Welcome to the Long Island Real Estate Expert Blog

I am Cyndi McKenna and I am the Sales Manager of the Port Jefferson Office of Prudential Douglas Elliman. I have created this blog as a way to disseminate important information about the ever-changing real estate market on Long Island -- and throughout the country, for that matter!

The "Real Estate Bubble" is not bursting! There is no "bubble"! The market is, however, steadying to "normalcy". Some would even classify this as the start of a "buyer's market". In a buyer's market inventory tends to swell and price increases slow to a more reasonable level.

I believe that our market is driven by many distinct factors, not the least of which is population trends. Telecommuting and cottage industry [self employment] has brought many to our suburban communities. Home ownership is at record heights. Population growth is on the upswing again on Long Island as more and more families are having more children and immigration has brought in significant numbers like never before. These are truly exciting times on Long Island!

I believe that it was Roy Rogers who said that the best investment is Real Estate "cause they ain't making any more of it!" That statement cannot be any more true than on Long Island. Bordered on the north, south and east by vast bodies of water - there is, literally, nowhere else to go. We are seeing our open spaces consumed at an incredible pace. Hopefully, our lawmakers and municipal leaders will be good stewards of the local environment and use prudence and guidance when granting builders permission to construct new housing.

In a buyer's market you will need to carefully coordinate the efforts of a team of people, or if you elect to go it on your own, you will certainly need to proceed cautiously in order to get your best price. It is my personal opinion that, now more than ever, you will benefit from the services of a real estate professional who is committed to representing your best interests.

Buyer's Brokerages are opening all over the place. Agencies that are not specifically Buyer's Brokerages are creating teams of representatives to cater specifically to this market. These agents or representatives have a fiduciary obligation to only one side - and it is not yours! Their objective it to hammer you down to the lowest possible price under the most favorable conditions for the buyer. Clearly, the more this trend grows the more you will need someone who is dedicated to serving your interests. You will need a strong advocate. Chances are that this advocate will not be the selling agent for your home. Their strengths will be in marketing the property most effectively - and in today's market that will most definitely require extensive internet exposure. It has been reported that more than 70% of buyers start their search on the internet without the services of a real estate professional.

Does a buyer's market mean that you should hold off on selling your home -- absolutely not!

On this blog I hope to answer any and all questions you have about the real estate market on Long Island and to serve as a resource in order for you to buy or sell real estate on Long Island.

Cyndi.