Pete Filippone - Contour Mortgage

09/02/2026

2-1 BUYDOWN 📉 = thousands back in YOUR pocket 💰

Here's a negotiating tactic most buyers don't know to ask for:

Instead of just asking the seller for a price cut, ask for a 2-1 buydown. The seller funds a concession, and it temporarily knocks down YOUR rate:
🔹 Year 1: rate drops 2% (6.5% → 4.5% in this example)
🔹 Year 2: rate drops 1%
🔹 Year 3+: settles into your normal rate

On a $750K purchase with 20% down, that's:
✅ $752/month saved in Year 1
✅ $385/month saved in Year 2
✅ Almost $14,000 back in your pocket over 2 years

Negotiations are shifting back toward buyers right now — this is a great card to play on listings that have been sitting on the market. Sellers are often more willing to fund a buydown than drop their price.

📲 Thinking about buying on Long Island? Let's run YOUR numbers and see what a 2-1 buydown could save you.
17m

09/01/2026

If it were up to me, I’d increase NYS’s Mansion Tax threshold up to $4M! New Yorkers are already paying enough in taxes and fees in closing costs to buy real estate, and with median home prices in the $700k’s, increasing the threshold is long overdue! What do you think?

Did you know nearly 1 in 4 homes sold on Long Island this year have been subject to New York’s Mansion Tax? 🏠

When the tax was created in 1989, the $1 million threshold was intended to apply to luxury homes. More than 35 years later, that threshold has never been indexed to inflation — while Long Island home prices have risen dramatically.

That’s why LIBI, alongside a coalition of Long Island business organizations, is calling on state lawmakers to modernize the Mansion Tax to reflect today’s housing market better.

As LIBI CEO Mike Florio told Newsday, “We’re not saying get rid of the tax… but it’s dated at this point.”

Thank you, Newsday, for highlighting this important conversation.

LongIslandHousing Housing HousingMarket Homeownership Homebuyers MansionTax MansionTaxReform NewYork NewYorkState

08/29/2026

Today's the day! OPEN HOUSE 12–2PM

📍 42 Nostrand Ave, Selden, NY
💰 $699,000
🛏️ 3 Bedrooms | 🛁 2 Bathrooms
📐 1,761 Sq. Ft.
🏊‍♂️ Private In-Ground Pool

If you’ve been looking for a home that’s truly move-in ready, this one deserves a look!

This beautifully renovated expanded ranch has been updated inside AND out, including new windows, siding, driveway, central air and more.

Inside, you’ll find a designer kitchen with island and stainless steel appliances, renovated bathrooms, cathedral ceilings, an open floor plan, and a spacious primary bedroom with its own private en-suite.

And downstairs? A fully finished basement gives you even more space for entertaining, working from home, a playroom, or whatever your lifestyle calls for.

Then there’s the backyard… ☀️🏊‍♂️
A private in-ground pool with a new liner, pump and filter makes this the perfect setup for summer entertaining.

All of this tucked away on a quiet, secluded street while still being close to shopping, dining and everyday conveniences.

Come see it for yourself today from 12–2 PM!

And if you’re considering buying, make sure you stop and say hello—I’d be happy to talk through your financing options and help you figure out what makes the most sense for you.

08/29/2026

We had a great night rocking with “Last Wish” band at The Next Chapter LI Book Store in Huntington Village. Great music with great people in a special place, it’s where community comes together.

If interested in hosting Last Wish for an event, reach out to Vanesa at (631) 327-7656!

08/28/2026

Tomorrow’s the day! 12-2pm in Selden!

08/27/2026

🏡 OPEN HOUSE THIS SATURDAY! 🏡

📅 Saturday, 8/29 | 12:00–2:00 PM

📍 42 Nostrand Ave, Selden, NY
💰 $699,000
🛏️ 3 Bedrooms | 🛁 2 Bathrooms
📐 1,761 Sq. Ft.
🏊‍♂️ Private In-Ground Pool

If you’ve been looking for a home that’s truly move-in ready, this one deserves a look!

This beautifully renovated expanded ranch has been updated inside AND out, including new windows, siding, driveway, central air and more.

Inside, you’ll find a designer kitchen with island and stainless steel appliances, renovated bathrooms, cathedral ceilings, an open floor plan, and a spacious primary bedroom with its own private en-suite.

And downstairs? A fully finished basement gives you even more space for entertaining, working from home, a playroom, or whatever your lifestyle calls for.

Then there’s the backyard… ☀️🏊‍♂️
A private in-ground pool with a new liner, pump and filter makes this the perfect setup for summer entertaining.

All of this tucked away on a quiet, secluded street while still being close to shopping, dining and everyday conveniences.

Come see it for yourself this Saturday from 12–2 PM!

And if you’re considering buying, make sure you stop and say hello—I’d be happy to talk through your financing options and help you figure out what makes the most sense for you.

08/22/2026

Had a great night watching the Yankees beat Toronto! It was a great time spending it with local Patchogue businesses. Thank you CoHo Coffee House for organizing it!

Make sure to check out this great coffee spot when you’re in Patchogue. They treat everyone like family!

08/20/2026

I’m not just a mortgage professional who helps people finance investment properties—I’m a real estate investor myself.

That personal experience has taught me that investing in real estate isn’t just about finding the right property. It’s about understanding how to structure the financing, preserve your cash, and have the right strategy for the next opportunity.

That’s why I love helping other people invest intelligently.

Depending on your situation, there are several ways we can potentially leverage real estate to build your portfolio, including:

🏠 DSCR Loans — qualify based primarily on the property’s rental income rather than traditional personal income.

💰 HELOCs on Investment Properties — potentially access equity you’ve built in an existing property to help fund your next investment.

📈 Creative financing strategies — because sometimes the best investment opportunity is the one you can structure properly.

I’ve learned a lot through my own investing journey, and I’m happy to share that experience with clients who want to build wealth through real estate.

If you’re thinking about buying your first investment property—or your next one—let’s talk.

08/15/2026

Open Houses this weekend on this 4 bed, 2 full bath home in St James! It’s listed at a great price of $824k in a beautiful and desirable area!

Contact Oakar Reinstein & Daniela with questions!