Informative Info in the Mamaroneck, Larchmont, Harrison, Rye, & New Rochelle, N. Y. area by Gay E. Rosen, ABR, CBR, CDPE, CRS, GRI, SRES, Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker, Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty, Larchmont, N.Y. 10538, 914.907.2645 (Cell), http://www.gayrosen.com, gay.rosen@juliabfee.com (email)
My clients were thrilled to receive multiple bidding on their home, and while we had been expected to be featured in the New York Times, once there was an accepted offer, that was no longer viable. However, in the interim, since this was/is such an exceptional home , it was just featured in Brownstone! Oh my! We simply have a fantastic Public Relations department headed by Andrew Wood! (Vice President of Public Relations and Communications!).
I have always been blessed to have friends from around the globe. We can all learn so much from each other, and apart from learning the different cultures and traditions, it just broadens our outlook and understanding of each other, and simply brings us all together!
I met two lovely young men last year, and we instantly became friends as Kan celebrated his birthday the same month as one of my sons (now passed). I loved the similarity in humor, super intelligence and we just connected. They affectionately call me ‘Mom” and I love it! So fast forward to the 2023 Lunar New Year. We were meeting for dinner and I knew they were going to be giving me an envelope but I wanted to surprise Kan and Wayne with a Red Envelope for the Lunar Year too! I was chuckling at the thought of surprising them! What does this custom represent? While there are many debates as to how to accurately describe the holiday, none can dispute the origin.
My gifts to them (8 each!)Gifts to me from Kan and WayneThe pretty Red Envelope
A “Red Pocket” or “Red Envelope” contains money and symbolically means to ‘anchor the year”. Why is it given?
The custom of giving red envelopes originates in some of the oldest stories of Chinese New Year. As the legend goes, a demon known as ‘Sui’ terrorized children while they slept on New Year’s Eve, and parents would try to keep their children awake all night to protect them. One New Year, a child was given eight coins to play with to keep him awake, but he couldn’t keep his eyes open and eventually drifted off with the coins on his pillow. Sui appeared, but as he went to touch the child, the coins (actually the Eight Immortals in disguise) produced a powerful light that drove the demon away. Today the envelope, symbolic of the coins, is sometimes known as the yasui qian, or “suppressing Sui money”.
While the tradition centers on children, red envelopes are given to friends, family, colleagues and many other relatives – and different amounts of money are customary for each relation. For example, parents and grandparents get the most, but employees and even casual acquaintances can expect a red envelope.
The amounts are important and there are taboos. Never include a gift that includes a ‘Four” in the pronunciation. Four is considered wrong as it represents death. The luckiest number is 8. Of course, my gifts to my friends were in 8’s! (It means wealth and success).
2023 denotes the Year of the Water Rabbit. What does that mean? People born in the Year of the Rabbit can represent various things as their element is also important.
The Year of the Rabbit is going to be a favorable time for most zodiac signs. We can expect success in love and career advancement, with no significant health concerns. Additionally, financial success will be easier to achieve this year.
Lovely scenery is one of the reasons why Larchmont, NY, is perfect for families
Are you looking for the perfect city and small-town living balance for your family? Look no further than Larchmont, NY. This picturesque village located in Westchester County offers a vibrant community, top-rated education, beautiful parks and playgrounds, and easy access to the cultural and entertainment offerings of New York City. As you stroll through the streets of Larchmont, you’ll be struck by the charming homes, friendly neighbors, and the sense of community that permeates the village. But there are plenty more reasons why Larchmont, NY, is perfect for families. We’ve consulted Larchmont’s finest real estate expert, and here’s everything that makes this charming place a true family-friendly paradise.
Let us convince you that Larchmont, NY, is perfect for families
Raising a family in a big city like New York can be challenging. From the fast-paced lifestyle to the high cost of living, it’s no wonder many families are looking for a change of pace. But did you know that less than an hour from your Brooklyn home lies the charming town of Larchmont? It could be a perfect place for you if you’ve grown tired of the chaos of Brooklyn and are looking for a more laid-back community.
If you are considering moving but not sure where it would be best for you and your loved ones, Larchmont, NY, is perfect for families.
In this article, we will take a closer look at all that Larchmont offers and explore why it’s the perfect destination for families looking to leave the big city behind. And even though there are plenty of compelling reasons why you should think about moving from Brooklyn to Larchmont even today and start looking into hiring long-distance movers, for this article, we’ve selected the four most important ones. So before you reach out to an expert team to help you relocate to this charming family town, let’s find out what makes it a perfect place for families.
1 Great educational opportunities for your youngsters
One of the fundamental reasons why Larchmont, NY, is perfect for families is its excellent education system. The Larchmont Public Schools are consistently ranked among the best in the state and the country, with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and well-rounded education. The district has four elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school, all of which offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and opportunities for students to explore their interests and talents.
In addition to the traditional public schools, Larchmont also has several private and parochial schools and several highly-regarded nursery and preschool programs. That gives parents the freedom to choose the best educational option for their child, whether in a small, intimate setting or a larger, more diverse community.
2 Outdoor activities
Larchmont is home to many parks and playgrounds, making it easy for families to enjoy the outdoors together. Manor Park, for example, offers a playground, a ballfield, and a picturesque pond for fishing and boating. The park also hosts many seasonal events, such as concerts and movies, that unite the community. Keep an eye on Larchmont news and stay informed about everything happening.
If you are a family of outdoor enthusiasts, you’ll love living in Larchmont.
Another popular spot for families is Flint Park, which features a playground, a large open field, and a basketball court. The park is also home to the Larchmont Farmers’ Market, where families can shop for locally-sourced produce and goods.
For those who enjoy hiking and nature walks, Larchmont has several nature preserves and trails to explore. The Sheldrake Environmental Center, for example, offers hiking trails, bird- watching, and educational programs for children. Therefore, if you’re a family of outdoor enthusiasts, look no further than Larchmont, NY.
3 Vibrant community
Larchmont is a tight-knit community that values family, community, and tradition. The village has community organizations and groups, such as the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Lions Club and the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Parent-Teacher Association. They provide opportunities for families to get involved and make a difference while simultaneously forming friendships and growing tighter community bonds.
The village also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Larchmont Family Fair, the Larchmont Day Parade, and the Larchmont Music Festival, bringing the community together and providing a sense of shared identity and belonging. That is one of the main reasons to buy a home in Larchmont and move there.
4 Convenient location
One of the best things about Larchmont is its proximity to everything a big city offers.
If you are worried that you will miss the big city and everything it offers, we have great news for you. You’ll never feel that way because Larchmont is conveniently just a short train ride from New York City. That makes it easy for your family to take advantage of all the city offers. Whether it’s a day trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art or a Broadway show, Larchmont residents have easy access to the city’s best.
At the same time, Larchmont’s proximity to the Long Island Sound provides a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Families can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, or strolling along the waterfront. When you think about it, there are no reasons not to at least consider moving to Larchmont.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, Larchmont, NY, is a hidden gem for families looking for the perfect balance of city and small-town living. With its excellent education system, beautiful parks, and vibrant community, Larchmont offers everything a family could need to thrive. The village is a tight-knit community that values family, community, and tradition, and residents can get involved and make a difference.
Larchmont’s location on the Long Island Sound and proximity to New York City make it easy for families to enjoy the best of both worlds. So whether you’re looking for a place to raise your children or a community to retire in, Larchmont, NY, is perfect for families. It’s the epitome of small-town living with all the benefits of living close to a major city. Therefore, wait no more but hire an experienced local real estate expert and start looking for a perfect Larchmont home to ettle in.
Meta: Let’s find out why Larchmont, NY, is perfect for families. By the end of this article, the only thing you’ll be thinking about is moving.
We all lead busy lives, and as a Realtor I am always rushing to point A and B, compiling reports, previewing homes and obviously meeting clients and customers! Many of our clients have young children and of course many of them have the occasional sniffle. I have personally found that if I make soups, and have them on hand, not only do they make an easy light dinner (if served with a salad) but they also help ward off colds . Not only that but cooking can be a great stress reliever.
What are my favorite soups to make?
So easy to make (must be!) are Chicken soup, pea soup, leek and potato soup, cabbage soup and the kitchen sink soup!
Here are my easy recipes:
Chicken Soup:
Either use chicken bones if you have any left over from making chicken, or buy some chicken necks (less expensive), 2 containers of chicken broth (unsalted fine), a few carrots, a large onion, a few potatoes and some celery! Place all into the pot. If you use the neck bones you might want to strain before serving. That is it! Cook at a low heat for an hour or so and season with salt and pepper as desired. You can also add garlic, parsley if desired but it’s good without!
**You can add matzo balls if desired, or dried lentils, split peas – whatever you wish!
Pea Soup:
Great with left over ham and/or buy a smoked turkey leg/wings or smoked ham hock. I still like to use a base of the carrots, onion, garlic celery, a few potatoes, and two 48 oz containers of chicken stock (as I usually have that on hand), and add the dried split peas (green/yellow/red) – a cup each. Again, let it simmer for just over an hour to ensure that all is cooked! You can add dried hot peppers to this if you like too. One of the reasons soup is so good is that you can easily adjust it to suit your tase and mood! It is also economical and good for a few days!
Leek and Potato Soup:
4 nicely sized leeks (make sure they are washed correctly and sliced through to ensure no dirt within), a large onion, 4 potatoes, and again while you can use vegetable stock, I always use chicken stock. Salt, pepper ( I like to use white pepper). First you cook the onion and until translucent with 2 tablespoons of butter and oil, add the leeks, cover and let sweat for 10 minutes on low heat until the leeks are softened. Add the broth, potatoes, and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes until everything is cooked and softened. Puree with a hand blender and done! You can serve with a swirls of sour cream if you feel adventurous but no need!
Cabbage Soup:
A personal favorite. I sauté a large onion until translucent in a little olive oil, then add well washed cabbage which has been cut into thin threads ( I am not over particular – we are all busy so as long as it’s all sliced into ribbons -all good!). I let it sweat covered for 10 minutes or so, and then add a few potatoes cut up, again the 2 containers of chicken broth, salt and pepper to taste and that is it! You just have to let it simmer for 30 minutes or so, and so healthy! You can also add a few cut up tomatoes if desired and parsley. Anything you like and to taste!
The Kitchen Sink Soup:
A past client made this and I copied it! She used anything that was left over in the refrigerator and with today’s high food prices, this is a great way of incorporating left over vegetables.
Sauté that large onion once again (don’t you find that the refrigerator should never be without onions, carrots and celery in the winter months?), and perhaps with carrots and celery if you have, and then add what you have in the fridge! It could be potatoes, peppers, hot peppers, ginger and the key to this soups are the spices? I love to cook Indian food, and so my cupboard has Garam Marsala, Turmeric, Cumin, cardamon, coriander, and you add perhaps a tablespoon of each (or to taste), again add the chicken broth and let it all simmer for an hour or so. It is soooo good! If you have left over chicken – add that too! This I would serve over rice.
Stay healthy! I am here for all of your real estate needs!
Once in a while you are invited to a special home/estate to preview. Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s only has 5 offices in Westchester, but oh my! We make such a difference in the Westchester real estate world. We ended 2022 being Number on in both market share and single family home sales in New Rochelle, Number 2 in Larchmont BUT increased our market share considerably from 2021!
Our marketing is second to none, and when you can access properties in 13 different languages all around the world on the Sotheby’s International Realty site, it is so easy to realize why so many sellers choose our company to represent them in their most valued possession – their home.
I was thrilled to be invited (along with my office) to Rita Kirby’s newest listing – The Blue Heron Haven located at 40 Old Corner Road in Bedford, New York. Why wouldn’t I attend? There were delectable morsels of appetizing hors d’oeuvres and festive cocktails served by The Cup Bearer Catering Company and I truly wanted to preview this simply glorious home in its Adirondack styled setting. It was simply perfect with the most charming of hostesses , and I found myself daydreaming about it! Even the furnishings were chosen with flair and great style.
I could write my own description about the home but Rita describes it best as follows:
“Relax, Retreat, Entertain at a spectacular Adirondack Lodge just ONE HOUR from New York City. Imagine 8 completely private acres on Blue Heron Lake with a gated entrance and gate house. NO access to the lake except for you and a very few distant neighbors. Breathtaking water vistas from every room of this spectacular 6 bedroom / 6 bathroom residence with every amenity including a grand living room, theater, game room, gym, gourmet kitchen, zip line, half court indoor basketball, climbing wall, Waterside Pool & Spa, separate lake house and boat house. Enjoy swimming in the crystal clear lake water, fishing from your dock or bass boat, and winter skating or ice fishing. Nothing like this Estate compound has been seen in decades!!”
If you are seeking a private home located on 8 plus acres just one hour away from New York City then look no further! Call Rita or your favorite agent, and prepare to fall in love!
“Beyond The City” has been a very popular catch phrase for the company indicating how Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s is the company to contact when leaving or even thinking of leaving the city.
However, we are also the company to contact if you are thinking of also selling in addition to relocating or a family member will be relocating or selling – ANYWHERE on the world!
Courtesy of Mohamed Nohassi Unsplash
Case in point is that I was recently contacted by a gentleman who resides in Puerto Rico! He found me on the internet, and asked that I represent him in the sale of his home in Puerto Rico. I am obviously not licensed there, but as it so happens, a client of mine and now friend (whose home I had sold last year), now resides in Puerto Rico, and I asked she join me on a phone call with the home owner to better discuss the location of his property since there was a slight language difficulty. I was then able to reach out to our relocation department who promptly reached out to the Sotheby’s office in that area. SO easy and definitely “Beyond The City! Please call if you need any real estate assistance at all !
We are local but we are also world wide and have a wonderful relocation department!
This week Mega Millions topped One Billion Dollars. Inconceivable! Many years ago, I can well recall when a lucky lotto winner won 5 Million dollars and it seemed like so much! Of course, it was and is. However, the difference now is that when people were canvassed a few short years ago and asked what would they buy should they win, the answers were invariably “Oh I will be giving money to charities and then I will buy …..” To me, it seemed as if they wanted G-d to hear them and grant them their wish. What I am now hearing amongst those people canvassed on the nightly news is that they would purchase a home. I heard three people in a row mention that and I thought it interesting.
Yes, when mortgage rates were rising, inventory still low, purchasing a home seemed out of many people’s reach. However, the rates did drop recently, and a 30 year mortgage can be obtained in the 5.5 to 6.6% rate!!!! Not only that but I was approached by Justin from the First Republic Bank yesterday and he quoted to me a 30 year Fixed rate of 4.75% (with 20% Down ) and they would also allow a small lender’s credit towards closing costs of $4000. This applies to loans up to One Million Dollars, and obviously qualified buyers! It is also only applicable to certain areas, and guess what! 11 The Boulevard in New Rochelle’s Historic District falls into that category! Oh my goodness! Great news! This charming home is only $869,000!
There also happens to be an open house there tomorrow from 1-3 p.m. Please join me
8 Midland Gardens #1J was last sold in May 2006 and guess what? The mortgage rates were approaching 6.6% back then! Fast forward to today, the rates while higher last year are now in that 5.5 -6.6% range once again! Also, guess what! It is STILL the largest 2 bedroom coop in the complex, has a wonderful storage room in the unit and a simply huge terrace! This coop apartment lives like a small home being 1500 square feet and there is also a storage unit too in the basement. The apartment has been painted throughout and the floors refinished. Just move in and update as you feel needed! Oh my! You can also install your own washer/dryer in the unit (with board permission and licensed plumber utilized).
Fantastic terrace!
The apartment is vacant and is located so close to Bronxville village, the trains, fine dining and the stores. Also walking distance to the school too. Need handicap access? You can enter through the adjoining building should you require that handicap access.
2023 is a GREAT time to purchase a home in Bronxville, but if you would like a less expensive house alternative then this apartment beckons!
New Rochelle is great! Truly! We have so much to offer. One appreciated service is CircuitNR which is a free shuttle service which can be utilized as follows:
New Rochelle is proud to present “CircuitNR,” a complimentary, on-demand electric shuttle service that transports riders along several routes in the downtown.
CircuitNR is available Monday through Thursday from 7AM-7PM, Friday from 7AM-10PM, Saturday between noon-10PM and Sunday from noon- 7PM. All vehicles have partitions between rows, are thoroughly cleaned three times per day, have open air options and individual doors for every rider. All drivers wear appropriate PPE’s and are tested regularly.
Riders can request an on-demand pickup anywhere in the shuttle coverage area by using the “Ride Circuit” App to alert a fleet driver to come pick you up. Alternatively, rides can be hailed by simply waving down the nearest CircuitNR driver if the vehicle has vacant seats.
Since launching almost two years ago, Circuit NR has been providing the service in downtown New Rochelle, which is in the middle of a game-changing redevelopment with over 30 construction projects across 12 million square feet of prime downtown real estate. Over 60,000 vehicle miles have been saved through its 50,000+ trips to date, and no gasoline has been used. In addition to reducing emissions, Circuit trips lead to less idling and additional convenience.
During the height of the pandemic, Circuit also worked with the City, 511NYRideshare and Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital to develop a shuttle service with an expanded coverage area to carry visiting healthcare workers between the hospital and their hotel before and after their shifts, highlighting the adaptability of the service. Circuit NR recently received the Clean Air NY Champions Award from the New York State Department of Transportation for its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create more sustainable, livable cities. (Courtesy of the City of New Rochelle)
It is a process. It can take years before we realize that those treasured and oft times expensive items are only worth something to you, and practically nothing to others!
I even sold my wine making equipment!
As an example, many years ago, in the hopes of going cross country skiing (it was actually 24 years ago!), we bought cross country skis for myself, my husband and my younger son. We spent $550. That year there was no snow those weekends we were able to travel to Lake Placid, and so they sat there! The next year and the following year. We lost the momentum and they were not used once! I had been thinking of selling them for the past 5 years and was always so busy. I then asked my younger son to sell them and keep the profits himself. He said it was hard to sell them. I hated to part with them as they had a monetary value to me. Now, years later, I just donated them to a charitable organization. Mentally, it took a few years for me to realize that it was better to just donate and accept it and I think that is what happens to so many of us !
It is so hard for us to surrender out ‘stuff’, and as I have written before, George Carlinhas a wonderfully humorous piece on getting rid of our ‘stuff’, and how we buyer bigger homes for our ‘stuff!”
Many times, people will just leave their treasures for the family to dispose of, and I would just mention that if possible, it is best to do it yourself, and make it easier for the family! I have been donating books, art items, and so much as I now realize I will never use them, and it actually feels good to declutter the attic and garage!
I have been using GoGreendrop.com and they have been very reliable. If you are thinking of moving, don’t forget to get rid of old paint cans. Sellers usually like to leave them for the new home owners who invariably will paint the rooms different colors so once established that they are not desired, it is always good to dry out the paint cans and discard on refuse days. As a Realtor, and in multiple bidding situations, we have even offered to the sellers to leave their unwanted items and we will dispose of same if that would make it easier for them in the move out process. Getting rid of things can be overwhelming to some. Remember there are companies that will pick up metal items for free, artwork, cars, basically you do not need!
Gay Rosen is a Top Realtor in the Larchmont and New Rochelle, New York (Westchester) area. She is diligent, caring, driven and thorough (with a sense of humor). Call her!
