Date Archives: December 2020

You're ready to list your home among Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale. Naturally, you're eager to present the best face possible for potential buyers. You've read a lot of online tips for getting your home ready, and you've talked to real estate agents about what to do. But now that you've made your decision, it's time to get serious about your presentation. You may be surprised to find some challenges to what you think would appeal to or turn off potential buyers. Here's what you should know.

What Buyers Will Like or Dislike About Your Home

1. Clutter
   You already know this. Clutter and dirt are real turn-offs for potential buyers. Be prepared to either clean your home to the max or hire to have it done. And keep it pristine; potential buyers will not appreciate that "lived in" look you're used to.
   
   
2. Clean Oven
   The kitchen can be the deal-breaker when it comes to selling your home, so pay particular attention to the details. And yes, potential buyers are attracted to stainless steel appliances (we'll get to these in a minute), but more important is how clean your oven is. It should be spotless. If it's too well used to clean up nicely, you might have to consider replacing it. Dirty stoves and ovens really turn off home shoppers.
   
   
3. Stainless Steel Appliances
   They really do appeal if they are maintained with maximum gleam and shine. It turns out their reflective quality helps make the room look bigger, and that's always a plus when showing your home.
   
   
4. Clear Countertops
   Crowded countertops are often necessary as we go about our daily lives, but bite the bullet and eliminate as much clutter, be it appliances, cereal boxes, or cooking utensils, as possible while showing your home. Gather them up in a basket or container or put them away.
   
   
5. Converted Rooms
   Converted rooms, such as a garage that became a workshop or a dining room that became an office or playroom, typically don't present well with potential buyers. Experts say shoppers can't imagine the spaces as intended when they're not being used for their original purposes. Much as it may pain you, clear out the furnishings for the repurposed space and make it look like what it was designed for. When it comes to garage spaces, many home shoppers are looking for a space to park their car, so be advised.
   
   
6. Outdoor Accessibility
   Homebuyers will be drawn to outdoor accessibility. Make sure your outdoor spaces are inviting, and the doors leading to them are clean and appealing. Polish up the glass windows and keep them shiny.
   
   
7. No Collection Zone
   You may be proud of your personal collections of firearms, tchotchkes, or Hummel figurines, but collections or personal interests are distracting and have no place when you're trying to sell your home. Pack them up and store them till you move, sell them or give them away, but make sure they're out of sight when potential buyers tour.
   
   
8. Keep It Impersonal
   A home shopper does not need to know about your personal life. Take down your gallery of family photos and anything that indicates your personal business. This is not only to help buyers focus on your home and how they can imagine themselves living there but for your own security. Besides photos, clean up and put away business papers and remove anything that reveals political or religious affiliations.

Our REALTORS® can share more tips on the dos and don'ts for selling your home. Contact us today. 

Board games have existed for thousands of years, even as far back as Ancient Egypt in 3500 BCE. While our games today may look far different from the original chess and checkers boards, they all have one thing in common: to challenge, entertain, and bring us together. Pick out a new game or an old favorite from one of these game stores around Long Island.

• Boardwalk Games Inc —14 E. Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
  If you and your family are searching for the perfect board game for Games Day, head down to Boardwalk Games Inc first. This game store has a fine selection of classic tabletop games and the latest board games on the market. Whether you're searching for heirloom-quality wooden games or contemporary games that will become new favorites, make a game run down to Boardwalk Games, just a few blocks from the Port Jefferson homes for sale that you've been eyeing.
  
  
• Legendary Realms Games — 294 E. Montauk Hwy, Lindenhurst, NY 11757
  Specializing in board games and all other tabletop games, Legendary Realms Games is a great place to grab a game if you're in the area scouting Suffolk County homes for sale. If you happen to be a role-playing game fan, Legendary Realms manufactures terrain pieces and accessories that are all custom designed. You're welcome to purchase a game or play one of theirs, and if there's a favorite game that you want to share with others, bring it in and have fun with some new friends.
  
  
• A Store of Fire & Dice — 486 Merrick Rd., Lynbrook, NY 11563
  If their name rings a bell, then you know that A Store of Fire and Dice is the place for you. Their premier location near dozens of Nassau County homes for sale is ready to serve all of your geeky needs. From tabletop games to trading card games, live-action role-play to role-playing games, you'll have plenty to choose from. Grab one to take home or sit down and play with other avid gamers.
  
  
• Matty's Toy Stop — 1350 Peninsula Blvd., Hewlett, NY 11557
  Matty's Toy Shop has been the go-to for toys and games on Long Island since 1988. They evolved from a humble table at flea markets to one of the largest indie toy retailers in the United States. If you're in town checking out Hewlett homes for sale, we encourage you to shop for a board game and a few other holiday gifts. Matty's has a huge selection of unique toys and games that are educational, fun, and appropriate for ages infant and up.
  
  
• Main St. Board Game Café — 307 Main St., Huntington, NY 11743
  Main St. Board Game Café wants you to unplug from the tech-infused gaming of today and remember the magic of face-to-face tabletop board games. No one wants buyer's remorse, which is why Main St. Board Game Café is so unique. Located around the corner from recently renovated Huntington homes for sale, you and your group can sit at the café and play over 300 different board games. While you play, let their kitchen cook up favorites like grilled cheese sandwiches, nachos, milkshakes, and coffee.

Finding your dream home shouldn't be a roll of the dice. Contact us today to tour the latest listings in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

After a one-of-a-kind year, treat family and loved ones to a one-of-kind gift this holiday season. Join our REALTORS® in supporting local businesses by patronizing these amazing shops around Long Island. 

1. What a Girl Wants - 3490 Merrick Rd., Seaford, NY 11783
   Any female on your list will be delighted with a gift from What a Girl Wants. With their extensive selection of clothing and accessories, jewelry, and home decor, the family-owned shop offers something to suit every personal taste. They even have an assortment of gift items for the man in your life. What a Girl Wants provides free shipping for orders over $100. Hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.
   
   
2. Wrapping It Up - 180 Park Ave., Amityville, NY 11701
   Do you have that one person you just don't know how to shop for? Problem solved with a unique gift from Wrapping It Up. The shop features more than 350 kinds of candy, nuts, and chocolate along with gift items from Crabtree & Evelyn, Melissa & Doug, and other top brand names. Shop "a la carte" or have the cheerful staff package your selections in a delightful gift basket. Visit the website or call 631.598.4400 to order.
   
   
3. Oodles of Doodles - 2322 Merrick Rd., Merrick, NY 11566 
   Honestly, Oodles of Doodles is just plain fun to say. But this charming shop is a great source for personalized, hand-painted kids' gifts that will remain keepsakes forever. Choose from a wide range of products such as rocking chairs, toy boxes, and doll furniture that will put a smile on any child's face. Oodles of Doodles is open 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, and noon - 3 Sunday.
   
   
4. Long Island Country Life - 237 Middle Country Rd., Selden, NY 11784
   Long Island Country Life is dedicated to the idea that a home should be an oasis. Their wide array of home decor products, from ornaments and wall hangings to Adirondack chairs and beer-barrel tables, create a cozy, rustic ambiance in any home. Hours are 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.
   
   
5. Wit & Whim - 6 Carlton Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050
   The term "retail therapy" takes on added depth at Wit & Whim. The chic, boutique-style shop carries vintage, modern, and handmade goods created by local artists around Port Washington homes for sale. In addition, part of the profits are donated to charitable community organizations. Wit & Whim is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
   
   
6. Willy Nilly Trading Company - 153 W. Main St., Bay Shore, NY 11706
   When Willy Nilly Trading Company opened in 2000, the downtown area was beginning a major turnaround. The shop's quirky selection of clothing, home decor and gifts proved so popular that the shop eventually expanded by 2,000 square feet. Co-owner Marilyn Schulman incorporated her family's home and lighting business into the mix as Willy Nilly @ Home. Hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday.

Shopping Nassau County homes for sale? Maybe you want to market your house among Suffolk County homes for sale. Whatever your Long Island real estate needs, contact us at Coach Realtors for cheerful and experienced help.

Cold winter weather combined with holiday distractions typically makes this the slowest time of the year for the housing market. However, current market conditions point to this winter's "slow" season being super hot! 

Our REALTORS® have been busy helping buyers who are anxious to find the perfect Nassau County homes for sale while interest rates are low. Other factors, like pent-up demand and low inventory, have made this a great time to put your home on the market. Here's a closer look at the reasons why this holiday season may be the best time to list your home.

1. Low Housing Inventory
   In September of 2020, the total inventory of homes hit a record low of just 2.7 months of supply. At the same time, sales of existing homes were up 9.4%. Projections show that if sales continue at this rate, there's a possibility we could actually run out of homes for sale. 
   
   While this might not be great news for buyers, it makes now a very attractive time to put your home on the market.
   
   
2. Pent-Up Demand 
   Spring is usually the best time to list your home since that's when buyer demand spikes. However, in 2020, spring marked the beginning of pandemic lock-downs that caused the real estate market to grind to a halt. Now that things are starting to open back up, buyers are eager to jump back into their home search.
   
   
3. A Need to Upsize 
   The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot about the way we live. Many people are working and schooling at home. Almost everyone is spending more of their free time at home as well. This has resulted in a large group of buyers who are fed up with their current spaces and ready to make a move.
   
   Each day, we talk to buyers who are looking for Suffolk County homes for sale with features like large back yards and extra space for a home office. 

4. Low Interest Rates
   Mortgage interest rates also recently hit the 12th record low of the year. This puts them at the lowest they've been in over 50 years! Many buyers who realize they can save tens of thousands of dollars over the lifetime of their mortgage by buying now are out on the prowl for a suitable home.
   
   
5. Bidding Wars 
   All of these factors have combined to create the best seller's market we've experienced in quite some time. Not only are many sellers getting top dollar for their homes, but bidding wars sometimes result in offers climbing well above the asking price. In fact, according to Realtor.com, in September of 2020, the median home price was up 11.1% compared to the previous year. The price per square foot was also up by 13.9% year-over-year.
   
   
6. Delayed Economic Consequences 
   It's possible that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will cause a sharp decline in the economy. However, it's unlikely that this will impact the real estate market at least for a few months. If you've been thinking about selling, doing it now before more uncertainty strikes again could be your best bet. 

If a home sale is on your holiday wish list, Coach Realtors can help! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.