Beginner's Guide for Outdoor Potted Plants

When George Gershwin wrote "Summertime, and the livin' is easy," he wasn't thinking about homeowners.  But the sooner you get summer maintenance out of the way, the sooner your summertime blues will fly away, and you can finally relax. Our REALTORS® have compiled a list of things to tackle in the early part of the season to help you keep your home looking its best and save you money in the long run by resolving issues while they're still small.

• HVAC Inspection and Tune-Up
  Before you turn on the air conditioning, clear the unit of any debris that may have accumulated in or around the unit. Clean the coils, inspect the wiring and change the filter. You may find it worth the price to pay a professional to clean and tune up the unit annually, especially if your unit is on the roof. A licensed technician will do more than inspect for damages. He will check elements for wear and tear, lubricate moving parts, and advise you as to the expected life and efficiency of the unit. If you wait until the weather is hot and the unit fails, you may wait for days for costly repairs!

Father's Day will be here on June 19th, and there are many different places in Nassau County and Suffolk County where you can take dear ol' dad for a wonderful meal. There are hundreds of great restaurants out there, and our REALTORS® have nailed down a few of their favorites:

• Revel Restaurant & Bar — 835 Franklin Ave., Garden City, NY 11530
  If you're looking for a Father's Day restaurant that's a little on the fancy side, then the Revel Restaurant & Bar should be at the top of your list. Not only is the interior gorgeous, but the food is some of the tastiest in the area. Located near many Garden City homes for sale, the owners pride themselves on a selection of inventive dishes that are made from locally sourced, farm-to-table ingredients. And since it has a fully functional bar, you'll find a wide variety of craft beers, wines, and spirits. Their motto is "sophisticated, yet unpretentious," and they definitely live up to that philosophy.

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.