jackie connellyfornuff: Photos for the 2014 Half Ironman in Montauk NY - 09/30/14 12:19 AM
Photos for the 2014 Half Ironman in Montauk NY
My husband Rob and our friend Marcia along with a few hundred athletes competed in the 2014 Half Ironman in Montauk NY on Sunday, September 28th.
My husband has competed in many triathlons, marathons, and other running races, but the Montauk Half Ironman is a different world. The training is intense which requires many months and hours of dedicated training. The swim is 1.2 miles, the bike is 56 miles and the run is 13.1 miles which is a half marathon. Athletes had to complete in eight hours or less or … (6 comments)

jackie connellyfornuff: No, This is not Bob's Furniture - 09/29/14 11:48 PM
No, This is not Bob's Furniture
Almost four years ago, I wrote a review for Bob's Furniture located in Farmingdale, NY. We bought a sofa and love seat from them and we were very happy with our purchase.
This past weekend we were in Montauk, NY. I received a call from a woman thinking I was Bob's Furniture. I explained to her what she was looking at was the review I wrote. It took me a while to convince her I didn't work for Bob's Furniture. At the end of the conversation, she apologized (not necessary), and said she will keep … (7 comments)

jackie connellyfornuff: Is Zillow Accurate? - 09/24/14 03:02 AM
Is Zillow Accurate?
This question was asked of me recently and I said, no, Zillow is not accurate and here are the reasons why:
In order to obtain an accurate property values, someone has to see your house. They have to see any improvements you have done over the recent years. Tell me, did a Zillow representative come to your house? I think not. Zillow averages the sales in your neighborhood and averages them out to get the value of your home. The homes surrounding your home are different like you may own a Ranch style home but the other homes … (12 comments)

jackie connellyfornuff: The Kiss of Death for a House on the Market - 09/24/14 12:35 AM
The Kiss of Death for a House on the Market
There are certain verbiage you see in house listings descriptions that make you go, "really?"
"It won't last long" is the kiss of death for a house on the market. Every time I see it, I bookmark it and sure enough these homes are still on the market including the homes that are priced right.
Years ago that term would work but it doesn't now. It doesn't create a sense of urgency amongst buyers like it used to. When most folks see that term, they just say, "sure it will".
Other … (6 comments)

jackie connellyfornuff: Will Installing Solar Panels on My Long Island Home Raise Its Value? - 09/22/14 08:08 PM
Will Installing Solar Panels on My Long Island Home Raise its Value?
I received a call from a homeowner yesterday who asked me this question. Installing solar panels on your home will not raise the market value. It could be more saleable but solar panels are too new yet to determine that fact.
In the past year I am seeing more Long Island homeowners install solar panels. It works by the company installs it and also installs their own meter. You are on a contract and the cost per kilowatt is less than what PSEG charges thus saving you around $800.00/year on … (8 comments)

jackie connellyfornuff: The Agent with the Highest Listing Price Wins! - 09/21/14 01:08 AM
The Agent with the Highest Listing Price Wins!
Picture it, you sit down with a real estate agent because you want to know what your 3 bedroom, 1 bath with tiny property, home is worth. Agent #1 says your home will sell at $350,000. That reality doesn't sit well with you so you call another agent.
Agent #2 says, "oh no, you can sell for $400,000". In your eyes, this is the best agent in the world! You call agent #1 and you ask them why did you tell me $350,000 and the other agent says $400,000? Agent #1 asks you … (5 comments)

jackie connellyfornuff: Can I Have a Basement Apartment in the Town of Babylon? - 09/18/14 12:40 AM
Can I Have a Basement Apartment in the Town of Babylon?
You can never have a basement apartment in the Town of Babylon and the same goes for most towns across Long Island.
If you want living space in the basement you have to have egress windows installed so people have an escape route just in case there is a fire or other emergency. You also have to file a building permit to do this work.
How Do I Know If An Apartment is Legal in the Town of Babylon? The homeowner will have a current rental permit that was … (6 comments)

jackie connellyfornuff: Pet Friendly Condos for Sale in Suffolk County - 09/15/14 11:58 PM
Pet Friendly Condos for Sale in Suffolk County
There are 969 pet-friendly condos for sale in Suffolk County. Prices range from $18,500 (mobile home development) to $2.45M in Northport, NY. Property taxes range from $3,336 to $25, 139.30. Maintenance fees/Common Charges range from $42.00 per month up to $5,040.00 per month. The property taxes and common charges will be factored in when you apply to be preapproved for a mortgage. 
We love our pets. They are a part of our family. Being able to buy a pet-friendly condo is important. You also have to know if the condo board has breed … (7 comments)

jackie connellyfornuff: Plan Your Home Sale like You Would Plan Your Vacation - 09/15/14 10:26 PM
Plan Your Home Sale like You Would Plan Your Vacation
It's the calls that real estate agents dread. "I want to sell my house. How much is it worth and what do you charge"? These questions are asked over the phone mostly in part because they do not have the time to sit down for a few hours with an agent. They want a general idea. My answer is I have to see your house first in order to give you a more exact value for your home. Click. Oh well.
A few years ago, I met with a homeowner to … (2 comments)

jackie connellyfornuff: Facebook Etiquette 101 - 09/15/14 01:27 PM
Facebook Etiquette 101
Facebook was created to keep in touch with family, friends who do not live near us. Sharing photos to show everyone how big the kids are growing, the new house you bought, you got engaged, etc. Pretty much life's milestones. Of course Facebook has evolved beyond that now with finding missing people and bringing important issues to the forefront.
Then we have those that take facebook to a whole new level:
5. Messenger - Pick up the phone and call the person instead of using the messenger feature. You will enoy the conversation more. Never use it … (23 comments)

jackie connellyfornuff: Lindenhurst NY 3 Bedroom Colonial For Sale | Beach Street Lindenhurst NY - 11/07/13 03:08 AM
Lindenhurst NY 3 Bedroom Colonial For Sale | Beach Street Colonial House For Sale Lindenhurst NY
Move right into this turn-key, 3 bedroom Colonial House For Sale in Lindenhurst NY. Meticulously updated with a beautiful Eat-In granite kitchen with sliders to the 195 feet deep backyard!
12 Reasons Why You Should Buy Their Colonial House in Lindenhurst NY:
Turn-Key condition. Nothing to do but move in and decorate with your own style. Granite Eat-In Kitchen with custom cabinetry and hardwood floors. Plenty of counter space to cook and bake! Beautiful full bath off kitchen. Dining Room with hardwood floors. Conveniently located … (4 comments)

jackie connellyfornuff: New York Rising Workshop at Tanner Park Senior Center in Copiague - 11/04/13 11:32 PM
New York Rising Workshop at Tanner Park Senior Center in Copiague
The New York Rising Workshop at Tanner Park Senior Center in Copiague is this Thursday, November 7th, 2013 from 5 pm to 8pm. At 6:15 pm there will be a short summary presentation.
This New York Rising Program is for Sandy victims and will be focused on helping homeowners gain knowledge, experience and recommendations for the area's reconstruction.
I have seen many homes in the past few months that are being risen and are part of the New York Rising Program. 
When: Thursday, November 7th, 2013
Time: 5pm to 8pm … (4 comments)

jackie connellyfornuff: You Can't Leave Until You Know Where You Are Going - 11/04/13 09:45 PM
You Can't Leave Until You Know Where You Are Going
Recently I met with a Lindenhurst NY homeowner to preview their home so I could figure out what their home is worth in the current real estate market.
They seemed excited to get their home on the market and when I asked where are they going, they responded with "we don't know". They knew something wasn't right when they saw my bambi-watching-her-mother-get-shot-and-strapped-to-the-van-look on my face.
Seriously, you have to know where you are going before you put your home on the market. Imagine getting a nice offer on your home … (3 comments)

jackie connellyfornuff: Town of Babylon Summer Concert Series - 06/05/13 10:35 PM

Town of Babylon Summer Concert Series 2015
Town of Babylon Summer Concert Series for 2015 is back! Below is the lineup for the awesome concerts being performed this year:
Voyage - Journey Tribute Band
Friday, June 28th
Where: Overlook Beach at 7:30 p.m.
Minute by Minute - Doobie Brothers Tribute Band
Wednesday, July 3rd
Tanner Park 7:30 p.m.
Who's Bad - Michael Jackson Tribute Band
Friday, July 5th
Tanner Park 7:30 p.m.
Strawberry Fields - Beatles Tribute Band
Wednesday, July 10th
Tanner Park 7:30 p.m.
Simply Diamond - Neil Diamond Tribute Band
Friday, July 12th
Tanner Park 7:30 p.m.
Billy Ocean
Wednesday, July 17th
Tanner Park 7:30 p.m.
Starship - Starring Mickey Thomas
Friday, July 19th
Tanner … (4 comments)

jackie connellyfornuff: What Condos in Suffolk County are FHA Approved? - 12/16/12 08:17 PM

What Condos in Suffolk County are FHA Approved?
Getting an FHA approved condo in Suffolk County is  a good thing since you can put down 3.5%. Also, the condo development cannot have more than 10% rentals.
Always check with your loan officer about FHA approved condo developments on Long Island because the list changes.
Here is the link to the HUD website to check to see if your condo development is on their approved FHA list: FHA Approved Condos
Below is a list of FHA approved condos in Suffolk County:
South Shore Villas at West Babylon, NY - 7.8% have … (4 comments)

jackie connellyfornuff: Are Buyers Getting Mortgages for Babylon Village Homes? - 12/13/12 04:45 AM

Are Buyers Getting Mortgages for Babylon Village Homes?
This is one question I'm asked from Babylon Village homeowners and buyers. Sellers think buyers aren't getting mortgages and buyers think it's very difficult to get a mortgage. Both are just not true. Stop watching the national news. Real estate is always local.
Yes, you need a job, cash in the bank for the down payment, good credit scores and a maximum of 4 to 1 debit to income ratio. Some banks will go a little higher but not much. The days of getting a mortgage as long as you have a … (0 comments)

jackie connellyfornuff: Lindenhurst NY Sold Homes Weekly Market Report 11/23/12 - 11/27/12 07:22 AM
Lindenhurst NY Sold Homes Weekly Market Report 11/23/12
Real Estate Market Data for Lindenhurst NY is provided by Jackie Connelly-Fornuff with Century 21 AA Realty
Last week, three homes sold in Lindenhurst NY:
Farmers Avenue Lindenhurst NY - Listed for $224,990 and sold for $233,200. This home is a four bedroom, seven room Split Level with a one car attached garage and no basement. Property Size: 115 x 70
39th Street Lindenhurst NY - Listed for $279,990 and sold for $270,000. This home is a four bedroom, seven room Expanded Cape with a converted garage for added living space and a … (0 comments)

jackie connellyfornuff: What Are Lindenhurst NY Homes Selling For? - 11/14/12 07:42 PM
What Are Lindenhurst NY Homes Selling For?
The majority of homes in Lindenhurst NY are selling between $250,000 to just under $300,000 with 55 homes sold in that price range so far for 2012.
40 Lindenhurst NY homes sold between $200,000 to just under $250,000
29 homes sold between $300,000 to just under $350,000
22 homes sold between $350,000 to just under $400,000
17 homes sold between $150,000 to just under $200,000
7 homes sold between $0 and to just under $150,000
3 homes sold between $400,000 to just under $450,000
The price range of $350K to just under $400K is … (6 comments)

jackie connellyfornuff: What Are Buyer Exclusions in a Long Island NY Listing Agreement? - 11/12/12 11:18 PM
What Are Buyer Exclusions in a Long Island NY Listing Agreement?
When buying a Long Island home, sometimes you will see the term: Buyer Exclusions. This means that the seller will take with them certain items that normally stay with the home. The list below will give you an idea of items that generally stay with the home:
Window treatments - I have seen sellers wanting to take certain window treatments like their children's curtains.
Light fixtures - A seller could have a family heirloom like a chandelier. They do have to replace it with some other kind of light … (4 comments)

jackie connellyfornuff: Lindenhurst NY Real Estate Market - List Price vs. Sold Price - 11/12/12 08:05 PM
Lindenhurst NY Real Estate Market - List Price vs. Sold Price
21 Lindenhurst NY homes sold in October 2012. The average list price was $302,000 and the median sold price is $280,000 which has been steadily increasing since May 2012.
The difference between the list price and sold price is 5%. This has decreased by 2% since last month. The real estate market in Lindenhurst NY continues to improve little by little.
Since Hurricane Sandy, no one knows what is going to happen with the Lindenhurst NY real estate market. Will some that live south of Montauk Highway abandon those homes? … (9 comments)

 
Jackie Connelly-Fornuff, "Moving at The Speed of YOU!" (Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Babylon NY)

Jackie Connelly-Fornuff

"Moving at The Speed of YOU!"

Babylon, NY

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Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Babylon NY

Office: (631) 703-0201



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