Carrie Mitchell Realtor

10/21/2026

Why There are More Homes for Sale Right Now (and What It Means for You)

In many places right now, inventory is growing and homes are taking a bit longer to sell. And that’s information that should shape the strategy you use going in.

Whether you're buying or selling, let's look at how long homes are taking to sell in your neighborhood, so your offer, or your price, fits today's market.



For more information, please call me @ 516-526-7069

Mortgage rates being back above 7% isn't exactly the news most people wanted. But it’s changing the market in ways that matter whether you’re buying or selling.

10/15/2026

YOUR HOME’S PRICE TAG IS ONLY PART OF THE STORY

If you’re thinking about selling, it’s natural to ask, “What could my home sell for?” An equally useful question is, “What would that sale mean for my next move?”
This week, I’m encouraging homeowners to look beyond the asking price and consider the complete picture: preparation, expenses, timing, and what comes next.
Start with the right comparisons.
A nearby home’s asking price tells only part of the story. I can help you review recent comparable sales, competing listings, and differences in condition, size, location, and features to develop a thoughtful pricing strategy.

Decide what to tackle before listing.
Before spending money on updates, let’s walk through your home together. We can identify maintenance concerns, discuss presentation, and decide which projects deserve further consideration. You don’t need to make every decision alone.

Consider what you may take away.
Your sale price and your proceeds are different figures. Mortgage payoff, transaction expenses, and any negotiated credits affect what remains. I can help you organize an estimated seller’s net sheet so you have a clearer starting point for planning.

Have a home that needs substantial work?
If you own a distressed, vacant, or inherited property—or simply want to explore selling without completing renovations—contact me about potential as-is cash buyer options. We can compare that approach with a traditional listing, including price, terms, expenses, and your preferred timing.

Whether you’re ready to sell or just exploring, I’m here to help you understand your choices without pressure.

Message me “HOME VALUE” for a complimentary personalized home value review and selling consultation, or “CASH OPTIONS” to discuss a property that needs work.

10/14/2026

Haunted attractions and Halloween nights out

Spooky Fest
Tanglewood Preserve, Rockville Centre Oct. 16–18 & 23–25, 6–9 p.m. Enchanted Forest, crafts, and family activities, plus an optional scary woods trail. $22 non-scary; $27 all attractions.

Spooky Walk at Camp Pa-Qua-Tuck
Center Moriches Oct. 16, 17, 23 & 24, 7–9 p.m. Approximately 45 minutes of haunted woodland scares. $25; proceeds benefit the camp.

Bayville Scream Park
Bayville Oct. 14–18, 20–31 & Nov. 1; hours vary Haunted houses, spooky park attractions, and themed restaurants and bars. Ticket prices vary by date and package.

Blue Point Halloween Party
Blue Point Brewing Company, Patchogue Oct. 23, 7 p.m.–midnight; doors 6 p.m. Rocky Horror-themed party with live music, vendors, and a costume contest. 21+; $25.

Rocky Horror Original Cast Spooktacular Tour
Patchogue Theatre Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m. Featuring Patricia Quinn, the original Magenta.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Suffolk, Riverhead Oct. 31, 8 p.m. and midnight Screening with shadow cast, costume contest, and themed refreshments. $35; $45 with prop bag.

10/14/2026

Myth vs. Reality: Does the Fed Control Mortgage Rates?

The Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, but its hikes can keep them higher for a while. The goal is to bring inflation, and eventually rates, down over time. With more hikes likely this year, waiting may not pay off. So, let's map out a plan that works at today's rates.



For more information, please call me @ 516-526-7069

You've probably heard the Federal Reserve (the Fed) is raising rates again. And if you're planning to buy or sell a house, you may be wondering what that means for you.

10/12/2026

10/08/2026

Weekend mini day trips: October 10–11
Weather: Saturday should be dry and seasonable—the better choice for gardens and waterfronts. Rain is expected to develop Sunday and could become moderate or occasionally heavy later in the day, so Sunday’s itinerary is intentionally indoor-focused. forecast.weather.gov
1. Modern art, waterfront sculpture and Greek dining — Long Island City & Astoria
Best: Saturday, 11 AM–4 PM · Cost: Moderate
- Explore the Noguchi Museum, open 11 AM–6 PM. Admission is $16; advance tickets are recommended but not required.
- Walk five minutes to free Socrates Sculpture Park for outdoor installations and East River views.
- Finish at Anassa Taverna Astoria for spreads, saganaki, grilled seafood, kebabs or lemon potatoes. Saturday hours are 11:30 AM–10:30 PM; reserve ahead. The Noguchi Museum
Why it works: Two distinctive art settings—one contemplative and indoor, one open-air—followed by a polished Greek meal.
Getting there: The NYC Ferry’s Astoria landing is close to Socrates; street parking is limited.
2. Polish Greenpoint and the East River waterfront — Brooklyn
Best: Saturday, noon–5 PM · Cost: Low to moderate
- Begin with lunch at Karczma, choosing from pierogi, white borscht, potato pancakes, kielbasa or stuffed cabbage. It opens at noon; weekend reservations are handled through Resy.
- Walk Greenpoint Avenue to WNYC Transmitter Park for skyline views and the park’s preserved broadcasting history.
- Continue along Manhattan Avenue, stopping at neighborhood bakeries, bookstores and independent shops. karczmabrooklyn.com
Why it works: This is an easy, walkable neighborhood excursion with a substantial Polish lunch, historic streets and one of Brooklyn’s quieter waterfront panoramas.
Getting there: Take the G train to Greenpoint Avenue or the East River Ferry to India Street; either avoids difficult weekend parking.
3. Tiffany, historic Roslyn and American brunch — Nassau County
Best: Sunday, 11:30 AM–4:45 PM · Cost: Moderate to higher
- Reserve brunch at Hendrick’s Tavern, housed in a restored 1740 estate home. Weekend brunch runs 11:30 AM–4 PM.
- If the rain holds, take a short drive or stroll through historic Roslyn and around Gerry Park.
- Spend the afternoon at the Nassau County Museum of Art, open 11 AM–4:45 PM. Its current exhibition, Louis Comfort Tiffany: Artist of the Gilded Age, continues through November 8; a docent tour is offered at 2 PM. Hendrick's Tavern in Roslyn, NY
Why it works: A handsome historic setting, American tavern fare and a major decorative-arts exhibition make this Sunday’s strongest rain-friendly outing.
Verify: Hendrick’s recommends reservations and enforces smart-casual attire. Check museum admission availability before leaving.
4. Riverfront gardens and Victorian tea — Great River
Best: Saturday, 10 AM–3 PM · Cost: Budget to moderate
- Explore the paths, lawns, specimen trees and Connetquot River views at Bayard Cutting Arboretum, open 9 AM–5 PM.
- Tour the Manor House, then have lunch at its Hidden Oak Café—or reserve the Victorian Tea with finger sandwiches, scones and tea.
- Finish with another short riverside or woodland walk before the arboretum closes. bayardcuttingarboretum.com
Why it works: The combination of an estate landscape, historic interiors and tea inside the manor feels like a compact country escape.
Know before going: Weekend vehicle admission is $8. Victorian Tea requires reservations at least 24 hours ahead at 631-277-3895; picnics and pets are not permitted.

10/07/2026

The Fed is raising the Fed Funds Rate to cool inflation, and that can keep upward pressure on mortgage rates for a while. But you can still make a move that works for you.

It just takes the right strategy.

Buyers need to know their real budget at today's rates. Sellers need a price and plan that fits what buyers can afford right now.

Relief on rates could take some time. If you're thinking about a move, let's put together a game plan built for today's rates, so you'll know your next step.



For more information, please call me @ 516-526-7069

10/01/2026

Weekend mini day trips: October 3–4
Weather: Saturday looks best—partly sunny and around 70°F. Sunday brings a chance of light afternoon rain, but no significant impacts are currently expected. forecast.weather.gov
3. Old Westbury: Estate gardens and German specialties
Best: Saturday, 10:00 AM–3:30 PM
Cost: Moderate
• Explore Old Westbury Gardens, including Westbury House, formal gardens, wooded paths and reflecting pools.
• Arrive near opening time for a relaxed two- to three-hour visit.
• Drive to Plattduetsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square for German and continental specialties such as schnitzel, sausages, sauerbraten and baked Camembert.
• Choose the traditional dining room or Biergarten, depending on the temperature.
Why it’s appealing: A grand English-style estate followed by Bavarian dining feels like a European countryside excursion without leaving Nassau County. Old Westbury Gardens is open 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, with final nonmember admission at 4:00 PM. Adult admission is $22, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Plattduetsche opens at noon on weekends; reservations are sensible. Old Westbury Gardens
4. Riverhead: Historic farm fair and Polish dinner
Best: Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Cost: Low to moderate
• Visit the Hallockville Museum Farm Country Fair, running Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM.
• Explore the historic Hallock Homestead and farm buildings, then watch traditional craft, blacksmith and sawmill demonstrations.
• Enjoy live music, farm animals, wagon rides, vendors and seasonal activities. Admission is $12.
• Continue to Riverhead’s Polish Town for pierogi, stuffed cabbage, kielbasa or other Polish-American dishes at The Birchwood.
Why it’s appealing: It combines North Fork scenery, local agricultural history and a substantial Polish meal. The Birchwood is open Saturday from 11:30 AM–9:00 PM and Sunday until 8:30 PM; reserve if dining during the popular dinner period. Sunday visitors should bring rain gear and check the fair’s website before leaving. Hallockville Museum Farm

09/30/2026

Hoping for (or Dreading) a Housing Crash? The Experts Just Weighed In.

Whether you're bracing for a crash or hoping for one, the verdict is the same – prices are still expected to rise, not fall. Let's talk about what that means for your market and your plans.



For more information, please call me @ 516-526-7069

Half the buyers out there are scared home prices are about to crash. The other half are hoping they will.

09/25/2026

Weekend escapes: Long Island, Queens & Brooklyn
September 26–27

Weather note: The National Weather Service expects a coastal storm with periods of rain and gusty winds. Conditions should be roughest along Long Island’s shoreline, so these outings emphasize indoor attractions. Recheck the forecast and venue notices before leaving. National Weather Service update

1. Astoria: Movies, Jim Henson and Greek dining

Best: Saturday, 11:00 AM–6:30 PM
Cost: Moderate

Explore the interactive exhibits at the Museum of the Moving Image, open Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Saturday’s special programs include The Muppet Show: 50 Greatest Moments at 1:30 PM and an Inspired by Jim puppetry discussion at 4:00 PM.
Finish with Greek seafood, moussaka, grilled meats or traditional appetizers at Taverna Kyclades on Ditmars Boulevard, open Saturday until 11:30 PM.

Why it’s appealing: An engaging museum, a special film-and-puppetry program and one of Astoria’s established Greek restaurants create a complete indoor outing. Purchase program tickets beforehand; Taverna Kyclades can have a substantial wait. Museum information | Weekend program | Taverna Kyclades

2. Brooklyn Museum and a French-inspired meal

Best: Saturday or Sunday, 11:00 AM–5:30 PM
Cost: Moderate to higher

Spend several hours at the Brooklyn Museum, whose galleries span American art, European paintings, decorative arts and contemporary exhibitions. Weekend hours are 11:00 AM–6:00 PM.
If the rain eases, browse the boutiques and neighborhood shops along Vanderbilt Avenue.
Have a late lunch or early dinner at LaLou, a Prospect Heights w**e bar with a French-inspired menu and extensive European w**e list. It opens at 2:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

Why it’s appealing: World-class art and a sophisticated neighborhood restaurant make this feel like a genuine city getaway. LaLou accepts reservations through Resy and also welcomes walk-ins. Allow extra time for Brooklyn traffic or use the museum’s nearby subway access. Brooklyn Museum | LaLou

3. Stony Brook history, carriages and Italian food

Best: Sunday, noon–5:30 PM
Cost: Moderate

Visit the Long Island Museum, open noon–5:00 PM. Current exhibitions explore Long Island during the 1970s and the region’s role in the American Revolution.
Tour its impressive 40,000-square-foot Carriage Museum.
An optional Gilded Age violin-and-piano concert begins Sunday at 3:00 PM.
Afterwards, continue to nearby Pentimento for Italian small plates, house-made pasta, seafood or eggplant Parmesan.

Why it’s appealing: The museum, historic Stony Brook village and Italian meal provide an enjoyable Suffolk County excursion without relying on outdoor weather. Museum admission is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors. Call Pentimento to confirm Sunday seating because it is not currently accepting online reservations. Long Island Museum | Hours and admission | Pentimento details

4. Oyster Bay estate and New American brunch

Best: Saturday or Sunday, 10:30 AM–3:30 PM
Cost: Moderate to higher

Visit Planting Fields, concentrating on the historic Main House and its two greenhouses. The Main House Visitor Center is open Friday–Sunday from 11:00 AM–4:00 PM; the greenhouses are open until 3:45 PM.
Reserve a Main House tour if space remains. Save the formal gardens for a brief dry interval.
Continue into Oyster Bay for weekend brunch at 2 Spring, served from noon–3:00 PM, or return for dinner beginning at 5:00 PM.

Why it’s appealing: Gold Coast architecture, conservatory plants and polished American dining make an elegant North Shore day trip. Reserve both the house tour and restaurant, and confirm that estate tours remain operating during the storm. Planting Fields | 2 Spring