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!

Yes, Realtor ads are the MOSY CHEESEY!

Being in a business where I always have to do advertisement can be a challenge.  I have sent out postcards years ago when I started doing Real Estate that I look at now and cringe.  My manager has one up in her office of a "just sold" card I sent out when I sold an OLD dentist office in Saugerties to a first time homeowner, (she has since turned it in to a beautiful village home).  "If I just sold THIS, I am ready for ANY challenge"...(brutal).

Having to come up with new and interesting descriptions of properties are another hurdle.  It really does seem sometimes like every adjective you use on a property can sometimes not actually sound human...(who talks like us Realtors)?

Then there are the head shots.  No matter how great a head shot, I always think "that is NOT me"!

Ellen DeGeneres just did a pretty funny spot-on bit on Realtor ads that is pretty hysterical!  Watch this clip and the CALL ME TODAY to help you with you Hudson Valley Real Estate needs!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-H3kD3vLks

 

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

 

Two REALLY sweet AFFORDABLE properties!

The Ulster County market has so much great value right now, and things are FINALLY starting to sell!  I wanted to get the word out about two of the best priced homes listed right now, (both $140K)!

397 Joys Lane in Hurley is a well maintained and cared for brick home set back on a beautiful country road.  It's a small home, and the perfect spot for someone looking for a "close to everything" weekend place in Ulster County, without a second time job fixing something.  Take a look!

http://www.upstatenydreamhome.com/Web/AR297973/ListingSearch/details/?mls_id=NY-UCMLS&mls_no=20123517&display_page=1&lpp=6&index=1&total_listings=1&from=results

12 Delta Place in uptown Kingston is a very large FOUR bedroom home on a double city lot!  You can't find a place this large and is such great condition anyplace in Kingston!  In a terrific "walkable" (and desirable) neighborhoods, with hardwood moldings, stained glass windows, LARGE front porch, and an even bigger back deck that is perfect for entertaining!  Take a look!

http://www.upstatenydreamhome.com/Web/AR297973/ListingSearch/details/?secure=0&mls_id=NY-UCMLS&mls_no=20123010&display_page=1&lpp=6&index=1&total_listings=1&from=results&IDXSESS=jsii8027vqj45qatd3rofgog56&__utmc=31065467&__utma=31065467.1857371326.1338542663.1345808401.1346339692.56&__utmz=31065467.1345370489.53.14.utmcsr%3Dt.co%7Cutmccn%3D%28referral%29%7Cutmcmd%3Dreferral%7Cutmcct%3D%2FbBEJaxQh&__utmb=31065467.7.10.1346339692

 

Life on the Hudson River

I live on the Hudson River and there really is no other place in the Hudson Valley I would live.  It's a lifestyle that each day brings something better all seasons.
There really is not as much property on the river as people think when they ask me to find them a "river house".
An agent in my office has this great property in Saugerties and I wanted to help him let friends and clients know about it.  Just let me know if you think this may be something you want to see, and I'll make sure to get you in to preview this.  Many thanks, and hope all is well.
http://www.upstatenydreamhome.com/Web/AR297973/ListingSearch/details/?mls_id=NY-UCMLS&mls_no=20121361&display_page=1&lpp=6&index=1&total_listings=1&from=results

Upstate New York Real Estate

"Rollin on the river"...or "comin down the mountain"

One of the greatest things about life in the Hudson Valley is all the great music festivals that happen all summer long!  We have always been known for a music scene because of Woodstock and Bethel Woods.  Woodstock these days doesn't have the strong music scene it once did and the weekend crowd that goes to Woodstock, all seems to be there to just SHOP!  People who come to buy property in Woodstock all seem to ask me where the best places to go for music are.  Depending on what shows are around or who is playing, sometimes things in Woodstock can really give people a let down impression, (good thing the homes there are still so GREAT)!

The Clearwater Festival is a really cool weekend music event that came from Pete Seiger's mission of cleaning up the Hudson River.  As a home owner on the Hudson, I am always grateful for all the years of work put in, (to this day) by Pete.  Pete Seiger is to the Hudson Valley what Bruce Springstein is to New Jersey!  The music festival is always full of amazing bands and also just alongside the Hudson River!  Read more about it all here...

http://www.clearwater.org/festival

Looking for more?

Woodstock radio station WDST www.wdst.com puts on "Mountain Jam" this weekend!  It's always such a popular event and has a vibe similar to a smaller version of THE Woodstock concert years ago.  You can get a one day pass or a camping pass and enjoy four days of music!  This year will probably be extra special because of the passing of Levon Helm and all the incredible tributes expected!

http://mountainjam.com/

One of my favorite "luxury" Properties...

An agent from my office has one of my favorite properties on the market right now.  I was at this home yesterday and it really felt like I was on vacation at a French Provincial farmhouse.  It's on over 50 acres and really feels remote and private, yet is still a short drive to the Metro North train station and a little over an hour from Manhattan!  It feels like such a vacation home that I suggested the agent post it on Craig's List as a weekly rental.  I also suggested she hire a professional photographer and get better pictures because I think the ones on the listing don't do justice to such a unique home.  There is even a large studio on the property for (lucky) house guests!  Let me know if you would like to preview this home.  If you are looking for country luxury property, this is it!

http://webhosts.ihouseelite.com/Web/AR297973/ListingSearch/details/?mls_id=NY-UCMLS&mls_no=20114965&display_page=1&lpp=6&index=1&total_listings=1&from=results

(okay, this picture is this morning's sunrise from my home, but as I'm blogging this was happening and I had to share)...

What are "buyer's agents" and "seller's agents"?

I am always telling people I know that they should never drive by a house they like and call the number on the lawn sign, (unless it's my listing...lol)! 

The person on the sign is almost ALWAYS representing the seller to get the highest price for the seller.  When someone is buying a home they should always hire a "buyer's agent" to represent them and get the best possible price for them.  This means the "buyers agent" will negotiate for them, know the current market, and really try to save the buyer (sometimes thousands) dollars. 

The best part about having your own "buyer's agent" is the seller of the home usually has to pay the "buyer's agent's" commission!  It's really like hiring an expert to work for you for FREE!

I hold an ABR designation to represent buyers and really love working for them!  Here is the website for the ABR information...

http://rebac.net/index.cfm

The rich history in Ulster County Real Estate

Ten years ago when I was searching for that perfect piece of Hudson Valley Real Estate, I was fortunate to find an old farmhouse on the Hudson River.  The house I have been loving living in all this time has a really great Hudson Valley history. 

Kingston at one time about 100 years ago was home to many brick companies along the river.  The bricks were built here and taken by barge to Manhattan to help build the city.  The house I live in belonged to the Goldrick family which was also on the site of the Goldrick brick company.  The longer I have lived here, the more incredible things I learn about Goldrick bricks, (they built the original Yankee Stadium that was just taken down)!

http://www.nytstore.com/Authentic-1923-Goldrick-Brick-From-Yankee-Stadium_p_7452.html

On May 12th my home is going to be on the Saugerties historic home tour!  I live in the Town of Ulster, but my home is considered the "Flatbush" part of Saugerties.  Saugerties was just featured in Hudson Valley Magazine as  one of the "7 top towns" in the Hudson Valley!  Ulster County Real Estate in Saugerties is a very smart buy right now!

http://www.hvmag.com/Hudson-Valley-Magazine/April-2012/7-Top-Towns-Best-Places-to-Live-in-the-Hudson-Valley-in-2012/

Here is the information about the Historic Saugerties Tour...

http://village.saugerties.ny.us/content/Calendars/View/1/2012/5;/content/CalendarEntries/View/2345

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

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"!

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



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!