Lawn Care Tips for the End of Summer

Property Tax Reduction Consultants

125 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 500 
Jericho, NY 11753

(516) 484-0654 or (631) 484-0654

Lawn care is especially important in the late summer because the decisions you make now will carry you into fall. Your neighbors who carry on without acknowledging the heat's impact on their lawns will be dead by October and you'll be thriving! Well, they won't be dead, but their lawns will be! Here are some tips to keep that Long Island lawn clean in late July and August»

Avoid the Crew Cut 

While a nice and cleanly cut lawn is what we strive for, it's better to leave your grass slightly taller in the late summer. Temperatures begin to soar and this leads to rapid evaporation of the water in the soil. Taller grass is not only stronger, but it provides proper shade for the soil to help it retain water! Experts say to add two extra days onto your normal mowing schedule.

Water Early 

Watering is obviously necessary to keep a healthy lawn, but proper watering is often overlooked. If you have a manual or automatic sprinkler, you want to make sure you are running it BEFORE the sun comes up. If you choose to do it too close to noon, much of that water will evaporate before it even reaches the soil. This is a waste of the water you are paying for and it will lead to a dead and dry lawn. 

Dilute the Dog's Mess 

If you're a homeowner that respects your neighbors, you probably clean up after your dog's number two. But did you know that you should clean up after number one as well? On your own property at least... A dog's urine contains acid that can kill your lawn and cause it to look white or brown. When you see your dog lift a leg, let him/her do their business and then just give a quick rinse with the hose to dilute the urine.

Recycle Grass Clippings 

Letting grass clippings lie on the lawn after you finish mowing is an old and effective trick. You the clippings will help your soil retain water, and they will act as fertilizer for growth in the fall. It's really a win win situation if you can deal with the look for a few days. 

When the lawns are covered in snow and starting to frost over, that is when P.T.R.C. Inc. really jumps into action. We start collecting Nassau applications early in the fall and business ramps up as we approach that March deadline. Get your application in early so you know you'll be at the top of the stack.

To fill out an application online, click on this link and let us know if you have any questions! 

Is It Better to Buy or Rent on Long Island?

The decision to buy or rent faces every 20 something year old American at some point in their journey. Renting is obviously more care-free, but it can also set you back financially if you're currently able to start building your equity. A home is an investment. You spend your life in it, and if you're lucky, you'll get greater value for it at the point of sale. Here are some factors to consider in the rent or buy decision»

Factors to Consider

• How Long Do You Plan On Staying? We have this up there first because it is probably the most important factor to consider. Average rent on Long Island and in the five burroughs is between $850-$1100. If you are not looking to stay in this area, or if you envision having a family within the next few years, renting is probably best. You'll dodge a lot of the homeowner fees and save for when it is time to buy your own home. 
• What Deals Are on the Table? This is right below your timetable because it is also VERY important. You might know a realtor or know someone who is selling, and this gives you the ability to skip realtor fees. If you can get a decent home on Long Island for less than $350,000, that is a deal you have to strongly consider. The market seems to be steadily increasing and if you start paying into a mortgage sooner, you'll reap the benefits later. 
• What Are You Looking For? The price of your home really isn't the ONLY factor you should consider. You should also be taking these things into account: 
1. How Much Work Does It Need? 
2. What Are Your Handyman Connections Like? 
3. What Are Property Taxes in the Neighborhood? 
4. How Are the Schools? 
5. What Happens With Your Commute to work? 
• What Is Your Current Situation? The general rule of thumb for a down payment on a home is right around 25-35% of the sale price. So for your typical $400,000 home, you're looking at about a $100,000 down payment. If you don't have that kind of money, which most of us don't you can go lower, but your mortgage payments will be higher in return. That is why saving as a renter or someone who lives with their parents is so vital. Spouses that are also financially responsible won't hurt your situation either. Just something else to consider in the dating game!  

One of the major factors to consider when house hunting is the property taxes in your search area. You can research this on our website and you can start saving with P.T.R.C. Inc. right away! 

If you have any questions, please call 516/631- 484-0654 or email info@ptrc.com. 

Choosing the Proper Deck on Long Island

Property Tax Reduction Consultants

125 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 500 
Jericho, NY 11753

(516) 484-0654 or (631) 484-0654

If you were born and raised here on Long Island, you're aware of the lack of space. We still have our backyards, but we need to utilize very inch of space we have if we want to take the barbecues to the next level. A deck is a popular addition that people have been using for years, but it's not as simple as it seems. There are codes, regulations and steep costs that come with adding a structure like this to your home. Here is what you need to know»

Research Your Market 

If cost is your main concern, you're going to love this! An enclosed extension on your home will typically cost anywhere between $150 and $300 per square foot. A deck will only run you about $30 to $40 per square foot which can help you save big! The only issue with a deck is that sometimes the town will give you a hard time about safety regulations and size. To steer clear of problems, head down your block and ask neighbors if you can take a peak at their additions. Size them similarly to what you've seen approved in your community.

Think Long Term 

If you're kids are moving out and the taxes are not feasible for you in the future, leaving Long Island is probably in your long term plans. Try and build or renovate a deck as close to your home's sale as possible. Safety codes are always changing and an old deck can actually hurt the value of a home more than it can help it. Make sure your contractor is accredited and licensed and maybe have the deck inspected to double check before you start showing the home to potential buyers. 

Need Some Shade? 

The obvious issue with building a deck as opposed to an extension is the exposure to elements. You can only use a deck 4-6 months a year and even in those months, you want have any protection from rain. To combat this, some people build physical structures extending from their roof to provide shelter. Others will build a retractable awning, but this is only going to provide shade from the sun and not the rain. Whatever you choose, make sure you get exactly what you want. Don't nickel and dime just to realize you don't like the deck after it is finished. 

If you want a little change up to spice Summer 2017, it's not too late to consider a new deck. If you're going to go through with it, the value of your home will now need to be reassessed. If you use P.T.R.C. Inc. we can make sure you are not being overtaxed by the county! 

If you have any questions about property tax reductions, call P.T.R.C. Inc. at 516/631-484-0654 or email info@ptrc.com.