Mortgage problems

I know that there is quite an amount of information going around about mortgages, and most of it is not positive. I feel that although it is not the panacea that it has been in the last few years, it is still a wonderful time to buy a home!

Rates are still at historic lows....now is the time to buy. Inventory has leveled off, thus the large drop or "burst" that the papers were predicting is not occuring.

I would suggest that you make certain that you are still qualified to get a mortgage. Most banks have tightened the underwriting guidelines, meaning that you might not be able to get the mortgage that you once were able to qualify for. 100% loans are almost nonexistent at this point.

Creative financing will become more prevalent as we move forward in the future. Rent with the option to buy, or homeowner financing may become more common.

Take the time to educate yourself on what is happening in the market. It is always better to "measure twice and cut once". Call your mortgage person and get requalified!

All things Long Island

Long Island is a very unique place to live. One only needs to travel from the North to the South to see two different shores. Most of the North Shore has the feel of New England, while the South Shore is a beach feel. The South Shore is more flat, has more sand in the soil and definitely feels like a place that is further south than we are.

Many publications have given the impression that Long Island is no longer a place for people to live. The reasons that are stated are high taxes, high cost of living.....yes, we may pay more taxes than other states, but the acedemic landscape that is offered to the children of Long Island is second to none.

Take time to slow down and look around at the things that are good about Long Island. The beaches, the Sound, the Ocean, proximity to Manhattan, the food, the people, the shopping. We have all things Manhattan, without the overcrowding...open space! Celebrate Long Island, it is truly a destination.