James DAgostino Real Estate Agent

03/27/2023

Thinking about adding a water feature to your Long Island home? Our agents share the pros and cons.

03/27/2023

Pros and Cons of Adding a Water Feature
A water feature is a lovely way to upgrade your property, but only if you do it right. Water features—anything from a pond, a fountain or waterfall, or even a bird bath with a solar pump—can provide a relaxing, meditative space—or can be a worry if it's located in the wrong place and doesn't fit your property.

Your budget will determine project size, as will the amount of space you have. Here's the good and the not-so-great about water features, as compiled by our real estate agents .

Determine why you want a water feature.

Water is mesmerizing, no doubt about it. That's why so many of us pay good money to visit or live near the water, be it a lake or seaside. But narrowed down to a backyard water feature, what do you want? A pond for the kids to put their toes in during the summer? A soothing waterfall or fountain where you can relax and meditate? A protected area to nurture fish and host birds? Consider the possibilities, as well as how much space and money you have.

Do you have the right place for a water feature, and will the local government allow it?

Think about the scale of the project. For instance, a pond may not be the best choice if you have a small yard. Far better, perhaps, to choose a solar-powered stone or ceramic fountain. You will also need to check zoning in your neighborhood: Do local regulations allow you to install a pond, or for that matter, a fountain or waterfall? How will draining your pond or other type of water feature affect your home or your neighbor's property? You may need to find the answers to these questions before you get a permit.

Think about the implications of where you locate the water feature.

You may have to alter the topography so that the water drains properly. Also, do you want the water feature near the house so that you can see or hear it? If you want a waterfall to help drown out neighborhood noise, the project should be close to the house—but make sure that proximity doesn't create problems.

Consider the impact of sunlight—or not enough of it.

When deciding on your location, note how the sunlight will reach any plants you plant around the pond, waterfall, birdbath, or fountain. For instance, water lilies need at least six hours of sunlight daily to thrive. And be mindful that if you install a solar fountain, it needs sunlight to work. But sunlight can encourage algae growth, so you'll have to clean the water feature more frequently if you place it in direct sunlight without aeration.

Plan for maintenance.

Any water feature is certain to require maintenance at times. Among the tasks you will have to perform: cleaning and draining regularly; checking water levels; removing debris; winterizing, including draining the water and bringing in features that freeze, such as pumps; controlling algae, either by cleaning or adding vinegar. If you have fish, such as plecos and Siamese algae eaters, they will help control algae, as long as it's not excessive. Fish need a pond at least 2 feet deep or more to survive over winter.

We can help you find the perfect Long Island home for a water feature. Contact us today.
http://jamesdagostino.laffey.com/RealEstatenews/2023/03/24/pros-and-cons-of-adding-a-water-feature

03/23/2023

Fielding A Lowball Offer
Think a buyer's offer is way too low? Here's how to assess lowball offers.

Think a buyer's offer is way too low? Here's how to assess lowball offers.

03/23/2023

5 Reasons Buyers Pick Move-In Ready Homes
Avoid the hassle of home improvement projects by shopping for a home that's move-in ready.

Avoid the hassle of home improvement projects by shopping for a home that's move-in ready.

03/23/2023

Does Your Water Heater Need Replacing?
A faulty water heater can completely upend your daily routine. Here's how to spot the most common water heater issues.

A faulty water heater can completely upend your daily routine. Here's how to spot the most common water heater issues.

03/20/2023

Welcome spring with a walk at these Long Island parks. We share our favorite places to enjoy the great outdoors.

03/20/2023

Take a Spring Walk Around Long Island
Our real estate agents know that the wonderful scenery is one of the best things about Long Island. Long Island Sound is a mere 21 miles at its widest point, but living here is like stepping into nature's bounty. The 600 miles of coastline aren't your only choice for a nice walk, either!

Long Island is the site of several state parks as well as a variety of smaller parks that are best known to neighbors in nearby communities. If you're checking out local homes for sale, it's a wise idea to take a while to enjoy these well-tended paths, especially when they're at their most vibrant in spring.

Let's visit with just a few of your many options for a spring walk:

Cunningham Park Southeast Preserve Trail - Queens Village, NY 11427

Queens Village homes for sale are just a few minutes from Cunningham Park Southeast Preserve Trail , a park you will want to come back to again and again. It's known as an urban oasis: A total of three major highways are nearby, but they don't disturb the serenity. Most of the park is totally undeveloped land, with the 1.3-mile Orange Trail and 1.1-mile White Trail looping through it.

Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve - 528 Commack Rd., Deer Park, NY 11729

When it comes to Deer Park homes for sale , it's easy to choose one that's not far from beautiful walking trails. Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve is part of the state park of the same name and offers a wide range of walking and hiking opportunities. Amidst the 813-acre property, you can discover more than 23 miles of unpaved trails and paved paths. The 2.7-mile Edgewood Blue Hiking Trail is the main attraction.

Blydenburgh County Park - Smithtown, NY 11787

Smithtown homes for sale will delight you for more reasons than one. Blydenburgh County Park is an unexpected pleasure local residents often visit on the weekend. The Stump Pond Loop is one of Long Island's longest loop trails, an easy route of 6.1 miles. With an elevation gain of just under 200 feet, it's considered welcoming for all skill levels. The rich ecosystem of Stump Pond makes it ideal for birding.

Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve - 1600 Merrick Rd., Merrick, NY 11566

When you explore Merrick homes for sale , you'll be right in the midst of some of Long Island's greatest natural treasures. Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve is a little slice of paradise right in your own backyard. Opening to the public in 2000, it is one of Long Island's most recent parks. Three miles of hiking and jogging trails are included, with incredible views of the New York City skyline at the highest point.

Stillwell Woods Park - 72 S. Woods Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797

Woodbury homes for sale have made a name for themselves due to their gorgeous surroundings. Stillwell Woods Park is a preserve sprawling languidly across nearly 300 acres. Hikers come from all around to journey through the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail. This one-way hike crosses 15 miles, requiring about eight hours to complete. There are also marked bicycle and equestrian trails.

Contact us to find out more about Long Island real estate.
http://jamesdagostino.laffey.com/RealEstatenews/2023/03/16/take-a-spring-walk-around-long-island

03/16/2023

Red Flags To Watch For At An Open House
The open house is the best opportunity to find out if a home is right for you. Here are some common red flags to watch out for.

The open house is the best opportunity to find out if a home is right for you. Here are some common red flags to watch out for.

03/16/2023

6 Easy DIY Insulation Projects
Insulation involves more than just pink foam. Here's all you need to know about insulating your home.

Insulation involves more than just pink foam. Here's all you need to know about insulating your home.

03/16/2023

10 Signs You've Outgrown Your Home
If you're feeling the itch to sell your home, it may be the right time. Here's how you can tell.

If you're feeling the itch to sell your home, it may be the right time. Here's how you can tell.

03/13/2023

Invested in plants for your Long Island home? Learn how to best care for them with these tips from our agents.

03/13/2023

Caring for Indoor Plants in Your Long Island Home
Homeowners are always looking for new and exciting ways to spruce up their households. Finding a few indoor plants at local plant shops is an inexpensive way to give areas more color and improve their atmosphere. Indoor plants aren't too difficult to take care of, but there are a few basic guidelines that you should follow. Our real estate agents have put together some quick tips to help you get started.

Learn Their Watering Needs

You first need to figure out each indoor plant's watering requirements so that you're not likely to under-water or over-water them. Plants differ in how much you need to water them, so you should do some research or ask someone at a nursery about your particular plant. If you're afraid that you'll neglect them, you may want to stick to cacti or succulents, which need less water.

Fertilize Them Periodically

In addition to watering, most houseplants should be fertilized occasionally. The spring and summer seasons are typically the best time to do this with most indoor plants because this is when they go through a growth spurt. You don't want to over-fertilize houseplants, so look at their care instructions and follow them as closely as possible.

Be Sure to Wash Them Off

Indoor plants will get dirty just like anything else in your home. We recommend that you remove dust from the plants occasionally and spray each one down very lightly with a bit of water. If the plants have hairy leaves, we'd recommend using a small brush to clean them off, whereas smooth leaves can be wiped down with a clean cloth. Doing this will make the plant look better but will also assist it in soaking up more light.

Don't Forget to Prune Them

Homeowners very often forget to prune. You should do this during the fall season because most plants will have grown quite a bit over the summer. Pruning will make the plants look better but also prevent them from getting too big. This is also a great time to remove dead leaves and stems around the plant.

Repot Overgrown Plants

If any of your indoor plants are overgrown, you need to put them in a new pot. Sometimes, it's hard to tell from the top of the plant, so check the roots. If they're circling inside their current pot, this is a good indicator that the plant should be moved. That being said, you can keep it in the same pot by trimming some of the roots and replanting it with fresh potting soil.

Remove and Prevent Pests

There's no way to avoid all pests, but there are ways to prevent most of them. First, gently spray your indoor plants to clear away any bugs. Next, use insecticidal soap on the plant. This protects them from several different types of pests, including aphids and spider mites.

Purchase Some Air Plants

If you don't have a lot of time to take care of your indoor plants or are afraid that they might die under your watch, you may want to purchase some air plants. As the name suggests, these plants primarily require air to grow. You don't need to add any soil, which makes taking care of them easier. Plus, their leaves look a bit like the appendages of an alien or exotic sea creature, which adds to the allure.

Just a few indoor plants can turn your household into a true home for you and your loved ones. If you're ready to find your new dream home, contact us today.
http://jamesdagostino.laffey.com/RealEstatenews/2023/03/09/caring-for-indoor-plants-in-your-long-island-home