Date Archives: July 2021

For some people, there's something alluring and almost whimsical about living in an old house. It's the history, the craftsmanship, and the nostalgic factor that you can't find in a newer build. If you're looking for a home whose walls are filled with history, our REALTORS® can help you find the home of your dreams.

It's no secret that old houses carry a lot of charm and character. They just don't build them like they used to anymore. But for all their charms, buying an older house is a complicated affair. You must be prepared to spend more money long-term than your initial listing price. Even then, you might run into some issues.

Here are a few things you need to look out for when buying an old house.

What Counts As an Older Home?

Age is subjective when it comes to houses. As a general rule of thumb, an old house is one that's fifty years or older, and one built before 1920 is considered antique. But again, housing age is subjective – it's a condition based on numerous factors, including location, architectural style, and even local climate and geology.

For instance, houses in urban cores across the country, such as New York and Massachusetts, tend to be older, averaging over 50 years old.

To help you do your due diligence, here are the factors you need to consider when buying an older home.

• Construction Style
  In most cases, the construction style of a home is an indicator of its quality. Prefabricated homes are generally constructed to lower quality standards than custom-built new homes. Homes constructed in the Tudor, Craftsman, Victorian, or Queen Anne styles are usually solidly built, more durable, and can handle several rounds of repairs and renovations.

• Climate and Geology
  Certain climates can age a home. Houses in desert areas and places that experience extreme weather conditions tend to age faster. A house in Chicago will need repairs sooner than one in milder climates. Geological factors such as earthquakes, sinkholes, and high water tables can also accelerate the aging process. Homes in geologically active areas will require more repair and maintenance over their lifetime as such activities can lead to structural damage.

Things to Pay Attention to When Buying an Old House

If the age of a home is subjective, what are the factors you should pay attention to more? Here's a breakdown.

• Foundation Issues
  When buying an old home, two inspections are better than one. A structural inspection can reveal the extent of foundation issues if any. These issues could range from small settlement cracks to damaged support footings. Look out for wall cracks, windows that won't open, and doors that won't latch. Such minor issues could indicate a larger, more inherent problem.
  
  
• Lead and Asbestos
  Lead and asbestos are neurotoxic materials that were used in piping systems and insulations until relatively very recently. Lead is common in many pre-World War II plumbing systems and in paints made before 1978. Asbestos wasn't banned in residential applications until the late 1980s. In addition, you have to look out for toxic gases, such as Radon, that could severely impact air quality. These issues also necessitate a rigorous inspection process.
  
  
• Previous Renovations
  Old homes have likely changed hands many times over. An inspection could highlight recent renovations and ensure that the house is up to code and industry standards. Some old and antique houses have been updated so many times that it's difficult to determine their age. Sometimes the only remaining original components are the foundation and exterior of the house.

Looking for Some Old School Charm?

Buying an old house has its challenges. With smart planning and the right realtor by your side, you can find a property that's well worth the hassle. Check out our Nassau County homes for sale and Suffolk County homes for sale to find vintage homes with some of that old-school charm. Contact us, and we can help you navigate the hurdles that come with buying an older home.

Grabbing lunch or dinner at a food truck is such a great way to get out there and experience a new cuisine. Or, of course, you can enjoy a tried-and-true favorite. The Long Island area has quite a bustling food truck scene. You could try a new truck every day for a month, but here are some top trucks our REALTORS® recommend visiting first.

• Better Burger: 473 CR 111, Manorville NY, 11949
  If you're looking at Suffolk County homes for sale, stop by Better Burger for a delicious pick-me-up. They offer a great selection of signature burgers and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. The breakfast grilled cheese is a fan favorite.
  
  Better Burger has plenty of picnic tables where you can sit and enjoy your meal around the food truck. Their shakes are a delicious way to end the evening.
  
  
• Good Eats Grill: 110 W. 9th St., Huntington NY, 11746
  Good Eats Grill is a food truck that conveniently operates near Huntington homes for sale. They update their location often on their social media pages, so they're easy to track down.
  
  This food truck is known for its macaroni and cheese balls, which are gooey and delicious. They rotate through tons of other delicious options, from lobster tails, to grilled steaks, to egg rolls. 
  
  
• Katie's Food Truck: 145 W. Main St., Smithtown NY, 11787
  If you're looking at Stony Brook homes for sale, stop by Katie's Food Truck for lunch or dinner. The focus here is on California cuisine, and tacos are a fan favorite. The macaroni and cheese cones are also a hit.
  
  Katie's updates their location often on social media. They often serve outside their main location, but you'll sometimes find the truck at the Riverheads Outlets or the Walt Whitman Mall.
  
  
• Island Empanada: 314 Commack Rd., Commack NY, 11725
  For something a little different, stop by Island Empanada, a food truck operating near Commack homes for sale. You'll see their truck at a lot of local carnivals and car shows, too.
  
  In addition to empanadas, this truck serves other Mexican and Latin American favorites like tostones and fried plantains. They even offer plant-based empanadas, a vegetarian-friendly option. 
  
  
• Picante Tex Mex: 5507 Nesconet Hyw. Ste 16, Mount Sinai NY, 11766
  If you're out looking at Mount Sanai homes for sale and find yourself in the mood for Tex-Mex cuisine, Picante Tex Mex is the place to go. They travel all over Long Island, bringing delicious food along for the ride.
  
  A favorite at Picante Tex Med is the nachos. You can have them topped with your choice of protein, along with lettuce, jalapeno peppers, sour cream, guac, and pico de gallo. Their chimichangas and chalupas are also to die for. 
  
  
• Taste Buddyz: 226 Westbury Ave., Carle Place NY, 11514
  Taste Buddyz is a food truck worth visiting after a long day of looking at Nassau County homes for sale. They consider themselves to be street food specialists, and it certainly tastes like it!
  
  Favorites at Taste Buddyz include the chopped cheese empanada and the barbecue pulled pork sandwich. They also serve jalapeno poppers, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and an array of other treats. The apple caramel empanadas are the perfect way to end a meal.

Stopping by a food truck is the perfect option after a long day of house hunting. Plus, it allows you to explore the area a bit more and dive into the local cuisine. If you are searching for homes on Long Island and are looking for a real estate agent, don't hesitate to contact us.

As pet owners, the last thing we want to think about is our furry family members getting hurt in a fire. Sadly, over half a million pets are affected by house fires each year, and over 1,000 of those house fire incidents are started by pets. Having a pet fire safety plan is an invaluable and essential way to save your home and your pet. July 15th is National Pet Fire Safety Day, and our REALTORS® have put together these tips to inspire you to develop a fire safety plan that includes your pets.

Preventing Your Pet from Starting a Fire

• Extinguish Open Flames
  Never leave pets unattended around open flames on candles and fireplaces. Candles are great for a relaxed evening, but with a curious furry pal or a wagging tail, they can be quite the danger. You may want to switch to a battery-operated flameless candle to save your pet and property from needless harm. If your pet loves to cozy up near the fireplace, consider an enclosed gas fireplace or pet gate to ensure they keep a safe distance.
  
  
• Remove Stove Knob
  A stove or cooktop is a major cause of fires started by pets. A curious pet who climbs around the kitchen can hit a stove knob, turning up a flame or turning on the gas. Be sure to remove knobs or use knob covers before leaving the house. Secure young or untrained pets in crates or behind baby gates to keep them away from potential hazards when you're away from home.
  
  
• Secure Electrical Cords
  Electrical cords can be tempting to a playful kitty or pup. And sometimes, pets think that the cords are chew toys. Of course, your best bet would be training them to stay away, but securing the wires and cords will ensure they'll have no chance of sparking a fire or electrocuting your pet. Use ties to bundle cords or enclose them in a conduit. Also, dispose of or repair damaged cords.

Prepare in Case of Fire

• Upgrade Your Smoke Detectors
  While it's obviously important to ensure your home has functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, you may want to think about using monitored smoke detectors for pet fire safety. These devices are connected to a monitoring center. In a situation where a fire breaks out when you're not at home, emergency responders would be alerted and dispatched immediately to rescue your furry companion.
  
  
• Make an Emergency Plan
  If a fire starts, you may have as little as two minutes to evacuate your home. As such, it's important to create and practice a fire evacuation plan with your pet. Identify all the exits for your escape route, place one family member in charge of the pets, and have leashes and pet emergency items stored near an exit. Run a scenario where you find your pet and get them out of the house and also practice exit open access drills. This will help them get used to coming outside when their name is called out.
  
  
• ID Your Pet
  It's important to microchip your pet or get them a collar with an ID tag. Proper and updated information can help ensure your pet is found and returned home safely if they flee because of the noise and danger of house fire.
  
  
• Keep Your Pet Near an Exit
  You may enjoy giving your pet a free run of the house, but keeping them in a designated area close to the exit provides a better chance of getting out in case of fire. You can achieve this by crating your pet or creating a space in the foyer. If you don't crate, you need to know where your pet likes to nap or hide when stressed or scared.
  
  
• Get Pet Fire Safety Stickers
  Place pet fire stickers on the front and back windows of your home. These will let the firefighters know how many and what kind of pets are in the house.

If you're looking at Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale, we understand that you'll be making your pet part of the home-buying process. Our REALTORS® love animals and can help you find a home that's perfect for all family members, including four-legged ones. Contact us today to learn more.

Wednesday, July 7th, is World Chocolate Day! You should celebrate with a trip to a chocolate shop, to get some good, high-quality chocolate. Our REALTORS® can help you find the perfect home for you, but where can you find delicious chocolate in the Long Island area? Here are our picks for the best candy shops and chocolatiers to help you celebrate Chocolate Day the right way.

• Kilwins Chocolates - 109D Main St., Port Jefferson, NY 11777
  Kilwins prides itself on both high-quality chocolate and great customer care. With locations all around the country, there's one in Port Jefferson that features both in-store shopping and DoorDash delivery. Their selection includes delicious, hand-paddled fudge (buy two slices, get one free), their signature rich, creamy ice cream, and of course, a variety of chocolates and truffles of all types. Their products are all lovingly made on-site and a treat for anyone who stops by.
  
  
• Chocolate Works - 160 Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington Station, NY 11746
  With several locations around Long Island, including one in Walt Whitman Shops mall in Huntington Station, Chocolate Works has something for every taste and price range. That includes gourmet, Belgian chocolate truffles, hand-dipped, chocolate-covered cinnamon bun pretzels, and a variety of delicious sugar-free options, from vanilla caramels to cognac cherries. You can even special order a chocolate pizza for parties and events. Plus, they offer chocolate workshops, where you and your family can learn to make sweet treats of your own!
  
  
• Sugared Up - 522 Main St., Islip, NY 11751. This Islip gem has both a candy shop and a cafe, which provide a plethora of amazing chocolate products. The candy shop features fresh truffles, chocolate-covered pretzels, and much more, all lovingly handmade. They also do beautiful gift baskets for every occasion. The cafe includes a wide assortment of hand-dipped milkshakes, in every flavor you can imagine, from birthday cake to cookie butter to Nutella and more. So whether you go to the shop, the cafe, or both, Sugared Up is the perfect place to get your chocolate fix.
  
  
• Jacques Torres Chocolate - 630 Old Country Rd., Garden City, NY 11530
  Widely known as Mr. Chocolate, Jacques Torres is one of the best chocolatiers anywhere. You may have seen him as the head judge on Netflix's Nailed It! He has several Jacques Torres Chocolate shops around New York, including one in the Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City. There are chocolate chip cookies, macarons, a bonbon counter, and of course, Jacques Torres's signature hot chocolate.
  
  
• Minty's Candies and Treats - 33 S. Broad St., Norwich, NY 13815
  Minty's Candies and Treats is a wonderful, locally-owned candy shop in Norwich. Open Tuesday through Saturday, they sell a variety of chocolates and truffles, as well as four different types of fudge: chocolate, peanut butter, chocolate peanut butter, and chocolate nut. They also sell several different types of chocolate pizza, both whole and by the slice - and don't forget the chocolate wings! Minty's even sells a selection of retro candies that many customers may remember from their youth, such as Mallo Cups and Charleston Chew bars. Whatever you're looking for, Minty's has just about everything you need to celebrate World Chocolate Day.

Whether you're looking for Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale, there's guaranteed to be some excellent chocolate nearby. Contact us to help you find a home in the area that's convenient to everything you need.