11 Lyncroft Road, New Rochelle 10804 – Public Open House 4/12/2015

An architectural gem on 0.42 of an acre. The current owners have blended contemporary with an exquisite Asian influence with a charming Zen garden  where you can experience the intimate and peaceful essence of nature, with the relaxing fountain, and private 5 person Jacuzzi Spa. The 4612 sq. ft.  home  boasts  4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a huge eat-in  kitchen with 3 Franke sinks & faucets, 2 Asko dishwashers, granite counters, 42″ Sub-Zero Refrigerator/Freezer, Marvel wine refrigerator and two spacious pantries.  The kitchen, dining room and living room all overlook the exquisite garden. The master bedroom  boasts a sitting room/nursery, a walk in closet, and beautiful bathroom complete with Jacuzzi bathtub.  2 bedrooms on the first level, and 2 bedrooms on the lower (above ground level), with a gym, office space,  2 family rooms, ( one with a fireplace & custom built-in entertainment center), and do not forget the 3 car garage.  Welcome Home! 30 Minutes to New York City. Being offered at $1,189,000. Please join me at the public open house from 1-3 p.m. today, April 12th.

New Rochelle is GREAT!

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Are you Ready for your Close-up Carola Schonander?

imageCarola Schonander of Julia B. Sotheby’s International Realty’s Larchmont office was contacted recently by an unlikely source with a simply wonderful suggestion. Julian Diaz of Better Homes and Gardens had been scouting for homes to be utilized in a very popular “Property Brothers” television show.  They were searching for a dream home and as Julian stated:

” When searching for this listing episode Drew wanted a home that was rustic, and modern. After seeing the property I knew without a doubt that this home was dream home material for the episode and it was a pleasure to collaborate with the homeowners and Carola on this episode. I was initially involved in the relocation of the brothers and the crew here in Westchester, after a great experience on both our ends the show decided it would be good to keep our relationship going into the season. It has been an honor to assist the brothers on this new season and am exited to show the viewers the beauty that this wonderful county holds.” IMG_9933

While the property involved cannot be stated (cannot spoil the show’s episode!),  it was a pleasure to have the brothers, the crew in the house,  have it featured, and what a great experience for all . There were approximately 10 staff members  there for the day’s shooting, and when aired in October, it will be one show that will be viewed by many in our area.

One would think that agents would only look within their own company for such a property,  but Julian, in being a great Realtor simply sought out the best home for the project. Congratulations to Carola and her clients, and a big thank you to Julian!

Westchester is GREAT!

 
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Encore Restaurant, Larchmont 10538

IMG_20150331_123321209_HDRWhere to go for a nice luncheon, where you aren’t  bothered by the wait staff, and where you can relax and enjoy the ambiance and food? Encore Bistro Français  in Larchmont to name one such restaurant. Located at 22 Chatsworth Avenue in Larchmont, 914 833-1661, Encore Bistro Français offers daily luncheon specials, a varied evening menu selection, and something to tempt the most discerning palette.

IMG_20150331_123311905 I recently read a  (sort of mixed ) review of the Encore Bistro  in Rye, and it prompted me to pop into the Encore Bistro in Larchmont (where I frequent ) to  write my own ‘review’. After all, if one has taste buds and a mouth, surely we can all put forth our own opinions?  SO, while not a critic, I thought I would put forth my thoughts. I was celebrating the Birthday of a friend (Mary Welch of Coldwell Banker), and so it was no hardship going there, to while away a leisurely lunch hour plus.

marys fish What constitutes a true food critic? Someone with an extensive background in food preparation, someone who has labored through those years of culinary school, and who can well appreciate the demanding hours of any restaurant?  I would hope every food critic has such noble backgrounds.   It always troubles me to see a wonderful restaurant open, only to close some 6 months later perhaps because of a series of snow storms, something beyond their scope, or perhaps poor reviews,  and so when it comes to critiquing a restaurant, any restaurant, I would like to think that just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so are our taste buds, and we shouldn’t be so harsh to criticize. So much goes into making a restaurant successful. So, while I certainly do not have the required restaurant background,  I would still  like to offer my own few comments. IMG_20150331_125207804_HDRTo me, being able to pop into a local establishment, and enjoy the cozy French atmosphere (and in Larchmont,  there are always French patrons dining there), is comforting.

Years ago, my husband and I would go to Montreal with our youngest son, Brett, to partake in an Expos Baseball Game (where at the then exchange rate  of 1.62 Canadian Dollars to the US dollar) we could purchase front row seats for around $23 each and see great players and great games . Part of the fun, was also the dining experience . We would go to the best restaurants, and enjoy wonderful meals, and feel as is if we were in France but at a fraction of the cost.  Being able to frequent a local Bistro that offers French cuisine, brings back those fond memories (or creates new ones), and having that easy access to a nice bistro, makes it perfect to me. I am appreciative of the neighborhood accessibility, the reasonable prices, and the friendly atmosphere. Oh, and yes, the food is enjoyable!

 

IMG_20150331_132403142 My friend Mary, enjoyed the soup du jour (a fennel soup), and fish du jour which was a trout dish with sticky rice and a broiled tomato , while I had my usual artichaut vinaigrette (warm whole artichoke, balsamic And Dijon mustard vinaigrette) , Moules frites provençales (Steamed mussels in a white wine, caper, black olive, tomato onions and fresh herb broth, french fries ), and we shared a delicious  Profiteroles (Vanilla ice cream in puff pastry, topped with warm chocolate sauce and whipped cream. My artichoke was delicious ( am salivating just thinking about it now), the French fries were crispy, and the profiteroles were perfect. SO, form your own opinion about any restaurant, don’t listen to a restaurant reviewer/critic, and let your eyes, tummy and taste buds let you know if you should be returning. You are important.  It is your opinion that matters.

Larchmont is GREAT!

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Children’s Creative Corner – A Parent’s Necessity in Larchmont 10538

IMG_20150327_101343099Your friend invites you to a Birthday lunch; the doctor can accommodate you last minute this morning,  you have to meet a contractor, but what to do with your children?  Call and reserve a spot at Larchmont’s  “Children’s Creative Corner of course! Fran Mannix, the owner for the past 4 years (going into her 5th),  purchased this wonderful 25 years young establishment at 7 Addison Street, Larchmont, 914 833-8941.  Open six days a week, and conveniently located across from the Chatsworth Elementary School, and with easy parking access to a municipal parking lot,  Fran shared an impressive array of programs with me that she offers to the public.

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Fran Mannix, store owner of Children’s Creative Corner.

Birthday parties (naturally) from the age of 3 upwards,  are always popular (and don’t forget adult parties too!), as are Fran’s after school programs which start at 3:30 and end at 5 p.m. Fran’s Creative Corner is just that, as she takes the children around the world focusing on a different country, and perhaps making pasta necklaces and discussing Italy, decorating pandas and chatting about China making the projects both informative, educational and most of all fun! “Inspired by”  renowned artists as the artists’ medium is discussed, and then allowing the children to create their own interpretation on paper in another popular enrichment class.

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Eleanor, painting another masterpiece for her parents!

What I found to be really important was the ‘walk-in’ offering. Reservations are always encouraged of course, for you do not wish to be disappointed when you go to drop off your child, and there is a special program in progress,  but for just $20, you can leave your child in the capable and loving hands of Fran and her staff, while you go to your appointment. Fran will let your child choose something to paint or a craft of choice, and then if completed in short order, there are always hands on crafts available to keep your artistic child occupied all whilst busy and socializing with his/her peers. Pretzels, Goldfish and water are offered as a snack, and the hour (or two) pass by in bliss for all. While I was there, I was greeted by a friend’s two children having fun. My friend  lives in New Rochelle, was meeting a contractor,  and  it was great to see that you don’t have to live in Larchmont to utilize this great store.

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Marshall enjoying a fun filled hour !

Fran has a Four Day workshop  for 4 year olds scheduled for June 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th entitled “The Color Wheel/Fine Motor Skills for 4 year olds”. The children will be utilizing  tape, primary colors,  finger painting,  exploring colors and how they are made, and of course a book is read and enjoyed by all, snack provided too. June  Workshops for Four Year Olds ? Of course!   June 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th.”In the Jungle”, ‘Under the Sea – Magical Sea Life”, “Circus Clown College”, and “Prehistoric Times – Dinosaur Bones”  all wonderful topics to learn about as the children use different mediums such as pastels, water color paints, fabrics and more. Email Fran at: creativecornerlarchmont@gmail.com  for more information.

Summer Camps? Of course! Partnering with the Larchmont Music Academy,  Children’s Creative Corner is offering a Tri-Arts Summer Camp . Whether one week, three or five weeks, contact Fran and nook now! June 29th- July 30th, 9:30 am – 12:30 p.m. , Art class, Dance Class, Kindermusik Class,  snacks and fun!

In keeping the store innovative, interesting and always fun,  Fran invites other professionals into the store to teach and demonstrate their particular expertise, such Carey Federspiel from ArtPartay , or partnering with Bicks 4 Kidz, a company specializing in legos (info on the web site soon!), or teaching decoupage.  No matter the age, Children’s Creative Corner beckons!

Larchmont is GREAT!

 

Walk-in hours may vary, but our regular walk-in hours are: Mon–Wed 10-3, Thurs-Fri 10-5, Sat–Sun 10-3. Please call (914) 833-2880 to confirm

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Mayor Noam Bramson’s State of the City Address 2015

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With so many exciting things happening in New Rochelle, it just seemed logical and propitious to both attend the Mayor’s State of  the City 2015 Address, and to also reunite with  my business colleagues.

Cocktail hour was busy (it always is at these affairs!), and I saw both  old and made new friends. Tom Benz was there and I can recall years ago how the city had asked him to resuscitate the Chamber of Commerce…   and that is what he did. Headed by Bob Marrone, The Executive Director, and Frank Miceli, and a host of volunteers. Last night’s event had been rescheduled two times previously because of the weather,  so it was wonderful to see so many people in attendance.IMG_20150324_194503977_HDR

Mayor Bramson spoke with passion, force and from the heart. Always a wonderful combination, and last night was no exception. It was a wonderful speech, and several points of note were:

” Our Police department, working with the community, crime keeps going down, with 2014 recording the fewest crimes in fifty-four years.”

” Out of hundreds of communities from coast to coast, New Rochelle was just ranked 13th best in America.”

” we’ll soon illuminate our streets with new LED lights that save those families about $9 Million over $20 Million over 20 years, and cut our energy use in half.”

“Our new electric charging center will let us power up the cars of the future, right here at our transit center.”

“We’re still working to open up our waterfront, now in a fresh partnership with Twining Properties.”

“we’ve tripled the budget for  paving our roads.”

“if you haven’t heard already, the MTA’s ambitious capital program includes a new link between Metro-North and Penn Station. The rail line happens to split around Webster Avenue here in New Rochelle. So when this link is completed in a few years, New Rochelle will have – the closest station to Manhattan with direct access to both east and west sides. ”

“our neighborhoods second to none..’  our schools….   best programming in Westchester..” somehow our city is not what it used to be ..” “This is all about the condition of our downtown.”

“Changes will include energy efficiency, to mass transit options, to using our two feet to get around, a compact, thriving downtown is more green than a solar field or a wind farm Plus green in another way too, with sales tax to help balance our budgets.”

” Renaissance Downtown plus RXR Realty will be spending a significant amount of their money, at their risk, right upfront to pay for a full environmental review, market analyses, and the independent consulting services that the City will use to oversee the whole process.”

” register your name at crowdsourcenr.co., sign up so you can be included on everything going forward,  and the Crowdsourced Placemaking process officially launches on April 1st.

For more information on this wonderful and exciting New Rochelle venture  and for the full speech : http://www.noambramson.org/uploads/2015/03/State-of-City-2015-Web2.pdf

New Rochelle is GREAT!

 

 

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March Madness NOT! Larchmont Chamber of Commerce Meeting

Carolyn Fugere

Carolyn Fugere

If you haven’t been to Polpettina’s in Larchmont, then you must! Fresh, delicious, unique, pizzas, salads, and entrees galore. Polpettina’s also has a heart,  and kindly allowed the Larchmont Chamber of Commerce to host its’ March meeting at the restaurant from 8-9 am this morning. While I had only recently joined the Larchmont Chamber of Commerce (January 2015), I realized immediately that this was an energetic, enthusiastic and inspiring group of professionals (store owners, Realtors, local Businesses) headed by Carolyn Fugere, the President, who meet each month and strive to make Larchmont even better.

Each member and guests introduced him (her) self, and the Board reported on the various projects. Sanjiv Jaswal, the Membership Chair commented on how there were only 30 members last year, and he was anticipating by years end for around 100 members. There has been an upward trend and he attributed it to Carolyn Fugere and the hard work of the Board. Sanjiv mentioned that “Growth is key”.

The Board Members touched upon upcoming events  (Lynda LaMonte is speaking this evening at Anna Maria’s from 6-7:30 p.m. about her book “Does Main Street Have a Future in the Digital Age?”, the upcoming event at Foley’s Hardware, and the Green Steps Expo on Sunday March 22nd from 2-5 p.m.  at the Larchmont Temple.

Topics this morning included local high rents, the article in  “Larchmont Living ”  (Jane Murray wrote a great piece on “A Perfect Weekend in Larchmont”,   “A Taste of Larchmont” which will be in May,  recruiting new businesses, beautification efforts,  and Carolyn mentioned being at the grand opening of the new Bridal Shop, “Svetlana Bridal Couture”,  this past Saturday. Carolyn was also interviewed last Friday (7 am!) with the local Radio Station, WVOX.  The Larchmont Founders Club is also seeking 125 Sponsors for the 125th Anniversary! (125 for 125)…Dee Van Eyck was mentioned as working hard on the 125th Anniversary, and it was also noted that the contest for the 125th Anniversary logo is 12 Midnight tonight! If anyone has an idea, draw a sketch, submit it, and complete a little later.. So many ideas were brought forth…. you should have been there! (but hopefully we will see you next time!).

Larchmont is GREAT!

 

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Village Mercantile – NEWEST Larchmont Chamber of Commerce Member!

IMG_20150306_111340517_HDRI had the greatest pleasure meeting Vonnie Sullivan, the owner of the the Village Mercantile, located at 28 Chatsworth Avenue, Larchmont, New York 10538 at a recent Chamber of Commerce Meeting. I thought I would pop by Vonnie’s store, take some photos,  and see firsthand what her store has to offer. Firstly, the store is conveniently located close to the Chatsworth Elementary School (so perfect for those last minute gifts), and is also just minutes away from the train station and village (again great for gifts before jumping on the train or meeting friends for that celebratory dinner. IMG_20150306_111424357

IMG_20150306_111955048_HDRVonnie opened her store right before the busy Holiday season, and she attributes her success to the varied selection of gifts she offers to her clientele. The store is a loose interpretation of the old general mercantile store, and offers paper goods, apothecary products,  textiles such as linens (bedding and linens) , table linens, jewelry, and even twine for gift wrapping. Basically ,Vonnie likes to present the products of  small and detailed vendors who make their gifts in a thoughtful way, and not the standard store bought items. The merchandise is always changing, so it is always good to pop in and update yourself on what is the hottest purchase of the week and month!

Larchmont is GREAT!

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Sotheby’s North India – Top Executives visit Westchester !

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I recently attended a very exciting event.  Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty in Rye was honored with the presence and North American visit of two top executives, Ashwin Chadha  and Ankit Tyagi from Sotheby’s International Realty, North India.

They had reached out to our local agents of Indian descent, who then planned a great informational and  networking  event at our Rye Office on Tuesday, February 24th. Breakfast was served, and both Aswin and Ankit spoke at length on their office, the various key (and great) projects that are underway  in their regions, Gurgaon, New Delhi,  Noida, Mumbai and Goa.

I asked the agents who had been contacted ( Shamim Mirza from our Larchmont office, Nayna Sheth from our Rye office, and Inaam Rahman from our Scarsdale Office)   for their thoughts on this special event. Firstly, Aswin and Ankit profusely thanked Nayna for organizing the event. She had spent many hours making the arrangements to ensure their success. FullSizeRender 4Shamim Mirza,  stated  “The visit provided a unique opportunity for cooperation between the two countries, with the intent of providing cross border exposure to clients and interested buyers in India and Westchester. We provided the India team with as much exposure as possible to the highly desirable area of lower Westchester. The event started with a sumptuous breakfast  of Yoghurt, fresh fruit, muffins, cookies and bagels  arranged by the managers of Rye and Larchmont, Pati Holmes and Carolyn Fugere. The presentation showcasing all the Sothebys India projects was very informative and enlightening for our agents in America.

Following the presentation,  Nayna,  Inaam and myself took Ankit and Aswin for a tour of the different areas and showed them two gorgeous homes on the market.DSC04431 The first home was in Larchmont at 10 Hilltop Road  in Larchmont, graciously shown by the Listing Agent  Catherine Fugazy for $2,750,000. The second home was in Scarsdale, 32 Tompkins Road listed at $5,995,000 , where the listing agent, Sandy Badger kindly opened that home up also for their tour.

The visit outlined mutually beneficial opportunities, and Julia B Fee Sothebys International Realty is looking forward to doing business with Sothebys India in the months and years ahead. Inaam shared his thoughts as follows: “I felt the meeting was surprisingly informative and well received. Their knowledge of the Indian consumer is extremely beneficial, especially for our local market, as their economy grows and they find themselves settling abroad. Unfortunately, our time was very limited due to Ankit and Ashwin’s schedules, but we were able to connect a bit during our tour of a couple of properties in Larchmont and Scarsdale. Both Ankit and Ashwin are very well versed in the language of real estate, and it was apparent they were not just business owners from the financial sector, but showed appreciation for architecture, detail and character.

Its comforting to find an affiliate partner on the other side of the world that understands your consumer, and to be able to create a cooperative agreement between two equally distinct markets that is mutually beneficial. It’s something that is often sought, and seldom found, and I expect nothing less from our Sotheby’s network. There is an incredible opportunity moving forward from here to assist both in-bound and out-bound customers. Their office in India has realized enviable gains, and through its plans of expansion to other parts of India, grows our network of potential customers for our local inventory. This is not like waiting for customers to land in the States and call on a listing ad; this is about attracting potential customers before they even know they’re being relocated and cultivating a trusting relationship with the brand so their choice of realtor is apparent. These are real relationships and connections, and ultimately strive to provide unparalleled value to our clients,  maximizing global exposure and increasing their bottom line. Its a level of service that cannot be matched, and a testament to why we’re the premier international luxury real estate company in the world.”

What can I say but thank you all!

Westchester is GREAT!

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Title Companies.. DO Not Forgot Absolute!

imagesAs a member of RE Vamp (a real estate networking group that meets once a month, and is currently being considered for Continuing Education credits by NYSAR), it has been an enjoyable experience. Our saying is “where you can dine and opine” and we do just that. We meet at the Westchester Burger Company in Rye Brook usually the third Wednesday of each month, and we have become (I think) a close group of networking friends and associates. There are always differences of opinion, which makes for exciting discussions. The topic we covered in February was Dual Agency – always something to learn.10649805_1462977907309351_5188003807158365297_n, and if you wish to join, we would love to have you! Visit Re Vamp on Facebook!
One of my Re Vamp friends is Dmitry Gutman. I did not know Dmitry at all prior to joining the group, but on becoming ‘friends’ with him on Facebook, it bridged the gap between a networking associate to seeing what a great gentleman he is, and upon  hearing that he works with attorneys covering 9 different languages, I thought it was an important point that I wanted to share via a  post.
Absolute Title Agency
Absolute Title Agency has been in title business in New York since 2006 and in New Jersey since 2008. Throughout that time, we had grown our business and successfully closed over 8,000 transactions. Due to our diligence and professionalism, we have not had a single claim against a policy issued by our office to date.
Over the years, we had written policies for various underwriters, such as Talon Group, Commonwealth, Washington, New Jersey Title and finally The Security Guarantee of Baltimore. We have never been dropped by any underwriter. Every new underwriter inherited us gladly and without issues.Absolute Title Agency has been operating under the umbrella of Security of Baltimore for New York transactions and working closely with New Jersey Title insurance Co. for New Jersey operations. In addition, as of September 2013 Absolute Title Agency is working with First American.

In our New Jersey operations we also act as a settlement agent between our clients and banks. Our title agent is licensed by the state of New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance and successfully undergoes periodical re-evaluation by the State. She has four years of experience without a single claim.

We will be grateful to have a chance to work with you and assist your company with its title insurance needs going forward.

To order title report: www.abstitle.com and obtain a free quote

Thank You,
 Dmitry Gutman
Absolute Title Agency
1733 Sheepshead Bay Road, Suite #38
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11235
Office: 718 -975-2175
Fax 718-975-3225
Mobile: 917-771-0608
Email: dmtry.gutman@abstitle.com

 website: www.abstitle.com

Thank you Dmitry!

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New York State Certified Residential Specialist February 2015 Newsletter

CRS It is always a great time in which to become a New York State Certified Residential Specialist  … exciting things happening this year… but then again there are always exciting things happening every year!  February 2015 Newsletter. Did you know that only 3% of Real Estate Professionals in America hold this coveted designation? The Council of Residential Specialists is the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS® — a professional network of over 30,000 residential real estate professionals in the U.S. and overseas, with one common goal in mind…your success. We provide real estate agents with the tools, resources and strategies they need to help them guide buyers and sellers through the residential sales process. Westchester is GREAT!

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