure skating and hockey lessons as well as daily public skate sessions, including “Rock & Roll” night every Friday 8:15p-10:15p. Admission varies depending on the day and time of your visit so check out therinx.com for details about prices, times and events. Ice skating is an enjoyable winter activity the whole family will love!

          If you’re not in the mood to move around, then the movies is the place to be! There are so many movie theatres on Long Island to choose from, like the Deer Park Regal Cinemas at the Tanger Outlets. This theatre has a large selection of movies for all ages.

          If you really aren’t into bearing the cold, then baking is a fun, crafty thing for everyone in the house to take part in! Stay in and stay warm by the oven and make yummy treats all day long! Another in-home activity would be arts and crafts- paper snowflakes, gingerbread houses, and anything winter! This is great to keep kids busy and parents happy.

          Use these tips of the trade to keep busy and out of the cold this winter! No matter your time or budget, these activities will fit any family and make your stay-cation one for the books!

Martin Luther King, Jr

Martin Luther King Jr. 

      Martin Luther King Jr. was the biggest face during the Civil rights movement in the 1960s. Many attribute this man with the social freedom of blacks everywhere. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed more than 100 years before, blacks were still being targeted by the Klu Klux Klan and were subject to segregation because of the Jim Crow Laws. Martin Luther King Jr. took steps to end the struggle of absolute freedom for blacks throughout the United States.

        Every third Monday of January, Americans take a day to reflect and remember what King accomplished to better our society and the people within it. Because of his achievements, every person has equal opportunity to do anything they want. Children of all different ethnicities go to school and play together. The world and its acceptance has grown drastically since King’s time, and it continues to grow because of thinkers like him. We can all learn from the trials and triumphs that he overcame to become one of the greatest Americans leaders ever. Because of him, schools, restaurants, bathrooms, and basically every public facility are desegregated. There were many other Civil rights movement contributors, yet King was the most effective in that he was a fearless and great leader that gave freedom to every person after him. On this Martin Luther King Day, let us all take it as a time of observance and remembrance for this incredible man and all he has done to improve and inspire our nation.

In The Spirit of Thanksgiving

     In the Spirit of Thanksgiving we join together around a table and show gratitude for our food, our families, our friends, our homes, our blessings.

While we are grateful every day for so many things in our lives, we don't often share that every day, and so this holiday is one that is very special.  This gives us a day to actually reach out and remember those that have made a difference in our lives.  For some it may be their family, it may be friends, it may be a teacher, a pastor, a neighbor, our military.  For us here at Meg Smith and Associates it is all of the above, and our customers and clients too.

This is the one day of the year that we don't only think about our gratitude but we have the opportunity to express it.  We can reach out and say "I'm thankful for you" by sending a card, making a call, stopping by with a gesture of some kind.  It's the one day, all year long, that nobody is going to question our over zealous appreciation and expression of thankfulness.

A career in real estate means meeting new people all the time.  Some are just beginning their journey and searching for their first home.  Others are scaling down and looking for life a little less stressful, and some are taking big strides and moving up with their growing families.  Allowing us to be a part of these very monumental moments in your life is truly rewarding.  Our referrals are the heart of our business, and as you thank us by speaking of our services to others, our business grows, and for that we are forever grateful.  

So while we sit around the table with our families this holiday we will be thankful for all around us, our family, our food, our friends, our God and our military, and you - our faithful and loyal clients and customers.  Happy Thanksgiving all year through!

Falling for the Children...We hope you will join us

At Meg Smith and Associates our community is so very important to us. Each year we combine our efforts to help in some way.  This year we have chosen to focus on children with Autism and are proud to announce our  "Fall Festival to Fight the Mystery"!

All of the proceeds of this fundraiser will go directly to the EJ Autism Foundation to help those in need.

The fabulous fun fall event will be held on October 18th from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 3 Lawrence Lane (corner of Montauk Highway) in Bay Shore.

There is fun for the whole family!!!  We will have pumpkin picking, Face Painting, Carnival Games, Bounce House, Mums and Fall Decor, and Chinese Auction Raffle Baskets, plus snacks and drinks, caramel apples and cider all in one great location.


We hope to see many of you there as we enjoy the beautiful fall festival and help families that are fighting the mystery of the Autism.

A Fathers Day Message from Meg Smith and Associates.

This month we celebrate Fathers Day.  As your local realtors we realize that when we help you search for the perfect house, we are not only finding you a home, but we are helping you find the perfect place where you will choose to build the future of your family.

In the eyes of a Dad, the yard becomes the playing field where his children will soon practice their sports and hobbies, the family room becomes the room that will soon be filled with toys and games, and the garage becomes the area that will provide for storage of bicycles and strollers.

There is no greater smile on the face of a Dad than when they see their children excel in their school academics and take part in the various athletic teams.   You see, greater than any job a Dad may have, is his job of being a father.  This job of being a vital role in the lives of our children is the most strenuous, yet most rewarding and  greater than any vision he has for himself, is the vision he has for his children. 
To all of the wonderful fathers out there who take the time to play with their children, attend the huge number of timely events, learn to use facebook, twitter and texts just to stay connected, pushed strollers through parks and maintain your beautiful home for your family to enjoy,  we thank you.  We thank you for your involvement, your love and your parenting.

As the saying goes “A father is a man who has replaced the currency in his wallet with the snapshots of his kids” .  Always know the time you spend never goes unnoticed, unwanted or unappreciated.  To all the great dads out there…Happy Fathers Day!

Meg Smith and Associates Memorial Day Tribute

As Memorial Day approaches we reflect on the men and women that have served our Country and lost their lives in doing so.  Not a day goes by that we are not grateful for the freedoms we share and in such, not a moment passes that we ever neglect to feel thankful for the blessings bestowed upon us by those to fought and made our freedom possible.

To the families of these soldiers we extend our heartfelt gratitude for the sacrifice you too have made in the loss of your loved one.  The honor given to our country by these individuals should be remembered every day of the year, and not just on Memorial Day.

God Bless all of you, and all of your families that are living without you, so that all of our families may live in Freedom.

Client Appreciation Day at Meg Smith and Associates is a Huge Success!

This year marked the kick off of our First Annual Meg Smith and Associates Client and Customer Appreciation Party!  Our Company loves to give back to the community, and this would not be possible had our community not helped to make us the success that we are.  Therefore, it was with great anticipation that we have an appreciation party in honor of all that have chosen our firm to represent them in the sales and purchases of their new homes, commercial properties and land investments.

The doors of Meg Smith and Associates were open to show our appreciation to all of our past clients and customer, business associates and friends, and what a huge suuccess it was.  With standing room only, we celebrated with our clients offering a wine tasting from the local Wines on Main in Bay Shore, some delicious foods, and some great giveaways.

Here at Meg Smith and Associates we are so gratetful to be able to represent the communities that we live and work in.  Our appreciation for our clients and customers will continue year after year with our Annual Client Appreciation Party!  We hope to have you on our invite list.  For all of your home buying and selling needs, please contact us at 631-647-7013.

Marching into April with Meg Smith and Associates

Marching Into April with Meg Smith and Associates......

     Birds chirping, flowers blooming, buyers shopping!  These are three reasons that the office of Meg Smith and Associates loves Marching into April with you!

     There is no doubt that in searching for a home, you must search all four seasons so you don't miss out on the perfect house for you, but statistics show that home sales are always at their highest in the spring.  There are several reasons for this, none of which surprise us.

     First, the sun shining and the smell of the green grass just on the rise makes your first step out of the door say "home".  Those who envision buying a home can't wait to design their own landscaping, plant their own flowers, and even mow their very own grass.  The curb appeal of a property in full bloom always feels so welcoming.

     Homeowners looking to sell their homes take great pride in the work that they have grown with love over the years.  That is why some sellers wait for this time to put their homes on the market, they know that their efforts will show!  The beauty of the landscape design that was covered in snow just a few weeks earlier will finally greet all visitors, and the blooming of the flowers that have been hidden away beneath the frost will come alive with color that fills the picturesque view of this home for all to see.

     Spring is also the time of re-organization for a home.  Many people refer to it as "spring cleaning", so when you shop for a home in the spring you are probably seeing a more organized home, because you are witnessing the hard work of the homeowner during the reorganization of closets and storage space they have just completed in their own spring cleaning.

   Lastly, Spring reminds us that summer is just around the corner.  This is the time that children are out of school, and also the time that making a move is timely for a family looking to relocate.  That is why shopping in the spring to plan to move in the summer is always a busy time for us.

     We at Meg Smith and Associates fully enjoyed climbing the snow mounds with you this winter to find you your perfect home, but we stand anxious and ready to take off the snow boots, and March with you into Spring..where beautiful homes await us!



 

* Photos the courtesy of 81 Adelhaide Lane East Islip NY
   

The Team "Spirit" of Meg Smith and Associates!

Meg Smith and Associates is truly blessed to have been visited by the very amazing Theresa Caputo, Long Island Medium just a few short months ago, and tomorrow night, Sunday, March 16th at 9:00 p.m. it will air on TLC.

Our Team "Spirit" had never been quite as forthcoming as it was on this particular day.  Our office is truly a second home to all of the agents.  A place where we find not only business and growth, but friendship and support.  Our agents have been there with one another through some difficult loss's of loved ones over the years and Meg Smith thought it would be a beautiful idea to heal the hearts of her staff and colleagues.  Meg emailed Theresa, shared her story, and here we are...being visited by the one and only Theresa Caputo.

As we entered our office we all had fears, hopes, expectations of what might take place.  One of the first words said was from Meg's Mother in Law when she shared that she wore the watch of her husband who passed in the hope that he would come through.  There were no camera's, no people, and certainly no Theresa there at the time.  So imagine the surprise of the office when the first thing that Theresa said was "Who is wearing the watch of their husband?"  From that point on, we sat straight up, and we listened, and we hoped and we learned.

The night went on with amazing accuracy.  Some hearts were mended and others were opened to believe in something they never could have imagined.  One of the messages that came forth was that of one of the agents fathers, who passed from cancer.  The whole office knew him as his fundraiser was held months prior in this exact location.  When this precious man passed, Meg Smith and Associates bought a tree in his honor, and around that tree sat little heart shaped rocks, collected by his grandson.  To our surprise Theresa asked "Who bought the tree?" and it was something the whole office was present for.  She knew of the heart shaped rocks.  She knew of the reason for that tree.  Infact, she knew and was able to touch on something from every single person in that office, and actually our office learned a few things too about one another.

We would love to share our "spirit" with you, and hope that you will tune in Sunday March 19th, 9:00 p.m. to see our "Team Spirit"!

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.