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Merrick NY Homes for Sale vary in style and price range. You can find Merrick NY Homes for sale with price tags ranging from several million dollars to several hundred thousand dollars. There many homes with water views and others in areas with old oak trees. You can even find a few Town Houses in Merrick.
The style of Merrick NY Homes for sale are Ranches , Capes, Colonials and Splits. Here is a point to consider you can't say that you've seen one Ranch / Split or Cape and say you've seen them all. In the case of Ranches there are Hi-Ranches, In-Line Ranches, even Ranches that have second floors, now how is that a Ranch? Well in Merrick it is called a Masciola ranch so named after the developer who built them. These ranches can be found in an area that is known as "Merrick Woods". When homes become available in "The Woods" they tend to fly off the market as many Merrick residents trade up for so the competition can be fierce.
Also found in the woods are Farm and Ranger Ranches these have a second floor but no basement. You can also find many older Colonials and one or two Capes and there is even some new construction as builders have purchased older homes and razed them. There is also a few Tudors in the area built in the 1920's. 
Throughout the rest of the area you can Merrick NY Homes for Sale that are Colonials, Splits, Capes and Ranches too. Although most Capes and Colonials are found in Merrick and North Merrick and more of the Splits can be found in South Merrick but there are a several pockets around town that have them too. When considering Merrick NY Homes for Sale keep in mind that no organization sells more homes in the Merrick and North Merrick area then Select-A-Home /Island South Reality Corp.
I think it is very important for any one seeking Merrick NY Homes for Sale to understand how Merrick is structured because it can be confusing to someone that has not been raised in the area. There is only one zip code for the town of Merrick 11566 but there are two school districts in Merrick, District 29, North Merrick Union Free School District and District 25 Merrick Union Free School District. Also you could have a Merrick address and you children could go to a Bellmore School. This is why working with an agent that knows the town can be very beneficial.
If you would like to know more about the history of Merrick you may want to visit the Chamber of
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Date: Apr. 4, 2010
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Merrick, homes for sale, in this last few days for the government tax credit are going to be hot. Okay so that might not be the best grammar but you get the idea. I‘ve said this before and I will say it again, yes $8000 dollars is a great incentive but don’t make a purchase just for the sake of it.
Why do you feel this way about the $8000 dollar tax credit when it comes to Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh Seaford homes for sale? It’s because in the overall scheme of things, when it comes to a home purchase one of the biggest if not biggest investment that most buyers will make in their life time you shouldn’t tie yourself into a home that doesn’t meet your needs and desires.
Now I say this tong in check you wouldn’t enter into a relationship just because time was running out on a deal for under a certain amount of money would you? So why would you go down a path to purchase a home in Merrick for sale that just doesn’t meet your needs. But as I am a Realtor that is associated with Merrick Bellmore Wantagh Seaford homes for sale it would be my pleasure to assist you with your search for that perfect home for you.
Is it possible to find a home in Merrick Bellmore Wantagh Seaford for sale and get into contract before the end of April, of course it is but you have to be dedicated and you should engage a full time Realtor not someone that is out there showing homes only on weekends. You need a Realtor like me fulltime dedicated to finding you a home to call your own.
But don’t be fooled it is crunch time and in the price range of homes selling under $500,000 dollars believe it or not it is a seller’s market. Why because the inventor is low and the good homes that many first time home buyers can afford have many people making offers on them. Remember your economic class this is basic supply and demand. When supply is low and demand is high the seller is the one that has the advantage.
You can search for Merrick homes for sale right here. Happy Hunting. |
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Date: Feb. 21, 2010
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Why consider hiring me:
- I come from a corporate consulting background where validated and cross referenced data is presented to determine the best possible solution in order to win a Client's business.
- As a Realtor my process is somewhat different as I prepare a unique datasheet as a reference used to determine the potential market value of a home.
- I pride myself in being a reality based realtor with an understanding of economic principles and market conditions that I use to interpret and adjust my recommendations when pricing a home.
- I am a certified E-Pro which means I understand Internet technology and how to best leverage it.
Today's Buyers have so much more information at their finger tips than ever before and it is essential that you work with someone that has a grasp of the same data and technology they have access to. I would welcome an opportunity to meet with you to discuss the value of your home with no obligation.
Before you enter into an agreement with another organization I would like to share a fact that warrants serious consideration:
"Select-A-Home /Island South Realty Corp is # 1 in Sales in Merrick and North Merrick for the past 10 years."
Charles Greco
A Reality Based Realtor
Lic. Real Estate Salesperson
516.705.4448
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The Real Estate market picks up right after the Super Bowl there are various theories around the timing of this increase in activity none that I care to go into as most theories or beliefs can cause alienation and that is the last thing I want to accomplish.
As a Realtor and hopefully as your broker I believe one of my most important tasks is to bring harmony to the process and to lessen the stress associated with the transaction.
I work to keep the experience as stress free as possible. My greatest tool is humor and I will make every effort to keep a smile on your face as well as mine.
This is a great time in your life as you embark on searching for that perfect home and I want to help make the process tolerable for all.
I am always willing to meet with potential clients under no obligation.
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Date: Jan. 28, 2010
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THis was sent to me from a Mortgage Broker and I thought that I would share...
Waiting a few extra days or weeks to purchase a home this spring could cost buyers thousands of extra dollars as the office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) implements several changes for loans guaranteed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
Coming just weeks before the April 30 deadline for the Home Buyer Tax Credit and just days after the March 31 expiration of the Federal Reserve Board's mortgage backed securities purchase program (which has kept home loan rates artificially low for over a year), these FHA changes make it even more important to act now to save big.
Here are a few reasons why:
On April 5th, the cost of required up-front mortgage insurance for loans guaranteed by the FHA will increase from 1.75% to 2.25%. For a borrower purchasing a $200,000 home with a $7,000 down payment, the up-front mortgage insurance will increase by $965. Up-front mortgage insurance is typically financed in the final loan amount so the impact to a monthly payment will be minimal but overall, the increase is still borne by the borrower both upfront and monthly.
Later this spring, the amount of money that a seller can return to the buyer from their sale proceeds will be reduced from 6% to 3%. The reduction in these "seller concessions" can increase the amount of cash a buyer will be required to pay at closing by $6,000 for a home purchase of $200,000.
There is only one way to avoid being affected by all of these costly changes that lie ahead – submit all FHA mortgage applications by the last week of March.
Charles Greco
A Reality Based Realtor
Lic. Real Estate Salesperson
516.705.4448
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Date: Dec. 23, 2009
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And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more. ~Dr. Seuss
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Date: Dec. 15, 2009
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One of my favorite songs of the season between Thanksgiving and New Years is "Home for the Holidays" originally sung by Perry Como. I would sing this song to my Mom and it would always bring a tear to her eye. Mom is gone now over 10 years and this song still makes me think of her. My family had a very nice home in Merrick. Nothing too big or fancy but it was a great home. I will always be thankful that my parents knew how to take a house and make it a home. It has been my goal to do the same with the house my wife and I purchase and I think we're doing a pretty good job of making it a home for our family and a place that our friends find comfortable to visit.
While you're out and about searching for your house to call a home open your internal senses beyond the physical structure. Feel the vibrations that fill the space between the walls. Have the current owners been able to develop a home from their house? You will know this feeling when it hits you. If it does and you sense that you too can create the home of your dreams this should be one you consider buying. Make your purchase more about the essence that is the home. Of course you want to make sure the house is structurally sound. But if the home doesn't resonate within it's not the house for you.
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Traditionally this is slow time in Real Estate as Buyers and Sellers yielding to the holiday season. Both are busy preparing for Thanksgiving and the December holidays. Most sellers or potential sellers are thinking that nothing much will happen until March of the following year. To some extent this is true but also consider this those buyers out in the market looking at homes now are real. Buyers out looking at homes in the NE this time of year are serious!
Additionally potential sellers may want to think about this holiday season is that the First Time Home Tax Credit has been extended and improved and it ends in April of 2010. The improvements are that a couple can have earnings of $225,000 dollars adjusted Net income a big jump from earlier. Also someone that has owned a home for more than 5 years can sell and purchase a home and receive a tax break too.
The changes to the Tax Credit opens up the pool of buyers that had been shut out in the first go around. With buyers that have greater earnings they could be willing to go after homes of a greater value which should bring additional homes to the market. First go around most homes that were selling where at the bottom end of the market. With the yearly earnings going to $225,000 dollars and for current homeowners being able to sell and purchase a home this should help move the middle of the market that has been sluggish this year.
So sellers should benefit from a deeper pool of potential buyers and buyers should see more homes on the market that they can afford and qualify for the tax incentives. .
So what’s the rush? This ends in April that’s 5 months from now. But in the world of buying and selling Real Estate 5 months is not as much time as you may think. So if you’ve been contemplating putting your home on the market don’t wait too long. I suggest that you start interviewing potential Realtors to employ so when you’re ready you can list quickly.
If you’re seeking additional information about the Tax Credit Extension check my home page, there is a link right at the top that will bring you to additional details.
So enjoy the Turkey but don’t let it put you to sleep until January.
May you be fortunate to enjoy time with family and friends and may next year’s celebration be in your new home.
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Date: Oct. 29, 2009
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I think the most difficult part of being a Realtor is going to a potential seller’s home for a market evaluation. Most home owners have their thoughts or I should say perception of their home’s value and we all know that perception is reality to most. Believe it or not some Realtors will go in to a home and tell the homeowner what they want to hear just to end up getting the listing. This approach works for the Realtor but it doesn’t really benefit the homeowner. I am ashamed to admit it but I have been guilty of over pricing a home as I wanted the listing and ended up over pricing / evaluating a home. But as I’ve developed and matured in this business I’ve changed how I evaluate a home and bring more facts to the table than most Realtors. Details about tax values and square footage, facts to support a pricing plan for a home I present these numbers and make my recommendation to the potential clients. My hope is that the see the “Reality” of the situation. Some do some don’t. But I do get listings and even if our perceptions are different after seeing the work that I’ve put into my presentation we come to a compromise of what their home should initially list for. Sometimes we actually put it on the market for the price that they believe is correct based on their perception but when I do this it is with the understanding that after an agreed upon period of time we drop the price and keep doing so until we start to get offers. This is not the best of methods because home buyers are out there watching a home’s price drop and could perceive this as the home has issues. There is no easy solution to this dilemma and it is a challenge we all face daily. Reality is tough to swallow whether it’s the reality that you can no longer stay up past midnight and function the next day on 4 hours rest, or that your home is worth about $50,000 dollars less than you figured. I don’t know what the answer is. I can only present the facts as I see them. Present my perception in comparison to theirs and hope that we come to an agreed upon Reality.
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Date: Oct. 24, 2009
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Making phone calls, touching base with potential clients, following-up with agents that have shown my listings.
About my blog for me this is a means to allow you my potential network to find out a bit about me and the way that I think. I try to impart “my wisdom” in general, wisdom that I have acquired over the past 50 or so years. Wisdom related to sales marketing and dealing with people in general. You don’t have to agree with them but some of them might resonate with you and I welcome your thoughts and comments.
When I do blog about a specific subject about Real Estate I will do research and will only present something as fact if I can share a resource to validate. I will be clear when my thoughts are just that my thoughts.
Oh and if its good grammar you’re after … I can promise you that you won’t find it here but I will try.
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Date: Oct. 22, 2009
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What is a reality based realtor? Since using that as my tag line I’ve been asked that question many times from buyers, sellers and fellow Realtors.
My answer: It’s a Realtor that presents real and relevant data to their clients in a professional fashion that will support the advice given. A Realtor that understands current and past market trends, that presents tangible and at times intangible information, that correlates and analyzes information to present grounded and realistic approaches to a real estate transaction. They are Realtors that want to believe that everyone can handle the “Truth”. Reality Based because they understand that this transaction is monumental in their clients’ lives and they work to counsel and advise though out the process to guide them to the “Truth”.
Most of us when the time is right can come to grips with the “Truth”. Some of us might take a little longer to arrive there but we do for the most part arrive. For a buyer it might mean that they can’t afford a home in a particular location, for the seller it often comes down to the price that they sell for. As a Reality Based Realtor in is my goal to make the journey to the “Truth” a pleasant one. I work so the transaction in the end feels right to everyone; my goal is to guide my clients to experience the “Truth”. Taking the stress out that accompanies the journey that both buyer and seller must travel.
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Date: Oct. 18, 2009
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Look to control what you can not what you can’t.
It’s a simple philosophy really and I make no claim to owning it. There are really a few aspects of life we have control over and if we focus on those and those alone I think we would all be in much better shape. My advice here is intended for me too.
When it comes to buying a home this is what you control:
The amount that you offer and are willing to purchase a home for this doesn’t mean you’ll get the home but you do control the price you are willing to spend.
The location of the home town, street, corner, middle of the block, close to school etc.
What you don’t control:
The Seller’s willingness to accept your offer.
The attorneys working together in a timely fashion.
The Bank getting the deal done in a certain amount of time.
So if you’re at the stage where the Seller has accepted your offer my advice is to sit back and wait for the process to work itself through. Control your breathing and try to relax. Once the attorneys have completed the contract and your Seller has signed and you have signed, go out now and start thinking about what color you want the Living room to be. While you wait for your closing date make a list of what you can be doing that you do have control over and focus on these items and not what you can’t control. Trust me you will feel better when your closing date arrives and you’ve taken control of what you can and not wasted time on what you have no control on.
Charles Greco
A Merrick, New York Reality Based Realtor
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Date: Oct. 14, 2009
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The Inspection / Engineer's Report.
Should I have one?
Am I required to have one?
What do I do with the information presented in the report?
Well if you want to be an educated consumer I would suggest that you have an inspection, not required by law but a good practice. It is possible but rare that a lender might require that there is an inspection. The rules and regulations around these varied from state to state as does the timing. In some areas the inspection is done after the buyer and seller have entered into contract. In NY we go to contract after an inspection which can often lead to this question; what do I do with the information presented in the report? Should the report suggests that the home is in poor physical condition that will require significant repair a buyer might want to reconsider their offer, the amount willing to pay or if they want to move forward at all. Other items that may need to be a part of a contract could be possible safety or mechanical issues e.g. Electric Outlet Upgrade in Bathroom or Kitchen, appliances need to be serviced these can become potential points of discussion prior to or as part of the contract.
In sellers market the chance of lowering a purchase price is slim to none as there could be other buyers lined up behind willing to put up with the matters that you are making an issue out of. During negotiations in general when you are willing and able to turn your back on the deal you’ll have a higher likelihood of some sort of compromises. But if you are not willing to walk away from the deal chances are your request will go unresolved and then as a buyer it’s your call to move forward or eat the loss of the inspection.
If you do have concerns bring them directly to your "Buyer" broker and ask them for guidance on how to deal with the issues that surfaced. They will know which issues are best left to the lawyers and which ones they might be able to deal with.
Your inspection is for you piece of mind. You do this to have a professional’s opinion about the building and its mechanics it is not meant to be used as a means to reenter into negations on price.
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Date: Oct. 5, 2009
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Not that you asked but…. I was raised in a blue collar area by a father that worked for a Union and was always very leery of salespeople. Plan and simple my dad was always feeling that anyone that worked on commission was out to just make money and that they would be less than truthful in their transactions. Now go figure I have been in sales for the past 30 plus years the majority of those being commission based sales. Does or I should say did my dad trust me? Did he think me less than trust worthy? Was I the exception to his theory of commission based salespeople? I don’t really know and he is not around to ask anymore, but I can tell you that he helped finance one of my businesses and he was not free with his money. Dad was from a Sicilian family and what is said of Sicilians “they love their children and they love money and they would prefer to part with their children before their money”. So with basic logic one might say that in the end he did trust me. My message is simple one. Like most children I would like to believe my family is proud of me and how I conduct my life. To make sure that I maintain that good standing I try to live my personal and professional life with integrity as I am a firm believer that once you lose integrity it is very difficult to find it again. If you work with me I will hopefully earn a commission at some point, if not directly from working with you but from being associated with you. I am a believer in networking and putting out positive energy to the world and that the universe will respond in kind. Live Love Laugh.
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Date: Sep. 30, 2009
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Have you ever noticed that some roofs seem to have black streaks running down them? You might think that the roof isn’t being properly ventilated, or just that the roof is old. Well let me tell you what it is. Do you recall the expression that moss grows on the North side of a tree? If you were in scouting or a hiker you would recall that as it was a way to determine which direction is home. Well the black shading on a roof is telling you that that is the north side of the building and that black is moss/mold. I am not an expert on this subject and suggest that you do some internet searching and come to your own conclusion. I found this site just by searching “Black Shades on Roof”, http://www.inspect-ny.com/roof/shinglestains.htm
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Date: Sep. 24, 2009
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Okay this is one of those questions that runs through my head at times and just makes me wonder. Why wouldn’t a Buyer want to hire someone to represent them in a Real Estate transaction? See I’ve never believed in Buyer beware, in fact that philosophy is why I left a business many years ago because it was how my partner viewed the business world. Don’t tell, don’t educate, and if asked tailor the answer without providing an answer that would hurt earning a commission. .
You the Buyer are heading out to make one of the most significant decision of your life and to do so without an official relationship is just plan crazy, especially because in the end you will not be paying any more for your home. Now I can’t guarantee that statement for all relationship but I can with the ones that I have.
My goal in a transaction as a Buyer Broker is to bring as much information to the table as possible to ensure that the Buyer my client is getting a fair deal in the transaction, period! I know that my style will not appeal to everyone and I am okay with that. As Popeye would say I ams who I ams….
Charlie Greco
“A Reality Based Realtor”
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Date: Sep. 23, 2009
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The Rolling Stones said it best “You can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometimes you just might find you get what you need”. How true is this especially in the Real Estate market. Having dealings with a fair amount of young first time buyers I find myself singing this tune over and over in my head. I want to shake some of these buyers and say exactly that to them, if you try sometimes you just might find you get what you need.
My advice to all buyers is simple make a list of what your priorities are in your search. We all know there is a pain point around finances so know exactly what you will be able to swing on your budget. In the old days everyone would say that you could expect your salary and earning potential to grow so you might want to stretch and go for a few more dollars than you think you can afford at the present time. I also talk of my personal experience of starting out in 1995 looking for a home for $180K and that we ended up spending $225K and it all worked out. But I am as I say “A Reality Based Realtor” and I know that there is a lot of uncertainty out there as it is a much different economy then 1995.
But the simple truth is if what is important to you is a home in a good location with good schools, if that is your top priority you may want to consider spending a bit more or adjusting what you want out of your “Dream” home to give you the schools and location you want. If you can’t come to terms on price and type of home in the area that has the schools that you desire broaden your search and try not to give up too much on the reputation of the schools. Keep in mind the school systems play a key to future growth in your home’s value.
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Date: Sep. 22, 2009
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A busy week in the Merrick School System, for me at my daughter’s elementary school we have “Meet the Teacher” night and then on Thursday we have the same at the High School for my eldest. There always seems to be something going on but that is a good thing. The educational opportunities that exist in all of Merrick and Bellmore are excellent, from the teaching staff to school administrators there is always communication. I always point out to Buyers seeking a home when they ask me a question about the schools that schools are only as good as the parents make them. I know that one of the reasons that our schools are considered to be some of the best on Long Island if not the State is due to the willingness of parents to be involved with their child’s education. My only complaint about my involvement with my children’s education is when I try to assist them with homework that I don’t understand. J
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Date: Sep. 21, 2009
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Well it's Autumn here in the Northeast one of my favorite times of years. The weather is cool and crisp and the kids are back at school. Had a great weekend showing homes and holding an Open House, I must say after 30 years of sales I never trier of talking to nice people. As my Open House might not have sold the propriety I may have found a few new buyers to work with. Some of my Buyer's think they are having bad luck, I've assured them that they are not its just that the market they are looking in is hot with many buyers looking to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit and in their situation it's a Sellers market as we have seen the low end inventory fly ... To all those that had offers rejected today hang in there its a numbers game. Charlie Greco The Reality Based Realtor
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