End of Summer Checklist for Homeowners

 

It's hard to believe summer will be ending soon, but there's still some time before the long days are gone! So, during this time, it's vital to get some end-of-summer to-dos off your checklist to ensure you're fully prepared for what fall has to bring. And we here at P.T.R.C., Inc. have some of the best tips for Long Island homeowners like you!

Clean Your Gutters

Start cleaning out your gutters and downspouts now to avoid clogs when all the autumn leaves begin to come down! This is a chore that you'll have to keep up with for the duration of the fall season, but it can't hurt to get ahead of the curve and start tidying up now— it will only benefit you later.

Get Your Furnace Ready

Now's the time to schedule an annual furnace inspection so that you can be sure it'll be running at its best during those cold nights. These yearly inspections help ensure your system lasts longer and that you can save money by preventing any future issues with your system.

Take Care of Your Outdoor Furniture

Put away any summer outdoor furniture that may be still outside and store it in a dry place like a garage or shed, away from moisture and other elements. And before everything is stored away, be sure to give your chairs and tables a good power wash so that they'll be a bit cleaner when you take them out next year.

Begin Organizing

We all know the phrase "spring cleaning," but remember that organization is vital every month! From cleaning out your garage, attic, or basement in order to clear space for storage to organizing necessary paperwork to prepare for critical dates such as tax day, it can never hurt to keep a clean home.


And now that fall is almost here, it's time to start applying for your property tax grievance!

Contact Us For Property Tax Reduction on Long Island

Here at P.T.R.C., Inc., we are determined to help our clients pay the lowest amount of property tax as required by law. Contact us today to see how we can help you: info@ptrc.com

Should You Eat Out or Order in on Long Island?

 

A lot has changed in the past year, especially when it comes to the local restaurant scene. Long Islanders have been going out more often to eat in recent months, but is it recommended to go out every night? Well, we’re here to break it down for you!

 

Summer Changes

As of June 1st, 2021, the midnight curfew was lifted for restaurants and bars across Long Island. Since then, the restaurant scene has been booming. Many have taken advantage of this change, using it as an opportunity to get out of the house finally. But, with things still up in the air about future health and safety protocols, many local Long Islanders are wondering: Should we stay in or eat out?

Benefits of Eating in a Restaurant

There’s nothing like the ambiance you get when you eat inside a restaurant. A big part of the dinner becomes the aesthetics, services, and entertainment. After more than a year of being stuck inside, many find this aspect of eating out refreshing. Plus, you can catch up with friends or family at local restaurants.

Benefits of Ordering Take Out

There’s an unquestionable comfort in being able to order all your favorites at the restaurant of your choice and eat it in your own home. Not only that, but you don’t even have to get dressed out of your pajamas to do so! When it comes to convenience and time, ordering out is often the best choice.

Either way, both methods of getting food help support your local restaurants during these difficult times. So whether you’re looking to get out of the house or hoping to stay in, give some love to the eateries in your local area!

Contact Us For Property Tax Reduction on Long Island

Here at P.T.R.C., Inc., we are determined to help our clients pay the lowest amount of property tax as required by law. Contact us today to see how we can help you: info@ptrc.com

Money Saving Tips During the Summertime

 

Summer is the season of vacations, pool parties, and backyard barbecues. But it can also be a time for excess energy consumption in your home! It can be easy to forget about those staggering bills until they creep up on you at the last minute. So, it is essential to stay aware and follow these tips so that you can keep your bills low during this hot season.

Turn Off Appliances Not in Use

When an appliance is left on for long periods, it uses up a lot of power even when it's not being used. Be sure to double-check your devices, especially before you leave your home, to ensure they aren't wasting any extra energy. And while you might not want to turn off your AC completely, it's a good idea to keep the temperature running in an energy-efficient setting.

 

Turn Off Lights and Fans

As a general rule to save on energy bills throughout the season, be sure to turn off lights and fans when you leave the room for more than five minutes. Remind the whole family about this rule to make summertime a lot easier! This especially applies to your fans, as it spends energy for as long as it's spinning for.

 

Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances

Try to invest in energy-efficient appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and clothes dryers to help you cut down on utility bills! Not only will this be beneficial in summer, but also throughout the rest of the year.

 

Replace Air Filters Regularly

When your home's air filter is clogged, it takes more energy to cool the house because the air conditioner has to work harder. You can save as much as 10% on your cooling bill by replacing your filters every month or so!

And remember, as summer starts to wind down, soon comes the opportunity to start applying to get your property taxes lowered!

 

Contact Us For Property Tax Reduction on Long Island

Here at P.T.R.C., Inc., we are determined to help our clients pay the lowest amount of property tax as required by law. Contact us today to see how we can help you: info@ptrc.com

Planning Ahead: Five Off-Season Tax Tips

 

This season, you're likely looking forward to spending time with friends and family, but don't forget about tax season! You might be thinking that this year will be just like any other when it comes to taxes, but there are some things you can do now to make the process easier come April.

Tax time can feel like an annual burden, but you can make it as painless as possible with the proper steps and tips.

1. Start Organizing

Make sure all of your necessary documents are organized and accessible so they will be easy to find when it comes time to file. Now is the perfect time to take out all of your paperwork and organize it by type, such as:

• Banking statements
• Utility bills
• Credit card statements
• Etc.

2. Start Saving Now

Consider keeping some money in savings to cover potential emergency expenses and unexpected costs during the next few months or even years. It can never hurt to save up a little bit extra, and it might help ease a lot of stress off of your life the closer tax season gets.

 

3. Check Your Credit Card Reports Now

We encourage you to check your credit reports annually! If there are any errors, correct them immediately so that they don't end up affecting your taxes. And, obviously, the best time to do so is before tax season approaches— so now is a perfect time!

 

4. Track Your Spending Habits

You might not think this is necessary because it's summertime and everyone is enjoying themselves, but to be prepared for next year's taxes, we recommend that you track what you spend throughout the summer months! This is so that when fall rolls around, and it's time to file your taxes, you have all of your bearings in order— something you'll thank yourself for in the future.

 

5. Know When To Reach Out For Help

An important thing to remember both during tax season and during the off-season is that you are never alone. Whether you need financial guidance or a way to lower your taxes, there are professionals that can help. And luckily for you, we're experts in helping homeowners, like you, lower their property taxes!

 

Contact Us For Property Tax Reduction on Long Island

Here at P.T.R.C., Inc., we are determined to help our clients pay the lowest amount of property tax as required by law. Contact us today to see how we can help you: info@ptrc.com