Fall is officially here on Long Island. For some, that means a welcome return of pumpkin spice lattes and hot apple cider. For our real estate agents, it means perfect weather to head outdoors and do some exploring. 

Long Island is blessed with some of the most splendid hiking trails in the Northeast, with quiet forests and peaceful gardens that give hikers throughout the region ample opportunity to explore. Be sure to check out some of these favorite fall hiking spots around Long Island this season. 

• Trail View State Park - 8101 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY
  This 400-acre, 7.4-mile linear park is a fantastic hiking destination that creates a link between Cold Spring Harbor State Park on the north shore to Bethpage State Park on the south shore. Trail View State Park offers rolling terrain and serene views, with opportunities for hiking, jogging, and cycling. The southern section is open to pets as well, and the park's location under the Atlantic Flyway makes it a favorite spot for bird watching. You can access the park at several points, including along the Jericho Turnpike near these Woodbury homes for sale. 

Moving can be nerve-wracking and exhausting. You have to do so many things in one day just to make sure that you move your stuff without any major hiccups. Now that you have safely reached your new home, you have every reason be proud of yourself. But there's a score of immediate tasks to complete before you start unpacking and organizing your home. Our real estate agents share a list of 5 things to do immediately after you move into your new house.

1. Turn on the Utilities
   You should have arranged the connection of utilities before the move, but if you didn't, now is the time to do so without delay. The utilities may have been shut off, especially if the house has been vacant for a long time. Typically, the first utility companies to call are the water, power, and gas providers. You don't want to find out that you don't have electricity or water after a long day of unpacking. Next, you should consider making arrangements to gain access to other utilities and have them put in your name.

Long Island celebrates Halloween like no other area of New York. Our real estate agents invite you to join us at one of these great spooktacular events around Long Island.

• Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns — 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568 | Oct 4-6, 11-13, 17-20, 24-28
  We guarantee you've never seen many pumpkins as are on display at the Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns event. Over 30,000 carved pumpkins will be on display at this family-friendly fall fathering. One of the coolest and most iconic events in the country, Rise of the Jack O'Lanterns cannot be missed! Be sure to buy tickets and plan a visit when you come to check out Old Westbury homes for sale.

Our real estate agents have helped clients just like you tackle the challenge involved in buying a home in a different state. Although this adds some complexity to the buying process, you can navigate it with help from an expert.

Let's look at some of the secrets to finding your dream home in another state:

1. Give Yourself Plenty of Time
   Buying from out of state requires even more time than the usual home-buying process. Try to launch your home search as soon as you can. In case any leads go sour, you won't have to rush into a decision you'll regret.