Choosing The rRght Real Estate Agent/Realtor In Westchester County NY - 03/31/09 02:28 PM
Choosing a Real Estate agent to work with is a very important part in selling your home.  You want an agent that is going to not only work to get you the best possible price and terms for your home but one that will market the home effectively.  There is a difference between Property Marketing and Property Merchandising and your agent should know the difference.  Simply put Property Marketing is creating the optimum competition for your home through various venues, online being #1 in todays world.  Property Merchandising is the preparation of the home to sell, such as staging.  As a … (0 comments)

Selling A Home In Westchester County New York - 03/30/09 07:29 AM
For the past month or so I have focused on the Buyer of Real Estate and hopefully many found the posts to be useful.  I am going to shift focus now onto the Seller of Real Estate.  Selling a home is a major event in one's life with a great deal of both financial and emotional consequences.  The Seller needs to juggle between not only how much money they are going to receive at closing but also the personal feelings and responsibilities associated with the transaction.  The most important thing for the Seller to do in the beginning is try to … (0 comments)

The Three R's Represent The Fundamental Concepts For Contributing To The Green Movement - 03/28/09 08:29 AM
The three R's represent the  fundamental concepts for contributing to the Green movement.  1) Reduce - Cutting back on how many resources we consume. This is the cornerstone for living a Greener lifestyle, it is usually one of the hardest to adopt.  So much of our culture is based on bigger is better and the newest gadget is cooler then the old one.  We tend to forget, and as humans we have built in forgetters.  Beyond reducing consumption, when we do need to aquire things, we can strive for better choices such as buying recycled products or locally produced items, to reduce … (0 comments)

Government Grants for Energy Efficiency One Step Closer To You - 03/27/09 01:31 PM
The Obama Administration is dolling out $3.2 billion for energy efficiency and energy conservation projects in states and cities across the U.S., moving that portion of the economic stimulus money a bit closer to your home.
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program will fund new and existing programs in states to promote home energy audits, weatherization, energy efficiency upgrades, replacement of outdated appliances and other similar initiatives. The Department of Energy had previously estimated that the average qualifying home could benefit from $6,500 in improvements. Each program differs by state and city, so look to your local agencies or … (0 comments)

Foreclosures And Short Sales In Westchester County New York - 03/26/09 09:12 AM
The terms Foreclosure and Short Sale are being heard quite often these days.  Alot of people have an some idea of how they work and have probably heard mixed accounts.  So I will try to define these two terms in a way that will hopefully enlighten all of the curious.A Forclosure is a forced sale of a piece of Real Estate to repay a debt.  The indebtedness may be in the form of a mortgage, unpaid property taxes, builder and mechanic liens, or even deliinquent income taxes.  There are also cases where criminal activities result in forfeiture.Be careful of the myths … (0 comments)

Homewonership Has Always Proven To Be A Great Long Term Investment - 03/24/09 04:59 PM
There are alot of Buyers on the fence at the moment and alot of it has to do with uncertainty.  Whether it be the job market, the media, or mere cautiousness there are alot of people that aren't sure what they should do or who they should believe.  If You rely soley on the media you will never buy a home and could miss out on alot of opportunities in the market.  Buyers and Sellers should rely on the Real Estate professionals since we are the people that 1) specialize in Real Estate and 2) are technically considered experts in the … (0 comments)

Purchasing a Condo/Condominium In Westchester County, NY - 03/23/09 09:21 AM
Purchasing a Condo is much different from purchasing a Coop yet alot of people tend to get them confused.  I explained in detail, in a previous post what a Coop is and discussed the purchasing process.  A Condo is a single real property parcel with all of the unit owners having a right to common use and common elements with separate ownership confined to the individual units which are serially designated.  There are a few different styles of Condos; Garden (usually a small building consisting of no more then three levels), Townhouse style, Midrise and Highrise buildings.  Unlike a Coop You … (0 comments)

Preparing For The Closing Of Your Home Purchase In Westchester County New York - 03/22/09 12:32 PM
The most exciting day of your life is almost here, the Closing of Your new Home. A day, or two,before the Closing a final walkthru is scheduled.  This is Your chance to make sure that everything has been cleaned out, looks to be in order, and that any repairs, changes, or anything else agreed upon in the Contract Of Sale has been taken care of.  Every Contract Of Sale is unique to a specific transaction so make sure you have a clear understanding when signing.  Always check the appliances to make sure they work and make sure the movers haven't caused any damage.  Anything that is out of … (0 comments)

Title Insurance Policy - 03/21/09 08:07 AM
A Title insurance policy protects the Buyer against any loss if a defect in the owners Title is challenged by anyone at anytime.  The Insurance, paid by the Buyer is a large portion of the Closing Costs and a one time fee.  The policy will last through the entire period of ownership.  When applying for Title Insurnace the Title company will exam the Title for any defects or clouds as they are commonly known.  Some examples are forged documents, documents of imcompetent grantors, incorrect marital statements, and improperly delivered Deeds.  Once the Title company is satisfied they will issue a policy.  … (2 comments)

The Contract Of Sale For A Home Purchase - 03/20/09 02:18 PM
The Contract for sale is prepared by the Sellers attorney, usually after a satisfactory Home Inspection has been performed.  The Contract will then be sent to the Buyers Attorney for review and the Buyers signature.  Most of the time the contract is standard, but the terms and conditions will reflect was has been agreed upon in the transaction.  From Inspection issues to any other contingencies like Mortgage, Appraisal, or Home Sell to name a few.  The Buyers attorney will carefully review the Contract and make any changes where he/she feels necessary.  Once those changes are agreed upon by the Sellers attorney … (1 comments)

My Offer Has Been Accepted By The Seller! Now What???? - 03/19/09 12:21 PM
Most Buyers often ask me what the next step is once their offer has been accepted by the Seller.  I tell them that the first thing We do is get a Home Inspection done.  As an Agent I practice giving out three of any service provider I recommend and let the Client choose whom they feel comfortable with.  At this time I also recommend three Attorneys so that once we have a satisfactory inspection the Buyer will already have an Attorney in place that they are comfortable with.  Some Buyers choose to waive the Home Inspection, but I advise against it.  Although … (0 comments)

Preparing And Educating A Buy Client To Make An Offer - 03/17/09 11:45 AM
The process of formulating and presenting an offer to purchase can be looked upon as educational.  Educating the first time home buyer is particularly important because the Buyer may be intimidated by the paperwork as well as the unknown venture they are under taking.  One way to alleviate some of the stress is to review sample forms in the intial Buyer counseling session.  The Agent can even go as far as to fill in some of the blanks to make it more understandable.Here are some important facts to consider1) Verbal promises are not enforceable, therefore anything regarding the transaction should be in … (1 comments)

Creating An Offer To Purchase With Your Buyer Client - 03/16/09 10:43 AM
Once you and your Buyer Client have found the right property, the next step is to craft an offer that will hopefully lead to an accepted offer.  There are many factors that go into a purchase offer and the Buyer Client is the ultimate decision maker.These factors are as follows:1) Price of similiar properties, normally the Agent will put together a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) that will accompnay the offer.  This way the Seller and  Listing Agent see that You have done your homework and understand what comps We used to make Our decision.2) Property Condition - Is the property in good … (0 comments)

Conducting a Buyer Counseling Session - 03/14/09 01:32 PM
Buyer counseling sessions are one of my favorite things to do.  I personally feel that the job of the Agent has evolved into more of a consultant role.  Buyers and Sellers have access to almost the same property information as the Agent so the Agents role really kicks in with the process.  I try to invite all new Buyer prospects into my office for a few reasons.  A face to face meeting builds confidence and enhances the dynamic of the relationship.  Second, the Agent can review all documentation that the Buyer will see throughout the transaction and thoroughly review the buying process.  Lastly this meeting … (3 comments)

Understand the Absorption Rate - 03/13/09 10:16 PM

Via Robin Scott - Broker CRS ABR SRS Austin Texas REALTOR® (Amelia Bullock Realtors):
Only a limited number of properties will sell in any market and the absorption rate will give you an idea of what your chances are. This calculation will tell you how many months it may take to sell your home and here is how it works:
In your market area
DETERMINE HOW MANY HOUSE SOLD IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS
DIVIDE THE SOLDS BY 12 (12months) and THAT WILL TELL YOU HOW MANY HOMES SELL IN A MONTH (ABSORPTION RATE)
DETERMINE HOW MANY ACTIVE LISTING ARE ON THE … (0 comments)

A Buyers Agent Assessing The Needs Of A Buyer Client Compared To A Buyer Customer - 03/13/09 11:10 AM
Assessing the needs of a Buyer is a crucial elemnt to really understand what the Buyer is trying to accomplish.  the Agent can break it into three parts, Needs, Must Haves, and Wants.  The important thing for the Agent to remember is this assessment is based on the Buyers needs not what the Agent thinks the Buyer needs and wants.There is a differnece in determining the needs for a Buyer Client and a Buyer Customer.  The Agent works for a Buyer Client And with A Buyer Customer.If The Buyer is a Client:1) The Agent must pay full attention to the Buyers … (0 comments)

Responsibilities Of A Real Estate Agent Owed To A Buyer Customer - 03/12/09 10:10 AM
Yesterday I spoke about the responsibilities of an Agent representing a Buyer exclusively.  Today I will touch on the Agent obligations when the Buyer is simply a Customer (no Buyers Agency agreement or disclosure in place).  Even though the Agent doesn't represent the Buyer as a Client there are still responsibilities required by State laws.1) Honesty - No statement or action can result in fraud or misrepresentation.  All laws and regulations pertaining to the transaction must be obeyed including the disclosure of material facts.2) Accounting - The Agent is reuired to promptly report to the Customer any money or property received … (0 comments)

The Fiduciary Duties Of A Buyers Agent Owed To A Client - 03/11/09 10:10 AM
Once a Buyers Agency agreement is in place between Buyer and Agent a Client relationship is formed.  There are duties that are owed to the now Client, they are called Fiduciary Duties.  There are six in all and they are as follows:1) Obedience - The Agent is required to act subject to the Clients continuous control (following laws of course) but not to exceed the scope of authority conferred by the Client.  Basically, the Agent shouldn't make any decisions for the Client.2) Undivided Loyalty - The Agent is prohibited from advancing any interests adverse to the Clients interest or conducting the … (3 comments)

Buyer Representation Issues - 03/10/09 12:17 PM
Yesterday I wrote a summary of some of the benefits of working with a Buyers Agent.  Today I will focus on five important issues that should be covered when entering into an agreement.  One misconception is that a Buyers Agent costs more, the Buyer will pay more for the house, etc.  This is not always the case, the terms of a Buyers Agency agreement are negotiable and to be determined by the Buyer and Agent.  1) Exclusivity - This varies based on state law and the company procedure.  Exclusivity protects the right of the Buyers representative to be compensated when the … (1 comments)

Buyers Agency...The Advantages Of Hiring Your Own Buyers Agent/Broker - 03/09/09 09:56 AM
Many people are confused about the duties of a Buyers Agent or why they should consider using a Buyers Agent.  Hopefully this post will enlighten and encourage a few to hire their own Buyers Agent.  I have chosen to work as a Buyers Agent because I love representing the Buyer and most importantly guiding them through the purchase of a life time.  In New York State agents represent the Seller unless a 443 Disclosure form is signed acknowledging different or an Exclusive Buyers Agency Agreement is in place.  We are required, at "first substantive" contact to discuss the different types of agency … (0 comments)

Buying A Coop/Cooperative Apartment...What You Need To Know - 03/05/09 02:14 PM
I have been receiveing alot of questions about Coop Apartments, what they are and how the operate.  A Coop is a corporation made up of all the occupants of the building.  When You buy a Coop you are not buying an actual unit, you are buying shares in a corporation.  You will receive a stock certificate and a proprietary lease which entitles you to occupy the unit.
Since the occupants do not own the unit they do not pay property taxes like you would in a condo or house.  You pay a monthly maintenence fee wchich includes your pro-rata share of … (1 comments)

Rent With An Option To Buy - 03/04/09 12:05 PM
The weak housing market has prompted some home sellers to offer rent-to-buy agreements to prospective buyers. These buyers pay an up-front fee of approximately 1 percent of the sales price for the option to buy, and all the payments they make during the rental period go toward the principal. Most rent-to-buy agreements last for two to five years; and if the occupants decide not to go through with the purchase, they lose the option fee plus the rental payments. Those that agree to purchase the home at the price specified when the agreement was signed also lose money if property prices … (0 comments)

New And Improved Train Cars Are Coming To The Metro North New Haven Line - 03/02/09 11:03 AM
Metro North New Haven line commuters can breathe a bit easier.  More comfortable and aesthetically pleasing, modern cars are coming shortly.  The Connecticut DOT ordered new cars complete with power outlets (great for the laptop users), bigger windows, an automated public address system (I've experienced these in the city, they work great!), individual head rests, and more legroom.  I have been riding the New Haven line for twenty years and am very excited about these improvements.  Riding the train in the morning should be a relaxing experience. This is the time where you prepare mentally for the day ahead.  Commuters should … (0 comments)

 
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Christopher Pagli - William Raveis Legends Realty

Rye, NY

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William Raveis Legends Realty Group

Address: 37 Main Street, Tarrytown, NY, 10591

Office Phone: (914) 332-6300 x 107

Cell Phone: (914) 406-9023

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