About Southold's North Fork

We have a friend who happens to be, along with his band partner, an excellent musician, performing as the Earthtones on the North fork/East end of Long Island.

Armed with this information, we decided to visit one of the local vineyards on a Sunday afternoon, just to see what the Earthtones experience was about.

Weekends offer several "live music" signs in front of the numerous vineyards; we have a musical preference, and had been told that theEarthtones might fit the bill. For those seeking out an afternoon sipping wine and listening to live music, you won't be disappointed.
We aren't wine "tasters"- our interests might be cultivated in that direction at some point, but frankly, the notion of being very unclear as to what we were tasting (in the presence of experts) remains been a bit intimidating.

No worries- wine tasting (other than enjoying a fabulous glass offered by Raphaels) wasn't on the menu!

Listening to classics from Bob Dylan or John Prine was a perfect complement to a great glass of wine- no comments on the texture of the vino solicited!

A few suggestions for those that haven't yet enjoyed the vineyard experience:

Our friends Glenn and Rick are fantastic- we like classic rock, and their offerings were just perfect. The Earthtones offer really, really good listening. The local offerings vary; check ahead to see if the music being offered is in your area of preference.

One doesn't have to be ANY kind of wine expert to enjoy the ambiance of the local vineyards- Raphaels has an interior full of tables, with a bar in the center- no reason to feel intimidated for simply purchasing a glass of wine with which to enjoy the music!

Some of the vineyards are venues in which it's a "bring your snacks" environment. We entered the area to see a long table, with a group of people enjoying the fabulous music, the local wine, and a huge array of snacks that were brought by them. Call ahead to check their weekend schedule of events.

There was an outside area, along with several tables inside.

I don't know about you, but the vineyards this year may usurp a few days out on the boat. While we love sailing, and bringing a picnic, this experience will remain a "keeper"- full enjoyment of local flavor, absent the time consuming task of getting the boat ready (and, sans our bulldog and min-pin, who force a real sense of guilt on our part if we don't bring them along). Sorry- no dogs allowed at the vineyards!

Live music from the Earthtones, and a great glass of wine in a relaxed, fun environment were exactly what we'd hoped for.

Thanks, Glenn and Rick of the Earthtones, and Raphaels - we loved the music, the wine was wonderful, and we now have a weekend plan for guests that will most certainly include vineyard visiting.

For those interested in a fabulous afternoon, the schedule for the Earthtones can be found below.

Looks like we'll be doing some more wine tasting!

Look for the Earthtones at the following times/locations in June and July:

Sunwaters Restaurant, Dune Road, Westhampton Beach June 20th, 7-10

Route 48 Vineyards, Cutchogue June 28, 2-6

Laurel Lakes Vineyards, Laurel, July 4, 1-5

Clovis Point Vineyards, July 5, 2-5

Laurel Lakes Vineyards, July 18, 1-5

Bedells Vineyards, Cutchogue July 19, 1-5

Will post August as the summer unwinds. Great music from Glenn and Rick of the Earthtones, and a wonderful atmosphere provided by a Raphaels- thank goodness summer is here!

To view Glenn Jochums website go to www.glennjochum.com- lots of "stuff" for music aficionados.

Authored by: Laurie Mindnich
May 31st, 2009

The following information was obtained from MLSLI- while deemed accurate, no guarantees.

In order to gain a sense of the market, we bring you monthly sold/closed homes on the North fork/east end of Long Island. For sellers, it’s an opportunity to see what direction things are going; for buyers, if you’re considering a property out this way, it’s need-to-know information.

MAY, 2009 UNDER CONTRACT PROPERTIES:

Total u/c: 38

Median Listing Price: $399k (listed- does not reflect sold price)

Riverhead had the most active sales activity, with 12 contracts. This is in part because this report includes manufactured homes; Cutchogue had a total of 7 properties under contract, followed by Southold (4); Mattituck (3), and Baiting Hollow (3).

MAY, 2008 UNDER CONTRACT PROPERTIES:

Total u/c: 34

Median Listing Price: $469,450 (closed figure)

Riverhead lead the pack last year, as well, followed by Southold, Orient, and Baiting Hollow.

THE GOOD NEWS? While median pricing is lower, activity is keeping pace with last year.

MAY, 2009 CLOSED PROPERTIES:

Total closed: 31

Median Closed Pricing: 350k

Riverhead showed the highest # of closings with 9, followed by Mattituck with 4; Baiting Hollow with 4.

MAY, 2008 CLOSED PROPERTIES:

Total closed: 40

Median Closed Pricing: $475k

A lower figure with closings is reflecting the very quiet Jan/Feb/March on the east end of Long Island. These figures should see some improvement in volume (not pricing) when activity this month closes over the course of the next few months.

Clearly, prices have dropped, and the forecast doesn’t indicate that we’ll see an increase any time soon. We’ve noticed that waterfront is becoming more obtainable- with continued price drops, it will be interesting to watch the market over the coming months.

If you’re seeking property on the east end of Long Island, we represent the buying side, and will provide all data needed to make an informed decision. Do NOT buy from a listing company (or any real estate agent) representing the seller if your agenda is to uncover the best possible price- you won’t find it.

Call us if you’d like help locating a North fork/East end of Long Island home.

To get more specific local North Fork or East End & Hamptons real estate information, fill out the form below with your questions/comments. We know how to find properties coming on the market, and available. If you’re looking for a foreclosure on any part of Long Island, we’ll help you find it.

To search available homes for sale on the North Fork / East End Long Island or condos on the North Fork of Long Island, click “north fork homes”, enter your area of interest and any parameters, and click “go”- properties for sale include Riverhead, Aquebogue, Baiting Hollow, Calverton, Jamesport, Laurel, Mattituck, Cutchogue, Peconic, Southold, Greenport, East Marion, Orient, Orient Point, Westhampton Beach, Hampton Bays, Flanders, Southampton, Sag Harbor, East Hampton, Montauk, NY.

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...

Authored by: Laurie Mindnich
January 8th, 2009

Our bulldog, Oliver, became VERY ATTACHED to a very specific dog toy. It was an amazing toy: a rubber ball attached to a string.

IT NEVER OCCURRED TO ME THAT, WHEN IT FINALLY (after seven months) EXPIRED, locating the same toy would be a search…resulting in a REAL FIND!

After looking through several stores known for having dog toys, and realizing that a generic variety, rather than the REAL DEAL, would last no more than a few days with our somewhat…exuberant family member, it occurred to me to try a NEW place on the North Fork of Long Island. While calling itself a dog ”daycare”, surely they’d also carry some dog toys…

Not only does DOGTOWN, located at 40385 Rt. 48, Southold NY 11971, carry dog toys, they carry QUALITY dog toys. Sure enough, a container holding my sought after “Oliver toy” was right there in abundance.

Much to my delight, the owners offered me a tour of their new facility. All the while, my mind considered what was once unthinkable: FINALLY, A GREAT PLACE TO LEAVE THE DOGS!

For those of us that travel, even if it’s a visit to see relatives in Westchester NY or Connecticut, such trips never included the luxury of an overnight- to the contrary, plans always revolved around, “What time should we leave to get back to the dogs”?

While bringing Oliver and Greta would be terrific, dogs aren’t always a welcomed appendage (particularly if they’re a bit excitable in a new environment).

For those visiting the east end of Long Island, whether it’s the North Fork or the Hamptons, DOGTOWN is a place where not only will you feel comfortable leaving your best friend for a day (or ten), the convenient location makes it absolutely perfect for frequent “hellos” (if they’ll bother saying “hello” back).

As the pics demonstrate, this is a HAPPY CREW at DOGTOWN- that it’s impeccably clean is just an unexpected bonus.

That the owners are clearly DOG LOVERS is evident in their planning of this luxe dog daycare.

While rates are subject to change, I’ll include their handout (effective 1/09)- along with a phone # to call for reservations. 631-765-8844.

Based on what we’ve seen, this is a place that could end up being “the” place for both locals with beloved dogs, and visitors finally able to comfortably accommodate their four legged friends, so call early!

Authored by: Laurie Mindnich
January 3rd, 2009

The following is data obtained from the multi list of Long Island. While deemed accurate, actual figures may differ- consult with your real estate agent for specific retirement/vacation condominiums on the east end of Long Island.

CLOSED NORTH FORK, LONG ISLAND CONDOS- JAN. 01, 2008- DECEMBER 31, 2008 (closed pricing):

Aquebogue, NY:

Silver Village: 2; $337,5k; $340k

Baiting Hollow, NY:

The Bluffs: 3; $279k; $397k; $311k;

The Knolls: 3; $315k; $338k; $340k

Calverton, NY:

Calverton Hills: 6; $110k; $105k; $157,5k; $159k; $160k; $176,3k

Foxwood Village: 7; $144,5k; $155k; $148k; $155k; $180k; $245k; $285k

East Marion, NY:

Cleaves Point: 1; $800k

Greenport, NY:

Driftwood Cove (co-op): 1; $147,5k

Harbor Shores (co-op): 1; $260k

Oyster Point: 2; $695k; $690k

Unknown: 1; $320k

Jamesport, NY:

Maidstone Landing: 1; $780k

Riverhead, NY:

Glenwood Village: 1; $67,5k

Mill Pond: 8; $275k; $280k; $270k; $279k; $275k; $305k; $315k; $325k

Willow Pond: 6; $277,5k; $270k; $324k; $346k; $367k; $405k

Saddle Lakes: 2; $495k; $540k

Southold, NY:

Colonial Village: 1; $160k

Founders Village: 3; $315k; $345k; $344k

COMPARISON 2008 TO 2007:

Total reported North Fork, condos closed, 2008: 55

Total reported North Fork, condos closed, 2007: 81

Median sales price, 2008: $305k

Median sales price, 2007: $350k

Days on market median, 2008: 158

Days on market median, 2007:133.5

% of asking/sold price, 2008: -6.7

% of asking/sold price, 2007: 4.8

To view all over 55 retirement condos, and all condos for sale, click on “North fork condos”, choose your town, and click GO.

Call or email us to view any properties of interest- the east end of Long Island is a great place to retire!

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