And the winner of the 2013 Ulster County Realtor Associate of the year is...

ME!
Way humbled.
After a great record breaking year for me, to win this has blown me away!

I'm on the cover of The Ulster County Chamber of Commerce's mag!

This past Spring when my house was on the Saugerties historic home tour, (I live at one of the Hudson River's brickyards) the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce sent a photographer on the tour.  They asked to take a picture from my gazebo for their business directory and I said, "sure"!  I really thought it was going to be just a small picture, but now when I go inside any local store or business, I see MY HOUSE on the cover of a magazine!  Buying this house ten years ago is what brought me to becoming a Realtor.  My "buyer agent" was so good and really covered so much deatail that it looked like the perfect career choice for me.  That agent, Arielle Curtin, worked for another broker then, but now works with me at Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty!

Here is the directory for Ulster County businesses...

http://www.ulsterchamber.org/guide/

 

My favorite Hudson Valley property right now...

I just previewed this really AMAZING home yesterday and had to get the word out for the listing agent.  This home is on almost 18 private country acres and it feels like you are in your own private park.  The house is surrounded by a small creek, (that never flooded) that winds all around your home with paths alongside and small bridges that go over it.  The inside of the house feels like a warm SOLID home that has a HUGE fireplace so you won't care when the plow guy ever shows up!  I was really surprised to see it priced at only $439,000, (I was guessing much HIGHER)!  I know this won't be on the market long, so call me so I can show it to you!  I told the agent the pictures don't do justice and she should hire a professional to capture all the extras this house has.
http://www.upstatenydreamhome.com/Web/AR297973/ListingSearch/details/?mls_id=NY-UCMLS&mls_no=20124102&display_page=1&lpp=6&index=1&total_listings=1&from=results

 

Hudson Valley happenings this SPRING!

So much going on around here this Spring!  Here is our latest newsletter...

http://conta.cc/H6sOhX

Just let me know if you want to see any of these properties or any on my website...

http://goo.gl/rc4pJ

My fave food and COFFEE!

Hudson valley coffee traders in uptown Kingston is where I spend almost every lunch break during the week.  Besides the most delicious coffee, they also sell really great sandwiches, Paninis, salads, and really something for any lunchtime craving.  The owners and staff are some of the coolest people in town, and can always give out great information for any local things happening you may want to know about.  The gallery space changes and always has a great art show up to enjoy while munching and wiring out!

They also do catering and I have used the for open house events, (guaranteed to bring agents and buyers)!
here is their blog...
http://hudsoncoffeetraders.wordpress.com/

I was on Barbara Corcoran's segment on the TODAY show!!!

Barbara Corcoran contacted me asking to talk about my "this market is a DRAG" open house event I did a last year.  I told her "SURE"!  I am still so blown away by how many people saw it!  Here, see it for yourself, (I come on at about 2:30 in the story)...
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/46769220#46769220
Way cool after just returning from Rio De Janerio...(but that is a whole other blog post soon)!

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

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)