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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Is Your Property a Builder's Dream or a Homeowner's Paradise?If you own vacant land in Putnam County, you may think there's only one type of buyer interested in your property.The truth is, there could be several.One buyer may dream of building a custom home where they can raise a family.Another may see the opportunity to build several homes.An investor may view your property as a long-term asset.A recreational buyer may simply want privacy and a place to enjoy nature.The question is...Which buyer will pay the most?That's one of the first questions I try to answer when evaluating a piece of land.Every Buyer Sees Something DifferentOne of the things I enjoy most about selling vacant land is seeing how differently people view the same property.I've walked parcels with buyers where one pers...
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By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, We List/Sell Long Island Real Estate Successfully!
(Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - crrli.com. We are Lic. Assoc. Broker/Lic. RE Salesperson)
Opened in 1987, The Hunt Club can be reached from The Long Island Expressway Exit 63 to Middle County Road and Mt. Sinai-Coram Road North.There are a variety of floor plans constructed including ranch units and 2-story townhouse designs. Some units have fireplaces, and some have a 1 or 2-car garage. This is a pet-friendly community and offers amenities including a clubhouse, gym, pools, 2 tennis courts, a play area, basketball, and trails for the enjoyment of the residents.The above photo is an example of a detached unit with a 2-car garage The Condos at The Hunt Club have central air conditioning, and gas heat, and the monthly common charge includes lawn maintenance. The Hunt Club is served by the Longwood School District #12.  Owners: If you are Ready to sell your Hunt Club unit, plea...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
How I Help Landowners Get Their Property Ready for the MarketOne of the biggest misconceptions about selling vacant land is that you simply put a sign on the property, upload it to the MLS, and wait for a buyer.If only it were that easy.The truth is, the work that happens before a property is listed often has the biggest impact on how quickly it sells and how much it sells for.After more than 50 years in real estate and construction, I've learned that preparation is one of the keys to a successful land sale. My goal is to help every seller present their property in the best possible light while giving buyers the information they need to make confident decisions.Here's how I help landowners prepare their property before it ever hits the market.Step 1: I Learn Everything I Can About the P...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
How a Professional Land Evaluation Can Save You ThousandsIf you're thinking about selling your vacant land in Putnam County, one of the smartest decisions you can make is to have it professionally evaluated before putting it on the market.Notice I said evaluated, not just priced.There is a big difference.A professional land evaluation isn't simply about arriving at a number. It's about understanding what makes your property unique, identifying its strengths, recognizing any challenges, and developing a strategy that helps you achieve the highest possible return.In many cases, that process can save a landowner thousands of dollars.Pricing Too High Can Cost YouOne of the biggest mistakes landowners make is overpricing their property.It seems logical to start high and negotiate later.Unfor...
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By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, We List/Sell Long Island Real Estate Successfully!
(Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - crrli.com. We are Lic. Assoc. Broker/Lic. RE Salesperson)
Everything seemed right on track. The buyers were pre-approved, the offer was accepted, and the inspection went smoothly. Everyone was excited and ready to move forward. Then, out of nowhere, communication stopped. Calls, texts, and emails went unanswered. Days turned into weeks, and the deal quietly fell apart.We did everything possible to re-engage, but sometimes, people simply change direction. It was a reminder that in real estate, nothing is final until the checks are signed and the keys are exchanged. Every experience, even the disappointing ones, strengthens your ability to adapt and move forward. Are your really ready to make the move? Let's not waste time. Let's start the journey from beginning to end.  Lawrence and Sheila Agranoff, REALTORS®Lic. Assoc. Broker/Lic. RE Salespers...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
What Buyers Notice in the First Five Minutes of Looking at Your LandWhen selling a home, everyone talks about curb appeal.The same concept applies to vacant land.Many landowners assume buyers see only trees, open space, and acreage. In reality, experienced buyers begin evaluating a property the moment they arrive. Within the first five minutes, they've already formed an opinion about its potential.The good news?Many of the things buyers notice first are things you can prepare for before your property goes on the market.1. First Impressions Start at the RoadThe entrance to your property sets the tone.Is it easy to find?Can buyers safely pull off the road?Is the frontage overgrown, or does it clearly showcase the property?Even a simple cleanup along the road can make a big difference. Buy...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
The Biggest Myth About Vacant Land ValuesIf you ask ten landowners what determines the value of vacant land, you'll often hear the same answer:"It's all about the number of acres."While acreage certainly matters, it's probably the biggest myth in the vacant land market.In reality, two properties with the exact same acreage can differ in value by tens of thousands—or even hundreds of thousands—of dollars.Why?Because buyers aren't simply buying acres.They're buying potential.Bigger Doesn't Always Mean More ValuableMany people assume that a ten-acre parcel is automatically worth twice as much as a five-acre parcel.It rarely works that way.Imagine these two properties: Property A: Five acres with ample road frontage, gentle topography, a beautiful building site, and easy access. Property B:...
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By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, We List/Sell Long Island Real Estate Successfully!
(Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - crrli.com. We are Lic. Assoc. Broker/Lic. RE Salesperson)
Willow Wood in Setauket Long Island (sometimes it's listed in E. Setauket) was opened in 2003. It's a code-gated townhouse community. This private neighborhood is served by the Three Village School District #1. As you enter this pet friendly community, which is surrounded by Willow Wood Drive, there is a pretty pond on your left. You will find that Willow Wood are all attached townhouses with 2 or 3 bedrooms. Each unit has an attached garage, central air conditioning, gas heat and a patio. Some units have a gas fireplace. These are townhouse 2 story designs. There are no ranch style units here. The Aspen floor plan has the master bedroom on the main level and The Birch has all the bedrooms on the upper level.There are no amenities here, but there is a monthly common charge fee to mainta...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
What Every Landowner Should Know Before Accepting the First OfferReceiving an offer on your vacant land is exciting.After all, you've found a buyer who wants your property. It can be tempting to sign the contract, celebrate, and move on.But before you accept the first offer, there are a few important things every landowner should understand.The highest offer isn't always the best offer.And the first offer isn't always the one that puts the most money in your pocket.Price Is Only One Part of the DealMost sellers naturally focus on the purchase price.While price is important, it is only one piece of the transaction.You should also consider: How much earnest money is being offered? Is the buyer paying cash or obtaining financing? How long is the due diligence period? Are there contingencie...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Don't Sell Your Land Until You Know Its Highest and Best UseIf you're thinking about selling your vacant land in Putnam County, there's one question you should answer before putting it on the market:What is the highest and best use of my property?Most landowners have a general idea of what they own. They know the acreage, the location, and perhaps a little about the zoning. But very few understand how today's buyers view their land—or how that perspective can significantly impact its value.Understanding your property's highest and best use could mean the difference between an average sale and maximizing your return.What Does "Highest and Best Use" Mean?In real estate, the term highest and best use refers to the most valuable legal and practical use of a property.It isn't based on what t...
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By Carmelo Ginés, Broker / Owner -Albany, NY & surrounding Towns
(CKM Team Realty)
Whether you're relocating for a new job, searching for your first home, downsizing, or investing in real estate, choosing the right community is just as important as choosing the right home.New York's Capital District offers an incredible variety of places to live. From bustling downtown neighborhoods to peaceful country roads, historic villages to modern subdivisions, the region provides something for nearly every lifestyle and budget.Located where the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers meet, the Capital District combines the conveniences of city living with the beauty of mountains, lakes, parks, and open countryside. Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, excellent healthcare, respected colleges and universities, growing employment opportunities, and easy access to major highways connecting Bos...
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By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, We List/Sell Long Island Real Estate Successfully!
(Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - crrli.com. We are Lic. Assoc. Broker/Lic. RE Salesperson)
 Long Island Wednesday Words of Wisdom “Phenomenal cosmic powers… itty bitty living space.”~ Genie from Disney's AladdinIn real estate, it’s a fun reminder that it’s not always about size but it’s about how the space works for you. The right home is the one that fits your lifestyle, feels comfortable, and makes everyday living easy. Sheila
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Why the Right Buyer May Already Be Looking for Your PropertyIf you've owned vacant land in Putnam County for years, you may assume that finding the right buyer will take a long time.After all, vacant land doesn't sell as quickly as homes…right?Not always.One of the biggest misconceptions about selling land is that you have to wait for someone to stumble across your property. In reality, there may already be buyers actively searching for a parcel just like yours.The challenge isn't finding buyers.It's making sure the right buyers know your property is available.Buyers Are Searching Every DayAs a land specialist, I regularly hear from people looking for vacant land throughout Putnam County.Some want to build their forever home.Others are builders searching for their next project.Some are ...
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By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, We List/Sell Long Island Real Estate Successfully!
(Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - crrli.com. We are Lic. Assoc. Broker/Lic. RE Salesperson)
Strathmore Gate East is a 55 and over community in Coram Long Island.Opened in the 1970s, Strathmore Gate East can be reached off Middle Country Road to Old Town Road. Since this is an established community, units may need some updating.Street names in the neighborhood are Freedom Lane, Forge Lane, Freemont Lane, Flair Way, and Flair Circle. This is a pet-friendly neighborhood.These are all attached ranch-style floor plans, with 1 or 2 bedrooms. There is central air conditioning, clean and efficient electric heat and cooking, and individual thermostats in every room. Some residences have an attached garage, and some do not.Lawrence "Larry" and Sheila Agranoff sell in this neighborhood. It offers a cozy clubhouse, pool, and bocci. The community is under a homeowner's association. The roo...
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By Philip A. Raices, 1 of the Most Knowledgeable Brokers on the Net!
(Turn Key Real Estate)
  Phil's Home News   Philip A. Raices Turn Key Real Estate 516-647-4289 Cell 516-829-2205 Office Fax eFax Coming Soon! www.Li-RealEstate.Com   Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.ComNYS License # 31RA0874656 NYS Corporate License # 109909392 Quick Quiz Each month I'll give you a new question.Just reply to this email for the answer.Named after the famous hedgehog in a Beatrix Potter story, what is the name of a well-known wildlife hospital in England? Reply to this email Ask the Agent What Is a Proof of Funds Letter? In addition to providing a seller a loan preapproval letter, a buyer may also need to provide a proof of funds (POF) letter proving that the buyer has the cash needed to close the sale. This is especially the case for an all-cash transaction. Once you get preapproved for a loan, get your...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Seven Signs Your Land May Be More Valuable Than Your Neighbor'sIt's a question I hear quite often from landowners in Putnam County:"My neighbor's property sold for $200,000. Does that mean mine is worth the same?"The answer is...not necessarily.Even if two parcels are located on the same road—or even side by side—they can have dramatically different values. That's because vacant land is not valued by location alone. Buyers look closely at what each property offers and what can actually be done with it.Here are seven signs your land may be worth more than your neighbor's.1. You Have More Road FrontageRoad frontage is one of the first things buyers and builders evaluate.A parcel with generous frontage may offer easier access, greater privacy, or even the possibility of future subdivision,...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Could Your Vacant Land Be Worth More Than You Think?If you've owned vacant land in Putnam County for several years—or perhaps inherited it from a family member—you may have asked yourself a simple question:"I wonder what it's worth today?"The answer may surprise you.Many landowners haven't looked at the value of their property in years. Some assume it's worth about what they paid for it. Others believe that because nothing has changed on the land itself, its value hasn't changed either.But vacant land doesn't have to change for its value to change.The market around it does.The Market Has EvolvedOver the past several years, buyer demand has shifted dramatically.More people are looking for land where they can build a custom home, enjoy greater privacy, create a weekend retreat, or make a ...
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By Paula Hathaway, REALTOR, LBA, "Deeply rooted in The Hamptons---local expertise"
(Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
"Farmers here didn't inherit the land, they inherited soil; it wasn't just dirt, Holly. It was Bridgehampton loam, a consistancy as soft as sifted flour, dark as coffee grounds, and alive with the promise of harvest."HIDDEN HAMPTONS--AT LAST--LAUNCHING ON JULY 10THThe Sagg Main Legacy, the first in a three part saga of the love story between Holly and Fred, the Hamptons and it's people, its family farms and its Waterways. It's been far too long to get this book in the hands of those of you who have been waiting; but it is just a few days away and I want to let you all know that I hope it is worth the wait. I have been lucky enough to get some early reviews that have praised it. I am greatful for those!This place, Activerain has been more than a catalist--it's where this story began on t...
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By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, We List/Sell Long Island Real Estate Successfully!
(Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - crrli.com. We are Lic. Assoc. Broker/Lic. RE Salesperson)
One of the biggest mistakes I see condo sellers making right now in 2026 is pricing their unit too high. Even though our prices are holding strong, many sellers are still hoping for the peak numbers from a few years ago. Buyers are sharp and they compare everything online, so if you price too aggressively it will sit longer than it should. Another common error is using poor quality photos. Dark, cluttered shots can make your condo look worse than it really is and scare buyers away before they even make an appointment for a showing. It amazes us how some sellers never look at the photos that their agent may have posted. We've seen very dark photos, awkward angles, bathroom shots before kitchen or living room, clutter all over the countertops, trash bags in the photo. They don't tell a st...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Thinking About Selling Your Land? Start With These Four DocumentsIf you're thinking about selling your vacant land in Putnam County, you may be wondering where to begin.Many landowners assume the first step is determining a price or putting a "For Sale" sign on the property.In reality, the best place to start is with information.Today's land buyers are more informed than ever before. Before they make an offer, they want to understand exactly what they're buying. Having the right documents available can answer many of their questions, build confidence, and help your property stand out from competing listings.Here are the four documents I recommend every landowner locate before putting their property on the market.1. Your DeedYour deed is the legal document that establishes ownership of t...
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