Experience all four seasons on Long Island: Preparing your home (with the latest market statistics).
Let’s be honest—living on the island of Long Island means experiencing all four seasons in their entirety, and though each has its own beauty, each has its own set of homeownership issues as well. From blinding snowstorms in the winter months to scorching heat waves in the summer, the island we all love so much is as unpredictable as the weather. Whether you're a home owner or a potential home owner, having the ability to prepare your home for these seasonal changes can make all the difference—not only in your comfort but in the value of your property as well.
Now that I know you're busy (and maybe already weathered out), I've crunched the numbers, put the latest information together, and tossed in a dash of humor to keep the atmosphere light. Let's walk through the process for preparing your Long Island home for each season and what the market trends show us about staying ahead of the weather game.
1. Spring: Fix, Renew, and Raise Your Property Value
Spring is the enchanted season when the grip of winter fades on Long Island, and homeowners everywhere inhale deeply. As temperatures warm, it’s the ideal season to go through your home and make repairs as needed.
Spring is the season for home repairs, with a value increase of 10% for those homes that had basic maintenance done after the winter months, according to a 2023 HomeAdvisor report. This includes gutter cleaning, roof inspection, and outside paint touch-up work. You may not think that elbow grease matters, but buyers do!
To-Do List
Inspect for winter damage: Cracked driveways, missing shingles on roofs, and clogged gutters—have these fixed right away. Statistics show that fixing these saves homeowners up to 20-30% on future costs, given the unpredictable spring rains on the island.
Landscaping renovation: Well-manicured lawns and newly installed flower beds contribute up to 5-15% to curb appeal, according to a 2023 NAR report. And let’s be real—if you’re trying to outshine the Joneses, the sooner the better.
Door and window checks: Tightening door seals and windows saves not only on energy (saving an average of 10% on utility bills), but keeps the unseasonable spring breezes out as well.
"Ah, spring! Where Long Islanders can finally put the snow shovels away. and reach for the allergy medication."
2. Beat the Heat Without Breaking the Bank This Summer
Long Island summers are the ones we wait all year for—days at the beach, backyard barbecues, and a little too much humidity. Keeping your home cool and your bills low, though? That’s a delicate balance, especially with energy prices on the rise.
New York residential electricity prices increased 6.5% annually over the last three years, the US Energy Information Administration reported. For Long Islanders, that means saving $200-$300 annually on cooling bills, as well as added home value, through energy-efficient upgrades (e.g., smart thermostats and proper insulation).
To-Do List
Service your AC: No one enjoys sweating it out during the middle of July because the air conditioner broke down on you. An efficiently serviced heating, ventilation, and air conditioner system will last longer and reduce your utility bills during the summer months by 15%.
Add shade to your outdoor spaces: Installing an awning or shade sails over your patio increases the comfort level in your outdoor spaces and adds 10% to the usable area of your home in the eyes of buyers.
Smart thermostat installation: You could lower your utility bill by 10-12% per year with a smart thermostat. And when you're away at work, you can turn the AC down remotely so that you're not cooling an empty house during the day.
"Long Island summer: Where the humidity is so heavy, you're essentially swimming… without leaving your own backyard."
3. Autumn: House Maintenance Time (and Pumpkin Spice Season)
Fall is that perfect season where the weather remains cool but not chilly. It’s also the season when smart homeowners prepare their homes for winter, making their homes efficient and geared up to handle the cold weather.
As per a 2022 Zillow report, properties with upgraded energy efficiency (e.g., new heating systems, sealed exteriors, and insulated windows) sell up to 9% more than those without the upgrades. So, when you're getting your home ready for fall, these investments pay off in more than one way.
To-Do List
Seal the doors and the windows: Door and window gaps account for nearly 25% of home heat loss. Not only will sealing these pay for themselves in heating bills, but home buyers also prefer "winter-proof" homes as well.
Clean your chimney: Before lighting that first fire, make sure your chimney is in proper condition and safe to operate. An unmaintained chimney reduces your home efficiency by up to 15%, not to mention the fire hazard.
Inspect the roof and gutters: Fall leaves are beautiful… until they block your gutters. Remove the leaves and inspect your roof to ensure that all is in readiness for the first snow. Clearing the gutters prevents water damage, saving up to 30% on repairs in the long run.
“Long Island Fall: Where you rake leaves on Monday, and by Wednesday, your lawn has another foot piled on top of it.”
4. Winter: Snow, Ice, and Staying Warm without Breaking the Bank
Winter on Long Island isn't always easy. Between the snow, freezing temperatures, and increasing heating bills, homeowners need to be prepared. But with some clever strategies, you can stay warm without emptying your wallet.
New York heating bills rose by 12% over the past two winters, reports the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA). For the homeowner on Long Island, that means that efficient heating systems and insulation are a must. The good news? Homes with efficient heating systems sell for 4-7% more, according to Redfin.
To-Do List
Insulate outside pipes: Frozen pipes are the most expensive winter mishaps, with homeowners shelling out up to $5,000 on average to repair them. Insulating your pipes is a relatively low-cost upfront investment to avoid a big headache.
Stock up on the essentials: See that you have rock salt or sand for icy walkways, and ensure your snow blower is in proper operating condition (trust me on this one—you’ll be thankful come that January blizzard).
Install a smart heating system: Not only does a smart thermostat lower your bill, but it also adds value to your home by 1-2%, as home buyers increasingly value energy efficiency.
"Long Island Winter: Where the snow is beautiful until you remember that you need to shovel it. again."
Weather-Ready Homes: Their Impact on the Long Island Market
Let’s put it all together: Not only are you making your life more comfortable by preparing your home for all seasons, you’re making a smart investment, too. According to current data reported by Realtor.com, homes that feature upgraded heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, weather-resistant building products, and low-e windows are not only selling faster but are also bringing in 10-15% more in price than similar homes without these upgrades.
For Long Islanders, preparing your home for the seasons isn't just about comfort, but about enhancing your property value and future-proofing your investment as well. Conclusion: Are You Ready to Take Your Long Island Home to the Next Level? Having all four seasons on Long Island is something special, and being a savvy homeowner means staying one step ahead of the weather. From sealing the windows during the fall to installing energy-efficient upgrades during the summer, the upfront work spent getting your home prepared pays dividends in the form of saving you dollars, less stress, and value added to your home. Being the first and only A.I. A Certified Real Estate Agent on the island, I've seen firsthand that the properties that sell most successfully on the market are those that are prepared for all the seasons. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or just need to get a handle on seasonal home preparation, I’m here to guide you with data-driven suggestions and personal advice. Call us today to prepare your home for all seasons. On Long Island, we understand that the weather may change, but the value of a prepared home never goes out of season.
