Date Archives: March 2020

Need a space for a home office but aren't sure where it should go? If you've got a spare room, then it's a no brainer. But if all your rooms already have a function, it may be a little trickier. Your office location may also hinge on whether you're working remotely and need a place to work fulltime, or you just need a place to pay bills.

Regardless of where you decide to set up, creating a dedicated office space can be fun. And as our REALTORS® around Long Island will tell you, it can also be a selling point that will make your home a stand out among other Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale. Here are five possibilities for your home office.

Choosing a Home Office Space

1. Spare room. That spare room where you're stowing your unused stuff is the most obvious choice for your home office. Even if you've got a bed and chest of drawers in there for guests, you can still make room for a desk, some shelves, and a file cabinet. With today's computer equipment being so compact, you probably won't need that much space, but arrange things so you're not cramped. Get rid of stored items so it feels more like a serious workspace.
   
   Think light and airy when decorating. The days of dark wood and dim lighting are done. Choose simple, contemporary furniture with modern lines in grays, shades of white and black, but liven things up with a splash of color from pillows, a painting or framed photograph, or bold-colored drapes. Make your space comfortable so it's not like a prison and you dread going there.
   
   
2. Garage, basement or attic. If your garage, basement or attic is unfinished, consider renovating it for office space. You'll need drywall and insulation, carpeting or rugs over concrete floors, and some kind of heating — maybe a ductless mini-split, which can heat and cool and doesn't require ductwork. Just make sure it's warm and cozy, or you won't want to work there. Section your garage space off from tools and car with partitions.
   
   
3. Outdoor office. Manufactured sheds and outdoor buildings are being used these days for myriad purposes, including offices and studios, and can be finished out so that they're warm and habitable with ceramic heaters or mini-splits. Think carefully about windows and lighting if you have one of these built. 
   
   Another desirable feature about an outdoor office is you can close the door for privacy, or invite clients to come inside — which can be awkward inside your home.
   
   
4. Dining room table. This isn't the optimal choice but if space is at a premium, it may be your only choice. Use the dining room table or a kitchen counter for your laptop, and move your filing cabinet into a storage space or closet when you're not using it. It's really not advisable to work in a bedroom or any room where you usually relax, as you'll be drawn to think about finishing your work rather than sleeping or chilling out.
   
   
5. Closet. You may be blessed with a huge walk-in closet that you don't need for clothing and shoes. It can be ideal for a small office, with a work table, filing cabinet and even shelves and pegboard. Keep it neat and simple; paint the facing wall a calming color such as coral, light blue, or mint.

Our agents have other hints for creating an office space in your new or renovated Suffolk or Nassau County home for sale. Contact us today. 

Spring is in the air, and our REALTORS® are excited about the return of warm weather and prime running conditions! Nassau and Suffolk counties host countless 5K runs and walks throughout the spring and summer months, and we have an equally wide range of great places to train for your next race. When you're ready to hit the trail, be sure to check out these great running destinations!

• West Hills County Park - Sweet Hollow Road, Huntington, NY 11747
  Considered by those in the know to be a hidden gem among Suffolk County parks, the charming landscape of West Hills County Park is a perfect place to run this spring. Located close to these Huntington homes for sale, the park includes miles of scenic and well-groomed nature trails in a mixed deciduous forest. The highlight of the park is the Walt Whitman Trail, which crosses the highest point on Long Island, the 400-foot "peak" of Jayne's Hill.
  
  
• Trail View State Park - 8101 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY 11797
  One of the great hiking and running destinations on Long Island, Trail View State Park is a 7.4-mile linear park that passes through of the most picturesque forests, marshlands and fields in the region. The trail is beautifully maintained and serves as a link in the Nassau/Suffolk Greenbelt Trail, which extends from the north shore of Suffolk County all the way to the south shore of Nassau County.  There are numerous locations where you can access the trail, including the primary trailhead in Woodbury, just minutes from many Nassau County homes for sale. 
  
  
• Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail - Main Street, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776
  Offering a clean asphalt surface for running, walking and cycling, the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail is a great resource for Suffolk County runners. The trail was built in two sections in 2009 and 2014 and now stretches 3.4 miles through forests, farmlands, and meadows between Setauket and Port Jefferson Station. Plans are currently underway to extend the trail a further 10 miles along a future rails-to-trails route. You'll find the Port Jefferson trailhead near the intersection of Main Street and Hallock Avenue, just near these Port Jefferson homes for sale. 
  
  
• Sans Souci County Park - Broadway Ave., Sayville, NY 11782
  With a name that means "without worry" in French, Sans Souci County Park lives up to its moniker, offering more than 300 acres of shady woods and picturesque ponds. Surrounded by Suffolk County homes for sale, the park is also a nature preserve, harboring a rich diversity of plant and animal life. Two trails, the 1.3-mile White Loop and the 2-mile Orange Loop provide ample ground for runners to get in shape among some of Long Island's most serene scenery. 
  
  
• Heckscher State Park - 1 Heckscher State Parkway, East Islip, NY 11730
  With five trails ranging from 1.5 to over 13 miles in length, Heckscher State Park is a great destination for runners and hikers of all skill and fitness levels. Opened in 1922, this long-standing favorite preserves 1,600 acres of woods and wetlands, including a long stretch of beach along Long Island's south shore. Just minutes from numerous East Islip homes for sale, the park also includes a section of the 31-mile Long Island Greenbelt Trail, one of our all-time favorite running routes. 

With spring on the horizon, we're excited to be able to hit the trails once again here on Long Island! Contact us today to learn more about life in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Spring is often the busiest period of real estate activity in the year. And it makes sense because of the warm weather and the number of buyers actively searching for a new home during the season. But with all that comes competition, and the fact that you'll need to put in a bit of extra effort to showcase your property in the best light. Our REALTORS® share these spring selling tips to make your stand out in a crowded market

• Create Curb Appeal
  Since the walkway, lawn, shrubs, and front are seen first, you want to put some extra effort into making these areas look as good as you can. Keeping the outside tidy, well-kept, and inviting will make buyers want to see the inside of your home. It's important to tidy your yard, fix dead or bald patches in the grass, keep the grass cut, maintain flowers and shrubs, clean up plants' pots, and edge along sidewalks. If you don't have any plants or flowers, it would be nice to get some because almost everyone likes flowers.
  
  Also, touch up or completely repaint your house to give it a new, fresh look. If you're feeling creative, get some exterior furniture to fill your visitors' minds with endless possibilities for garden parties and relaxation. Remember to freshen the shutters and improve the mailbox.
  
  
• Declutter
  With the outdoor are of your home looking lively and well-maintained, you can focus on maximizing the property's interior and making it look livable. Nothing says "unappealing" like a property full of clutter. Help prospects focus on your home instead of the pile of coats and shoes by the entryway. Move things you no longer use and keep your home organized. Getting started is the most difficult part of decluttering, so take one room or part of a room at a time and get the work done.
  
  Some of the areas to declutter include entryways, bedrooms, kitchen, cabinets, closets, pantry, furniture, and electronic equipment. If you need to get rid of clutter, sell items online, have a garage sale, or donate anything you don't need.
  
  
• Spring Clean
  Spring brings with it the feeling of renewal and a fresh start. Take advantage of the longer days and better weather to make your house sparkling clean. Polishing your floors, windows, mirrors, chrome fittings, light fixtures, walls, and furniture will make your home dazzle as the light stream in through the windows. Pull back all of your drapes and curtains and open windows to air it out and get rid of residual stuffiness. If you have pets, wash their toys, beds, and blankets. If cleaning is not your thing, get professionals to help you create a great impression on buyers.
  
  
• Keep Things Neutral
  If you decide to put a fresh cost of paint on your walls, use neutral colors, along the lines of grey, beige with no extravagant elements that steal the show. It may sound counterintuitive to go neutral while trying to stand out. But neutral colors don't distract potential buyers. Instead, they allow buyers to picture their own lives unfolding in your home. If you're concerned about looking too bland, use accent colors for pillows or pretty flower vases around the house.
  
  
• Do Pre-Inspection Repairs
  The need for repairs can cut back on your profits if the seller's inspector finds something wrong in your home. It usually costs less to make appropriate repairs before a home inspection. If you haven't maintained your home, consider hiring your own home inspector to conduct pre-inspection repairs before your home goes on the market. Among the things you would look at include HVAC, plumbing, structure and foundation, deck, electrical, presence of mold, deteriorated roofs, interior appliances, basements, crawlspaces, and attics.

These simple tips will make your home stand out from the crowd and maximize the impact it has on potential buyers. Our team can help you achieve your selling goals and develop a solid marketing strategy for your property. Contact us today to get started.

It's no surprise that the man who said, "Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living" gave us How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, The Cat in the Hat, and Yertle the Turtle. On Monday, March 2, take a break from touring Nassau County homes for sale and Suffolk County homes for sale to honor Dr. Seuss's birthday. Celebrate Read Across America Day with a trip to one of these wonderful local bookstores and libraries.

• The Dolphin Bookshop & Café - 299 Main St., Port Washington, NY 11050
  While they have a wonderful selection of books, The Dolphin Bookshop & Café is more than just a place to find reading material. With events and activities including live music, art exhibits, and PTA meetings, The Dolphin serves as a vibrant gathering place for the community around Port Washington homes for sale. Bookshop hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.
  
  
• Book Revue - 313 New York Ave., Huntington, NY 11743
  At 17,500 square feet of space, Book Revue is the largest independent bookstore in Long Island. Despite the size, the family-owned shop maintains a unique character and personality not found in big-box national chains near Huntington homes for sale. Register your book club with Book Revue and members are eligible for discounts and other perks. Authors who have visited Book Revue include fascinating and diverse personalities such as Run-DMC, Hillary Clinton, Mariano Rivera, and J.K. Rowling. Book Revue is open from 9:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday.
  
  
• Friends of the Library Used Book Shop - 150 E. Main St., Port Jefferson, NY 11777
  Buying books to support a good cause is a win-win. Proceeds from sales at Friends of the Library Used Book Shop help fund facilities, materials, and programs of the Port Jefferson Free Library. All books are tagged with a suggested price, but sales are by donation so you can pay whatever you deem appropriate. Inventory constantly turns over, so you'll find something new on every visit. Stop by during a day of viewing Port Jefferson homes for sale. Hours are 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. weekdays, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.
  
  
• Smithtown Library - 1 North Country Road, Smithtown, NY 11787
  From its modest beginning with a few books stored in a law office, the Smithtown Library has grown to become the largest library system on Long Island. Learn more about the history and tradition of the area surrounding Smithtown homes for sale through the exhibits, programs, and collections in the Long Island Room. The library showcases other visual media with art exhibits and Friday movie screenings. Hours are 9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.
  
  
• Manhasset Public Library - 30 Onderdonk Ave., Manhasset, NY 11030
  The beautiful, spacious three-story building housing the Manhasset Public Library, right down the street from Manhasset homes for sale, accommodates a number of functions. There are separate areas for kids, teens, and adults along with quiet reading nooks, study rooms, and a vending machine "café." Exercise your body as well as your mind with on-site Zumba, yoga, stretching, and meditation classes. The library is open weekdays from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. (later opening at 11 a.m. Tuesday), 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, and noon - 5 p.m. Sunday.

Turn fantasy into reality with the home of your dreams. Contact us at Coach Realtors to get started.