Sharlene's Real Estate Services

09/22/2026

🏡 Did You Know? The Property Taxes You See on a Listing May NOT Be What You Pay.

Buying a home? Property taxes can be confusing, so here are a few things to know:

💰 Listing taxes can change. Always verify the current taxes and assessment before buying.

🏫 Long Island property taxes aren't just one tax. Your bill may include school, county, town, village and special district taxes, depending on the property.

⭐ What is STAR? STAR (School Tax Relief) provides an eligible homeowner with a benefit toward school taxes. It does not eliminate your entire property tax bill.

🏠 Buying a home now? New homeowners generally receive the STAR credit rather than a new STAR exemption, if eligible.

The takeaway: Don't budget from the listing alone. Make sure you understand the current taxes and what you may actually pay.

Sharlene Bleier | Island Advantage Realty
📞 631-219-9164

Disclaimer: General information only. Property taxes, assessments and eligibility for tax benefits vary. Always verify current taxes and eligibility with the appropriate local assessor and New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

09/22/2026

🏡 Did You Know? The Property Taxes You See on a Listing May NOT Be What You Pay.
If you're buying your first home, property taxes can be confusing. Here's what you need to know:
💰 The tax amount on a listing can change.
The amount shown reflects the property's current tax situation. Assessments and taxes can change, so it's important to verify the current taxes before you buy.
🏫 Long Island property taxes aren't just one tax.
Your property tax bill can include school, county, town, village (where applicable), and special district taxes such as fire, library or water districts. Exactly what applies depends on the property's location.
⭐ So, what is STAR?
STAR stands for School Tax Relief. It's a New York State program that provides a tax benefit to eligible homeowners on their school taxes. It does not eliminate your entire property tax bill.
🏠 Buying a home now?
New homeowners generally receive the STAR credit rather than a new STAR exemption. If you're eligible, New York State provides the credit to help offset your school taxes.
📋 Don't assume you're automatically getting STAR.
Once the home becomes your primary residence, you'll need to register for the STAR credit if you're eligible.
The takeaway:
Don't just look at the property tax number in the listing. Find out what you're actually responsible for—and whether you may qualify for STAR or another exemption.
That can make a difference when you're figuring out what your monthly homeownership costs will really be.
If you have questions about the home-buying process, I'm happy to help point you in the right direction.

Sharlene Bleier | Island Advantage Realty
631-219-9164



General information only. Property taxes, assessments and eligibility for tax benefits vary. Always verify current taxes and eligibility with the appropriate local assessor and New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

09/11/2026

GREAT BUY! 🏡 Unlock the Potential at 35 Eagle Lane, Farmingdale!
OPEN HOUSE — SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 | 10 AM–12 PM
Looking for a home with great potential? This 3-bedroom, 2-bath split-level home is worth a look!
Features include:
✨ 3 Bedrooms | 2 Full Baths
✨ Split-Level Layout, 1453 sqft
✨ Hardwood & Tile Flooring
✨ Eat-In Kitchen & Formal Dining Room
✨ Partially Finished Basement
✨ Attached 1-Car Garage
✨ In-Ground Swimming Pool
✨ .25-Acre Property
✨ Convenient to schools, shopping, parks & transportation
📍 35 Eagle Lane, Farmingdale, NY 11735
💰 $739,950

https://youtu.be/lZdA_-KyKLM

Come take a look and see the possibilities for yourself! Need TLC. New to market.
Sharlene Bleier
📞 631-219-9164
Island Advantage Realty

09/09/2026

🏡 Did You Know? Your Homeowners Insurance Could Affect Your Closing!
You found the house, your offer was accepted, and you're heading toward closing. But don't forget about homeowners insurance.
🏠 Your lender will generally require it before your mortgage can close. Don't wait until the last minute to get a quote.
🌊 Flood insurance is usually separate. Standard homeowners insurance typically doesn't cover flooding, and a separate policy may be required depending on the property.
💨 Wind & hurricane deductibles can surprise Long Island buyers. Some policies have separate deductibles of 1%–5% of the home's insured value. A 2% deductible on a $600,000 home could mean $12,000 out of pocket.
💰 Don't automatically choose the cheapest policy. Compare coverage, deductibles and exclusions—not just the price.
The takeaway:
👉 Find out what it will cost to insure the home BEFORE you close.
It could affect your budget—and potentially your ability to get to the closing table.
Sharlene Bleier | Island Advantage Realty
631-219-9164
General information only. Insurance requirements, coverage and costs vary by property, insurer and lender. Always consult a licensed insurance professional and your lender.

08/28/2026

🏡 5 Common Home Buying Myths — BUSTED!

Think you know what it takes to buy a home? You might be surprised!

🚫 MYTH #1: “I should wait until mortgage rates come down.”

There is no way to know exactly where rates will be in the future. Waiting could mean waiting for a rate that may not come—and home prices or inventory could change in the meantime.

🚫 MYTH #2: “I need 20% down.”

Not necessarily! There are loan programs and assistance options that may allow qualified buyers to purchase with considerably less.

🚫 MYTH #3: “I need perfect credit.”

Not necessarily! Different loan programs have different credit requirements, and a lender can help determine what you may qualify for.

🚫 MYTH #4: “I need a huge amount of cash saved.”

Not necessarily! Down-payment assistance, closing-cost assistance and low-down-payment loan programs may reduce the amount of cash a qualified buyer needs.

🚫 MYTH #5: “The highest offer always wins.”

Not necessarily! Sellers may consider financing strength, contingencies, closing date, appraisal risk and other terms—not just the price.

💡 THE BOTTOM LINE

Don't let what you think you know about buying a home keep you from exploring your options.

Have questions about buying on Long Island? Let's talk!

Sharlene Bleier
Island Advantage Realty
📞 631-219-9164

I'm happy to answer your questions and help point you in the right direction—even if you're just starting to explore your options. 🏡

08/24/2026

✨ Just Listed in Williston Park!
Welcome to 15 Stratford Avenue, a charming 3-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath Colonial offering a wonderful mix of classic character and thoughtful updates.
This home features an updated designer kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances, updated bathrooms and flooring, new carpeting, fresh paint, a full basement w/OSE, and a 1-car detached garage.
🌳 Enjoy the private backyard and patio, while being conveniently located near shopping, public transportation, the Long Island Rail Road, parkways and local amenities.
📍 15 Stratford Avenue, Williston Park, NY 11596
💰 $880,000
🛏️ 3 Bedrooms | 🛁 2 1/2 Full Baths | 🚗 1-Car Garage
🏫 Mineola School District

Youtube: https://youtu.be/r0d-vs3IZZ0
NEW to Market — don't miss the opportunity to see this one!
For more information or to schedule a private showing:
Sharlene Bleier
Island Advantage Realty
📞 631-219-9164

08/22/2026

RENOVATED & READY! 🏡 | 239 Ocean Avenue, Brentwood

4 bedrooms • 2 full baths • 2-car detached garage • BIG yard 🌳

This updated Cape Cod offers an updated kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances, updated flooring and carpeting, fresh paint, a first-floor bedroom and full bath, plus a full unfinished basement for additional storage or future possibilities.

And outside? A large 0.45-acre lot and a 2-car detached garage give you the space you've been looking for.

📍 239 Ocean Avenue, Brentwood, NY 11717
💲 $620,000

Want to see it for yourself?

Sharlene Bleier
Island Advantage Realty
📞 631-219-9164
📧 [email protected]

Equal Housing Opportunity.

08/20/2026

YOU GOT THE MORTGAGE! 🎉 Now Don't Lose It. 

Did You Know? 

Getting your offer accepted is exciting—but you're not at the finish line quite yet. 

Before closing, avoid these common mistakes: 

🚫 Buying a new car 
🚫 Opening new credit cards or taking out loans 
🚫 Financing furniture or appliances 
🚫 Co-signing for someone else's loan 
🚫 Changing jobs or making major income changes without talking to your lender 
🚫 Moving large amounts of money without documentation 
🚫 Missing payments on existing bills 

Why does this matter? 

Many lenders may check or refresh your credit before closing. New debt or changes to your finances can affect your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) and potentially affect your loan approval. 

👉 My advice: Talk to your lender BEFORE making any major financial move between getting approved and closing. 

📌 Important: Mortgage requirements vary by lender and loan program. Some financial changes may or may not affect your loan. Always check with your lender before making a major financial decision. 

You got the house. Now let's get you to the closing table! 🏡❤️ 

Sharlene Bleier | Island Advantage Realty 
631-219-9164 

08/19/2026

08/19/2026

UPDATED HOME • MOVE-IN READY • OPEN SATURDAY! 8/22/26 3-4pm

📍 11 Parkwood Road, Westbury, NY
💰 $800,000

Looking for space, updates, and an ideal location? This beautifully updated Cape-style home has it all!

✨ 4 Bedrooms
✨ 2 Full Baths
✨ Updated Kitchen & Baths
✨ Refurbished Hardwood Floors
✨ Full Finished Basement
✨ Private Yard & Patio
✨ Detached Garage & Driveway
✨ 6,000 Sq. Ft. Lot

Ideally located in Westbury, this home offers the comfort and convenience you've been looking for—with plenty of room to make it your own.

🏡 OPEN HOUSE
📅 Saturday, August 22
⏰ 3:00–4:00 PM

Come see 11 Parkwood Road for yourself!