Is it time for a spring makeover for your front yard? It is the "face" of your home, and to passersby, it is an indication of what the inside of your home looks like. An unkempt yard gives the impression of a home that is just as messy and disordered, while a well-maintained one builds the expectation of an orderly, tidy home.

Along with spring cleaning your home, consider doing a spring makeover for your front yard. The weather is perfect for it, and so are the bright, uplifting plants and flowers that come with the season. The following guide will take you through how to do your makeover:

• Take stock of what you need
  When you get started, you want to keep going without stopping to get supplies. You can do that by taking stock of what you need and getting everything before starting. Start from one corner of your yard and work toward the other, working from the top down. Start with the exterior walls of the front of your house and decide what you would like to do here: Would you like to plant climbing plants or vines, and would you like them to be flowered or not? Perhaps the exterior walls could do with a fresh coat of paint.

Our real estate agents love introducing new residents to the area. This includes helping them find the best local restaurants and watering holes. When we learned that Beer Day was coming up soon, we knew now was a great time to take a closer look at some of the excellent craft breweries nearby. 

Whether you're a beer connoisseur or just open to trying something new, we recommend visiting one (or more!) of the following local breweries. You never know what awesome new beverage you're going to discover. 

1. South Shore Craft Brewery: 3505 Hampton Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572
   Nassau County's newest craft brewery is already making a name for itself. South Shore Craft Brewery is a farm brewery, meaning they source most of their supplies from New York State growers and suppliers. They brew up a variety of beers and cider and also stock NYS wine and mead. Stop by their tasting room to enjoy a pint or a flight. While you're there, you can also grab a bite from their food truck and engage in a riveting game of Jenga. On your way home, we suggest taking a drive around so you can get a look at some of the beautiful Oceanside homes for sale in the neighborhoods nearby.

Pre-approval. It's the first step every homeowner should take before shopping for a new home. Our real estate agents recommend starting with this step because it helps narrow your search to homes within your price range. It also gives your offer added weight when you find the home you want to purchase. Whether you have excellent credit or a significant down-payment, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a step you don't want to skip.

The Many Advantages of Pre-Approval

We are in a low inventory market, which means that sellers receive multiple offers for their homes. Many times the offers are above the listing price. As sellers consider their options, the knowledge you're serious about and can close the deal gives you an advantage. It also helps you know how high you can go if a bidding war erupts.

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.