After The Wrath Of 'Sandy'

Long Island has suffered massive damage from Hurricane Sandy and I truly hope that many of you by now are getting back to some kind of normalcy. For some, getting back to normal is still very much a challenge, especially to those who lost everything; their homes, treasured mementos, cars, boats, and worse yet, loved ones or pets.  

The devastating effects took its toll in many hard hit areas on the eastern seaboard and it is with my heartfelt hope these battered areas become restored much sooner than later especially as we hit the dipping temperatures. The relief efforts and outpouring of genuine love and support has been phenomenal which is what makes us so great as Americans and here in Long Island, too - I'd like to call, “Strong Island.” 

I am so proud to be involved with a wonderful real estate company, Realty Connect USA headquartered in Woodbury, which has sponsored several fundraising efforts, and to-date we are still continuing these successful ‘drives’ to help these hard hit communities. We've donated over a 1000 pounds of non-perishable items and are continuing our toy drive for the children of Hurricane Sandy. We are, also, proud to have FEMA representatives come in to use our facilities during this time as a base station to do their much needed work in the field. 

In regards to the homes that were on the market for sale and were in the process of closing soon, the banks have ordered re-inspections of these homes because of the storm. However, if you have just recently listed your home, or are possibly considering putting your home up for sale in the very near future, here are some tips that might help you reach your real estate objectives to move forward with your needs and goals:

• Consider getting your home pre-inspected, (post Hurricane Sandy). Normally, buyers order an engineer inspection report prior to going to contract on a home they are interested in purchasing. With the recent storms, so many properties were damaged from trees, flooding, downed wires, etc., that buyers may be a little leery of hidden damage. Marketing your home to prospective buyers AS a post Sandy, pre-inspected home can give you a nice advantage for attracting buyers. This pre-inspection can be a great investment as a very strong marketing tool and give you that powerful negotiating edge (over someone who has not gone the ‘extra mile’).

• Consider providing a Home Warranty. These one-year warranties generally cover things such as appliances, central air conditioning, certain electrical, plumbing items, etc. This warranty is another great marketing tool. It's a great investment as it covers your house during the term of the listing, and can be offered over to the purchaser/buyer at the closing table.

• Take advantage of the holidays. If you normally celebrate and decorate, then use tasteful decorations that can really give your home an image of warmth and a happy family life. The key is to make your house look like a holiday card from 'Currier and Ives' but not too glitzy or too personal to your family only.

• If possible, have summertime photographs available of your home to give to your Real Estate Agent. Your agent can proudly display them to show off and accentuate all the beauty of your home in the warm months to prospective buyers. Pictures of beautiful flowerbeds or a glistening pool can be very enticing.

I hope you find these tips helpful and encouraging. If you would like additional information on these tips, or if I can help you in any other way, please do not hesitate to call upon me. It would be a privilege to serve you.

We are still collecting new unwrapped toys, if you are interested in donating, please call me at 516-502-5725.

*The SBDC (Small Business Development Center) is now giving loans for Homeowners, not just business owners! Loans to homeowners & tenants to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate or personal property owned by the victim, including automobiles. Limit $200,000 for real estate & $40,000 for personal property. Call 631-420-2765.

*If you’re having a difficult time trying to get help from the insurance companies, please consider hiring a Public Insurance Adjuster to be your advocate: http://www.napia.com/