Authored by: Laurie Mindnich
October 19th, 2008

When we first moved to Southold, New York in 2002, there was a structure in our neighborhood called the General Wayne Inn.

Situated oddly, Sean’s father explained that he had in fact dined at this opulent eatery located in the residential area of Bayview- it was a destination spot often navigated on foot, as those in the area were able to combine a nice walk with a fine meal.

The building was abandoned when we viewed it, but still intact- clearly devastated by a fire of some sort, it was destined to deteriorate without immediate intervention.

Below are photos of this once-grand establishment, along with a recent town meeting addressing the uncertain future of this once glorious structure.

http://southoldtown.iqm2.com/citizens/Detail_PublicHearing.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=1106&MediaPosition=&ID=1150&CssClass=

It has increasingly become an eyesore, due to the lack of maintenance and preservation that the owner was unable to provide for it.

I’d love to see it purchased and restored, but as the years go by, all elements worthy of restoration seemingly grow legs- where a sign once proclaimed it’s identity, there is now simply an empty and rotting post.

Authored by: Laurie Mindnich
October 12th, 2008 

To those seeking either a permanent home or a vacation/retirement home on the North Fork of Long Island…here’s a glimpse of our landscape in the fall.

With so much being generated- legitimately- about the caution needed when entering a declining home market, there is no question but that a focus on pricing (and the deterioration thereof) is a short term issue worthy of serious consideration.  With the possible exception of waterfront (fundamentally limited), there is no telling what will occur with pricing over the next year. Or quite possibly, the year after that.

In the meantime, things go on- this weekend was one of pumpkins and sailing. The weather was extraordinary, and offered an opportunity to enter quiet waters (NO WIND today) and escape the onslaught of bad news, at least for a few hours.

For some, jumping on board and making a decision is fairly easy; buying a “lifestyle” is part of the package. On the North fork of Long Island, the abundance of open space, water and charm beckon those seeking to begin each day in a casual, yet spectacularly beautiful location.

Fall festivals and farm-stands dot the way home, with happy kids in Pumpkin nirvana.

Pricing has returned to levels of attainability, having soared upward only to spiral downward. The question remains: how much lower will they go? Further, is waiting to find out worth missing what can be achieved, at adjusted pricing and low interest rates, right now?

I’m not sure. What is certain, however, is that when you visit the North fork, you may not want to leave. That alone is something, isn’t it?

We’re here to assist you with your dream. Offering buyer agency, we’ll make every effort to get you the best possible price on your home of choice on the North fork, as well as provide you with all of the ammunition you need to determine if “now” is the right time for you, and for your life. Pressure doesn’t fit with the North fork lifestyle, so we’ll leave that at the door.

This friendship ball was passed to me by my buddy, Joan Mirantz. Always somewhat athletic, I've caught it, and am hoping that those to whom I toss it will catch it, as well!

 MIRIAM BERNSTEIN, WESTCHESTER NEW YORK REAL ESTATE

Miriam and I began at the relative beginning of AR, finding similar posts of interest and thus commenting. While we didn't always agree on some issues, Miriam has been the voice of reason in an environment that, to an outsider, seemed quite "unreasonable." What began as a dialogue of minor tension has evolved into a dialogue of support- even when viewing things from different perspectives. How to demonstrate my appreciation? I'll HAND Miriam the ball, instead of lobbing it at her. Thanks, Miriam, for the ongoing friendship- your value to me has been, at times, a lifeline, offering a perspective that originates from a REALLY smart real estate agent, often undergoing the same struggles that are encountered by me (just handled "better" by YOU)!

http://www.westchestercountynyrealestateonline.com/

http://www.mariepmeyer.com/

Marie Meyer is a brand new buddy. When she wrote a blog pertaining to a lack of seating for herself and her clients at a recent closing, it made me laugh- sort of! Marie, here's to an ongoing dialogue about missing chairs, and the nuances of a New York real estate market that gives us much to discuss! I just love running into people with whom a connection simply happens, and am grateful for a brand new friend! Pass it along...you'll probably be a whole lot better with the links than I am.

 Eugene Jones

http://www.yournjhousehunter.com/

Eugene and I have been back and forth on various blogs for some time now- one of those great commentors/bloggers with whom a connection just exists. Perhaps it's the NJ in me- but it's always a pleasure to hear from Eugene, and continuing with our dialogue (and viewing pics of his wonderful family) is something that is always a pleasure. It's wonderful to connect with people that have an ease about them, and pride in family that is sometimes part of the blog (I'm thinking of the vacation post). Thank you, Eugene, for the dialogue- now....CATCH!