Photo tips - for selling your home

Home photos are very important when your house or apartment is on the market.  Photos help you to advertise and market your home, which is important for attracting a potential buyer.

1.  Exterior pictures should include several different angles of your home.  Close-up shots of the front and back of the house are key, but also be sure to include views of your home from the back and front yard. 

2.  Do not leave out any room in the house, even if one fo them needs updating.  Potential buyers want to view all rooms, regardless of outdated style.

3.  Make sure NO ONE is in the photo, including children and pets

4. Try to depersonalize your home.  This helps potential buyers imagine living in the home.

5.  Keep your home neat and clean - these are musts!

7th Annual North Shore Relay for Life Kick-Off Meeting

Wednesday, January 30^th 2013  North Shore High School, Glen Head at 7:00 PM

June 1st-2nd, 2013 marks the 7th annual Relay for Life event at North Shore High School. With the collective efforts of our community members, money is raised for the American Cancer Society to prevent and help cure cancer, all the while bringing families and friends in the community together. Help create a world with more birthdays!

If you are interested in getting involved in the Relay for Life, please join us on Wednesday, January 30th, 2013 at the North Shore High School in Glen Head at 7:00 PM. Please bring any friends, family, co-workers, or “Relay-ers” past, present and future! This is the time for anyone in the North Shore, Glen Cove and surrounding communities who have been affected by cancer to CELEBRATE the cancer survivors in our lives, REMEMBER those who lost their battle to cancer, and FIGHT BACK as a community against cancer.

At the kickoff meeting, the topics discussed will include: Information on how to become a team captain, fundraising tips, raffles, and specific committee information. There will be a free dessert reception!  Plus performances by Elektra, NSHS’s all female singing group, and Men Aloud, NSHS’s all male singing group. For more information please go to our website www.relayforlife.org/northshoreny . You can email your questions to NSRelayforLife@gmail.com. Your help and enthusiasm is greatly appreciated.

Please "LIKE" us on FACEBOOK - www.facebook.com/RelayforLifeofNorthShore
Follow us on Twitter @NSRelay4Life
Pin with us on Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/relay4lifens   
Check out our Blog - www.RelayforLifeofNorthShore.blogspot.com

Upcoming Community Events in January

 

 

 

 Women's Health Day in Glen Cove

North Country Reform Temple: 86 Crescent Beach Rd, Glen Cove, NY

 

DATE: Sun 1/20/2013 10:00am – 4:00pm

 

An incredible 1 day event dedicated to women’s health issues.

Topics include First Aid, Nutrition, Skin Care, Diabetes, Heart Health, Menopause, Zumba, AED & CPR Certification, and more. There is even a crafting session.

Sunday, January 20^th from 10am-4pm North Country Reform Temple in Glen Cove, NYCost for the event is $36 and included lunch.You can register online HEREEmail us at NCRTSisterhood@yahoo.com Or you can call the Temple to register at 516-671-4760.First come, first serve for the seminar topics.

Event is open to women and those who love them.

Sponsored by NCRT Sisterhood.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Relay for Life of North Shore - Kick Off Event

Date:  Wednesday, January 30th - 7PM

PLACE:  North Shore High School

 

RELAY FOR LIFE KICKS OFF IN GLEN HEAD

Rally Held to Support and Encourage Local Participation

In The American Cancer Society’s Annual Community Event 

 

The North Shore community members will unite at a rally to officially launch their 7th Annual Relay For Life season.  Hundreds of participants will ring in the new season with a rally that educates everyone on how their involvement benefits the American Cancer Society’s goal to save lives and create more birthdays. Money raised will fight cancer by helping people stay well and get well, by finding cures, and by fighting back. 

 

Refreshments & Music too!

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Sea Cliff-Glen Head Lions Club

 

Thursday, January 31: Sea Cliff’s “Winter Wonderland White Night” featuring guest bartender Ed Lieberman, Metropolitan Bistro, 39 Roslyn Avenue, 7 p.m. Live music by Chris Rice. Free admission. Contributions benefit The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind.

Winter home tips --How to Properly Use Salt to Melt Ice

During the winter season, the havoc that snowstorms can create, especially treacherous icy surfaces outside the home, is of great concern to homeowners.  Ice buildup on steps and walkways is extremely dangerous and can lead to accidents, putting not only household members at risk but visiting neighbors, friends and, of course, the mail carrier.

Thankfully, salt and deicer additives are effective, easy ways to melt the ice. But take note: These materials can deteriorate stone and concrete over time, not to mention be harmful to pets when they walk on the treated areas and then ingest the salt and chemicals while licking their paws.

Here are some tips for maintaining an ice-free walkway and driveway.

1       For best results, mix sand with salt. You will get the same results as if you’d used only salt, but will have much better traction, thanks to the sand.

2       Don’t wait. When it starts to snow, immediately begin shoveling.  The less buildup the better.

3       Pre-treat the driveway and walkways in anticipation of the storm, again to lessen the buildup.

4       Store the salt in an airtight container to optimize its effectiveness. 

How the Fiscal Cliff Bill affects Real Estate

The following info provided by NAR

 

 

On January 1, 2013 the Senate and House passed H.R. 8, legislation to avert the “fiscal cliff,” the bill was signed by President Barack Obama on January 2, 2013.

 

Below are a summary of real estate related provisions in the bill.

 

Real Estate Tax Extenders

 

§ Mortgage Cancellation Relief is extended for one year to January 1, 2014

 

§ Deduction for Mortgage Insurance Premiums for filers making below $110,000 is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012

 

§ Leasehold Improvements: the 15 year straight-line cost recovery for qualified leasehold improvements on commercial properties is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012.

 

§ Energy Efficiency Tax Credit: the 10% tax credit (up to $500) for homeowners for energy efficiency improvements to existing homes is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012.

 

Permanent Repeal of Pease Limitations for 99% of Taxpayers

Under the agreement so called “Pease Limitations” that reduce the value of itemized deductions are permanently repealed for most taxpayers but will be reinstituted for high income filers. These limitations will only apply to individuals earning more than $250,000 and joint filers earning above $300,000. These thresholds have been increased and are indexed for inflation and will rise over time. Under the formula, the amount of adjusted gross income above the threshold is multiplied by 3%. That amount is then used to reduce the total value of the filer’s itemized deductions. The total amount of reduction cannot exceed 80% of the filer’s itemized deductions.

 

These limits were first enacted in 1990 (named for the Ohio Congressman Don Pease who came up with the idea) and continued throughout the Clinton years. They were gradually phased out as a result of the 2001 tax cuts and were completely eliminated in 2010-2012. Had we gone over the fiscal cliff, Pease limitations would have been reinstituted on all filers starting at $174,450 of adjusted gross income.

 

Capital Gains

Capital Gains rate stays at 15% for those the top rate of $400,000 individual and $450,000 joint return. After that, any gains above those amounts will be taxed at 20%. The 250/500k exclusion for sale of principle residence remains in place.

 

Estate Tax

The first $5 million dollars in individual estates and $10 million for family estates are now exempted from the estate tax. After that the rate will be 40 percent, up from 35 percent. The exemption amounts are indexed for inflation.

 

Meet Our Neighbor - Kiddie City USA - Glen Head

 

We are excited to feature Extravagant Realty's "Meet our Neighbor" series. Each month, we spotlight one of our fabulous North Shore business neighbors. This month, we play around with Kiddie City USA.

The biggest compliment Kiddie City USA has received was, not from a parent, but from a child who asked if they could "move in and live at Kiddie City USA." Talk about a happy customer testimonial-it doesn't get much better than that!

Kiddie City USA doesn't kid around when it comes to pleasing children-not to mention parents. The Glen Head-based party place offers a kid-friendly lineup of exciting classes, hosts the coolest birthday parties, offers everyday Open Play and, is even a drop-off (three hour max) center.

The popular play place is actually the brainchild of a bunch of parents who felt the need for a facility in Glen Head.  They were tired of travelling to Great Neck, Plainview, Syosset and Melville to entertain their children.  They felt the need was strong enough in Glen Head to serve the North Shore area and found their space at 262 Glen Head Road in Glen Head after the former Russian Community Center vacated their space in May. The partners are from all different backgrounds and all hail from the North Shore.  They include an investment manager, an educator, an event producer and business owners. They all bring a special element to the table.

            The inspiration for Kiddie City USA began in a basement. Grandparents of one of the owners transformed their basement into a huge playroom for their grandchildren. Kiddie City USA came to life in that basement.  The Glen Head facility is set up to reflect a mini-Manhattan.  There are five out coves: a gourmet market/restaurant, a construction zone filled with cars, trains, work tables and benches; a brownstone built to reflect a home with a slide that drops you off in the school (equipped with a chalk board and chalk spinner); and a boutique filled with tons of dress-up items. There is a stage set with a TV and camera to broadcast the children much like the Megatron in Times Square, and a park type-setting in the middle of the room. You'll also find a lunchroom for snacks and food with a vending machine, an arcade and a retail store. 

Kiddie City USA also offers a babysitting/drop-off service. They simply ask that parents call ahead of time to make a reservation (516-399-2525). The babysitters are actually part of their staff and are a local group of girls who come highly recommended.  There is a maximum of 3 hours for this type of service; still plenty of time to run some errands, enjoy a meal and movie, or just relax!  It beats a trip to the grocery store with meltdowns for sure.

            Open Play time is a Godsend for parents who have active kids! "Come play in our city where it's safe to cross the street!" is their motto.  They host children from six months to five years-old during school hours and have after school hours for kids up to 10 years old.  Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm.  These hours are subject to change so they ask that you check the website daily for hours.

            Kiddie City USA has hosted milestone parties for kids celebrating their first birthday up to the big 13. They have quite a number of different themes, including arts and crafts parties, dance parties and, for the girls, spa and dress-up parties, and fairy and princess parties. The boys love pirate and Superhero-themed parties, and Angry Birds and Legos are also a big hit! The zaniest birthday party request was for a sleepover party.

            Kiddie City USA is also a cool place to shop for kid's gifts. They have a great retail store filled with toys and clothes, jewelry and hair accessories and much more. Featured brands include Melissa and Doug, Zadeh Toy Imports, Bling it on Baby, Fish Face, Fiore Collections, Jamm Couture and Melina's Bowtique. They are constantly looking for fun, new items. The biggest seller? Piggy banks that are shaped like cars, cupcakes, and other fun designs. The retail store offers Open Play Passes (10 Open Plays plus one free for $100 as opposed to the $12 visit price) and gift certificates of any denomination.

            Kiddie City USA is always on the hunt for new, exciting shop items and is also constantly adding new classes, hours and party themes. They are currently accepting enrollments for Spring 2013 classes (check the website for details.) They are open to ideas and new options that parents would like to help make their lives easier and welcome ideas, suggestions and criticism.

            Kiddie City is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm (open on Sundays only for private parties and events.) Kiddie City USA is located at 262 Glen Head Road; 516-399-2525, www.kiddiecityusa.com.

* Prices subject to change