Joan Bischoff van Heemskerck

People who have followed my blog and the statistics I keep on the most current Real Estate Data on the North Fork RE Activity were already aware, but, honestly, I am glad that the facts are now supporting my optimism since February: the number of days homes sit on the market before they sell fell, median price rebounded a bit, and April of 2009 beat April of 2008 hands down in number of transactions, number of transactions above $1 million, although total salesvolume in dollars still fell a bit behind (a lot of lower priced sales of attractively priced homes - value - the year of the deal!)

Statistics North Fork Real Estate - Contracts Signed

This is truly good news for the North Fork and signals a great buying opportunity! As Barbara Corcoran mentioned during a Wells Fargo Event in Aquebogue (WWW.VineyardCaterers.COM - a great venue for events), it is for the historic first time in a very long time that home prices and interest rates are extremely low at the same time; normally if one of the two were lower, the other was not. And of course the Government stimulus and first time Home Buyer benefits ($8,000, Federal, and maybe coming from NYS -it's already int he State Senate- another $7,000 tac deduction) make this a great market for first time home buyers - for now, this will not last.

Contact jbischoff@1townandcountry.com for more information or visit www.buyersconnections.com

Town and Country balloons adorn one of the parade's major attractions; the horse & carriage courtesy of the North Fork Horsemen's Association...

Hundreds of people enjoyed the St Patricks Day parade in Cutchogue... the kids of the North Fork and their parents came out in full force to enjoy a very crowded Down Town where North Fork Chamber President Joe Corso announced the participants in fornt of Fisherman's restaurant on Main Road. Recently appointed North Fork Agent Advisor for T&C, Nicholas Planamento and his Golden Retrievers Schuyler and Fleur carried the Torch for Town and Country. The people of Cutchogue seemed ready for a celebration, reflected also in the recent uptick in Real Estate activity on the North Fork

For more information visit www.1townandcountry.com

December Pending Home Sales were UP nationally 6.3%, (Northeast down 1.7%).... roughly 1/3 distressed and short sales. http://www.realtor.org/research/research/phsdata

Sellers: your competition is selling lower... be aggressive in your pricing and do not deal with offers as you did when it was a selelrs market... Be nice to all buyers and counter aggressively.

Buyers: Indications are that we're bouncing around the bottom, probably, great time to buy! Pull that trigger and if you think the market's still lower than a seller's asking price suggests, make offers now at where you think the bottom will be...and prevent the competition outbidding you once everyone knows we're at the bottom! Especially when you need a place to live...

In terms of Contracts signed (data from MLS, Real North Fork, East of Rte 105), after a dismal fourth quarter in terms of the number of real estate transactions, January 2009 already shows better results than January of 2008! Historically Low Mortgage Rates and sellers who are willing to lower their prices a bit more are showan increase in the number of transactions in January of 2009 over January 2008:

North Fork Real Estate Market Report

Call us at 631 298 4646 to take aqdvantage of the unique buying opportunities this bottoming market is providing to smart buyers! Or email joan@buyersconnections.com

Alternative or Green energy is no longer just for the rich and famous, or just for the environmental elite: today most home owners can benefit from reductions in their utility bills on the North Fork and feel good about their contribution to saving the environment! And the investment needed, with the help of LIPA and other grants and rebates is now within reach of ordinary Americans!

Eastern Energy Systems, or E2Systems is one of the most interesting young companies helping North Forkers understand the newest technology.

For home buyers on the North Fork, or for second home owners, or actually for anyone with a home or business property in Long Island it will pay to talk to E2 Systems and be as suprised as I was how far technology has come, how much you can save, and how inexpensive the installation has become, especially after rebates and grants. Wouldn't it be a fascinating thing to start seeing your electric meter turning : IN REVERSE? Knowing that you are not being charged by LIPA? Or see your pool exactly at the right temperature - courtesy of the Sun?

Time to check things out. When you are looking to purchase a home it will pay to take into account the opportunities the particular property you are interested in might have for Solar or wind Energy, because some properties are easier to convert than others. The exposure and orientationvis a vis the Sun, trees, and other factors may inflence how easy/expensive it would be to use alternative energy.

You do need a knowleadgeable realtor to guide you to local Green Homes and connect you to people who can advise you in alternative energy! Call Nicholas or Joan or visit our website www.buyersconnections.com for more information! Our logo is a windmill; now you know why!