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Residents Invited To Free Family Fall & Halloween Festival
Oyster Bay Town
Supervisor Joseph Saladino invites residents and their families to the Town of Oyster Bay’s Family Fall & Halloween Festival, which will be held on Saturday, October 25th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Marjorie R. Post
Community Park, located at 451 Unqua Road in Massapequa.
“This festival is a great opportunity for residents to celebrate Halloween and the fall season with activities that are fun for residents of all ages,” Supervisor
Saladino said. “Families are sure to enjoy all that the festival has to offer, including pumpkin picking and our popular Halloween hayride. Remember, costumes are encouraged!”
The Family Fall & Halloween Festival will feature a ‘U-Pick’ pumpkin patch for children to pick their own pumpkins (while supplies last), Halloween games and giveaways, inflatables, hayride, and food
trucks, as well as a special character appearances presented by Royal Events Princess Parties. Costumes for those attending are encouraged!
The Family Fall & Halloween Festival will be held rain or shine. For more information, please call the Town’s Department of Community and Youth Services at (516) 797-7925 or visit oysterbaytown.com.
Oyster Festival Returns
East Coast’s Largest Waterfront Family Festival Comes To Oyster Bay
The East Coast’s largest waterfront festival will return this fall to the streets of Oyster Bay. Supervisor Joseph Saladino, his colleagues on the Town Board and organizers and sponsors of the 42nd Oyster Fest announced the return of the iconic seaside festival this October 18th and 19th. Supervisor Saladino, together with Councilman Lou Imbroto, Town Clerk Rich LaMarca and Receiver Jeff Pravato; Oyster Fest partner the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce and several sponsors made the announcement along the waterfront at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park.
“The Oyster Fest showcases our beautiful Town and historic sites in Oyster Bay while helping to raise charitable funds for local non-profit organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club. So
when you’re eating an oyster from our waterways, drinking a beverage from the local brewing company, or shopping in our downtown, you can feel especially good knowing that a portion of your dollars supports local charities,” said Supervisor Saladino. “We’re also putting the local oyster back in Oyster Fest, and we are thrilled that over a dozen Long Island oyster farmers are participating in this year’s festival.”
In addition to delicious food vendors, various merchandise exhibits, amusement rides and a waterfront family fun zone, this year’s Oyster Festival will once again take part in the Town’s shell recycling program, through which the Town collects shells from local partners to strengthen the marine ecosystem. Anyone interested in volunteering
to take part in the shellfish recycling efforts during Oyster Fest can contact the Town’s Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5752 or email Environmental@
oysterbay-ny.gov.
The Oyster Festival is the East Coast’s largest waterfront festival and attracts up to 200,000 people from all over the tristate area to Oyster
Bay hamlet for this iconic event. This year’s event is presented by Catholic Health and powered by optimum and Sands. For more information on this year’s Oyster Fest, taking place on the streets of Oyster Bay and throughout Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park on Saturday and Sunday, October 18th and 19th, visit www. theoysterfest.org.
Homeownership
is a dream for millions of people across the globe. The National Association of Realtors indicates real estate has historially exhibited long-term, stable growth in value. Money spent on rent is money that a person will never see again. However, paying a traditional mortgage every month enables homeowners to build equity and can be a means to securing one’s financial future.
Homeowners typically can lean on the value of their homes should they need money for improvement projects or other plans. Reverse mortgages are one way to do just that.
Who is eligible for a reverse mortgage?
People near retirement age are eligible for a specific type of loan they can borrow against. Known as a “reverse mortgage,” this type of loan can be great for people 62 or older who perhaps can no longer make payments on their home, or require a sum of money to use right now, without wanting to sell their home.
In addition to meeting the age requirement, a borrower must live at the property as a primary residence and certify occupancy annually to be eligible for a reverse mortgage. Also, the property must be maintained in the same condition as when the
reverse mortgage was obtained, says Fannie Mae.
How does a reverse mortgage work?
The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau says a reverse mortgage, commonly a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, which is the most popular type of reverse mortgage loan, is different from a traditional mortgage. Instead of making monthly payments to bring down the amount owed on the loan, a reverse mortgage features no monthly payments. Rather, interest and fees are added to the loan balance each month and the balance grows. The loan is repaid when
Common Questions About Reverse Mortgages
the borrower no longer lives in the home.
What else should I know?
With a reverse mortgage, even though borrowers are not making monthly mortgage payments, they are still responsible for paying propertyrelated expenses on time, including, real estate and property taxes, insurance premiums, HOA fees, and utilities. Reverse mortgages also come with additional costs, including origination fees and mortgage insurance up to 2.5 percent of the home’s appraised value, says Forbes. It’s important to note that most interest rates on these loans are
variable, meaning they can rise over time and thus increase the cost of borrowing. In addition, unlike traditional mortgage payments, interest payments on reverse mortgages aren’t tax-deductible.
How is a reverse mortgage paid back?
A reverse mortgage is not free money. The homeowners or their heirs will eventually have to pay back the loan when the borrowers no longer live at the property. This is usually achieved by selling the home.
The CFPB notes if a reverse mortgage loan balance is less than the amount the home is sold for, then the borrower
keeps the difference. If the loan balance is more than the amount the home sells for at the appraised value, one can pay off the loan by selling the home for at least 95 percent of the home’s appraised value, known as the 95 percent rule. The money from the sale will go toward the outstanding loan balance and any remaining balance on the loan is paid for by mortgage insurance, which the borrower has been paying for the duration of the loan.
Reverse mortgages can be a consideration for older adults. However, it is essential to get all of the facts to make an informed decision.
Saladino Invites Residents
To Enter Lottery For Free Holiday Concert Tickets
With the holiday season fast approaching, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board invite residents to enter a ticket lottery for this year’s Town Holiday Concerts, being held on November 24th andA 25th at the Tilles Center at LIU Post in Brookville.
“There’s no better way to kick off the holiday season than with the Town of Oyster Bay’s Holiday Concert Extravaganza. From music to dancing, this amazing performance brings out the holiday cheer in all who experience it,” Supervisor Saladino said. “Due to its overwhelming popularity, the Town hosts a ticket
lottery to ensure all residents have an equal opportunity to attend one of our wonderful performances. And, as always, this outstanding holiday entertainment is provided free of charge for our residents.”
This year’s Holiday Concerts are scheduled for two evenings: Monday, November 24th and Tuesday, November 25th at 7:30pm; as well as a matinee performance on Tuesday, November 25th at 2pm.
Applications are available on the Town’s website, www. oysterbaytown.com, or can be received by calling (516) 797-7925. Completed lottery
applications can be dropped off at the following locations:
• Oyster Bay Town Hall North, Town Clerk’s Office, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay
• Oyster Bay Town Hall South, South Entrance, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa
Residents may receive up to two tickets per household. All entries must be received by Friday, October 24th at 4:45pm. Residents selected will receive their tickets in the mail the week of November 10th. Ticket distribution will be based on availability. For more information, visit www.oysterbaytown.com or call (516) 797-7925.
How To Boost Home Value Before Selling
People considering buying or selling a home are facing a unique market. The real estate market has been in flux for several years, and high interest rates have made it more expensive to borrow.
The Mortgage Bankers Association is projecting that 30-year mortgage rates will level out to 6.5 percent for the forseeable future. That means that people who have been waiting for changes in the real estate market could be disappointed, and hesitant buyers may finally just bite the bullet and buy even if mortgage rates are not where they hoped they’d be in 2025. Homeowners with properties they are considering listing for sale would be wise to make certain changes that will help garner the best prices from buyers. Make kitchen and bath improvements
The kitchen is the heart of many homes. Real estate agents may recommend that homeowners make minor to moderate kitchen upgrades like resurfacing cabinets,
upgrading countertops and changing fixtures or hardware to give the room an overhaul.
Homeowners also should look to bathroom updates as smart investments that can improve home value.
Katie Severance, author of The Brilliant Home Buyer, characterizes kitchens and baths as “money rooms” that add the most value to a home.
Declutter the home
Homeowners should clean out items they no longer need. Decluttering can make a space feel bigger, which is beneficial in a market where open concept floor plans remain popular among home buyers.
When buyers walk through a prospective home, they want to envision themselves living there, something that is more easily done if the home isn’t overrun with the current homeowner’s belongings.
Get to painting
Painting a home is a cost-effective renovation
with a lot of oomph. Freshly painted rooms appear clean and updated, says HGTV, and that can appeal to buyers. Homeowners should choose neutral colors to accommodate the widest array of potential buyers.
Improve the landscaping
The exterior of a home is the first thing potential buyers will see as they roll up to view a property or look at a listing online. Homeowners should start by evaluating and enhancing the landscaping. Ensure the lawn is well-maintained and add plants that provide color without a lot of maintenance.
Expand usable space
Homeowners can think about adding to the usable space in a home. This translates into finishing basements or attics or even converting garages to rooms. Or it may involve adding a threeseason room.
Homeowners can consider a number of improvements to increase the resale value of their properties.
Did You Know?
could be having a moment among modern home buyers. According to the real estate experts at Zillow, the term “cozy” appeared in 35 percent more real estate listings in 2024 than in 2023. Though various components can help to create a cozy vibe inside a home, wood has long been a go-to material when interior designers attempt to add warmth to a property. The home renovation experts at Houzz also cite wood-infused architectural warmth among its 10 most popular home trends in the coming year. Homeowners who want to capitalize on this trend before putting their homes on the market or those who simply love the idea of adding more wood-based warmth in their homes can consider installing ceiling beams, wood wall paneling or even wood trim throughout their homes.
SEAFOOD • STEAKS • RIBS • CHOPS
PATIO SESSIONS
Volunteers Invited To Fall Oyster Bay Harbor Cleanup
Fun Environmental Initiative & Student Volunteer Opportunity
Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Laura Maier invite residents to participate in the fall Oyster Bay Harbor Cleanup, scheduled for Saturday, October 25th at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay near the gazebo. Hosted in partnership with Friends of the Bay, this event offers volunteers – individuals, families, companies and organizations – an opportunity to give back to the environment by removing litter and debris from the shoreline. Certificates are available upon request for students seeking to fulfill volunteer requirements.
“This is a great opportunity to roll up your sleeves, protect our environment, and have fun while learning more about our local marine life,” said Supervisor Saladino.
Volunteers are invited to participate in the cleanup, which will run from 9am to 12pm. The central meeting place will be Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park launching ramps and waterfront gazebo off
of Larrabee Avenue in Oyster Bay. Additional cleanup locations include Stehli Beach in Bayville and Centre Island Beach in Bayville, however, all volunteers should check in at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park. Typically, in year’s past, harbor and beach clean-up events have resulted in 40,000lbs of debris being collected by volunteers and town workers.
“Each year, we find paper, food, plastics and other trash discarded on beaches or dumped overboard from boaters,” said Councilwoman Maier. “Allowing this litter to remain on our shorelines will only lead to increasingly worse damage for the environment. We thank all of our volunteers for their assistance in this great event!”
Individuals and groups who are interested in registering for this environmental cleanup should contact the Town’s Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5943 or visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ volunteer
Best Solution
To Remembering Passwords
(NAPSI)—Perhaps the best solution to difficulty remembering passwords is to not use them, opting for a method with much higher security, such as biometrics—which authenticate individual people through their faceprint, voiceprint, fingerprints or iris scan for superior convenience and security. Learn more at www. aware.com.
OCTOBER HAPPENINGS
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 15th
7:00PM-9:00PM
THE DEVIL IN NEW YORKTHE WITCHCRAFT TRIAL OF GOODY GARLICK
The Historical Society of Islip Hamlet will host Tara Rider and her presentation "The Devil in New York - The Witchcraft Trial of Goody Garlick". The program will be held at the Islip Public Library, 71 Monell Ave. Free and open to the public. For more information on this, their 2026 Holiday House Tour or to become a member, visit www. isliphamlethistory.org, or call 631559-2915
FRIDAY, OCT. 17th
SATURDAY, OCT. 18th
6:00PM-9:00PM
SPOOKTACTULAR
Enjoy eerie animal presentations, a ghostly graveyard, creepy games, scary music, and spooky night trails. Great for ghouls 7 years and up. Food Truck refreshments available for purchase! 10/17 Box Car Burgers, 10/18 Krazy Knish. Sweetbriar Nature Center - ECSS, 62 Eckernkamp Drive in Smithtown. For more information, please call 631-979-6344
SATURDAY, OCT. 18th
9:00AM-5:00PM
PARROT EXPO
Sayville VFW POST 433 400 Lakeland Avenue in Sayville. Long Island’s only major exotic bird event boasts a full day of shopping, raffles, fun and education for pet bird lovers! For more information, please call 631-957-1100
HOLIDAYS
13th - COLUMBUS DAY
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY 31st - HALLOWEEN
MAKE A SUBMISSION! Events must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event date and will run free of charge on a space available basis. For more information, please call 631.226.2636 x275 or send events to editorial@longislandmediagroup.com
10:00AM-3:00PM
ST. PATRICK’S CHURCH
THRIFT SHOP / YARD SALE
(Rain or Shine) Thrift Shop Special Event “Pack A Bag” ($5.00) many new items in all categories, Rent A Table - $25.00. 305 Carll’s Path in Deer Park. For more information, please call 631-242-7530
10:00AM-4:00PM
HARVEST CRAFT FESTIVAL & YARD SALE
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2025 Washington Avenue in Seaford. Local craft vendors, Congregational Yard Sale, pumpkin patch, painting, mums for sale, raffles, music & much more. For more information, please call 516-781-6374, office@ ourredeemerlutheran.church
10:00AM-8:00PM
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
All are welcome! Grace United Methodist Church, 515 S. Wellwood Ave. in Lindenhurst. For more information, please call 631-2268690, gumc.lindy@gmail.com
2:00PM
HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN DAY
The annual Halloween Family Fun Day held in Lindenshurst features face painting, games, hay rides, pony rides, hot cocoa and more. This event is co-chaired by the Village of Lindenhurst, Mayor's Beautification Society, Rotary Club of Lindenhurst, Lindenhurst Fire Department, and the Lindenhurst Moose Club. Rain date: October 19. For more information, please call 631-957-7500
7:00PM-11:00PM
HARVEST MOON DANCE
The Knights of Columbus #11968 will be holding a Harvest Moon Dance at Our Lady of Grace Church, Father Shanahan Hall located at 666 Albin Ave. in West Babylon. For more information, please call Rob 631-7470147 or Dave 631- 357-0188.
SUNDAY, OCT. 19th
1:00PM-5:00PM
WADE BURNS VFW 7279
PSYCHIC ENLIGHTENING
Admission: $55.00 includes Psychic Christopher Allen, light lunch, beer, wine, soda and cake. Wade Burns VFW 7279 560N. Delaware Ave. in Lindenhurst. For more information, please contact 631-965- 6459
FRIDAY, OCT. 24th
DOORS OPEN 6:00PM BINGO STARTS 7:00PM WEST ISLIP FIRE DEPT LADIES AUX MUSIC BINGO FUND RAISER
West Islip Fire Dept. 309 Union Blvd West in Islip. Tickets $20 extra cards for sale, 50/50, Lotto board. Raffle baskets. for more information and for tickets, please call 516-318-530. Light food for purchase. Donate a non perishable item for a ticket to a special raffle
6:30PM-8:00PM
HAUNTED HIKES
Garden City Bird Sanctuary, 182 Tanners Pond Rd. in Garden City. Long Islands favorite family Haunted Hike is back. With both Scary and not so scary walks (on separate trails) a maze and some fun photo opportunities. For more information, please visit https:// thegcbs.org/gcbs-home
Realestate has long been touted as a worthy long-term investment. With that conventional wisdom in mind, young adults often make buying a home one of their first bigticket purchases. Though real estate remains a potentially lucrative investment, the market for homes has been difficult to navigate for several years running.
High mortgage interest rates and low inventory have left many buyers feeling priced out of the real estate market. Others may find the competitive nature of the modern real estate market too stressful. No one can predict if or when the real estate market might be less
How To Navigate A Challenging Real Estate Market
challenging, but the following are some ways those looking for a house can navigate that process.
• Ready your finances. It goes without saying that prospective buyers must get their financial affairs in order before they begin shopping for a house. But finding a home in the current market takes time, and some buyers might have let their mortgage preapproval letter expire without realizing it. Others might have experienced a dip in their credit rating as they turned to credit cards to confront inflation. That means buyers who began looking for a home
months or even years ago might not be positioned to buy now, should they find a home to their liking. Revisit your finances if it’s been a while. Pay off any consumer debt that has accumulated in recent months and reapply for mortgage preapproval if necessary.
• Be ready to pounce. Data from the National Association of Realtors
found that the average home spent 32 days on the market before being sold in November of 2024, which was a full week longer than a year earlier. That’s good news for buyers, but it still means buyers must be ready to pounce if they find a home and a home price to their liking.
• Hire a real estate agent. The hectic pace
of the modern real estate market can be difficult for anyone to keep up with. But real estate agents keep up with the market for a living, and they can be invaluable resources for buyers whose commitments to work and family are making it difficult to keep pace.
• Emphasize long-term growth and value when assessing properties. According to Zillow, the median list price of homes in the United States was just under $387,000 by the end of January 2025. But buyers must also recognize that 22.4 percent of homes sold above list price in that month, according to a Redfin
Town To Collect DVDs For U.S. Troops & Children’s
Oyster Bay Town
Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board today announced a partnership with Massapequa-based “Big Hy for Heroes” to collect DVDs for those deployed and serving overseas in the United States Armed Forces, as well as movies for children’s hospitals.
Donations will be accepted during October and then delivered to Chaplains, Commanding Officers, Sergeant Majors, and Sergeants around the globe to distribute to troops and arrange movie nights this holiday season.
Supervisor Saladino stated, “The Town of Oyster Bay is proud to partner
with Big Hy for Heroes for our Annual DVD Collection Drive and send thousands of DVDs to troops serving around the globe, as well as to children receiving care in local hospitals. Help support these brave men, women, and children by donating DVDs.”
The Big Hy for Heroes organization was founded
in 2002 by Massapequa resident and World War II veteran Hyman Strachman, who, along with his son Arthur Strachman, personally began sending DVDs to U.S. troops overseas.
Over the years, Big Hy for Heroes has shipped hundreds of thousands of DVDs worldwide and
analysis of MLS data and/or public records. Buying a home is more than an investment in a property. It’s also, in some way, an investment in the town where the home is located and in a homeowner’s future. So while it can be tempting to buy a home with the lowest asking price, homebuyers should also seek homes that figure to experience the best long-term growth in value. Homes situated in safe and welcoming towns with good schools are arguably a better investment than homes with lower sticker prices but no such amenities.
Hospitals
continues to do so today.
Exciting, suspenseful, comedy, and classic DVDs are among the most requested by the troops for movie nights. Children’s movies are needed for local hospitals. Residents can donate DVDs at any of the following locations through October 31st:
Town Hall North –
54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay Town Hall South –977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa For more information on the DVD Collection Drive for U.S. Troops and local children’s hospitals, please call (516) 624-6380.
Assemblyman Durso To Hold Blood Drive Event
New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park), in coordination with the New York Blood Center and the Long Island Republican Assembly delegation, will be holding a blood drive event at the Massapequa Donor Center located at 1050 Sunrise Highway in Massapequa from Tuesday, October 21 through Sunday, October 26, 2025. This event is in honor of Madeline Norton, who at just 6 months old, was diagnosed with PKAN, a rare disease that robs children of their motor functions, speech, and eventually their ability to walk, eat, and live independently. Currently, there is no cure.
Expenses To Expect Upon Buying A Home
HMadeline’s Mission, a social media and fundraising campaign, was started by Madeline’s parents and Massapequa residents, Gerard Norton, a Rockville Centre Police Officer, and his wife Kaitlin, to raise awareness and support PKAN life-saving research. The Norton’s are not giving up hope but choosing to fight by getting the word out to give their child, and all children like Madeline, the best life possible.
Madeline and to support those in need of life-saving blood transfusions,” said Assemblyman Durso.
“I encourage anyone who can donate to roll up their sleeve in honor of
To schedule an appointment, please visit New York Blood Center’s website at www.nybc. org/madeline or call 1-800-933-BLOOD (2566). Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred.
Job Fair For Differently Abled Job Seekers
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board announced that the Town will host the 2025 Talent Connection Job Expo, a unique event designed to unite Long Island’s employers with differentlyabled job seekers. This event will take place on Thursday, October 16th, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center, located at 1001 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage.
“The 2025 Talent Connection Job Expo aims to provide an inclusive platform where differentlyabled individuals can connect with recruiters from
various industries, explore employment opportunities that match their skills and abilities, and engage with potential employers in a supportive environment,”
Supervisor Saladino said.
“We believe that every individual, regardless of ability, has something unique to offer. This job expo is about unlocking those possibilities and creating pathways to success.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with recruiters representing several industries, ensuring a diverse range of job opportunities. Whether seeking a new career path or looking to take the next step
in your professional journey, this Expo is designed to help all differently-abled individuals succeed.
Organizations partnering with the Town to make this event possible include: FREE (Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc.), ACLD, The Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing, & Consumer Affairs, and Acces Vocational Rehabilitation.
For more information about the 2025 Talent Connection Job Expo, please contact Anita Dowd at adowd@familyres.org or Jeanie Shelton at sheltonj@ acld.org.
Supporting Small Businesses
Supporting small businesses ensures more money stays in the communities those businesses serve. The U.S. Small Business Administration says $48 out of every $100 spent at
a small business stays in the community. On the flip side, when a person spends $100 at a big-box store or a national chain, only $14 remains in the community.
Local businesses are more likely to utilize other local
businesses, such as banks, service providers and even farms. Small businesses also pay employees, many of whom are local and shop local, thereby keeping even more dollars in their communities.
omeownership is often characterized as a fulfillment of a dream. Indeed, many homeowners feel their ability to buy a home is a reflection of their discipline and commitment to saving money. That discipline and dedication can set homeowners up for long-term financial health, providing a unique sense of security along the way. First-time home buyers may not know what to expect upon buying a home, and since each home is unique, it’s impossible for even long-time homeowners to say with certainty exactly how things will unfold once those new to home ownership get the keys to their first house. Various expenses might be the only common variable when it comes to homeownership, and some of those expenses may surprise first-time buyers. With that in mind, the following are some expenses first-time buyers can expect once their offers are accepted.
• Down payment: Conventional wisdom long suggested home buyers should submit a down payment of at least 20 percent of the overall purchase price upon buying a home. Buyers who want to follow that advice would need a down payment of $80,000 when buying a
$400,000 home. But many home buyers now submit down payments considerably less than 20 percent, particularly in the modern real estate market, which is characterized by high prices and low inventory. The lower the down payment, the higher your monthly mortgage payment will be, so it’s best to save as much as possible toward a down payment.
• Primary mortgage insurance (PMI): Buyers who cannot come up with a down payment of 20 percent or more will have to pay for primary mortgage insurance, which is typically a set fee that is incorporated into the mortgage payment each month. PMI fees are typically waived once the balance on the mortgage reaches 79 percent or less of the purchase price, though some lenders may waive PMI prior to that if the value of the home increases considerably before the loan balance reaches the predetermined marker.
• Closing costs: The amount of closing costs varies widely depending on a host of variables, but Bankrate. com notes it’s not uncommon for these costs to come in at somewhere between 2 and
5 percent of the loan principal. Closing costs must be paid no later than when the sale becomes official and buyers sign on the (many) dotted lines. Application and credit fees, title fees, underwriting fees, appraisal fees, and transfer tax are among the various fees that fall under the umbrella of closing costs.
• Moving: It’s also important that first-time home buyers budget for moving costs. Moving costs vary and may depend on how much buyers already own and how far they’re moving. The home renovation experts at Angi estimate that local moves typically cost somewhere between $883 and $2,568, while long-distance moves may run buyers anywhere from $2,700 to $10,000 or more. These costs are some of the upfront fees aspiring homeowners can expect when buying a home. Longterm costs, including homeowners’ insurance (which is separate from PMI), property taxes, homeowners’ association fees, and maintenance are some additional expenses buyers can plan for as they try to determine their home buying budgets.
Thephrase “bigger is better” has endured for quite some time. Though it may be impossible to pinpoint precisely who coined the phrase, its lesson that larger things tend to be more valuable than smaller alternatives is applicable in numerous situations. No adage applies to every situation, and in some instances, people may find that bigger is not better.
Downsizing is an approach many individuals consider after turning 50. Parents who are empty nesters and others nearing retirement may wonder if the time is right to downsize from their current homes. Though that’s a strategy millions of people have
Halloween is enjoyed by people of all ages, but few get a bigger kick out of the holiday than children. There are costumes to be worn, time spent with friends and the opportunity to collect free candy and other treats. Although Halloween can be a fun time, the Children’s Safety Network warns that it’s also a time when accidents can happen. According to the CSN, the most dangerous day for child pedestrians is Halloween, with two times as many child pedestrians dying on Halloween compared to other days. It is essential to prioritize safety on Halloween, and following these guidelines can help.
• Make sure costumes are short. Costumes that drag on the floor are tripping hazards, which can lead to injury. Be sure that costumes do not cover the feet or drag on the ground.
• Trick-or-treat in groups. Children are safer in
adopted over time, the decision is not always so simple. Individuals over 50 who are trying to determine if downsizing is right for them can consider a host of factors before making a decision.
• Monthly housing expenses: Before downsizing their homes, individuals should determine just how much they’re currently spending on housing. Individuals who have fixed-rate mortgages likely know the amount of their monthly mortgage payment, but what about maintenance?
Home maintenance expenses fluctuate, but a careful examination of the previous 12
How To Determine If The Time Is Right To Downsize
months’ expenditures can give homeowners an idea of just how much they’re spending to maintain their properties. The number may be eye-opening, as Thumbtack’s “Home Care Price Index” released in the third quarter of 2024 revealed that the average annual cost to maintain a single-family home reached an alltime high of $10,433. If such expenses are preventing
homeowners from building their retirement nest eggs, then it might be time to seek alternative housing.
• Real estate prices: Real estate prices have skyrocketed in recent years, which can be both good and bad for current homeowners considering downsizing. Many people who downsize look to move from a single-family home into a condominium, where
maintenance tasks are typically handled by a homeowners’ association (HOA). Such communities typically charge HOA fees, which can be minimal or considerable. In addition, the price of condominiums has risen in recent years, with the lender New American Funding reporting in early 2024 that the median sale price of a condo reached $341,000.
So homeowners who want to downsize their homes may end up taking most of the profit from selling their current properties and reinvesting it in a costly condo. Some may deem that worthwhile, while others may
Safe Trick-Or-Treating Tips
numbers due to the increased visibility of a crowd and because, if something happens, others can call for help. Parents can use their discretion on what age they feel is mature enough to let children go out
alone. Until then, children should be accompanied by adults.
• Improve visibility. It’s important to be seen while trick-or-treating, and that can be achieved by making sure costumes and trick-or-treat bags
feature reflective tape. Trick-or-treaters also can carry flashlights or glow sticks to improve visibility, and stick to areas with streetlights if going out after dark.
• Stay on sidewalks. Whenever possible, trick-or-
find the cost savings of downsizing in the current market are negligible.
• Emotional attachment: Downsizing may be considered with cost savings in mind, but it’s important to consider your emotional attachment to your current home. Many homeowners over 50 raised their families in their current homes, and letting go of a property where so many memories were made can be difficult. Homeowners who are not prepared to move on from properties that are meaningful to them and their families can consider additional ways to downsize their financial obligations.
treaters should stick to the sidewalks and avoid walking on the roads. This may not always be possible in neighborhoods without sidewalks, where parents and youngsters must be especially careful.
• Eat before trick-or-
treating. A meal or snack before trick-or-treating can reduce the tendency to fill up on candy while out and about. All candy and other treats should be inspected by an adult before it is eaten.
• Keep pets locked away. Animals can become skittish when there are many people loitering outside of homes or ringing doorbells. Keep pets in a quiet room away from the action to prevent them from getting loose, injured or scared enough to bite or scratch someone.
• Avoid masks that obstruct vision. It can be hard to see peripherally with a mask on, so avoid costumes with masks that compromise vision.
• Test out makeup beforehand. All makeup used for costumes should be tested for allergic reactions prior to use.
Applications Now Being Accepted For The Fourleaf Federal Credit Union Scholarship Program
FourLeaf Federal Credit Union recently announced that applications for its annual Scholarship Program are now open. High school seniors are invited to apply for
financial assistance as they prepare for college. Designed to support hardworking, communityminded students, the program provides awards that can help offset the
rising costs of tuition, books, and other college expenses.
“Our scholarships are one way we can help ease the financial burden on families while encouraging students to pursue their dreams,” shared Kimberly Ruiz, Manager Community Engagement New Markets. “Each year, we proudly award 10
accomplished students, knowing that investing in young people is an investment in the future of our communities.”
To apply, please visit; https://www.fourleaffcu. com/community/ education-scholarships/. The 2026 Scholarship Program application deadline date is Friday, January 9, 2026 (no late submissions are accepted).
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