If you're a resident of Long Island, looking at your community through the eyes of a tourist can help you rediscover or make a first trip to many interesting local destinations. You won't need to worry about traveling far or spending a lot of money, and if you'd like to make a return trip, they're within an easy drive.
  
Our real estate agents suggest exploring the following destinations to take a look at Long Island through a tourist's eyes:  

• Old Westbury Gardens – 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury, NY 11568
  Old Westbury Gardens and the estate of the same name, located near Old Westbury homes for sale, make you feel as though you've stepped into the pages of The Great Gatsby. The gorgeous grounds consist of 160 acres of lawns, wooded paths, beautiful gardens, water fountains, ponds, and lakes, and you'll frequently find events such as festivals hosted in the gardens. The estate, a 44-room English manor house, was built by financier John Phipps in 1906 and is also available to tour.

A deck can be such a wonderful addition to a home. It's a gathering and entertaining space that can be as unique as your house is. Or maybe you'd rather have a tranquil oasis to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Either way, our real estate agents can tell you it's something that is high on buyers' lists of must-have features. Some maintenance will keep your deck looking its best and staying functional for years to come.

• Inspect Your Deck
  You'll want to look for weather or insect damage, safety issues, rot, and other structural problems. If there are broken, cracked, or missing parts due to weather damage, you'll need to repair or replace them. Check the fasteners and any metal hardware for rust. Missing or protruding fasteners need to be fixed.
  
  Check for rot on areas where wood meets the ground or areas that have a water source nearby. Poke the wood with a screwdriver. If the screwdriver easily goes more than ¼ inch into the wood, it's rotting. Small areas can be removed and repaired. Larger areas may require replacement of the wood or reinforcement.

Whether you're trying to get rid of the "Quarantine 15" or you just want a healthy boost, fresh-made juices are all the rage! After a full morning of helping clients find their dream home, our real estate agents love stopping by one of the great local juice bars for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. 

Unique Beverage Day is coming up on May 6th, so now is a great time to venture out and try a new juice cocktail for yourself. Here's a round-up of our favorite healthy hot spots. 

• Fusion Juice Bar: 34-02 36th Ave., Astoria, NY 11106
  One of the top choices in the Queens area, Fusion Juice Bar offers a great selection of cold-pressed juices, fresh juices, acai bowls, energy shots, superfood smoothies, and more. Their huge menu means you can visit almost every day and never get bored! We love stopping by any time we're in the area showing Astoria homes for sale.

Homeowners just can't get enough of backyard getaways these days. So whether you're planning to sit tight for now or list your home for sale in the near future, you can't go wrong by adding some outdoor feature to your back or front yard. Our real estate agents recommend the following outdoor additions to your home.

Enticing Outdoor Features

1. Promote neighborliness from the porch. 
   Do you have an ample front porch? Is it expandable by installing a pergola from the front door or steps, covered in vines for shade, where visitors can sit outdoors in lawn chairs, have drinks, and pass the time. Bistro seating and chairs might be part of the plan. Think hard about how "open" you want your front yard to be to passersby. Will some people feel left out if you're entertaining an invited few? Do you want everyone to stop and share? Some strategic shrubs to form a boundary between your company and the street might be in order.