What Every Homebuyer Needs to Know Before Signing a Contract When buying a home, one of the most important protections for a buyer is the bank appraisal contingency . This clause safeguards you if the home’s appraised value comes in lower than the agreed-upon contract price. Why does this matter? Because lenders base the loan amount on the lower of the contract price or the appraised value not the higher number. What Is a Bank Appraisal Contingency? A

If you’ve been wondering “What’s really happening in the Nassau County housing market?” the answer is in the numbers. In just the last 30 days, 12 single-family homes across Nassau County successfully sold between $600,000 and $700,000 . This price range continues to be one of the most active segments of the market, proving that well-priced homes are still moving and motivated buyers are very much out there. Whether you’re planning to buy or sell, here’s what the market actu

A recent case is making waves in the real estate world: a homebuyer was ordered to pay $24,000  after violating their Exclusive Buyer Representation Agreement . Under the new NAR rules , this agreement isn’t just paperwork it’s a binding contract  that creates a legal relationship between you and the brokerage representing you. And in New York, it’s required before  a buyer tours any  property with an agent or broker. If you’re planning to buy a home, especially in Queens or

Going under contract  on a home is an exciting milestone especially for first-time buyers. But what happens if something changes? Are you stuck , or do you still have options? Good news: Being “under contract” doesn’t always mean the deal is final. In many cases, buyers can  cancel as long as it’s done properly  and within the rules of the contract. Here’s what every first-time homebuyer in Queens and Long Island  should know: ✅ Your Contract Controls Everythin

Stepping into the world of homeownership for the first time can feel overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. Before you start touring homes across Queens or Long Island, it’s important to understand who’s on your homebuying team  and when each professional plays a role. In our latest video, we break down exactly who helps you from start to finish, so you feel confident and prepared every step of the way. 🔑 YOU (the Buyer) – The Decision Maker Everything begins

Manhasset continues to shine as one of Long Island’s most prestigious and sought-after communities and the numbers prove it.  If you’re thinking about selling, now might be the perfect time. Let’s break down what’s happening in the market this month. . 🏡 It’s Official: Manhasset Is a Strong Seller’s Market Low inventory and high demand are keeping sellers firmly in control. Here’s what the latest data shows: �

When you see headlines about foreclosure rates going up, it can feel overwhelming even scary. But if you’re falling behind on your mortgage payments, you’re not out of options. The most important step is acting early, and you don’t  have to face this alone. At LJ Realty Team & LJ Mortgage Team, we connect homeowners with trusted professionals who can guide you through every available path whether your goal is to avoid foreclosure  or sell before it ever hits your record .

If you’re buying or selling a home in Queens or Long Island , here’s a quick insider tip from the LJ Realty Team  🗺️: Some lenders may require two appraisals  on certain home resales especially in “flip” transactions  or when additional quality control checks  (called overlays) come into play. 💡 What Does That Mean? When a property is recently purchased, renovated, and quickly resold (often within 90–180 days), lenders sometimes flag it as a flip

Thinking about selling your home? In today’s market, preparation and strategy are everything. Whether you’re in Queens or Long Island, the right approach can help you attract more buyers, spark competition, and walk away with the strongest offers. Here’s a simple, effective seller game plan to get top dollar and keep more in your pocket. ✅ Price to Spark Competitive Bids Pricing low is not the goal pricing smart  is. A strategically set price dra

Receiving a foreclosure letter can feel overwhelming but you’re not powerless. With quick action, the right information, and trusted guidance, many homeowners are able to stop the process or find a better path forward. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you move confidently. ✅ 1. Don’t Ignore the Letter Foreclosure notices come with strict deadlines. Missing them can limit your options so open the letter, read it carefully, and mark the dates you must

Valley Stream is heating up! 🏡 If you’re thinking about buying or selling, here’s the latest snapshot of the local market. Market Snapshot 📍 Location:  Valley Stream, NY 📅 Date:  November 2025 📊 Market Status:  Seller’s Market Key Stats: ✅ Inventory:  3 months ✅ Median Sold Price:  $774,000 👨‍👩‍👧 Population:  40,000 💵 Median Household Income:  $127,000 🏫 Schools:  Rated A 🛡️ Overall Crime Grade:  C+ Valley Stream continues to see high buyer demand, competitive offer

When you’re preparing to sell your home, it’s easy to focus on listing price, marketing, and negotiating offers. But one important closing cost that often catches sellers by surprise is the Transfer Tax . Here’s what you need to know before heading to the closing table: 🏡 Who Pays the Transfer Tax? In most cases, the seller is responsible  for paying the transfer tax at closing. This fee is essentially a tax on transferring ownership of property from on

Buying your first home is exciting but it’s also a huge financial and emotional step. One pitfall many new buyers don’t know about is the...

When it comes time to sell your home, one of the most important steps is setting the right listing price . Price too high, and your home risks sitting on the market. Price too low, and you could leave money on the table. That’s where a professional Listing Agent  and a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)  come in. A CMA is a detailed report that provides valuable insights into your property’s true market value. Here’s what it includes: ✅

Thinking about buying or selling in Plainview, NY ? Here’s the latest snapshot of the local housing market—and it’s a strong seller’s market!  🏡 📊 Market Highlights ✅ 1.48 Months of Inventory  – Low supply means homes are selling quickly with strong competition. ✅ Median Sold Price:  $912,000👨‍👩‍👧 Population:  26,000 💵 Median Household Income:  $185,000 🏫 Top-Rated Schools:  Rated A to A+  across the district. 🛡️ Safety:  Plainview North

Did you know September is one of the BEST months to invest in real estate ? 🍂 Here’s why: Many first-time homebuyers pause their search...

The Nassau County real estate market continues to shine—especially in the luxury price range of $1.2M – $1.4M . Buyers are still actively competing for homes, and sellers are reaping the benefits of strong demand. Here’s a look at some of the most recent luxury sales across Nassau County: 🏡 247 Marcus Ave, New Hyde Park  – $1,260,000 🏡 561 Amherst Dr, Woodmere  – $1,252,500 🏡 35 Franklin St, East Rockaway (Duplex)  – $1,250,000 🏡 14 Gordon Ave, Plainview  – $

The East Meadow real estate market  is showing no signs of slowing down and it’s still a seller’s market!  Whether you’re thinking of buying, selling, or investing, understanding the local numbers is key to making the right move. 📊 Market Highlights ✅ Homes are selling at 104.2% of list price  – Buyers are competing, and many homes are selling above asking. ✅ Average days on market: 21  

Franklin Square remains one of Nassau County’s most desirable communities, offering strong schools, high homeownership rates, and steady...

If you’re an investor in New York looking to grow your real estate portfolio  while deferring capital gains taxes , a 1031 Exchange...