North Shore Homes - November 17, 2022

Maria Orlandi

Tips and Tricks to Buying Land

So you’re in the market for buying land? Maybe you have some extra capital you are looking to invest. Maybe there is a plot of land out there that would serve as the perfect spot for your custombuilt home.

Or maybe your family has always had its eyes on a piece of land. No matter the reason, buying land can be an investment that pays big dividends down the line. There are many positives, indeed, but there consider, especially if this will be

GETTING A GOOD PRICE

When we hear on the news that real estate prices are down, many of us may consider jumping on

the opportunity to buy a bigger, to purchase a second home for vacations or summer stays. While owning two homes can be a major plus, it can also be a maintenance and logistical nightmare. A better alternative, in many land to your portfolio. Once you own it, you can decide to build on it later or just let its value rise as prices ventually come back.

CONSIDER THE MAINTENANCE

Keep in mind that not all land is maintenance-free. If it has been cleared for construction, farming or recreational use, it may need some general care from time to time. Any fencing, dirt access roads or trees could also require some maintenance to keep your purchase looking great. Also, consider the

The more land you acquire, the more your wallet will be hit with an annual property-tax bill.

MARKET TRENDS

Thumb through a local real estate booklet, and you will

investors buy up big plots, section

There are also generally fewer potential buyers looking to pick up a piece of land. These two factors make it an advantageous time to purchase land. But consider your life situation before settling to buy raw land. Will you be moving in the next few years, or can you see yourself building? Are you patient enough to let the land sit vacant for 10 to 15 years, when you may see a generous return on investment?

PORT JEFFERSON, NEW YORK MLS# 3438663. $795,000.

Welcome to Harbor View in Port Jefferson Village. Luxury living at gated community with clubhouse, gym, tennis, salt water pool, plus all Port Jefferson amenities including golf at the Country Club. Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac, a driveway with parking for 4+ cars, and privacy from the deck. This pristine home is a real turn-key with lots of light, open spaces, large foyer, eat-in kitchen, dining room with door to deck, living room with gas fireplace, and split stairs to 2nd floor with primary en suite and 2 additional bedrooms sharing bath. The lower level has an outside entrance, great finished space, full bath, and lots of storage. Natural gas heating, fireplace and cooking too. A beautiful lifestyle.

Stony Brook/Port Jefferson Office 1067 Route 25A, Stony Brook, NY 631.689.6980 | danielgale.com Each office

Each year, with our readers’ help, we honor the people who have contributed in the communities we serve. The honorees are profiled in a special edition at the end of the year. Nominate your choice(s) by emailing desk@tbrnewsmedia.com Please include

Factor in the Children

The biggest factors in many home-buying decisions can, in fact, be the smallest members of the family.

Children are monumental market, even if they aren’t born yet.

Factors such as school systems, safety and proximity to family can all play major roles in determining where a family puts down its roots.

Families may also decide to trade in one lifestyle for another to help improve the quality of life for their children. Moving from in town to a rural area, for example, can be a way to slow life down a bit and involve children in nature. Trading in country life for city life

more opportunities for various activities. Regardless of your moving situation, it will most likely children.

SCHOOL SYSTEM

School boundaries are a major factor in home-buying decisions, according to a study by realtor. com. Of those surveyed, about 60 percent of home buyers would go over budget by nearly 20 percent to obtain a home in their desired school district. Ninety percent of those polled stated that school boundaries were important or somewhat important in guiding their decisions.

SAFETY

Neighborhood safety is another home buyers — and not just safety from crime and known gang-

to be close to good hospitals and their pediatricians in the case of

out where the nearby healthcare facilities and hospitals are located by asking your real-estate agent or doing a little research on your prospective new community.

LOCATION

Considering a cross-country move away from your child’s grandparents, relatives and friends? Then you know how tough the decision can be.

The happiness of your child is probably one of the driving forces telling you to stay. But many parents make such decisions for a higher-paying job or more exciting career opportunities.

Consider all factors before making the leap, including the have on your family.

Start the process early.

During this time the home buying process is rapidly changing. Work with your real estate agent for latest updates.

Qualify for the lowest mortgage you can and get pre-approved for a mortgage before beginning your search. Be ready to act fast and be willing to compromise.

Clean Up Your Credit

Before you start socking away savings for a down payment and even before you check out price listings for local properties, there is one step you should be focused on: cleaning up your credit.

A poor or unproven credit background will give lenders pause, especially considering the fallout that came with the real estate crash in 2008.

For those with bad credit, buying a home can feel like an uphill battle. Sure, you may be able to get a loan from a local bank or credit union, but your interest rates are likely to be sky-high, leaving you with a to keep up on.

That’s why improving your credit

homeownership. If you have poor credit, you’re not alone. A report from the Corporation for Enterprise Development showed that 56

percent of American consumers have subprime credit scores. This means they are unable to take advantage of the best interest rates if they want to borrow money for purchases such as homes.

If buying a home is in the plans for you, it’s never too early to start making progress toward cleaning up your credit. Here are three tips on how to achieve your credit goals so you can be in a great position for purchasing a home:

UNDERSTAND YOUR SCORE

credit is understanding your score. Under federal law, you are entitled to a free yearly credit report from each of the country’s top three credit bureaus. You can access these agencies at www. Annual CreditReport.com.

Since these main organizations

score, evaluating all three can paint a comprehensive picture of what your score looks like to lenders. Do this once a year to keep up with any changes to your score.

LOOK FOR ERRORS

Credit reports are not perfect. In fact, errors can be a common occurrence due to identity theft or simple technical mistakes by reporting systems. Take a hard look at your report and be on the lookout for lines of credit you haven’t taken out or false reports of late payments.

Contact the credit bureau where the mistake is listed to dispute and clear up any issues. Credit bureaus are legally obligated to clear up any mistakes within 30 days.

PAY OFF DEBT

strategy for getting some of the debt like that found on credit cards is particularly important to either eliminate or keep a low balance.

Debt such as long-term, lowinterest student loans is less damaging to your report. Talk with a debt counselor about ways to

sure you’re following the right strategy.

© FOTOLIA

Manhasset Expanded balconied col. Located in the Village of Flower Hill. Custom finishes – The home you have been waiting for. An Entertainers dream. Gourmet Kit. Marble C-Tops. No expense spared. Wood flrs. Basement. .59 acre. Close to train & schools. ML#3437575 $2,599,000

Port Jefferson Antique/Historical! Once in a lifetime opportunity to own the Zachariah Hawkins House, a historic home in the desirable Village of Port Jefferson. 4 Br, 2.5 Ba. Legal Accessory Studio Apartment (gas heat) above the detached 1.5 car garage. Very Low taxes. Close to Stony Brook Univ. & Hosp. ML#3396733 $850,000

Stony Brook Lovely, expanded ranch in the heart of Stony Brook! Close to West Meadow Beach and private 40 acres beach association. Wood flrs, vaulted ceiling. Young windows, gas heat, Energy efficient Buderus heating system, Move right in! ML#3418580 $675,000

Stony Brook Charming expanded Ardsley, in the “B” Section! Real wood floors in living room, New windows upstairs, roof - 10 years, 2 Skylights! Fence 3yrs old! 200 amp service, gas at the end of the street. Quiet family neighborhood in Three Village School District! ML#3438862 $599,000

Setauket Immaculate expanded cape in the heart of 3 Village. Oak floors, huge Sun drenched great room for entertainment. Updated Bathrooms and chic kitchen, 4 Large BR, Full Bsmnt, CAC, .41 Acre 2 level yard, Natural Gas. ML#3438967 $585,000

Old Field A triumph of Contemporary design! This 3-4Bed,4.5Bath home has been carefully remodeled into a unique property. Exceptional entertaining spaces, chef’s Kit/w Center island, master suite & luxurious bath, 2 Fireplaces, deeded beach rights, culde-sac. 2.5 acres of private and tranquil property. ML#3424161 $1,895,000

Mt Sinai Build your dream home on this beautiful waterfront property. Located on a Cul-de-sac & property lines go right into Old Creek Bay -boat right out to the Forge River & direct to Moriches Bay . Master suite on 2nd level and a Jr. Master Suite on the first level. Basement with 10” Ceilings. ML#3405811 $1,350,000 To Be Built

Mt Sinai Beautiful Jacobean Hwd. Floors Thru out this Colonial. Full Fin. walk out bsmt. with private Gym, Family Room, Wet bar, 1/2 bath. In-ground pool w/ newer Liner/filter, new loop lock cover. Updated EIK with New SS appl., Large Mstr. w/sitting area, new Master Bath. Custom moldings through out. ML#3436173 $998,000

Old field Spacious updated 4 BR Ranch with access to private beach, HWfloors, Andersen windows, skylites, oversized 2 car garage, full basement partially finished,3V schools, close to Stony brook Univ. ML#3422211 $950,000

Mt Sinai Views of Waterfront without any of the headaches of Bulkheading. Build your Dream home overlooking Mt. Sinai Harbor where you can enjoy moorng your boat, Fishing, Kayaking. Acres of beaches to walk, run or just sit back and relax. If you want to find the perfect lot to build your dream home... this is it! ML#3369323 $599,000

Stony Brook Ranch 1st Fl Master Bdrm., 2nd Bedrm, Eat in Kitchen, Granite Countertops, Hardwood Floors. Home Office, Lr/Dr, Master Bath, Security System, new Windows, Private Entrance. Second lot included, sold as package, Lot size .35 taxes $832. ML#3424484 $539,900

631.928.5484

Bringing clarity to

Hauppauge Fantastic Opportunity to Own in Hauppauge Schools! This Well Situated Hi Ranch Has 2 Levels to Love! Upstairs Offers Bright Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Full Bath (Fully Remodeled) & 3 Bedrooms. 1st Floor Has New Flooring with Large Family Room (w/Walkout to Backyard), Bedroom, Full Bath & Laundry/Utilities. Fully Fenced Yard. Close To Highways. ML#3440247 $524,900

Pt Jefferson Quaint 3Br, 2Bth Classic in Pt Jefferson Village. Wood FPL, HW Floors, Primary Br suite w/FBth. One Car Garage. This home is zoned Residentialor professional. Partial Basement. Near downtown Pt. Jefferson and close to St. Charles & Mather Hospital, Stony Brook Hospital and University, LIRR & Ferry. ML#3435760 $499,900

Newly Renovated 5Br, 5.5Bth 1840’s Farmhouse on shy 3 acres, surrounded by 100+ acre nature preserves. The Main House retains original features: a 9ft wide x 5ft high red brick FPL with Dutch Oven, FDR & EIK w/Brkfst Nook. Grand Master Suite w/Upscale FBth & Sitting area. Gunite Saltwater Pool w/Whirlpool, 2 outdoor entertaining areas with a new 450sf patio w/custom gazebo & infrared heaters.

A legal fully renovated Guest House w/2 BRs 2 Bths & Full Kitchen & Dining Area. Guest House/Garg can accommodate 3 Cars. Next a 4 Stable Horse Barn w/2 separate fenced paddocks & room for riding ring. TBlue Ribbon SWR Schools! ML#3392317 $1,999,000

Rocky Point Custom-built 4Br, 1.5Bth Expanded Ranch located in The Tides Beach Community w/deeded Beach Rights. Hardwood floors in all bedrooms, skylight in Kitchen, sliders to patio with retractable awning, a woodburning stove, triple fireplace in the dining room and family room. Anderson sliders lead to Trex deck set on half-acre of private property. Large 1.5 car garage with storage and basement. ML#3407315 $399,999

Baiting Hollow This Unique Home, Nestled in Woodcliff Park, A Seasonal Beachfront Community. New Kitchen & Bth. New 2nd Level. Spacious Upper Loft Can Be a 3rd Br or Family Room. Enjoy Movies on The Pull-Down Screen W/ Projector. Outside Deck w/Fire Pit. Cash only, Homeowner Pays Annual Land Lease & Season Runs from Apr 15 to Oct 15 Each Year. Comes Completely Furnished w/ Many Extras. ML#3416991 $158,000

Coram Gorgeous 4Br, 2.5Bth Center Hall Colonial! Updated Custom Kitchen and Baths! New Heating System. Ceramic/Marble/wood floors/sliders/ updated windows/copper sink (wet bar) Country club yard! Stunning free form IGP with custom sun ledge -huge deck, fully fenced shy ½ Acre! 2 Car Garage. ML#3414112 $599,990

Wading River (Price Improvement)