How to Make Music the Center of Your Home This Year

Valentine's Day might be a bit different this year, but that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy a romantic evening with your special someone. Our REALTORS® love re-creating the intimate atmosphere of a fine restaurant at home, and they say it's easier than you might think!

Just set the table, dim the lights, put on some soft music, and light a few candles. Then, order take-out from one of the area's best restaurants and let them handle the rest! Here are a few of your best options for an unforgettable Valentine's Day feast. 

1. Gatsby's Landing: 1362 Old Northern Blvd. Roslyn, NY 11576
   If you've been thinking about buying one of the beautiful Nassau County homes for sale, you'll definitely want to get to know Gatsby's Landing. This trendy restaurant and bar offers both indoor and outdoor dining with heaters and plexiglass walls. You'll love the stunning view and elegant ambiance!

Pet ownership has mushroomed over the last year, as many homeowners working remotely or overseeing school-age children's online studies acquire pets for an enriched home experience. Single people in particular may find a pet takes the place of some of the lost social life that sheltering in place has required. At the same time, couples and families discover that a pet may strengthen the bonds between them.

If you're looking at Nassau County homes for sale or Suffolk County homes for sale, and you have a pet or are looking to acquire one, you may want to talk to our REALTORS® about their recommendations for homes that will fit the requirements of your pet.

Following are some things to think about before you launch into pet ownership.

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.