As first-time home buyers enter the Long Island real estate market, finding a new home is more of a challenge than they initially expected.  Often, house hunters start their search with a "wing it" mentality.  That's not always the best way to approach such a significant purchase in your lifetime.

Today, our real estate agents break down seven habits successful home buyers have in common so you can start your adventure in homeownership on the right path.

1. Plan Ahead
   Picture the type of home you want and create a plan on how to achieve your goal. Becoming pre-approved for a mortgage is a great first step.  It proves to sellers proves you're a serious buyer. Get preapproved for your mortgage before you start shopping for a home.
   
   

Whether you're looking to celebrate National Ice Cream Day on July 21 or simply searching for a sweet treat to cool off on any summer day, Long Island is a fantastic place to enjoy some ice cream.  It's only fitting since the first ice cream parlor in America opened its doors in New York City in 1790.

Residents of the city have been enjoying the fabulous flavors of local ice cream shops ever since, and today Long Island is home to a wealth of options for satisfying your sweet tooth. Our REALTORS® offer this list for some of the best spots for ice cream on Long Island.

1. Herrell's Ice Cream – 46L Gerard St., Huntington 11743
   Looking for something sweet close to Huntington homes for sale? Then be sure to stop by Herrell's Ice Cream, where there's always something new and delicious to try. Herrell's is a cheerful, old-fashioned ice cream parlor, serving up memories for more than three decades. This shop also pioneered the "Smoosh-in," where ice cream is blended with chopped up cookies, candy, and other treats.

Fireworks, food, family fun, and a celebration of all that makes the country special... it's almost time once again to celebrate July 4 on Long Island. This year, you'll have the opportunity to visit fireworks shows across Long Island, take in concerts, visit local festivals, and spend some quality time in the communities that you call home. Whether you're looking for a family outing, a date night, or anything in between, Long Island has something for you on July 4 this year. Our real estate agents are here to help you prepare for summer fun, with our guide to celebrating July 4 on Long Island for 2019.

1. Oyster Bay Salute to America Concert – July 9 – 4990 Merrick Rd., Massapequa Park 11762
   Oyster Bay homes for sale put you in a community that loves to celebrate local heroes, and the Salute to America Concert is a fun, patriotic event around July 4 each year. Enjoy an evening of music, food, and outdoor fun at John J. Burns Park. Organizers of the Oyster Bay Salute to America Concert set aside plenty of time to honor local veterans and those who serve the community. It's a great opportunity to support those who support the community and enjoy a night of family fun on July 4th weekend.

At Laffey Real Estate, our real estate agents know our #1 job is to make your home-buying transaction faster and easier – we get you to your goals the right way. When you're buying a home as a couple, though, it takes a little more legwork to define what those goals are.

Disagreements come up in any relationship, but the decision to buy a house takes a lot of care and consideration. Moving too fast could mean picking a property with which neither of you is satisfied. On the other hand, choosing the right home will only deepen your bond.

Here's how to make it work:

1. Start With Clear Objectives
   At the start of your house hunt, each of you should come up with a list of ten "must have" features for the house. It doesn't mean you'll get all 20 – every home has its foibles – but it will help you focus on the features both of you see as worthwhile to pursue.