With the chilly winter temperatures and short days, winter is a fantastic time to organize your home. If you're ready to put your home on the market, our REALTORS® recommend decluttering your spaces so that your home is more appealing to potential buyers. Here are a few tasks to add to your to-do list so that your home looks its best. 

1. Go Through Your Seasonal Stuff
   Start by going through your seasonal items, like holiday decor, yard tools, and weather-specific clothing. If you haven't used an item in the past year, consider if it's contributing to the life you want to live. Once you've pared down your seasonal belongings, store them in plastic storage boxes so that they'll be protected from the elements when not in use. Make sure to label what's in each box so you don't have to open several boxes to locate an item. Seldom-used seasonal items can take up a lot of space in your home and even make it appear smaller. If possible, transport the items to another location, like a storage unit or storage shed, when it's time to sell your home.

Mark your calendars and don't spoil your appetite. Wednesday, January 20th is National Cheese Lovers Day, and we're ready to celebrate. 

Our REALTORS® happen to believe that just about anything is better if you put a little cheese on it. Or a lot of cheese. If you agree, you might want to check out some of these amazing Long Island specialty cheese shops.

• Village Cheese Merchant - 28 S. Park Ave., Rockville Centre, NY 11570
  Offering an amazing selection of gourmet cheeses and charcuterie from all corners of the globe, Village Cheese Merchant is one of Long Island's great cheese shops. Whether you're looking for buttery truffle gouda from Holland, six-month aged Manchego from Spain, or goat's milk cheese from a farm in Upstate New York, you'll find it here. The shop is conveniently located less than a mile from many Rockville Centre Homes for Sale, and the knowledgeable shopkeepers are always happy to make recommendations for the perfect cheese in any situation.

They say you shouldn't work hard; you should work smarter. We believe it's a suggestion that equally applies to daily life. When you are ready to work less and live smarter, our REALTORS® recommend giving your home a smart upgrade. Installing smart home systems is a smart way to start the new year off on the right foot. If you're wondering how to start and what to look for, the following tips and suggestions will help you take the first steps to a more convenient lifestyle.

Consider the Features and Functions

Do you want to listen to the radio, control the thermostat, or enhance your home security? Smart home systems can perform these functions, and much more. Some of the most popular smart home functions we see in Nassau County homes for sale include:

• Smart Home Assistants
• Smart Speakers
• Smart Home Security Systems
• Smart Thermostats
• Smart Lighting
• Smart Doorbells & Door Locks
• Smart Vacuum Cleaners

National Tempura Day is January 7, which means there couldn't be a better time to try one of Long Island's many Japanese dining establishments. Tempura is a popular Japanese cooking style that involves lightly frying with a batter made from soft wheat and cold water. Whether you prefer tempura with shrimp, scallops, crab, or vegetables, almost everyone can agree that food tastes a little bit better when made Tempura style.

Take the time to celebrate National Tempura Day by trying one of these fantastic Long Island Japanese restaurants recommended by our REALTORS®.

• Inatome Japanese Steak + Sushi - 6 5th St, Valley Stream, NY 11581
  A short drive away from some beautiful Hewlett homes for sale is Inatome Japanese Steak + Sushi. This classic Japanese staple has been serving delicious tempura in Long Island since 1975. Their menu features various tempuras, including shrimp, vegetable, calamari, scallop, and soft shell crab. They also have fantastic sushi and hibachi, along with a great selection of beer and sake. Dine-in or order online for takeout.