Observations From Orange County, New York

Should a Uniform Marketing Plan Be Used With All of Your Listings?

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Sun, 25 May 2008 01:57:38 -0500

In response to the competitive nature of obtaining property listings, real estate agents vie to offer potential seller-clients bigger and better marketing plans. The logic is simple: homeowners are looking for the most bang for their buck.

So what does the well prepared listing agent offer? There are of course the old tried and true basics;

Basic Listing on an MLS
Basic Print Ads
Open House

And then there are the newer additions to the marketing plan;

Professional Quality Pictures, Pictures, Pictures
Virtual Tours
Audio & Video Promotion
Home Staging
Listing on Real Estate Company Websites
Listing on Agent Website
Listing on Multiple Public Real Estate Websites
TV Ads
Etc.

It is easy to see the appeal a thorough marketing plan has for a seller. After all, more is better, or is it?

A thorough marketing plan requires of the agent imagination, expertise, and increased time and expense. That is all worth it when a property has the potential to show well and bringing in top dollar, but the fact of the matter is not all properties have that potential.

So, what do you offer your seller-clients? Do you tailor your market plan to fit each situation, or is your marketing plan one-size-fits-all?

UPDATE ~ Extreme Remodels ~ Are they Worth It?

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Mon, 05 May 2008 09:38:54 -0500

Several comments to my April 14th post, Extreme Remodels ~ Are They Worth It? , requested updates on progress made to the ambiscious project I depicted, and I am glad to oblige.

This is a photo of the project in its earliest stage.

The roof had been raised to provide normal head room.

It has been nearly a month, and here is a photo I shot yesterday.

The facade is stripped down to expose original rock construction, the rear room is gutted, and a second level is being added in the rear.

My question still stands. Are extreme remodels worth it?

Extreme Remodels ~ Are They Worth It?

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:50:11 -0500

When homes don't fit our modern lifestyles, what can we do? The answer seems simple, we can remodel.

This photo shows a remodel currently underway on a true colonial. The 300+ year old structure has foot thick native stone and loose fill walls, sealed with a skin of stucco. Every beam and floor board in the structure started its existence as part of a tree that saw life before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

That after so many centuries this building still functioned as a residence boggles the mind. Long ago, out buildings for cooking were replaced with an indoor kitchen, the out house was similarly replaced with indoor plumbing, and drafty windows were replaced with aluminium storms, but other than that little has changed on this tri-centenarian.

The problem that motivates the remodel pictured here is one of space. Our colonial ancestors lived in small spaces, but we moderns do not. The current owner decided the best way to remedy this is to build up. He removed the roof of a low ceilinged attic in order to provide head room for a more comfortable living space.

I look forward to seeing the outcome of this ambitious project, and I hope it turns out well so this stucture may survive for many, many more years as a home.

Students Out On The Pitch ~ Playing Cricket in NYC

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:46:15 -0500

In recognition of the fact that many of its students come from cultures totally unfamiliar with sports like baseball, football, and basketball, New York City's Department of Education has added cricket to its list of athletic offerings. The response is overwhelming. Instead of the expected 4 to 5 teams, 14 schools have formed teams. 600 students are involved. The 14 teams are split into two leagues, each team will play 12 matches, and there will be a championship in May.

New York City, more than many other areas in our nation, experiences a great deal of immigration. Through out history, wave after wave of immigrants have come to New York to start new lives. In recent times, many of the ethnic groups to arrive in numbers in New York have been from the Caribbean and South Asian.

Being an immigrant is difficult. Things that the native population take for granted can seem very strange and alien to new immigrants. That is the situation faced by immigrant students in New York City's public schools. Sports, which are such a positive and integral part of the American school experience, are an uncomfortable challenge for many of the new population. Young people from the Caribbean and South Asia have not played baseball, basketball, and football in peewee leagues. The have not spent hours watching baseball, basketball, and football on television. They have not played pickup games of baseball, basketball, and football in back yards and in local parks. Their sports experience is different. Cricket is their game.

In the past the term used to describe blending of cultures in our nation was "melting pot," but now our multi-ethnic society is more accurately described as a "mixed salad." In a "mixed salad," each ethnic group brings something special to the mix. Let's toss a little cricket in that salad. It will only make it tastier.

ATTENTION DEVELOPERS!! ~ May 23, 2008 Deadline Approaching For Developers Interested in Participating in Newburgh, New York's Public/Private Housing Partnership, Round II

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:33:45 -0500

Instead of disposing of city-owned properties in the conventional way through sale to the highest bidder at public auction, Newburgh New York's Department of Planning and Development has chosen a more prudent path. They initiated The Public/Private Housing Partnership Initiative, a method by which buyer developers are carefully selected for their ability and intent to develop city properties. Newburgh currently owns 10 properties they plan to handle in his way. These properties will be sold in "bundles" with the expectation they will be resold individually for owner-occupancy only.

Earlier this month the City of Newburgh Department of Planning & Development issued a "Request for Qualifications" (RFQ) for these 10 city-owned properties. RFQs must be received by May 23, 2008 in order to be considered. Visit the City of Newburgh's website: http://www.cityofnewburgh-ny.gov/hom/home.htmto download an updated RFQ form.

To identify developers as pre-qualified developers under The Public/Private Housing Partnership Initiative plan, the City of Newburgh will look for the following qualifications:

Successful housing development experience
Demonstrated housing development expertise
Sound financial backing
Commitment to implementing creative, quality development in a timely manner

Interested developers should attend the Open House scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2008. During this Open House interested developers and their construction/design professionals will have the opportunity to take a careful look at each property in order to gather information pertinent to their submissions.

For Additional Information ~

Visit: The City of Newburgh's website ~ http://www.cityofnewburgh-ny/gov/hom/home.htm

E-mail: Lourdes Zapata-Perez ~ lperez@cityofnewburgh-ny.gov or Jasmin Miranda ~ jmiranda@cityofnewburgh-ny.gov

Telephone: The Department of Planning and Development ~ Monday-Friday, 8:30AM - 4PM, 845-569-9400

Gone Fishin' ~ New York Staters Know How To Take The Day Off

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 12:25:05 -0500

Spring is in the air here in New York State, and many area outdoor sports' enthusiasts are anxious to go fishing. Whether their idea of fishing involves dropping a simple hook and line baited with a bread ball, or standing out in a rushing stream in waders painstakingly casting hand tied flies, this season is meant for fishing.

Here is information you can use if you intend to join the ranks of those in pursuit of the BIG ONE.

Some New York State locations and situations require licenses and permits, and some do not. For accurate information about New York State fishing requirements, visit: http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6091.html

New York State offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities. For a month by month break down of great fishing spots and the catches to expect there, visit: http://www.newyorkgameandfish.com/fishing/NY_0208_02/index.html

Now that you have all the information you need; go fishing, have fun, and create some great memories. Everyone loves a good fish story.

ET, Call Home ~ "Flying Saucer House" SOLD! To The Highest Bidder

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:00:38 -0500

I believe that for every unique home there is a unique buyer. The trick is to find that unique buyer.

Homes don't get much more unique than Chattanooga Tennessee's Flying Saucer House. Constructed on Signal Mountain in 1970, this house looks like every alien space craft ever depicted in a sci-fi movie since the beginning of the genera.The completely round structure perches upon 6 "landing gear" legs, and access is through a trap door with retractable staircase on the underside of the dwelling.

I don't know what the seller expected when this property went up for auction Saturday. As we all know, selling unusual properties can be chancy, and selling at auction can be chancier still. If no offer is acceptable, a propery can go unsold indefinitely. But that was not the case this time.

The Flying Saucer House was sold to a woman from Cincinnati Ohio for the high bid of $135,000.

May she live long and prosper.

800 Dogs In A Triple-Wide ~ No, This Is Not The Punchline To A Joke

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:17:13 -0500

Most of us have experienced at least once a visit to a property where conditions were offensive because of the homeowners pets, but I cannot even imagine what it was like when animal rescue workers entered a mobile home in rural Arizona intent on seizing an elderly couple's close to 800 pet dogs. The dogs are small breeds, but the stench and physical condition of the property must have been intolerable.

This is a human tragedy. The Humane Society of Southern Arizona reports the dogs, along with 82 caged parrots seized at the same time, are in remarkably good condition. That says a lot about the pets' owners. Although the elderly couple who lived in close quarters with this managery were overwhelm, they still managed to keep their beloved animals healthy.

Hoarding is a mental disease. Whether the compulsion is to save string and old newspapers, or to keep ever increasing numbers of pets, the urge is irresistible. I am glad the HSSA was able to help this incredible number of animals, and I hope the couple gets the help they need to avoid a recurrence. Hopefully there are some caring friends or family who can keep an eye on the couple.

Michael Jackson Did It, So Can You ~ Refinance to Save Your Foreclosured Property ~

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:01:34 -0500

Yes, it's true. Michael Jackson came dangerously close to losing Neverland Ranch. Read my previous blog for details. Foreclosures Come In All Sizes - Auction Of Neverland Ranch Set For March 19, 2008

Jackson was able to avoid foreclosure, however, by following the same advice we give all homeowners who find themselves in similar situations, "TALK TO YOUR MORTGAGE HOLDER."

Details of the deal between Michael Jackson and his lender are "confidential," but we know this much. Fortress Investment Group, LLC and Jackson worked out an agreement that cancels a planned auction of Neverland Ranch.

Whether a defaulted mortgage amount is in the tens of thousands or multi-millions of dollars, banks do not want your property.They want the money they are owed. So do as the celebrities do. Talk to your mortgage holder about a payment problem. There is chance you can save your Little Neverland.

Come See World Class Auto Racing On The Streets of Sullivan County, New York

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 20:10:46 -0500

For three days in April, the 3^rd thru the 5^th, Sullivan County New York will host Rally New York USA 2008.

Those familiar with the Catskill Mountain towns of Ellenville, Neversink, Thompson, and Warwarsing may not recognize these usually quiet places this April when approximately 380 miles of roads are closed to normal travel for three days to accommodate Rally New York USA 2008.

This will be no local county fair. Rally New York USA 2008 drivers and two man teams come from the United States, Canada, South America, and Europe to compete in this, the opening round of the United States Rally Championship. Friday's and Saturday's runs will be scored as events in the New York Rally Championship.

At first sight competing autos in Rally New York USA 2008 may look familiar, the kinds of vehicles you normally see on neighborhood streets, but these are not your average soccer mom Suba Imprezas, Mitsubishi Lancers, Ford Focuses, Volkswagen Golfs, all-wheel-drives, and two-wheel-drives. No, these racers are specially-modified, and they are fast!

Are you looking for some racing excitement? If the answer is yes, come to Sullivan County New York and watch the dust fly.

For information visit: www.RallyNewYork.com

On Thin Ice ~ Late Winter Fishing Danger

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:52:45 -0600

Twice within the past 24 hours I have read reports of dramatic rescues of ice fishermen who fell through the ice, most recently on Greenwood Lake. Thankfully there have been no fatalities, but the potential of death by drowning or hypothermia are all too real. Maybe it's time to get off the ice.

I understand the urge winter sport enthusiasts feel to experience their beloved activity one more time before the weather changes permanently. While skiers and snow boarders hit the slopes more one time, ice fishermen are out on lakes auguring the ice and dropping their lines in hopes of catching one more big one. Ski slopes are groomed, so it's not too late for the skiers to get some enjoyment from their sport, but ice fishing is another matter.

Air temperatures fluctuate dramatically this time of year. Rapid shifts of 20 degrees or more are not uncommon. Ice that was thick and trustworthy as recently as a week ago is thinning fast. So please, for your safety and the safety of rescue personnel, retire your ice fishing gear for the season. Take this time to prepare your spring and summer fishing gear. Be patient. Spring is coming, and you will out on those lakes and streams filling your creels before you know it.

Foreclosures Come In All Sizes - Auction Of Neverland Ranch Set For March 19, 2008

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:02:06 -0600

What do you do when you owe $24,525,906.61 on a property, and you can't make the payments? If you are Michael Jackson, apparently you do what everyone else does in similar situations. You employ the assistance of a broker, you reason with your lender, and you look for refinancing.

Contrary to popular belief, being a celebrity like Michael Jackson will not give you some kind of home ownership advantage. When Michael Jackson's efforts to save his foreclosed Neverland Ranch failed, the property was scheduled for auction.

Neverland Ranch's March 19th auction includes 2,900 acres, all buildings, and their contents. We will just have to wait and see if someone comes through with a winning bid on this one.

Click here to see a copy of the bad news. Neverland Ranch's Notice of Sale.

A Summer Event For Every Level of Bicycle And Outdoor Enthusiast ~ The Liberty Bike Fest in Liberty, NY

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 15:55:42 -0600

There is little that rivals the natural beauty of Sullivan County New York's Catskill Mountains in summer, and what better way to enjoy it than by bicycle. June 21, 2008 Walnut Mountain - Pearson Park, in the Village of Liberty, the three part event The Liberty Bike Fest 2008 will take place.

1.) For serious bicyclists and runners there is the first annual Walnut Mountain - Mountain Bike Duathlon which is a three part race that combines a 3.1 mile trail run, 10 mile mountain bike race, and a final 3.1 mile trail race. This race will be professionally managed by Tri and Du It Multisport on a course that is technically challenging. Prizes will be awarded to winners in several categories, t-shirts will be given to all participants, and a delicious lunch will be provided.

For further details about the Duathon or to register for this event visit the Tri and Du It Multisport website: http://www.triandduit.com/webforms/tad_EventDetail.aspx?EventID=30

2.) For those interested in a more leisurely bicycling or walking experience, starting at 9 AM there is the day long Country Road Tour. The Country Road Tour includes three family friendly choices of tour length: 5 miles, 15 miles, and 25 mile. For registration fees of $20 for adults ages 18 and up, and $15 for children under 18, participants will receive maps, official t-shirts, and lunch.

3.) For outdoor enthusiasts of all levels, starting at 9 AM there is the day long Bike Fest Expo. The entire family will enjoy a wide variety of businesses and vendors from the area offering their wares and giving demonstrations on the concourse.

For information contact: Ride@LibertyBikeTrail.org
Call: 800-516-0422 ext
Or visit: http://www.libertybiketrail.org/bikefest/

Take Nothing For Granted ~ Even Laws Of Nature Can Be Broken

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:35:44 -0600

It's comforting to think we understand how the world works. We like to know the rules. There are certain "facts" that are universally accepted. They are facts we can depend on. They are no brainer.

"A plus B always equals C," or does it? Maybe some rules and facts are not so dependable after all.

I would like to caution against taking comfort in accepted truths, especially when those truths are applied to real estate. Agents who believe they know the Laws of Nature as they apply to real estate take a lot for granted.

There are agents who believe they can upon meeting a client predict how that client will behave.
There are agents who believe they can predict the progress and outcome of various types of transactions.
There are agents who believe they can predict future trends in real estate based on current trends and stats.

Often these agents will be correct, but what happens when they are wrong? Do they recognize deviations when they occur? Are they ready to change with changing circumstances?

Sometimes the things we take as immutable truths turn out to be not so immutable. Case in point...

Law of Nature ~ "Cats hate water."

Then what is that cat doing in my sink!

Are You Waiting For The Right Moment?

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:05:57 -0600

Ice and snow, wind and low temperatures; these are the conditions we face in mid-February. Our instinct in winter is to huddle inside where it is warm and dry, keeping everything on hold as we wait for seasons to change and spring to arrive.

While winter may not seem like the best time to think about buyer or selling a home, there are things you can do now if you plan to get into the real estate market this spring.

Sellers:

Contact a Realtor you trust to act as your Sellers' Agent
Research to establish a realistic asking price for your property
Prepare your property for showing and eventual sale

Buyers:

Contact a Realtor you trust to act as your Buyers' Agent
Investigate your credit and repair it if necessary
Seriously consider your real estate needs and wants

Buyers and Sellers; It is tempting to sit warmly bundled with hot cocoa in hand as you wait patiently for spring, but making some preparations now will give you a jump start on spring activities.

Dust Off Your Walking Shoes, And Oil Your Bicycle Gears ~ Walden Rail Trail in Walden NY is Nearing Completion

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:11:18 -0600

The long awaited Walden Rail Trail, set to become available fall 2008, should prove popular with a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking and biking are obvious uses for the trail, but this trail will also be handicapped accessible, so no one will be denied a rewarding experience.

Walden Rail Trail should prove well worth its $1.5 million price tag. 3 ½ mile in length, the paved trail begins at Walden's Wooster Grove Park Recreation Building, parallels Route 52 for a stretch, curves north along the railroad path, and ultimately connects to the Hamlet of Wallkill.

Walden Rail Trail was seven long years in the making, and there were time its completing was in question, but through the efforts of many individuals a successful end is finally in sight. Walden Rail Trail is truly a community effort, and all those involved should be applauded for their efforts and proud of their accomplishment.

New Yorkers ~ Show Your Giants' Pride With a New License Plate

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 09:22:02 -0600

New York's Department of Motor Vehicles has wasted no time in offering a license plate commorating the New York Giants' Super Bowl XLII win.

The cost of the pride plate is an initial $43.00 with an annual renewal fee of $25.00.

To ordered your license plate ~

Visit: nysdmv.com

Or calling the Custom Plates Office: (518) 402-4838.

An Explanation of the Current Increase in Copper Theft, And New York State's Efforts to Stem The Tide

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:37:16 -0600

Do you remember when a copper penny was worth, well, a penny? That hasn't been the case for a while.

U.S. pennies used to be made primarily of copper. Those minted 1793 to 1837 were pure copper. In following years the copper content of pennies fluctuated somewhat, but aside for a brief time in 1943 when pennies didn't contain any copper at all, the copper content of pennies has ranged a pretty steady 88% to 95%. All that changed however in 1982. In 1982 the copper content of a modern U.S. penny dropped to 2.5%!

So what happened to warrant this change? What happened is, copper has increased dramatically in value. A metal that was worth 75.7 cents a pound as recently as January of 2003 is now in 2008 worth $3.16 a pound. The value of copper has increased four fold in the last five years.

This dramatic increase in copper's value will undoubtedly continue into the foreseeable future. Copper is one of our non-renewable resources. Scientists predict Earth will run out of copper by 2100.

Incidences of copper theft are on the rise, and states are taking steps to control the situation. On January 14, 2008, New York State's new law governing the sale of scrap metal went into effect. The law involves the use of government issued photo IDs by anyone attempting to sell scrap metal worth $50 or more, and the imposition of $200 fines and misdemeanors on dealers who do not abide by the new law.

Only time will tell if legal measures like those being taken by New York State will reduce incidences of copper theft. In the meantime, safeguard your copper wiring and plumbing.

Reaping Benefits of Homeownership at Tax Time ~ Mortgage Interest and Real Estate Taxes

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:45:29 -0600

An amazing little piece of paper arrived in my mailbox from my mortgage provider today that made me smile all over. My mortgage holder sent me my 2007 Form 1098!

What makes this correspondence so special? After all, monthly communications from my mortgage holder are not unusual. Every month I receive an updated bill that shows payments made, payment due, principal, interest ,escrow, and taxes. Every month I get to see where my money is going, going, going, gone.

The Form 1098 is very different from my monthly statement, however. The 1098 is not simply a statement showing where my money has gone. The 1098 provides me with information I will use on my 2007 Federal Income Tax Return to get some of my hard earned dollars back. Did you get that? Money back!

Some hesitate to take the plunge into homeownership because when they look at monthly and longterm expenditures, it looks like continuing to rent will cost a little less, but people need to look at the big picture. Homeownership comes with benefits that are not realized by those who continue to rent. Among other things, homeownership provides equity that grows and annual tax breaks.

January is National Radon Action Month ~So Take Action: Test Your Home For Radon

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 23:04:13 -0600

The EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General suggest all Americans test their homes for radon in January. Why January? Winter is a particularly serious time of year where radon is concerned. Homeowners in winter do everything they can to minimize drafts. In an effort to keep heat in and cold out, doors and windows are kept tightly shut, and in this sealed environment radon gas can increase to unhealthy levels.

Radon is dangerous because it is an odorless and tasteless radioactive gas, and high level exposures can cause lung damage and lung cancer.

The process of testing for radon is simple, and remediation is uncomplicated.

Use an easy to use test kit to detect radon levels
If unhealthy levels are detected, hire a qualified professional to address the problem

For more information about radon testing and remediation visit

EPA websites: www.epa.gov/radon and www.epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html
National Safety Council website: www.nsc.org/issues/radon

Clear Snow From Sidewalks, But Don't Leave it in the Road

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 12:59:01 -0600

You see it everywhere. As soon as the weather clears, homeowners shovel or blow snow from their driveways and sidewalks. It's the responsible, and often legally mandated, thing to do. After all, we don't want anyone slipping and falling on an untended sidewalk.

Moving snow is an arduous task, and those who get out there promptly should be applauded for their efforts. That is, unless they shovel or blow all that snow out onto the public roadway. It may not seem like much, but snow spread on the roadway presents a public hazard. Slick spots caused by snow left in the roadway by homeowners can cause an unsuspecting motorist to lose control. That is why in many municipalities, homeowners who spread snow on the public roadway can suffer hefty fines.

Be a responsible homeowner this winter season. When you move snow, make sure the result is to lessen the possibility of accident and not to add to it.

Hudson Valley’s Times Herald-Record is a Newspaper with a Heart

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:14:34 -0600

Residents of New York State's Hudson Valley know to turn to the Times Herald-Record for up-to-date in-depth coverage of local news and events, but how many know their newspaper also reaches out to assist local residents in distress?

For over twenty years the Times Herald-Record has operated a very special fund called People For People. People For People helps people who find themselves in difficulties that can be alleviated with one-time financial assistance. Examples of past People For People grants include money for auto repairs and help with utility bills. Each grant may seem like a small thing, but over time People For People has given assistance to thousands of local residents at a total cost that exceeds 3 million dollars.

Moneys for People For People come from the community for the community, and the fund is staffed by volunteers and one paid part-time administrator. To contribute, volunteer, or apply for help;

Call: (845) 343-1663

Write: People for People Fund Inc., 48 Mill St., Middletown, NY 10940

Or visit: www.recordspeoplefund.org

Gasho Japanese Steak House - Enjoy Japanese Cuisine and Authentic Japanese Architecture in Central Valley, NY

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:36:51 -0600

Sure the food is great and the prices are reasonable, but the architecture! Today's visitors to Gasho Japanese Steak House appreciate the building's peaceful grandeur as they enjoy the restaurant's fine food choices.

Gasho Japanese Steak House in Central Valley, New York is an authentic recreation of a type of construction called "Gasho." Gasho architecture gets its name from its steeply pitched roofs which are reminiscent of "gasho," praying hands. In the 1970's, the building that currently houses Gasho Japanese Steak House was transported in pieces from Japan to Rte 32, Central Valley, New York, where upon arrival, skilled Japanese craftsmen painstakingly reassembled this centuries old farmhouse.

Gasho Japanese Steak House is open all week long, serving lunch Monday thru Saturday and dinner all seven days.

For information call: (845) 928-2277

Or visit: http://www.gasho.com/default.asp

You CAN Get there From Here ~ I-84 Exit 5-A Leads to Stewart Airport, Orange County, NY

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 15:01:59 -0600

It took 15 years from proposal to fruition, but the long awaited access to Stewart International Airport officially opened to traffic November 20^th.

Today's travelers on I-84 near Newburgh, NY will see brand new highway signs indicating "Exit 5-A, International Boulevard". This new exit offers air commuters a quick and easy route to Stewart International, as well as relief to congestion on roads adjacent to the airport; Rt. 300, Rt. 207, and 17K.

This highway improvement arrives just in time to help with increased traffic expected following improvements and expansion at Stewart International Airport.

I Hope They packed a Turkey Sandwich ~ Black Friday Gridlock

Rosario Lewis, GRI ~ DDR Realty, Orange County, NY (DDR Realty) — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 12:30:07 -0600

On the day after Thanksgiving, promises of bargains at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in New York triggered a backup of traffic on the New York Thruway and adjacent roads that at times stretched for 10 miles. And troubles didn't end once hopeful shoppers successfully arrived at the Common. Then came the near impossibility of finding a parking space.

I know New York was not the only location to experience the madness on Black Friday. This is an annual scenario that plays itself out all over the US.

There are those who love the excitement and experience of participating in Black Friday, and there are those who avoid it like the plague. Whichever you are, I hope you have a healthy and happy holiday weekend.