Many times, would be sellers get a little overwhelmed when preparing their home for sale.. We, as agents, can walk through their home and suggest painting this or that, having wires trimmed here or there, removing clutter, and refinishing those floors.. but when time is an element, it is always nice to know that you have a bevy of professionals that you can call, and who will make things 'work' for your clients and your deadlines. Such was the case this past week. Clients had a room that had paint on the floors that were a few years old..... They asked the painter if he could scrape up the paint but he replied it would still be there, if only fainter....They were then pondering the idea of whether or not to place carpeting over the paint, but that would still leave an ugly unstained tri... 05/11/2012

  New Rochelle is a city of over 77,000 (as per 2010 stats), and growing.... Like any urban city, there are expensive properties, inexpensive properties, and properties priced in between! Having lived in New Rochelle for over 33 years, I am amazed at the ongoing (wonderful) transition of our great city, and I am always enthusiastic about representing any seller who wishes to sell their home here, or for that matter, any buyer who wishes to purchase here. Our school stats speak for themselves - as do our scholastic programs and high school courses. Every child has different needs, and so every potential school district should be interviewed by a new buyer of course, but if you were thinking of purchasing within our fair city, what would you get for $1,050,000? 35 Beachfront Lane, 10805 ... 05/11/2012

I live in New Rochelle, 10804, Westchester... a wonderful city in which to reside.. and I have done so for over 33 years. However, sometimes, I have closings for those Westchester properties in New York City... just 30 minutes away (express train this evening), and throughout the 3 hours that I sat there, I was salivating thinking about the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station! In 1913, the Grand Central Train Station first opened its doors -the same year as the Oyster Bar on a site that had been a run down train depot. Today, Grand Central Station is a vibrant place to visit, enjoy and applaud. In 1913, it was considered an engineering marvel. In 2012, with its food court, the restaurants, the food market, it is still grand... However, the Oyster Bar declined in the ensuing 64 years... ... 05/07/2012

Don't forget the New Rochelle's "Paw for a Heart" Celebration May 17, 2012, from 6:30 -9:30 p.m. to be held at the Pelham Country Club in Pelham Manor, N.Y. You could ask yourself why Pelham if it is the New Rochelle Humane Society? Well, the New Rochelle Humane Society services 17 communities in Westchester County including Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Eastchester, Elmsford, Greenburgh, Harrison, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington, Larchmont, Mamaroneck Village, New Rochelle, Pelham Manor, Rye, Rye Brook, Scarsdale and Tarrytown. 50% of its' funding comes from the animal control services provided to the local towns and villages, and the balance of its much needed revenue is derived from fund-raising activities such as the May 17th celebration. The Human Society, now in its 101st year is... 05/06/2012

  Paine Lake, New Rochelle New Rochelle has a very impressive school system. It is always nice to learn exactly how GREAT it is. The information below is from the New Rochelle High School Profile for the 2011-2012 School Year. From the 2012 Academic Competitions 2 National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists 11 National Merit Scholarship Commended 2 National Achievement Scholarships Semifinalists 3 National Achievement Program Outstanding Participant 1 National Hispanic Recognition Program Finalist 2011 AP SCHOLARS AWARDS Scholars 56 Scholar with Honor 29 Scholar with Distinction 46 National Scholar 8 What can I say? New Rochelle is GREAT 04/21/2012

  A few facts about New Rochelle... Queen of the Sound Many people do not realize just how great a city is until they see some pertinent facts... Did you know that New Rochelle college acceptances for the 2012 Graduation Class include Harvard, Yale, Williams, Dartmouth, Amherst, Columbia, Middlebury, Georgetown, Cornell, Notre Dame, Northwestern, University of Pa? In 2011, New Rochelle sent more students to the Ivy League than any other District in Westchester this year! Did you know that parents from New York City, Greenwich, etc. have been contacting our School Superintendent with regard to possibly paying our school taxes so their children could attend the bi-lingual program at Jefferson? There is both an Italian and Spanish bi-lingual program at that school. and the Superintendent  ... 04/19/2012

I just closed on an adorable Colonial home located at 31 Faneuil Place, New Rochelle. It sold for $455,000 and featured a shared driveway, a 2 car garage, 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a new furnace, updated electrical, new oil tank and was 2224 square feet. We had successfully reduced the taxes last year to now reflect $12,786, and the buyers couldn't wait to get into the house! There is a nice deck in the back and a cute little backyard. A former client had referred the sellers to me so all good!    New Rochelle is GREAT! 04/02/2012

On just reading a post on properties that did not appraise, and the sellers wouldn't budge (much) on price, made me want to share what I have been doing for some time now... I think that we all have an idea whether a property will/will not appraise when we enter into the bidding fray... In best representing my clients, I always include into the bid the simple phrase "Should the property not appraise at full agreed upon sales price then the seller will offset any differential".                                       Hey, the seller is claiming his house is worth so much.. why not sign off on that within a contract... It took my attorney a while to get my point.. He stated that if it shouldn't appraise the buyer can 'walk.' That is true, but at that point, the buyer has invested his emotio... 03/31/2012

I am actually writing this in the perspective of pricing.. I recently was informed of an incident whereby a home owner really wanted one particular company in a certain town.. Okay, GREAT!. He then invited the agent of choice in, and when she had mentioned a lower than desired list price, he then chose another agent from another, smaller company, who listed the home higher. After 2 weeks, they have an accepted offer on that home, and it would seem obvious that the other agent suggested the wrong price (I understand some $150,000 less)... SO, the point I would like to make is that while we should never reproach our fellow associates, nor another company - all companies have much to offer, an individual agent's credentials vary from agent to agent. I know that I offer much more than many ... 03/31/2012

Definitely not an April Fool's joke, this charming Victorian featuring 2.5 new baths, new kitchen with granite counters, new floors in the bedrooms, new siding, new Central Air Conditioning, 538 additional square footage in the enclosed porch and a very deep backyard. Not to mention a recent price reduction all describe - great value!The Victorian home has restored architectural detailing, offers beamed ceilings in the living room and dining room, plus has pocket doors...beautiful touches throughout. Just 35 minutes to New York City, and close to all modes of transportation. Perfect! The public open house will be held on Sunday, April 1st from 12-2 p.m. 119 Ferdinand Place, New Rochelle, 10801. Being Offered at $475,000. New Rochelle is GREAT! 03/31/2012

111 Wildwood  10804, -  Public Open House, Saturday, March 31, 2012 1-3 p.m. For the discerning buyer who likes elegance, good taste, and a one of a kind special home! The only Larchmont Woods Normandy Chateau with a drawbridge and 40' turret. This bespoke home with its Chef's kitchen, polished bluestone slate spiral staircase, limestone floors, mahogany trim, onyx & marble bathroom clearly reflects the designer home-owner's special touches. There is a patio, courtyard & fountain too! Originally built by a big game hunter for his wife in 1926. Yes, you can have it all. Just 35 minutes from New York City. 03/31/2012

Please pop by and view a great Victorian home at 19 Ferdinand Place, New Rochelle 1-3 p.m. today. February 26th, 2012. Two & Half new Baths, office being legalized. NEW Kitchen w granite counters & NEW appliances, newly refinished floors and/or new floors, new windows, newer roof, new siding ,newly landscaped and trees all pruned! Welcome home to this 4 bdroom, Victorian home with wonderful enclosed porch with an additional 538 sq ft. Beautiful restored architectural detailing, beamed Living Room and and DIning Room with a fireplace, pocket doors, nice backyard, and the taxes with STAR are just $7622- LOW!  Easy access to all transportation, and just 35 minutes from New York City. New Rochelle is GREAT! 02/26/2012

Beautiful architectural detailing perfectly describe this restored 4 bedroom Victorian home at 19 Ferdinand Place.  There is  a new Kitchen with granite counters & new appliances  (of course!), newer windows, newer roof, new siding, newly landscaped & trees all pruned! The enclosed porch features an additional 538 square feet, and the pocket doors, beamed ceilings in the Living Room and Dining Room with its fireplace are sure to delight. Two and a half new Baths (being legalized for the buyer!), new floors in all of the bedrooms and office. Nice, deep backyard, and the taxes with the STAR rebate program are just $7622-LOW!  With easy access to all transportation, and just 35 minutes from New York City. There is a public open house on Saturday, February 18th from 1-3 p.m. New Rochelle is... 02/17/2012

Practically every agent has had experience with their clients having older oil tanks, and everyone's approach can be vastly different. I have heard some agents inform their clients to remove the tanks so there are no issues during the negotiation process... I think differently on that subject. I usually advise my clients to wait for the buyer to test the tank (it is their expense), and should it "pass" the test, then there is no need to remove the tank... unless it is negotiated upon. Obviously, if the tank does not pass the inspection process, and it is determined there is a leak, then it is the responsibility of the seller to remove the tank, and remediate. Once a leak has been detected, it is reported immediately, and a spill number is assigned by the EPA (Environmental Protection A... 02/16/2012

The only Larchmont Woods Normandy Chateau with a drawbridge & 40' turret. This bespoke home with its Chef's kitchen, polished bluestone slate spiral staircase, limestone floors, mahogany trim, onyx & marble bathroom clearly reflects the designer home-owner's special touches. There is a patio, courtyard & fountain too! Originally built by a big game hunter for his wife in 1926. Yes, you can have it all. Just 35 minutes from New York City. Being offered at $895,000, 3026 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 Baths (a third is being legalized), and an open house from 1-4 p.m. this Sunday, February 12th. Perfect! New Rochelle is GREAT! 02/11/2012

I was so thankful I had my camera with me the other evening in New Rochelle, within the space of minutes, I was able to capture the changing sunset sky and was so impressed with the colors, I had to share..  Planet Earth -  a natural palette !  Whether you are buying or selling New Rochelle, there is a vast array of colorful and picturesque homes too. All prices, all descriptions,a nd all attractive in the daytime or the softer evening hues. Have a great day. Gay New Rochelle is GREAT! 01/29/2012

Is an aging parent preventing you from relocating? When opportunity knocks, there is a way to accept a new job offer and have the peace of mind of knowing the needs of mom and dad are addressed. Enter the professional geriatric care manager.   This profession started over 30 years ago as older adults transitioned from points north to warmer climates. Adult children were now at a distance from their aging parents. With these moves there were urgent calls from a mother  saying that dad had fallen and they were on the way to the hospital. Or a call from the police informing an adult child that mom had driven thirty miles past her home and was disoriented as she weaved between lanes on the thruway. Such scenarios resulted in frequent trips by adult children to these retirement destinations ... 01/06/2012

GUEST CONTENT: WILL A CANDIDATE'S POSITION ON HOUSING MATTER TO YOU? Topic Summary:  With a year before the next major elections, do you care where candidates stand on critical housing issues like foreclosures or the mortgage interest deduction?  Will their views or solutions on the housing crisis help you decide who to vote for?  Steve Cook is the Managing Editor of Real Estate Economy Watch and UPI Real Estate If housing is a voting issue for you, you're not alone.  In next year's presidential and congressional races, seven out of ten Americans say they'll decide who to support based in whole or in part on their stand on housing issues.After five years of crisis in the housing market, Americans are as deeply concerned about housing as ever, according to a new national survey by Move,... 11/22/2011

WASHINGTON WATCH: GAME PLAN TO HELP THE HOUSING CRISIS PROMOTED Topic Summary:  Some housing-related groups recently met and laid out a framework to get policies looked at and  made recommendations for economic stimulus generated by a more roust housing market. The groups published, "New Solutions for America's Housing Crisis" and what it feels are the required steps to get housing where it needs to be.The National Association Of Realtors (NAR) recently worked with two well-respected policy think tanks – the Progressive Policy Institute  and the Economic Policies for the 21st Century. Together they held a policy meeting in October. New Solutions for America's Housing Crisis brought together policy leaders, industry representatives, Members of Congress, thought leaders and the media to ... 11/22/2011

Beechmont Lake is adjacent to Pinebrook Boulevard in New Rochelle's 10804 zip code.It is surrounded by majestic homes, smaller homes, and is always something to behold as you travel from New Rochelle to neighboring Larchmont, or just going to the train station... It is pretty anytime of the year, but yesterday and today were a little foggy! It made me think of my upbringing in England..... not as thick, but definitely foggy! New Rochelle is GREAT! 11/10/2011