Listing of the Day: Gables house in Merrick for $455,900

4:58 PM By Ann Smukler

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom stucco charmer in the storied Gables section of Merrick is listed for $455,900. It has four stained-glass windows original to the home (circa 1928), a darling three-quarter-round brick front stoop and a vaulted ceiling in the sunken living room. The striking living room was part of the attraction for the big Hollywood types in the 1920s who came to the development way back when. The rooms' cathedral ceilings suggested grand-scale entertaining and contributed to the prestige of the celebrated area. “The home has hardwood parquet floors, and it’s one of the few Gables homes with two bathrooms," says Fran Bassett of RE/Max Whitney Estates. It is within a walkable distance to the Merrick train station, a definite plus. The stucco both in and out is in medium condition. But this home is a charmer nonetheless.
 

Permission from RE/Max Whitney Estates

Matinecock mansion sells for almost half in auction

2:33 PM By Laura Mann

A Matinecock mansion that was appraised at $10 million is now in contract for $5.375 million after an auction that took place Nov. 17, says Stacy Kirk, president of Charlotte, N.C.-based Grand Estates Auction.

Kirk says that 22 registered bidders vied for the 5.33-acre estate and about 140 people had viewed the home prior to the auction. Kirk says that the sale is expected to close within 30 days.

The Chicken Valley Road residence was built in 2003, has 10,000 square feet of living space, five bedroom suites, eight full baths and three half-baths. The home is equipped with “smart” technology interior fire sprinklers, elevator, radiant heated floors and a generator backup. Amenities include a billiards room, a game room, a theater, a cabana and a heated gunite pool.

Kirk says her company provides a way for homeowners to sell their high-end properties more efficiently and effectively. “This is not a distressed property,” she says.

Permission Grand Estates Auction

Brentwood house reduces asking price by 27 percent

1:15 PM By Valerie Kellogg

The ranch at 41 Thrush Dr. had been $340,000. Now the owners want $249,909. It's one of many Long Island houses whose sellers have drastically reduced their asking prices. See more here.

Permission Weichert Realtors

Ira Rennert neighbor's Sagaponack house in contract

11:16 AM By Valerie Kellogg

A 5,000-square-foot house in Sagaponack with views of the Atlantic Ocean from every room has gone into contract, says listing agent John Healey of Town & Country Real Estate.

The asking price is $11.5 million. The house went on the market only seven weeks ago, he says.

"It's got great views," Healey says of the seven-bedroom, five-bathroom house.

The property is about a half-acre.

The home is on a private road off Daniels Lane, where the nation's largest house is located. It belongs to Ira Rennert and is 66,000 square foot on almost 65 acres.

Town & Country Real Estate Photo

Foreclosure of the Day: Greenlawn cape for $319,500

Thursday November 19, 2009 3:13 PM By Ann Smukler

This four-bedroom, two-bathroom cape in Greenlawn is being offered at $319, 500 (taxes are $6,304). But it needs work. The pipes burst, and there’s no siding on the back of the house. The good news is the roof and all rear windows are new.  And in a search on the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island Web site for a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home in Greenlawn with a full basement and garage, this home was the least expensive among the 27 other homes that came up. "This property is perfect for either a handyman, an investor or a first-time home buyer," says Liz Steinmuller of Island Advantage Realty, which is listing the property. The lot is 75 feet by 115 feet, and the home is in the Elwood school district. Open House Alert: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 18 Goldsmith Ave.

Permission Island Advantage Realty

 

Open House Watch: See 13 homes in Franklin Square

Thursday November 19, 2009 2:57 PM By Valerie Kellogg

This ranch on Craft Avenue in Franklin Square is one of the only houses in the neighborhood with gas heat, says Kathleen Evangelista of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate, who is listing the property for $429,000. That’s because a gas line was put in after a house on the street was knocked down and rebuilt. This three-bedroom, two-bath home was built in 1951, but the inside (kitchen and bath) and outside (roof, siding and windows) were recently redone. The house, on a 60-foot-by-100-foot lot, has a refinished basement that the owners use as both an office and a playroom. “It’s very homey,” says Evangelista, who put the house on the market less than two weeks ago. It is one of 13 houses holding open houses in Franklin Square this weekend:

SATURDAY
Noon to 2 p.m.
Colonial at 56 Ribbon St.
Hi-ranch at 1003 Jackson Ave.

1 to 3 p.m.
Expanded cape at 828 South Park Lane
Expanded cape at 136 Barrymore Blvd.

SUNDAY
Noon to 2 p.m.
Colonial at 56 Ribbon St. (also on Saturday)
Ranch at 650 Smith St.
Expanded cape at 100 Carl Ave.

1 to 3 p.m.
Expanded ranch at 672 Anderson Ave.
Cape at 541 Stone Ave.
Splanch at 1159 Barnes St.

2 to 4 p.m.
Bungalow at 18 Catherine Ave.

2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Ranch at 720 Craft Ave.
Expanded cape at 217 Courthouse Rd.

3 to 5 p.m.
Colonial at 286 Seidman Place

Permission Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate
 

Selling Tip: Get an appraisal

Wednesday November 18, 2009 3:33 PM By Laura Mann

Gale Conetta of The Corcoran Group in Sag Harbor suggests that all sellers buy an appraisal before selling. "It serves not only for a properly priced home but is a timesaving tool [to assure buyers] the decision to purchase is a good one," she says.
 

Selling Tip: Is your house photo ready?

Wednesday November 18, 2009 3:28 PM By Laura Mann

 Angel LoBello of All Star Real Estate Brokers in Oceanside suggests taking some digital photos of your house before putting it on the market. "If youdon't like what you see, chances are the buyer won't either," says LoBello. "Correct the problem before the pictures hit the Internet."

Buying Tip: Where to look for a house

Wednesday November 18, 2009 3:22 PM By Laura Mann

Deirdre Dubato of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Miller Place suggests looking at community's school district when deciding where to buy, especially if you're taking your time. "If you're buying a home but know that you may be moving in a few years, look in neighborhoods that hold their value better," she says. "Put down a sizable down payment, and take care of the home while you are in it so that you'll be able to sell more quickly when you need to."