Since people are always asking me about real estate and lifestyle matters, we introduced a light and fun monthly Q&A about all sorts of topics.
Favorite pies and where to buy them if you don’t feel like baking.
“I suggest taste-testing a bunch of pumpkin and apple pies around the region. Compare pies from farms like Mecox and Round Swamp, and it’s definitely worth the trip to the North Fork’s Briermere Farms for nearly every type of pie imaginable.”
How should I market my home in the off season? Is using this time of year more common in residential real estate sales now?
“It’s important to take advantage of these last days of green lawns, trees with leaves, and pools and outdoor spaces still being used to shoot exterior photos of your property. That way if there is ever a thought about listing your home in late winter or early spring, you have far better images. The buyer pool looks year-round and often tours homes during mild weather in the off season.”
How to work off your Thanksgiving dinner.
“Hit the trails at Morton National Wildlife Refuge, Mashomack Preserve and Napeague State Park, just to name of few of our spectacular natural areas. One of the best outdoor experiences is to explore the tens of miles of shoreline for treasures that frequently wash ashore during fall storms that would ordinarily lay hidden on the ocean and bay floors. An old-fashioned game of touch football in the backyard was always a favorite in my household growing up (though it most inevitably turned into tackle!).”
My top three tips for maintaining homes when you’re away for long periods to avoid unwanted surprises.
1.) Install motion detectors or sensors in attics and basement and crawl spaces for wildlife intrusion alerts. Raccoons and squirrels can do terrible damage.
2.) Winter pool maintenance allows for monitoring overflows and other damage that may not be visible in secluded pool areas.”
3.) I am a big fan of maintaining constant temperatures indoors throughout the year to preserve the longevity of your home’s construction materials and contents. The old school thought of lowering the thermostat to 55 degrees just so the pipes don’t freeze doesn’t take into consideration precious building materials, furnishings and art. Do yourself a favor and set it to 65 degrees. Maintaining humidity levels is equally important.
