With a unique blend of natural scenery, history, art, and recreation, the parks of Long Island offer endless entertainment for local residents. The many walk-worthy parks of Long Island are ideal for enjoying some natural beauty as winter turns to spring and learning about the history of local communities in the process. From inspiring one of the most popular novels in history to hosting major golf tournaments, Long Island's parks have done it all. Our real estate agents have the exciting details on five of the best walk-worthy parks to explore around Long Island.

Where to Go for a Walk Around Long Island

1. Sands Point Preserve Conservancy – 127 Middle Neck Rd., Sands Point, NY 11050
   Ever wonder what it would be like to live in the world of F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel The Great Gatsby? Then a walk at Sands Point Preserve Conservancy, located on Long Island's Gold Coast near Sands Point homes for sale, is sure to get the imagination flowing. Experience a walk on any of six marked hiking trails that stretch over 200 acres, amble through a rose garden that features more than 1,500 roses, and stick around to enjoy a sunset with stunning waterfront views.

With spring right around the corner, now is the perfect time to prepare for spring cleaning. Spring is a fantastic time to tend to all those projects you've been meaning to do, and our real estate agents know a sparkling house is more appealing to potential buyers. 

Nothing is worse than settling in for a few hours of cleaning, only to discover you don't have everything you need for the job. Here are some items to add to your cleaning supply list to ensure you're prepared for any mess you encounter. 

1. A Vacuum with an Extension Wand and Attachments
   A vacuum cleaner is a must-have for any cleaning job. Before you start wiping things down, use your vacuum cleaner to remove dirt, dust, and grime. Remember, when dirt gets wet, it makes mud, which can make it even more cumbersome to clean your home. Vacuum as much of it away to expedite your cleaning. If possible, select a vacuum cleaner with an extension wand and a few attachments. A round horsehair attachment is a versatile option that works well on multiple surfaces: upholstered furniture, baseboards, and hard floors. A roller-head attachment is a great addition if you have pets that shed a lot; it will help remove hair from your furniture, bedding, and rugs.

One of our favorite ways to beat the winter blues is to warm-up with our favorite foods. With its distinctive blend of sweet and spicy flavors, Thai cuisine is always a great option for dining in or takeout. Long Island has so much diversity when it comes to local restaurants and cuisine, it's no wonder there are several great Thai restaurants to choose from.

Since our real estate agents can never get enough Thai food, they compiled a list of their favorite destinations for Pad Thai in Long Island:

• Lemonleaf Grill - 536 S. Broadway, Hicksville, NY 11801
  Lemonleaf Grill is often regarded as one of the best Thai restaurants in Long Island. From Pad Thai to your favorite curry, the food is bursting with flavor, and portion sizes are generous. Dine-in and takeout options are available. After dinner, check out these nearby Hicksville homes for sale.

At Laffey Real Estate, our real estate agents work hard to get you to closing quickly and easily. If you're getting ready to sell your home, one of the most important parts of that process is also one of the earliest: Setting an asking price. What does it really mean if a home is "priced to sell?" It means you are getting the best deal possible aligned with your local market – and thus, attracting highly qualified buyers.

Ideally, a home is on the market for 30 days or less. Warning lights flash as it climbs toward 60 days. Pricing a property correctly is essential to that timeframe. It protects you against leaving money on the table but also against the wasted time and aggravation of a listing that lingers. If a home cannot be sold in 90 days, it often has to be relisted later. This spells disaster for sellers!

It's fair to ask: How does a real estate agent price a home?