Split Level Homes and Ranches in New Rochelle - Offering great value - 06/29/11 08:51 AM
Split Level Homes and Ranches in New Rochelle - Offering GREAT value
New Rochelle is rich in history, in architecture, and has been the favorite of many a producer be it for a television commercial or movie when they want to film those-mid century homes, as the city is located just 30 minutes away from New York City.For instance, did you know that from 1961-1966, the TV show "The Dick Van Dyke Show" were depicted as living in New Rochelle at a fictional address on Bonnie Meadow Road. People still comment on how the famous show was filmed here.I can recall … (7 comments)

Castles in Westchester - 06/29/11 08:42 AM
 
Well, we all know that a man's home is his castle... but wouldn't it be grand to own one? How many are there in Westchester?I came across this great web site from Tourism in Westchester, and it does feature 9 castles; Castle on the Hudson in Tarrytown, Glenview Mansion at the Hudson River museum, Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate in Sleepy Hollow, Leland College at the College of New Rochelle including Leland Castle, Lyndhurst in Tarrytown, Reid Castle at Manhattanville College, Sarah Lawrence in Bronxville, Wainwright House in Rye, and Whitby Castle in Rye. The web site is full of great … (2 comments)

The Larchmont Manor Park and Beach, Larchmont, New York - 06/28/11 09:58 AM

Where can you go to read a newspaper, walk your dog, or merely sit in the shade and enjoy the 5000 feet of the Long Island Sound Shoreline? The Larchmont Manor Park of course!
Established in 1892, the Larchmont Manor Park Society maintains and protects some 13 acres of picturesque coastline, rich foliage, trails, and simply put, it is a wonderful park to visit! 280 local Larchmont Manor residents own the private park, but it is open to the public. There are, of course, some rules to be adhered to. No biking, radio playing, picnicking, no unleashed dogs, etc.
The … (2 comments)

Book Review: "Steve Martini's "The Rule of Nine" - 06/26/11 10:14 AM
A recurring character from Mr. Martini's books, Paul Madriani, finds himself embroiled in yet again saving the country from disaster. The "Old Weatherman" is seeking to bring a bomb to the heart of Washington, and it is seemingly up to Mr. Madriani and Joselyn Cole, a weapons control expert, to find out what is happening, and who murdered a political staffer... Was it the "Mexicutioner?" Madriana has been linked to the murder, and feels that it is up to him to find out what is happening or about to happen... Could it be the Mexicutioner is seeking to murder Mr. Madriani too? Again, … (6 comments)

Book Review: Philip Margolin's "Supreme Justice" - 06/26/11 10:00 AM
Lots of twists in this murder mystery. Intrigue surfaces around the Supreme Court when a prominent Justice resigns, leaving  a vacancy, and when another justice is attacked. Why? That same Supreme Court Justice is also pondering whether to allow an appeal to someone on death row, and is being pressured not to. A former police officer, accused of murdering her lover is sitting on death row... While the Supreme Court Justice is not allowed to personally conduct any kind of detective work, she asks one of interns, Brad Miller, to ask his friend, Dana, a detective to see what they can find … (3 comments)

Open House 1-4 p.m. 6 Carol Lane, New Rochelle - 06/26/11 09:32 AM
This split level must have the lowest price per square foot in the area! Listed at 2763 square feet - lower level not included, this 4-5 bedroom split features a vaulted arched ceiling in the kitchen, a great addition in the master bedroom which could either be that 5th bedroom, gym, office, sitting room, nursery - your choice, 2 bathrooms, beautiful hardwood floors, a huge attic, and features a terrace, deck and patio. GREAT!   Open House, Sunday June 26th, 1-4 p.m.
 

New Rochelle is GREAT!
… (8 comments)

An Impressive Mortgage Broker.... - 06/23/11 09:16 PM
We have all experienced good mortgage brokers. we have all experienced less than good mortgage brokers.... I believe in commending those who have served well. I was completely overwhelmed by a mortgage broker the other month, Richard Desimone of Wells Fargo. Firstly, I represented the seller.. He represented the buyer but proceeded to send me weekly updates regarding his client. What? Hello?  I knew  about the buyer's mortgage process as it occurred. I was impressed. It made me/my client feel quite comfortable throughout the process, and it was the most efficient process. Perhaps that was special, but at the end of the day when … (10 comments)

I met with a male Hooker today - Oh My! Sigh.. - 06/20/11 10:06 PM
Oh my! What an experience! Well, actually, Joe was a very nice gentleman, who was both courteous, professional and very experienced.
 He also happened to be an appraiser!  As we were talking, he mentioned that he used to play rugby, and was 'the hooker." (a position in rugby). What did you think?
  A very important aspect of selling a home is the appraisal. If the home does not appraise, the buyers can either walk away, or, they can request that the sellers reduce the price of their home by that differential.
                                                  
  What is an appraisal?  When a bank loans anyone money for … (28 comments)

Every Day is Father's Day on Active Rain - 06/19/11 06:24 PM
There are so many ActiveRainer "Dads" who have touched our hearts, made us laugh, impressed us with their wit, intelligence, good looks, and obviously being, well, just great 'dads!'  I do not want to mention some and miss out so many.  As I drink my morning cafe au lait (just frothy milk and nice coffee), I sit and read the posts from all of our favorite active rain contributors.... we all have our favorites, and we will obtain more, it takes time! Active Rain is wonderful. It is akin to having a penpal.. (only over 200,000 of them). If we want to be heard, … (8 comments)

Hi - Thank you for Showing - I know you did.... - 06/18/11 10:28 PM
Westchester County has embraced the Sentrilock system... It is GREAT.. they seemingly worked out the kinks of a few years past, and now it works wonderfully... we can assign our names, codes to each lockbox so we can enter into the system and see who showed the house and when...  Ooops... We can also see those slightly forgetful agents who didn't feel it necessary to MAKE the appointment, and show the home....
                             
I was checking on a vacant house this evening in New Rochelle in my Sentrilock system, and sure enough an agent had shown my listing in New Rochelle twice, … (36 comments)

Armani and Meatball sandwiches...... Yum! - 06/18/11 09:33 PM
Ha! We eeee ll....... I was at a client's public open house recently in New Rochelle...  She really didn't want an open house.. Dug her feet in... I persisted, and persisted, and persisted, and she gave in... We had the usual nosy neighbors, people looking for 'other' people.... but at the end of the day, my client realized, she had survived the open house, it wasn't so bad, and we had sat and laughed around those visitors for the 3 hours.. all good!  (My client is always there for appointments -  another story..).... She brought down 3 Armani suits... Oh My!  'Gay, I want you to have these".  She says. " Pour … (12 comments)

Public Open House, Sunday June 19th, 1-4 p.m. 300 Stratton Road - 06/18/11 10:03 AM
 
Just reduced to $619,000! This 4 bedroom, 3.5 Bath split level home has so much to offer. Gleaming hardwood floors, custom built-ins in the living room and master bedroom, a 2 tiered deck, beautiful corner property and large spacious rooms. The 2366 square foot home is awaiting the discerning buyer!  Public Open House Father's Day, 1-4 p.m. - A great Father's Day gift! Just 35 minutes to New York City

New Rochelle is great!
… (5 comments)

Public Open House 6 Carol Lane, New Rochelle 1-4 p.m. - 06/18/11 09:52 AM
With its brand newroof, this 2763 5 bedroom, 2 bath split level home must be offering the lowest price per square foot in town! The house features 2 wonderful additions-  one in the kitchen area with a vaulted ceiling, and the other in the Master Bedroom Suite  where there is a dressing room/library area, walk-in closet, large bathroom, huge adjoining room/bedroom/gym/sitting room/office (your choice!)...  3 additional bedrooms, hall bath and a lower level not included in square footage.. Central Air Conditioning, a terrace, patio and deck all on 0.248 of an acre. The Price?  It is being offered at $635,000. Public Open … (1 comments)

OH- but, you will get 60 days notice before you MUST leave.. - 06/17/11 08:54 PM
I just Nina Rogoff's post on http://activerain.com/blogsview/2355401/before-you-rent-your-home-check-your-mortgage-clauses  and it made me think of something that just happened to me.... I wanted to show a great looking rental (a tad overpriced but hey...).. in my area... near the water, all good... I called to make the appointment... The listing stated "Must be ready to vacate in 60 days.."  "Huh?"                                       
Since I would like my client (and future tenant) to feel comfortable;.. I needed to know the particulars... I called 2 times.. and the agent left a message finally today  " Well, we have sort of a situation with the bank...  they … (14 comments)

Wordless Wednesdays..... a little humor at our 'man's' expense... - 06/15/11 09:23 PM
As a woman........... we all know who really rules the roost....
The other week, I was at a walk-through, and I explained to my buyer what we should be looking for... "make sure all outlets work, that everything is in working order..." "No problem Gay" says he.
                            
He carefully walked through the house........and then he then called me over  "We have a problem."  "We do?" says I"
 "Yes - this light fixture isn't working...."  "Oh, says I."  I changed the lightbulb with another, and guess what - it worked...  Welcome to your new first home... and good luck wife!
 Westchester is great!
 
… (24 comments)

The Gift that keeps on Giving... Debbie Gartner.. Westchester Flooring - 06/15/11 08:47 PM
Oh my! I first met Debbie (Gartner)through Active Rain....and then we first officially met (in person) at a NYC SEO function, and she didn't recognize me (cannot be my touched up photo of course -  and I do not have 10 warts - only 8)... but when you get to know people through Active Rain, well.. you kind of like them.. feel as if they are friends, and you want to refer them... and isn't that the purpose of all of this  - apart from reading great informative posts?
SO,I first referred Debbie to clients In Briarlcliff Manor...who were referrals from past clients and … (15 comments)

2011 New Rochelle High School Graduating Seniors.. - 06/14/11 07:59 PM
2011 New Rochelle High School Graduating Seniors
June 14th, 2011

Every year, when I attend the awards ceremony at the New Rochelle High School, I am amazed and totally impressed with our body of graduating students, and the colleges and universities they will be attending. Last night at just one of the award ceremonies, I was again in awe of our students. New Rochelle is a wonderful place in which to reside.
Here are just the colleges and universities that the top 25 students will be attending:
University of Pennsylvania - Studying Judaic Studies & Pediatric Medicine M.I.T. - studying Physics … (4 comments)

111 Wildwood Road - Public Open House 1-4 p.m. Sunday 6/12/2011 - 06/12/11 10:22 AM
The perfect Manhattan townhouse alternative!The only Larchmont Woods Normandy Chateau with a drawbridge and 40' turret, yet elegantly appointed to reflect today's lifestyle. From the polished bluestone slate & majestic,sweeping staircase with its intricate railing and verde patina, this bespoke home with its Chef's kitchen was commissioned by a big game hunter for his wife in 1926, offers charm & sophistication. The designer homeowner spared no expense in the custom renovation. It also features a courtyard with a fountain... Just 35 minutes from New York City... Yes, you can have it all!  Open House today at 111 Wildwood Road, from 1-4 p.m. Being … (16 comments)

A Broker's Open House and a Public Open House - What is the difference? - 06/06/11 04:53 PM
 
Sometimes, a customer or client will ask me what the difference between the two is. Obviously, one is for the agents and one is for the public, but what else?  It is very important that the agents preview as many properties as possible so they can speak intelligently about their area. When they know the homes they can better advise their customers and clients on either listing prices or a possible bid, and quite simply, whenever we view a listing, it many times allows us to think of someone that house might just "suit!"  I have walked into a home so many times, and thought of someone to send that listing to, and obviously, when I … (6 comments)

Public Open House - 300 Stratton Road, New Rochelle - 1-4 p.m. Sunday 6/5 - 06/05/11 10:16 AM
Just a week on the market, and it shows beautifully! 2361 square feet, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home with beautiful hardwood floors, custom built-ins in the living room and master bedroom. The kitchen is enormous, as is the dining room, and master bedroom. There is a greenhouse, 2 tired deck, all on 0.268 of an acre - corner lot... wonderful home. Being offered at $649,000. Please join me at an open house today from 1-4 p.m. !

New Rochelle is GREAT!
… (13 comments)

Public Open House 1-4 p.m 6 Carol Lane, New Rochelle - 06/04/11 08:02 AM
JUST reduced $39,000 and with a new roof being installed, this house is priced to sell at $635,000. It features 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2763 square feet with the lower level of approximately another 500 square feet not included! There are two wonderful additions to the house, one in the kitchen and another in the master bedroom that make this house  special. Add the terrace, patio and master bedroom deck then all good.... oh and wait to you see the carpeted and huge attic space. 6 Carol Lane, 1-4 p.m. today -  pop by and enjoy!
 
New Rochelle is GREAT!
… (4 comments)

Book Review:William Bernhardt's Criminal Intent" - 06/03/11 10:15 AM
Well, you can tell it is time for me to return my library books- hence my posts in trying to capture my 'points!'  I like the author, William Bernhardt, and so whenever I see one of his books - I grab it! This wasn't a favorite of mine, but it was enjoyable... Ben Kincaid, attorney, also sings at a local church.. BUT Father Daniel Beale has been accused of murdering one of his parishioners, and sot he book is Ben trying to prove the Father's innocence, while another murder is committed - all pointing to the Father.. and meanwhile, a tale … (0 comments)

Book Review: Robert Crais "Indigo SLam" - 06/03/11 10:12 AM

Mr. Crais's books are such easy, enjoyable 'reads' that you just know before you even turn the book cover, you will not be able to put his book down until it is finished. This is one of the earlier books in the Elvis Cole series, and he finds himself searching for a missing father.... Elvis, a private investigator is approached by a fifteen year old young lady seeking her missing father... It soon becomes evident that there is much more to the case than meets the eye involving counterfeit money,  the witness protection program, the Russian mob, and so much … (4 comments)

Book Review: David Morrell" "The Shimmer" - 06/03/11 08:59 AM
I have never read a book by David Morrell previously. Didn't even know he originated the Rambo series, horror stories like "Creepers" but I am glad that I have now 'found' him.The Shimmer is referring to different colored lights that are an unexplained phenomena appearing outside of Rostov, a small Texas town. Tales have been handed down through the centuries, but during World War 11, the US decided to try and harness the power of these lights.... but... with terrible consequences... The lights have their own powers and are able to control those who can see them....  Dan Page, a police officer...travels to Rostov … (0 comments)

Book Review: "Harlan Coben's "Caught" - 06/03/11 08:46 AM
As soon as I see a book by Harlan Coben, I simply cannot wait to read it! I love his books and have yet to be disappointed. He loves to write about a small town in New Jersey, Kasselton. many of his characters appearing in different books, overlapping each other which makes it all  the more enjoyable. This one is no exception. Wendy Tynes, a news reporter, who seeks to expose sexual predators via her TV show, exposes a would be predator, and he is then murdered but was he a predator?  This book is about forgiving... her husband was killed by a … (1 comments)

I Needed a FLOOR Specialist! WHO to call in Westchester?..... - 06/02/11 09:06 PM
Oh my! I needed a floor specialist.. let me think.. who comes to mind... who do I see achieving amazing results, and accomplishing the nigh impossible... mmmmmh ????  who could that be? - wait a second  - Debbie Gartner!!!  (drum roll)  I referred my new to be married couple (and really adorable to boot), to Debbie, and while we were conducting a walk-thru, Debbie called, and wanted to schedule an appointment around their pre-nuptial schedule... I invited her over, and at 7:45 p.m. last night.. Debbie was there with her books, computer,  info and on the spot estimate to help my clients. She was … (16 comments)