A Thanksgiving Dinner That Was Almost An AfterThought ....Happy Turkey Day! - 11/25/09 09:10 PM
This year, the grocery bill for our Thanksgiving feast came to only $21.77.   My grocery shopping wasn't a planned event.  In fact, cooking a Thanksgiving dinner was not even on my agenda this year.  I did the grocery shopping, without a list.  I was in and out of the store in less than 15 minutes.  And, the meal only took 2 hours to prepare. 
Not only did I economize, but I simplified. 
Our holiday plans had been up in the air this year due to changing family dynamics.  My son managed to make it home from Maine this week and has … (8 comments)

Looking So Dumb - Finger & Thumb In The Shape Of An "L" On My Forehead. - 11/25/09 12:05 PM
Ok, so lLast week I posted about how I had been declined for instant approval on a credit card application at a home improvement store. Humiliation is an understatement. I walked away feeling like the biggest loser. My credit score is in the 800’s so the rejection came as a total surprise to me.
I went to my bank to see if there were any red flags on my accounts. Nope.
I pulled up my credit reports and found no issues, and I was actually very pleased with my credit score.  So,what happened? 
I went back to the store and complained, … (3 comments)

With Good Income & Good Credit, You Can Still Buy A House With NO Money - 11/20/09 10:52 AM
The other day a mortgage representative told me how it was done.  The buyer only had seven cents to his name when he made the bold decision that he wanted to buy a house. 
This is 2009, so the Realtor was certain it was impossible, but he referred the buyer to the loan representative anyway.  If anything, the loan representative might at least be able to consult with the buyer, encourage him to save some money and devise a future plan for the purchase of a house. 
The plan was put into place.  It did not require the buyer to wait or save … (7 comments)

It's Somebody's "Home" - You'll Need An Admission Ticket To Get In - 11/19/09 09:18 PM
There's just something about a luxury home that brings out the curiosity in all of us.  I guess my own curiosity can easily be satisfied as a Realtor.  I have had the privilege of getting through the doors of some pretty amazing and unique properties.  It's in the job description.  And, included in that job description comes the task of screening buyers.
The phone rang.  I was delighted that somebody was actually calling regarding my high-end listing that seems to have become forgotten inventory in this slow real estate market where luxury home sales are few and far between.  The buyer wanted to see the … (10 comments)

Dutchess County - Not A Declining Market? ...Heard It Through The Grapevine. - 11/18/09 04:29 PM
Is there good news on the horizon for Dutchess County homeowners?  Two mortgage representatives told me this week in separate conversations that the Dutchess County area is no longer deemed a declining market by the lenders they work for.  One rep was specific to state that the term being used now to describe the local market is "soft." 
I don't think we'll see any robust changes in the near future.  Up until now Dutchess County had been considered a declining market for the last 18-24 months.  It may remain soft for some time., but this is a little better than declining.  Have we hit bottom?  Will the market turn … (3 comments)

I Was Declined For A Credit Card ....And, I'm Feeling Like The Biggest Loser! - 11/17/09 10:20 PM
The clerk at the customer service desk at Lowes Home Improvement Center handed me a message that was printed from her cash register. 
We apologize but we are unable to approve your application at this time.  You will receive a letter in 10 days explaining our credit decision. 
I left the store feeling very embarrassed and scratching my head.  Why?  It sounded like instant credit would be easy to obtain.  I've been on time with all of my payments and I am not maxed out on my credit cards.  Well, okay there was that trip to Italy 6 weeks ago.  … (71 comments)

How Listing Prices Give Homeowners A False Sense Of VALUE. - 11/17/09 10:42 AM
The typical listing appointment discussion::  So what do you think a buyer would be willing to pay for your home?  I ask this question.  I listen.  I take a deep breath and then I give MY pricing opinion/strategy.  I watch their jaws drop to the floor.  Once again, the sellers are confused about list price vs. value.  And, why is this? 
...Looks like it's time for a little reality check. 
It's been said that a man's home is his castle and it's worth more to him than it really is.  That said, how did the homeowners arrive at their numbers before … (4 comments)

Hey Seller, This Is A Take It ...Or, Leave It Showing! ...What's It Going To Be? - 11/13/09 11:20 PM
Agents! Did you ever feel like you need to negotiate with a seller BEFORE you even get through the front door with a potential buyer?  Don't we do this all the time when we call to schedule showing appointments?  How often does it happen that a seller tries to finagle a different showing time?  Well, it happened to me twice today. And, I am still fuming.   
Late this afternoon I called to make appointments to show 8 properties tomorrow morning and early afternoon.  I consider this to be ample notice.  I still don't have confirmation on half of the showing appointments, but … (33 comments)

Unable To Pay Your Mortgage? - Where To Turn To In Dutchess County... - 11/12/09 10:53 AM
Hardship is running rampant these days.  Everywhere I turn as a real estate agent I hear stories that bring me to tears.  Many people are experiencing financial problems, unable to pay their mortgage and getting deeper into debt.  Some of my past and present clients have confided in me about the feeling of shame and embarrassment they have experienced.  Rarely do they talk openly to others about their financial problems and will usually treat this like a dirty little secret.  And, most people don't know where to turn.  
If you are experiencing financial hardship,  the truth is that you are among many.  Knowing this may not make you feel … (2 comments)

Poughkeepsie Area Market Overview - 11/12/09 09:31 AM
Local real estate statistics were recently published for October 2009.  The market update below shows that closed sales and the number of purchase offers accepted are UP since last October, while the inventory of available homes for sale has declined.  This is great news for sellers, and should serve as a caution for home buyers who are waiting to time the market.  In fact, the average selling price has not even changed significantly since last year.    



October 2009 Sales Statistics
SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED 
                                           Oct '08         Sept '09      Oct '09        1 Yr. Chg / %
Closed Sales                        131              136             155               UP         18%
Average … (1 comments)

Are You Decorating Or Devaluing Your Home? - 11/01/09 01:44 PM
Once a buyer purchases a house and becomes a homeowner there is usually a lot of time, money and thought that goes into personalizing the property to make it feel like a home.  By, adding decorative touches a homeowner begins to gain more and more pride.  A little creativity can go a long way and sometimes it can go too far.  
I have seen new homeowners turn decorating into a hobby with very little assistance from a professional interior designer.  The results can be disastrous.  Eventually the novice homeowner decorator becomes so passionate with their new hobby that he/she begins to … (12 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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