What do you think will define the 2026 spring real estate market, and what signs are you already seeing now?

Based on activity during the first three weeks of January, buyer demand is already increasing and should continue into the spring. Inventory is beginning to come onto the market, even with cold and snowy conditions. Interest rates have come down and will continue to motivate more buyers to re-enter the market. I’ve also seen several buyers return after taking a break due to frustration with competition. The two main reasons they’ve decided to re-enter the market are slightly lower interest rates, with further decreases expected, and the expectation of more available inventory. Overall, I expect the spring market to remain strong, with higher sales, more listings, and more active buyers. This balance should help keep prices strong for sellers, while lower interest rates allow buyers to maintain more manageable monthly mortgage payments.

Lina Lopes Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker Douglas Elliman Real Estate lina.lopes@elliman.com (631) 585-8500  Based on activity during the first three weeks of January, buyer demand is already increasing and should continue into the spring. Inventory is beginning to come onto the market, even with cold and snowy conditions. Interest rates have come down and […]

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Long Island Family’s Biggest Family Expo is Sunday, March 15th!

Mad Science LIF
New York Family

Long Island Family’s Biggest Family Expo is Sunday, March 15th! Join us for a kid-friendly day exploring amazing summer camp and enrichment options for 2026 at the ​Long Island Family Ultimate Camp Fair & Activity Expo at ​Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City. Over 75 exhibitors will be in attendance! New this year is the PJ Library…

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Pearl of Policy Powers for Brookhaven’s Shellfishing Future

Already this year, Brookhaven has taken a straightforward approach to protecting our bays: make developers pay for what they damage.

Already this year, Brookhaven has taken a straightforward approach to protecting our bays: make developers pay for what they damage. The Town Board advanced changes to its wetlands and waterways code, setting a specific price for projects that cross ecological buffers. Developers unable to meet the required upland buffer will be charged $10 per square […]

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Dreams Deferred: Navigating Immigration De-legalization Status on Long Island

Immigration enforcement (ICE) activity has been on the rise along the South Shore of Long Island. Many of these immigration arrests involve neither undocumented people nor criminals, but groups that have been delegalized through the Trump administration’s latest policies.

Immigration enforcement (ICE) activity has been on the rise along the South Shore of Long Island. Many of these immigration arrests involve neither undocumented people nor criminals, but groups that have been delegalized through the Trump administration’s latest policies. Two programs that were recently dismantled are Temporary Protected Status (TPS), established in 1990 by Republican […]

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A Planned Retirement Community is Approved for East Patchogue

Sixty-four units on a 12.8-acre parcel for a 55-and-older rental retirement development in East Patchogue are projected to start construction, possibly in early 2027, according to Kelly Builders & Development LLC president Mike Kelly.

Sixty-four units on a 12.8-acre parcel for a 55-and-older rental retirement development in East Patchogue are projected to start construction, possibly in early 2027, according to Kelly Builders & Development LLC president Mike Kelly. The Town of Brookhaven gave the $32 million project a change of zoning and site plan approval in a 7-0 vote […]

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Babylon Village Downtown Evolves with Mixed-Use Properties

In Babylon Village, residential units above restaurants and retail shops—known as “mixed-use properties”—contribute to the vibrant, bustling life within the community. Among these, 238-240 Deer Park Avenue, was recently sold for $4.625 million, a sale reflecting the continued demand for well-located mixed-use properties in the Town, while another is located a few blocks south at 180 Deer Park Avenue.

In Babylon Village, residential units above restaurants and retail shops—known as “mixed-use properties”—contribute to the vibrant, bustling life within the community. Among these, 238-240 Deer Park Avenue was recently sold for $4.625 million, a sale highlighting the continued demand for prime mixed-use properties in the Town, while another is located a few blocks south at […]

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Suffolk County Adopts Sweeping E-Bike and E-Scooter Laws After Safety Concerns

Suffolk County has enacted a comprehensive set of new regulations governing electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes), electric scooters, and motorized scooters (e-scooters), concluding several years of debate over safety, enforcement challenges, and the rapid growth of electric mobility devices on local roads and walkways.

Suffolk County has enacted a comprehensive set of new regulations governing electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes), electric scooters, and motorized scooters (e-scooters), concluding several years of debate over safety, enforcement challenges, and the rapid growth of electric mobility devices on local roads and walkways. The Suffolk County Legislature unanimously approved two companion local laws on Dec. 16, […]

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