Cottage or Castle, What's Your Dream?

Are Things Looking Up?

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 05:21:03 -0700

The economy may finally be starting to turn around. For the first time in over two years, we had to wait for a table at our favorite restaurant.

There has been some new construction of higher end homes recently and contractors I work with are all of a sudden getting calls from proposals they sent months ago. This was encouraging and dining out increases are very encouraging. I will post a new market analysis. Finally, something to be positive about.

AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE ~ GIVING THANKS CONTEST

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:00:56 -0800

This is a wonderful contest for November, the month that starts the holiday season with taking time to think about the things we are "Thankful" for. What better way than to recognize those who give back. Who do you know?

Via Paula Hamilton~McDonald, The Woodlands, TX ~ 936-203-0279 (Chevaux Group, PLLC):

AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE ~ GIVING THANKS CONTEST

The season of Thanksgiving has arrived and it is great to feel the crisp air, prepare for friends and family visits and to remember to have an Attitude of Gratitude! With that in mind, this is the perfect time to unveil another ActiveRain Contest.

The purpose of this contest will be about a group, a person, organization, family, etc. in your community who exemplifies an Attitude of Gratitude. These are the people who do extraordinary things to enrich and help their fellow community members. They exude a humble spirit with a zealous enthusiasm of giving back.

Introduce us to these people. Help inspire us with the people who give tirelessly in your community. Take pictures of them, let us know what they do, post events and activities that they do. Provide us with links to their organization or events that they are involved in.

Of course some of the most profound people who inspire us are the quiet and silent types. These people unselfishly give of their time, talents and money without alot of fanfare. Don't forget these people. Whoever it is, the point is that it doesn't matter how big or small their attitude of gratitude is. What matters is how they impact lives around them.

So are you in? Will you share with us the people who are out there making a difference in your community? We can't wait to be uplifted, inspired and challenged.

Here are a few simple guidelines for the contest:

Use "An Attitude of Gratitude" in your blog title along with your own secondary part of the title. Example: An Attitude of Gratitude ~ Meet Mr. Smith

Post pictures , videos & links of the person or group or activity being featured.

Be as descriptive as possible. Help us to really see their hearts, their unselfish commitment and the wonderful things they are doing.

At least 200 words in the post.

Entries need to be in by midnight (AR time) of November 30th, 2011!

Post your link in the Giving Thanks Contest GROUP.

POINTS:

1st place - 3000 points and a Feature!
2nd place - 2500 points
3rd place - 2000 points

Each participant will receive 1000 points for taking part! We are ready some inspiration!

.... here are you esteemed judges:

Charita Cadenhead

Gordon & Cherise Selley

Loreena & Mike Yeo

Paula Hamilton~McDonald ~ REALTOR^®

Broker ~ Managing Principal

9595 Six Pines Drive, Suite 8210 ~ The Woodlands, TX 77380 ~ 936-203-0279

Selling The Woodlands real estate and surrounding areas!

Paula@ChevauxGroup.com

Copyright 2011 Paula Hamilton~McDonald

Hyper-Hyper Local Marketing

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:45:10 -0800

Take ownership of your community-doesn't mean miles of territory. I focus on a spectacular lake front community known as Interlaken Gardens. Learn about the community now. Visit my website at http://dreamccc.com

Realtor or Tour Guide?

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:06:50 -0700

Recently I was listening to a podcast that explained network marketing and made the comparison to real estate. In actuality, any business can be compared to network marketing. There is one person on the top with expanding numbers of individuals as you move down the corporate structure.

What does this mean for real estate? The Realtor® must coordinate all pieces of the transaction and multiple contacts for a successful result at the end of the day. Makes the job of a Realtor® more than a mere bringing together a buyer and a seller.

Ask yourself, "am I a Realtor® or a tour guide?"

August in New York

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:58:21 -0700

There is something wonderful about August in New York and living here I really appreciate it. It is a time of true leisure, a time when you can take a day off and not feel guilty. The traffic is less with everyone taking last minute vacations or getting the kids ready for school.

Take advantage of the fewer crowds and spend a day in New York City as a tourist. You'll be glad you did.

A New York Minute - Curb Appeal

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 21:53:23 -0700

The first thing anyone sees, including you, when you drive up to your home is the view from the street, also known as curb appeal. Now is the time to make a difference in the appearance of your 'curb'. Spring and summer is ideal to make a change in the yard. The weather is great and with a little extra attention spent on planting, relocating some existing plants, color choices, you can make a real difference. If you house is on the market, this is a critical step. If it isn't, paying attention to this detail today will reap rewards when the time comes to sell - one less thing to address when preparing your home for sale. Results you can see and enjoy today and tomorrow.

Market Update - Interlaken Gardens & Channing Place

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:55:50 -0700

Things are beginning to look up. Finally, there are some choices and some properties available in Interlaken Gardens and Channing Place, Eastchester, NY. Both these communities are cooperative apartments that are built on Lake Innisfree (Lake Isle) and share a private beach with lifeguards, swimming, boating, playgrounds, basketball court and less than 30 minutes to Grand Central Station from the Crestwood Train Station.

It has been very quiet with very few listings for the past two years. It looks like things are beginning to come back to life. There are two listings in Channing Place, both are two bedrooms and two bathrooms and are priced between $399,000 and $459,000.

Interlaken Gardens has 14 active listings. Great choices available on both first and second floors. There are five one bedroom apartments from $199,000 to $249,999; seven two bedroom apartments from $275,000 to $399,900; one 3 bedroom/2 bath apartment and one 3 bedroom/3 bath apartment both priced at $499,000.

I am a resident expert on Lake Isle. It is one of Westchester's best kept secrets. It may be time to discover the communities surrounding Lake Innisfree (Lake Isle) for you and your family. Choose between these two cooperative complexes Interlaken Gardens and Channing Place, or single family ownership at the Townhouses at Lake Isle or Lake Isle Estates.

Foreclosures In Eastchester, NY

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:11:42 -0700

Although I am a member of my local MLS system, Trulia.com is a great source of Foreclosure specific information. This morning, my daily e-Mail from Trulia contained 10 listings in Eastchester, NY. Of the 10, 7 are Foreclosures!

Here is a link to the foreclosure search in Trulia (there are 8 foreclosures available): http://www.trulia.com/for_sale/Eastchester,NY/foreclosure_lt/

I am not a proponent of doom and gloom. The reality is, there are opportunities for those who are ready, willing and able to buy. It may not necessarily be a foreclosure or short sale. There are other properties that present opportunities for todays buyer; estate sales; family illness creating a need to move; job transfers and/or job loss.

As a buyer, why not take advantage of the opportunities this market offers? You never know, your dream cottage or castle may be available today!

Fall 2009

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:36:55 -0700

I thought about posting results for the third quarter for the Lake Isle Real Estate Market, Eastchester, NY and have decided not to. Why? Things have been slow. The results might appear grim and I don't want to present that message because...

I am looking at a much better fourth quarter for the properties I specialize in, Interlaken Gardens, Channing Place, Lake Isle Estates and The Townhouses at Lake Isle. There are a number of excellent properties and fantastic opportunities in each community. Lake Isle, built around Lake Innisfree and bordering Lake Isle Country Club remains one of the best kept secrets in Westchester County real estate. With private beaches, pools, lifeguards, swimming, boating, low fee resident membership to Lake Isle Country Club featuring 5 pools, tennis courts, some lit for night play, an 18 hole golf course and a magnificent catering hall AND a less than 30 minute commute from Crestwood Train Station to Grand Central Station, Lake Isle is worthy of serious consideration.

I am looking forward to presenting the exciting activities Eastchester offers. I hope you join me.

Thanks for visiting.

Home for Rent in Mahopac, NY

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:02:15 -0700

$2,100 - House for Rent

3 Bedroom, 2 ½ Bath 1 Car Garage

Master Bedroom has its own full private bath.

Easy living in this raised ranch located only 1.8 miles (less than 5 minutes) off the Taconic State Parkway. Open floor plan with gleaming hardwood floors throughout. Modern kitchen with stainless appliances - refrigerator, stove, microwave and dishwasher. Granite counter and breakfast bar with stools overlooking the dining area with formal table and seating for six. Sliders from the dining room exit to the upper deck with a round table and four cushioned chairs. And the view, spectacular!

On the main level of this home you will find the master bedroom with private full bath and two additional bedrooms and hall bath. Enjoy the surround sound speakers in the living room.

The lower level offers a large family room with a half bath and sliders to the lower deck. The lower deck is furnished with two chairs, two ottomans, love seat and coffee table. The cushions add comfort to this level as well.

A state of the art washer/dryer are included with this rental plus a one car garage. Floors are covered with wall to wall carpets.

Tenants pay all utilities. Hot water base board oil heat for the winter and central air conditioning for the summer. Or, switch on the attic fan and pull the heat out of the home and pull the cool breeze in.

No pets, no smokers. Two month security deposit plus first month rent.

For questions and to schedule an appointment, please contact:

Catherine C. Capasso
Principal Broker

Catherine Cornelia Real Estate
914-774-1958

To preview more pictures, please visit:
Click Here

There is a video link on the page as well. Enjoy!

Fourth of July Fireworks in Westchester County

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:12:00 -0700

WCBS Radio posted a listing of places for fireworks this coming Fourth of July weekend. The information is below and has contact phone numbers as well: Note: Playland Park has Fireworks ALL SUMMER.

WESTCHESTER

Playland Park: Fireworks every Wednesday and Friday through August 29. Free admission; parking $10...Playland Parkway Rye, NY 10580

Dobbs Ferry: Fishing derby, fun and fireworks. Fishing for ages 7-15, 10 a.m.-noon; games, picnicking, noon-9 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Free. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Waterfront Park. 914-693-2203.

Harrison: Fireworks. Free. 9:15 p.m. Project Home Run site, Oakland Avenue at Halstead Avenue. 914-670-3035.

Katonah: Independence Day celebration. Reading of the Declaration of Independence, patriotic music and picnicking on the front lawn. Free. 11 a.m. John Jay Homestead, 400 Route 22. 914-232-5651.

Kent: Fireworks. Free. 9:30 p.m. Lake Carmel, Route 52. 845-225-2067.

Mamaroneck: Fireworks as part of the annual Firemen's Carnival. Free. 9 p.m. Harbor Island Park, Boston Post Road. 914-777-7754.

Mount Vernon: Independence Day celebration. Ringing of historic 250-year-old bell, music, speeches, refreshments. Free. 10:45 a.m.-1 p.m. St. Paul's Church National Historic Site, 897 S. Columbus Ave. 914-667-4116.

New Rochelle: Spark the Sound fireworks. Show can be seen from all waterfront parks. Free. 9:30 p.m. Hudson Park, Hudson Park Road. 914-654-2087.

Port Chester: July Fourth celebration. Community service and appreciation awards will be presented. Entertainment, fireworks by the Grucci family at dark. Free. 7:30 p.m. Port Chester High School, 1 Tamarack Road. 914-939-8291.

Rye: Fireworks. Free. 9:30 p.m. Playland Amusement Park, Playland Parkway, Exit 19 off I-95. 914-813-7010.

Scarsdale: Concert and fireworks. Performance by the Westchester Band, followed by fireworks. $2. 7:30 p.m. Rain date: Saturday. Scarsdale Municipal Pool, 311 Mamaroneck Road. 914-722-1292.

Sleepy Hollow: Fireworks. Free. 8 p.m. at the former General Motors site, Beekman Avenue and River Street. 914-366-5106.

Southeast: Concert and fireworks. DJ Dieter of Sounds Unlimited performs. Free. 6 p.m. Rain date: Saturday. Scolpino Park, Doansburg Road. 845-279-3915.

Tarrytown: Independence Day 1856. Dramatic presentations, speeches, period music, traditional dancing, house tours, ice-cream demonstrations. $12, $10 seniors, $6 age 5-17, free for age 5 and younger. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunnyside, West Sunnyside Lane. 914-631-8200.

Tarrytown: Concert and fireworks. Van Martin Swing Band precedes the fireworks. Free. 7-10 p.m. Pierson Park, next to the Metro-North Railroad station. 914-631-8347.

I wish everyone a safe, happy and fun filled Fourth of July!

Home Staging Design Pros Culture

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Tue, 19 May 2009 07:42:57 -0700

This is a great, short video about Home Staging.

Via Jeffrey Johnson (Home Staging Design Pros. Orlando Fl. 32801):

If a business helps people and really wants to make a change in peoples' lives, success will follow. Home Staging Design Pros' complementary consultation focuses on helping the seller see their home as a commodity, gently moving the seller to a mental place that will help get there home sold. Most of all HSDPros wants to help the realtor get there listing sold. Home Staging Design Pros free consultation in packed with intrinsic value. Our stagers provide lots of helpful info to prospective clients, those bits of info that will help any seller. Our home stagers love what they do, we truly are enthusiastic about helping people even those folk that might be upside down, inside out, or other wise tapped out. Lots of folk are just strapped so we do what we can to help. Of course when professional services are requested it comes at a price, but the cost of home staging is always less then their first price reduction!

With that said, our corporate culture and philosophy is to help others and business will come. These are tough time, it'll take hard work and a lot of help from one another but things will turn around and home staging, real estate professionals, banks, brokers, and appraisers, will all play a part. Home stagers are here to help and here to stay. So happy Staging!

www.HSDPros.com

Market Conditions, What is Happening?

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Tue, 19 May 2009 07:39:24 -0700

I am still trying to understand my real estate market. Nothing substantial from the listing side seems to have changed. There has been more activity in the high end (over $1,500,000) in listings coming on but from the sales side, those properties aren't moving very well.

What is moving? For the most part, properties under $500,000. I don't understand what is happening to all the Contingent/Pending properties. Commitments and mortgage lock in rates are coming close to expiration dates and banks are asking for, what I consider, ridiculous amounts to extend these agreements.

A recent example of this situation: A first time home buyer, buying new construction. The builder has been hit by the market downturn and has been struggling to complete this home. Getting close to the closing date and needing a specific punch list completed before the appraiser can sign off on the value, the builder is in a car accident and is in the hospital. With the clock ticking on the lock in and the commitment, the bank is now asking for $1,500 to extend the mortgage commitment.

Is this what is happening in many cases? Properties are going into contract and stalling. I can't help but wonder if this is a plan on the part of the banks. Delay everything and then ask the consumer to cough up more money just to keep the deal going. The situation presented above is not the first, just the most recent example.

Is this happening in other markets and can we, as real estate professionals, do anything to help correct this situation?

Summer Fast Approaching

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Tue, 19 May 2009 07:29:46 -0700

It doesn't seem like this weekend is the kickoff of the summer season. I know Memorial Day is Monday but it is hard to think about swimming and sailing when the heat was on last night. Frost warnings after May 15 in Eastchester, NY are not suppose to happen.

This weekend will start the summer activities on Lake Innisfree and at Lake Isle Country Club. The residents of Interlaken Gardens and Channing Place enjoy wonderful activities planned by a group of volunteer members of the Lake Committee.

It is amazing to me that a community less than 30 minutes from Manhattan has the amenities and lifestyle that mimics a resort community. Best of all, it is affordable.

Third Weekend in April - Springtime in Eastchester

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:57:25 -0700

It's the third weekend in April and you can feel Spring in the air. The excitement of summer activities that will be starting soon quivers through the air.

Just imagine the family times you can enjoy on the lake!

Beginning weekends in May, weather permitting, the private beach for residents of Interlaken Gardens and Channing Place opens for residents and their guests.

Golf has started at Lake Isle Country Club. A special group, The Twilightlers, meet on Tuesday evenings to play nine holes. This is a group for all the lady golfers. It is a wonderful social group who enjoy the game and enjoy getting together beginning May 5 through the end of August. They play the front nine and go out in foursomes starting at 4:00 pm. Dinner is prepared by volunteer members for all to enjoy after the game.

Eastchester offers so many wonderful things for residents and their families. It's a great community to call home.

Blogging From My iPhone

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:11:59 -0700

It is so fantastic to connect to Active Rain and the Internet while out of the office, away from my laptop, and using my iPhone. I am writing my forts post from the iPhone to see how it compares to computer generated posts. I really want this to work because there are times during the day the perfect post arises and I want to share the information on the spot. I welcome any suggestions to help achieve this goal. Is there a way to upload a picture, or take a picture and post it? Thanks for the feedback.

Easter Sunday and the Sun is Finally Shining

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 08:31:23 -0700

It has been grey, wet, cold and damp. What a joyous awakening today. For me, sunshine has such a positive affect on my mood. It's hard to stay positive when everything is grey.

At last, the grass is getting green, buds are ripening, birds are singing and the feel of Spring with the promise of warm days ahead is in the air.

Now is when I love selling real estate in Eastchester, Lake Isle, NY. There is an excitement that accompanies the season. With camera in hand, I am heading out to capture some of nature's beauty.

Just wanted to add one photo to this post - taken at a property in Mahopac, NY on St. Patrick's Day, the day my client closed on this home. It's always amazing to me the subtle images that show up in a picture when I download them to my computer.

Happy Easter and Happy Spring to All!

Stream in the Woods (Please click on the link to view this photo on Flickr.)

New Technology/Networking Group

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 11:57:47 -0700

Technology is changing faster than most can keep up with. At the same time, it is getting easier every day. It does take a time commitment to stay on top of the new features available through Web 2.0. In many ways, it is easier to keep in touch with clients.

This said, there was a "tweet" from Active Brad very recently asking why more REALTORS(R) don't take advantage of all technology has to offer. In my opinion, there are two reasons; (1) fear of change, and (2) lack of knowledge.

I am fortunate to be able to bring together a group of forward thinking REALTORS(R) in a new Technology/Networking Group. We will be meeting for the first time on Monday, April 6 at Four Brothers Restaurant, Route 6, Mahopac, NY. This is a NO FEE Membership and, the restaurant will provide individual checks so if all someone wants is coffee and desert, that's all they need to pay for.

Why do I feel this is important information to post? If you are in the area, please feel free to join us between 11:30 am and 2:00 pm. Also, the concept is one that others may want to try. In this market, we need every positive we can get and for the least amount of cash spent. By coming together to network and focus on technology, everyone wins. There are some very "tech savy" agents in the market. Sharing our knowledge with each other and, even more exciting, with "technophobic" agents that are excited to jump on board the train to the future, will create an atmosphere of enthusiasm and foster stronger relationships.

The focus of our first meeting is "Social Networking." We will explore Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Active Rain. Is there another site we should address at this first meeting? Your thoughts and comments are appreciated.

Catherine in NY

Eastchester Little League Sign Up

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 15:09:14 -0800

With winter's chill hanging on, it's difficult to think about baseball.

I am posting this reminder here because of all the exposure generated:

Eastchester Little League sign-up is running now, through February 28, 2009. Don't miss it!

Home Staging Tip, Part 3 of 5

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 07:12:19 -0800

Repair - hopefully you client has removed the clutter and you can really see what you are working with. Today's buyer is much like the home inspector. They are better educated, thanks to the DIY shows and HGTV and other networks that focus on real estate and real estate makeovers. The buyer takes a very critical look at the home and then depends on the inspector's expertise for the structural components of the property.

Repair the things that are visual. Here is a sample to get you focused:

The leaking faucet you have come to ignore.
The grout that has worn away from the tiles.
Broken tiles.
The scratches in the sink and on the counter tops.
The cracked window pane or storm window.
Ripped screens.
Kitchen drawers that don't open or close properly.
Weather stripping - doors and the garage door.
Peeling, chipped paint.
Torn carpet - I went to a Broker Open House once where the seller had used grey duct tape to patch the tear in the carpet. Talk about a red flag for a buyer. Makes them wonder just how or if they made repairs you can't easily see.
Take a look outside the house - how is the driveway, walkway, entrances. Did you ever see a property that used a step ladder to support the window air conditioner? You can't make this stuff up.

I think you get the idea. At this stage, you can begin to make lists of items you may want the seller to consider replacing. Why? The next two steps, Cleaning and Decorating, put the finishing touches on Staging. Sometimes it is better to replace fixtures instead of repairing them. Once you have a list, you can work with your seller to set a budget and prioritize items. Little things yield big returns.

In the mind of the buyer, good repair indicated good condition.

Mid-February and The Eastchester Market

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 08:08:52 -0800

It happens every time we have a cold, long winter. We get a few new listings in January and February goes back to sleep. It makes for very challenging times. I have buyers that have seen everything currently available and need a comparison. It is always a challenge to keep them interested, excited and active when nothing new is happening. Just what causes this phenomenon I can't say for sure. Is it the groundhog and six more weeks of winter? Anyone else see this trend in their market?

Sales Results for 2008 for Interlaken Gardens, Eastchester, NY

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:31:21 -0800

This is a community of 525 families situated on Lake Innisfree. It features a private beach with lifeguards to make your swim experience safe. In addition to swimming, you may boat or fish in the lake. With 44 acres, the garden style buildings offer peace, tranquility and privacy. It is a gem in Westchester County that many are not aware of. If golf or tennis is your passion, Lake Isle Country Club, a town park, offers very affordable resident membership.

With the current real estate market, we are not having many shareholders put their property up for sale. 2008 saw the fewest sales since 1988.

As a resident Broker, I can provide detailed information on my community, which is just one of the many reasons I specialize in Interlaken Gardens, Channing Place, and the neighboring homes and co-op apartments serving the Eastchester High School district.

For the commuter, Crestwood Train Station is less than a mile from Interlaken and a 12 - 15 minute downhill walk. From there, it is 28 minutes into Grand Central Station.

The following information represents the sale of cooperative apartments in Interlaken Gardens, Eastchester, NY for 2008. The source of the information is the Westchester-Putnam Multiple Listing Service. Apartments were represented and sold by multiple agents/offices.

Interlaken Gardens

2008 Sold Analysis

Number of Units that Closed in 2008: 12 Average Days on Market (DOM) 150

Type of Apartment Sold:

First Floor / One Bedroom 2

First Floor / Two Bedroom 3 - Two Units were Simplex Units*

Second Floor / One Bedroom 3

Second Floor / Two Bedroom 4 - Three Units were Duplex Units**

Properties were on the market an average of 150 days. Prior to July, 2008 the first floor units had accepted offers within three weeks. Currently, there are no accepted offers on any of the 9 active apartments.

Sold Prices:

First Floor / One Bedroom: $211,000 - $275,000 Average: $243,000

1175 California Road - 1R $211,000 148 DOM

1279 California Road - 1L $275,000 110 DOM

First Floor / Two Bedroom: $275,000 - $380,000 Average: $340,000

41 Manchester Road - 1R $275,000 121 DOM

30 Manchester Road - 1 $365,000 108 DOM Simplex

14 Field End Lane - 1 $380,000 102 DOM Simplex

Second Floor / One Bedroom: $195,000 - $230,000 Average: $208,333.33

4 Woodlot Road - 2L $195,000 112 DOM

1241 California Road - 2L $200,000 193 DOM

11 Manchester Road - 2L $230,000 101 DOM

Second Floor / Two Bedroom: $255,000 - $358,000 Average: $318,250

1213 California Road - 2R $255,000 170 DOM

10 Whitehall Road - 2L $320,000 424 DOM Duplex

55 Manchester Road - 2L $340,000 85 DOM* Duplex *Expired Twice. Total DOM = 391

13 Field End Lane - 2R $358,000 126 DOM Duplex

*A Simplex Unit has five rooms; Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Two Bedrooms, One Bathroom and a patio off the Kitchen.

**A Duplex Unit is above the Simplex, two levels. The entry level has Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen and then upstairs Two Bedrooms, One Bathroom

Interlaken Gardens - Who Is Selling?

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 16:15:16 -0800

I specialize in a wonderful resort type community known as Interlaken Gardens. Situated on Lake Innisfree in Eastchester, NY with private beaches, lifeguards, garden style apartments and acres of property. Create your own private oasis in your backyard or enjoy the friendships found at The Lake.

All this and only 28 minutes from Crestwood Station to Grand Central Station. By the way, the walk to the station is just under a mile, downhill and takes 12 - 15 minutes.

So, to answer the question 'Who Is Selling?' Our market has been slow for quite a while now. The only properties coming on the market are estate sales or residents that need to move for one reason or another; i.e., new marriage, new baby, new job, etc. This is still true. We only have nine active listings in our MLS system right now ranging in price from $195,000 to $369,000 comprising of one and two bedroom, first floor (some with patios) and second floor apartments. There are 525 apartments in Interlaken Gardens.

I recently analyzed the sales for 2008. I will be happy to provide this information at your request.

Why is Interlaken so special? It is the place I call home. I am so very fortunate to live where I work and work where I live.

Home Staging Tip, Part 2 of 5

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 09:20:17 -0800

Have you completed Part 1 - De-cluttering? GREAT! You are now ready to move on to the next step:

De-personalize: The goal here is very simple. You want to remove everything that provides any information about who lives in the house. Family photographs; the refrigerator covered in artwork, magnets, notes, etc. if you are a collector, store away that collection. You may have already done this during your de-clutter step. If not, do it now. There are two thoughts on this. First, collecting something like antique dolls provides personal insite into the homeowner. We are trying to have the potential buyer imagine living in the home. If they don't like antique dolls, this can turn them off. The buyer may not even realize this is happening. Second, the collection may be valuable. Don't risk it.

Remove all distractions. You want the buyer to see the space and imagine their things in it.

This is a short post. There really isn't a lot of detail here. Just do it!

Home Staging Tip, Part 1 of 5

Catherine C Capasso (Catherine Cornelia Real Estate) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:12:31 -0800

The most important thing any homeowner can do when it comes to getting a house sold is to have it staged.

I recommend Professional Staging. I believe so much in the difference Professional Staging makes that I have become an Accredited Home Staging Specialist. It is part of my business activities to continue my education in staging so I can bring the best techniques to my clients and customers.

There are five parts to staging. I will be posting each one with its explanation.

Is it possible once a consumer has the knowledge of the parts of staging the home for them to "go it alone?" Yes and no. Yes because they have the knowledge. No for many reasons. A few are: the consumer doesn't have the experience to pick up on the fine points; they lack the necessary objectivity (the consumer is personally attached to the home); time and where to start.

As a Professional Stager, I work with the client to get the job done. We work together to come up with a time line for Staging the House for Sale, identify the things the client can do and the areas where professionals are needed. I coordinate the arrangements with the professionals. We also have follow up appointments to fine tune the house and then activate the listing. In my experience, it is better to wait until the staging is complete before activating the listing. Although buyers come on the market every day, a new listing gets exposure to the larger pool of buyers that haven't found the home they have been searching for.

Step 1: De-clutter. You need to get rid of the "stuff." Some things you will be taking with you. These get packed up and stored. It is important that the storage boxes fit unobtrusively somewhere in the house. You want to showcase how much space the house has. This is the prime reason for de-cluttering. Where do you begin? One room at a time. The fact is, you will be doing this anyway when the house is sold. Consider de-cluttering as pre-packing. There are options for storage and each clients needs are different. As a Professional Stager, part of my job is to make sure de-cluttering showcases space. I address each clients needs individually.

Note: I refer to the clients home as "house." It is important to start thinking like this. The whole process becomes easier when you are staging and selling a house and not your home. It is the job of the REALTOR® to have the buyer looking for a "home." Simply, "houses are sold and homes are bought."

A tip on where to start - the bathroom first and then the kitchen. Why? The bathroom is the smallest room and has the least amount of clutter. Starting here gets the ball rolling. It takes the least amount of time. The sense of accomplishment fuels the excitement for moving on through the rest of the house. Moving on to the kitchen next sets up the process of eliminating everything but absolute essentials. It helps my client as we move on through the rest of the house. They begin to get into the process of pre-packing and choices of what to keep, what to pack and what to get rid of begins in the kitchen. Experience has shown me this approach works for my clients.

Complete Step 1 throughout the entire house before moving on to Step 2.

See you again.