Paddlesports are not only great exercise, but they're also a great way to relax, connect with nature, and enjoy all the outdoor beauty Long Island has to offer. Living in an area surrounded by water means ample opportunity for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Paddlesports happen to be some of our REALTORS® favorite summer hobbies. Here are some of our favorite places to kayak around Long Island:

• Hempstead Lake State Park - 1000 Lake Drive, West Hempstead, NY 11552
  Located just south of these great Garden City homes for sale is Hempstead Lake State Park, which has three ponds that are great for kayaking and paddleboarding. The park has a nice boat launch and dock, so water access is easy. The whole park is calm and serene and an excellent place to find some peace and quiet.

After listing your house with our REALTORS®, you've found a buyer and are closing soon. You're finally ready to finish up with your old home as you prepare to move on. The selling process involves a lot of emotions, and it can be stressful wondering how to clean the house one final time after selling. While the temptation to skip out on the remaining cleaning chores can be strong, cleaning after selling your home is important. Here are some tips on what to clean.

1. The Kitchen
   This is the most-used area of your house and among the toughest to clean. Clean out the cupboards, cabinets, and other storage areas. Clear out your personal items and clean every inch, including any grease or stains on surfaces.

You've decided to buy your dream home. The real estate market is exciting with numerous options to choose from and marks the beginning of realizing your dream. However, navigating through the market and finding a home you wish to purchase can be difficult. Sometimes, the buying process takes longer than expected. Our REALTORS® have put together these five tips to help you remain positive during the buying process.

1. Decide Your Wants, Needs, and Deal Breakers
   Before reviewing the hundreds of homes on sale, start by developing a checklist. What do you want or need from a perfect home for you? Having preset goals and wants will save you time, and so does identifying your deal-breakers and non-negotiables. Additionally, identifying non-negotiables will save you from disappointment later.

There's no better time to sample a new local brew than National American Craft Beer Week. That's why our REALTORS® have put together a list of our favorite breweries in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

1. Oyster Bay Brewing Company — 36 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay, NY 11771
   In the past, Oyster Bay Brewing Company has been recognized as the best craft beer brewery on Long Island, and it's easy to see why. This amazing brewery has tons of tasty selections, with their famous honey ale and Barn Rocker session ale topping the list. They take great pride in Long Island's nautical history and are dedicated to producing the highest quality beer available. Their wonderful selection also includes a summer brew, pumpkin ale, hard seltzers, and more.