THANKSGIVING – A TIME TO BE GRATEFUL

          Thanksgiving is one of America’s most cherished holidays of the year where family and friends gather and give thanks.  The tradition dates back to 1621, when the Plymouth colonists shared a harvest feast with Native Americans. The Wampanoag tribe came bearing much of the food and like most Native American tribes had their own long-standing tradition of harvest celebrations. In fact, there was so much food that the revelry lasted for three days!  So, sitting down to a big plate of yet more leftovers on the Saturday after Turkey Day isn't overkill, it's tradition!

           

            The generous Wampanoag’s taught the colonists where to fish, where to hunt and how to plant corn. It’s likely that venison, wild fowl – roasted duck or goose, seafood - lobster, clams and mussels, dried corn, porridge and simple cranberries, chestnuts and walnuts were on the first Thanksgiving menu. Probably not turkey, potatoes, corn or pumpkin pie!             

In 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a National Thanksgiving Day, to be held on the fourth Thursday of each November. That’s why this year’s Thanksgiving is so late. 

            Living on the North Fork, we have a great deal to be thankful for. We are especially blessed to be in this wonderful part of our country.  More than ever we need to foster understanding, kindness and civility.

            May this year’s Thanksgiving serve as a time of gratitude for all our blessings and may we each, in our own way, share our abundance.

           

            All of us at Beninati Associates wish all of you, God’s Blessings and a very Happy Thanksgiving Holiday.

FAIR HOUSING

The Federal Fair Housing Act, the New York State Human Rights Law, and local laws, such as the Nassau County and Suffolk County Human Rights Law, make it illegal to discriminate in the sale, lease, purchase, rental, or financing of any housing accommodation, or making housing otherwise unavailable, because of a protected characteristic.

Protected characteristics include: FEDERAL LAW- race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, familial status; NEW YORK STATE LAW- race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, military status, pregnancy, domestic violence victim status, gender identity or expression, and any lawful source of income - including Section 8; NASSAU COUNTY LAW- includes in addition to the Federal and State characteristics – ethnicity; SUFFOLK COUNTY LAW – includes in addition to the Federal and State characteristics - alienage, citizenship status, and veteran status.

           

These Fair Housing Laws also prohibit the making, printing or publishing of any statement, notice or advertisement in connection with the sale or rental of housing which expresses or includes preference, limitation, or discrimination based on a protected class.

            Newsday just published a three-year study that they have conducted, testing real estate agents on whether all customers were treated equally regarding housing searches. The results were focused more west of us, although some tests were done in the Hamptons, according to the newspaper.

Unfortunately, they found agents who appear to have “steered” the potential home buyers in a particular direction, suggesting bias on the agents’ part. It’s sad to see that, such housing bias still exists.

We wish to state without reservation, that we take fair housing laws seriously not only because it is the law but because it is the right thing to do. We believe it is our responsibility to assist and support, to the best of our ability, everyone who comes to our door in search of housing.

FIXER-UPPERS: 8 THINGS TO DO IF YOU ARE BUYING OR SELLING

If you are selling a home or buying a home that needs fixing-up, you can do some small things, that will have a bigger impact than you think. Here are 8 good ideas:

1. Update the Lighting

Lighting is something that can be updated easily and won’t cost a bunch of money. Nothing says outdated like an old-fashioned gold chandelier. Avoid dark rooms - add lighting where necessary.  Light and bright is important for the psyche!

2. Paint

 You will be amazed at what some paint can do to your home. If you’re selling, stick to white ceilings and paint the walls white with grey or ivory hues. Save the splash of color for rugs, pillows, or if you must – one accent wall.

3. New Fixtures

Just like the lighting, the fixtures in the home become outdated quickly. New kitchen faucets and bathroom fixtures update and upgrade a fixer-upper.  Many attractive options are available at low cost.

4. Paint Cabinets

 Paint existing cabinets (white!) and install new hardware to give the kitchen a facelift. Painting is less expensive than replacing. If the cabinets are old but sturdy, you can bring them back to life. If they are falling apart – consider investing in economical “IKEA” or other “DIY” cabinets.

5. Rip Out Old Carpeting

Carpet is great when it is new; however, when it is old and dingy, it can really have a negative impact on a space. If hardwood floors are under the carpet, that’s the best option. If you can install hardwood floors, that’s always the number one option. If you are on a budget, check out other creative options online that allow you to do great things with your floors for less.

6. Add Curb Appeal

It does not matter how great the inside looks if the outside is in disrepair. Paint or replace siding if your budget allows.  Clean up any dead plants and add some new.  Add shutters and a fresh coat of paint to the trim and porch.

7. Replace Broken Windows

New windows are expensive, but they are important. At the very least, replace or repair broken windows or windowpanes in your home.

8. Do a Check-up on the Heating and Cooling Systems

Make sure the home has well-functioning heating and air conditioning systems. Have it checked out by an HVAC expert.  Regularly replacing air filters is critical to ensure no dirt or dust gets into your system and to extend the life of your unit.

If you would like to have a no-cost evaluation of what you should do to update your home for sale, give us a call – 631 765 5333.  We are happy to walk-through with you and share ideas as to what will make the home more appealing and saleable.

Source: RIS Media’s housecall, March, 2019.

HOW LONG WILL ECONOMIC EXPANSION CONTINUE?

Economic business cycles, measured for 165 years in America, have never lasted more than 10 years, until the current expansion.  “The economic recovery that began mid-2009 set a longevity record as it entered July 2019, and the recovery is expected to continue at least into next year.

“The current expansion has created more than 20 million jobs, raised family incomes and rebuilt consumer confidence.  The CoreLogic Special Report: The Role of Housing in the Longest Economic Expansion, these economic forces have driven a recovery in home construction, prices and equity.”

After the dust settled from the financial crisis in 2008, home prices began to recover in 2011 and have continued to date.  The CoreLogic Home Price Index for the U.S. has recorded a 59% increase in prices since January 2011. (see chart below).  Of course, we must not forget that homes prices fell drastically in 2008-2009, so part of the increase in prices was actually recouping what had been lost. 

A recent article in Newsday, reported Long Island home price increased 4.2% for the 3^rd quarter, but the number of sales for the year fell 1.3%.  The luxury market (those selling for over $1.1 million) reported a decrease of 3.6% in median price for the 3^rd quarter.  Clearly, the luxury home buyer is more price sensitive, at this time, and sellers have been adjusting their prices to encourage sales.

The important take away here is that home prices must respond to market pressures. The environment is dynamic- sellers and their realtors must be vigilant.  At Beninati Associates, we keep our eye on the market.  If you are thinking of buying or selling, call us at 631 765 5333, we’ll give you an up to date assessment of market conditions and help you develop a market strategy for your sale or purchase.

Sources: Economic Expansion Reaches Milestone, CoreLogic, October 16,2019; Newsday, “Surge in LI Home Prices,” October 25, 2019, page A33.

Happy Halloween - Some Folklore and History

The origins of Halloween are believed to date back over 2,000 years ago to a Celtic festival known as Samhain. This festival, held around the end of October, marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed the night of October 31 was a day when the living and dead overlapped, and the dead returned to earth. Fearing evil intent from the returned dead, festival goers wore costumes and donned masks so as not to be recognized.

In the 7^th century, All Martyrs Day, November 1^st, became a day to honor all saints and martyrs, in the Roman church.  About 400 years later, the Roman church dedicated November 2^nd, as All Souls Day in honor of the dead. This day was celebrated with dressing up in devil, angel and saint costumes, and with bonfires and parades.  All Saints Day celebration was also referred to as All-hallows and the night before began to be called All-hallows eve which eventually became Halloween. Both All Saints Day and All Souls Day are still celebrated today by Roman Catholics and some Protestants.

Through the centuries, the traditions of feasting, wearing costumes and door-to-door trick-or-treating grew in Europe and eventually came to the United States.  Halloween became the mainstream, money making holiday that we know, with costumes for sale in shops and decorations, candy, etc. beginning in the 1930’s.

Enjoy the day and festivities. Be safe. Share the “history” with the children!

LET’S MAKE CLEAN WATER A SOUTHOLD TOWN INITIATIVE

One of the most important long-term issues we face as town residents, homeowners and citizens of the part of the world we live in is to address water quality and future impact of climate change TODAY - before it becomes a major crisis of the future.

Property owners who are on the water have an even greater responsibility to address their stewardship of the land-waterfront entrusted to them.  It’s easy enough to say, let someone else worry about it, I’m going to plant my green lawn to the waterline, or I’m going to blow those leaves into the creek.

Clean water is essential to life and one very important thing that we must do is address the quality of our water today and into the future.

SoutholdVOICE, a not-for-profit organization, is taking this challenge seriously and addressing pragmatic solutions. This Saturday, October 26^th, there will be an INFORMATION SESSION and WORKSHOP on the Suffolk County initiative, “Reclaim Our Water.” Learn from Suffolk County Health Department and Industry Experts - how you can replace conventional cesspool and septic systems with innovative, low nitrogen systems and pay for all or part of the cost with a grant.

Come join us, become familiar with the issues and what you can do that is real and concrete. Set an example for you children…

When: Saturday, October 26, 2019, 9 - 11:30 AM

Where: American Legion Hall 51655 Main Road, Southold

House Plants for a Healthier Home

While plants certainly help beautify our homes, they also provide several health benefits when they are indoors.   Studies show that indoor plants offer wonderful advantages:

Increase Oxygen

 Most plants release oxygen throughout the day.  Orchids and Gerbera Daisies, release oxygen at night too.  So, they might help you sleep better.  For those of us who answer the “unsolicited” 3am wake-up call – it’s worth a try!

Improve Air Quality

Plants remove toxins that can cause headaches, nausea and certain respiratory issues.  House plants are especially beneficial in the fall and winter months when we spend more time indoors and it’s too cold to open windows for extended periods of time.

Increase Productivity

Studies show that children are more attentive in classrooms and people are more productive at computer tasks with plants in the room. Plants are not just for the home – they should be in our schools and workplaces as well. 

Decrease Dryness

Several plants placed together in a room add moisture and humidity.  Again, heating systems in winter months tend to take humidity from the air.  Plants can offer a natural solution to a humidifier.

Reduce Stress and Fatigue

Plants can help us unwind and relax.  I have lots of orchids in my home and it’s wonderful just to admire their intricate beauty.  But also, when I water, fertilize and tend to them, it takes my mind off the daily routine and I find it very relaxing.

Consider plants for your home and when you are thinking of a gift for someone, think about a plant – it beautifies any room and has wonderful health benefits as well! 

 Source: RIS Media, October 16, 2019.