Date Archives: April 2022

Spring is here, and that means it's time to break out the dust mops, clear away the cobwebs, and most importantly, get your garage organized. Of all the spring cleaning chores you will tackle, our REALTORS® know that cleaning the garage is one of the most challenging because it's typically the least organized space. Fortunately, with a little planning and a touch of elbow grease, you can use the following tips to finally get it organized!

1. Make a Plan, Stan
   Start by determining where you want to put everything. Bicycles, gardening gear, sports equipment, tools, etc. should be well organized by category and zone. You will want to determine how much of each category you need space for, and determine the best way to maximize the use of your garage space by dedicating sufficient space for each required zone.
   
   
2. Tackle it in Stages
   You don't have to do it all at once. Dividing it into stages can make the task less daunting. When we show Nassau County homes for sale we can always tell which homeowners took the time to clean out the garage in stages and do the job right. For example:
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   • Clean out the clutter
   • Organize items into their appropriate categories.
   • Clean the freed spaces of dust, debris, cobwebs, etc.
   • Install storage systems (i.e. pegboard, shelving, cabinets, etc.)
   • Put things in their proper place
     
     
3. Detach Yourself and Declutter
   Do you really need to keep it? Is it something you've used once and never again? Is it something you've never used and may never need? One of the biggest problems with garage cleanouts is that garages become a storage closet for all the things we think we'll need, and all the things our heartstrings won't let us let go of. The reality is that most of the things in your garage can go and you will never miss them. If it's old, damaged, broken, outdated, or a specialty item you are not likely to use again, then get rid of it. Sell it on eBay, put it on Craigslist, or simply donate it to Goodwill. 
   
   
4. Invest in Quality Storage Solutions
   We show many Suffolk County homes for sale, and we can't stress enough just how important it is to invest in high-quality storage solutions. Not only do these look better during a showing, but they add real value to the home. Homebuyers love to see well-organized cabinets, shelves, pegboards, etc. It helps keep the space cleaner and more open, but more importantly, it shows that the homeowner cared about details and thus the rest of the home is also likely to be well taken care of. Organizing systems made of steel, wood, and other durable materials are well worth the investment in this regard.
   
   
5. Don't Be Afraid to Look Up
   Overhead storage systems are fantastic inclusions during any garage organization project. They are ideal for holiday decor, seasonal sports equipment, and other items you rarely use. Installing ceiling systems can free up the rest of the garage and give you enough space for a workbench, additional car, etc. 

We're happy to give you more ideas on ways you can organize your garage this spring. Contact us and we will be happy to tell you about some of the features and systems we see installed in homes throughout the area. 

Spring is when many of us emerge from semi-hibernation and realize it's time to get in shape. Luckily, there are a lot of great places to do that around Long Island. Our REALTORS® are here to share their favorite fitness centers in Nassau and Suffolk counties. 

Nassau County

Located on the western end of Long Island, Nassau County borders the Queens borough of New York and is a bit more urbanized than Suffolk County. If you're in the market for Nassau County homes for sale, consider looking for one near these excellent fitness centers.

• Dimensional Training Studios - 42 Nassau Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530
  Offering a wide range of small group fitness classes, Dimensional Training Studios is a contemporary studio focusing on High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) fitness. With a convenient location just minutes from many Garden City homes for sale, it's a highly rated studio with great fitness coaches who can motivate you to be your best. 
  
  
• Sportset Health & Fitness Club - 60 Maple Ave., Rockville Centre, NY 11570
  You'll find everything from yoga classes to personal training at Sportset Health & Fitness Club, a spacious modern gym and fitness club in Rockville Center. Monthly membership includes over 70 group classes. The gym even offers massage therapy and complimentary childcare. Sportset Health & Fitness is just a short drive from these Rockville Center homes for sale.
  
  
• Legacy Strength - 222 Jericho Turnpike, Floral Park, NY 11001
  The small group strength training programs at Legacy Strength are designed to help you become the strongest and fittest version of yourself. Located within walking distance of many Floral Park homes for sale, Legacy Strength offers strength and conditioning, nutrition coaching, cardio training, and motivational trainers who will meet you where you are at while pushing you to excel.

Suffolk County

Encompassing the eastern portion of Long Island, Suffolk County has a bit more of a rural atmosphere, with lots of large single-family homes on large plots of land. Be sure to check out these fitness centers near Suffolk County homes for sale.

• Results Gym - 840-15 Connetquot Ave., Islip Terrace, NY 11752
  Results Gym is an outstanding fitness center in Islip Terrace. This spacious facility offers personal training, group classes, performance tracking, a full recovery center, and a complete array of the latest cardio and strength training equipment. Located a stone's throw from these East Islip homes for sale, Results Gym is the perfect place to take your fitness to the next level. 
  
  
• LIFW Gym - 6160 Jericho Turnpike, Commack, NY 11725
  With a spacious, modern facility spanning 4,200 square feet, LIFW Gym offers customized fitness training for every individual. They offer small group classes and personal training to match your needs. With a convenient location near many Commack homes for sale, LIFW Gym also provides nutrition counseling, sports training, and chiropractic care. 
  
  
• Peak Performance 33 Gym - 33 Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington Station, NY 11746
  With a great selection of workout equipment, Peak Performance 33 Gym has top-notch personal trainers who have helped countless Suffolk County residents reach their full potential. It's very much an "old school" gym, with an owner/trainer who's been in the business for 30 years. Peak Performance 33 Gym is an excellent independently owned fitness center just minutes from these Huntington Station homes for sale.

Contact us today to learn more about life on Long Island. Our team of real estate agents are dedicated to helping you find your dream home in Nassau and Suffolk counties. 

If you've been waiting for warm sunshine and blooms in your garden, wait no longer. Spring is here, and it's time to spruce up your backyard patio for outdoor parties, family events, and relaxing weekends. To create show-stopping appeal and an inviting atmosphere, our REALTORS® suggests adding potted plants filled with lush greenery and colorful flowers.

Potted plants will quickly add beauty, color, and fragrance to your outdoor space. However, when choosing patio plants for Nassau County homes for sale and Suffolk County homes for sale, it's essential to consider the local climate and weather conditions. In these areas, you can expect mild temperatures during spring and summer, cooler temperatures and rain during fall, and frost and snow during winter. With that in mind, here are some good choices for patio plants.

1. Begonias
   From wax begonias to more complex tuberous varieties, few plants will tolerate such a wide variety of growing conditions. Begonias produce deep green leaves, colorful pink and red blooms, and fleshy stems that tolerate drought. They are equally happy in sun and shade.
   
   
2. Boxwood
   No formal patio should be without the elegance of a boxwood planted in a beautiful stone urn. The Petite Pillar variety maintains its tidy shape in containers, while the Green Tower larger variety makes excellent border dividers and screening plants for privacy.
   
   
3. Bromeliad
   The long, pointed leaves of Bromeliad have exotic tropical appeal. When they bloom, they produce tall flower stems in orange, purple, pink, red, and yellow hues. After the blooms fade, you can make more by simply re-potting the pups that form around the mother plant.
   
   
4. Caladium
   Caladium leaves are shaped like elephant ears in white, green, orange, pink, and red shades. When planted from spring bulbs, they come to life when summer temperatures sizzle. These plants are pest-resistant, need little maintenance, and love seasonal rain showers.
   
   
5. Croton
   Often found as household plants in local garden centers, Croton makes excellent patio plants. The leathery rainbow-hued leaves thrive in full sun with moderate watering. When exposed to full sun and rainfall, they will grow much larger in patio containers.
   
   
6. Heliotrope
   What could be better than the sweet vanilla scent and showy, violet blossom clusters of Heliotrope? This Peruvian native thrives in full sun or partial shade and moist, rich soil. When planted in decorative pots, it's definitely a show-stopper for your patio.
   
   
7. Lantana
   Lantana is a very hardy annual that blooms all summer with zero help from you. It produces brilliant blooms in shades of orange, pink, red, and yellow. Lantana is drought tolerant and loves full sun, even in sizzling summer temperatures. Pollinators love it too!
   
   
8. Lavender
   These hardy perennials have silvery foliage and deep purple-blue flowers that create romantic charm, and they smell amazing! Plant them in pretty pots or baskets near seating areas, so when you run your hands over the flowers, they will release their fragrance.
   
   
9. Marigolds
   If you're looking for annuals with brilliant color and minimal maintenance, marigolds pop in patio planters. Marigolds thrive in sun and heat with little water and last until the first hard freeze. To keep them blooming, pinch off the spent flowers.
   
   
10. Roses
    If you love traditional charm, beautiful color, and fragrant smells, plant roses. They make wonderful patio plants that are much more robust than you think. When choosing pots, plastic and wood are better than ceramic and stone because they protect plants from winter frost.

If you're considering buying or selling in the Long Island area, contact us for information on properties and prices that meet your needs.

Sweet, savory, filling, and satisfying, acai bowls are a favorite breakfast choice for some of our REALTORS®. Not only are acai bowls tasty, they have loads of health benefits. Acai berries have strong antioxidant properties, and when adding extra fruit, oatmeal, or peanut butter, you can also get some extra protein, fiber, and Vitamin C in your diet.

Because acai bowls often have many ingredients, making them at home isn't always convenient. However, if you're lucky enough to live in an urban area like Long Island, you can easily find several great local smoothie shops that make some fantastic acai bowls. Here are some of our favorites.

• Bare Naked Bowl - 2565 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, NY 11554
  One of the top Long Island destinations for acai bowls, Bare Naked Bowl uses fresh, organic ingredients and gives you the option to customize your bowl any way you like it. They offer six bases, four types of granola, and 23 superfood toppings. If you don't feel like customizing, you can easily choose from one of their six signature bowls. The menu also features smoothies, snacks, and coffee. On your way home, make sure to check out these Nassau County homes for sale.
  
  
• Food For Thought - 154 7th St., Garden City, NY 11530
  This health food cafe is just down the street from some beautiful Garden City homes for sale and also happens to serve some of the best acai bowls around. Try the Original AB, The Dynamic Duo, Mango Madness, or create your own acai bowl. There are tons of toppings to choose from. Looking for something different? The menu at Food For Thought also features tons of other healthy eats.
  
  
• Acai Beach Bowls - 917 W. Beech St., Long Beach, NY 11561
  Acai Beach Bowls is a great spot on Long Island for a healthy snack. Choose from organic acai, banana, or apple juice for the base of your acai bowl and add in your favorite toppings. There are five pre-made variations on the menu if you need some inspiration. You'll also find some great Rockville Centre homes for sale not too far away.
  
  
• Brekky - 2 Sound Rd., Wading River, NY 11792
  Brekky is a small cafe with a large number of healthy food options. Choose from 13 acai bowls or create your own. We recommend the Yoga Bowl, acai, Greek yogurt, granola, coconut, honey, and any three toppings. 
  
  
• Bango Bowls - 199 Main St., Setauket-East Setauket, NY 11733
  You can find some of the tastiest acai bowls on Long Island at Bango Bowls. Choose from an acai, pitaya, or green base, add in oats & honey, vanilla nut, or chocolate granola, and choose from over 25 toppings. The menu also features poke bowls, warm bowls, and salads. If you like the area, there are some beautiful Stony Brook homes for sale nearby.
  
  
• Sarikopa Coffee and Tea - 226 Riverleigh Ave., Riverhead, NY 11901
  Sarikopa Coffee and Tea might be known for their brewed beverages, but they make a great acai bowl as well. Top your both with strawberries, blueberries, banana, coconut flakes, and granola. They also have a fantastic breakfast menu. Afterward, be sure to swing by these amazing Suffolk County homes for sale.

Acai is known as the superfood of superfoods, so it's not surprising these delicious bowls have become so popular in recent years. Luckily, they're easy to find around Long Island. Contact us today for more local recommendations.