Bill's Blog

Vetrans Day seems so insignificant.

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 10:41:36 -0800

Seems like any other day. Sun is shining, I am setting in my office with a cup of coffee. The Bank is closed, so is the transfer station, the post office and the law office. Wonder if the employees really remember why they are not at work. I bet everyone knows some one who has been in the Armed Services. WW1,WW2, Korean, Iran, Iraq ,Afghanistan. Maybe you know someone who know someone laying in a bed at Walter Reed Hospital or going thru rehab learning to walk agin, minus a limb. Maybe a friend of a friend is leaving for basic training or being deployed or coming home. Everyday should be Veterns Day. We all should remember someone who made it possible to walk down to the mailbox or refill the bird feeder, stop at church, play with the dog, call the grand kids. I would like to remember Jim Ortlieb, Jack Kohl, Don Girard, Rodney Williams,Humerto Silva, George Washington, Phil Monfort and Bob Walden. 9th Infantry Viet Nam, 1967-68. Someone is raising the flag in the square, looks like someone else remembered.

Don't answer that phone it may be someone trying to tallk to you.

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:10:18 -0800

Everywhere we go, everyone we see, seems to have a cell phone pressed against their ear. WHO ARE THEY TALKING TO? If everyone is engaged in conversation there indeed is allot of communications going on. So, when I try to talk to a person they don't answer the phone. WHY? Are they busy dong something else? Yesterday the investor was 20minutes late to a showing. I called him... No answer, leave a message. But when he finally arrived he has his cell phone to his ear.. I have an offer of a multifamily house. I asked my seller for his bottom line after going back and forth several times. He gives it to me. The buyer agrees. Now my seller needs a little more. I call him to go over comps. Go to his house, knock on the door. No reply. I call cell phone. All three numbers he answered before. No answer. The co-broker sees him in his car with his cell phone to his ear. The lawn at the house is getting crazy with the fall/winter leaves. I call the young man who has taken care of the lawn all season just to remind him of the leaves and what day they have to be put out by. No answer. Next morning. no answer. I see him on his bike stopped along side of the road getting a drink ON HIS CELL PHONE. With all this communication going on you think someone would answer the phone. Excuse me I have to go not answer my cell phone that is not ringing. I just don't get it. Do you????

Taste of Hudson 3rd Annual tasting

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:17:39 -0700

September says farewell to the Columbia County Fair and gets ready for the many celebrations to usher in the fall. September 10, 2011 from 11AM to 2PM The group called BELO 3rd will present under the big tent
The Taste of Hudson. They will feature 20 plus eateries, rain or shine. Beautiful displays featuring many restaurants, cafes, and caterers will have their eats available to taste. Warren Street between 2nd and 3rd Street will be the location to be part of the fun. There are new businesses in this area to visit. The new Cafe Le Perche feautures patisseries, Bar drinks and Cafe. LICKS ice cream, the DAKOTA with the most beautiful mens linen shirts I have seen, plus much more. Then stop in to my favorite place, Ca'Mea and enjoy more of Hudson. Get ready for the Fall festivities.

Be a kid again

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:06:12 -0700

I hate to see summer go but, I love to see the Columbia County Fair arrive. For me it is the start of Fall. The Fair runs August 31 to September 5. Admission includes parking and all entertainment, Kids 12 and under are always admitted free, and ride discounts everyday. The Fair is located on Route 66 in Chatham NY.

Wednesday at 6:30 in the Grandstands is the Demolition Derby

Thursday at 9:00 AM is the 4-H horse show at the horse show ring.

Friday starting at 9:00am is the antique tractor pull, 6:30 PM is the 75th annual school queen show, and at 8:00pm is the 1964 tribute to the Beatles

Saturday start the day with the Fire Fighters Parade at 11:00am and watch the Monster tractor pull between 4-9PM

Monday watch the hit singers GLORANA in the Grandstand. One concert is at 3pm the other is at 8pm.

Monday enjoy the Painted pony championship rodeo from 4 to 8pm.

While all this is going on there are daily shows with 4-H, Bands, art displays, rug hooking and comedy and magic shows. Also there is the Morton A. Ginsberg Bounty Cooking Contest at 3:30 on Monday.

Hope to see you there. You can stay home and watch the leaves turn or be part of the fun in Columbia County.

What color is your house?

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:49:38 -0700

After a potential buyer left the house, the buyers agent and myself were commenting on the felling a foreclosure has. We both agreed that they are just sad. You can feel the doom and gloom and most seem to have a cloud over them. They have had several agents. Their owners know more than anybody in the real estate business. The problems are just going to get better and soon their troubles will be over. Most seem to be painted GRAY.

SO WHAT COLOR IS THE HOUSE YOU ARE TRYING TO SELL???

GREEN? Is the house green with envy because the house next door sold a week ago. Maybe the pool is that color. Or maybe the house is eco friendly and its owners have used green products to produce a friendly atmosphere.

YELLOW? The house maybe filled with jelousy as its watches potential buyers coming and going to houses in the neighborhood that are priced right.

RED? Maybe the house is red hot. It is priced right ,ready for showings ,decluttered and makes every effort to get an offer.

BLACK and BLUE? Is your house beat up? Maybe kicked around. No one comes to view it. You haven't talked to the agent in weeks. My excuses are my crutches and I have put band aids on all the problems that have come up.

BROWN? We have been for sale for so long. Nothing is going on. The lawn is brown and not cut. The flowers and plants in the garden are dead. All we lack are the tumbleweeds.

PINK? We are in the pink at this location. We love our agent, have open houses, Brokers open, and viewings. Our agents guided us to a current and real listing price. We are tickled pink.

So take a good look at your property with your crayon box in your hand. What color is the house? It does not have to be changed with a gallon of paint. It can be changed with a talk with your Real Estate agent. The color specialist. Tell them what color you want your house to be!!!!!!

Civil War Days may be easier.

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Sun, 15 May 2011 13:34:59 -0700

May 21st 5-7Pm The Columbia County Museum will have an opening reception at the Vanderpoel House of History, 16 Broad Street in Kinderhook NY. The newly restored 1860s parlor can beviewed while exploring stories of patriotism during the Civil War. A donation of $7.00 includes other historic sites in the area. Also that weekend there will be a living History encampment at the Luykas van Alen House on Route 9H in Kinderhook. With a three dollar admission visitors can learn more about soldiers and civilians lives during the same period of the Civil War. There will be reenactors, vendors, music, crafts, food and military drills. Our hometown bank, The Kinderhook Bank and Mario's Home Center are contributors to this special event. Well, you can sleep next weekend or be a participant, learn something and maybe teach your children something special about our wonderful area.

Oh My God someone Whats to look at a House!!!!!

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:19:35 -0700

I am in Real Estate and I love my job. This is not the easiest of times to make a dollar, be productive at work or do all the things one is suppose to do when the phone is not ringing. I blogg, use facebook, search our MLS,go thru my potential buyers and sellers and try to match them up. I e-mail my $95,000 clients and my $2.6 million hopefuls. We are an agricultural community in the historic Hudson River Valley. We are a stop off for Martin Van Buren's State Home lookers and fall leaf peepers.. I am always proud to answer the phone and hear someone ask to see one of our listings. This morning I was so excited I had an opportunity to meet a potential cliet, I forgot to ask for his phone number.I also forgot to ask if he was working with another realator, looked at other property or made any offers on other property, signed with a buyers agent, was he preapproved or how soon was he looking to move. We talked about how great the smell of Autumn was in upstate New York and how big the pumpkins were already. How the tip of some of the trees had changed their leaf colors to red and orange. We talked about bringing his son of 16 months in a back pack and how I had three grandchild of my own. If he was late how upset would I be if his son sleep later than usual and how close was the second house. What school district were these houses in and was their a Farmers Market near on the weekends. How long was the commute to an Albany Hospital and was Internet hookup available. Maybe all the connecting with the voice on the other end was enough and I can ask the other questions after we have the first handshake or maybe I will just be using my $2.73 gas for nothing. Even if he doesn't show I know a great place for an ice cream cone on the way home and I can leave a few of my cards at the counter. I am in Real Estate and I love my job.

Craig Morgan at the Chatham Fair

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 11:51:56 -0700

Everyone knows that I am a big fan of the Chatham Fair and go as often as I can over Labor Day, in between sets of the US Open. I look for people I have not seen in a year, relatives, and old neighbors, pass out my real estate cards and basically act as the basic good relation ambassador for Columbia County. Sunday we were excited to go see the free show at the grandstands with country singer Craig Morgan. I didn't know that I knew so many of his songs and was really pleased that he was a class A act. Band was very professional, even had some locals included and that man can sing. All his songs sounded just like his records and he brought alot of enthusiasm to the stage. So move over Keith Urban and Kenny Chesnney, Craig Morgan is out there on the country scene doing a very good job. Totally deserves to be in he Grand Olde Opera Hall of Fame.

It's Fair time in Columbia County

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 14:16:29 -0700

One of the best weekends in all the world is here. The Columbia County Fair. We went last night for awhile and ate and ate and ate. Steak sandwiches and fried dough. Lemonade and french fries with vinegar. Just great for your heart burn and acid reflux. We checked out the cows,and the sheep, chickens and rabbits and the huge Budweiser Beer horses were there. They had their name tags on their stalls and fans on each of them. It was pretty hot. The demolition cars were taken place and what a crowd, could hardly get to the grandstands. The rug hookers were basking in their rugs along with the knitters and other fabric lovers. Stop to have your blood pressure taken from the Columbia Memorial nurse at their booth. Lots of good information including "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Sunday should be a funday with country and western star Craig Morgan doing two shows 2-8PM. The price of your ticket to get into the Fair includes his concert. Many fairs charge another $35.00 for their showstoppers. The grounds are landscapedand clean, plus everyone says the rest rooms are spotless. Good parking and not that much to get in. Just another reason to live in Columbia County. grab a pumpkin, apples, cider, or a pie on your way home from one of our many farm stands and savor our county a little longer.

How do you get to move into a new house? With a lot of work!!!!!

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 11:56:27 -0700

This past two weeks have really been something with buyers and their agents. Have we as realtors and the publicity that we hear on radio and tv given buyers the wrong idea?

The thought process of buyers seem to be, that things are so bad, just go for a ride with an agent, find a house you like and buyer it. I DON'T THINK SO.

Three potential buyers have found homes they like that are my listings. They like the furniture, the patio set, the school district etc, etc, etc. Two and three showings later (two on fathers Day, my kids loved that) we are going to discuss an offer. BUT everyone now seems to have another financial picture called doom and gloom via the mortgage consultant. Now we have new car payments, unpaid credit card balances, un paid college loans, forgot to file the paidup loan on the swimming pool they used the house for as collateral (remains unpaid from 2004)

Now, oh my God! we need to work on this!!! And your agent didn't tell you that you need to have money for the closing. Taxes, Lawyer, escrow, title, insurance. What are buyers thinking????. Buyers need to sit down with several people and talk about stuff before they start looking and wasting time and energy. And the thought of having potentially three closings in the wings dashed on the rocks is down right tiring.

Find out your credit score.

Find your last three years income tax papers.

Collect your pay stubs for the last couple of months.

Talk with a mortgage consultant,a banker and your lawyer.

Don't buy a new car, or furniture, (and have your mother buy your $7,000 wedding dress) until after the closing.

Make an appointment with an agent and spill the beans. They may be able to tell you right from the get go that you can't afford to purchase a house at this time. Ask the agent if they belong to Active rain You'll be glad you did.

Good Luck buyers, The interest rates are low, the prices of homes are reasonable, the inventory is more than normal, but banks are tough, appraisals are hard to accept and although people are motivated sometimes they just can't go so low as you would like them to.

Bar=B=Que any one?

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 22:36:46 -0700

This past Monday night I had to grap something to eat in Hudaon after spending the day at Columbia Memorial Hospital. I was with two of my daughters, future son-in-law, and wife. Some one sugguested the new American Bar-B-Que Restaurant on Warren Street in the Third Street block, so we went. The former firehouse has been completley done over and is beautiful. Two floors with a lot of brick. Someone knows more about the future of Hudson than I do. The drinks were very cool. At the bar the beer on tap were enclosed with cubes of frost and ice, very cool and so metro. Part of the dining was on the sidewalk and the place had an open air feeling, so Parisian. Upstairs there was more space and pool table, great for a party., so men's club. The burgers very great, the pulled pork was piled high with cole slaw, the buns were very fresh. The waitress was cute, fun and knew the menu. The only part that was a dissapointment was the dessert, The pie seemed store bought, but the ice cream was good. So for a Monday night I got to spend time with my family, visited a new venue and had a great time. Don't be hesitant to drop by, it was a great expeerience. Hudson, who knew years ago when who did'nt go farther down Warren than Rocky's for good food.

Spend the day at the Nursery

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Mon, 24 May 2010 14:00:43 -0700

This morning I had off and tried to get some more yard work done. I ran up to Maple Lane Nursery to see about some top soil. I want to fill in a dip in the back yard and create a vegetable garden. I had not been there in quite awhile and now that son David has taken over what a wonderful surprise. Everything was so big and lush, watered, priced and with specific information about the plants. The varietys were plentiful and even some perennials. Huge hostas, $20.00 peony's, beautiful green grasses and lilac bushes. Saturday I'll have the dirt and plant my vegetable, but Monday I'm going back up and and get some plants. We have just down sized, where I had lots and lots of plants and complained about the garden work, but once a garden lover, always a garden lover so I guess Maple Lane Nursery just found a new customer, Nice job David the place looked BEAUTIFUL, just the way a nursery should. It is on Route 9 just above the Hannaford Circle.

Agent gives advise and seller follows it!!! WOW

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:06:23 -0700

At the beginning of the month a potential seller called me from a post card I had sent out to an expired listing. Said he would like me to come and visit the house ( I had taken a potential buyer there a year before) and tell him want he should do to get the house ready. The house is a sweet little salt box on 8 acres the owners enjoyed on weekends and holidays. Typical of our market. The owners both had jobs in different directions and needed to get ready for listing. I suggested the lawn, yard, gardens, branches, and debris be addressed and the house needed to be cleaned and decluttered. I recommended the man who takes care of my lawn and a cleaning duet that helps me out with houses every once in a while. Well he called them both. The lawn work was completed yesterday and the cleaning gals are next. If nothing else I think I have a seller who really wants to sell their house. This house faces west and has great sunsets across the country vistas. Nice beams and a great old fireplace. Did I mention the house is 1812. If the sellers follow my lead as to the price as they did with the getting ready, I have a feeling this one may be a quick sale. We will see.

Desireable Parklike neighborhood in North Chatham, NY

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 14:40:46 -0700

Just listed this great two story home on Pebble Lane in Valatie (North Chatham) NY. 3 bedrooms 2.5 baths. meandering driveway,house sits on three acres., Close to Albany 2.5 miles from Manhattan. formal dining room, family room with coal fireplace. new gutters, fresh paint, new french doors to outside entertaining on low deck overlooking lush lawn. 2 car garage. Basement has room for office and or gym equipment, with new carpet.Good spirited house with laundry on second floor. Lovely gardens. An exciting place to spend weekends or full time. Good school district. $410,000

Spring is in the air!!!!

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 10:27:40 -0700

On April 18 from 1-4 PM all the realtors will have OPEN HOUSES of their listing in the villiage of Kinderhook. Century 21, Purdential, Anderson, Kinderhook Group, and Columbia County Realestate will swing their listing doors open for the afternoon. Columbia County is really a nice place to live and the Village has so many opportunitys to have a wonderful life. We have almost 25 vendors registered for the Kinderhook Fair on June 5th and the FARMERS MARKET has two new vendors with Breads and Cheese. We are rasing money for the DOG PARK, plus the OK RUN and the LIBRARY BOOK SALE is June 12. We will start soon organizing the PEOPLES PARADE for the 4th of July. The Ghent Band will be in full force in the Bandstand and the runners will be off down the road on Wednesday nights. Come find a great place to live and enjoy life in Columbia County.

Another huge price reduction

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:01:26 -0800

It just keeps going down. If you are looking for a hideaway in Columbia County, this beauty is one to consider. 5500sf post and beam house on 20 acres in Austerlitz NY offers 5 bedroom, 5 bathrooms. There are 30' ceilings in the great room.Two stone fireplaces also. A beautiful chefs kitchen for the gourmet cook. Peace and privacy with mountain views. Reduced now to $1,050,000 and willing to negotiate. Spring and fall in Columbia County are breath taking. Summer we go to Saratogo, and Tanglewood, Winter we ski at Jimney Peak or head for Lake Placid. Follow your dream.

Houses for sale in Kinderhook, NY

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:44:02 -0800

Welcome to Columbia County!! We are so glad you are interested in us. Just a little agricultural community with beautiful views of the Catskills sitting along the Hudson River. I have 8 wonderful homes in the area to show you. Starting at $225,000 and up to $515,000. beautiful ranches, and two stories, move right in or fix it up. Great school system, safe, sidewalks, pet friendly, library, post office, bank, book store, wine shop.runners,knitters,Horse Thieves Club, rug hookers, chest club. When you start to write down what a village is made of, you not surprised to see why you live here. Call me at Century 21 and we can talk about you moving down, the street, in a neighborhood or out in the country. Ask for Bill at 518-229-9106.

Old Kinderhook Fair scheduled

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:43:37 -0800

The Old Kinderhook Fair will be held again this year on June 5th. The Militia also will be holding their encampment that weekend behind the Vander Poole house on Broad Street. The applications have been sent out to former participants and two new crafters have called and asked for the paperwork. We have lowered the prices this year to help people coming afar with gas prices. The price is $55.00 for a 10x10 space with your own tent. The Militia parade will start at noon, down Albany Ave and Across Broad Street over to the Vander Poole House. This parade is a very spirited that will raise the hair on the back of your neck. Lovers of American traditions will find this very emotional. The uniforms, flags and music will put a smile on you face. Good food will be available from various civic organizations. Please pray to the rain Gods for us. Mark this on your Spring calandar. You will be glad you did.

foreclosure could be cracked up to be cracks in the wall.

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:36:53 -0800

Now I know this does not pertain to most agents and brokers below the Mason-Dixon line but up North it gets pretty cold mid January. So I have a foreclosure, since late Fall, the bank drained the pipes, used anti-freeze and turned off the water. Good deal for everyone. Now I have a buyer with an accepted offer from the Bank. He know it is "as is" but wants to know what the "as is" is. Lets see ifthe furnace works, hot water radiators for heat, and the hot water heater and the septic and throw in the outside water spickets. Now the Bankwill not be responsible for any damages that throwing the switch for the water may bring. Mr buyer says he is not going to be responsible for cracked pipes, flowing water, warped hardwood floors, cracked plastered walls and or ceilings in a house he does not own yet.

Does it come down to, do you want to buy the house or not?

Buck up and throw the water switch and see what happens?

Does the bank want to sell the house or not?

Buck up and throw the water switch and see what happens?

Both lawyers say do not go forward, so what do I do. Wait for a cash buyer who wants the house no matter what and know how to sodder copper pipe? It's a good deal if I can get the buyer to find out what the "as is" is

Willing to negotiate

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 12:54:54 -0800

New 5500 sf post and beam house on 20 acres in Austerlitz, Columbia County offer 5 bedroom and 5 bathrooms, a greatroom with 30 foot ceiling. 2 stone fireplaces and a gourmet kitchen. Peace and privacy with mountaian views. a vision of a time gone by with the sophistication of today's living. Easy to view, ready to move in. $1,200,000.00

Candle Lite Night December 11 Friday Kinderhook Ny 5:30-8:30

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 08:37:51 -0800

I hear snow is on the way here in upstate New York, just in time for our holiday Candle Lite Night in the historic village of Kinderhook. We don't have alot of business going on here but what we lack in that department we make up for in spirit. The Village square is decorated with lights,wreaths,trees, and pots of greeens done by a hand full of residents. Fairpoint communications again have gotten the team of horses to pull the wagon filled with smiling vistors around the town. There will be food and cookies and wine and lots of goodies to eat. Santa will be at The National Union Bank. Stroll the shops and business for merriment and a good time. This truly is a family time so bring the family and enjoy. Kinderhook is a great place to live and enjoy. Be here or be square.

Kinderhook Home sweet Home

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:16:09 -0700

I just became one of those people!!!!!(by mistake)

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:17:24 -0700

Not long ago I responded to a posting about someone not answering a referral... UGH! I replied, "send me one and see how fast you get a reply,"

Fast forward. Monday I am on the AR enjoying my day off, before we went to the fair to hear JO Dee Mackinaw, and I go to check my stats. Well I see this registration sign up for referral under a blog in July. I click and I see someone had sent me a referral for an area I love to show houses. A second home buyer who wants immediate sale. Oh man, how did I not see this!!!!!

I immediately e-mail the sender and apologize for not responding. When I have gotten comments on my blogs it always show up on my e-mail and I know right away to check my blog or just click the e-mail line to read it.

Why didn't it happen with a referral. Different rule??? Do you need to check your blogg everyday in-case you might have a referral? Maybe someone in Seattle can come up with a signal that make your referral e-mail blink off and on so you know you have one, then we would know right away and reply ASAP. Anyway I was ticked off that I missed on on this. I just sent a referral to Paul Huckabee in Wilmington NC. and have had a great time with it. I am so sorry I have become one of those people. (the ones that are to busy to answer a referral)

Country lights head to the ChAtham Fair this sunny weekend

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:10:59 -0700

CHUCK WICKS COUNTRY SINGER HEARTTHROB RIGHT FROM DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE IS SCHEDULED TO APPEAR UNDER THE STARS OF THE MAIN STAGE AT 8pm TONIGHT FRIDAY SPONSORED BY FIRST NIAGARA BANK. "ALL I EVER WANTED, HIS NEW RELEASE WILL SURELY SEND THE GRANDSTAND ROCKING. JULIANNE HOUGH, HIS GIRLFRIEND LASTED EIGHT WEEKS OF ELIMINATIONS DURING THE 2009 DANCING WITH THE STARS TELEVISION SHOW.ON SUNDAY JO DEE MESSINA WILL TAKE THE STAGE TWICE 3 AND 8 PM.ON SUNDAY SHE IS AN AWARD WINNING MULTI-PLATIUM RECORDING ARTIST WHO HAS A GREAT TIME ON THE STAGE BEFORE AN AUDIENCE. SHE WILL BELT OUT 'BRING ON THE RAIN', MY GIVE A DAM'S BUSTED AND 'THATS THE WAY. SHE HAS 9 NUMBER 1 SINGLES . SO BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY, EAT GREAT FOOD, PET THE SHEEP AND COWS, VISIT THE WOOL SHED WITH THE 'KINDERHOOK HOOKERS HAVE THEIR BEST RUG FOR ALL TO SEE.

THE FARMERS ARE SUBMITTING THEIR BEST FRUITS AND VEGETABLE, FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS, QUILTS LIVESTOCK, AND STUDENT ART DISPLAYS ARE JUST SOME OF THE JUDGING TAKING PLACE. AT THIS YEARS BOUNTY COOKING CONTEST, CHEF JUDGES WILL SAMPLE FOODS FROM BOTH ADULTS AND CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN 12

$10 DAILY AND $12 ON SUNDAY IN THE PRICE OF ADMISSION. CHILDREN UNDER 12 ARE FREE. THIS IS COULMBIA COUNTY AT IT'S BEST. DON'T GET CAUGHT SLEEPING LIKE RIP VAN WINKLE. IT WILL BE OVER BEFORE YOU KNOW IT. ALL THIS HAPPENS AT THE COLUMBIA COUTY FAIR IN CHATHAM THIS WEEKEND.

How do you have all this time??

Bill Laraway (Century 21 Lynn M Strunk Realty) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:52:45 -0700

Last month I had the opportunity to show some property in the next county to a cousin of a friend of mine.She wanted to rent, but for a very weird time period, four months in the Fall. I couldn't find them anything, so they said they would look at active property's for sale since that was their ultimate goal any way. I made the calls for appointments to show several homes. I noticed that one of the properties were listed by a member of active rain that has a trillion points and is always coming up for her blogging to be read. I thought I would call personally, introduce myself and say how I use the Rain as a learning tool everyday. Well it turns out she is not in the country at the time but the secretary will be happy to help me. I give her the MLS number and time I would like to show the house. The nice lady calls back and says there is no notation of the combination for thelock box on the listing agreement. to get in. She will have to call in the morning and hope to catch the LA and get the combo. As I am picking up my lookers at the train station I get a call from nice secretary letting me know the combination and wants me to know that the lawn maintenance man has not been there this week FYI. Ok A lovely Victorian in town, could be a mother-in -law apartment. All Set, Well I get to number five on my list of showings and we were pretty sure the lawn man has not been there in some time as we tromp threw the grass. Finally, find the right door to use the combination on and fall head over tea-kettles over the vacuum cleaner inside the dining room entrance. There was a lot of deferred maintenance and I was very surprised that LA was not more on top of her game. I guess my point is that there are times I wish I was a better blogger, posting interesting lists of educated items for all to read. I wonder how some of you do it continuously with great ease. Two days later LA had a fabulous blogg about a happening in her home town, pictures and all. My point, less blogging, more real estate.