Bidding wars occur when housing inventory is low in a popular location. It occurs when two or more buyers are interested in the property. As a buyer, it's not advisable to rely solely on the seller's agent when you find yourself in a bidding war; you should have your own home-buying pro. Our real estate agents are ready to negotiate on your behalf to help you navigate this tricky process.

In today's competitive market, houses in all locations and price ranges are receiving multiple offers, and bidding wars are becoming a lot more frequent. Sometimes, a listing can be purposely underpriced to trigger a bidding war. One of the primary reasons longtime home searchers find it difficult to close on a home is because they end up outbid repeatedly.

As we approach the warmest time of the year, adjust your outdoor space to match the summer. Your outdoor space is more valuable during summer, and you need to get it ready in anticipation of entertaining your friends and family. Hosting a festive outdoor party filled with fun and laughter involves more than moving your indoor party to your patio. Our real estate agents recommend these tips to get your outdoor space ready for summer entertaining.

1. Up the Ambience by Adding Outdoor Lighting
   Most outdoor events begin in the evening and transition into the night. Therefore, it's important to have adequate lighting. Create some ambiance by adding outdoor lighting like garden stake lights to light up pathways. Backyard uplighting or pool lighting will light up the night and add a beautiful aesthetic. You can choose to add the tiki torches, a summer classic, or the battery-operated candles. Light some citronella candles around the seating area to keep bugs away.

Director Quentin Tarantino once declared that hamburgers are the cornerstone of a nutritious breakfast. There's no wrong time for a burger, especially in May during National Hamburger Month. Join our real estate agents in exploring the range of unique burgers at these restaurants around Long Island. 

1. American Burger Co. - 80 E. Main St., Smithtown, NY 11787
   A certain fast-food chain urged us to "Have it your way," and American Burger Co. takes personalization to a whole new level. Their 1/3-pound patties blend chuck, sirloin, and ground beef, cooked to your preferred doneness. Choose your favorite bun, cheese, and toppings, or try one of their specialty options, such as the Philly Cheesesteak. Feeling adventurous after a day viewing Smithtown homes for sale? Go with a Wagyu truffle, bison chipotle, or lamb harissa patty. Hours are 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily.

Whether you love fiction, nonfiction, fairytales, or romance novels, May is the month for you. It's Get Caught Reading Month. Even if nobody catches you, this is the perfect occasion to curl up with a good book and let your mind explore. Our real estate agents recommend visiting one of these Long Island book stores to find the perfect book.

• Theodore's Books: 17 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay, NY 11771
  If you're looking at Oyster Bay homes for sale, stop by Theodore's Books while you're in the area. This book store is the creation of former Congressman Steve Israel, who wanted to create a warm and friendly place for his fellow book lovers to shop.