There has been a lot of talk and a lot of buzz about LI's population shift. While we are becoming more d iverse, we are loosing our younger generations.. those in the 20's and 30's. I am in that bracket, being in my early 30's.  I am a part of that generation that is finding it more and more difficult to make a go of it here.  We are working so hard to pay for our housing and taxes, that we have no time for family.  It's a quality of life issue.

There are certain municipalities on LI that have recognized this burden and have taken measures to help make housing a little more affordable. For example, the Town of Babylon has allowed what's called "accesory apartments" in homes.  Not quite mother daughter, but it legally allows homeowners with space that fits a certain criteria, to legally rent out their "apartment". THis is a smart move on the Town of Babylon's part.

As we all know illegal apartment rentals have been going on for a long long time.  Most do get away with it, but all it takes is one noisy neighbor, or one that doesn't like you, to report you and your illegal rental becomes a burden filled with fines and court appearances before the town. The town recognized this and figured out a way to tap into that for extra tax revenue (I'm not sure how much that would add to your taxes, if at all, but it certainly couldn't be as much as a 2 family or legal mother/daughter would, which would defeat the purpose) to cover any "renters" who had children attending public schools , ect.  At the same time, it brought peace of mind to couples that no longer would have to fear being reported.

I wish all towns on LI would adopt such a policy. The Town of Hempstead, for example, woud do well in allowing for accessory apartments. The nature of most homes in levittown, for example, allow for a rental possiblity.  The town built to be "affordable" is quickly becoming unaffordable, and allowing for legal accessory apartments would help curb the cost for many homeowners easing the strain we all feel.

I am considering going in front of the Town Board to propose such a move. I'm sure it's probably been done already. I was wondering what all of you thougth of this idea?  If your reading this and have an opinion.. do let me know!

Well here's a great way to drop prices or at least I think by owners using flat rate MLS to sell so they can discount the buyers when they sell. Prices are still high though heres an idea? MAKE $$$$$$$$ !

Are you saying that the owners should sell their house for less. Don't think that will ever happen. The thing is, a for sale by owner gets 15% less for their home than does the Realtor and the reason is because a for sale by owner doesn't have enough people coming through their home. IN addition, those shopping For Sale By Owner are people who are looking for a "bargain". I don't think ANY homeowner wants to have their home categorized as a "bargain" and every homeowner simply deserves to get every penny they possibly could out of their home. It's equity they've built and it's their hard earned money.

Flat fee brokers, in this buyers market, will dissappear. REason.. sure your on the MLS, but the MLS IS NOT MARKETING YOUR HOME! And in a Buyers market, you need a campaign that is going to reach everyone..every potential buyer! Gone are the days of just putting out a sign and sticking the home on the MLS.. not when in some areas there are over 200 homes for sale. Reduced commisssions.. that's also going to the wayside for lots of reasons.

Advertising with a flat fee broker NOT THE WAY TO GO!!! for precisely the reason this comment stated above.. YOU'LL SELL YOUR HOME FOR LESS!! and no Homeowner wants to do that.

LI needs to be made more affordable by lowering our ridiculous property taxes.. one of the highest in the nation! Why is it also that EVERYTHING here costs a heck of a lot more than other placed of hte country including health insurance and car insurance.