I love my clients!  I like making them happy, working hard (always) on their behalf, and bringing them to a successful outcome in either their home sale or home purchase.. I am always thrilled when I am nominated for a special award, and none more so than when it is from those clients. Five Star Professional was founded in 2003 in Minnesota, and entered the Westchester market in 2010. “Five Star Professional conducts market-specific research throughout the U.S. and Canada to identify reputable and trustworthy service professionals. Research results undergo a thorough regulatory review, and qualifying individuals receive the Five Star award. Five Star Professional joins forces with city and regional magazines to make the research results available to consumers in more than 45 market... 10/01/2015

    If you live in the Westchester area, and you need someone who can deliver furniture from one apartment to another, or a larger moving job, or as a Realtor,  you might need those paint cans removed on the day of the closing, old furniture and junk removed – or in my case the other week, removing old carpeting from several rooms, and moving furniture to a different apart of the house. The only company that came to mind (to me) was Ron’s Trucking. The workman are always nice, courteous, hardworking, and they make the process that much easier. Ron is easy to reach, and has nine trucks, in different sizes all ready to assist. A Realtor’s dream, and a home-owners’ easy access for quick, prompt and efficient service. Thank you to Ron and your great employees . (914) 423-1773(914) 423-1773 ... 09/18/2015

    Having been a New Rochelle resident for over 36 years, I have long known what great schools we have. I thought it would be fun to post the college choices for our 2015 Graduating Students.  Congratulations to all! Below are the names of highly colleges and universities where students in the graduating class of 2015 matriculated this fall (Many of these colleges are represented by students outside. Barnard College Binghamton University Case Western Reserve University Claremont McKenna College Cornell University (College of Engineering) Cornell University (College of Arts & Sciences) Cornell University (College of Ag. & Life Sciences) Emory University Hamilton College Macaulay Honors College: Baruch College Macaulay Honors College: Queens College Massachusetts Institute of Technology ... 09/18/2015

Ha! Of course, I will not inform you how many years it took me, and how I went astray for the past few years (oops)...  but sometimes life intrudes! Debbie Gartner (The Flooring Girl) has been sending me motivational notes each day to keep me going to the 500,000 mark ....my daily boost.. I have to state that Active Rain has GREATLY helped me in my business. How? Through Active Rain, the point scoring, the competition, it would motivate me to write more . Through that writing and commenting  on other sites, I have been mentioned in a CNN article, the CRS Magazine (I was interviewed  for an upcoming article in the December issue),  I was awarded the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Top U.S. Blogger award back in 2012,  was interviewed by Bankrate.com, and one of my comments to ... 08/05/2015

      I always mention how much I enjoy living in New Rochelle.  A city that is full of history, but has that small village feel..  We care, we get involved, and we can have fun too! On Thursday evening , 6 p.m. at City Park, there will be a celebrity Softball Game. What a wonderful way to spend an evening with friends and family . There will be food, raffles and FUN! See you there. New Rochelle is GREAT! 08/05/2015

2015 Newsletter        Well, I am embarrassed to admit, but I was prepared for the BID concert – but  for the wrong evening!  I called a friend (Mary Kingsley), and we arranged to meet for the concert on Wednesday. I brought some wine, cheese, fruit, nuts, etc..showed up, and wondered why there was so much parking still available. Well, I was one day too early! Oh my! All that aside, Thursday, July 30th was the day of THE event. I was not able to attend the past concerts or dance parties as they are self described,  and  because of the rain storm yesterday, this particular and last  ‘dance party’ was held in the Ossie Davis Theater in the library of New Rochelle. Well, it certainly did not dampen anyone’s mood!  The jubilant audience truly enjoyed the wonderful music of ZERO 360. A wond... 07/31/2015

           The New Rochelle Humane Society  by necessity must have fund raisers. It receives funding for only 50% or so of the funding it requires each year in order to best serve the 19 communities  ” in Westchester County including Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Eastchester, Elmsford, Greenburgh, Harrison, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington, Larchmont, Town of Mamaroneck, Mamaroneck Village, New Rochelle, Pelham, Pelham Manor, Rye, Rye Brook, Scarsdale and Tarrytown, and rescue over 500 dogs and 900 cats each year.”   That feels nice.. Thank you Donna… My pooch, ‘stinky Binky’ came from the Humane Society. We love him, and I hope he loves us. He is perfect. One of the fund raising events is the dog wash.  Today, my smallest baby met Donna, Taya and Christian, three of the wonderful volun... 07/26/2015

     Next week will be time for the dog wash event at the New Rochelle Humane Society!  It is the 15th Annual Dog Wash and it is a wonderful fund day for all.  From 10-3 p.m. – hope to see you there. Last year’s event was wonderful, much needed money is raised. The event is held outdoors  and you can have your dog washed, micro chipped, and enjoy some great food too! MORE VENDORS WELCOME! For more information, please email Events@NewRochelleHumaneSociety.org New Rochelle is GREAT!   07/18/2015

   Who doesn’t enjoy a free concert, while you sit with friends and loved ones?  Today is breezy, no or relatively no humidity, and it promises to be great! 7 p.m. to 8: 30 p.m. tonight at the Library Green, you can enjoy the music by Jose Fajardo, Jr. & His Orchestra. Jose is a musician, bandleader, singer and the son of the legendary Cuban orchestra leader “Flute King”. Watch him live and enjoy!   New Rochelle is GREAT!    New Rochelle BID (Business Improvement District)  is GREAT! 07/16/2015

   New Rochelle was founded by the Huguenots over 300 years ago in their pursuit of religious freedom from France. New Rochelle is so proud of its history. SO many facts, so many details. Bastille Day, of course was on July 14th,  1790 – a different part of history but since today is July 14th, it is a good reason to listen one of the songs from my favorite musical “Les Miserables!” Did you know that many towns and villages in Westchester also have Historical Societies? Eastchester,  Dobbs Ferry, Hastings, etc. Become involved, join and be a part of history also! New Rochelle is great! 07/14/2015

      As of June 30th, 2015 there were 38  single family properties available for purchase in the 10801 zip code ranging in price from $105,000 to $799,000. There were 31 Properties in contract ranging in list price from $199,021 to $1,179,000, and there were 43 Sold properties ranging in price from $261,000 to $1,560,000.  The sold properties averaged a price per square foot of $250,04, with an average sales price to  Original List Price of  93.17%.  This all indicates a robust market, and  despite world news, this is GREAT time in which to purchase a home in New Rochelle.   New Rochelle is GREAT! 07/10/2015

    With only 8 sales and ranging from $385,000 to $1,235,000 it is hard to gauge too much.  The Median sales price was $706,250 with a price per square feet of $251.75.  However, the $1,235,000 sale had a price per square foot of $324.15.  Once again, the sales earlier in the year represent those properties that went into contract at the end of 2014 and as a rule sell for less than homes that enter the market in the spring market. There are 25 homes currently on the market ranging in price of $179,000 to $2,100,000 and there are currently 5 properties in contract ranging in price from $349,000 to $800,000.   New Rochelle is GREAT!   07/10/2015

     What  a year to-date! Another cold winter had its effects on the real estate market.  Properties entered the market place later than usual with still properties being introduced to the market each week.. As of June 30th, 2015, there were 74  single family properties available in the 1o804  zip code, ranging in price from $479,000 to $2,613,000.  There are 47 properties in contract with list prices ranging from $460,000 to $1,199,888, and there have been 64 Sold properties ranging in price from $375,000 to $2,400,000. Interesting to see that for the most part, price per square foot has increased since 2010. However, it should also be noted that with only 64 sales to date this year, and with my including all single family properties in the 10804 zip code, the price per square foot is... 07/08/2015

     July 4th is always a great time to celebrate friends, family and our great country! Happy Birthday America. There will be a wonderful firework display in New Rochelle by the  Grucci Family, and the event can be seen from all of the waterfront parks including Hudson Park and the Five Islands Park. The display will start at 9:30 p.m. so arrive early so you will find parking. Happy July 4th Everyone! New Rochelle is great! 07/04/2015

       The usual excitement abounded this morning as the NEWRO Runners prepared for the Third Annual North Avenue Mile Race. The weather was great, there were over 300 entrants, and as usual, it was very well organized. I have long ago put aside my racing shoes, but I have to admit the energy  at these events, truly wants you (me!)  to race one last time. Montefiore Hospital and Stop & Shop were sponsors this year, and they were given the appropriate credit by the race announcer. The race started at North Avenue and Paine Avenue, and ended at City Hall where the racers were greeted by treats, awards and the many fans! New Rochelle is GREAT! 06/14/2015

         Today’s Fifteenth Annual New Rochelle House Tour was an unbridled success from the start to the finish with co-chairs Berdie Stein and Maria Prorok at the helm. So much time and dedication went into the event, and there was great praise for all involved.  From the subtle green and white color scheme which was carried over onto the Auction Baskets, to the balloons, and to the gift totes given to all who wished to view the five homes featured this year. Lunch boxes were purchased through Stanz in Larchmont (who offered a great price for a boxed lunch that was hard to turn down), and everyone raved over the choice of vegetarian sandwiches or chicken salad sandwiches, vegetable chips,  fresh fruit, a delicious brownie, all delicately wrapped, and served with cooling lemonade or wat... 05/31/2015

  I love New Rochelle. SO many different areas, all offering charm, and representing so many lifestyles, cultures, backgrounds. Did you know that Sutton Manor with its glorious older homes was once on the short list to become a historic neighborhood, but like so many other things, it became quite bureaucratic, so much paperwork, and it was going to be a long drawn out process, and so the efforts faded away. However,  that isn’t to state that the area offers  pride of ownership. As you drive through the pillars, you can see the beautifully renovated homes, the beautiful water views from many of those homes, and evidence of that pride. There is a neighborhood Watch, a Neighborhood Association, and they have their very own boathouse, and dock, where for a small pittance each year, the owne... 05/31/2015

   Saturday April 11th, 2015  marked the date for a Colonial Fair in New Rochelle’s Paine Heights. There were so many interesting things to do and learn. “Experience a Blacksmith and a Cooper, a Fiddle Player and Storyteller, a Spinner, a Schoolmarm in the One-room Schoolhouse, a Colonial Bakery with goods for sale, hands-on Weaving and Candle Dipping, Colonial Soldiers and more.   Courtesy of the Historical Society. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children” While there, I picked up an application for the New Rochelle Historical Society. It is just $25 a year to join! I also learned some interesting facts. I was rather intrigued to ask the gentlemen dressed as soldiers why they participated.  The first gentleman traced his lineage back to the Protestants fleeing England for religious... 04/12/2015

   Carola Schonander of Julia B. Sotheby’s International Realty’s Larchmont office was contacted recently by an unlikely source with a simply wonderful suggestion. Julian Diaz of Better Homes and Gardens had been scouting for homes to be utilized in a very popular “Property Brothers” television show.  They were searching for a dream home and as Julian stated: ” When searching for this listing episode Drew wanted a home that was rustic, and modern. After seeing the property I knew without a doubt that this home was dream home material for the episode and it was a pleasure to collaborate with the homeowners and Carola on this episode. I was initially involved in the relocation of the brothers and the crew here in Westchester, after a great experience on both our ends the show decided it w... 04/09/2015

      With so many exciting things happening in New Rochelle, it just seemed logical and propitious to both attend the Mayor’s State of  the City 2015 Address, and to also reunite with  my business colleagues. Cocktail hour was busy (it always is at these affairs!), and I saw both  old and made new friends. Tom Benz was there and I can recall years ago how the city had asked him to resuscitate the Chamber of Commerce…   and that is what he did. Headed by Bob Marrone, The Executive Director, and Frank Miceli, and a host of volunteers. Last night’s event had been rescheduled two times previously because of the weather,  so it was wonderful to see so many people in attendance. Mayor Bramson spoke with passion, force and from the heart. Always a wonderful combination, and last night was no ... 03/25/2015