“Oh My Deer!” Speechless Sundays

Posted on October 9 2011 by Gay E. Rosen

In driving to a listing appointment in Rye the other day, I found myself just 5 feet away from this baby deer! Rye also abounds with wild turkeys, and more! Westchester is GREAT!
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What does $1,796,000 buy in New Rochelle 10805?

Posted on October 9 2011 by Gay E. Rosen

New Rochelle NY 10805

Well, for starters, it certainly buys more than the street down the road! This particular home was built in 2007, and since it was the last remaining home built in a new community, it seemed to lack that special buyer due to the lack luster economy and housing market. It had crossed Realtor’s hands several times, but I was determined to sell it…The owner, who has many properties was very stuck with his higher list price, but I slowly persuaded him to accept a great price (in this market) for the home. The house down the street sold for $1.5 without year round water views… This particular home has year round water views, but since it is ‘new’ it still needs all of those special updates and home improvements. The taxes are over $42,000 and that has also held back any potential sale. To offer a better perspective, a short sale down the street in a similar community sold for $1.2.

On the bright side, the gated community offers a private beach, seclusion and a great amount of charm. Just 35 mins (by train) to New York City, it is a wonderful place in which to relax.. $1,796,000 buys a lot!

New Rochellle Water Front property 10805

I am here for all of your real estate needs.

New Rochelle NY 10805

New Rochelle is GREAT!


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2011 Hounds on the Sound

Posted on September 30 2011 by Gay E. Rosen

 

 

I am sure you are all tugging at the leash for this event or rather your pooches are, but Sunday, October 2nd from 10-3 p.m. marks the third annual Hounds on the Sound Dog Walk and Festival at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle.

The Humane Society of New Rochelle and Pet Rescue have teamed up yet again, and it promises to be an exciting day of K-9 demonstrations, music, food, competition, vendors, a leisurely 1.5 walk with your pooches – and raising necessary funds for these two wonderful organizations while doing so. Lou Young of CBS News will be cutting the ribbon, and look for the Pet Rescue Booth where you will be able to purchase raffle tickets for the October 30th Giants vs. Miami Dolphins Game. 2 tickets to that game have been generously donated – and wait for it, they come with premium parking!

Sponsored walkers who obtain $100 or more will receive a “Hounds on the Sound T-Shirt,” and people who donate $100 or more will also receive a complimentary T-Shirt, and acknowledgement on the website and newsletter. People who donate more than $250 will receive not only that but also a trail marker sign with either your name or company’s name along the trail.

All donations are tax deductible. Any lat minute questions or inquiries, please email the organizations at Walk@ny-petrescue.org

It is the goal to save as many lives as possible for these wonderful animals (cats as well as dogs), so please join them on Sunday. Last year 1000 people attended with 400 dogs… I give that a 3 woofs, and promises to be another howling good time…

There will also be some cats and dogs on hand who would love to meet you and be adopted…

Sunday, October 2, 2011 (rain or shine)
10:00am to 3:00pm
Registration begins at 10:00am
Walk begins at 11:30am

Why: New Rochelle Humane Society & Pet Rescue are teaming up to raise funds for cats and dogs in need. Proceeds will benefit both organizations plus a portion of the profits will be used to help the animals at the Mount Vernon Shelter.

Where: Glen Island Park – Located opposite the Eddie Foy Park off of Pelham Road .

New Rochelle is GREAT!

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What does $575,000 buy in New Rocehlle 10804

Posted on September 30 2011 by Gay E. Rosen

I see so many people searching on the net (as evidenced by the internet visitors on our great Houlihan Lawrence website which enables us to see those merely glancing through, and those looking with more interest). So, it always comes as no surprise to me when people visit an open house and remark, “I have been following this home on the internet!”

People wait for the either the price to come down, or they seem so much activity around the house (heard through their agents or through being aware of open houses, etc) , they realize that if they want it, they have to step forward….

Such was the case with 6 Carol Lane in New Rochelle. 2763 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, central air conditioning, gas heat, cathedral ceilings, beautiful hard wood floors, and a lower level not included in the square footage. The one caveat to the property was that it needed some updating. Never as much as this year as I have seen home buyers seeking a home that that been ‘all renovated.” They seek the perfect home at the perfect price, and are willing to wait for it. I call it the patient market. 6 Carol Lane must have been one of the largest homes in the area, but it also had higher taxes. I reduced the taxes in May by $3,100, and it still did not sell…. The owners installed a new roof (we had been offering a check at closing for a new roof), and it still didn’t sell. However, as soon as we reached that magical $599,000 listing price, the buyers returned and returned.

We ended up having multiple bids, and it sold for $575,000. With interest rates at unbelievable all-time lows, it is indeed a great time in which to purchase any home.

Other homes in the area have been selling anywhere from $639,000 to $700,000 and higher if all renovated, and as low as $517,000 if not..

New Rochelle is GREAT!

 

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Active Rain’s Westchester Networking Meeting – 2011

Posted on September 12 2011 by Gay E. Rosen

 

 The Brazen Fox was a great meeting place.. but the eve was a little wet…. still nice to see everyone! Subscribing to Active Rain (with a membership of over 320,000 Real Estate, Mortgage, Stagers, etc. Professionals) allows me to garner inserts to new technology across the country. A few times a year, we like to get together (or those of us who can make it), and it was fun matching the faces to some of the names whose blog posts we read.

Westchester is GREAT!

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Peter Faneuil – Former New Rochelle Resident (Circa 1700)

Posted on August 11 2011 by Gay E. Rosen

peterWe all know that there is a Faneuil Hall in Boston, built in 1742 by the wealthy French merchant, Peter Faneuil. Did you know that he was born in New Rochelle on June 20, 1700? His wealthy parents fled France after the 1685 revocation of the Edict of Nantes, and Benjamin Faneuil had traveled to America some 10 years earlier, married Anne Bureau in 1699, and sired three daughters and two sons.

Having first arrived in Massachusetts, and in liking that area, Benjamin’s brother, Andrew, made Boston his permanent home. Peter, Andrew, and Benjamin Jr. moved to Boston after Peter’s father died when Peter was 18 years of age. Andrew became one of Boston’s wealthiest merchants, and Peter helped his brother -in law, Henry Phillips, escape to France after he killed Benjamin Woodbridge in Boston’s first ever duel.

front view     

Having mentioned all of this, I would be rather remiss if I didn’t mention that there is simply wonderful red brick colonial just listed at 31 Faneuil Place in New Rochelle. Being offered at $499,000 and featuring 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a wonderful deck, and a two car garage, the fine architectural detailing, new refinished hardwood floors, new oil burner and boiler, updated electrical, and newly painted interior…what are you waiting for?

There will be a public open house on August 14th from 1p.m. to 4 p.m. Welcome home!

New Rochelle is GREAT!

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An impressive Mortgage Broker

Posted on June 29 2011 by Gay E. Rosen

We have all experienced good mortgage brokers. we have all experienced less than good mortgage brokers…. I believe in commending those who have served well. I was completely overwhelmed by a mortgage broker the other month, Richard Desimone of Wells Fargo. Firstly, I represented the seller.. He represented the buyer but proceeded to send me weekly updates regarding his client. What? Hello? I knew about the buyer’s mortgage process as it occurred. I was impressed. It made me/my client feel quite comfortable throughout the process, and it was the most efficient process. Perhaps that was special, but at the end of the day when you have weekly communication WITHOUT having to ask for same.. isn’t it gratifying?

We have all been to many broker’s open houses where the mortgage broker is hosting a luncheon for the real estate agents.. (he/she must inwardly hate us all for those hours spent) but he is trying to garner interest from the agents, and obtain more business. I respect and appreciate those mortgage agents. Please know that. There is one mortgage broker in my area who serves chicken kebabs, grilled vegetables, and fruits, sandwiches, etc…. it is amazing….. the agents love it….I sincerely hope it brings him business from the local agents…He is a great person also.

Myself, I am small time. I would not presume to call a mortgage broker to give me 2-3 hours of their time, plus bring lunch. I appreciate them and their time too much. I bring my own lunches. I pay for that.. I just want good service from my mortgage brokers.. I called Richard, and asked that he supply me with a mortgage info sheet (not evident in those high price listings where those great luncheons are served) – hey if you have to ask about a mortgage sheet (I guess)- why bother?)…and I left those sheets at my listings for those visiting agents and their client/customers. . Guess what? I received a call from Richard. He wanted to thank me ? Hello? Me? He said that an agent had visited my listing, and saw his name and info, and remembered him from school.. He received a call, and he had obtained a new client… It made me feel better having asked him of his time to produce those sheets for my listings… I had been so appreciative of his time.. and it had brought forth a client for him..We all spend so much of our time, and at the end of the day, we all wish to be appreciated in some small way. SO, who would I call for mortgage info at my listings? This very same gentleman of course, Richard Desimone… of Wells Fargo… He has been lovely, and when I asked for mortgage stats to post at my listings, I received them the same day…. He has been and when I asked for mortgage stats to post at my listings, I received them the same day…. He has been of great help to me…. and I hope, in the future, to him.

There are many great mortggae brokers in the area… I always like to refer several to my clients so they can personally choose a mortggae specialist who fits their individual needs.

Westchester is GREAT!

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Castles in Westchester?

Posted on June 29 2011 by Gay E. Rosen

Well, we all know that a man’s home is his castle… but wouldn’t it be grand to own one? How many are there in Westchester?

I came across this great web site from Tourism in Westchester, and it does feature 9 castles; Castle on the Hudson in Tarrytown, Glenview Mansion at the Hudson River museum, Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate in Sleepy Hollow, Leland College at the College of New Rochelle including Leland Castle, Lyndhurst in Tarrytown, Reid Castle at Manhattanville College, Sarah Lawrence in Bronxville, Wainwright House in Rye, and Whitby Castle in Rye. The web site is full of great information about the impressive buildings, the history, etc. The Whitby Castle is a great place to have luncheon, and is easily accessible via the Boston Post Road .

I have also seen some very impressive homes that resemble castles as I drive around Westchester, and I happen to be the listing agent for one such impressive home – or as we would rather describe it a Normandy Chateau. Built in 1926 by a big game hunter for his bride, 111 Wildwood Road features a 40 foot turret, and a sweeping bluestone slate stairway that encompasses 3 flights.

Exquisite detailing, 24 karat gold highlight molding, tapestried walls – all loving designed and decorated by the home-owner and decorator, who has spent the last few years painstakingly restoring the home to its former beauty and more! There is a drawbridge, a courtyard and a mosaic fountain, central air (of course), a chef’s kitchen, a cozy den, and the living room with its beamed ceiling , carved fireplace, and antique bottle glass windows is both eye catching and dramatic. There is limestone flooring throughout the kitchen, entrance hall, and den area with forest green marble accents. Marvin windows have replaced older windows, and the stained glass leaded windows have been restored. A wonderful patio with awning is a special place in which the owners sit and read, entertain, or enjoy the ambiance.

If you are perhaps seeking the alternative to a Manhattan townhouse, then this would be perfect! 2 Bedrooms grace the second floor, with a marble and onyx bathroom in the master bedroom suite, and a third floor bedroom, sitting area, and bathroom grace the third floor. Being offered at $915,000, and located in desirous Larchmont Woods, New Rochelle. Yes, you can have it all!

New Rochelle is GREAT!

 

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Mid Century Modern Homes (Split Level) in New Rochelle – GREAT Value!

Posted on June 29 2011 by Gay E. Rosen

New Rochelle is rich in history, in architecture, and has been the favorite of many a producer be it for a television commercial or movie when they want to film those-mid century homes, as the city is located just 30 minutes away from New York City.

For instance, did you know that from 1961-1966, the TV show “The Dick Van Dyke Show” were depicted as living in New Rochelle at a fictional address on Bonnie Meadow Road. People still comment on how the famous show was filmed here.

I can recall showing a home a few years ago, and the home-owner gleefully informed me how scenes for “Goodfellas” were filmed on Alfred Lane… “You know, the scene where Henry Hill’s wife to be is sexually assaulted, and Henry Hill goes and pistol whips the neighbor.” We..eelll alrighty then! Whether they were filmed in either the split level home (Mid-Century Modern!), or a ranch, the fact remains, they are appealing to many.

People wishing to purchase homes that offer multi-levels, with 1/2 flights of stairs between each level, usually high cathedral ceilings in the living room, then New Rochelle has a great selection.

Two such homes are 300 Stratton Road, and 6 Carol Lane. 300 Stratton Road offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, huge rooms, a greenhouse, a two tiered deck, wonderful hardwood floors, custom built-ins in the living room and Master Bedroom suite, a new furnace, new hot water heater, and featuring central air conditioning all on 0.268 of an acre. The house is being offered at $619,000 and features 2361 square feet not including the lower level, the Davis Elementary School, and is also a short distance from many houses of Worship.

6 Carol Lane offers 2763 square feet, not including the lower level, 4-5 bedrooms, 2 baths, and has a wonderful vaulted ceiling in the kitchen. It is a great house, with wonderful hardwood floors, a huge unfinished attic, a brand new roof, central air conditioning, and the addition in the master bedroom is so unusual and grand! The owners had decided to enlarge the master bedroom, so there is a library area, walk-in closet, large master bathroom, and another room which leads to a private deck. The room which is currently divided into two could serve as the 5th bedroom, an office, gym, or that quiet sitting room where the home-owner could simply go to ‘get away from it all!” There is also a terrace outside the kitchen and dining room, and a rear patio.

The house is located on 0.249 of an acre close to many houses of worship, and is being offered at $635,000.

New Rochelle is GREAT!

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The Larchmont Manor Park 10538

Posted on June 28 2011 by Gay E. Rosen

Where can you go to read a newspaper, walk your dog, or merely sit in the shade and enjoy the 5000 feet of the Long Island Sound Shoreline? The Larchmont Manor Park of course!

Established in 1892, the Larchmont Manor Park Society maintains and protects some 13 acres of picturesque coastline, rich foliage, trails, and simply put, it is a wonderful park to visit! 280 local Larchmont Manor residents own the private park, but it is open to the public. There are, of course, some rules to be adhered to. No biking, radio playing, picnicking, no unleashed dogs, etc.

The park dates to the 17th century (1614) when camp fires, made by the Siwanoy Indians, were seen from a Dutch ship, and less than 100 years later, the area had been purchased by both Dutch and British settlers. Avenues and roads that are common place to Larchmont and Mamaroneck residents such as Palmer, Munro, Richbell were named after John Richbell purchased the ‘three necks’ of land (now Larchmont and Manor Park in 1661, Peter Palmer who purchased the ‘middle neck’ in 1701, and Thomas J. S. Flint purchased much of Larchmont and the Manor Park, founding the Larchmont Manor Company. While he had wanted to build a nice community, he also reserved land which is now the heart of the Larchmont Manor Park.

Manor ParkThe Larchmont Manor Beach is located in the park from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, is operated by the Larchmont Manor Park Society, and while residents of the Manor and village have the first opportunity to purchase the yearly membership, the beach is open to all Larchmont residents when there are openings. Tax deductible donations are always welcomed by the Manor Park Society, and anyone interested can either write to Box 2 Larchmont, N.Y. 10538 or call 914.834.4309

The Larchmont Manor Beach 2011 fees – parking on side streets. joining fee is $515 until Friday 4/15, for basic membership and then $580 afterwards… you can pay $210 extra for 1/2 changing room..

Adjacent to the beach, and located in the park, is the Horseshoe Harbor Yacht club. The club is self-supporting, and organizes races, social events, features a sailing school, launch and mooring facilities, and one does not have to be a Larchmont Village or Larchmont Manor resident to join.

Larchmont is GREAT!

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