So discouraged by the housing market in LI. Husband and I are looking to build in Nassau county, can anyone recommend

[jamie1219]

I think a review site for open houses is a wonderful idea Mjeacoma. Would prevent buyers from wasting a lot of time, and would perhaps give sellers a sense of reality.

[stimey01]

Originally Posted by S.I.B.

Basically I was shocked by the level of filth and uncleanliness people were content to live in. I'm far from a neat freak but there's a certain minimum level of cleanliness for human dwellings...and many people just don't seem to care. Also, there were homes where the interior was literally falling apart but the owners somehow managed to have a brand new Lexus/BMW/whatever in the driveway and a 50 inch plasma in the living room. And it's not like I was house hunting in the ghetto...this was in relatively nice areas.

Additionally, some people are just flat out weird. One family had a virtual zoo in their house (reptiles and birds in every room including the bathroom - at least 50 total). Needless to say the house smelled awful. Another family put a hot tub smack dab in the middle of their LIVING ROOM. I wish I had taken a picture. Then there were the people with their shrines to Elvis, Dale Jr., and other various celebs that took up entire rooms or basements.

This post is too funny and your right there are some nutty people out there

[Coachgns]

Originally Posted by Mjeacoma

On the topic of filth - I took a look at a house in Island Park out of sheer curiosity. I walked in and the home owner was sitting on an old dirty couch smoking like a chimney. The house was dark, dank and had cats everywhere. The place was all messed up and just seemed unlivable. I just turned around and said I can't believe what I just saw and went home. I stunk of cigarettes until I went home and showered! I wish there was a review site for open houses!

I've seen too many of those houses here.

There IS a site to review O/H's in NYC - Find New York City Apartments For Sale & Manhattan Real Estate To Own At StreetEasy

They have sections for each of the buroughs, as well as NJ. Can't see why they couldn't put Long Island on there as well if the interest is there. We should all write the site & ask for a LI section.

[llama8]

If the issues are not structural...you may be able to look past some of the filth...remember, when it's your home, you will clean it. The home I bought a few years back was sooo cluttered during open house and dirty that most people looked past it. You couldn't even walk in 2 rooms. I saw a diamond in the rough with minimal work. All the rooms were huge with vaulted ceilings, and a big extensions, but their style was ugly. With a good cleaning, paint, and a little costmetic work, our house looks great...and we got it at a great price. It looks nothing like the home we bought...in a good way. Our freinds can't believe the before and after...and we didn't do that much to it, mostly just paint and nice furniture.

As long as the bones are good, who cares about their furniture and decorations. They will take them with them. You can make a wow home without having to build from scratch. Use some imagination in today's market and you could find a great deal.

[atypicalLIer]

Originally Posted by llama8

If the issues are not structural...you may be able to look past some of the filth...remember, when it's your home, you will clean it. The home I bought a few years back was sooo cluttered during open house and dirty that most people looked past it. You couldn't even walk in 2 rooms. I saw a diamond in the rough with minimal work. All the rooms were huge with vaulted ceilings, and a big extensions, but their style was ugly. With a good cleaning, paint, and a little costmetic work, our house looks great...and we got it at a great price. It looks nothing like the home we bought...in a good way. Our freinds can't believe the before and after...and we didn't do that much to it, mostly just paint and nice furniture.

As long as the bones are good, who cares about their furniture and decorations. They will take them with them. You can make a wow home without having to build from scratch. Use some imagination in today's market and you could find a great deal.

Excellent points (rep point on the way)

Who cares if the house is dirty if the structure is solid?

A 'dirty' house can be used to the prospective buyer's advantage. One can only imagine how many other potential buyers said, "YUCK!" and walked away. That dirt has probably cost the seller a number of buyers.

I would rather spend a few dollars on a bottle of Mr. Clean as opposed to tens of thousands of dollars more because "Mrs. Clean lives here."

[alexanderdennis]

Originally Posted by ponysmom

builder who can help to find lots or tear downs?

Where exactly you want to buy?
Do you have a certain area in mind?
What are your criteria and what is your price range?
Thanks !
You can send me a direct message if you like.
Do not listen to all nay-sayers....
Looking for a house it might be ... overhelming.

But keep in mind - LOCATION < LOCATION < LOCATION - and that means - good schools too.

I was in the same shoes in 2004 - I did not know LI very well so ..no one to give me a hand.
And you are right - about the filth , that they live in...
Send me a direct message and we will be in tuch!