Cookie Cohen

Don't pay another cent in rent to your landlord!

It's a dream we all have - to own our own home and stop paying
rent. But if you're like most renters, you feel trapped within
the walls of a house or apartment that doesn't feel like yours.
How could it when you're not even permitted to bang in a nail or
two without a hassle? You feel like you're stuck in the renter's
rut with no way of rising up out of it and owning your own home.

Well, don't feel trapped anymore! It doesn't matter how long
you've been renting, or how insurmountable your financial
situation may seem. The truth is, there are some little known
facts that can help you get over the hump, and transfer your
status from renter to homeowner. With this information, you will
begin to see how you really can:
- save for a downpayment
- stop lining your landlord's pockets, and
- stop wasting thousands of dollars on rent.


6 LITTLE KNOWN FACTS THAT CAN HELP YOU BUY YOUR FIRST HOME

The problem that most renters face isn't your ability to meet a
monthly payment. Goodness knows you must meet this monthly
obligation every 30 days already. The problem is accumulating
enough capital to make a downpayment on something more permanent.

But saving for this lump sum doesn't have to be as difficult as
you might think. Consider the following 6 important points:

1. You can buy a home with much less down than you think.
There are some local or federal government programs (such as 1st
time buyer programs) to help people get into the housing market.
You can qualify as a first time buyer even if your spouse has
owned a home before as long as your name was not registered.
Ensure your real estate agent is informed and knowledgeable in
this important area and can offer programs to help you with your
options.

2. You may be able to get your lender to help you with your down
payment and closing costs.
Even if you do not have enough cash for a down-payment, if you
are debt-free, and own an asset free and clear (such as a car,
for example), your lending institution may be able to lend you
the down-payment for your home by securing it against this asset.

3. You may be able to find a seller to help you buy and finance
your home.
Some sellers may be willing to hold a second mortgage for you as
a "seller take-back." In this case, the seller becomes your
lending institution. Instead of paying this seller a lump-sum
full amount for his or her home, you would pay monthly mortgage
installments.

4. You may be able to create a cash down payment without actually
going into debt.
By borrowing money for certain investments to a specified level,
you may be able to generate a significant tax refund for yourself
that you can use as a down-payment. While the money borrowed for
these investments is technically a loan, the monthly amount paid
can be small, and the money invested in both home and investment
will be yours in the end.

5. You can buy a home even if you have problems with your credit
rating.
If you can come up with more than the minimum down-payment, or
can secure the loan with other equity, many lending institutions
will consider you for a mortgage. Alternatively, a seller
take-back mortgage could also help you in this situation.

6. You can, and should, get preapproved for a home loan before
you go looking for a home.
Preapproval is easy, and can give you complete peace-of-mind when
shopping for your home. Mortgage experts can obtain written
preapproval for you at no cost and no obligation, and it can all
be done quite easily over-the-phone. More than just a verbal
approval from your lending institution, a written preapproval is
as good as money in the bank. It entails a completed credit
application, and a certificate which guarantees you a mortgage to
the specified level when you find the home you're looking for.

Consider dealing only with a professional who specializes in
mortgages. Enlisting their services can make the difference
between obtaining a mortgage, and being stuck in the renter's rut
forever. Typically there is no cost or obligation to enquire.


To sum up, there are many important issues you should be aware of
that affect you as a renter. Why on earth would you continue to
lose thousands by throwing it away on rent when with your agent
you could take a few minutes to discuss your specific needs so
that you can stop renting and start owning?

This conversation costs you nothing. And, of course, you
shouldn't have to feel obligated to buy a home at the time you
review this. But by taking the time to explore your options, and
learn about the ways you can afford to buy a home, think how
prepared and relaxed you'll be when you are ready to make this
important step. Want more information? Contact Cookie Cohen today at http://www.cookiecohen.com

Dix Hills, Long Island Schools and Community Information

Half Hollow Hills School District in Dix Hills, Long Island is top-notch.

The students of Dix Hills attend Half Hollow Hills SD #5 which extends from Dix Hills, New York to Melville, New York.

This district includes both, part of Huntington and Babylon Townships.

Half Hollow Hills School District encompasses 11 schools-7 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 2 high schools.

High school accomodates grades 9-12 and is comprised of High School East and High School West, Half Hollow Hills High School East being the larger of the two.

Middle school includes grades 6-8 and is comprised of Candlewood Middle and West Hollow Middle School.

Elementary school offers K-5 and is comprised of Chestnut Hill Elementary, Forest Park, Ostego Elementary, Paumanok, Signal Hill Elementary, Sunquam and Vanderbilt Elementary School.

West Hollow Middle School feeds into Half Hollow High School East.

Some Outstanding features of Half Hollow East is its PLANETARIUM....often used to host trips from the Elementary and Middle schools. Another distinctive highlight of Half Hollow East is a 2200 seat auditorium on two levels. This auditorium is the second largest not-for-profit auditorium on two levels.

Half Hollow Hills West is not without its own unique feature. This school boasts a natatorium...a separate structure containing an INDOOR POOL.

Both Half High School East and High School West are known for their research departments.

Half Hollow Hills School District is also known for its district-wide arrt and theater initiatives, which extend to all schools in the district.

Half Hollow Hills Community Events:

Half Hollow Hills Community Drug Forum-Knowledge is Power...Monday, April, 26 @ 7PM

Informational evening providing sharing current research, signs, and symptoms of drug use/abuse and treatment options.

Thinking of Moving to Dix Hills, New York?

Half Hollow Hills School District is one good reason to make that choice!

Searching for Homes in Half Hollow Hills School District?

Search ALL Homes @ www.CookieCohen.com

Relocating to Dix Hills, NY?

Here are some good reasons why you should consider relocating to Dix Hills, NY.

Dix Hills was named the 19th most affluent Us neighborhood by Forbes in 2008.

Convenient to highways and an easy commute to New York City, Dix Hills is ideally located on Long Island...Approximately 1 hour train or car ride to the City.

Well-known for its highly rated school district, Half Hollow Hills School District #5, Dix Hills is a magnet for families seeking a competitive education. My next post will highlight Half Hollow Hills School District....

Dix Hills homes for sale range from the starter home to multi-million dollar upscale properties. Breaking into Dix Hills, as the 1st time home buyer is a challenge for many, but possibilities are available.

The following are Dix Hills properties currently available in the lowest end of the Dix hills housing market:

Ranch 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath $349,000

Hi Ranch 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath $299,000

Colonial 3 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath $360,000

Colonial 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath $399,000

In the Upscale range, these Dix Hills properties are presently available:

Colonial 5 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath $1,050,000

Contemporary 5 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath $1,199,000

Post Modern 5 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath $1,299,000

Post Modern 5 Bedroom, 4.5 Bath $1,999,999

THINGS TO DO in and around DIX HILLS:

Like to Ice Skate?

Practice your figure skating or ice hockey at Rink Time at Dix Hills Park. This is an indoor ice skating rink offering Public Ice Skating, Ice Hockey Classes, Birthday Parties, Figure Skating Lessons and a Youth Ice Hockey Program.

Like to Golf?

Practice your game at a number of golf courses located in or near Dix Hills. There is a course for every abliity...Try one of these:

Dix Hills Country Club

Dix Hills Park Golf Course

The Greens at Half Hollow

Huntington Crescent Club

Piping Rock Club

BEACHES and Points of Interest:

Numerous beaches within easy access to Dix Hills can be found throughout Long Island.

Sunken Meadow State Park, located on Long Island Sound, boasts 3 miles of sandy beach and offers activities including hiking, biking, horseback riding, picnicing, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, fishing, cross country skiing and a 3/4 mile boardwalk.

A 27 hole golf course with driving range and putting green can also be found here.

Located on Long Island's South Shore, are the popular beach areas of the Atlantic Ocean....waves, boardwalks, sandy beaches, volleyball are all part of the beach scene. The two most popular spots can be found Robert Moses State Park and Jones Beach State Park.

Robert Moses, not only offers miles of sandy beach, but in addition, offers a multitude of recreational activities...including campsites and cabins, marinas, some of the best fishing in the Northeast, picnic areas, tennis courts, a year-round nature center, ski trails, and snow mobiling..

Outdoor summer concerts at Jones Beach State Park, provides a summer filled with great music under the stars!

The beaches of beautiful Southampton, Long Island is only 40 minutes away from Dix Hills...Try Cooper's Beach...Look out at the ocean in one direction and historic mansions in the other!

Take a tour of the Wineries and sample great Long Island wines...all within reach from the Dix Hills area.

SHOPPING EXPERIENCES in Dix Hills:

The new Tanger Outlets of Deer Park and Riverhead offer up to 165 brand name outlets.

Walt Whitman Mall and Roosevelt Field Mall with Bloomingdale and Saks, as high-end anchors, offer the traditional mall experience. Shopping in and around the Dix hills area is certainly not lacking in any direction.

Dix Hills, NY offers great neighborhoods, 1st class Half Hollow School District and a central Long Island location.

If you are considering buying a home in Dix Hills New York, search all Dix Hills homes at CookieCohen.com.

Please call or email any Dix Hills questions and I will be happy to guide you.

Selling Your Long Island Home? Choosing Your Real Estate Agent & Pricing Your Home Wisely

It is a real estate agent's job to help price homes competitively, however, taking into account these present market conditions,home prices must also be compelling. How will YOUR HOME "speak" to the buyers that are now scouring the market for that perfect purchase? How will YOUR HOME stand out from all the others that are in your price range?

Price your property wisely. Take a look at the comparables in your neighborhood...Pay attention to similarities AND differences...# of bedrooms and # of bathrooms, overall size and condition AND as much as you may love your neighborhood, this MAY NOT be the part of your community, that commands the highest price tag...even if YOUR home is in that Exquisite DIAMOND condition...After carefully considering all the above determiners, look at your home impartially and price it objectively...Disconnect from your emotions!

Choose your real estate agent wisely. Choose excellence in execution over likeability. Would you choose a surgeon because of a great bedside manner, but who had less than a stellar reputation OR would you choose the surgeon with the 99% success rate, but may be a bit too factual for your liking?

Of course, it's ideal to have a balance of skill and likeability, but if you had to choose a Professional, wouldn't you want to make the choice based on results!

Choosing a real estate agent is no different. Choose someone who has the advice, specific strategies and knowledge of the current market conditions to achieve your goals.

A successful real estate agent tells you the TRUTH..NOT what you wish to hear...

Wouldn't you rather hear the facts, based on a thorough analysis of the market-past, present and future predictions, then to just be placated with sugar-coated advice. Sugar-coated advice, while it may sound encouraging in the beginning, usually leads to repeated price changes and a prolonged closure or possible expiration of the listing of your property...

A waste of your time, emotions and a delay in your future plans!

Get the price of your home correct from the start. Sellers, you need to price your home, not only on what we already know about the market, but also what WILL happen to the market.

Don't only look backwards when pricing your home--Look ahead! What is predicted for the future will have an impact on your home-take this into consideration when pricing, as well.

Where is demand going?

Where is supply going?

Interest rates are predicted to increase after the tax credit program expires on April 30th--What will happen to demand when the rates go up? What about supply?

Over the years, home prices have escalated wildly. There was no way to go, but DOWN!

According to National Figures Across the Country, the following illustrates the percentage of housing appreciation in 5 year increments:

From 1980-1985, home prices increased 25%

From 1985-1990, home prices increased 27%

From 1990-1995, home prices increased 25%

From 1995-2000, home prices increased 29%

From 2000-2006, home prices shot up 89%....and New York was even higher!

Prices are finally leveling to where they should be...

So Sellers, Price Your Homes Correctly and Don't be Afraid to Listen to the Truth.....

Selling Your Long Island Home-Real Estate Guide to Home Improvement

So, You've decided to sell your Long Island home and you need to put it on the market....

The problem is that there are SO MANY Long Island properties on the market and buyers are extremely discriminating!

Your goal should be not only to price your Long Island home correctly, but equally as important, make sure it presents in the very best possible condition. It is an extremely competitive market....Your home MUST be COMPELLING-both in price and in appearance. Let YOUR home stand out as a fine gem.

Long Island Homes that sell in a buyers market possess the following:

1. Perfectly maintained exterior
2. Updated kitchen and baths
3. Priced according to the market, not your dreams...

To begin with, you need to disconnect your emotions from your property...Your memories will travel with you...for now, pack them away and get ready for the parade of onlookers. Your home is no longer your own...It now belongs to the public...Look at your home and see it through the eyes of a buyer.

You may need to make some changes to your property to get it ready for the market, however you must know the VALUE of your neighborhood and DO NOT surpass it!

Let's begin from the outside...

How is the yard? Is the grass cut and are the beds edged? Are the walkway and the stoop in good condition..Is anything chipped or in need of replacement? If there is a fence, check each section for condition.

Now, take a look at the exterior of your home. How is the siding? Does it need a fresh coat of paint? If so, keep it neutral and if there are shutters, accent with a contrast color. Try something in the beige color range for the exterior and perhaps, black or burgundy shutters.

Update old light fixtures, clean the windows and don't forget to replace the welcome mat!

Your curb appeal is now complete, so step on that new welcome mat and open that freshly painted front door...

Think of your entrance foyer, as the HANDSHAKE of your home! Make sure that the flooring is in pristine condition...If hardwood, refinish if scratched and worn...If carpet, replace, if stained.

Remove all family photos-replace with a generic piece of artwork. Buyers want to envision their children on your walls, not YOURS!

Pack up all extra accessories...DECLUTTER! There is a reason why model homes have select, strategically placed accent pieces...Homes show at their best when there is open space...on the walls, between furniture and on coffee tables. Less is best!

Kitchens and baths lead the way in helping to sell a house. Old kitchens should be spruced up by refacing cabinets and replacing old appliances. If refacing is too expensive, then sand and paint them and update the pulls.

If your kitchen is original and you are in the luxury home market, it may be time for a remodel, rather than small fix-ups. Buyers expect updated kitchens in the higher-end market. Perhaps you may not recoup all that you spend, but this is a redo that will help sell your home for a higher price.

Take a look at your bathrooms! Are they outdated? Does your eye go directly to that old vanity? Is your bathtub chipped? Unless your bathroom is in need of complete repair, small changes will make a difference.

Reglaze that old tub for a like-new finish...replace that old toilet and vanity with an updated modern look. Stay NEUTRAL when replacing fixtures. Both of these can be found for a reasonable price. Clear your counters, paint the walls a neutral color and you're ready to go.

Follow these suggestions and you will be one step closer to your new adventure.

Remember that when you are preparing your home for the Long Island Real Estate market, you want to appeal to the masses, not to a single, random buyer, so...

FISH with that NET, NOT with a ROD!!

If you have a home to sell in Huntington, New York or other areas of Long Island, I'd be happy to help you with this process.

Long Island Homes ARE Selling...

Call for Advice, I'd be Happy to Give Pointers!

Please click on the link below for a FREE report entitled:

27 Quick and Easy Fix Ups to Sell your Home Fast and for Top Dollar