North Shore Homes - December 15, 2022

HOMES

A Supplement to TIMES BEACON RECORD News Media (631) 751-7744 • (631) 331-1154 • tbrnewsmedia.com Serving Long Island's Prestigious North Shore ©TBR NEWS MEDIA 2022

MT. SINAI Magnificent 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath dream home, nestled on quiet cul-de-sac in desirable Island Estates. A wider and larger build than the original model, perfect for entertaining. A grand two story entry hall and elegant staircase. 10’ ceilings on main floor. 2 story living room, formal dining room, butler’s pantry, eat-in kitchen with island and family room with fireplace, oversized windows and 2 sliding glass doors provide much natural light. First floor features tucked away guest suite with full bath. Upstairs offers 9 foot ceilings; sound proofing; primary suite with tray ceilings, 2 walk-in closets and en-suite bath with whirlpool tub. Full finished basement with 9’ ceilings, built-In Humidex, full bath and separate outside entrance. Attached 3 car garage. Truly a must see. MLS#3424670. Offered at $1,150,000

Wading River Newly Renovated 5Br, 5.5Bth 1840’s Farmhouse on shy 3 acres. The Main House retains original details, FDR & EIK w/Brkfst Nook. Grand Master Suite w/Upscale FBth. Gunite Saltwater Pool, 2 outdoor entertaining areas. A legal fully renovated Guest House w/2 BRs 2 Bths & Full Kitchen & Dining Area. 4 Stable Horse Barn w/2 separate fenced paddocks. ML#3392317 $1,999,000

Pt Jefferson Quaint 3Br, 2Bth Classic in Pt Jefferson Village. Wood Burning FPL, HW Flrs, Primary Br suite w/ FBth. One Car Garage. This home is zoned Residential/Commercial & would be a perfect Professional home or mother/daughter with proper permits. Partial Basement. Near downtown Pt. Jeff Village, University, LIRR & Ferry. ML# 435760 $499,900

Center Moriches Beautiful Large 3Br, 2.5Bth Sharaz Model in gated community. 1st Flr Primary Br, Hi Ceilings, EIK w/ Marble Counters. Updated: Refrig, Stove, & Dishwasher. FDR, End unit, Fireplace, Wood Floors, Separate Laundry Room, Sprinkler Sys. 2 Sliders to Paver Patio and Covered Rear Porch. Amenities include Pool, Tennis and Gym. ML#3441863 $649,900

Pt. Jefferson One of a kind 7632sf

Waterfront building in the heart of Pt. Jeff Village. Monument signage, multiple points of ingress & egress, parking for over 27 vehicles and ADA accessibility. Water Views from 2nd floor Full Bar and Dining Area. Sale includes main multi floor building and two office spaces. Elevator and lift. Bonus investment on ground level for additional income. ML#3411927 $2,600,000

Baiting Hollow Unique Home, Nestled in Woodcliff Park, A Seasonal Beachfront Community. New Kitchen & Bth. New 2nd Level. Spacious Upper Loft. PullDown Screen W/Projector. Outside Deck w/Fire Pit & Covered Dining Area. Homeowner Pays Annual Land Lease & Season Runs from Apr 15 to Oct 15 Each Year. Comes Completely Furnished. ML#3416991 $158,000

Mt. Sinai Gorgeous 4Br, 3.5Bth Post Modern on cul-de-sac on 1 acre +. Wonderful yard with L shaped IGP. HW Flrs on main floor. Formal Living Room & FDR, Family Room w/wb FPL & sliders to deck. Lg primary suite w/2 WIC’s, ensuite bth. Main floor office/ guest room. Walk out bsmnt, 2car Garg. Natural gas heating & cooking. ML#3423849 $889,000

Lisa Godt joins the Elliman Family

Buying a Condo or Townhome

Homebuyers have a plethora of properties to choose from in today’s market.

Detached, single-family homes are the norm in most places, but

homebuyers should take a good look at condominiums and townhomes, too.

DEFINITIONS

Let’s start with single-family detached homes. That’s exactly what it sounds like — a home, not attached to any others, that

Townhouses are attached homes that generally include the land the home is situated on and the home’s exterior. Condominiums are physically indistinguishable from rental apartments. They are attached and the exterior and land are considered common areas shared by all residents. Residents of a condo or a townhouse, like some detached home owners, may pay a monthly homeowner association fee that covers the maintenance of those common areas.

Generally speaking, detached homes give the homeowner

more freedom when it comes to renovations and condominiums give the most freedom from maintenance chores.

EXAMINE YOUR LIFESTYLE

Determining which of these family comes down to your lifestyle. People with little homeownership experience and little to no time for home maintenance may prefer life in a condo or townhouse, where an association does a lot of the work for you. Or maybe you want more room or you don’t want the oversight of an HOA. Then a detached home might be just the thing.

FINANCING YOUR NEW HOME

You also need to look at your budget. In some markets, detached homes may be more expensive than townhomes or condos, and in others, it may be the attached homes that are more pricey. Work with your real estate professional and your lending you can realistically buy.

Financing a detached home and a townhome are very similar because you’re buying both the structure and the land. Financing a condo can be a little more tricky since you’re

just paying for what’s between the walls. Some lenders have approval lists with rules limiting commercial space and other requirements.

Condo loans can also demand higher interest rates than other property purchases because lenders may consider them more risky.

You will also need to plan for higher homeowners association fees with condos than with townhouses or detached homes. That’s because the association assumes responsibilit y for the maintenance of the exterior and common areas, which are often

as pools and hot tubs.

Risks of Condo Ownership

Because condominium ownership is shared by the homeowners association, owning a condo may open you up to more liability. The risk the lender is worried about isn’t that you won’t pay your mortgage or fees, but that a number of other owners won’t. Those fees pay for the maintenance of the building, and deferred maintenance can cause condo values to drop, endangering the lender’s investment.

REAL ESTATE 101

Orlandi Licensed Associate RE Broker

Maria

Peace & Prosperity- Peace & Courage & Compassion &

Open House 101

Online sites are just the beginning of your search for a new home.

There’s nothing like the experience of being inside a property when trying to determine if it’s right for you. It’s not as simple as showing up at a house with a for sale sign out front. There’s even a protocol for attending an advertised open house without your agent.

INFORMATION GATHERING

Professionally shot photos and virtual tours give us an initial sense of what a home looks like, but the space works proportionally for you, and whether the layout works. You also don’t get a sense of the intangibles, like how close the neighbor’s house is or whether

Test drive unique features of the home, while inspecting for evidence of needed maintenance. This may be as minor as a broken doorknob or as potentially expensive as worn

unseen issues, like the age of the there elements that would need immediate updating?

Don’t be afraid to take notes along the way, in particular if you’re touring more than one home during the course of the day.

FOLLOW THE RULES

There are some unwritten rules of etiquette when attending an open house. No need to knock or ring the doorbell if no one is out front. The listing agent is likely inside with visitors who arrived earlier. Simply let yourself in, then sign in if there is a guest book. Introduce yourself to the agent when you encounter them, but wait to enter a room until others have left as a courtesy. Do not use the seller’s bathroom, or open any drawers. Keep children under close supervision.

CONTACTING AN AGENT

If you’ve already contracted with a buyer’s agent, you should generally plan your open house visits with

them. But what if you unexpectedly

a whim without your agent, as long as you notify the listing agent that you’re otherwise represented. You should also write your agent’s name on any provided sign-in sheets. Let your agent know about these visits too, in case they receive a follow-up call. If you’re not being represented, these open houses could serve as someone you’d like to hire.

REAL ESTATE 101

Unlike other real estate agents, Realtors are licensed salespeople who belong to the National Association of Realtors. As part of the largest trade group in the country, Realtors must adhere to a stringent code of ethics that includes in-depth requirements on how to conduct home sales.

©ADOBE

Happy Holidays, From The Cain-Healy Team

We are wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with warm moments and cherished memories. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a very Happy New Year.

“Many things in life can be unstable except for home ownership.” – Stephen Healy.

The Cain-Healy Team Patricia Cain, Stephen Healy

Real Estate Salespeople c.516.458.6703, c.631.836.4986 patriciacain@danielgale.com stephenhealy@danielgale.com

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

Each office is independently owned and operated.

The Cain-Healy Team at Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty would like to thank all of our past clients for another extraordinary year.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays

Which Documents Matter?

Let’s face it, there is a mountain of paperwork associated with real estate.

Some of these documents are more important than others. Here’s how to sort it all out.

Once your transaction is for safekeeping. Some of them will be critical if an issue arises with mortgage or home.

Since the average homeowner can’t determine which is which, many lenders simply recommend that you keep all of the paperwork dealing with the purchase and mortgage for the life of your home loan. They warn against converting these documents into digital formats, since online storage may put private information like your Social Security number at risk. Keep all paperwork in a safetime to get rid of them once the

In the meantime, here’s a look at which documents matter the most.

LOAN AND CLOSING DOCUMENTS

Most of what you’ll sign at a home closing involves the loan itself and various closing documents. The disclosure, for instance, details the costs of your loan. A closing statement lists additional costs. The mortgage outlines the terms of your loan. You should also have copies of appraisals and inspection reports. All of these documents are critically important, and must be kept safe in case they’re later needed.

INSURANCE POLICY

and waterproof place, since it will be needed in case the unthinkable happens. This paperwork will describe your deductible, coverage limits and other key elements of your plan. You’ll need quick access to all of that information in the event of a disaster.

CONTRACTS

Retain the purchase agreement, whether you’re selling a home or buying one, as well as all signed contracts with the real estate agent. Keep all seller disclosures, as well, in case an unmentioned issue with the property is later revealed.

OTHER DOCUMENTS

Hang on to all of the documentation after remodeling projects or making an addition, since they will help establish the value of your improvements should you elect to sell later on. Consider taking before and after photos,

a mortgage, keep the subsequent release forms from your lender. These may come in handy if there is an issue with taxes or reporting to credit bureaus.

REAL ESTATE 101

Do You Need a Warranty?

Home warranties are particularly comforting when buying an older home, but they are sometimes included on new builds, too. Key elements to seek coverage of with all homes include: heating and air conditioning; windows and ventilation; and electrical systems and plumbing. With new construction, be wary of issues with drywall and paint, structural defects and doors and trim.

©ADOBE STOCK

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

Center Moriches 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

Mt Sinai Beautiful 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 $989,000

ML#3422211 $950,000

Wading River Set on beautiful 1.17 acre of privacy. FLR w/Fireplace.Eat in Kitchen w/JennAire Stove w/Indoor grill. Den/Family Room w/Fireplace .FDR , Mstr/bdm.w/oversized custom marble shower.3 addl.Bedrooms, Hwd flrsThroughout. Anderson Windows, CAC, 2 Car Garage. ML#3441195 $699,990

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

Sound Beach Contemporary home w/ soaring ceilings and open floor plan. 2100 sq ft plus it has a full fin bsmt. approx 800 sq foot, 1 bdrm legal apt. Quiet block and quaint setting, 2/3 bedrooms upstairs with a mstr bath w/ bath and shower. Loft area perfect for an office or additional bedroom.

ML#3436174 $499,999

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.