155 Taymil Road Public Open House 1:30-3:30 p.m. July 20th

Posted on July 20 2014 by Gay E. Rosen

Classic field stone Center Hall Colonial with 5 bedrooms and 3 baths. With over 3254 sq. ft., this home has stunning curb appeal, numerous custom features and it is located on an unusually large 0.42 acre level and enclosed park like property. Sun filled , generous sized rooms with wonderful architectural details are found throughout this special home. The first floor features a 5th bedroom and full bath, a laundry room and a wonderful den overlooking the gorgeous rear yard. Custom moldings, hardwood floors, a wood burning marble fireplace with custom built-ins in the living room, a walk in master bedroom closet and a carpeted finished basement with a wood burning brick fireplace, all exemplify the charm that permeates throughout. Located in the desirable Bonnie Crest area and close to all. Just 30 minutes from New York City. Featuring a 2 car garage, central air conditioning too. Being offered at $935,000. The Public Open House will be held on Sunday, July 20th, 1:30 p.m -3:30 pm.

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Doggy Wash today at the New Rochelle Humane Society 10-3 p.m.

Posted on July 20 2014 by Gay E. Rosen

jpegDog Wash fundraiser at the New Rochelle Humane Society today, 7/20 from 10-3 p.m.If your special pooch needs a wash (with loving hands of great volunteers) what better way than to have him/her washed at the New Rochelle Humane Society and enjoy so many more activities. All of the proceeds go towards maintaining this no-kill shelter.. It is an outdoor event featuring a vet, a DJ, AJ’s Burgers, “Ask the Trainer”, “Active Energy”,  and is located at 70 Portman Road. This is the 14th Annual Dog Wash – see you there!

New Rochelle is GREAT!

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Market Stats Second Quarter New Rochelle 2014

Posted on July 14 2014 by Gay E. Rosen

Beechmont Lake spring 20-14There have been 99 sales sold in the first six months in New Rochelle ranging in sales prices from $330,000 (my sale!) to $1,925,000. The median sales price was $651,500.  The average days on the market was 131 .Within those stats, there are approximately 22 properties that went into contract at the end of 2013, and so the first Quarter is somewhat distorted by that factor. Then, of course, we had an awful winter with snow storms, etc. and so while we always urge our clients to list their homes as early in the year as possible – in order to garner as much attention as possible from any buyer seeking a home, some home owners decided (to their detriment) to wait until the weather was warmer. We saw homes moving briskly in the early spring market (131 DOM   – ‘Days on the Market’) as the inventory was not that large, and as the spring progressed, more and more homes entered the market place, at all varying prices, and so not only was the inventory much larger,  buyers were able to pick and choose from those homes that were best priced, most renovated, and taking advantage of the still low mortgage interest rates.

Buyers are seeking homes that are renovated more than before. Any home entering the market place should be freshly painted, floors refinished, perennials pruned, attics and basements emptied, windows washed – and well priced!

When we compare the home sales in the second quarter in comparison to the home sales in the first Quarter, we are seeing 43 homes sold in the First Quarter ending March 31st, with a low sales price of $370,000 and a high sales price of $1,925,000, average price square foot of $272.13, and a median sales price of $660,000.

In the second Quarter,  we are therefore  seeing 56 homes sold, with a price per square foot of $282.78,  Median sales price of $651,250,  and a low sales price of $330,000 and a high sales price of $1,800,000. Scan0057When we compare the sales of the first 6 months 2014 compared to those sales in the first six months of 2013,  we are seemingly seeing a high demand ratio with sales compared to available properties, but we are not seeing those homes that have had market adjustments. Sales have decreased this year over last year slightly, and we have to look at sales prices in sales ‘pockets’.  Meaning, if we look at homes in the $500,000 – $699,000 price range, there are slightly fewer sales to-date, but we have 29 properties that are pending which will evolve in a 2-1 demand ratio once closed. Accordingly, homes priced between $1 Million and $1,499,000 are showing a 140% increase in total number of sales compared to 2013, and homes between $1.5 million and $1,999,999 are reflecting a total number of sales increase of 300% in number of homes sold . Meaning, 3 homes were sold these past 6 months compared with one home this time last year.

It has still been advantageous for the buyers since mortgage rates are still low and quite desirable!

New Rochelle is GREAT!

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Bastille Day in New Rochelle – Flag Raising Festivities!

Posted on July 14 2014 by Gay E. Rosen

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New Rochelle – sister city of  La Rochelle, France,  celebrates “Bastille Day” today..  The festivities started at 10 am at City Hall with Mayor Bramson, and local Politicians as well as representatives of the Franco American Alliance.

http://www.newyorkinfrench.net/events/bill-mullen-ebyc#.U8QLnppOU5s

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Short speeches were made, National anthems sung, and it was a nice way to continue the sister relationship between the two cities.. Larchmont boasts a very popular French American school.

Vive La France!  Vive New Rochelle!

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Summer Concert Series start tonight! Memorial Park, Larchmont 10538

Posted on July 7 2014 by Gay E. Rosen

IMG_20140606_131655220Sponsored by the Town of Mamaroneck  , the Summer Concert Series starts tonight at 7 p.m!

All concerts will be at 7 p.m on a Monday and the summer schedule is as follows:

July 7th – Rhythm & Blues with Billy and the Showman

July 14th – Rock & Roll from the 50’s, 60’s, & 70’s with Bookends

July 21st – Woodstock Here We Come with Back to the Garden 1969

July 28th – A Family Friendly Rock & Roll Night with Squeaky Clean

Larchmont is GREAT!

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Top 25 Students 2014 N.R.H.S.

Posted on June 17 2014 by Gay E. Rosen
New Rochelle High School by Gay Rosen

New Rochelle High School by Gay Rosen

I have been attending the Awards Ceremony at the New Rochelle High School for the past 8 years now, and while I have been posting a blog each year listing the colleges and universities the top 25 students have selected to attend,  I have been sorely remiss in posting their other accomplishments… Not only  are their grade point averages superlative, but they are such accomplished individuals too….I finally decided that this year,  I would list those also… just so you can see how New Rochelle offers a wonderful education,  wonderful programs  (attached is the 2014-2015 course offerings – worthy of any Junior college), and how well we compare to the neighboring high schools.  While I was jotting down their college choices in one hand, I was also filming the event with the other hand… so I apologize for the choppy film. However, you can see and appreciate firsthand just how diverse New Rochelle is, and what makes us the Queen City of the Sound.

The top 25 students  –  ranked from 25 – Number 1 as follows:

25)  National Honor Society, Co-Captain Varsity La Crosse Team, Captain Freshman Football. Pursuing a Business Degree at the University of Michigan

24) National Honor Society, Treasurer 2 Years, Member of the Art Honor Society, National Buck-eye Scholarship, 2 Year Member National Science Society. Pursuing Finance & Marketing at Ohio University.

23) Last 6 years a Magis Scholar at Fairfield University.  Student will be attending Fairfield University.

22) National Honor Society, Robotics Team, President of the Mathematics Honor Society, Member of the Football team,  Member of the Economics Team, AP Scholar with Honors. Pursuing Computer Science at Stony Brook University.

21) National Honor Society, Co-President Science Olympiad, Co-President Academic Team, Treasurer Economics Team, Pursuing an Economics Major at Carnegie Mellon University.

20) National Honor Society,  Vice President Science Honor Society, Music Honor Society, PAVE Voice, Treasure of the French Honor Society, Editor & Chief of the Huguenot Herald, Pursuing Political Science & Law at University of Michigan

19) National Honor Society, First Clarinet in Symphonic Band, Clarinet Volunteer Instructor at Song Catchers, Nyssma Conference All Star 2013, Concert Master of Nyssma,  Studying Clarinet Performance & Humanities at Northwestern University.

18) National Honor Society, Co-President Science Olympiad, Vice President of Service National Honor Society, Secretary of Tryon Music Society, Renaissance Gospel Member, Chorale, National Achievement Scholar, Nyssma Conference All-State,  Studying Bio Medical Engineering at Cornell University.

17) National Honor Society, Board Position National Honor Society, PAVE Dance, Italian Honor Society, Studying Law & Government at Boston University.

16) National Honor Society, National Mathematics Honor Society, National Finance Chair for Model Congress, Presidential Scholar. Studying Economics & Mathematics at Boston University.

15) National Honor Society, AP Scholar Award, 3 Year Member National Mathematics Honor Society,  Secretary of the Economics Team, Artist for Ground Swell Mural Project.  Studying Bio Medical Engineering at Cornell University.

14) National Honor Society,  Captain of Varsity Tennis & Softball, Volunteer in Costa Rica to aid Underprivileged Children. Studying Sports & Communications at University of Maryland.

13) National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, Vice President of the New Rochelle Youth Council, Tennis Team. Studying Computer Science at University of Michigan.

12) AP Scholar, President of Art National Honor Society, President of Garden Club, President of National Art Honor Society, Fund-Raising Chair of United Cultures Club. Studying Health & Economics at Dartmouth.

11)  Junior Statesman of America Chapter President, President National Honor Society, Mock Trial Team Senior Attorney, PAVE Band, 3 Year Song Catchers. Studying Philosophy,  Political Science & Economics at Villanova University.

10) National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, IGNITE Mentor. Studying Architecture at University of Michigan.

9) National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, Secretary of the Mathematics Honor Society, Science Olympiad. Studying Mechanical & Electrical Engineering and minoring in Computer Science at George Washington University.

8) National Honor Society, Tryon Music Honor Society, AP Scholar with Distinction,  Harvard Book Award, Cornell Book Award. Studying Environmental Studies & Biological Studies at Vassar College.

7) National Honor Society, Vice President TRYON Music Honor Society, Executive of IGNITE, 4 Years Vocal, Model Congress. Studying Theory & Composition at Vassar College.

6) Mathematics Honor Society Officer, President of Economics Team, 4 year Varsity Tennis, George Washington University Engineering Medal. Studying Computational Finance & Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University.

5) National Honor Society, Vice President of National English Honor Society, Vice President of National Spanish Honor Society, National Achievement Finalist, Westbridge Finalist, Commissioner of New Rochelle Youth Bureau , IGNITE Mentor. Studying International  Law at Harvard University.

4) National Honor Society, AP Scholar with Honors, Model Congress, JV & Varsity tennis. Studying Biology at Cornell University.

3) National Honor Society, Treasure New Rochelle Fund for excellence, Arts & Culture Award Winner, La Crosse Captain, Cross Country Team Captain. Majoring in Business at University of Pennsylvania.

2) National Achievement Scholarship Winner, Con Ed Sports Award Winner, Track & Field Team Captain, All County-All Section of Pole Vault, Principal of Viola in Orchestra, Member Junior Statesman of America, IGNITE Member. Studying Engineering at Harvard University.

1) National Honor Society, AP Scholar with Distinction,  IGNITE Executive Board Member &  Special Needs Mentor, All League Varsity Wrestler varsity. Attending Yale University. Congratulations to the top 25 students and every graduating student at our great High School.

New Rochelle is GREAT!

Copyright 2014 GayERosen

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Manhattan versus Westchester – Where to purchase?

Posted on June 14 2014 by Gay E. Rosen
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Larchmont Post Office , Larchmont Woods home… New Rochelle

I  find myself once again referencing  the hit Bravo TV series “Million Dollar Listing New York” . I am always amazed at the prices of the properties shown , and I found myself  looking to some of  the Manhattan companies and their quarterly reports. In addition to our Tri-State Alliance,   Houlihan Lawrence has affiliations with great companies such as Corcoran, Halstead Properties  and of course Christies Great Estates which is great for referrals, etc.

Brown Harris Stevens showed a record first quarter 2014.  While we are discussing the median sale prices being $935,000  ( up over 7% from the previous year’s first quarter), and while the sales increase could be in part with 2012 tax law changes, sales were nevertheless up some 25% in comparison to the first quarter 2013. Coop prices averaged over $1.2 Million in the first quarter, and up some 23% from the first quarter 2013 (courtesy of Brown Harris Stevens).

Prices per square foot ranged from $1507 a square foot in some new developments to $3000 to a new development at other new developments. When I see that  3 bedroom+ apartments sold for an average of $3.250 Million  in the first quarter of 2013 compared to an average of $5.338 Million in the first quarter of 2014 (**Downtown – south of 34th Street), I have to ask myself …. don’t the buyers realize that we have excellent schools, beautiful homes close to the city, water, boating, kayaking, parks, and just 30 or so minutes away, and all for a fraction of the cost of a New York City apartment?

The Sound Shore area did get off to a slower start this spring market due to Mother Nature,  as frigid temperatures and winter storms tested the patience of both buyers and sellers in the region. Nonetheless, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties were able to open 2014 with the strongest first quarter for closed sales across the region since the pre-recession glory days of 2007. (Courtesy of Chris Meyers, COO of Houlihan Lawrence).

I would think that it is a no-brainer when comparing a 4-5 bedroom home in Larchmont, Mamaroneck or New Rochelle where there are families, parks, great schools, sports and recreation of all kinds,  where there are prices to suit all, in lieu of the $3-5 Million property in the city with perhaps only 3 bedrooms. After all, wouldn’t you rather have your own barbecue  a few steps from your kitchen as opposed to going to that lucky friend who is enabled to barbecue on their city apartment rooftop or balcony?

Some great homes in the area are:

http://www.271beechmontdrive.com

http://www.155taymilroad.com

Search for other properties here ….

Contact me all of your Sound Shore real estate needs.

Westchester is GREAT!

 

 

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5K Competitive Race at Flint Park – Friday, June 13th, 2014

Posted on June 13 2014 by Gay E. Rosen

IMG_20140612_160856161Yikes, it might be Friday the 13th, and it is racing this am but hopefully, the weather will clear up for this evening’s 5 K run at Flint Park.

Pre-registration is required. The race is for all ages with a one mile race starting at 6 pm. and the 5K race starting at 6:45 p.m.  Music and pizza will end the evening…. let’s hope the rain will stop!

Larchmont is GREAT!

 

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Houlihan Lawrence Branding Emphasizes its “Local & Global Reach”

Posted on June 10 2014 by Gay E. Rosen
Beechmont Lake spring 2014

Beechmont Lake by Gay Rosen

With  the new branding of Houlihan Lawrence, there is also a re-emphasis on global reach. One element being the relationship with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World  (LeadingRE.com) and the LuxuryPortfolio.com. Houlihan Lawrence was one of the Founding members of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the world and is comprised of 500 firms ( all in the top 5 of their individual markets) totaling over 120,000 sales associates in approximately 3500 offices. The company is present in 50 countries around the world with corporate offices  in Chicago, London and Singapore. The combined sales volume totals over  Three Hundred and Fourteen Billion Dollars . There is no doubt that a pedigree of excellence  is supporting Houlihan Lawrence and when we state “I’m Local – I’m Global” that is so true..  Houlihan Lawrence has representation across and around the globe.

Now, more than ever before, buyers are seeking an agent who is a facilitator versus a counselor.  Buyers are enabled via the internet to conduct a great deal of research on their own.  Accordingly, an agent with global connections is imperative to most global buyers, a third of same are purchasing in cash. Currently, London is the biggest ‘hot spot’ for foreign buyers where 300 languages are spoken. There were 82.5 Million International buyers in the U.S. last year alone. How is that affecting home sales?  While international buyers  cannot be the basis used for any  sales increases in any given area,  sales have increased around the country. Case Schiller is reporting that while we are not yet back to where home sales were in 2006, the market has definitely improved and is much healthier. 93729_cshomeprice-release-0527[1]   http://www.spindices.com/index-family/real-estate/sp-case-shiller

There are more International referrals than ever, and there were 264 outgoing referrals in 2013 to other states, countries,  etc. The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World is the largest in the world, and Houlihan Lawrence’s largest outgoing referral n 2014 was for $32 Million  in Manhattan.

” The luxury property marketing division of LeadingRE was launched in late 2005 and quickly rose to prominence with a Web Award-winning website, LuxuryPortfolio.com, the first site of its kind to promote homes in multiple languages and currencies. In addition, Luxury Portfolio provides a robust menu of marketing services, tools, advertising and partnerships designed to showcase the $1 million-plus properties of its 200 member brokerage companies. This “network within the LeadingRE network” includes the most respected luxury real estate brands in the business and features more luxury properties on its website than any other luxury network.  ”     Courtesy of  LeadingRE.com http://www.leadingre.com/AboutUs/LuxuryPortfolio

With Luxe Analytics, we are enabled to see just how much interest our luxury properties are garnering around the world which is a valuable tool for marketing. Luxury is a lifestyle. Luxury is back. This is evident in the sales increases of the luxury brands such as Yves St. Laurent (annual sales increased by 60% in 2013), Bottega Veneta (annual sales increased by 47% in 2013),  LVMH (annual sales increased by 38 Billion)….Michael Kors is an aspirational brand and those sales also increased by 40%.Manor Park by Gay Rosen

There has been an increase in luxury home builders . The International buyers are emerging, and it could be stated that the value buyers are now becoming the worth buyers. 50 is today’s 30 …..The luxury consumers  in the post-recession period were afraid of losing money , they became more cautious, preferred name recognition, the perception of quality. The Millennium buyers with over 2 Million in assets total about 29% of buyers, 15% Generation X, the Boomers representing some 7% and mature  (older affluent) buyers totaling just 1%.

The new affluent are aware of their time, are into technology and lifestyle. They are preferring privacy, open space, 54% desire a kitchen conducive to entertaining; 53% desiring outdoor entertainment space; 52% wanting his/hers walk-in closets… Personal wealth has increased by 68% since 2007 around the globe with the U.S. increasing by 30%, UK by 5%, China by 9%, Italy by 9%, France 6% and Germany 5%.  There are 13,216 new Millionaires in the U.S. alone.

It has also been determined that from the 1% of affluent populace, their children are receiving approximately $5 Million  from their parents, and surprisingly, those children are keeping a goodly portion in their checking accounts as cash. This might explain why so many younger people prefer to pay cash for their new home. They are also purchasing second homes too.

With listings in 47 states and 30 countries featuring some 25,000 luxury homes, it is without doubt, quite obvious why Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, together with the luxury marketing Division -the LuxePortfolio is Number one in its field, and why Houlihan Lawrence is Number One in Westchester in all price points.

Houlihan Lawrence also has wonderful exclusive affiliations with other Brokerage firms. The most obvious company of course is Christie’s Great Estates. All properties priced over One Million Dollars are featured on this web site, as well as the LuxuryPortfolio web site mentioned before. Houlihan Lawrence also has a wonderful Tri-State Alliance which is unprecedented and unique.

As a Certified Residential Specialist, it also further aids me in the representation and marketing of those homes I list.

Westchester is GREAT!

Posted in Buyer's Tips, Dutchess County, Harrison, Hartsdale, Larchmont Area, Mamaroneck 10543 Area Information, Market Information, New Rochelle Area Information, Relocating to New Rochelle, Rye, Seller's Tips, Yearly Newsletters | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The 2014 New Rochelle North Avenue Mile

Posted on June 8 2014 by Gay E. Rosen

DSC03832The NewRo Runners celebrated with their second annual North Avenue Mile well North Avenue! The race benefitted the Hope Kitchen  (Hope Community Services) which has been in existence since 1984 feeding the needy . Today’s race was centered around “how fast can you run a mile? and started at Paine Cottage, past the High School and Iona College  and ended up at our historic City Hall. DSC03831There were 3 groups (waves) of runners: 9:00 am – Families, young children and walkers 9:40 am – Open women and 10 am – Open Men.  It was only $25 to race with $15 for the younger racers and an incentive for groups, schools,  etc., There were 3 awards for each of the overall men, women and age categories. There could also be an overall winner and top 3 from any wave. While I was too late for the first 2 waves, I was able to catch the last ‘wave’ of racers… here is a little video!

However, thanks to Darren Peister,  here is the video of the event..  Darren did a great job!

 

 New Rochelle is GREAT!

 

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