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Merrick, NY Real Estate News

By Jill Sackler, LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate
(Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500)
Bring your dancing shoes and boogie on down to Merrick's very own 70's-themed party, located on LI's South Shore   If it were Saturday night in the 1970's, you'd probably be home watching The Love Boat and Fantasy Island. On Saturday night, December 14th, 2013, relive the 70's at Ohav Shalom in Merrick, New York. Join us for a fabulous celebration. Come dressed as your favorite 70's icon and win groovy prizes!      
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By Geri Sonkin, Long Island Real Estate & Staging Expert
(Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516-457-7103)
        In the heart of Merrick, just a short stroll from town and the Long Island Railroad, sits a pristine and much acclaimed area called Merrick Woods.  The majestic old trees have borne witness to generation after generation of Merokians growing up and growing old here. With tree lined streets, a wide variety of homestyles, and easy proximity to everything, it feels like a nurturing place, the grande dame of Merrick and this part of Long Island's south Shore. I have a reverence for The Woods, with its quiet elegance and indomitable spirit.  I've written about it before, many times. If you're considering buying a home in Merrick Woods, or any other area in Merrick or Long Island, just give me a call at 516 457-7103, or send me a text and I'll be happy to help you find your next home....
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By Jill Sackler, LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate
(Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500)
The Professional Home Shopper - video   When I was younger and still in school, sometimes I would hear the term, "professional student" thrown about. While this isn't always meant to sound uncomplimentary, the term mainly refers to someone who keeps accumulating degrees with no apparent end in sight. In other words, final graduation day never arrives and real life never starts. Just the other day, I wrote a brief post about how enjoyable it can be to spend time looking at homes with buyers whose company you really enjoy. I'd been trying to focus on the listing side of the business, lately, and had completely neglected the buying end of things. In the interest of balance, I thought I might like to rectify that. While touring new homes can be tons of fun, and the energy and enthusiasm of ...
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By Jill Sackler, LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate
(Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500)
  Somewhere along my blogging path, I discovered this great Copyblogger site and I've become a real fan. Tips that help me produce better content show up for free in my inbox everyday. Even I can see the improvement in my writing from the place where I started 3 1/2 years ago. That is the point of blogging, after all - to communicate in such a way that your audience finds you enjoyable, helpful and knowledgeable in your area of expertise.
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By Geri Sonkin, Long Island Real Estate & Staging Expert
(Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516-457-7103)
Statistics about home sales in Merrick, as in any other area of Long Island, tell only part of the story.  The following information about real estate sales in all of the Merricks through the month of October is provided by the Multiple listing Service of Long Island.   If you look at the numbers without factoring in the devastating after effects of Hurricane Sandy last November, it could lead you to extrapolate from the data that the market in Merrick took a precipitous drop, and was suggestive of a downturn, rather than a singular factor that righted itself over time.  In recent years, there have been other external factors that caused spikes in the numbers of homes sold.     When looking at housing market statistics, you would be wise to go over the numbers with a real estate profes...
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By Jill Sackler, LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate
(Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500)
A New England Feel on Long Island's South Shore - Merrick Woods Recognized for its New England feel, the section known as Merrick Woods, is extra popular with Buyers.   This time of year, mature trees, with fall-colored foliage, are a sight to be seen. The large piles of leaves that carpet the sidewalks bring back distant childhood memories of country outings with family.      Merrick Woods is a very accessible neighborhood. It's close to the train, major highways, shopping, restaurants and houses of worship.       Merrick Woods boasts many different style homes including ranches, colonials and a personal favorite, the tudor. The school district is well known for its excellence.     If you're interested in seeing any of the available Merrick Woods homes, please don't hesitate to call me...
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By Geri Sonkin, Long Island Real Estate & Staging Expert
(Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516-457-7103)
Inauspicious though it may appear to the casual passerby, the Gyro Palace, on Sunrise Highway in Merrick is home to a delightful little Greek Restaurant and take-out with surprisingly good food.  I probably would never have discovered this one had I not sampled some of their dishes at a broker open house a few months ago.  I kept repeating over and over again, "where did this food come from," as I went from one tasty morsel to the other, intent on that not being my only exposure to what felt like the best homemade Greek cuisine I'd had in a long time. It has since become a regular stop on my favorite places for lunch.  With only four booths in the front (a few more in the back) and about as many tables, it deservedly, has a regular following and a constant turnover of food.  You'll find...
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By Jill Sackler, LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate
(Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500)
Showing Merrick Homes to Real Estate Buyers on a Sunday Sometimes, when you've been trying to concentrate on listings and, therefore, working with sellers, you forget how much fun it can also be to work with buyers, for a very welcomed change of pace. Listings are great for bringing out my creative side but showing homes is important for balance, so I don't forget how the other side of the real estate transaction - the searching and filtering process - also works. I spent the morning with a super adorable young couple who are very excited about looking for their first home. They were upfront with their search criteria and price range, and we've already seen a couple of great options. List to live is the old real estate adage and I take it to heart. But getting out on a warm-ish, albeit,...
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By Jill Sackler, LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate
(Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500)
ZERO DAYS ON THE MARKET Photo not available is often a sign that a property has been traded quickly and in-house. Zero days on the market confirms it. Free trade? Out the window. The property was never opened to the public.  A quick glance at MLS data reveals that Long Island's Nassau and Suffolk Counties, closed 87 of these so called "pocket listings" in 2013 alone. Some Sellers prefer it, for privacy and, it's their choice. Some may be ready to move only if a Buyer should come along and offer a deal too good to pass up. So, what's the problem? It's not illegal. But some agent names seem to come up disproportionately. They, apparently, enjoy doing business this way with its commission double-ending possibilities.   Low inventory seems to encourage it. Buyers get irritated because they ...
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By Geri Sonkin, Long Island Real Estate & Staging Expert
(Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516-457-7103)
If it were in my power to order up an ideal day in Merrick, New York, this surely would have been it.  The sun, warm and shining in a picture perfect, almost cloudless blue sky, the landscape resplendent with the colors of fall , offered a visual feast for all to see.  It's hard to believe we're only 11 days before Chanukah, 12 days to Thanksgiving and a scant 38 days before Christmas. 
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By Jill Sackler, LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate
(Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500)
Zombie Titles Yesterday, I received an email contact from Emily Dressler of Deeds.com, asking if I'd be interested in welcoming her as a guest blogger on my ActiveRain forum. Her regular contributions will consist of important and timely information regarding the ins and outs of deeds and titles. In the future, Emily will offer articles that are "specific to my area and clients, perhaps, focusing on trends, issues that clients encounter regarding their real estate needs, and other relevant topics." This inaugural post, with the ever-so-catchy Zombie Titles originally appeared on Deeds.com, and is a little-known consequence of the housing market crisis.   Zombie Titles The housing bust and foreclosure crisis in America has left many homeowners facing some serious financial and housing is...
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By Jill Sackler, LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate
(Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500)
What Do I Bring to the Table?   Yesterday, I read a featured post by Loreena Yeo, owner and broker of a Frisco, TX real estate agency.   In response to the recent National Association of Realtors' big idea also known as AgentMatch Tool, I was struck by the simplicity and truth of her statement, "I bring me" to the unasked question of all real estate agents everywhere, who may not be top producers in their neighborhood and who, consequently, will not show up in online search results, how they plan to stay in business?  If this describes you, as it does me, then the question becomes Quantity over Quality or should it be the other way around? Later in the day, I turned on the T.V. and caught the tail end of a segment discussing interviewing techniques with a handful of applicants. The inte...
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By Geri Sonkin, Long Island Real Estate & Staging Expert
(Douglas Elliman Real Estate 516-457-7103)
Just steps from the Merrick railroad station is an urban style restaurant and bar that would be just as at home in New York City as it is on Long Island.  Offering contemporary fare with a European influence, the well priced menu at The Savoy Tavern includes staples like Salmon Oreganata, Chicken Milanese, Tuna Steak Au Poivre and Filet Mignon.  If you prefer, you can get a Tavern Burger, one of their many fresh salads or tasty tidbits like meatballs, rice balls, baked clams, crispy calamari or spicy shrimp tempura. If you're looking for a place to host an intimate event, you'll find a private mezzanine level accommodating up to 20 people.  Whether you've chosen to make Merrick your home or are just visiting, this warm and welcoming eatery is well worth a visit.
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By Jill Sackler, LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate
(Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500)
Join Your Friends on Long Island's South Shore, Merrick NY, 11566 - video Affordable Taxes In South Merrick, 11566, Merrick Shores, South of Merrick Road, Refurbished, Spacious Split - Tons Of Upgrades - New SS Kitchen Appliances, New W & D, New HW Heater, Gas Heat, Upgraded Electric, Beautiful Wood Floors, New CAC Compressor, New Electric Garage Door Opener, New Landscaping, Built-Ins, Tons Of Storage, Cedar Closet, Convenient To All shopping, restaurants, transportation, parks, pools, ice-rinks, Houses of Worship.      
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By Jill Sackler, LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate
(Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500)
MARKET REPORT   MERRICK, NY 11566   October, 2013   RESIDENTIAL/CO-OP   HOW'S MERRICK DOING? Check out the # of sales and median price in October, 2013.    This chart depicts residential and condo/co-op sales for the month of October in years 2011, 2012 and 2013. Great News! Year over year, there were 20 more homes sold in October, 2013 with 36 home sales. There were zero co-ops/condos sold in October, 2013. Available inventory remains low at 152, and the current median list price of $524,900 is up slightly from $521,900. We'll revisit each month to see how Merrick is faring.  
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By Jill Sackler, LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate
(Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500)
IMAGES FROM SUPERSTORM SANDY ON THE 1ST ANNIVERSARY   This morning, I woke up acutely aware of the 1st anniversary of Superstorm Sandy. A year ago, today, the South Shore of Long Island and other NY, NJ & CT areas were devastated. By all accounts, families are still struggling to put the pieces of their lives back together.      Follow the links to much more information and other visuals.   New FEMA map shows damage to Long Island after Sandy One week after Superstorm Sandy - downed trees blocking roads Housing Crisis and price gauging after Superstorm Sandy Another Nasty Nor'easter on the heels of Superstorm Sandy Who will continue to risk waterfront property?        
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By Jill Sackler, LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate
(Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500)
Newsday Explore Long Island - Sandy Renovated Homes For Sale on Long Island   The October 29th 1st anniversary of Superstorm Sandy is almost upon us. In the wake of the storm, property damage was visible the likes of which had never been seen before in the memories of long-term Long Island residents. Even now, a year later, many homeowners have not completed the renovations necessary to make their homes habitable and are still struggling to work out the complicated financial aid package they are entitled to.    Newsday has written an article on Sandy Renovated Homes For Sale on Long Island. My South Merrick listing is one of the ones featured - Five Bedrooms 4 Sale on Long Island's South Shore.   MERRICK MLS# 2616076 1992 Brook Park Dr. $549,000     About a half-block from the water, th...
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By Jill Sackler, LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate
(Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500)
Home Sweet Home - Final Fantasy   In Sheila Anderson's Blog, her latest post recounts how in the purchase of her final home, she feels completely free to decorate to her taste. She enjoys making a statement and isn't worried about under utilizing the widely-distributed advice of painting your walls in neutrals.  Yes, she acknowledges that her love of bold color could possibly affect a resale but that's not what's on her mind, at the moment. Her purchase in the Berkshires is a culmination of a dream come true and she intends to make the very most of it. This is not the first time I've heard this sentiment expressed and it's similar to,"Should I spare no expense on my final home?" This is an interesting question and one which, you may be surprised to hear, is asked quite often. What if al...
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By Jill Sackler, LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate
(Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500)
First Google Glass Reality Show - Glasslandia - Episode1 I wanted to bring your attention to this new Youtube Reality show that focuses on Google Glass. A small business owner in Manhattan is one of 8,000 beta testers. As you watch the episode, you see the owner and her staff discussing new ways to use Glass to best service their clientele. It makes me long for a time when gathering hyperlocal content will be as simple as going through one's day. Certainly, Google Glass would find a niche in the lives of real estate agents everywhere. During the 1st episode, one of the best ideas thrown about involves filming a customer interaction. What better way to get across to consumers all over that doing business with you would surely incorporate the Know, Like and Trust phenomena. Check it out! ...
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By Jill Sackler, LI South Shore Real Estate - Broker Associate
(Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. 516-575-7500)
Who Would You Like To Meet Live And In Person?   On ActiveRain, there is a tendancy to become friends with people who started here at about the same time you did. The day I wrote my 3rd blog post, just about 3 years ago, I received an encouraging comment from none other than my future AR Bff, Cindy Westfall. It didn't take long for us to become friends. At first, we commented on practically everything each other wrote. Then, we expanded the relationship to include the occasional phone call. After a while, we were even exchanging holiday gifts. While Cindy currently resides in Portland, Oregon, she originally came from my neck of the woods. She moved around plenty, over the years, and has even lived in some of the same neighborhoods I did. We have so much in common, compiling a list woul...
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