WHAT IS ROSH HASHANAH?

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, 2019 begins on of Sunday, September 29^th at sunset and ends in the evening on Tuesday, October 1^st.   Below is an excerpt from a beautiful writing by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks.  Its message is Universal and I hope you will be inspired by it as I was.

What does Rosh Hashanah say to us?

Life is short.  However much life expectancy has risen, we will not, in one lifetime, be able to achieve everything we might wish. How shall we use life well? We know that we will not finish the task, but neither are we free to stand aside from it. That is the first truth of Rosh Hashanah.

Life itself is the gift of God.  Life is not something we may take for granted. If we do, we will fail to celebrate it. Yes, we believe in life after death, but it is in life before death that we truly find human greatness.

Life is meaningful. We are not mere accidents of matter, generated by a universe that came into being for no reason and will one day, for no reason, cease to be. We are here because a loving God brought the universe, and life, and us, into existence – a God who knows our fears, hears our prayers, believes in us more than we believe in ourselves, who forgives us when we fail, lifts us when we fall and gives us the strength to overcome despair.

Life is not easy. Life may be hard, but it can still be sweet, the way the challah and the apple are on Rosh Hashanah when we dip them in honey. It is to learn and never stop seeking, to pray and never stop thanking, and never stop growing. In this lies the secret of joy. Life is sweet when touched by the Divine.

Our life is the single greatest work of art we will ever make. On Rosh Hashanah we step back from our life like an artist stepping back from his canvas, seeing what needs changing for the painting to be complete.   

For we defeat death, not by living forever but by living by values that live forever; by doing deeds and creating blessings that will live on after us; and by attaching ourselves in the midst of time to God who lives beyond time.

The Hebrew verb lehitpalel, “to pray,” more precisely means “to judge oneself.” On Rosh Hashanah we stand in judgment. We know what it is to be known. And though we know the worst about ourselves, God sees the best; and when we open ourselves to Him, He gives us the strength to … live life in the presence of God, to sanctify life for the sake of God, and to enhance the lives of others – for where we bring blessings into other lives, there God lives.

We wish all our Jewish friends and family,

God’s Blessings and a good

Rosh Hashanah

Source: What Rosh Hashanah Says to Us, September 21, 2019, by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

THE ALLURE OF THE SECOND HOME

A recent study of high-end consumers examined demographics, and reasons for buying second homes, including what target buyer views as important life-style characteristics.  Below are some of the results of the study and how it applies to buyers and sellers in our marketplace.

The North Fork fits in well with the findings.  Although the study is global, the buyers were looking for resort markets with beaches and boating, homes near lakes or creeks, golf courses, ski resorts, business convenience and seasonal living.  Other than skiing, our beautiful North Fork fits the bill! The average age of the second home buyer is 43.5 years, 71% have children under 18 years.  62% are business owners. 

The population of second home buyers is increasing, as global personal wealth continues to rise. In the past four years the number of people with a net worth of $1-5 million has grown 25%!  These high-net-worth individuals are “more reliant on agents than websites for information and are confident in the global economy,” although two-thirds of sellers “predict a recession is coming, though most believe it will last less than one year.”

Second home buyers in this study, want a second home that allows then to spend time getting together with family (65%), reading (62%), getting together with friend (58%), exercising – doing sports (57%), eating healthy (55%) attending events/parties (42%). Almost half, 43%, enjoy entertaining at home and 39% are passionate about wine!

All-in-all, looks like we have a most appealing marketplace for today’s second home buyer. Sellers may want to evaluate how their home addresses the needs and desires of these buyers and make it a focus in their marketing strategy.  If you are thinking of selling your home, give me a call at 631 765 5333. We can do a market assessment of your property and put together a plan that will appeal to the target buyer.

Source: Luxury Portfolio International, The Allure if the Second Home: Why Affluent Buyers are Displaying Confidence in Resort Markets, 2019.

REMEMBERING 9/11...

Yesterday was the 18^th anniversary of the World Trade Center tragedy. Hard to believe so many years have passed.  I was gratified to see the ceremony at Ground Zero yesterday.  And reminded that we must never forget and we must support those who have been left behind and those who are suffering the results of the catastrophe.  To them we dedicate this column. 

Our lives have been changed forever due to the destruction of the Twin Towers, but our resolve to remember the heroes who died and support those who are suffering today must remain strong.

           

This country is blessed with a heritage of Freedom. Even when times are tough and even with all our challenges, even when we disagree, we stick together to protect each other and honor what we hold sacred. 

If you haven’t visited the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, it’s important to go.  The Museum and Memorial are open every day from 9 am to 8 pm.  It’s at the site where the Twin Towers stood, at 180 Greenwich Street in lower Manhattan.

May God Blessed America and Guide us through difficult times strengthening us with resolve to always do what’s right and protect and preserve freedom throughout the world.

BUY OR SELL WITHOUT AN AGENT?

Although the vast majority of U.S. home sales involve real estate agents, the notion that consumers would be fine buying or selling a home without one is not really a new one. “For-sale-by-owner” has been around for a long time.  But with all due respect to consumers who try to go it alone, it’s a big risk to take with a big-ticket purchase or sale. 

“Do-it-yourself (DIY) real estate is like DIY surgery or DIY legal defense. When so much is at stake, it’s always best to have a professional on your side. Certainly, that applies to the largest financial transaction of a person’s life,” says Adam Contos, CEO of RE/MAX

The good news is that most buyers and sellers agree. The National Association of REALTORS®’ latest Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers notes that 93% of buyers used an agent or broker. That leaves only 7% who made their purchase without the guidance of a professional.  91% of sellers worked with an agent. For-sale-by-owner properties accounted for just 7%—the lowest share since the annual study began in 1981.

It’s worth noting that the value of an agent crosses generational lines. A recent Homes.com survey of more than 1,000 adult Gen Zers (aged 18-24) showed that nine in 10 plan to use an agent when the time comes to house-hunt. It’s telling that this group—the most digitally inclined generation yet—understands that buying a house isn’t as simple as purchasing a commodity, arranging a ride or planning a trip. The risks are exponentially higher.

            The fact is, there’s much more to a successful transaction than meets the eye. It can all seem so simple, especially with online home search being what it is today, but there’s a big difference between seeing a great home online and walking in the front door as its new owner. An expert real estate agent can provide guidance that an “app” can’t touch—and, at the same time, provide all the value and data that can be found in the app.

             Technology provides all sorts of advantages, but in the end, it’s a tool. Information  technology, becomes valuable when in the hands of an expert agent, who can apply real-life instinct, insight and local knowledge. That’s when agents deliver their irreplaceable value by negotiating, working through contingencies, being a voice of reason, and guiding clients through a thorny and complicated and sometimes frustrating process. 

We should all celebrate innovation that elevates the customer experience and raises the standard. At the same time, make no mistake—nothing in practice or on the horizon matches the value delivered by a great agent who’s armed with great technology. That remains an unbeatable combo. 

Source: RIS MediaNews, Buy or Sell Without an Agent? No Thanks! August 28,2019, Adam Contos, CEO, RE/MAX, LLC.