Our real estate agents understand that signing the purchase contract marks an exciting point in your home-buying process, but it's the start of the final stage. The time between contract and closing involves several key steps that need close attention and careful coordination among many parties.

For many people, Valentine's Day and chocolate are a perfect match. So why not treat your loved ones to a selection of treats from one of the Long Island area's expert chocolatiers? No matter what type of chocolate you like, you're sure to find it at one of the following shops recommended by our real estate agents.

Pizza is a huge part of New York's history and culture. The traditional New York-style pizza we know and love today dates back to the late 1800s and was derived from Italy's Neopolitan-style pizza. Today, large, thin-crust pizza slices have become the quintessential on-the-go meal for Long Islanders, and many of our historic pizza shops are still serving communities across the region. If you're for some local pizza shops that have withstood the test of time, here is a list of favorites from our real estate agents.

Our real estate agents know that kicking off your house hunt in January can give you an edge in the spring market. Starting the mortgage approval process lets you tackle potential issues before the busy buying season kicks in.