Date Archives: December 2021

You may think that once the snow begins to fall, it's too late to start on home improvements, but our REALTORS® would advise you otherwise. You may not be able to do much outdoors, but inside is another story. In fact, if the work you need requires a contractor, you may be able to find one offering lower rates as available jobs dwindle. Whether you have just purchased your home or are getting the house ready for sale in the spring, several projects will make you more comfortable now and increase your profits later. 

• Insulating the Attic
  You may not even need to hire a contractor to make your home more comfortable, decrease energy costs and get a great return on your investment. The ROI comes in at a whopping 116.9 percent. Add to that a tax credit of up to $500. If you thought this project was too pricy, you might be surprised that it could cost under $400 to purchase and install. With numbers like that, you are looking at a project that literally pays for itself.
  
  
• Update the Thermostat
  This is a project that works for any budget. Prices for programmable thermostats range anywhere from $30 to $300 but will save you from $10 to $20 a month. There are plenty of options available, some even offering remote control. You can reduce energy consumption when no one is home and adjust the temperature to your comfort level so that you walk into pre-programmed comfort. A seasoned do-it-yourselfer may be able to install one, but most homeowners will need the services of an electrician. The good news is that the cost will be minimal as the process takes minutes to complete. 
  
  
• Stop Air Leaks
  You can reduce the cost of heating and cooling your home by simply sealing air leaks with caulking or weatherstripping. For just a few dollars, you can eliminate most drafts. You'll want to caulk spaces around doors and window frames, paying attention to pipes and vents as well. Add or update the weather stripping to seal moveable components such as sliding glass doors and windows. This project takes a little time but doesn't require particular skills or experience. For less than $30, you can dramatically affect the comfort and energy efficiency of your home.
  
  
• Repaint the Interior
  If you are selling soon, this is a great time to inspect the walls and fill in any dings or holes. Choose white or another neutral color that will work with any color scheme, so potential buyers can readily picture their own belongings in the house. You may find this easier if you declutter the rooms first, putting collections and other personal items you are not using in storage. This will give you a good jump start on your own move, too. The size of the house and the quality of paint will dictate the cost, but on average, you can paint for under $500 and make the home look larger and cleaner to potential buyers.
  
  
• Give Doors a Facelift
  What's the first thing a buyer will see when entering the house? Inside and out, doors take a beating. Fingerprints and scuff marks make them look old and tired. A fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or even just cleaning up aging brass can make the entire home look more inviting. This cost-effective project will cost between $30 and $200.

If you're thinking of adding your house to the Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale, contact us for more ways to boost your profits.

Monday, December 13th is an important day, especially for music lovers. It's Violin Day! Invented in the 1500s, the violin has since become an important instrument across various genres of music, from classical to hard rock. What better way to honor it than by visiting one of the great music shops on Long Island. Here are some top music shops our REALTORS® recommend.

• Lewis Music: 278 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola, NY 11501
  Lewis Music is a locally owned music store not far from many Garden City homes for sale. They sell string instruments, including violins. Some are new, and others are used on consignment. The store also sells bows and offers bow repair services.
  
  Lewis Music also sells guitars and band instruments, and they offer both in-person and virtual music lessons. If you're not quite ready to buy your own instrument, ask about their rental program.
  
  
• Laconia Music Center: 410 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY 11040
  Laconia Music Center is a music store just minutes from Floral Park homes for sale. They opened in 1960 and have been serving the Long Island community ever since.
  
  This store offers violins and other orchestra string instruments with straightforward pricing. They're also known for their selection of less-common instruments, including tubas, bassoons, and contrabasses. Aspiring musicians of all ages can take lessons at their modern studio.
  
  
• Poppa's Music Music: 168 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola, NY 11501
  Take a break from looking at Nassau County homes for sale, and stop by Poppa's Music Music to look at the instruments. They have an impressive selection of guitars, pianos, and woodwinds.
  
  Poppa's Music Music also offers rentals, including violins and larger string instruments like cellos. They have some smaller instruments to suit school children, too. If you already own a violin or other instrument and need it fixed, visit their repair center.
  
  
• Munro Music: 416 Larkfield Rd., East Northport, NY 11731
  Munro Music is within easy reach of East Northport homes for sale. They offer violin and viola lessons for all ages. You could even learn how to play the cello, the bass version of the violin. Their one-on-one, private teaching style makes it easier to learn at your own pace.
  
  Munro Music also sells sheet music, and they rent band and orchestra instruments for the school year and summer. 
  
  
• The Instrument Store: 81H E. Jeftyn Blvd., Deer Park, NY 11729
  If you're looking at Dix Hills homes for sale, then The Instrument Store is a good place to celebrate Violin Day. They've been in business since 1991, and they carry a great selection of instruments, from saxophones to guitars.
  
  The Instrument Store often offers open box deals, which are a good way to save when buying an instrument. If they have to order an instrument for you, they always offer free shipping. 
  
  
• The Music Zoo: 123 Smith St., Farmingdale, NY 11735
  The Music Zoo has such a creative name, and its employees are just as creative and lovely. Open since 1994, this is a great music shop to visit if you're looking at West Islip homes for sale.
  
  The Music Zoo sells some of the best brands, from Gibson to Taylor. They're also a great place to pick up amps and various musical accessories. 

Whether you play the violin, have always wanted to learn, or just like admiring the art behind these gorgeous string instruments, stopping at one of these music shops is sure to be enjoyable. Contact us if you need help finding homes for sale nearby.

Nothing makes a man look and feel better than a well-fitted suit and tie. Since December is National Tie Month, why not take some inspiration from it to upgrade your wardrobe? To help you get started, our REALTORS® have rounded up six of the best menswear shops around Long Island in the list below. 

• Bertalia - 15 N. Park Ave., Rockville Centre, NY 11570 
  Bertalia has been helping men around our Rockville Centre homes for sale dress to impress since 2002. Their suit department is extensive and includes a multitude of tie options in both colorful and subdued designs. Their expert staff is always on hand to provide fashion advice to shoppers who need it, and they even offer in-house tailoring services upon request.
  
  
• Joseph & Joseph - 132 7th St., Garden City, NY 11530 
  If you're looking for one-on-one guidance while shopping for your suits and ties, Joseph & Joseph is the place to go. This small menswear shop doesn't even have their own website, but they get more than enough business through word-of-mouth to sustain themselves. The shop is owned and operated by the same two Josephs for whom the business is named. They are known for their excellent, knowledgeable service and a willingness to go above and beyond for their customers.
  
  
• Giorgenti New York - 1325 Franklin Ave., Suite 255, Garden City, NY 11530 
  Giorgenti New York is an independent menswear retailer located near many of our Garden City homes for sale. From shirts and dress pants to sports coats, overcoats, vests, tuxedos, and (of course) ties, you'll find everything you need to look your best all in one place.  Notably, this goes for women as well as men – Giorgenti is happy to provide tailoring services for women's suits and menswear-inspired items as well. All of the business's pricing is listed on their website, making this an excellent place to find bespoke menswear on a budget. 
  
  
• Milano Men's Attire - 245 W. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington, NY 11746 
  Milano Men's Attire caters to men who prefer the slim and stylish fit of Italian suits over the boxier American style. Run by an experienced tailor with over 20 years in the business, this shop offers suits and ties from popular Italian brands like Ferrante and Dolce Punta and is frequented by high-profile clients like David Ortiz. Located just minutes away from many of our Huntington homes for sale, it's a great place to add a little European flair to your wardrobe with a piece of clothing made just for you.  
  
  
• Edward Alan Big and Tall - 10-2020 Jericho Turnpike, Commack, NY 11725 
  Shopping for clothes can frustrating for people who rarely fit into the standard range of menswear sizes but don't have the budget for custom clothing. Luckily, there's a solution located close to our Commack homes for sale. Edward Alan Big and Tall carries both casual and formal menswear in larger sizes than you'll find on the rack at most other retailers. If you still can't find the right fit, this shop offers free alterations with any purchase to help you look your best.
  
  
• Thomas Mitchell Clothiers - 24 Gerard St., Huntington, NY 11743 
  Instead of trying to keep up with fast-changing modern fashions, Thomas Mitchell Clothiers has taken a different approach to menswear. Their shop is designed to mimic the look of a British haberdashery, and their clothing emphasizes that same old-fashioned appeal. The shop stocks a variety of slim-fitting traditional British menswear in luxurious fabrics like wool, cashmere, tweed, and more. They offer custom sizing to ensure optimal fit, but if you prefer to shop off the rack, they also employ a full-time tailor who can alter their pre-made garments to better conform to your measurements.  

A new suit can make you feel like a whole new you, and it's never hard to get one on Long Island. There are so many quality clothing retailers around our Nassau County homes for sale and our Suffolk County homes for sale that you'll always have a place to shop for any occasion. If you've been thinking about making this area your home, contact us today; we'll be happy to help you find a local property that meets your needs.