Soaking in a warm, relaxing bath is something everyone looks forward to after a long day. When showing properties, our REALTORS® are always asked about bathroom upgrades with spa-like features seen in many of these Nassau County homes for sale and Suffolk County homes for sale.

If you're considering a bathroom remodel, you have many bathtub styles to choose from for your space. Before you make your final selection, consider the size of your bathroom, your personal needs, and the finished look you want to achieve.

You're in for trouble if you don't have a solid foundation under your home. While you may be more interested in picking out paint colors and choosing flooring for your new home, our REALTORS® advise taking a closer look at your foundation before you put your home on the market. If you don't, you could find yourself trying to sell a costly problem that will turn prospective buyers away.

Spotting Signs of Foundation Problems

• Look for cracked concrete and masonry. Soils that expand and contract can cause pressure to build up. As it does, it can cause cracks in masonry, bricks, tiles, etc.
• Look for leans. If the chimney looks like it was built in Pisa, that's a sure sign the foundation beneath it's unstable. Similarly, put a framing level on interior walls. If the bubble isn't plumb, it's possibly because the foundation has shifted.

Shopping local isn't always easy. Our REALTORS® certainly understand the convenience of big box stores and online mega-retailers, but there's something about buying locally-made goods from a locally-owned business that just feels better. 

Shift10 Day is a great reminder to support local businesses, and, in honor of the occasion, we're sharing some of our favorite places to shop local on Long Island!

National Cake Decorating Day is celebrated on October 10 to recognize the skill and creativity of those who can turn a cake into an artistic masterpiece. Long Island is home to some excellent cake decorators, so why not celebrate the day by ordering a custom cake at a local bakery?

Our REALTORS® suggest dropping by one of the following Long Island bakeries that offer custom cakes.

Nassau County 

• Buttercooky Bakery - 217 Jericho Turnpike, Floral Park, NY 11001
  Buttercooky Bakery, located near Floral Park homes for sale, has helped Long Island make sweet memories for over 50 years. The third generation of owners is still supplying fresh cookies, pastries, and custom cakes for every day as well as special occasions. Use their on-the-menu options like Banana Vanilla or Silk and Satan (chocolate mousse and New York cheesecake as inspiration), or go with a unique idea.