Market Stats – New Rochelle 2014 versus 2013 year to date

DAVIDS iSLANDFirstly, the buyers seem to be searching for everything new… They would rather spend more and find a new home as opposed to buying and renovating. If a home must be renovated, then price is tantamount to success.  Larchmont is very ‘hot’ right now, as is Scarsdale (however I have heard that since Scarsdale is going through the re-assessment process, the sellers are seeking to leave and avoid those even higher taxes). Bronxville has quieted down… My personal thoughts are the homes that are entering the market are well over 2 Million dollars, and that coupled with the high taxes perhaps are just to high for this current market to sustain?

New Rochelle homes are selling in pockets. What is that? Well, I certainly do not mean pocket listings which are frowned upon and with good reason , but rather homes in different price points are selling well, whereas other homes are ‘sitting there.’  There was a burst of activity earlier this year in the first few months,  and while the homes priced between $400 – 700,000 are being shown and sold, the higher priced homes not as much. However, those homes that were renovated, pristine and priced higher did sell within reason…  meaning value was important as was location, presentation, condition,  etc.  Larchmont Woods has always been popular due to its close proximity to Larchmont and the train station and village there.

Houlihan Lawrence  (Larchmont office) has had 131 sales, with only 80 from our next competitor. we have 60 listings, compared to 45 with our next competitor,  and with our company introducing a brand new web site this upcoming week – we are positioned to do even better in the market place. As an aside, our Greenwich office is now second in sales and production and only after 6 months! There is  Chinese web site entitled Juwai.com which means (Home Abroad). Remember that China does not allow Google, Youtube, and limits many other web sites.. and so where to advertise the homes? Juwai.com is one, and our company will be advertising all homes priced over $1 Million Dollars. It is  a fact that 90% of the Chinese buyers spend all cash,  and 80% of the Chinese investors are seeking to purchase overseas. Why not your home? SO list with Houlihan Lawrence, and better still, market your home through me! Ha! The domain name of Homes Abroad.com is taken, but I was able to obtain http://www.Homes-Abroad.net!

In 2013, homes sold in New Rochelle :  there were 71 homes sold between January 1st and May 2nd,  with a Median Sales price of $537,500 and price per square foot of $245.81. Homes sold between the sales price of $235,000 and $2,200,000.

In 2014,  homes sold in New Rochelle:  there were 57 homes sold between January 1st, 2014 and May 2nd, with a Median sales price of $665,000 and price per square foot of $665,000. Homes sold between $330,000 (my sale!) and $1,925,000. Scan0014 I thought this is interesting as it takes us from January 2004 when the market was very active to April 2014 so you can actually see the historic sales price trend… You can clearly see that the market is ‘coming back.’   Below – you can see (while median prices) the original list price compared to sales prices.. again indicating to us that the market is returning…

New Rochelle is GREAT!   Scan0015

Posted in Buyer's Tips, Market Information, New Rochelle Area Information, Seller's Tips, Yearly Newsletters | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

155 Taymil Rd,10804 Public Open House May 4th, 1-3 p..m

Classic fieldstone 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 $985,000. The public Open House will be conducted from 1-3 pm. on Sunday May 4th, 2014.

New Rochelle is GREAT!

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The Westchester 2014 MS Walk – Houlihan Lawrence Sponsor..

DSC03535The weather was breezy, warmth in the sun, and chilly when not, but that made no difference for the warmth permeated throughout this wonderful event… it was the 2014 MS (Multiple Sclerosis) NY – Southern Westchester Walk at the Glen Island Park in New Rochelle. Stephen Meyers, President and Chief Executive Officer of Houlihan Lawrence announced earlier this month that ” Houlihan Lawrence has added the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to its list of corporate sponsorships.  Our sponsorship will include our participation in three separate events during the year.  The first of these events is the 2014 MS Walk which will be taking place on Sunday, April 27th in two locations, one in Westchester County at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle and the other in Putnam County at the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department.” Stephen further announced that he would be the  team captain of the Westchester Walk team and he would be there to cheer everyone on! Well, yes he was! STephen & Chris Meyers Westchester Walk MS: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/TeamHoulihanLawrence It isn’t too late to donate!   Go now to Team Houlihan Lawrence Westchester is GREAT!

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A Great Mortgage Consultant – Patricia Madison – Thoroughbred Mortgage

logo-thoroughbredAs a Realtor, when I meet new customers who then become valued clients, I always ask who is their mortgage broker.. Many already have a trusted broker, and I would never attempt to deter them from their choice, but when I am asked if I know of a good mortgage broker then I will offer a selection of three….one mortgage broker has recently stood out amongst the throng per se…

Patricia Madison is a Mortgage Broker for Thoroughbred Mortgage Services, and my clients had chosen another broker first… They were informed that since the husband had worked for many years in another country, and thus not establishing credit within the U.S., they would have to apply for an FHA loan… Not just this mortgage broker, but this would have been the response for many others also…  There are so many guidelines set forth by the banking industry, that it takes someone adept in hurdles as well as money management to reach the finish line for their clients..  My clients were basically having to accept an FHA loan which of course would mean their having to pay the PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)  for the length of that mortgage (no  80% amortization = no PMI for this loan) which basically translated into additional costs at closing and each month with the PMI insurance.  When my clients realized the additional costs with the FHA loan, I suggested they call Patricia… Patricia worked endlessly and tirelessly on their behalf, even contacting my clients’ former employ in a different country,  because she saw straightway that while they had great credit, the husband’s credit was not established within the US and required further, extensive documentation. Many Brokers would not want to get involved with such in depth preparation but Patricia did so, was patient but persistent, and was able to procure a Conventional Loan, enabling my clients to save a great deal of money in both closing costs and monthly costs  in purchasing their new home.

Who would I recommend as a mortgage Broker? Patricia Madison

Patricia Madison

NMLS#: 162252
Mobile: 917.559.3659 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 917.559.3659 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Office: 914.500.6099 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 914.500.6099 FREE  end_of_the_skype_highlighting Ext. 35468
Fax: 914.920.2312
Email: PMadison@ThoroughbredMortgage.com
Website: www.ApplyWithPMadison.com

Westchester is GREAT!

 

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

AJ’s Burgers – New Rochelle, 10801

AJ burgersI have mentioned AJ’s Burgers before, but must again…  Truly, THE best hamburger in New Rochelle.. I had to have my car checked the other day (another story!), and so I walked across the road to AJ’s… (it is located across from City Hall and Hamilton Avenue). There are televisions to keep you busy, and more importantly, the food is delicious.  Not fatty, just goodness…. I ordered the lunch special of the cheeseburger with fries… and it was delicious.

It is a great place to bring the family, your casual date, or just to meet friends…

AJ’s Burgers…

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Relocating to New Rochelle

 

New Rochelle High School Located so close to New York City, and just 30 minutes away by train, New Rochelle or “the Queen City of the Sound”  was a safe haven for the French Huguenots  (French Protestants) fleeing persecution in France in the 1600’s,  who arrived here in 1688 through to around 1760,  and the names of many local residents still bear the names of those original settlers. Many of whom were artisans and craftsmen, and our street names are representative of those original settlers, Fanueil, SlocumSicard, and Flandreau to name a few. 

 While a city of over  77,000, I would like to feel that there is still a ‘small town’ ‘neighborly’ accent with many cultural and neighborhood organizations melding together to make our city even greater. We have a dog park for Fido,  and  the New Rochelle Humane Society actually serves 19 communities,  is a no-kill shelter, and with no federal funding, fund raising and donations  represents 50% of its much needed funds. In 2013, the New Ro Runners held its first North Avenue Mile. The motto on the back of their shirts read “Changing the shape of the community one mile at a time.”

  French was spoken in the original New Rochelle, and many area residents would send their children to the schools in New Rochelle to learn the French language . The same could be said today! There is a dual language program at our Jefferson Elementary (a magnet school)  where students can learn either Italian or Spanish. Mandarin Chinese is also  being taught in the Davis, Ward, Jefferson & Webster Elementary Schools.   The New Rochelle High School with over 3300 students is not only the largest high school in Westchester but it is the only high school that features a planetarium.

  New Rochelle was an artist’s colony in the 1920’s. Norman Rockwell moved to New Rochelle in 1913,  and resided  in a few homes in New Rochelle including a beautiful home  on Lord Kitchener Road which featured amongst other features, a great balcony overlooking a drawing/reception room. There were so many famous artists and artisans living in New Rochelle, that their artistry was represented on 10 Historic Signs in New Rochelle, and designed by Norman Rockwell, Frederic Dana Marsh, Robert Robertson, Cole Phillips, Remington Schuyler, Edward Penfield,  Lawrence M. Loeb, Clare Briggs,  James Marsh and Robert Robertson. While created in the 1920’s as a New Rochelle Art Association project, the signs were restored just a few years ago.  New Rochelle with its cartoonists, actors, musicians,  illustrators and artists was known in the 20’s as “Greenwich Village without the Greenwich.” New Rochelle offers a thriving artist’s community still with many art galleries gracing our downtown. Did you know that Alan Menken grew up in new Rochelle as did so many other famous people.

  New Rochelle is diverse, and proud of it. There are 5 Elementary schools, 2 Middle schools, and one High School, over forty Houses of Worship, the  Iona College by Gay RosenMontefiore Health System ( formerly the Sound Shore Medical Center with over 460 beds and approximately 600 physicians, 3 colleges (Iona College, The College of New Rochelle and  Monroe College ).

   “The Queen City of the Sound” is the epitome of the Sound.  There are 5 Beach Clubs  (Beckwith Pointe, The VIP Club, The Surf Club, The Davenport Cub, The Greentree Club) , where you can enjoy swimming, tennis, basketball, paddleball and always a favorite for parties, weddings and special gatherings with their dramatic and spectacular water views.

  DAVIDS iSLANDDid you know that Davids Island was the site used to train Union soldiers in the Civil war,  and then used to house wounded soldiers, first Union soldiers and then Confederate soldiers? However, the island was also inhabited by Native American hunter gatherers  over 4000 years ago.

Sports. New Rochelle is proud to hold many records in sports. Most recently, the New Rochelle High School Varsity Football Team and 2012 State Champions,  the Remington Fliers who under the mentorship and guidance of Walter Brown produce winning results each year. The city offers hockey, soccer, baseball, softball, Lacrosse, tennis, rowing, and so much more.

Baseball    Youth Baseball of New Rochelle

Rising Star Baseball Camp     http://www.nrytl.com/  – Youth Tackle League of New Rochelle     New Rochelle Lightning Hockey Club     Remington Fliers Running Club New Rochelle Tennis Club      New Rochelle Racquet Club     New Rochelle Tennis Cards

photo1 Coach Gurney

 

  Parks. We have so many! We also have a Community Garden that is available as well as Paw’s Place for Fido..P1190141

 

  1.  New Rochelle has great restaurants also.  Our downtown offers so many different ethnic restaurants… a treat for all

 

Government:   City of New Rochelle  –  Our Community

Parks & Recreation        Dog Licenses     Application Form    Permits & Licenses

Tax Grievances –  June  1st each year to the third Tuesday..

STAR Program  May 1st of each year.

Mortgage Brokers: 

    • Patricia Madison  NMLS#162252  917-559-3659 (Cell, Office  914-500-6099 Ext. 35468
    • PMadison@ThoroughbredMortgage.com
    • Website: www.applywithPMadison.com
  •        Luxury Mortgage, NMLS# 309326 914-298-3217 Phone, Cell – 914 – 413-6782
  •       Pat Ciulla – Wells Fargo – 914-774-2010 Cel

NEW Rochelle is GREAT!

 

 

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412 Munro Avenue, 10543 – 2 Bedroom , 1 Bath Coop with views of the L.I. Sound.

Stylish 2 bedroom, one bath 1020 sq. ft. coop is close to the trains, stores, harbor & schools. Located in a charming, well maintained Art
Deco building, this corner apartment offers a spacious entrance foyer, a sunny
living room with French doors leading to the 2 bedrooms, a new hall bathroom, and there is a  great walk-in closet! The nicely sized eat-in kitchen is warm, appealing, with
stainless steel appliances. Close to the harbor, trains, schools. With the STAR rebate
maintenance. approx.  would be $88 less a month.  Being offered at $235,000. What are you waiting for?

Mamaroneck is GREAT!

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Learn NEW Technology -CRS #206 – L.I. Board of Realtors May 8th & 9th, 2014

CRSAs a Certified Residential Specialist, I would always like to learn new technology to both help and advance myself in the real estate market, and to set myself apart from other Realtors.

Today’s internet-enabled real estate market requires sales agents to work faster and be more responsive than ever before. The ability to quickly access and exchange information – anywhere, anytime – can be the difference between making and breaking a transaction. The Technologies to Advance Your Business course guides students through a process for analyzing the technology needs of their business. Course topics focus on using technology tools that enable sales agents to become more productive, increase their profits, and differentiate themselves in the marketplace. This course combines targeted discussion topics, technology demonstrations, and engaging activities to prepare students to select the right technology tools and systems to advance their business.

James Nellis will be sharing the tools and resources that have been instrumental in the success of The Nellis Group to all Realtors on May 8th and 9th at the CRS 206 Class at the Long Island Board of Realtors. Classes fill early… so ensure a spot, please contact:

Date/time: May 8-9, 2014, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: LIBOR REALTOR Service Center, 100 Crossways Park Drive West, Woodbury, NY, 11797
CE Credit: 15 hours
Cost: Non-members – $329; non-designated REALTORS – $299 ($30 savings); CRS designess – $229 ($70 savings); CRS Chapter member designees – $199 ($100 savings)

Call NYSAR at 800-239-4432 x 219 to register today – space is limited and seats will sell out quickly!

 

 

 

 

Classes fill early, and so it is imperative that you register as soon as possible

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First Westchester Comedy Festival & Competition April 6-11, 2014

wcf flyer 4Commencing on April 6th, at Alvin & Friends,  there will be the first ever Westchester Comedy Festival and Competition.

April 7th – Sam’s of Gedney Way

April 8th – Maggie Spillane’s Ale House in Mount Vernon

April 9th – Ossie Davis Theatre – New Rochelle

April 10th – Workshops -Roosevelt Square Building, Mount Vernon, N.Y.

April 11th – Roosevelt Grand Ballroom, Yonkers New York.

The entertainment will start at 8 p.m. – advance fees are $15 and $20 at the door..      Click on the following link for more information and please note how this event will be helping  worthwhile charities..  Westchester Comedy

Westchester is GREAT!

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Last Day for Restaurant Week! New Rochelle

DSC03337New Rochelle is GREAT!   Hosted by  New Rochelle BID  has organized for our dining pleasure the opportunity to have a three course meal at many local and wonderful restaurants…  for only $26  http://www.newrochelledowntown.com/ 

See you there!

New Rochelle is GREAT!

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