Lindenhurst NY Real Estate Century 21 AA Realty

Long Island Buyers - Why Are You Doing Your Agent's Job?

Sat, 19 May 2012 13:43:04 -0700

Long Island NY Buyers - Why Are You Doing Your Agent's Job?

When you hire a Long Island NY agent to help you find a home, they are supposed to help you, not have you do their job.

I received a call from a very nice buyer on one of my listings. I asked who their agent is. Their agent is a family member. The buyer had said "I feel bad for my agent because they live 45 minutes away". And?

When you sign the Buyer Brokerage Agreement, your agent has to call my office or myself to make the appointment. You pay your agent to search for homes, make appointments, submit and negotiate offers, accompany you to the home inspection, troubleshoot any problems along the way and finally, go with you to the closing.

I explained these points to the buyer. I also won't put myself in a situation with a represented buyer. What if I say something without realizing it and is misconstrued for something else? And something tells me the agent is not a member of our MLS since it makes no sense as to why the buyer's agent hasn't called my office to make an appointment.

If a buyer has to to the job of a real estate agent, then why hire one?

Cell: (631) 703-0201
Office: (631) 226-5995 Ext. 242
Email: JackieC@century21aa.com
Website: www.longislandrealestatelady.com
Website: www.lindenhurstnyrealestate.com
Blog: http://jackieconnellyfornuff.com
Skype ID: LIRealEstateLady

Lindenhurst NY Buyer Profiles 2011 - Conventional Mortgage FHA & Cash

Sat, 19 May 2012 05:48:07 -0700

Lindenhurst NY Buyer Profiles 2011 - Conventional Mortgage FHA & Cash

As you can see from the chart more buyers are qualified for conventional mortgages compared to FHA.

234 homes sold in Linenhurst NY during 2011.
166 homes sold in Lindenhurst NY during 2010.

So, if you were wondering where the buyers are, there are more buyers now and banks are lending money for mortgages.

38 Lindenhurst NY buyers bought with cash in 2011
23 Lindenhurst NY buyers bought with cash in 2010
17 Lindenhurst NY buyers have bought with cash so far in 2012

The amount of cash buyers has increased between 2010 & 2011. That is very good. These cash buyers are helping to get Lindenhurst NY short sales and REO properties off the market either by flipping these homes or fixing them up for whole house rentals.

Are you wondering why no one has bought your Lindenhurst NY home? Do you think it's overpriced or not in a good location?

It's all about PCL: Price, condition, location. Price and condition you are in control of. You can't change the location so you have to work with what you have and make it better.

Considering there are 243 Lindenhurst NY homes for sale and most of them are priced between $200,000 & $399,000 you really have to be competitive right now in order to sell.

All in all, the Lindenhurst real estate market is doing very well right now. Buyers are finding that homes they want to purchase already have accepted offers on them. There is only 1 REO home on the market and just last month there were six.

Real estate isn't just local, it's hyper-local!

Open House Lindenhurst NY | 105 W. Lake Drive Lindenhurst NY

Fri, 18 May 2012 15:01:41 -0700

Open House Lindenhurst NY | 105 W. Lake Drive Lindenhurst NY

Join me on Sunday, May 20th, 2012 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and see this 3 bedroom Ranch home where the property taxes are affordable!

Clean inside and out. Hardwood floors that gleam. Plenty of attic storage. The only thing this house needs is you! Situated south of Montauk Highway where you have the beach breezes without being on the water.

Awesome circular driveway with extra parking to the right and there is plenty of on the street parking.

Very close to shopping, schools, restaurants and the Long Island Railroad.

See you Sunday, May 20th!

View Lindenhurst NY Houses for Sale 105 W. Lake Drive Lindenhurst NY in a larger map

Imagine Carrying Your House on Your Back?

Wed, 16 May 2012 07:35:04 -0700

Imagine Carrying Your House on Your Back?

This morning I'm sitting on my deck with a cup of tea thinking about my schedule for today. I turn to the right and see this little guy:

I am obsessed. My husband bought a Canon Rebel T2i DSLR for me this past Christmas. Knowing I can get awesome close-up shots, I take photos of almost everything now.

Mr. Snail moved along pretty quickly. By the time I got my card in the camera, he was almost up the wall!

I even did a video of the little cutie:

Town of Babylon Summer Concert Series 2012

Wed, 16 May 2012 03:40:55 -0700

Town of Babylon Summer Concert Series 2012

The popular Town of Babylon Summer Concert Series is back for 2012! They are all free and below is the line-up for this year:

Big Shot - The Music of Billy Joel
Friday, June 29th at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Overlook Beach

Full House
Wednesday, July 4th at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Tanner Park

Satisfaction - Rolling Stones Tribute
Friday, July 6th at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Tanner Park

Strawberry Fields - Beatles Tribute
Wednesday, July 11th at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Tanner Park

Let's Hang On
Friday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Tanner Park

ARRIVAL from Sweden - The Music of Abba
Wednesday, July 18th at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Tanner Park

David Cassidy
Friday, July 20th at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Tanner Park

Phil Vassar
Wednesday, July 25th at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Tanner Park

Beginnings - Chicago Tribute Band
Friday, July 27th at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Tanner Park

Doop Wop Show - Featuring The Del Satins & Street Corner Revue
Wednesday, August 1st at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Tanner Park

Who's Bad - Michael Jackson Tribute
Friday, August 3rd at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Tanner Park

Vanilla Fudge
Friday, August 10th at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Tanner Park

The Town of Babylon 2012 Summer Event Directory

And don't forget the Town of Babylon Beach Blast!

The Sponsors below are why the Town of Babylon Summer Concert Series of 2012 are free:
Cablevision
BSSI
Sky Packets
Winters Brothers
NY Auto Giant
The Wiseman & Frank Morning Show
Giaquinto Masonry
Intralogic Solutions
Disney Vacation Club

Town of Babylon Beach Blast 2012

Wed, 16 May 2012 04:17:48 -0700

Town of Babylon Beach Blast 2012

Nothing like the Babylon Beach Blast to end the Summer!

This event is free to Town of Babylon residents. There will be games, rides, relay contests, face painting and of course the fireworks display at the end of the beach blast which starts at dusk. This years music entertainment is brought to you by Full House, Steakum Tuesday & County Line.

Parking is free to residents with a 2012 parking permit.

Event Date: Saturday, August 25th at 3:00 p.m.
Where: Overlook Beach

View Cedar Overlook Beach Babylon NY in a larger map

***Rain Date Sunday, August 26th***

Don't forget the Town of Babylon Concert Series for 2012!

Jones Beach Airshow 2012 - Got the Need for Speed?

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:39:01 -0700

Jones Beach Airshow 2012 - Got the Need for Speed?

The line-up for this year's Jones Beach Memorial Day weekend Airshow is spectacular. I will be there and cannot wait! I will have videos and photos from the event the same day or next day.

U.S. Navy Blue Angels
U.S. Army Golden Knights
F-18 Super Hornet
Canadian Forces Snowbirds
NY Air National Guard Search & Rescue
U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor
Sean D. Tucker
David Windmiller
GEICO Skytypers
Matt Chapman
John Klatt Airshows
American Airpower Museum Warbirds
Lieutenant Colonel Ed Hamill & Start Your Deam Airshow

Jones Beach Airshow 2012 Information
When: Saturday May 26th & Sunday May 27th 2012
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days
Where: Jones Beach, Wantagh NY - Click here for directions

Bring a beach chair, sit, relax and enjoy the show!

Jones Beach Airshow 2011 Video

Another New West Babylon House For Sale | 2 Family House West Babylon

Sat, 12 May 2012 07:52:23 -0700

Another New West Babylon House For Sale | 2 Family House West Babylon - $375,000

Legal 2 family house for sale in West Babylon. This High Ranch style home has 4 bedrooms (wall can be constructed to make 5th bedroom on main level).

Located in the West Babylon School District.

First Floor Layout: 1 bedroom, updated Eat-In Kitchen, Living room, Dining room & full bath.

Second Floor Layout: 3 bedrooms, updated kitchen with sliders leading to large deck (CO in place), Living room, Dining room, full bath and hardwood flooring.

Property Size: 5,700 square feet

Property Taxes: Without Star Program: $10,513.13
Property Taxes: With Basic Star: $9,362.15

Rental Income Potential - $2,000 to $2,500 per month if you rent the upstairs portion.
Rental Income Potential - $1,000 to $1,200 per month if you rent the down stairs portion.

You can save more on the property taxes if you remove the rental permit from the Town of Babylon's books. That also means you would have to remove one of the kitchens.

Call me today (631) 703-0201 to see this fabulous, 2 Family West Babylon NY house for sale!

Lindenhurst NY Houses Under Contract | Pending Home Sales Lindenhurst

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:23:47 -0700

Lindenhurst NY Houses Under Contract | Pending Home Sales Lindenhurst NY | Lindenhurst NY Real Estate Market - Changes are Happening!

30 homes in Lindenhurst went pending in April 2012. The last time we saw that many homes go under contract was April 2010. That was the time of the $8,000 home buyer tax credit and real estate professionals agreed that those numbers were padded because of the tax credit.

No padding here now! April 2012 pending sales was almost double compared to April 2011. The Lindenhurst NY real estate market is changing little by little. Low mortgage rates are helping for sure.

I'm also starting to see homes sell for 3% below list price and not more. Homes on busy streets are selling quickly as well. Although few, I'm seeing some bidding wars where some homes are selling above list price. That hasn't happened in five years!

I will be keeping an eye on the Lindenhurst NY real estate market more closely than I do now so come back often to get your updates because positive changes are starting to happen now!

Yard Sales Suffolk County May 2012 | Suffolk County Garage Sales May 2012 | Calling All Treasure Seekers!

Wed, 09 May 2012 20:54:48 -0700

Yard Sales Suffolk County May 2012 | Suffolk County Garage Sales May 2012 | Calling All Treasure Seekers!

Lindenhurst NY Yard Sales
753 S. Pecan Street - Friday May 11th 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. & Saturday May 12th 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
428 N. Erie Avenue - May 12th 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
52 Merritt Street - May 11th & 12th 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

West Babylon Yard Sales
33 Muncie Road - May 11th (no time indicated)
636 Peconic Avenue - May 11th 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
200 Farmingdale Road - May 11th 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. & May 12th
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
471 17th Street - May 12th 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

~~Happy treasure hunting!~~

Babylon NY Housing Market April 2012 - Babylon NY is Holding Steady

Tue, 08 May 2012 05:25:08 -0700

Babylon NY Housing Market April 2012 - Babylon NY Housing Market is Doing Well

The chart below reflects housing data in the Babylon Village School District only.

The 2011 median sold price for Babylon NY was $459,000 with 109 days on the market and 56 sold homes.
The 2010 median sold price for Babylon NY was $422,500 with 148 days on the market and 56 sold homes.

The Babylon NY housing market has improved since 2010. The same amount of homes sold during both years which means the amount of buyers is the same and hasn't decreased. That is a good sign. It shows buyers can afford to buy.

Call me today (631) 703-0201 or (631) 226-5995 Ext. 242 to find out what your Babylon Village home is worth in today's market. About Babylon NY

Recent Articles for Babylon NY
Babylon NY Homes Under Contract (Pending Sales) - Babylon NY Housing Market 2012
Babylon NY Sold Homes - Babylon NY Housing Market - April 2012
About Babylon NY
Babylon NY Condo Information
Luxury Condos in Babylon NY

Lindenhurst NY Housing Market 2012 | Sold Homes for Lindenhurst NY 2012 | Lindenhurst NY Real Estate Market

Fri, 04 May 2012 06:39:55 -0700

Lindenhurst NY Housing Market 2012 | Sold Homes for Lindenhurst NY 2012 | Lindenhurst NY Real Estate Market

In 2011 we saw 312 Lindenhurst homes listed and 234 of them sold with the average days on the market at 127. Having that many homes sell compared to how many were listed is awesome! When homes are priced right, they will sell.

In 2011 there were 136 homes that were withdrawn and expired in Lindenhurst. There are many reasons why this happens. Not all of these homes weren't priced right.

So far for 2012 the Lindenhurst NY housing market is doing well. 247 Lindenhurst homes are on the market and 54 have sold with the average days on the market at 124. Again, not bad at all. Lindenhurst homeowners are realizing that if their home is not priced right, it will sit and never sell. Chasing the market in the hopes of getting what you want for your home is like walking up the down escalator. You go nowhere.

Read more about the Lindenhurst Housing Market here.

Call me today 631.703.0201 for a free, no-obligation market analysis of your Lindenhurst NY home.

Lindenhurst NY Short Sales | Lindenhurst NY Short Sale Homes | Lindenhurst NY Short Sale Housing Market

Thu, 03 May 2012 05:52:57 -0700

Lindenhurst NY Short Sales | Lindenhurst NY Short Sale Homes | Lindenhurst NY Housing Market

Currently, there are 250 homes for sale in Lindenhurst. 62 of of them are short sales.

So far in 2012, 27 homes have been listed as short sales and 13 of them have sold. That is almost half and a very good sign because this shows banks are starting to move faster than they have in the last five years.

Lindenhurst NY Short Sale Sold Statistics:
13 Lindenhurst Short Sales Sold for 2012
Average Listing Price 2012: $263,158
Average Listing Price 2011: $299,875
Median Sold Price 2012: $259,500
Median Sold Price 2011: $250,000
List Price to Sold Price Ratio 2012: 4.66%
List Price to Sold Price Ratio 2011: 6.36%
Average Days on the Market 2012: 204
Average Days of the Market 2011: 179

Before buying a Lindenhurst NY short sale, you have to ask questions to make sure the listing agent knows what they are doing. Call me today (631) 703-0201 and I will educate you about buying short sales.

Although there can be challenges with short sales, they do sell. Hiring an experienced Lindenhurst NY short sale agent is the first step. Call me today (631) 703-0201 and we will discuss the short sale process in privacy of your home or my office.

Read my past articles about Lindenhurst NY Short Sales:
Lindenhurst NY Short Sale Market Report 2008-January 2012
Another Lindenhurst NY Short Sale Sold!
Help From Bank of America
Lindenhurst NY Short Sales - Handle With Care!

Lindenhurst NY Sold Homes - Lindenhurst NY Housing Market - Lindehurst NY Short Sales

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 18:52:34 -0700

Lindenhurst NY Sold Homes 4/23/2012 - Lindenhurst NY Housing Market - Lindehurst NY Short Sales

Three homes sold/closed last week in Lindenhurst NY:

381 Centre Avenue Lindenhurst - This REO home has two bedrooms, five rooms with a 1.5 detached garage and a crawl basement. It was on the market for 40 days.

23 E. Kissimee Road Lindenhurst - Listed for $249,990 and sold for $235,000. Three bedrooms, seven rooms, no basement and no garage. 104 days on the market. Not a short sale or REO property.

51 Winchester Drive Lindenhurst - This short sale home was listed for $289,000 and sold for $280,000. On the market for 38 days. It has 7 bedrooms, 14 rooms and 4.5 bathrooms. Yes, this house is huge! The buyer really got a great deal too.

Currently, there are 248 homes for sale in Lindenhurst. 62 of them are short sales and four are REO properties.

Read my blog posts for April 2012

Until next time, have an awesome week!

Holiday Toy Drive For the John Thiessen Children's Foundation Of Long Island Jackie Connelly Fornuff

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:05:52 -0800

Hi Everyone,

The toy drive will be held from Monday, November 23rd through December 23rd.

All toys must be new and unwrapped.

Gift cards are accepted for the older children.

Ages are from Newborn through 18 years old.

You may drop them off at my office: Coldwell Banker 136 W. Main Street, Babylon, NY 11702

I am there most mornings through the early afternoon.

You can also mail the gift cards.

I truly appreciate any and all help to make this toy drive a huge success!

Visit the website: John Thiessen Children's Foundation

Here is how John started his organization:

"When I was 17 years old I was hospitalized for a brain tumor at a local children’s hospital. During my stay, my family and I befriended a seven-year old girl named Tasha. This little girl was in and out of the hospital throughout the year receiving different treatments for her illness. She received very little family support. She was dropped off and then picked up again when it was time to go home without having a visitor.

Tasha was very excited about a holiday party sponsored by the hospital staff and was expecting her family to attend. They unfortunately did not. I was still too ill but my family agreed to take her. When Santa asked her what she had wanted, Tasha replied, “ I would like a teddy bear for friend upstairs.” I felt fortunate to be that friend. Her positive attitude and generous spirit inspired me. When I got out off the hospital I wanted to help children just like Tasha.

In 1992, I held a toy drive during the holidays to benefit children in local hospitals. During the first toy drive, I collected over 800 hundred new toys in just two weeks and brought them to three different hospitals. Well that was the beginning of what has become a year round organization. Since 1992, we have collected over 550,000 new toys and donate them to sick and underprivileged children in over 185 hospitals and child-care facilities across Long Island year round. We also donate therapeutic and recreational equipment. Donations enabled us to fulfill wishes and help families with medical expenses. In 15 years, we have never said no to a child in need".

John Theissen
Executive Director & Founder

John and my husband have also been friends for many years.

The toys do not have to be expensive so whatever you can afford, I will greatly appreciate it and so will John!