A thermo efficiency audit can help identify where your Westchester home is losing heat to the environment. It enables you to identify and address insulation issues so you can keep your home warmer and spend less energy. Take a look at this video where can see the opportunity areas in this Westchester Home. Mark's Home Inspections Thermo Efficiency Audit Video - Westchester NY j 10/09/2011

Fine Italian Cooking right here in Briarcliff NY 10510 - The Tuscan Grille I'd like to introduce to you to my friend Tana McGuire, the owner of the Tuscan Grille in Briarcliff NY.  Tana is a remarkable woman who began as an employee of the previous restaurant, and several years ago when the restaurant was in distress, she and Kim boutght it out and started fresh. Tana is an amazing woman, a true entrepreneur and a real giver to the community.  She runs the regular restaurant, and they cater galas - both on and off premise, she hosts fundraisers and has all sorts of weekly meetings in her facility (including my weekly BNI meetings).  She is creative and pioneering and tries all sorts of events including comedy nights. 70's night, fundraisers, events for local sports team and even feature... 09/29/2011

Milky Way        Earth                                                                                            USA                                                                                         New York                                                                           Westchester                                                                     Briacliff Manor                                          Chilmark                                                The Faranda House Seoul, Korea, to Rego Park, Queens, to Ossining, NY to Briarcliff Ossining to 7 other places in 4 other states to Ossining again to Briarcliff   10 years, 4 kids, one moderately sovent business, a dog, and a million bajillion gajillion dollars in debt later, we still smile.    09/29/2011

BNI (Business Networking International) has been a wonderful source of business for me.  For those of you not yet familiar with BNI, it is a group of complementary (non-competing) businesses that meet weekly to help grow each other's businesses.  My group meets every Thursday in Briarcliff NY 10510 at the Tuscan Grille. We are the largest group in Westchester, and I have to say the most fun, too.  We currently have 46 businesses in many categoies, including Home Improvement (e.g. General Contractor, flooring, plumbing, electrician, landscaper), Home Buying/Seling (e.g. realtor, real estate atty, inspector, mortage officer, title insurance), Professional Services (attorney, tax accountant, bookkeeper, payroll) and many many more.  Our group has been doing well, and you can feel the enegy... 09/28/2011

Last week I wrote a blog post asking if the local media and politicians overdid the warnings about Tropical Storm Irene. My concern was that, in light of the area being relatively spared, future warnings might not be taken as seriously. It turns out that the answer to my question would be "no," as in they didn't overdo it. Much as I disliked the schoolgirl-like giddiness of some of the weather reporters (which is a trend that will probably never go away), the aftermath of the storm has revealed enormous damage right here in our own back yard.  President Obama was just in Paterson, New Jersey, less than an hour from me, because the flooding was so severe.  Power outages in Westchester were significant, and some were without electricity for days.  Westchester also had plenty of flooding, ... 09/06/2011

Are you looking for flooring for your Westchester home in Briarcliff NY 10510? We know there are many choices..and sometimes the process can feel overwhelming. Whether you're looking for hardwood floors, tile, carpet, laminate flooring, or if you just want to refinish your hardwood floors, Floor Coverings International can help make the process fun and simple. We are a shop at home service. Our tagline is "We bring the store your door." This is important because first, you can see the colors in your lighting and color coordinate with paint color, cabinets and furniture. Second, it allows us to provide a true estimate for you. And, third, of course it is more convenient this way. We provide guidance - Which is the best type of flooring for your environment and your budget? We'll help exp... 08/31/2011

Are you looking for flooring for your Westchester home in Briarcliff NY 10510? We know there are many choices..and sometimes the process can feel overwhelming. Whether you're looking for hardwood floors, tile, carpet, laminate flooring, or if you just want to refinish your hardwood floors, Floor Coverings International can help make the process fun and simple. We are a shop at home service. Our tagline is "We bring the store your door." This is important because first, you can see the colors in your lighting and color coordinate with paint color, cabinets and furniture. Second, it allows us to provide a true estimate for you. And, third, of course it is more convenient this way. We provide guidance - Which is the best type of flooring for your environment and your budget? We'll help exp... 08/21/2011

Law Memorial Park in Briarcliff Manor is, to my eyes, one of the most attractive downtown parks of any municipality in Westchester County. It is literally walking distance from downtown (perhaps 2 city blocks) and has the village library, a huge swimming pool, a small wading pool, a huge clubhouse pavilion, clay tennis courts, a pond, tree lined paths, and gorgeous vegetation. Summer days see lots of people swimming and recreating here, walking the paths and relaxing, all in sight of beautiful, massive trees that, if they could talk, tell generations of history. In all it is 7 acres large and not a square foot needs help.  The library was recently enlarged and the whole setting is peaceful, cared for, and uncommonly pretty. It is one of the things that make Briarcliff Manor a special co... 07/30/2011

Last year I did a blog post on the churches in Ossining. Today I'll share some of the very beautiful houses of worship in Briarcliff Manor. This is St Mary's Episcopal Church of Scarborough on Albany Post Road (Route 9) right next to Sleepy Hollow Country Club. I love Gothic stone buildings like this.   This is All Saints Episcopal, also in Scarborough at the Intersection of Scarborough Road and Old Briarcliff Road. This is moments from my home and is another gorgeous stone structure.  This is Scarborough Presbyterian. If you're seeing a "Scarborough" theme here, it is with good reason: Scarborough is one of the older parts of Briarcliff Manor along the Albany Post Road corridor, and this would be the logical place to build a church in the area's earlier days. A quick story about the be... 07/10/2011

This is the market report for Briarcliff Manor, NY for the 2nd quarter of 2011. It covers single family homes in the Briarcliff from April 1, 2011 to June 30, 2011. All data is from the Empire Acess MLS.  In the 2nd quarter  of 2011, Briarcliff Manor had 7 closings at a median sale price of $650,000. In the 2nd quarter  of 2010, Briarcliff had 10 closings at a median sale price of $667,000. Volume is down some from the same period last year, but prices are steady, actually up a tick.   There are 15 homes currently under contract at a median asking price of $824,000. This bodes well for healthy property values going forward in the area.   There are 40 active listings at a median asking price of $997,500. Higher end homes on the price scale are moving slower.  If you are looking in this s... 07/03/2011

6 Dunn Ln Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510 Briarcliff Manor, NY 10591 - 3 Bedroom Ranch Style Home Absolutely move-in condition! Totally renovated Ranch in the Briarcliff School District. Interior Features: Laundry Room, Basement, Pantry, Hardwood Floors, Fireplace, Dining Room, Main Floor Bathroom, Appliances, Forced Air. Exterior Features: Deck/Patio, Landscaping. Community Features: Recreation Facilities Price: $519,500 Type: Single Family Residential for Sale Floors: Single Parking/Garage: 1 Bedrooms: 3 Baths:1 Square Feet: 1614 Year Built: 1952 MLS #: 3107694 www.phyllislerner.com For more information contact: William Raveis Legends Realty Group LLC Phyllis Lerner REALTOR Cell: 914-438-7556 phyllislou@aol.com www.phyllislerner.com Copyright © 2011 Phyllis Lerner. All rights reserved. 05/23/2011

Are you looking for tile flooring and installation for your home in Briarcliff NY? Whether it’s a kitchen floor, bathroom floors and walls, an entry way or mudroom, or even a Kitchen tile backsplash,we can help you at Floor Coverings International. We understand that it can be challenging to find the right type of tile for your floors, walls and backsplashes. What’s the right type of tile – ceramic, porcelain, tumbled natural stone, marble or granite? What’s the best style and color? What types are easiest to clean. Many customers seemed to get overwhelmed when they visit a tile store. Well here’s where we can help. Floor Coverings International makes it simple by “bringing the store to your door.” That way, you can see the samples in your own lighting and color coordinate with your ca... 05/20/2011

At the risk of sounding like a stereotypical 40-something whining about the utility company, I have to ask who is at the wheel of these work crews Con Ed has working in my neighborhood.  Obviously, some digging in the road is required this week, and that means the usual trucks, diversions, and jackhammers. No problem there. I can even deal with the typical sight of 3 guys standing doing absolutely nothing, hands on hips, watching one guy in the hole do whatever the guy in the hole does. What I disliked this go 'round was no flag man. This is a two-way street with one half closed for 30-40 yards. Help us out guys. Pretending the traffic doesn't exist could get you killed or injured, you know? It's more for you than me, and the inevitable lawsuit you'd win won't really compensate for that... 05/14/2011

The other day I happened to find a neat little park. Scarborough Park in Briarcliff Manor sits nestled between the Scarborough Train Station and the Hudson River. Although this park has been around for 97 years it seems to be a little hidden treasure. With views of the Tappan Zee Bridge in the distance, this 6 acre park is popular for fishing. We even saw someone reel in a 20 inch striped bass. The Village is currently pursuing grant funding to further improve and develop the site.   If you would like to find a home in Briarcliff Manor or anywhere else in Westchester County set up a free Listingbook account and search for homes like an agent. 05/04/2011

William Raveis Legends Realty Group, an independent affiliate of the family owned Raveis Real Estate Company, is opening it's newest branch office in Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510. This move will enable the company to serve it's Briarcliff Manor, Ossining and Pleasantville clients more closely. William Raveis Legends Realty Group operates currently two other offices in the area, one at 37 Main Street in Tarrytown NY 10591, and a second one at 358 North Broadway in Sleepy Hollow NY 10591, and anticipates to open its third location at 1197 Pleasantville Road in Briarcliff Manor NY 10510 by the end of the month.     05/04/2011

I thought it might never come after the winter we endured, but Spring has arrived in Westchester County. As always, it is beautiful, with forsythia and cherry blossoms making their debut ahead of many other pieces of God's artistry.  This is Gregory (who has stolen Mom's iPad) and his faithful Max in the shade of the cherry blossoms in our back yard. We have three huge trees that have been there since Mrs Hilpert planted them in the 60's. I think of her, and how much she'd adore seeing my kids underneath them, every spring.  Our neighborhood is known as Chilmark, and was built in the early 1960's. It is very mature now and gorgeous in the spring. Many of my neighbors treat spring flowers the way others do lights at Christmas. I love it.  That's me shooting the picture in the reflection!... 04/30/2011

This is the market report for single family homes sold in the Briarcliff Manor school district for the first quarter of 2011. All information is sourced fom the Empire Access Multiple Listing Service.  In the first quarter of 2011, there were 14 closings with a median sale price of $617,500.  In the first quarter of 2010, there were 9 closings with a median sale price of $625,000.  Things are looking up in Briarcliff. There is almost no difference in median price, but sales volume is up 55%. This is especially pronounced when one considers that 2010 was a stimulus period. There is no tax credit now.  Was there pent up demand? It would appear so. Whatever the reason, I'll take it.  6 homes are currently under contract at a median asking price of $734,500. There are 36 active listings av... 04/02/2011

Are you looking for laminate flooring for your home in Briarcliff NY? We know it can be challenging to figure out which flooring is right for your space and whether a laminate floor is right for you. Which wood species and color will look best? Which ones work with your budget? Who should you have install the laminate floors? What is a floating floor? Well here's where we can help. We make finding laminate flooring simple. We "bring the store to your door." That way, you can see the samples in your own lighting - the way it will look in real life. We'll help you color coordinate with your paint and furniture colors. We'll explain what a floating floor is and, we'll help you figure out whether laminate flooring makes sense for you and your budget. If you want, we can even show you hardwo... 03/14/2011

Bowerman Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning, located in Hartsdale NY 10530, provides several choices in protectants and sealers, for your carpets, area rugs, fabrics, leather and even grout.  Our professional strength protectants are highly effective, extending the amount of time between cleaning significantly.  These high quality products make cleaning up easier by creating a barrier between stains and your carpet, fabric or grout lines.  Whether used in your home or vehicle, our protectants and sealants will make your life a little easier, saving you money in cleaning and replacement costs. Please call us today to learn more about our services.   03/05/2011

Are you looking for carpeting for your home in Briarcliff NY? Whether you're looking for carpeting for your bedroom, living room, family room or basement or even the whole house, we know it can be challenging to find the right carpet. How do you know which type of carpet is best for each setting? Which is right for your home and your budget? Which types are better for steps and high traffic areas? Which colors work best? Which ones last longer and which hide or repel dirt the best? Who should you have install your carpet? There's really a lot to consider and sometimes it gets overwhelming and more confusing when you go to a store. Well here's where we can help. We make finding carpeting simple. We "bring the store to your door." That way, you can see the samples in your own lighting - t... 01/29/2011