126 N Ocean Blvd # B, Delray Beach, FL | Powered by Postlets

Delray Beach is a GREAT town! I have owned four weeks for years and love it!
126 N Ocean Blvd # B, Delray Beach, FL Powered by Postlets

Looking for Hudson River Views?

I just previewed this AMAZING Montana log home that sites high above the Hudson River. I love this home and location to Metro North trains, walkway over the Hudson, village of New Paltz, and so much more! Here is what the listing agent has to say…

Elegant and sophisticated one of a kind Montana Log built home. Enjoy nature at it's finest with 5 secluded acres yet just 1.5 hours from NYC. Gorgeous Hudson River and Berkshire views from your very own balcony off Master Suite! Take a dip in the inground pool or relax in your very own Suana. Soaring cathedral Ceiling with massive stone fireplace for those cold winter nights. Everything you are dreaming of and so much more....

Here is the full listing...

http://ulster.paragonrels.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=74ae327d-2462-4443-a4b2-a92331242db9&Report=Yes

Give me a call today and I can make sure to get you in to see this before it's GONE!!!

126 N Ocean Blvd # B, Delray Beach, FL | Powered by Postlets

126 N Ocean Blvd # B, Delray Beach, FL Powered by Postlets

A classic historic Victorian!

My latest listing is an elegant Victorian home on the "National Register of Historic Places".  The home is almost 6,000 square feet AND has a separate two bedroom downstairs apartment, (for added income).  Here is the full listing...

http://ulster.paragonrels.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=89bff569-c406-419e-bcfa-29bcc2ab9175&Report=Yes

This is the "Chichester House" and has a rich history.

The home is walking distance to so much of Kingston's nightlife, Farmer's market, and busy community.

Here is a recent NY Times story about Kingston's new "scene"...

http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/10/09/travel/kingston-ny-a-rest-stop-in-the-hudson-valley.html

What's shakin and sellin this week?

I just like to keep track of what sells right now in this market.  It's good to let clients know how many days a property is on the market before it sells, what it's original price was, and most important what it sold for.  Here are this week's numbers...

http://ulster.paragonrels.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=54d2bd91-d3ec-4449-806e-d4503c1424d2&Report=Yes

This is one of my properties I think is one of the best priced homes on the market right now!  It's in the Town of Ulster just outside the village of Rosendale.  Rosendale is a hip art community a lot like Woodstock, but at an affordable price. 

http://ulster.paragonrels.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=d78df56b-fc9d-4d6b-aa45-8f311b6e361f&Report=Yes

Here is what the NY Times has to say about Rosendale...

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/25/nyregion/25rosendale.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

New York Magazine has this to say...

http://nymag.com/guides/summer/2009/57481/

If you are looking for anything else in today's market, my website has the entire MLS of properties on the market right now...

www.upstatenydreamhome.com

Calling Saratoga fans

and investors!  I have two really great properties on the market right now in Saratoga Springs, NY. 

I enjoy Thoroughbred racing and follow horses and trainers all year long.  Saratoga Racetrack is America's oldest sports venue and the "best six weeks of Summer" in August.  Being a racing fan, I like to be as close to the "action" as possible and always stay at a motel that is right across the street from the backstretch.  I like get up really early morning and watch trainer's morning workouts while the Daily Racing form broadcasts the "morning line' across the street from the motel. 

After the races I leave the track and head across the street from the motel to the Horseshoe Inn for the all night party with racing fans.

The owners of the motel have run the very successful motel for many years, but are now ready to leave it and pursue their true careers.  They are both very famous Opera singers and it is time for them to focus on Opera once again.

Here is the full listing.  It's really an investor's smartest dream to find a property this close to the most famous racetrack in the world...

http://ulster.paragonrels.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=3f4d3438-e4c9-40a6-a7da-fda026156b7b&Report=Yes

The couple also owns a gallery space with stores and two apartments in Saratoga's hip and trendy art neighborhood.  This is a historic corner building that will definitely be a smart investment.  Here is that listing...

http://ulster.paragonrels.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=76f5283b-91e6-40bf-8b42-8393972dabcd&Report=Yes

Sooooooooooo much happening around this weekend!

There really is just so much going on all weekend, and I am trying to take a break from Hudson valley Real estate to take part in some of it all!  Last night kicked off the O positive festival.  Kingston has really wild art all over the city, and great bands are playing all over midtown.  It's a really cool event where artists perform and create for free heath care, (what a concept)!  You can read all about it and see some of the amazing bands here on their site...

http://opositivefestival.org/art-music-wellness/

Fresh off the stage from opening last weekend's B-52's concert in town, The Lady Esther Gin kicked things off in the parade last night on her giant toy horse!

This article was just in the New York Times all about Kingston's scene...

http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/10/09/travel/kingston-ny-a-rest-stop-in-the-hudson-valley.html?src=tp&smid=fb-share

Sunday in Rosendale, (the REAL Woodstock town) is a Brasil festival and parade...

http://dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/10/08/entertainment/doc4e8f16921410b127562484.txt

&

http://www.chronogram.com/issue/2011/10/Arts+%26+Culture/Brazil-Fest-at-the-Rosendale-Theater

Of course, the real estate market is full of amazing places to live here in the Hudson Valley!  Please, let me show you some of the coolest places to live in the area!



A sweet AFFORDABLE listing...

An agent in our Kingston office has a house that I really love here in a very nice Kingston neighborhood.  It's a perfect first time home for someone looking for affordable value!  Here is the full listing...

http://ulster.fnismls.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=6dc5b049-cac2-472a-9123-625e18ccd4bc&Report=Yes

It's really close to EVERYTHING here in the city of Kingston which is a great way to enjoy Hudson Valley living with the convenience of a city!  Just let me know if you want to see it and I can schedule a showing for you!  many thanks!

My Hudson Valley disaster report...

The headlines on Kingston's local paper this morning said in bold print..."DEVASTATION".  As I carried buckets of water to the house this morning after three days of no power, I started to think of how well I have things right now. 

Coldwell Banker Village Green had five offices here in the Hudson Valley.  One of the five was in Windham and that town has been "wiped out" according to the papers.  Our broker has lost one of the most productive offices she owns...for now, (Joan is a fighter and will get things back soon).

Here is the Windham flood Story...

http://dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/08/28/news/doc4e5aefbdbf82e061884086.txt

I live in a 127 year old house on the Hudson River and before the storm I watched huge yachts going up river to escape.  The morning after the storm I saw some return and other boats upside down tied to floating away docks.

Hurricane Irene arrived in the middle of some very challenging negations and stress for me.  Driving around the area really is one of those horrible things that makes us step back and see how much there is to be grateful for.

I am still without power, but come into the Kingston office to contact clients, check the news, and share stories with co workers who are also without power and have stories of their own.  I had some high water in the basement and it really drained back out fast. 

Back to Hudson Valley Real Estate...

I have clients who want to look at homes the next few days and I am calling to see if the properties are still able to be accessed.

Happy to be alive!

(pict from my cell after the storm passed)

What does a million dollars buy in the Hudson Valley?

I sometimes hear people who live in the Hudson Valley say, "I could get a million dollars for my home,  I have a view"!  Right away I wonder, "do they have privacy?  what is the view of?  what makes your home so special"?  It's one of the toughest challenges for me in today's market.  I understand the EMOTIONAL value of a home for someone, but in this tough market savvy buyers know exactly what they are looking for and what they are willing to pay for it.

I did a search this morning on the MLS to see exactly what sort of single family residential properties have sold for a million dollars or more.  Here are the thirteen sold properties in the past year...

http://ulster.fnismls.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=b32a11e3-1635-41b5-aa1b-3ba3fabe7e71&Report=Yes

The least amount of land on a property was 4 acres, (with Hudson River views).  The earliest year built was 1739, and newest was 2002.

Today's current market has 60 properties on the maket over one million dollars.  Here they are...

http://ulster.fnismls.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=10beb349-4e76-4d20-87ec-c49839e1b1a9&Report=Yes

I really am glad I looked all this up for the next time I have a buyer looking for luxury Hudson Valley Real Estate or am at a party and hear someone say, "I can get a million bucks for my house right now"!

Check out this AMAZING Hudson Valley home...

This beautiful home in Rosendale is now on the market!  The feedback on the property has been STELLAR and it won't sit on this market long!

http://animoto.com/play/xMucdz055HgWcNXVN9s6yw

Check out thise latest postcard...

The hottest new property in Hudson Valley Real Estate!
Thought You'd be Interested

Check out my latest sweet listing...

Thought You'd be Interested

Freshy fresh summer!

I am really getting into a routine this busy summer with my food hauls.  On Thursday or Friday I beat the crowd and get to Fleisher's for the weekend meat supply.  It's really such an amazing place and converted me after 16 year of being a vegetarian to now being a meat snob.  Martha even did a big episode there and the owner Josh showed her how to butcher a pig!

http://www.fleishers.com/

Saturday Kingston has one of the BEST farmer's markets in the Hudson Valley!  So much to offer on just one of the most beautiful blocks in the area...

http://www.kingstonfarmersmarket.org/

I try to not cook so much in the kitchen and either grill everything or eat at my fave local place Riccardi's hideaway.  Great food and people watching, Riccardis can often be dinner AND a show that reminds me of The Bronx 1940s...(complete with a NY Yankees crowd)!

http://riccardishideaway.com/

I've been SLAMMED this year with clients who want Hudson Valley real Estate, and it's easy to see why!  This is a great new property I have that is walking distance to the farmer's market...

http://animoto.com/play/ihWg9bWmrWc1ov4AHfqVww



This year's market vs. last years (I knew I felt busy)!

I just did a search on the MLS on single family homes that have sold from January 1st to today, (July 6th).  I checked these stats because I wanted to see if there was a reason I feel so much more busy this year.  Interesting GOOD news heading in the right direction...

Last year...

429 single family homes sold.

Highest sold price $3,250,000.

Lowest sold price $17,000.00

Median sold priced $195,000.

Average days on the market 158 days

This year...(the better news)

572 single family homes sold!

Highest sold price $2.150,000.

Lowest sold price $20,000.

Median sold price $215,000.

Average days on the market this year, 140 days!

Well, it may not be the strongest comeback, but I love the direction things are heading...

UP!

A Catskill getaway home on an acre and a half for UNDER 200K?

Yes, it also does have it's own stream at the end of the 1.3 acres!  This is a really great home on a quiet upstate, NY street.  If you like to ski, it's also right at the base of Hunter Mountain!  It has one of the most beautiful stone fireplaces to warm up after hitting the slopes!  It's a lot of space with over 1,800 square feet and priced at $199,000!  If you are looking for value in a home, this is the perfect place to raise a family or have a weekend getaway.  There is also a stone patio for weekend barbecue parties!  Check out the virtual tour...

http://animoto.com/play/AXl6B6jeQlwJJTRQ4QFP4w

Give me a call or see the entire MLS on my website

http://www.upstatenydreamhome.com/

Looking for Catskill views?

An agent in our Stone Ridge office just got a listing I promised her I would share with everyone.  Here is her description and it's no exaggeration!  This is Hudson Valley living at it's finest!

Canadian Cedar Log home, with stunning Mohonk and Berkshire views, very close to Catskill State Park land. Travel the half mile gravel road to find your private sanctuary. Step inside and you'll find a custom kitchen with granite counter tops and top of the line appliances: Bosch, Sub-Zero, Frankel &

Thermodor. Entertaining is a breeze in this open floor plan. Step down into the family room, well lit by the antique wagon wheel suspended from the cathedral 16 foot ceiling. A massive stone fire place to warm you while reading in a cozy corner of the room.At the other end of the home is a generous master suite with jacuzzi tub and walk-in closets. Two loft style bedrooms with lots of built ins and plenty of room for storage. Need to tele commute? Not a problem, just upstairs off the kitchen could be your home office. A guest suite and a wine tasting room and carpeted 2 car garage complete this package. You will find this home to be the perfect weekend getaway or full time residence.

Property is also host to a separate 2 car garage/workshop/studio; equipped with electric and heat. Generator room and RV hook ups. There are 3 private residences on the private road, road maintenance is shared by all. There is an additional 3 acre parcel available, to insure complete privacy. Guest suite on lower level has full bath and private patio. Lots of walking trails to enjoy the Mt.Laurel!

Here is the complete listing...
http://ulster.fnismls.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=530181f3-32a3-4214-8c9b-7befaded795d&Report=Yes



Check out my latest postcard

This really is the best in Hudson Valley easy living...
Thought You'd be Interested

The I-phone versus Droid...(who's team are you on)?

I bought my Palm Pre the DAY it hit the market.  At the time, it was the first phone to be able to multi-task. Being the A.D.D. poster child, this feature made it perfect for ME!  It seemed like minutes before this smart phone was already an ancient toy and I was miserable with my once coolest toy on the block! 

I really just want to hear from people about what kind of phone you own and why you like it.  More importantly, I need to hear ANYTHING you may not like about the phone.  NO smart phone is perfect, so really try and come up with SOMETHING you may not be completely happy with about your phone. 

Selling Hudson Valley Real Estate I really need my phone to make my life easier.  I have taken plenty of classes on the real estate features the I-phone carries apps that really are sweet!  The I-phone may be super smart, hip, trendy, but that Droid green dude is WAY cooler than an Apple icon!

So, if you can, PLEASE help by sending me your two cents on why you like and don't like your smart phone!  Many thanks!

Is the "American Dream of home ownersip" a cliche' or real?

As a Realtor, I still feel in this hard economy and a media that just seems to keep delivering bad news about the market, I have still been lucky to be there for buyer clients who have met their own "American Dream".  Even after the government's first time home buyer program, I still am seeing first time home buyers finding the "dream home".  I am always so grateful and excited to be the person chosen by clients to take part in such a very special step in someones life.  The excitement of buying a home is always big, but there still is something almost spiritual for me when I am the vehicle for the first time home buyer clients.  Yes, being a Realtor often feels like a stressful job and sometimes I wonder why I have chosen this path.  An easy answer for that is knowing there are people who will always know their "first home".  I take great pride in being part of "the American Dream" for buyers.  Yes, this market is tough and has more restrictions for buyers.  It is also a market flooded with properties priced better than it's been for many buyers.  I am having a very busy Spring with buyer clients right now, but I also look at the prices on amazing homes right now and think, "I should be even MORE busy than I am"!  The banks are being more strict with who they are giving loans to today, but that is also protecting my clients from buying something they may not be able to manage and enjoy.

The American Dream today of home ownership is still very much alive, and I am loving being part of it for clients!

Ok, now for the cheesy chiche' photo...

What has the Hudson Valley Real Estate market been doing?

Spring is always a busy time for agents in the Hudson Valley.  A lot of city visitors are coming up for a weekend and want to find the perfect Woodstock or Hudson River properties for that second home escape.  I have felt extra busy this year than in past Springs and am hearing the same feedback from other agents in my company.  I just checked to see if more properties are being sold this year compared to last, and wanted to share that...

From January 1st 2010 to May 26th 2010 there were 397 residential properties sold.  From January 1st this year until today, (May 26th) there have only been 317 properties sold.

The median price last year was $214,000 and this year it's $193,267.

The highest price last year for a sold was $2,150,000 and this year it's $3,250,000.

Average days on the market last year was 151 days and this year it's 163 days.

Looking for your Hudson Valley property?  The market is busy, and prices are really sweet right now!

You can look through the entire MLS on my website...

http://upstatenydreamhome.com/

This morning, I could see from my porch a whole new day...

A MASSIVE neighborhood yard sale AND an open house?

Yep!  The Deer Run development is a really great neighborhood near my home.  They have  HUGE annual neighborhood yard sale, and it's always the best time!  Where else can you go see MANY yard sales all in walking distance from each other?  Here is the Craig's List post about it...

http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/eve/2355813728.html
The Ameribag company is also having their annual warehouse sale a block away from Deer Run.  It's a really awesome sale, and always a huge hit!
http://www.ameribag.com/

Cashing in on this event, (pun intended) I am planning on hosting an open house at one of my listings that I have right in Deer Run. 

It's a great place in the perfect neighborhood...

http://animoto.com/play/cqEyS9tHTVk3GsW2EbDzxw

So, come on by, say "hi" and shop!!
See what Hudson Valley living can be like when you own Hudson Valley Real Estate!

Psssssssst...wanna buy a church?

One of my fellow agents in the company has a listing I really LOVE!  It's an old church that has been restored and has so many ways it could be used, (church, restaurant, nightclub).  I have been to this church for many broker's events and I always have such a great time being there.  I have even been able to ring the church bell!  Hudson valley Real estate has so much to offer and this church is just one more diverse options for living here!
http://ulster.fnismls.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=e311c7eb-0210-4053-b487-440f7e675ae1&Report=Yes
&
http://www.upstatenydreamhome.com/Web/AR297973/ListingSearch/results/

Coming to the catskills for the weekend?

If you are coming to the Hudson Valley/Catskills this summer for a weekend and decide you love it here, (like I did 20 years ago), why not buy here?  There are so many really great places with views, privacy, or in a really hip community and town.  Here is one of my properties in Hunter, NY.  It's a really sweet house with a huge backyard and your own stream at the end of the property!  The fireplace is super and perfect if you like to ski in the winter, (the house is very close to Hunter mountain ski slopes)!  Come to the Hudson Valley...you will love it here!
http://youtu.be/HL6_Lb2x0SU
Check out Ulster Countie's site...
http://www.ulstercountyalive.com/

My latest listing

This is the virtual tour for my new listing. It's a Townhouse in deer Run. I live near there and LOVE the area...you will too!
Presenting 3 Deer Run Road

What happened this week in Hudson Valley Real Estate?

I have been really trying to be a regular blogger.  Spring has brought be a lot of new clients and buyers seem to raining down with the Spring rains!  Sometimes, I just get so nuts, I have a hard time thinking of something to blog about.
One quick and easy thing to blog about is what has sold and been listed this past week on the Ulster County MLS. 
So, this week, there was 11 properties sold.  The highest list price was $410,000 and the lowest was $89,900.  The median list price was $195,000 and actual sold price was $165,000.
Here they are...
This week's solds...
Things are moving...are YOU?
Dawn on the Hudson...

"so, is your comission negotiable"?

The answer to that is easy...NO.  There are so many reasons I don't like to (and never will) negotiate commission to sell a house.  Most people don't know I will spend most of my own money marketing the seller's property and making sure it gets seen by as many people as possible.  Postcards, newspaper ads, and my own website (www.upstatenydreamhome.com) cost me to use.  I don't mind spending the money on clients, because I know to sell the home takes more time then just plopping down a sign in the front yard and walking away.
I would also think sellers would want an strong agent that is willing to WORK for the amount he agrees on and not negotiate the asking price on a house like he may negotiate his own commission!
Another thing the public may not be aware of...
The percent of the commission in the listing price is usually spit a few ways between the buyer's agent, selling agent, AND those agent's brokers.
Here is a great blog from my Broker about things like commission...
http://villagegreenrealty.wordpress.com/2011/04/20/commission-escrow-filed-in-ulster-county-new-york/
I KNOW I work hard for all my clients and earn every cent of my commission! 

Psssssssssst...did you see this really funny commercial?

I love our latest commercial!
http://youtu.be/8F-TneYO6zE
Coldwell Banker really is the BESTfor Real Estate!

So...you want some stats on the Hudson Valley real estate market?

For some reason, I blogged about this the other day and now I don't see it on my page, (tech glitch). 
I really have had the feeling I am way more busy this year than the same time last year and so I went on the MLS to check.  Sure enough, the local market in the Hudson Valley IS moving more than last year!  Different types of properties are moving, (higher end listings).
Here is what my Broker Joan Lonergan has to say, (after all she is running the NUMBER ONE Real Estate agency right now)!
http://villagegreenrealty.wordpress.com/2011/04/10/hudson-valley-ny-high-end-market-trends-are-up/
Now all amazing properties out there have to be "high end"...This great Hudsov Valley home just came on TODAY, and I love it!
http://ulster.fnismls.com/publink/default.aspx?GUID=a4e57ce2-2ca9-46ab-a49f-ddc42f545e10&Report=Yes
Now is the time...please give me a call.  Many thanks, and hope all is well!

Looking for Hudson Valley Real Estate?

With interest rates creeping up, NOW is the time to buy!  Sometimes I wonder, "do people just need to buy when things are EXPENSIVE"?  You can see them entire MLS of properties for sale in the Hudson Valley, on my website...
http://www.upstatenydreamhome.com/
Many thanks, and hope all is well!

Shuffle off to Rochester!

I am taking a break from Hudson Valley Real Estate to go back to my hometown of Rochester, NY this weekend.  It's my awesome nephew's 10th birthday!  Corbin Spencer Hurley, (such a weatherman's name) is finally 10 years old!  That went fast!
Rochester is such a great city with tons of history and I always love going back to visit!  Here is the city's link...http://www.visitrochester.com/
Growing up there I never really knew what a cool city it was until I left in 1985. 
I'll be back Monday with lots of pictures!

Do you know about Stone Ridge?

Most people who are not from the area and are looking for Hudson Valley Real Estate start their search in Woodstock because of it's famous name.  There are so many different towns and hamlets here in the Hudson Valley, and each has a unique style and community that is all so different from other towns.  One area I love to show clients is Stone Ridge and High Falls.  Both are very close to New York City and offer the perfect weekend getaway! 
Here are some of the properties offered in the Stone Ridge market...
http://www.villagegreenrealty.com/stone-ridge.php
This Sunday April 3rd, there is a Stone Ridge open house event.  It's going to be a great way to see some of the great homes on the market right now!  Please stop by one of these houses, or call me for a showing if you can't get out Sunday...

Thinking SPRING!

This is my latest mailing for Hudson Valley Real Estate... Thought You'd be Interested

Look what I got over the winter!

I have just been awarded the "Accredited Buyer's Representation" (ABR) designation!  What is the ABR?  The ABR designation shows that I have studied and passed the exams for representing buyers, as well as acted as a buyers agent in several transaction, (saving my buyer clients THOUSANDS on their home purchases)!
You can read all about this designation and it's benefit for buyers, here on their website...
http://rebac.net/benefits_for_homebuyers.cfm
So please let me know if you are thinking of buying a home, and I can start working for you to find your home!
This is the best time for Hudson Valley Real Estate, and I am thee agent that makes things happen for clients!
One more thing about having a "buyer's agent"...the SELLER pays the buyer's agent my commission!
Many thanks, and hope all is well!

From Kingston to Rio...

When winter comes, Hudson Valley real estate slows down in most areas, (unless it's a ski town). This is the time I take my vacation and come to Rio. I've been coming here for ten years now and seen so many safe changes. This city reminds me of what happened to NYC during Giuliani’s mayor ship, (it's really getting a new face). I usually spend about two months here and come for carnaval. I parade and compete on one of the two main days with the samba school, (team) Vila Isabel. The competition is very tough and groups are judged on MANY different categories. There are 12 groups that compete and the group I parade with is a smaller group of 3,800, (250 of which are drums)! In 2006 I paraded with them and we won by 1/10th of a point!


I have been here a few weeks now and even though Carnaval is a month away, I have had three big rehearsals. The supermodel Giselle is going to be parading with us this year and many famous Brasilian actors!

Real Estate in this city has also been really exploding since the announcement of the World Cup and Olympics coming here. I have a very good friend here who used to work on the beach selling chairs, umbrellas, and beer. He was a real surfer dude living the beach life. He is now a Realtor like me. Here is an article about Rio's real estate and how well it's doing...

http://riotimesonline.com/brazil-news/rio-real-estate/rio-real-estate-shielded-from-burst/
Another reason for the prices here being so high, is that most of the buildings are already built and there is no more room really for much more.

It's a great city, and I have tons of amazing friends here. I'm so happy for them all right now, (while they feel bad for my country's economy)!

Here is part of my group’s drums...