January House and Home: Danielle Carames

Welcome to the first edition of my 2023 monthly newsletter! As your trusted real estate advisor it is my goal to continually provide you with helpful resources and information no matter where you are in your homeownership journey. As a member of my client, friends and family appreciation program I will send you this monthly newsletter as my gift to you- I hope you find it a worthwhile read! “Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending ” Carl Bard

FOURTIPS

for Buying Your First Home

Buying your first home can be exciting yet scary. While looking at various homes and imagining yourself living in it can be a great feeling, you still can’t help but fear the process.

Are you doing it right? Are you making the right decisions for you are your family? Allow me to ease some pressure with my top four tips to ensuring you will choose the perfect home.

THINK ABOUT WHERE YOU WANT TO LIVE

The first rule in real estate islocation, location, location Think about your ideal neighborhoods and its proximity to work, school, and favorite restaurants /shops Consider the commute, traffic, and school districts.

CREATE A “MUSTHAVE” LIST OF HOME FEATURES

Create a list of must-haves in a home - what you absolutely will not budge on - and then create a separate wish list. Knowing what you must have in a home and what you can live without can help zero in on the perfect home

CONSIDER YOUR APPETITE FOR DIY PROJECTS

You may be inclined to choose a home that needs some work, but before you commit, consider your DIY limits “I’ll get to it later” is perhaps another way of saying “I’ll get to it never ” If you know you’ll do the work, then keep it on your short list.

Overview: Mortgage Process

The mortgage process can be quite daunting, especially to a first-time homebuyer. However, you won’t be alone. Your lender and real estate agent will help you navigate the process and ensure that you’ve completed each step and with expert advice For starters, here is a step-by-step guide on what to expect from application to loan closing

Application

The first step is to submit an application to your lender This includes your personal information, your finances and the details of your potential mortgage

2 Pre-approval

Once your information is reviewed and ran through underwriting software, you will receive a pre-approval typically good for 60-90 days

House Hunt

Armed with your pre-approval letter, you can now begin the search for your perfect home

Inspection and Appraisal

Once you’ve identified a home and your offer is accepted, you should have the home inspected for any major issues before signing your contract. After the contract is signed you will submit it to your lender to begin the appraisal process.

Processing & Underwriting

HIRE ME AS YOUR AGENT

As your agent, I will work on your behalf to find that perfect home I will ensure that you are knowledgeable of the buying process, will provide technical guidance and knowledge, and will negotiate the best deal possible.

mortgage 101

This step is considered behind the scenes as your Processor will prepare your file for underwriting and your Underwriter will underwrite to your specific loan program

Loan Conditions

Next you’ll submit requested documents to clear all loan conditions and await a clear-to-close (CTC).

CTC & Loan Closing

A CTC will be issued after your Underwriter reviews all documents. Finally, it’s time to actually close - give your down payment and closing costs and sign all documents legally transferring title to you

newyear’s resolutions

It’s a new year! With the new year comes new promises and resolutions for your lifestyle, health, finances and any other aspect of self-improvement. But have you thought about your home and how you may bring new ideas into the fold to create that spirit of new beginnings? Don’t worry! I’ve got you (or rather, your home) covered. Here are my top ideas for your home resolutions:

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Out with the old!

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Tackle the home projects.

It’s the perfect time to declutter and organize your stuff If it means throwing away those items that you haven’t used in years (and don’t even remember is there), then so be it. Just don’t throw away any family heirlooms or baseball cards that could be worth millions one day Get rid of the junk and organize the stuff you plan to keep

Do you have a “honey-do” list that has been written but not yet started? Are there some things in the house that you’ve been putting off just waiting for the perfect day to begin? Now is the perfect time to start! Carve out time and get to work! Fix that broken sink, replace the batteries in the smoke detectors, remove the popcorn ceiling, silence the squeaky floors, etc. You’ll thank me later.

Clean out the garage and make it functional.

Has your three-car garage been converted into a storage room? Are your cars housed outside under a tree while fighting the outdoor elements? If this is you then let’s talk. Here’s your motivation to crack that whip and clear out the clutter. Get rid of the old furniture or all those other pieces that haven’t seen the light of day If there are things that you can’t part with, consider getting a storage unit. Turn your garage back into a -- garage. Organize tools, outdoor equipment, and sporting goods and make room for your cars to fit.

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In with the new!

Energy efficiency is all the rave these days. Invest in energy-efficient systems like smart thermostats, smart appliances, and smart lighting You’ll not only save money, but you’ll save the planet! Now that’s what I call a win/win situation.

This is what I call a win/win situation!

Tula Kitchen has been a favorite of mine since it first opened in 2006. A downtown, elegant dining experience in the heart of Bay Shore. Stepping into Tula instantly transforms you to another place and time. Top rated for culinary expertise, Tula has become a destination for foodies from Manhattan to Montauk. Chef Jackie Sharlups approach to eating is simple: "We have a consciousness about the food we prepare using organic and natural ingredients whenever possible" Check out Tula Kitchen today! 41 East Main Street, Bay Shore NY

Spotlight on

Welcome to Bay Shore! Bay Shore is one of the older hamlets on Long Island, dating back to as early as 1697 and given its current name in 1868.

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Known as "The Heart of the South Shore" and a hamlet of the Town of Islip, Bay Shore is nestled comfortably right near the center of Long Island, approximately 42 miles from Manhattan and 79 miles from Montauk.

short 8.4 mile drive from the center of town takes you over the bridge and to "The Pencil" at the heart of Robert Moses State Park. The Atlantic Ocean awaits!

Fire Island Wohseepee Park The lakes

Willy Nilly trading co Bay Shore Marina Shipwreck Cove Great South Bay YMCA ITA Kitchen

School District: Bay Shore UFSD Services residents of Bay Shore, Brightwaters, West Bay Shore, North Bay Shore, and Fire Island. Number of Schools: 8, including 5 elementary schools, one middle school and one high school, as well as a new state of the art UPK facility.

Harvey Milk, Class of 1947 Mario Puzo Patti austin joe namath The Entenmanns Family

Mascot: Marauder Colors: Maroon and White

Bay Shore is currently in a Neutral Housing Market, which means prices tend to be reasonable and homes stay on the market for a typical length of time At the same time last year, Bay Shore was experiencing a Seller's Market.