Ready to roll into the Roaring 2020s? Then join our real estate agents and get ready to ring in the New Year at one of these exciting NYE parties around Long Island.

• Jericho Terrace New Year's Eve Gala — Jericho Terrace 249 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola, NY 11501
  Toast to a new year full of happiness and health at the New Years' Eve Gala on the Jericho Terrace. Bring your finest attire when shopping Mineola homes for sale and enjoy an evening of unlimited fun and entertainment. Cocktail hour will feature dozens of appetizers, which will roll right into a delicious dinner of salad, pasta, and a surf and turf dish. Savor a dessert trio of cupcakes, cheesecake, and cannolis before a champagne toast at midnight.

Our real estate agents often get asked for their best tips to help sell a home. Staging a home to sell is an important step, and one that will pay off in the end. If you have to stage one room in your home make that your living room. It's normally one of the first things people see when they enter the home, so it's your chance to make a great first impression.

• Get rid of the extra stuff. This should be going on throughout your home. In the living room remove extra, unmatching, or furniture that is the wrong size for the room. Rearrange what's left or replace with something more appropriate. Remove and store collectibles, family photos, and any extreme décor choices. Reducing the amount of stuff in a room immediately looks better, allows more light to shine, and helps buyers imagine how their own stuff will look in the room.
  
  
• Patch and Paint. You should already have been at least thinking about repainting everywhere, but if not, do the living room before you stage it.  Fresh paint will make the room cleaner and brighter, a must for staging success.

The holidays are almost here, and with that comes the challenge of finding unique gifts for all the special people on your shopping list. Although you could go to a big box store to take care of your holiday shopping. our real estate agents recommend exploring some of the great local shops around Long Island. Not only is this an excellent way to support your community, but you're also far more likely to find one-of-a-kind gifts that are sure to really "wow" your family and friends.  

Not sure where to start? No problem! Here are a few of our favorite places to find unique Christmas gifts for every type of recipient.

1. Wit & Whim: 6 Carlton Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050
   Wit & Whim offers an excellent selection of modern, vintage, and handmade items from over 60 local merchants. Shopping at this store is even more special because they give back a portion of all their profits to deserving charitable organizations!

Does it seem as though the meaning of the holidays has come down to Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Tuesday, December 3 has been designated National Day of Giving to spread seasonal cheer through charitable acts and donations. Join our real estate agents in observing #GivingTuesday by supporting one or more of these worthy Long Island charities.

1. Birthday Wishes of Long Island - 15 Cantiague Rock Road, Hicksville 11801
   Birthdays are special events for all kids near Hicksville homes for sale, and Birthday Wishes of Long Island wants to make sure everyone gets celebrated in style. The organization brings joy to homeless children and their families with onsite parties and their "Birthday-in-a-Box" program for those living in shelters. In addition to money, Birthday Wishes accepts donations of birthday gifts and party supplies. The website also has instructions on creating your own Birthday-in-a-Box for contribution. Office hours are 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.