Authored by: Laurie
April 26th, 2007 

Purchasing a home is a huge financial obligation. You know that.
Purchasing a home comes with complications- if you don’t know that, you’re about to find out.

Purchasing a home can be a JOY, or it can quickly turn into a bad experience, then a joy again, then an issue, etc.

If you drive around, see a Realtor Open House, and decide to stop in, keep this in mind: The moment that you conduct any conversation with respect to that property with the agent, you are jeopardizing your opportunity to be represented by a real estate agent hired BY you, to PROTECT your interests. This was not your intention- you were simply curious. Understanding the basics of buyer agency is an important part of any home buyer’s strategy, and an unintentional action on your part shouldn’t cost you financially, but it can.

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I just read an article in the Wall Street Journal- Realestatejournal (online) with an article that shared the writers opinion regarding buyer/seller representation.  The author feels that if a seller is selling, and then needs to buy (whether concurrent or not) the buying experience should ONLY involve a buyer broker, who would be separate of the agent that they used to sell their property.  Having given this some thought (I'm on-site for a builder today, and it's slow) while I initially disagreed, there is merit to her point.  I am still not in agreement, but will provide the points that brought her to her assessment:  selling agents are busy selling houses.  Buyer brokers have the time  to really examine properties, and find a proper fit for the buyer.  I know that the responses will include,  " it's about the relationship that I have, and I am capable of doing both" and other responses along those lines, but LOGICALLY, it makes sense.

Purchasing a second home is a luxury that more and more people are finding essential to their well being.  As cities become more congested, and even neighborhoods NEAR the city create driving anxiety, there is something very special about owning a go-to home that provides peace and quiet.  If you live in New York City, or one of the surrounding areas, pick a day (sunny) and spend some time in the OTHER Hamptons- the North Fork of Long Island.  You will find it relaxing, entertaining, different, and most important...SIMPLE. 

The simplicity of the North Fork is evident when, upon hitting either 25 or Sound Avenue, vegetable stands wait, unattended, for your change- in return, you'll enjoy incredible, home grown produce.  Just drop your quarters in the can- the prices are hand-written, and you are trusted.  Visit some tag sales on a weekend- you'll be astonished at the abundance of inexpensive decor that can be found, often antique and in wonderful condition.  After you've accumulated your treasures, check out the local papers- a list of activities for those aged from 2 to 102 are in abundance, and often, well attended.  As summer approaches, various fairs and festivals are imminent- in addition to the ongoing events held at local vineyards.  Live music, activities that charm, and fun are on the menu in this hidden gem.  Homes can be found for as little as 350k, and go up from there.

There are many, many unique neighborhoods available on the North Fork, with towns including Riverhead, Jamesport, Baiting Hollow, Mattituck, Laurel, Cutchogue, New Suffolk, Southold, Greenport, East Marion, and Orient.  Whether you are looking for a cozy home for a weekend retreat, or a waterfront home with endless entertaining possibilities, the North Fork of Long Island has it!

April 21st, 2007

It was dark, and the dogs needed a walk, so we set off. Just around the corner was a long, wooded street. There were no streetlights, so the feeling was eerie- akin to that childhood adrenaline rush when playing hide and seek with flashlights. A “Lions and tigers and bears” experience. We KNEW that we were being watched.

To continue reading Is Reydon Shores Bayview's BEST Neighborhood?, please follow our link. 

April 21st, 2007

It was dark, and the dogs needed a walk, so we set off. Just around the corner was a long, wooded street. There were no streetlights, so the feeling was eerie- akin to that childhood adrenaline rush when playing hide and seek with flashlights. A “Lions and tigers and bears” experience. We KNEW that we were being watched.

To continue reading Is Reydon Shores Bayview's BEST Neighborhood?, please follow our link. 

April 18th, 2007 

Recently, I have been employed with a highly respected national home builder.  This builder specializes in luxury condominium communities for those  fortunate enough to be fifty-five or… better.  I was close enough to the action to become involved in a very intimate purchasing decision from the fastest growing buying population- the tidal wave of baby boomers looking for a simpler existence.

I observed that people in this demographic are often unsure.  There is  confusion about a retirement community as opposed to an active adult community.  The notion of a truly premature deliverance to a retirement “home” is unthinkable to this group.  They are still YOUNG.  

To continue reading Fifty Five and…BETTER! A Lifestyle Change, please follow our link.

I'm tempted to leave it at that- after all, it's not often that this occurs- being able to say that, I mean.

OR, IS IT??

When this referral came into our real estate lives, we were looking forward to  meeting with the sellers.  Being a new company, what a coup- and a great start to locating buyers in this price point.  After all, just having the listing available for our use in advertising is terrific- what we could do with that on our almost finished web site/blog would be terrific.  And, this home is located in a fabulous neighborhood!

The sellers- a dream come true, for a real estate salesperson and broker.  Friendly, incredibly smart, good housekeepers...the whole package.  Well, almost the whole package. 

Upon investigation, and re-investigation (are we missing something?) it was discovered that, contrary to the price that these sellers wanted, it just ISN'T GOING TO HAPPEN in the real world.  OK- double checked- nope, it isn't going to happen in the real world.  Unless someone stumbles upon it, does absolutely no comp checking, ignores an appraisal at 700k less, and gets lead to closing- this buyer would have to be deaf, dumb and blind.  No redeeming water view, nothing millionish about the kitchens or baths, nothing intangible like a historical presence (this was built in 1978- still has that kitchen)...with comparables that have water views, updated kitchens, AND historical charm...

As I mentioned, the sellers are terrific.  Except for one detail.  They are COMPLETELY lacking in MOTIVATION.  They want 1.6- might take 1.4.  MIGHT. 

Our suggestion to them was to try another company- not because we couldn't get it sold, but we ABSOLUTELY wouldn't get it sold in a price point even close to their expectations.  We are set up as a company to SELL houses, not aggressively market (with the commensurate dollars) a house that is grossly overpriced.  Really, it's that simple.  We are a listing company, offering great rates- but houses have to CLOSE in order to create the success and credibility that we desire for our customers and ourselves.

Anyway, it DID get listed by a national company, at the 1.6.  I'll be keeping an eye on it- watching for the price reductions along the way.  Then, in a few years, when the market gets back to crazy highs, we'll wait for whomever has it to reach expiration, and approach the sellers again...they loved our low rates!