Kim Tavares, e-PRO - Long Island, NY

2 Bedroom, 2.5 Baths, Estate sale, sold at 315,000

3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, Totally updated, Master on main level, sold at 435,000

Looking to sell or buy, call Kim at 631-499-1000 ext.231 or 631-492-7060 cell

Hello Town of Huntington! I haven't been blogging for quite awhile. But a very important issue is up for vote in the Town of Huntington next week. Residents of the Town of Huntington will get to decide if we should continue with the way we elect our representatives or if we should be broken down into wards and get to elect only one rep.

Honestly, I usually don't get too political and I usually do only vote for the major elections. OK, I only vote during the presidential elections. However, when an important issue comes along and effects my taxes, my schools, and others things such as park funding, I think I need to at least go and take advantage of my right to vote.

The great thing about elections is that we all have the same say and same right to vote. I personally urge everyone, especially those who have children in the Half Hollow Hills school district, to vote "NO" to changing. Half Hollow Hills is a large school district which emcompasses many different towns, such as Dix Hills, Commack, E Northport, Wheatley Heights, and Melville. To have different representatives handling our kids schools would be a mess.

This is all just my opinion, of course. You are entitled to yours. Either way, please remember to go vote on this upcoming Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009 at your regular voting location. The polls will be open from 6am to 9pm.

First Time Home Buyer Seminar & House Tour

Presented by Coach Realtors

SUNDAY, JUNE 14TH starting at 10AM

212 Commack Road, Commack

This is a free and informative seminar about the home buying process.  Learn about the great opportunities available in today's market. 

Guest Panel of Industry Professionals

Jim Gaffney, Wells Fargo will discuss the Benefits of the 2009 First Time Buyer Tax Program, How to Save Money on Closing Costs, and How to Benefit from Low Interest Rates

Judith Engelberg, ESQ will discuss the Role of Your Attorney in the Home Buying Process

Matthew Kaplan, House Master Home Inspections will discuss the Importance of the Home Inspection and Protecting Your Investment

Coach Title Agency will discuss Clear Title for Your New Home

SEATING IS LIMITED!  RESERVE YOUR SEAT! 

CALL (631) 492-7060 or EMAIL:  ktavares@coachrealtors.com

Suffolk County is offering down payment assistance for first time buyers!

Starting May 1, 2009, applications will be available from the Community Development office. First come, first serve, so if you qualify, make sure you get your application in. This program is available to first time buyers (or if you have not owned a home in the past 3 years), those who live or work in Suffolk County as of April 1, 2009, and who meet the income guidelines.

There are guidelines for income, the property being purchased, and the area of the home. However, what a great program for those who qualify! This program will assist in 75% of the down payment, up to $14,000.

Home must be located in the Suffolk County HOME Consortium area. Homes located in the Town of Islip and Town of Babylon are not part of this program.

The appraised value of the home to be purchased may not exceed $380,000.

Here's your chance to lower property taxes.  Homeowners and homebuyers often complain about property taxes, myself included.  With home prices dropping, many homes are overassessed. 

As a homeowner, grieving your taxes allows you to save money annually and in the long run.   It is a great benefit, when selling your home, to be able to list lower taxes.  High property taxes are often a huge turn-off to buyers.  When dealing with first time buyers, who are concerned with mortgage payments and utility bills, the lower taxes make the home very attractive.

Overassessed Home = High Taxes

The deadline to file your grievance (Grievance Day) is the 3rd Tuesday in May.  This year would fall on May 19th, 2009. 

Tax grievances may be filed by the homowners themselves or a representative of the homeowner.  There are many professional tax grievance companies available to handle this for you.  Their fee is often minimal and only required if they succeeded in getting your taxes lowered. 

For additional info: 

Town of Smithtown:  http://www.smithtowninfo.com/Assessor'sOffice/templateproc.cfm?PageID=123

Town of Huntington: http://town.huntington.ny.us/department_details.cfm?ID=26

Town of Babylon: http://www.townofbabylon.com/faq/assess.cfm