Fall Foilage In The Hudson Valley Region - 09/30/08 11:22 AM
Based on recent years, nature's fall colors will be vibrant here in the Mid-Hudson Valley around the middle of October. Visitors to the area need to plan ahead, as many area hotels are already full. I drove through the Adirondacks on my way to/from Montreal this past weekend. The colors were amazing. But, as we descended to the lower elevation just north of Albany the leaves were green again - and it remained that way as we returned home to the foothills of the Catskills. I had my sneak preview of fall. It won't be long until it's our turn. The night air is crisp. My experience this weekend was just … (1 comments)

Do You Still Use Phonebook? - 09/25/08 07:03 PM
I don't know why it seems the phone company drops off multiple phone books about twice a year. I've never asked for these, especially 2-3 at a time - and, so frequently. So many trees have died! I usually bring these into my home and put them aside, never to be used. Occasionally, I get around to throwing out phone books during my annual spring clean when it occurs to me that I never use these. I just google or use online white/yellow pages to look up everything, everybody and every business - for phone numbers and addresses. I find it so much faster to get the information directly off … (22 comments)

Let's Play Which House Is Worth More! - 09/25/08 06:43 PM
Two houses were for sale in the same neighborhood, the same real estate agent/agency was marketing both homes at the same time. both homes have the same square footage. However, everybody knows that no two homes are alike. One house sold for $87,000 more than the other. Can you guess which one??? I'll even give you some photos to help you out. Keep in mind, these are both the same size house, same neighborhood, same # of bedrooms, both have 2 car garages, and were built by the same builder during the same year. You can make your comments and register at the same time to be notified … (9 comments)

Real Estate Analysts - Do They Really Know What Their Talking About? - 09/24/08 01:38 AM
Who's predicting when the real estate market will recover? THE analysts? Who are they? Are they the same people who DIDN'T predict that the real estate market would be the mess it is in today? Turn on the news, The Today Show, CNN - everyday, at every hour there's another analyst predicting when people should buy or when the market will improve. But, they all suggest different time frames. Who do we listen to? Who do we believe? So, I wonder - if these people were so good at what they do, why didn't they predict that the real estate market is what it is today? Nobody knew things would get THIS bad. … (10 comments)

How Do You Say Goodbye To Generations Of Family Traditions? - 09/22/08 05:27 AM
Yesterday was a sad day in New York for all Yankee fans. We said goodbye to our beloved Yankee Stadium - "The House That Ruth Built". This is the place where the Yankees won 26 world championships, more than any other baseball team. This was a place where history was made many times over.
Didn't know I was a Yankee fan? Well, I bet you also didn't know that we watched the play-offs on our wedding night from our honeymoon suite! And, that just happened to be 29 years ago today!
As we bid farewell to generations of memories, baseball's legends will remain in-beaded in our hearts as we carry them … (17 comments)

'Tis The Season - Buyers Want A Place To Call Home For The Holidays! - 09/21/08 07:31 PM
Now is the time of the year when buyers are focused on a home purchase that will have them settled in for the holidays! But, many buyers don't realize that it could take 8-10 weeks for their mortgage to be processed. This weekend might very well be the cut-off date for a Thanksgiving closing. And, most people dread winter moves.
Buyers: Now is the height of the selling season. Don't wait any longer if your goal is to be into your new home by Thanksgiving or the holidays which follow. If the upcoming holiday season is not motivation enough - understand that interest rates have recently dropped … (8 comments)

It Will Be A Cold Day In "DOGGY" Hell - When I Sell My House! - 09/18/08 11:43 AM
I don't really know how to begin this post! Which is more relevant to the topic? ...I have a love/hate relationship with my dog. ...My cleaning lady just quit! ...I'm considering selling my house but I don't know where to begin with all the tasks! ...Did I tell you my cleaning lady quit?
Ok, well maybe I am on the 2-5 year plan when it comes to selling my house. But, there is the regular maintenance, on top of purging and the beginning process of staging my house. And, then there's the dog. So now I know how my seller clients feel. And, I've sold 4 times … (13 comments)

Asking Potential Buyers To Sleepover! - 09/17/08 05:08 PM
Now I've heard of everything. Potential buyers sleeping in a house first to try it out? I can't imagine such a thing. Most sellers hate the thought of inviting the public in for just an open house. Who likes putting their personal life on display??? To have total strangers sleeping in my house? I couldn't even suggest this to a seller! Isn't this going a little to far? It's downright intrusive! ...It's plain creepy! Sorry, but I don't just let strangers sleep in MY bed! I'm not that kid of girl!
Click on the link below to read the article - then, tell me.... WOULD YOU DO IT?    
http://realestate.msn.com/Buying/Article_MW.aspx?cp-documentid=10364724&GT1=35000

… (12 comments)

Did you ever hear of Realtor's remorse??? - 09/16/08 10:24 PM
I remember back a few years ago when one of my all-time favorite seller clients listed her beautiful turn of the century Victorian with me. I loved that house! If only I could have talked my husband into buying it! I listed the property a year after the market began changing here. It had been on the market already for almost a year when I came along. I sold it in just 10 days without even having to reduce the price from the former listing.
I drive past this house often. I am still mesmerized by it!
What is it about this house that left … (13 comments)

Dutchess County, NY - Seniors Real Estate Specialist - 09/16/08 02:27 PM
Why are 50-plus clients moving? To be closer to grandchildren. They like to live near water and in metropolitan areas where there is cultural activities, things to do, and every day conveniences. They are looking to be close to good hospitals, to be able to confidently and easily address health concerns. The list goes on and on.
Beyond the baby boomers is an older generation - they might be overwhelmed with the maintenance associated with a larger property and are considering a down-size. Or, perhaps they need one-level living. In some cases, this older generation might even be considering assisted living. Unlike the baby boomers who … (2 comments)

Dutchess County - It's harvest season in apple country! - 09/16/08 12:41 PM
Looking for a fun-filled day? How about a visit to an apple farm? Barton Orchards is situated on over 120 acres of rolling and picturesque land in the beautiful historic Dutchess County, NY located in the heart of the Hudson Valley. It's now harvest season in apple country!
At Barton Orchards you can even pick your own apples!
There is even a play area, petting zoo and picnic area. A full bakery features - Fresh Baked Pies, Cookies, Cakes, Breads. And, The Country Store offers produce, jams, jellies, candy, ice cream, & crafts.
This is a place where family traditions begin and lifetime memories can be made! So, pack … (4 comments)

Germania of Poughkeepsie - 1st Annual Oktoberfest - 09/14/08 01:53 AM
Tonight I went to Germany! ...just for the night! Down the road, not too far from my house was the first annual Oktoberfest at the Germania center. Boy, those Germans know how to throw a party! Tonight I decided that the dark beer tastes better than the light beer.  
The event continues through tomorrow.
Germania of Poughkeepsie 2008 Oktoberfest - Sept 12,13,14
I attended with my husband, son and our friends/neighbors along with their kids and grand-kids. Joe, the neighbor kid (I refer to him as a kid even though he's all grown up because his parents are as old as … (3 comments)

Poughkeepsie, New York - 2 Bedroom Condo - 09/11/08 11:05 PM
GORGEOUS CONDO. 1ST FLOOR NO STAIRS! MAGNIFICENT EAT-IN-KITCHEN W/CHERRY CABINETS, MAPLE HW FLOORS, NEW STAINLESS APPLIANCES. MASTER BR W/3 WALK-IN CLOSETS. TILED BATHS W/CHERRY VANITY & JACUZZI TUB. CHERRY WET BAR. CUSTOM OAK PLANTATION BLINDS. NEW CENTRAL AIR UNIT & WATER HEATER. SEMI-PRIVATE DECK. ACTIVE CLUBHOUSE W/TENNIS, POOL & PLAYGROUND. WALK TO VASSAR COLLEGE, SHOPS/RESTAURANTS. CLOSE TO IBM, TRAIN STATION & COMMUTER ROUTES. PRISTINE. $285,000
… (3 comments)

Soup-a-Bowl - 1st Annual Poughkeepsie Celebration of Food & Art - 09/09/08 09:32 PM
How about a taste of soup to help out local families? Mark your calendars for Soup-a-Bowl, the 1st Annual Poughkeepsie Celebration of Food and Art. This soup luncheon, served in handmade pottery bowls, will promote local restaurants and culinary talent while showcasing the work of local pottery artists. Fresh, homemade soup & hand-crafted pottery!
Following the model of a nationwide fundraiser, one local nonprofit will host Poughkepsie's first "Soup-A-Bowl" featuring a variety of soups concocted by local restaurants.
Some of the local restaurants cooking the soup for this event are Twisted Soul, The Artist's Palate, Soul Dog, Silver Spoon.
This inaugural event will take place on Saturday, September … (3 comments)

Town Of LaGrange, NY - Open Space Initiative Put On Ballot - 09/08/08 06:45 PM

LaGrange voters will be asked to approve up to $2 million to preserve open space on November 4th. The town adopted an open space plan last year that includes acquiring conservation easements on farmland and other parcels in LaGrange to protect them against development. The town based its open space plan, in part, on surveys of LaGrange residents.
The LaGrange town board last week voted 4-1 to place the open space initiative on the ballot.
The Town of LaGrange open space plan is available for public review in the town hall at 120 Stringham Road and on the town Web … (1 comments)

Photos From Another Successful Italian Festival In Poughkeepsie - 09/06/08 04:05 PM
I was glad to be able to make it to the 2008 Italian Festival at the Poughkeepsie Italian Center on Friday night. The event ends on Sunday but with the threat of Hurricane Hanna I wanted to make certain to get there early in the weekend. For more information visit my previous post:
 "Mangiamo" - Poughkeepsie Italian Festival   
It was another well planned Italian Festival. To the planners and organizers- Gracia!  
Here are some photos:
     Italians cooking up some fun in the food tent!
          Yummy!
      The band was wonderful!
    And the crowd was dancing! 
 

… (4 comments)

See, I'm A Hockey Mom With Lipstick Too! - 09/06/08 03:14 PM
My son is a college grad now, but I remain the "Hockey Mom" - because he can still take advantage of the opportunity to play on an adult league right here in the Hudson Valley. And, I hesitate to say - he still spends alot of time in that penalty box! But, I remember relocating to the area almost 10 years ago and appreciating the fact that youth hockey was alive and well here - and it still is!   
Hudson Valley Residents - How would you like to have a FREE pair of skates?
Does your child have an interest in playing hockey or … (2 comments)

Got Doggy! - 09/06/08 09:08 AM
Looking to have a doggone good time with your K9 child? You & your dog are sure to enjoy this fun-filled benefit for the Dutchess County SPCA - the 14th Annual PAWS IN THE PARK PETWALK. The event takes place on Saturday, September 13th from 11am-3pm at Bowdoin Park in Poughkeepsie. Visit the website for more information and to register, or call 845-454-5345. www.pawsintheparkpetwalk.com/home.html
      
This event is to raise funds to help the homeless animals at the Dutchess County SPCA.                                                     
                                             
Please look for me there and say hello to my K9 daughter (Greater Swiss Mountain Dog) Lexy!
… (9 comments)

I Am Going To Be An SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist. - 09/06/08 08:44 AM
I am happy to announce that this REALTOR® will have an SRES® designation by the end of the week. I have helped many seniors and their families and realize how well I relate to this group, especially with my own parents in their 80s. So, it only makes sense for me to become a Seniors Real Estate Specialist.
For more information on the SRES designation, you can pop onto the SRES site http://www.sres.org/ 
From that site, the question is posed:
Why are 50-plus clients moving? To be closer to grandchildren. To start that vineyard they've always dreamed of. To address health concerns. The list goes … (11 comments)

Help! Weeds Are Growing In My Gutters! - 09/05/08 06:19 PM
Yes, MY gutters! Seems I spend so much time helping other people find homes or sell their houses that I have neglected my own. Yikes! Weeds in my gutters! The sweet neighbor girl next door locked herself out of her house today and came over for the spare key. She's 25 and still lives at home, and old enough to be judgmental. Thank goodness that we love each-other!
I was both surprised and embaressed that she walked the front-door path to ring my doorbell, when all our friends and family use the back door - a path we keep a little nicer because it's also … (12 comments)

Presidential Lookalikes? - 09/05/08 03:34 PM
Humor! What a wonderful way to wrap up a week that ended up a tad bit depressing for me - I just retuned from vacation and am still ina funk! Well, I have at least enjoyed getting to know our presidential candidates over the last couple of weeks. Things are growing interesting now.
Usually, I hate politics.
When McCain announce Sarah Palin would be his running mate my husband said she looked a little like Tina Fey. I thought she looked like somebody but I just couldn't put my finger on it. Apparently, she looks like alot of people and we were not alone … (15 comments)

Germania of Poughkeepsie 2008 Oktoberfest - Sept 12,13,14 - 09/04/08 12:31 AM
GOT BEER? Germania of Poughkeepsie will be hosting Oktoberfest Septrmber 12th -14th. This is a major fundraiser event for the German heritage club. In addition to German food, there will be music and beer.   http://germaniaoktoberfest.homestead.com/
Fiday night - music by Rhinehold Wiedermann
Saturday afternoon - The Austrian Boys Band
Saturday night & Sunday - The Bergholz Band
$6 cover charge daily (under 12 is free) - food and beer extra
 
Germania Picnic Grounds
Old Degarmo Rd   Poughkeepsie, NY 12603  845-471-0609
 
… (2 comments)

Which Real Estate Team? - The Elephants OR The Donkeys? - 09/03/08 11:02 PM
Pretend it's not politics. Pretend you're a homeowner looking for a real estate agent to sell your house in this very challenging market. Pretend that credentials don't matter. Well, they do - but your on the fence. Pretend you want a listing agent who will understand and relate to you as a person, somebody who is not afraid to show his/her human side.
         The Elephants?              OR             The Donkeys?
You want an agent who is caring and compassionate. After-all, these are tough times and you're feeling a little anxiety about selling your home. Maybe you are even at risk of loosing your home if you … (11 comments)

New Listing - Commute To NY City From Poughkeepsie - Town of LaGrange, Dutchess County, NY - 09/03/08 10:32 AM
GORGEOUS 2004 TRANSITIONAL COLONIAL IN A SOUGHT AFTER LAGRANGE NEIGHBORHOOD. QUALITY ABOUNDS W/CHERRY, GRANITE, & STAINLESS EQUIPED KITCHEN, QUALITY MOLDINGS/DOORS & STONEWORK. BOASTS HARDWOOD FLOORS, 2 STORY ENTRY & FAMILY ROOM, 2 STAIRCASES, SPACIOUS BEDROOMS & FABULOUS MASTER SUITE. MANICURED LAWN, PROFESSIONALLY LANDSCAPED W/UNILOCK WALKS, WALL, PATIO & AN AWESOME  CASCADING WATERFALL. GARAGE ACCESS TO FULL BASEMENT. CLOSE TO TACONIC STATE PARWAY & 10 MINUTES TO TRAINS. SHOWS LIKE NEW!
  
  
 
… (1 comments)

Poughkeepsie, New York - Just Listed - 09/03/08 10:23 AM
ONE LEVEL LIVING - 3 BEDROOM RANCH ON 1.3 ACRES WITH LARGE POND. ATTRACTIVE KITCHEN, HARDWOOD FLOORS, BRICK FIREPLACE. GOOD MOTHER/DAUGHTER POTENTIAL. NEWER SEPTIC TANK & LEECH FIELDS, NEWER ROOF/WINDOWS, REBUILT FURNACE. LOCATED IN LAGRANGE, CLOSE TO COMMUTER ROUTES, EVERYDAY CONVENIENCES & EXCELLENT SCHOOLS. $285,000
  

… (1 comments)

“Mangiamo” - Poughkeepsie Italian Festival - 09/02/08 11:37 PM
Poughkeepsie is gearing up for one of the area's best festivals of the year! It's time to savor the flavors of Italy. Who can resist this sampling of the best authentic Italian cuisine in the Hudson Valley? This weekend's festival is a reminder of the very strong ethnic heritage of our Italian-Amercan community. I love grazing through the festival as I listen to the upbeat sounds of the band and watch as the members of the crowd dance. This is one local event I am sure to never miss - See your there! ...Mangiamo!
Thu Sep 4, 2008 11:00 AM - Sun Sep 7, 2008 9:00 PM
The Italian Center 227 … (6 comments)

 
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Carol Culkin, Dutchess County

Poughkeepsie, NY

More about me…

Century 21 Alliance Realty Group

Address: 1136 Route 9 # U-1 , Wappingers Falls, NY, 12590

Office Phone: (845) 297-4700

Cell Phone: (845) 430-6543

Email Me



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