Woodstock Real Estate Blog

Woodstock, NY - Farm Festival

Cree Quaker - Ulster County Real Estate (Barqua Real Estate & Design, LLC) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:37:48 -0500

After I got over the initial shock and inconvenience of not being able to park quickly at Houst Hardware and grab the must-have items I seem to need nearly every day, I really loved the Woodstock Farm Festival.

You can grab a bounty of fresh fruits and veggies and meander through the myriad of chocolate, vintage clothing and booths featuring local goods. The restaurants are bustling and if you are a meat lover then swing by the Woodstock Meat Store for a little BBQ and music. If they start serving grilled veggie dogs I might linger longer!

At the risk of sounding cliche, I love a parade, but love basking in the community of the Woodstock Farm Festival even more!

Every Wednesday afternoon in the summer!

Oh and if you can't find it...look for the blonde searching for parking and light bulbs!

Happy Farm Festival!

Cree Quaker

www.Barqua.com

Mortgaging the Self-Employed

Cree Quaker - Ulster County Real Estate (Barqua Real Estate & Design, LLC) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:31:03 -0500

Most of us in the mortgage and real estate profession are in this boat, and quite frankly so are many of our clients. Here are some tips for the self-employed and for those of us who represent them. I would love to have input from other professionals who have some tools to share...

Step 1: Managing your credit, keeping good financial records and documenting your income are crucial.

Self-employed people and others with irregular income could be caught in a squeeze as mortgage lenders continue tightening lending guidelines in response to the problems in the lending industry.

On paper, self-employed people and owners of so-called microbusinesses with 10 or fewer employees can look like credit risks. Their income can vary widely from year to year. Most don't receive W-2 tax forms, making their income harder to document. And after they deduct business expenses from their income for tax purposes, they can appear to make little money.

With many flexible loans like no-documentation mortgages drying up, self-employed people could find it more difficult to get a home loan.

Step 2: The importance of good credit
The most important thing is to be sure you have a high credit score, known as a FICO score. One should annually checking your credit reports from the three major credit reporting agencies, Experian®, Equifax® and TransUnion®. Mistakes on your credit report can artificially pull down your credit score. Although the mortgage industry uses a slightly different calculation method for credit score, you can get your free reports each year at www.annualcreditreport.com.

If your financial habits are pulling down your credit scores, change them now.

"Credit histories are absolutely critical," Fairbrother said. "If you're looking at getting a mortgage in the next 90 days, you can't fix your FICO score in 90 days. It takes six months, nine months, a year." (For more on raising your score, read our article: Improving your credit score.) Well this is not necessarily true...there is rapid rescore and hiring someone to help, but it costs money. The money may be well worth it if you need to get into a property in a hurry.

Step 3: Keep good records
Self-employed individuals also need to keep good financial records. The better your records the easier time we have putting a loan together for you. You might need to provide both your personal and your business tax returns when applying for a loan, though rules in the industry change on a daily basis. Best thing is preparation in spades.

This is not my personal favorite solution, but I have contemplated it. If you're anticipating applying for a mortgage in the next year or two, consider deducting fewer expenses to increase your net income. Lenders usually require self-employed people to provide copies of their previous two years' annual tax returns.

Lenders now have greater expectations for self-employed people to prove their income. If tax returns don't do that, consider providing an audited financial statement, he said, although getting a certified public accountant to prepare the statement can cost several hundred dollars.

Step 4: Commercial Loans

In NYC, I have many self-employed clients looking for 1-4 family homes an planning on living in one of the units. When getting a mortgage on this type of property proves difficult we look at 5+ unit buildings. Commercial loans then apply and as long as they can swing the 20-30% downpayment, have good credit and the building numbers work we are in. The down side is dealing with rent-stabilization rules, but the upside is they can get in and price per square foot is generally much less.

No Downpayment, No Closing Costs and rate 1% below Prime - Too Good...but it's True

Cree Quaker - Ulster County Real Estate (Barqua Real Estate & Design, LLC) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 10:58:21 -0500

I know what you're thinking...too good to be true, but it's not! There is A LOT of work involved and if you have a client that is willing to buckle down and do the dirty work of budgeting, living below their means and owning a home...this may be a great opportunity for them.

Truly committed to helping everyone achieve home ownership, NACA provides everyone with one mortgage product, which is the best one available anywhere., NACA is unique in that we counsel everyone into this one incredible product which makes homeownership affordable. We are committed to counsel all prospective homebuyers until they succeed in purchasing an affordable home. While, it may not be immediate, if you stay with NACA, you will become a homeowner.

NACA's counseling and underwriting criteria are "character-based" and not based on credit scores and ratios. This enables us to fulfill our mission of assisting working people who otherwise do not have access to affordable credit. Consequently, the vast majority of NACA Members are low- to moderate-income, first-time homeowners, many of whom have neither perfect credit nor substantial savings.

Helping each Member over the hurdles of the homebuying process
If you are determined to purchase a home, NACA will first evaluate your particular circumstances and determine whether you are ready for homeownership and what you can realistically afford. If NACA determines that your finances are not ready to sustain a mortgage, we will assist you in planning and developing strategies to get you there. NACA provides free, personalized, and comprehensive counseling to all Members to address your particular credit and financial issues and help determine your best home purchase options. The NACA Mortgage Consultant assists you throughout the home purchase process, and once you are a homeowner, NACA will be there for as long as you have a mortgage through NACA.

NACA's outstanding mortgage product
NACA has over $10 billion in mortgage commitments for working people to purchase homes on the best terms anywhere with one mortgage product for all homebuyers The Lowest Interest Rate: one-percent below market rate for a conventional "A" credit loan with the below incredible terms:

no down payment,
no closing costs,
no application fees,
no private mortgage insurance, and
no requirement for perfect credit.
The NACA Program has other incredible features which are detailed under NACA Mortgage
every 1% of purchase price you put down, your rate goes down .25% (i.e. 20% down takes your rate down 5%)

There are "catches" such as the purchaser is required to register to vote, participate in the non-profit functions/seminars a few times a year - but the reward is worth it for those individuals ready to take advantage of the opportunity!

If you have questions, please feel free to drop a line! Carpe Diem!!!

Cree Quaker, Broker/Owner

Barqua Real Estate & Design, LLC

www.Barqua.com

cree@barqua.com

845-679-1237

Woodstock Rental - Maverick Storybook House

Cree Quaker - Ulster County Real Estate (Barqua Real Estate & Design, LLC) — Fri, 16 May 2008 08:46:09 -0500

Maverick Storybook House - Woodstock

Location: Maverick

Charming storybook house, Privaely nestled in acres of woods, only five minutes to Woodstock Town Center, Cathedral living room, Bluestone Fireplace and Patios, 2-3 bedroom, country kitchen with skylights.

Rates:
July OR August: $3700. Includes all utilities, cable and high speed internet, completely furnished, linens, lawn mowing, etc.

July AND August $7000. Includes all above.

Prices for off-season:
July-May: $1990 + utils (11 mo. lease including 2 summer months)

Sept-May $1800 + utils. (9 mo. off-season lease).

Information

Contact Information

Cree Quaker

845.679.1237

Pricing

Rent: $1,900 per month

Available Date: Tue Jul 01, 2008

Deposit: 1,900

Minimum Lease: One Month

Included Utilities: Yes

Property Location

Maverick Road
Woodstock, NY 12498
View Map

Links

Barqua Real Estate & Design

Features

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 1

Parking: Yes

Subdivision: Maverick

Lot Size: 4.3a

Garage Size: None

School District: Onteora

Square Footage: 1,433

Agent Name: Cree Quaker

Broker: Barqua Real Estate & Design, LLC

MLS #: n/a

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer/Dryer

Dishwasher

Microwave

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Hardwood Floors

Vaulted Ceilings

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Grass Lawn

Secluded setting

Tool Shed

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow View Photo Gallery (1 Photos)

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1664663

Woodstock New York Real Estate - Au Courant Woodstock Designer Exclusive $1.495M

Cree Quaker - Ulster County Real Estate (Barqua Real Estate & Design, LLC) — Sun, 04 May 2008 08:41:52 -0500

Luxury Real Estate in Woodstock, NY - The Au Courant Designer's Exclusive

Location: Glenford

Escape from the bustle of city life, or hide from Hollywood in this Luxury Woodstock area Retreat...

Woodstock, New York area's one of a kind, architect and designer crafted custom contemporary...no doubt the best luxury home on the market in Ulster County! This private paradise is located off of a private road in the exclusive area of Woodstock and Hurley that abutts the Ashokan Reservoir. At least seven Ulster County peaks are visible from all rooms of the house, and the mountain range seems even more dramatic from the massive floating cedar deck. This Woodstock area house was completely constructed by master luxury craftsman, and no expense has been spared on top of the line cabinetry and fixtures. Designer touches are visible throughout...Exposed ceiling beams; Grohe fixtures and glass or limestone tile in bathrooms; Asian inspired above counter bathroom sink bowls; designer lighting; custom staircases, glass and wood work; and custom designed bathroom vanities that were built by a craftsman that even Robert Wilson calls upon for his impeccable woodworking!

The top floor was designed as a "Master Suite" and features a magnificent loft with colossal ceiling height and spectacular views; a custom glass, stainless and wood lost surround; and a gas fireplace imported from Europe where flames rise above river rocks....a beautiful contemporary accent seen usually only in boutique lux hotels. The loft could be used as a bedroom, media room or office.... either way it is simply a spectacular room. A gallery hallway leads to the massive Master bedroom with cathedral ceilings and the beautifully appointed master bath.

The four bedrooms are all generously sized and offer magnificent views. There are three full and one half baths, each custom appointed. The master bath is tiled in Italian limestone and features a custom built double walnut vanity, huge shower with rainhead and seperate hand held shower, and a six foot soaking tub. All bathrooms include glass, limestone, and/or slate tiling, custom glass work and Grohe fixtures. ....each one uniquely designed and all beautiful.

The kitchen features high end, stainless steel appliances, a gas stove, cabinets specifically imported from Italy, and a beautiful Shivakashi granite countertop. The great room has a huge wood burning fireplace and the open concept seamlessly integrates the kitchen, dining and living areas together.

The bottom level features another full custom finished bath, a cabana or bedroom, polished concrete floors, high ceilings, RADIANT floor heating, a massive wood burning fireplace and fantastic open areas for entertaining, establishing a wine cellar or media area. The room, as the rest of ths house, is exciting on it's own...it's your palate on which to create!

Features: SoHo Architect Designed Contemporary , Seclusion , Views , Central air , gourmet Kit , MBR Suite , Hardwood floors , Catskill Mt. views , 2-Bay Garage , Cathedral Ceilings

Information

Contact Information

Cree Quaker

cree@barqua.com

845.679.1237

Pricing

Asking Price: $1,495,000.00

Flexibility: Negotiable

Property Location

High Rocks Road
Woodstock - West Hurley, NY 12433

Links

Woodstock Real Estate Blog

Barqua Real Estate Blog

The Woodstock Beat Blog

Barqua Real Estate & Design, LLC

Features

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3.5

Parking: Y

Year Built: 2006

Lot Size: 6 acres

Garage Size: 2+

School District: Onteora

Square Footage: 6091

Agent Name: Cree Quaker

Broker: Barqua Real Estate

MLS #: 20082154

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer/Dryer

Dishwasher

Microwave

Central Vacuum

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Hardwood Floors

Kitchen Island

Vaulted Ceilings

Basement

Exterior Amenities

Grass Lawn

Secluded setting

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1583761

Photo Gallery

2nd Floor - Powder Room

2nd Floor - Deck

2nd Floor - Guest Bath

Views Views Views

Loft from 3rd to 2nd Floor

3rd Floor Master Suite

2nd Floor - Chef's Kitchen

Maste Bath

Open Living Room - 2nd Floor

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1583761

Saugerties, New York Real Estate - 1813 Farmhouse

Cree Quaker - Ulster County Real Estate (Barqua Real Estate & Design, LLC) — Sun, 04 May 2008 08:24:41 -0500

Saugerties, NY Real Estate - Fixer Upper with a Green Rehab Plan

Location: Saugerties, NY

If an historic and green Saugerties home sounds like an oxymoron, then this old soul was born to disprove. Built in 1813, time has taken a cosmetic toll on this stately gem who's every nook and crevice has a story to tell. It's true she is in need of facelift, but she comes loaded with spunk and a sustainable solution to her rehabilitation. But if that's still not enough for you, here's more...

The Saugerties mountain views from the house are priceless, the trout stream borders the back of the property and the neighbor just on the other side of the stream is acres of lucious farmland. If you like quiet, you will have plenty sans the occassional trout splashing in the stream.

The bones and mechanicals of this 1813 prize are in great shape, but she awaits your love and restoration to her former glory. Two full stories, a walk-up attic that can be used as a yoga studio or office and a bone dry full basment that features a farmhand shower/privvy and two bin soapstone wash basin.

Yes, there are linoleum floors, but the what makes it great is that the wideboards underneath have been protected for over 50 years. Clapboard also sleeps beneath the current siding and roofline is a little altered due to the 1959 tornado that lifted her up and off.

Loads of potential looking for that perfect restorative mate!

There is much to love in Saugerties and this is the perfect house to shape into your new green home!

Information

Contact Information

Cree Quaker

845.679.1237

Pricing

Asking Price: $290,000.00

Property Location

10 Cotton Road
Saugerties, NY 12477
View Map

Links

The Woodstock Beat

Adventures in Real Estate Investing

Barqua Real Estate & Design, LLC

Features

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2

Parking: Y

Year Built: 1813

Subdivision: Blue Mountain

Lot Size: .93a

Garage Size: 1

School District: Saugerties

Square Footage: 2436

Agent Name: Cree Quaker

Broker: Barqua Real Estate & Design, LLC

MLS #: 20082174

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Interior Amenities

Hardwood Floors

Basement

Attic

Exterior Amenities

Grass Lawn

Tool Shed

Photo Gallery

View as Slideshow View Photo Gallery (9 Photos)

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1583778

USDA Ulster County Guaranteed Rural Housing Program

Cree Quaker - Ulster County Real Estate (Barqua Real Estate & Design, LLC) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:17:34 -0500

There are lots of options out there in your quest for buy a home with little or now down payment. For those living in rural areas such as Ulster County, the USDA provides two such programs - The Guaranteed Rural Home Loan Program and the Direct Rural Housing Loan Program.

$61,350 is the maximum adjusted income for the Guarnteed Rural Home Program

$42,700 is the maximum adjusted income for the Direct Rural Housing Loan Program

for more information contact: janette.smith@ny.usda.gov