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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/