The following properties  have sold in November on the North fork of Long Island (sold=closed real estate transactions for all villages).  This report is for single family properties from Riverhead to Orient Point.   Asking price/Closed price:

Aquebogue, NY:
365 Stonecrop Rd: $599k/$569k

Cutchogue, NY
Total sold: 6
1975 Skunk Ln: $369k/$335k
3610 Bridge Ln: $389k/$372.5k
1455 New Suffolk Rd: $400k/$355k
6145 Bridge Ln: $529k/$515k
1547 Stillwater Ave: $759k/$700k
1050 W. Cove Rd: $2.2M/$1.95M

East Marion, NY
2940 The Long Wy: $350k/$352.8k
1910 The Long Wy: $425k/$365k
240 The Crescent: $449k/$425k
15345 Main Rd: $1.335M/$1.3M

Greenport, NY
620 Maple St: $195k/$190k
300 Bailey Ave: $369k/$350k
1410 Maple Ln: $450k/$390k

Jamesport, NY
36 St. Marys Dr: $435k/$415k
966 Peconic Bay Blvd: $449k/$400k
270 Herricks Ln: $499k/$485k

Laurel, NY
1810 N. Oakwood Dr: $435k/$400k

Mattituck, Ny
2490 Pike St: $179k/$145k
1175 Central Dr.: $319k/$315k
3225 Grand Ave: $359k/$300k
3500 Cox Neck Rd: $409k/$385k
1145 Grand Ave: $454.9k/$447.5k
New Suffolk, NY
735 Jackson St: $1.395M/$1.312M
755 Kimogenor: $1.6M/$1.5M

Orient, NY
29215 Main Rd: $799k/$730k
21055 Main Rd: $799k/$754k

Riverhead, NY
772 Raynor Ave: $145k/$77k
1075 Northville Tpke: $179k/$168k
140 Woodhull Ave: $239k/$217k
140 Rabbit: $275k/$273k
906 Pond View Rd: $339k/$315k
115 Hubbard Ave: $395k/$385k
11 Kingfish Ct: $449k/$414.2k

South Jamesport, NY
126 Green St: $449k/$395k

Southold, NY
50915 Main Rd: $349k/$335k
1845 Hortons Ln: $499k/$499k
1305 Bay Haven Ln: $519k/$487k
450 Brigantine Dr: $549k/$484.6k
1135 Calves Neck Rd: $875k/$850k

Homes closed November 2011: 40
Homes closed November 2010: 42

Homes under contract have increased in November 2011 vs. November 2010.
Total homes reported under contract for 2011 are 37
Total homes reported under contract in 2010 were 35.

It would appear that while home sellers on the North fork are not reducing their homes for sale at the onset, they are accepting a larger discount from list pricing in 2011 over 2010.
Average listing discount in 2011: 7.71
Average listing discount in 2010: 4.69

Providing an “average” sales price is often skewed when a few large, or a few small properties appear, so keeping that in mind, and using as a guideline actual closings shown above, the average sales pricing from 2011 vs 2010 is as follows for all of the North fork:
2011 average sales price: $516,446.
2010 average sales price: $446,531
Interestingly, the median difference is less dramatic:
2011 median sales price: $397,500
2010 median sales price: $377,500

If you are interested in finding real estate on the North fork of Long Island, click here.
If you are interesting in finding an east end reo/foreclosure in the Hamptons and North fork, click here.
*all statistics used can be found at MLSLI.  While deemed reliable, no guarantees.

Walk through before closing...when do you have your buyer do a walk through on a property in contract?

 Recently, we experienced frustration (as the listing agent) when a buyers agent  made the decision to have his buyer do a walk through on the property far too close to closing- the same day, in fact.

While some pristine offerings might engender this kind of schedule, this particular property had "issues" that involve a renter in place at the time of the initial viewing/purchase, and vacant at the time of the walk through.

Despite an inspection by a licensed professional being performed previously, there was reasoning behind requesting that the buyer please perform a walk through with a few days to spare- allowing time for any issues to be resolved between the parties (and NOT at the closing table).

I'm not so sure, whether representing a buyer or seller, that all scheduled walk throughs shouldn't offer latitude for potential issues- to the contrary, it seems common sense- irrespective of the condition of the property.

A day before allows issues to emerge, and time for both seller and buyer to resolve these issues pre-closing; perhaps my position remains solidified after having much new home construction experience.  A day before also appears close enough to closing that the property will remain in the condition of the walk through on the day of the closing.

An initial walk through; items corrected; final walk through the day of closing- typical builder process.

On resales, affording buyers and sellers 24 hours latitude between the walk through and closing seems to be common sense, yet is (clearly) a schedule that some simply don't subscribe to, insisting on a walk through hours before a closing.  On more than one occasion with cooperating brokers, so maybe it's us.

Perhaps I'm more cautious due to lawyers being involved in NY closings- the idea of a re-negotiation at the closing table doesn't appeal.  A closing should be a matter of signing paperwork, not a back and forth of renegotiation over issues that could easily be resolved between buyer and seller PRE CLOSING.

 For my seller, a walk through the day before is a measure of problem avoidance. For my buyer, a walk through the day before closing is a measure of problem avoidance.  Issues have time to be resolved.

Further, if my buyer performed a walk through with items unaddressed, there would BE no closing until the items were resolved- the closing table isn't going to be a place of negotiation. Our job is to make sure that all issues are resolved beforehand.  Lawyers might be fine with renegotiation at the nth hour; denigrating the closing day process for both buyer and seller when it's avoidable isn't on my radar.

Which returns me to the opinion that a walk through should never occur hours before a closing.  New or resale.

But, I could be wrong.

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
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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Authored by: Laurie Mindnich
October 19th, 2008

When we first moved to Southold, New York in 2002, there was a structure in our neighborhood called the General Wayne Inn.

Situated oddly, Sean’s father explained that he had in fact dined at this opulent eatery located in the residential area of Bayview- it was a destination spot often navigated on foot, as those in the area were able to combine a nice walk with a fine meal.

The building was abandoned when we viewed it, but still intact- clearly devastated by a fire of some sort, it was destined to deteriorate without immediate intervention.

Below are photos of this once-grand establishment, along with a recent town meeting addressing the uncertain future of this once glorious structure.

http://southoldtown.iqm2.com/citizens/Detail_PublicHearing.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=1106&MediaPosition=&ID=1150&CssClass=

It has increasingly become an eyesore, due to the lack of maintenance and preservation that the owner was unable to provide for it.

I’d love to see it purchased and restored, but as the years go by, all elements worthy of restoration seemingly grow legs- where a sign once proclaimed it’s identity, there is now simply an empty and rotting post.

Authored by: Laurie Mindnich
September 5th, 2008

As reluctant as many of us are to let go of summer months on the North fork of Long Island, fall brings activities that offer fun that appeal to any age level.

Not initially believing in the challenge of the corn maze (it’s tough to imagine that our corn season is coming to an end already…), last season, we took it upon ourselves to indulge the kids in the family by visiting the Harbes Family Farm.

I still laugh out loud when the memory is revisited- and going again this year with or without the kids is simply a North fork experience that is as required (by us) as hitting the beach on a gorgeous day.

In addition to the corn maze, which in and of itself provides the hokiest, most charming experience (think: friendly outdoor haunted house), hay rides on a bumpy old trailer with a host encouraging a “sing along” is a riot. Kids love it, and adults may well not get through it without one of those really healthy belly laughs.

The following link provides much in the way of resources for North fork, Long Island fall activities. See you there!

http://www.northfork.org/calendar/index.php

Options Realty: your source for buying and selling condos and homes on the North Fork of Long Island.

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Authored by: Laurie Mindnich
August 7th, 2008 category: Buyers

OK, not literally jump in a lake, but perhaps a toe dip in the community pool.

The decision to leave a long term family home is tough enough; the notion of “starting fresh” often adds stress to those seeking a retirement condominium. Often termed “active adult” and “55-plus” communities, the premise is to offer a home surrounded with people of like-age and life stage for those no longer in need of a larger home.

There are any number of opportunities on the North Fork of Long Island, from Riverhead to East Marion.

When looking at properties offering a “lifestyle” agenda, it’s important to look beyond the actual condo or townhome unit, or community. The majority of communities offer amenities that include a pool, tennis, bocce, and a clubhouse, which all LOOK great.

Touring these amenities (and timing the tour when residents are enjoying the benefits) is a great way to ease the anxiety of moving.

The best people to offer reassurance and guidance are those that have made the jump. It never ceases to amaze me, when viewing communities with prospective buyers, the ease with which those in the community are able to connect with those looking. Pleasantries that begin with, “we’re just looking around” turn into conversations about the angst of the move, and the resultant satisfaction with the decision-and often any downside to the move.

The best guidance a prospective homeowner can receive is generated by a homeowner who has “been there”- and arrived at the other side with hindsight often unavailable those making the decision. What’s great about the communities that I’ve visited is that the life stage shared by the residents translates into a value that can’t be matched- from recommendations of movers, to great parties that were recently enjoyed, to the pool man that should be fired because he doesn’t get ALL of the bugs out with the skimmer.

It is info that neither a real estate agent or non-resident can convey with the confidence that a resident is able to.

Next time we’re out and about with someone seeking such a change, we’ll be sure to arrive when the most important element of the community is available for consultation- the homeowner contingent.

If you’re interested in a vacation/retirement/active adult condominium on the east end of Long Island, give us a call. The choices are many, and the goal to get the best possible fit for you is the only agenda- nothing matters more in a transaction than the right outcome for you.

There are a number of available opportunities on the North Fork of Long Island- come take a look!

Authored by: Laurie Mindnich
August 4th, 2008

I read with interest the following article, published by The New York Times on June 18, 1989.

The author was Barbara Klaus. Link to the article below.

The Talk of the North Fork; Past Riverhead, Suburbia Looms Ever Closer

"At the Hargrave Vineyard here, Abigail Bakker is packaging newly bottled wine. As on other weekdays on Long Island's North Fork, it's quiet. The grapes are swelling on the vines and the roads are all but empty. Now in her 20's, she remembers how it was when she moved here as a child."

While there has certainly been growth in the years between 1989 and 2008, the North Fork of Long Island retains much of the charm that was present when the "locals" expressed a bit of dismay over the changing landscape.

"On Saturdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day long lines of luxury cars pull in and out at the Briermere Farms stand in Riverhead. Customers are drawn by the 18 varieties of fruit pies and fresh produce."

Thanks to the 2% Peconic Tax, (Community Preservation Fund) many of the open farms that so many consider intrinsic to the area remain "open". There was a recent Southold purchase that involved woods near Cedar Beach in Southold- the land will remain Evergreen woods. The Peconic Land Trust has this quote published on it's web site -

"The 2% real estate transfer fee paid by buyers goes directly to the Town in which the property purchased is located."

It takes living here to comprehend the importance of retaining the value in an area such as the North Fork- while the Hamptons offer their own recipe for summer living, North Fork residents have their own interpretation of "quality of life".

"Yard sales are something that draws both local residents and the people with second homes. They rush from sale to sale, pouring over the contents of attics and basements from Riverhead to Greenport. People scoop up such treasures as wigs, circa 1962, rusted potato mashers, mosaic ashtrays and plastic Mr. Peanuts."

For many, and I've come to agree, there's nothing wrong with disliking change in the landscape of this little piece of island, and much to be said for preventing it.

If you are interested in buying or selling a home on the North Fork of Long Island, pricing has come down, and inventory is as plentiful as the sweet corn found fresh at the farmstands!

Photos: Copyright 2008 Options Realty

Authored by: Laurie Mindnich
July 29th, 2008

We were heading to the annual Clambake courtesy of the Flanders Men’s Club. While there were a few errands to run, the day was interrupted when that magnet sucked my car into a parked position.

As happens so often on the North Fork of Long Island in the summer, locals and vendors pick a sunny day, and the race is on for those looking for that SOMETHING. Or ten. Below are a few photos of the ultimate tag sale experience on the North Fork of Long Island. Until next weekend.

The coke machine worked perfectly, and was priced at 20.00. Had the seller not offered to plug it in and demonstrate, he’d have missed out on the quarters that ejected en masse. And we left without them.

Satisfied that all had been viewed, considered, and explored, it was off to the clambake.

The wonderful thing about living on the North Fork of Long Island is that the unexpected events provide the most memorable experiences. Whether it’s corn that has a sweetness that defies qualities inherent in a vegetable, or a coke machine that dumps a small fortune into the lap of a surprised seller, it’s just, well…FUN. And next weekend is just around the corner…

If you’re unaware of our beautiful area, the tag sale map below offers a view: we’re on the top fork. The other “fork” at the tip of Long Island is the Hamptons. Visit www.optionsrealty.com for more North fork “stuff”.