If New Construction on Long Island Is For You . . .

You've picked a great time to be shopping for a new home on Long Island. Builders, finding themselves in the same crunch as the rest of the market in much of the country have not only reduced prices to make their offerings very desirable, but the savvy ones are offering incentives to prospective buyers.

Case in point. We have a truly beautiful home currently on the market in which the contractor's attention to detail is visible at every turn. It's unlike any of the other newly built homes in the area. What makes it different? Where do I begin? Let's start at the driveway. The common treatment is blacktop, an inexpensive alternative, which looks fine at the start but begins needing maintenance before much time has passed. On this one you'll see a paver driveway framed by two pillars with lights that come on at dusk. The facade speaks volumes as well, with a stucco finish, embellished with quoined corners and framing long and elegant Pella windows and a double door entry with sidelights.

Other points of difference: 9' ceilings on both levels, a gourmet cherry kitchen w/top of the line Bosch appliances, a huge center island w/granite counters, stainless and glass adjustable hood, custom moldings, designer door handles, 2 panel solid wood doors. Typically, in new homes you'll find basic inexpensive door knobs, hollow core doors, a single door entrance, eight foot ceilings, if not on both floors, on the second level, baths with tile only in tub and shower areas, average appliances. As you approach many new homes you'll find a front porch of varying sizes, constructed of wood or engineered wood, with steps to match. The paver porch on this home, designed with pergola and custom railing is a far cry from the average.

My point here is, you'll be faced with more options than you've had in the past several years. When you look, compare apples to apples. Though two or more homes may be in a similar price range, make sure you're getting filet mignon for your money, not hamburger. And remember, you're in the envious position of being in the driver's seat, a situation not always in the purview of the buyer. So, if you find the new construction you want, at a price you can afford, try to negotiate something extra for yourself. You just might get your first year's taxes paid or alternatively an appliance package you'd be happy with.