Feel like chillin' out, but don't want to have to go far to have a great time? To find fun with friends and family, all you have to do is head on to TOBAY Beach on Ocean Parkway on the morning of March 16th. That's when polar bears from throughout New York will descend on Oyster Bay to splish and splash their way through a day of unforgettable memories.

Polar Bear Plunge - 15 Years of Support for Special Olympics

Special Olympics New York is one of the largest athletic organizations in the country. There are currently just under 69,000 athletes and partners training with the organization. Each year they support area athletes who are eager to show off their skills at competitions around the world. Since 1968, the organization has made it possible for hundreds of thousands of athletes to compete in everything from track-and-field events to basketball games and Alpine skiing. With 22 Olympic-styled sports to choose from, there are plenty of opportunities for athletes to shine.

Whether you are buying or selling your first home or your fiftieth, it's always a good idea to have an experienced real estate professional by your side. You often hear people use the terms real estate agent and REALTOR® used interchangeably.  While both types of professionals must be licensed to sell real estate, there is a difference. If this is your first time entering the Long Island real estate market, knowing the differences could be a little confusing.  

Our team at Laffey Real Estate is here to explain the difference hiring a REALTOR® during your real estate experience makes.

Celebrate National Love Your Pet Day

National Love Your Pet day is coming up on Wednesday, February 20th. Just like you, our real estate agents at Laffey Real Estate love their pets. Whether you're a dog person, a cat person, or anything else, there's one thing we all agree on: Pets are part of the family!

With that in mind, it's vital to take steps to keep them safe and comfortable while you move.

Moving day is an exciting time, but it can be stressful – to pets as well as people. The noise, confusion, and movement can lead to unexpected behavior from overstimulated animal friends. By taking a few quick steps early on, you can make the process more peaceful for your pets.

Let's look at seven quick tips for moving with your pets:

Long Island is an amazing place to live and if you're looking for creative ideas to pamper or surprise the one you love On Valentine's Day there are plenty of options to choose from. Our real estate agents have created this handy guide to help you make this special day a hit with your honey.

Romantic Eats

Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to explore some of the exciting culinary options Long Island has to offer. Who knows, you may even end up finding a new favorite:

• 2 Spring - 2 Spring St., Oyster Bay
  This farm-to-table American Brasserie has a sophisticated feel without being stuffy. The menu at 2 Spring features fresh seafood, a raw bar, premium farm meats, small plates and seasonal produce sourced from Long Island's very own North Fork. Enjoy beautiful views of the town square and take in the eclectic design and décor that features a modern ambiance with mid-century flair. Reservations are a must for this Oyster Bay hot spot.