
Pre-approval. It's the first step every homeowner should take before shopping for a new home. Our real estate agents recommend starting with this step because it helps narrow your search to homes within your price range. It also gives your offer added weight when you find the home you want to purchase. Whether you have excellent credit or a significant down-payment, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a step you don't want to skip.
We are in a low inventory market, which means that sellers receive multiple offers for their homes. Many times the offers are above the listing price. As sellers consider their options, the knowledge you're serious about and can close the deal gives you an advantage. It also helps you know how high you can go if a bidding war erupts.
Laffey Real Estate, a leading residential real estate broker on Long Island, launched their Virtual Showing Platform in early April to much acclaim. The demand for virtual viewings is still strong. Visit Laffey.com/OpenHouse page to participate. Interested buyers can
find homes to preview every Wednesday from noon to 1:00 pm via Facebook Premier and Laffey.com.
This is simple and safe home showings. Go to Laffey.com/OpenHouse page. Choose the property. Click on the Facebook Live button under the listing address. The open houses are scheduled in advance so the date and time is shown on the listing page as well. Visitors will be notified when they are registered and will recei...
Laffey Real Estate announced the appointment of Donnamarie Chaimanis, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker, to the position of President of the brokerage effective immediately.
In this newly
created role, Chaimanis is tasked with maximizing branch productivity; supervise the daily sales operations, branch services, recruiting platforms and growth strategies in the markets served including Long Island and the five boroughs. She will continue in the role of overseeing the team of branch managers and career leaders.
The announcement was made by Philip C. Laffey, Broker Owner via a senior management Zoom meeting. "We are very pleased to have Donnamarie work alongside us. Since joining the firm in 2005, she has been a proven leader, innovator and team player

Start off your new year with a new home by getting your loan pre-approval and preparing to purchase. A new year means a new start, and a sparkling home awaits.
Our real estate agents understand that the pre-approval process can be rather confusing. To start off your new year right, we're here to help guide you through this first stage of the home purchase process.
Knowing your credit score is a great place to start when deciding if you are ready for a pre-approval. Lenders will have varying minimum credit scores, but for the most part, you'll need a score of at least 620 to ensure you are approved for a loan.

Inheriting a house often happens quickly and by surprise. You realize it will happen eventually, but many people are still unprepared when it does. Our real estate agents have worked with many people in this situation, and while it may be emotionally difficult, successfully navigating these circumstances is possible.
Contact the homeowner's insurance and utilities to make any changes needed to continue coverage and service. While you may not want to pay utility bills for a house that isn't occupied, turning them off isn't practical. If you or others will be spending time in the house cleaning out personal belongings or making repairs, you will need electricity and water. During heating season, gas will need to stay on to prevent possible damage from frozen pipes. You'll also need the utilities on for a house inspection. You can discontinue anything that isn't essential such as TV, internet and phone services.