What does $935,000 buy in New Rochelle 10804?

185VictoryBlvd_New York MLS, 1024 x 768_5722014 started off with a bang! Properties were selling quickly and at great prices, and then along came April and May, and the market for whatever reason slowed down.   This particular home had so much to offer, 3305 square feet, a newer kitchen and bathrooms, low property taxes of under $19,000 and all located on over 1/2 an acre.. However, I obtained the listing at the end of summer when the market had slowed down.

The lucky buyers were able to obtain the home for $935,000.  Of the 8 similarly sized homes that sold in the last six months,  the lowest priced home was $625,000 (3616 square feet), and the highest priced property sold for $985,000 (3488 square feet) and had entered the market earlier in the year when the homes were selling quicker and higher, and closed in July . Prices per square foot averaged at $246.19 so 185 Victory Boulevard at 3305 square feet X $246.19 = $813,658, so $935,000 was a good price based on the selling time frame, and the owners were happy.185VictoryBlvd_New York MLS, 1024 x 768_5 (2)

The spring time is the best time in which to sell your home… and by spring not May or June but end of January/early February.  There are only so many buyers seeking homes in your area, and you want to take advantage of having YOUR home seen by all of those prospective buyers.

I am here for all of your real estate needs.

New Rochelle is GREAT!

Posted in New Rochelle Area Information | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Hope Kitchen New Rochelle – “Tis the Season!”

IMG_20141223_102605501Anyone living n New Rochelle knows about the local Hope Kitchen and Community Services. As a city of over 77000 people, there will always be those less fortunate, and who go to bed hungry each night. The Hope Kitchen has been there since 1984 helping families in need. In today’s world, those services have now increased to include emotional support, language skills, clothing and immigration services..IMG_20141223_131326273_HDR

As being someone who is so blessed with her family, friends, and work,  when I saw how this community help kitchen needed  hams  for those less fortunate for the  Holidays, it was a no-brainer.  It does not cost much to give a little something from the heart to others. That was my gift to myself. Pictured here, are just two of those very special people who make it happen for so many if only for a meal, a day.

Happy Holidays !

 

Posted in Hartsdale, Larchmont Area, New Rochelle Area Information | Tagged | Leave a comment

Patrias – Ambiance and Tapas in New Rochelle

IMG_20141216_125106290While I have frequented Patrias a few times, and bought some gift certificates for valuable clients and friends, I first took photos yesterday of some of Patrias’ delicious fare. My friend and I commented on how the Larchmont lunch crowd would love the diversity of the menu (for both and dinner as well as lunch).. The ambiance is very much evident with Spanish influenced music (I had really enjoyed the classical guitar pieces)..IMG_20141216_125110409

Rather than partake of the Patrias luncheon special, we decided to enjoy some of the tapas bites (did I say bites-  the portions were larger than that!),  and share. Share we did, with food left over! I had recommended the fried artichoke hearts with a red pepper sauce. You have the wonderful sensation of biting into a crispy outer layer and with that soft atrticoke heart within and the lingering flavor of the artichoke. Wonderful. I have never tasted anything like that IMG_20141216_130551454before. We then chose the white bean and chorizo salad.  Delicious.  The lamb meatballs were tasty as was the garlic shrimp.  I love fresh bread. I know, the sugar within the bread is not good for you  as is the flour but when the bread is warm, fresh, crispy, served with olive oil and as it should be served then you should indulge (so say I!).IMG_20141216_130547068

Go to Patrias, located at 4 Lawton St, New Rochelle (914) 278-9811.  There are also wonderful daily specials.. For example Tuesday is Paella night… Delicioso!

Enjoy.

New Rochelle is GREAT!

Posted in Harrison, Hartsdale, Larchmont Area, Mamaroneck 10543 Area Information, New Rochelle Area Information | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

REVamp: Westchester Holiday RED Event 2014

 

10868004_10205393489622348_4054988545777854545_nWe have become a family. We meet once (and sometimes more) a month, and discuss important real estate issues such Agency, short sales and bank-owned properties, pocket listings, etc. Sometimes the conversation is ‘frank’, and ‘earnest’ but always a bonhomie prevails.  We can always count on humor from  Amir AsadiPhil Faranda and  Mark Seiden. We celebrated July 4th with a barbecue at a country club, and last night we celebrated our First Holiday RED Event at The Mansion in White Plains.

10850015_10152546882466381_1879998577049080441_nIt  was so nice to see everyone before the holidays, and to also congratulate Scott (Forcino), Artie (DiMella) on initiating REVamp, and how they are slowly and most assuredly taking REVamp to other areas and states across the United States.10433075_10152546882086381_1841342384155384226_n

I was very surprised last night to receive the Realtor Star Award. Debbie Gartner “The Westchester Flooring Girl” received the Affiliates Award.  Artie, Scott, Santiago are the ones who deserved the awards. Robert Schandley was on hand taking great photos last night, and Tim Judge was interviewing many on film..

Have a wonderful Holiday season to all, and I can’t wait to congratulate someone else next year!

Westchester is GREAT!

Posted in New Rochelle Area Information | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Heavy Rain meant no doggy day for Binky…..

Binky in Gay's office

Binky in Gay’s office

We have a lovely dog called Binky.  As soon as I saw him at the Humane Society over 2 years ago, I knew he was meant for us… I hope he felt the same way. He had been found on the streets, incredibly starved and his fur all matted, and he has – shall we say ‘issues!”

He LOVES the dog park at Paw’s Place in New Rochelle, and to interact with the other dogs there. He likes to do  the sniffing though, always being in control. I wanted to get him nicely pampered before the Holidays, and I use  The Cut Above  on Myrtle Boulevard (834-6014) in Larchmont. The owner is so busy, you have to book weeks in advance and for good reason. She does an excellent job. Of course, the first time I went there to pick up my pooch I was surprised to  see Binky in a covered cage. Why? I asked. Well, that is to stop him barking.  Ooops… that’s my Binky. As soon as he hears me, he starts. “Come on mom – let’s go.” When his hair is long, he is like a panda bear, and so cuddly. Tuesday was to be his pamper day…. but we were deluged with rain. Several inches of it, and my sweet pooch refused to go for a walk. He stepped out into the port cochere but that was it… “No way mom.” So, I had to call and apologize to the store owner… explaining that  he hadn’t gone for  a walk, and I didn’t want him to have an accident in her store…  I now must wait until early January for the next appointment time… I think Binky is happy – although he will be getting a bath from me but just no haircut! I would love another dog, and I keep searching the Humane Society site. Before Binky, I would help out on Holidays realizing that there weren’t as many volunteers on those days, plus the workers  wanted to close earlier. Binky and our (my) 2 cats (plus a third we are looking after) keeps our hands full now but there is always love for another…..The New Rochelle Humane Society is a special place, and is a no-kill shelter.

They have many fund raisers as they only receive approximately 50% in funding even though they service over 19 communities.  (They service 19 communities in Westchester County including Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Eastchester, Elmsford, Greenburgh, Harrison, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington, Larchmont, Town of Mamaroneck, Mamaroneck Village, New Rochelle, Pelham, Pelham Manor, Rye, Rye Brook, Scarsdale and Tarrytown, and rescue over 500 dogs and 900 cats each year.) While the animals are well looked after, they simply want them all to be adopted into loving families. If you are seeking a special family friend this Holiday, please consider the Humane Society. You will not be disappointed. Happy Holidays.

Westchester is GREAT

Posted in Harrison, Hartsdale, Larchmont Area, Mamaroneck 10543 Area Information, New Rochelle Area Information | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Houlihan Lawrence Larchmont Holiday Party 2014

Oh my! Where to start… I think that the wonderful evening, enjoyed by all is best described in video and photography… so here goes!

Larchmont is GREAT!

Posted in Larchmont Area, Mamaroneck 10543 Area Information | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Rouken Glen at Larchmont, 10538

map of rouken glenRouken Glen was the name given to a prestigious area in Larchmont, 10538 where  Mr. C.W. Moody, a famous builder  planned the ‘harmonious development’ in the 1930’s  with views (at the time) of the Long Island Sound. As it was being built, the area was described as ‘beautiful views,  quiet wood roads, bridle paths, lakes , wooded rocky slopes and the homes to feature gas, electric light and telephone service! Oh my electric light!rouken glen

There were to be built some 90 homes and they were going to range in cost from $25,000 to $125,000 with a selection of  architectural designs to choose from. The original sales information also cites the following ” The Glen is fortunate in its proximity to a modern, well equipped school.

In 1938, one of the homes on Sheldrake Drive, Rouken Glen was mentioned in the Daily Argus, as being ‘one of nine county residences as being singled out for special recognition’  in the second annual ” Portfolio of 30 Distinguished Homes”  in the February edition of the House and Garden Magazine.

The homes in Rouken Glen are still singled out for special recognition, and their architectural elegance reflect the foresight of Mr. Moody so many years ago. Nowadays,  prices range from anywhere from One Million + to over $2 Million.

Larchmont, a wonderful place in which to reside!

Larchmont is GREAT!

 

Posted in Larchmont Area, Mamaroneck 10543 Area Information | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Tri-State CRS Member Reception at 5-7 p.m. Triple Play, Atlantic City

tpheader20142I am embarrassed to admit this, as I have never gone to Triple Play in Atlantic City. I am usually making gingerbread houses for clients and friends, and since  time spent on those are usually at  (work) days end, there is never enough time… One day though… EVERYONE has a GREAT time, and it is a wonderful networking and learning experience where agents can obtain CE (Continuing Education ) Credits in addition to having some fun.

Triple Play is a Realtor Trade & Convention Expo, and is held in December of each year in Atlantic city. This year, it started on December 8th, and will go through to December 11th.  This year’s speakers include Darryl Davis, Michelle Bradley, Peter Brown and Adorna Carrroll  to name just a few. It is also a wonderful opportunity for all Certified Residential Specialists  to meet .

The CRS designees and candidates attending Triple Play are invited to attend CRS  Tri-State Member Reception . It’s Wednesday (tomorrow 12/10) from 5-7 pm. and  promises to be fun!  Join Nina Gail Betancourt (Current NYS CRS Chapter President) and Jerry Cibulski (President Elect)  et al. Westchester is GREAT!

Posted in New Rochelle Area Information | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

NYS Certified Residential Specialist Chapter November/December 2014 Newsletter

CRSHi – On this rainy, dreary day, I thought it would be an ´a propos time to send out our November December 2014 Newsletter. As a Certified Residential Specialist (only 3% of Agents within the United States 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.
  • We offer a host of educational programs including classroom courses, self-paced e-learning, live webinars, archived recordings and events to help members stay ahead in this competitive and changing environment.
  • We award the prestigious CRS Designation to experienced REALTORS® who have completed advanced professional training and demonstrated outstanding professional achievement in residential real estate.

Learn more about the Council of Residential Specialists and how the organization can help you today.

CRS Headquarters
430 N. Michigan Ave., 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60611
Toll-free phone: 800.462.8841800.462.8841
General phone:312.321.4400312.321.4400
Fax:312.329.8551

Westchester is GREAT!

Posted in Dutchess County, Harrison, Hartsdale, Larchmont Area, Mamaroneck 10543 Area Information, New Rochelle Area Information, Rye | Tagged , | Leave a comment

ID now required at Open Houses!

signIt has long been a topic of conversation. How, can we, as professionals, allow anyone (stranger, neighbor) to enter another’s home at an open house? Yes, we wish to sell that home, but shouldn’t we, as Realtors, ensure the security of our owners homes ?  Now, more than ever, based on the most recent act of violence  against a Realtor in Arkansas,  it is also important to take steps to secure our personal security also. We are always taught to tour the home with the potential buyers for obvious security reasons,  and to take various safety precautions such as not to enter a basement with someone. To go down the stairs after someone and not before them…

Houlihan Lawrence now has a new ruling. Photo ID is now required at all public open houses. Today, I posted my first notice at the front door, and requested of several visitors their ID. They all gave,  and I apologized of course…but at the end of the day, this is as much for our home-owners as it is for us.  Their home is important. We are all important! Henceforth, if a visitor chooses not show their ID then we must politely request they return with their agent of choice. There are now various apps an agent can utilize also.. BSafe, AgentArmor, Watchoverme , etc. In today’s world, this is important for all.

Westchester is GREAT!

Posted in Harrison, Hartsdale, Larchmont Area, Mamaroneck 10543 Area Information, New Rochelle Area Information | Tagged , , | Leave a comment