Date Archives: August 2022

Everybody needs a break now and then, and you will as you settle into your home from among Suffolk County homes for sale or Nassau County homes for sale. One great way to get ready for a day of relaxing is to update your outdoor furniture.

Maybe your outdoor furniture has seen better days and is way overdue for an upgrade, or maybe you've planned to have something better as you get your new home in shape. Our REALTORS® are here to help you choose the right replacements.

Choose Furniture Materials

You have several materials to choose from, so consider carefully how much exposure to the elements there will be, how durable you need the furniture to be, and of course, affordability.

• Plastic or resin furniture is fairly inexpensive and easy to clean. Plus, these days, you may find some nice colors and designs. Just be aware it may not last very long if left under the UV rays.
• Metal furniture is certainly the most durable but also likely to be the most expensive.
• Steel or wrought iron furniture will stand up to the elements better but is also heavier if you decide to move it to shelter over winter.
• Synthetic rattan is made of plastic, coated woven strands, and is extremely durable, standing up to the elements. It's also affordable and easy to clean.
• Natural wicker furniture is beautiful and lightweight but needs to be stored in winter. It isn't very durable.
• Wooden furniture is one of the best choices, but it needs to be preserved so it will stand up to the elements. The best types of wood for outdoor purposes are teak, cypress, redwood, and cedar. Your wooden furniture will probably include upholstered cushions.

Think About What You'll Need 

Will you need just enough pieces for family get-togethers, or are you planning on extensive entertaining? How well will the number of pieces you have in mind fit in a particular space? Maybe you like the idea of a matched group of pieces or prefer a more casual look, where only some or no pieces match the others. Some pieces you will be looking at include chairs, a settee or loveseat, a bench, patio sectional, chaise lounge, and tables. Avoid crowding furniture; you want to keep your outdoor area aesthetically pleasing. You can buy plenty of extra inexpensive chairs to bring out when needed. 

Elements to Complement Your Furniture

Think about how your furniture choices will look in your space, but also how they might complement your bar, the outdoor kitchen, or the various pieces that make up your outdoor entertainment, dining, or garden area: pergola; umbrella and table and chairs; trellises; or patio walls of wood, stone, or brick. 

Have fun with your outdoor furniture upgrade. Go whimsical or sedate, sleekly modern or comfortably traditional. And remember, if you have questions about buying or selling a home in Suffolk or Nassau counties, our real estate staff is ready with answers. Contact us today. 

It's no secret that paint is one of the best ways to increase the value of your home, bringing a return on investment averaging 107%. But what you may not know is how a few simple tricks can elevate the interior of your home to exciting new levels. Our REALTORS® would like to share a few of those tricks with you:

• Use texture to add depth
  No, we don't mean popcorn ceilings or stenciled walls. Using sponges and brushes creatively can add subtle textures to surfaces that can add interest with little visibility. They can transform boring hallways into eye-catching spaces. Whether you select a neutral shade or a bold splash of color, the texture will provide a sophisticated element to your interior design.
  
  
• Define zones with contrasting finishes
  Some Nassau County homes for sale may offer open floor plans. This architectural style lends itself to comfortable spaciousness, but defining areas within them will contribute to a sense of order. While changing colors from one space to the next can be challenging, changing finishes using the same color is easy. You can create dramatic contrast by simply painting a matte finish next to a glossy one in the same color.
  
  
• Employ multiple shades to make the space appear larger
  In earlier times, we would expect to see dark kitchen cabinets in a white kitchen. Reversing that trend updates the appearance of the room. Consider painting cabinets below the work surfaces a dark shade but make the upper walls and cabinets significantly lighter. White ceilings, windows, and doors make the room look brighter and larger. This three-level color scheme offers a modern appeal to an older house. 
  
  
• Update the stairs with paint
  In some older Suffolk County homes for sale, you may find the staircases are more utilitarian than decorative. Why can't they be both? You have more than one inexpensive option to bring them into the 21st Century. One way is to paint only the handrails and banisters an exciting new color. You can opt for a classic black or a pristine white, whichever would look best with the rest of your decor. How about adding a bit of color to the stair treads? Darker colors work best for surfaces with a lot of foot traffic. The uprights that hold the treads and the spindles that hold the railings offer two more options to add visual interest to the room.
  
  
• Give the mantle a facelift
  Instead of letting the fireplace blend into the surrounding wall, consider making it stand out as an exciting feature of the room. The simplest choice is to just paint it in a color contrasting with the wall. This is a great choice if you use the mantle as a platform to display collectibles, a clock, or other small items of interest. But you can also make the fireplace the star of the show with a complete makeover. You can achieve the look of marble with a base of glossy white streaked with various shades of gray. Add streaks by dipping a feather into the gray paint and dragging it across the white surface. When you get the look you want, seal it with Minwax Polycrylic for a beautiful shine. 

Whether upgrading your house to sell or looking for a new home, our real estate professionals look forward to helping you. Contact us when you are ready to move forward. 

To fish, you need the right supplies. From bait to line, your equipment makes a difference in the fish you catch. Luckily, there are several excellent bait and tackle shops on Long Island. Our REALTORS® recommend stopping by one of the following shops before your next fishing adventure.

1. Hi-Hook Bait and Tackle: 33 New York Ave. Huntington, NY 11743
   Hi-Hook Bait and Tackle is a small but well-stocked bait and tackle shop located near many Huntington homes for sale. The store has a good selection of live bait, along with various lures, hooks, and lines. The owners are quite knowledgeable and can help you find what you need for a good day on the water.
   
   Hi-Hook Bait and Tackle listens to their customers and adds new items to their selection upon request. They cater to both saltwater and freshwater anglers.
   
   
2. Cow Harbor Bait & Tackle: 81 W. Fort Salonga Rd., Northport, NY 11731
   Cow Harbor Bait & Tackle is located inside the Brittania Yachting Center. They offer fresh bait, rod and reel repairs, and updated fishing reports. The shop employees know all the best local fishing spots and are happy to advise you if needed. The shop's selection of eel skins and plugs is also top-notch.
   
   Stop by this tackle shop after looking at some Northport homes for sale. They're open year-round.
   
   
3. East Coast Fishing Supply: 245-20 Northern Blvd., Little Neck, NY 11362
   If you're looking at Garden City homes for sale, then East Coast Fishing Supply is just minutes away. This store offers a great selection of rods and reels. They also sell all sorts of baits and lures, along with clothing made specifically for fishing. You'll find hats, coveralls, boots, and more.
   
   East Coast Fishing Supply has several experienced trout fishermen on staff. They're passionate about helping locals and visitors alike make their next big catch.
   
   
4. Atlantic Outfitters: 405 Main Street #2, Port Washington, NY 11050
   Stop by Atlantic Outfitters after a day of looking at Suffolk County homes for sale. This bait and tackle shop is one of the best-stocked in the area. They carry all the fishing gear and apparel you might need but also a good selection of gear for kayaking, SUP, and other water sports.
   
   Atlantic Outfitters even offers kayaking, fishing, and SUP lessons upon request. They've been a mainstay in the area since 2004 and have a loyal customer base.
   
   
5. Causeway Bait & Tackle: 3031 Merrick Rd., Wantagh, NY 11793
   Causeway Bait & Tackle is a small shop with a big selection of fresh and live bait. If you are heading out to the water, this is a good place to stop on your way. They're also conveniently located near Nassau County homes for sale.
   
   You'll find specialty items at Causeway Bait & Tackle, such as Spoon Fed Wireless Spoons, Blood Stream Top Predator Chum Kits, and more. If you like to be well equipped, this is a great place to expand your collection and prepare for anything.

Long Island is a great place to live if you enjoy fishing and spending time on the water. Not only are there many bait & tackle shops, but also lots of awesome fishing spots. If you're considering moving to the area, don't hesitate to contact us. We'll tell you more about our real estate services, and we can help you navigate the local market.