Choosing your Mortgage Broker... Buyer Facts.. - 05/31/12 06:10 AM
We have a great plethora of great mortgage brokers here on Active Rain, but when we meet buyers, and they obviously need a pre-approval to discern how much they can afford to purchase on a property, who do we recommend? and for what reasons?
 
My company favors Wells Fargo, and we have a special relationship with Wells Fargo through Houlihan Lawrence's Thoroughbred Mortgage Service. The Wells Fargo Mortgage Brokers visit our office each week at our office meeting. They take the time to introduce changing laws, new mortgage products and to basically remind us of their (great) services. It would be very … (2 comments)

I WANT that Fig Tree! Sellers Beware! - 05/30/12 04:50 PM
An attorney once told me a little story. He was at the closing table, only to discover that a cherished fig tree  was going  with the sellers, and the buyers exclaimed "they were only purchasing the house because of that tree!" The attorney offered to purchase a new tree. Supposedly, everyone did.. but the point was - the buyer used that fig tree as collateral for a nice reduction in the price of the home and made it just another negotiation point.
     
 
SO, if you are the seller, make sure you are very explicit about the light fixtures, … (14 comments)

What is the Difference between an Assessment & Assessed Taxes? - 05/24/12 10:55 AM
One of the first questions I get asked from a potential buyer, is "what is the difference between an assessment and assessed taxes?" So many people get confused, and think that the assessment is either the tax amount, or there is an on-going payment due (yearly assessment)  on the home ..
What is an Assessment?
When a home is built, a valuation is placed on the property by a public officer or a board to establish a tax rate. That assessment is the charge or a levy which has been established by the town or city and is the basis on which the … (10 comments)

Mount Vernon Animal Shelter, Westchester, N.Y. Walk, Lose Weight, Feel Good...PLEASE HELP - 05/23/12 01:23 PM
 
 
                
I have a friend and neighbor, Beth McCabe, a great mom, who gives one of her most valuable assets, her time, at the Mount Vernon Animal Shelter. Beth, and other volunteers tirelessly go to the shelter week after week, to assist, walk and train the dogs so they can be adopted. She is a very big advocate on training the dogs, and how it has helped the dogs get adopted. The staff and volunteers really take the time to get to know each dog, so they are able to make the proper placement that matches human to dog, and this takes both time … (6 comments)

Choosing your Real Estate Attorney - Advice to Buyers - 05/22/12 12:44 PM
Many times buyers will like to use their family attorney, and of course that is their prerogative. However, sometimes, as well meaning as their family attorney might be, if he hasn't done too much real estate law of late, it could be a hindrance to the client. I think all of us has experienced buyer clients who have used attorneys upstate, downstate, who were hard to reach, in court most days, and it made the transaction that little bit harder.I recently heard of an attorney who didn't not know how to utilize Power of Attorney, and had to ask the other … (2 comments)

SO, When do we Negotiate on the Plasma TV? Buyer Faq - 05/22/12 09:11 AM
I was actually asked that question by some buyers a few years ago. I did not sell them a home.... I sort of dropped them  when I discovered they were not approved for the amount on their pre-approval letter. It would seem they had 'neglected' to inform their mortgage Broker when they sought the pre-approval that they had school loans, but somehow in between obtaining the accepted offer, and before having to spend their money on an inspection, they 'remembered' and asked the mortgage broker to submit their info to underwriting to "double check"....  They were actually approved for $50,000 less because of … (14 comments)

Narrowing down that Search... Home Buyer Information - 05/22/12 08:17 AM
When my husband and I were first looking for a home, it was pre-computer/internet days, and we were clueless. We simply asked an attorney who we knew, and when he answered "New Rochelle". That was it! SO simplistic, and sometimes that is the best answer. If you all know where you wish to live, it makes the whole process that much easier. However, nowadays, with all of the internet info, the choices can make the whole process so confusing, so where to start?
Obviously, different areas have different priced homes and so there is no point in choosing a particular area if … (2 comments)

SO, What is the Neighborhood Like? - 05/22/12 07:52 AM
I think that all of us who takes out buyers, will undoubtedly hear the question sooner or later of "so, what is the neighborhood like?". We, of course, are not allowed to comment on the neighborhood based on Fair Housing Rules and Regulations. But, how can we satisfactorily assist those buyers legally and ethically? The question itself is wrought with hidden questions. Are they asking for safety reasons? family friendly reasons? School reasons? Are their lots of parks? Recreation? Gyms?  Or  they are asking for less savory reasons such as discrimination.
I always suggest that they drive around at different times of … (6 comments)

Thank you New Rochelle for my Victory Garden! - 05/20/12 08:28 AM
  
 
A few years back, the New Rochelle powers that be- in an effort to slow down motorists on our street, decided to build several islands at several intersections. It cost the city $100,000 and I personally felt it was a waste of our money, but that is another story. However, one neighbor and friend decided to make the most of it! An Island was built next to her home, and the city enlarged the property area adjoining her home to slow down everyone. It was a nice little wedge of land, and so my neighbor's son and she decided … (12 comments)

Public Open House - 10804, 2 Edna Place, New Rochelle - 2-4 p.m. 5/20 - 05/19/12 08:21 AM
The glorious kitchen was designed by the Award Winning Team of Joan Schindler Interior Designs (House Beautiful's Kitchen of the Year '07 in Conn.),& it will not disappoint! This 4 bedroom, 2 bath 2467 sq. ft. Tudor won't either! Close to all Houses of Worship, you will appreciate the custom built-ins in the den, beamed living room with its fireplace, Formal Dining Room, and above ground family room with Sliding french doors to the patio. Master Bedroom en suite (bath & dressing room).3 Additional  Bedrooms & hall bath. Just 35 mins to NYC.
New Rochelle is GREAT! … (0 comments)

Public Open House 10804 - 44 Dusk Drive, New Rochelle - 1-3 p.m. - 05/19/12 08:10 AM
Located in desirable Wykagyl Estates with its private tennis courts, you will really appreciate this 4 bedroom, 3.5 Bath extended Raised Ranch. There is a family room with fireplace,2nd family room/guest room with bath, living room, dining room, music room & a large eat-in kitchen with access to the great deck - perfect for entertaining. There is a 2 car garage, & the taxes WILL BE grieved! All good! With its close proximity to Houses of worship, transportation and just 35 minutes to New York City. Perfect!  Being Offered at $649,000. The Public Open House will be conducted from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, … (0 comments)

Open House 10538 - 5 Overlook Terrace 2:45 - 4:45 p.m. 5/20 - 05/19/12 08:03 AM
Built by William Randolph Hearst for Marion Davies, this home reflects a romantic moment in time yet updated to captivate today! The stunning front door beckons you to enter this 3 Bedroom 2500 sq. ft. Mediterranean with 2.5 baths, eat-in kitchen and breakfast nook, butler's pantry, Dining room, Family Room, Living Room with a gorgeous Carrera marble fireplace, enclosed porch and a wonderful deck with arbor perfect for entertaining. Master bedroom with nursery and bath and walk-in closet, 2 additional bedrooms and a Hall Bath.Close to village and just 35 minutes to NYC!
The home is being offered at $1,279,000. Larchmont is GREAT! … (2 comments)

Public Open House 10543 - 706 Palmer Court #2C 5/19 1-3 p.m. - 05/19/12 07:55 AM
Warm and inviting 780 sq. ft. one bedroom coop featuring 6 GREAT closets, eat-in kitchen, dining area, large, sunny living room with shutters. Nice layout, new stove and freshly painted! Don't forget the unassigned parking too. The complex boasts a playground, basketball court, gym, laundry, bike & storage room as well as a fountain & fish pond! Cable & FIOS ready. Maintenance with the STAR deduction is just $590.54 a month. Easy access to the trains, fine dining, entertainment in the village & close to the harbor and New York City. Welcome home.
706 Palmer Court, #2C is being offered at $128,000. Mamaroneck is GREAT! … (0 comments)

Beechmont Lake 10804 - Everyone wants to enjoy it! - 05/17/12 12:42 PM
I live close by Beechmont Lake, 10804, and so I am always driving by the lake on my way to meet clients, go to my office, go grocery shopping, etc. Today was so beautiful that I had to stop to take a few photos...
Not only do we have the prerequisite geese who lay claim to the area, but we have ducks, a heron (looks like) and even turtles! I have been noticing them for a few weeks now, and I was surprised...  In researching their particualr species (they appear to Red-eared sliders), I discovered that they obtained their name not only … (8 comments)

What is the Process AFTER you Place your Bid? - 05/16/12 04:38 PM
I recently had an unusual experience. I shouldn't say unusual, as I am finding that younger people are more and more 'knowing ' more than we do and while I applaud their intelligence, their being savvy and well read, sometimes, it can also hinder the process.
SO, to set the record straight in Westchester, New York, what do buyers do once they have placed their bid, and have that accepted offer? This is also assuming that in order to obtain that accepted offer, the buyer has provided their pre-approval from a respected banking institution.
1) Order the inspection. Your agent should have already prepped you … (4 comments)

Making Appointments & Making the difference.... Please be courteous! - 05/15/12 03:03 PM
Inspired by Alan May (who wouldn't be), I had to write on those other horrors who make appointments..  My office has  "opp time"  a pseudonym for opportunity time... (well that is a whole different subject)... but when we are at the front desk, we are there to back up for our receptionist to pick up those calls she cannot access, and make those appointments.  Now, I realize that, we, as independent contractors, are not obligated to do this, but our office does. I have called other offices, and the agents 'on duty' will have you wait until the receptionists are free, will … (6 comments)

Welcome to Victory Boulevard, New Rochelle 10804 - 05/15/12 02:27 PM
I heard something so nice this afternoon that I had to share.. Clients (and now friends) purchased a lovely home on Victory Boulevard, New Rochelle, 10804. We obtained the 3 bedroom  home for $550,000 . It had been purchased by the previous (builder) owners for far less, and they had then totally transformed the kitchen, bathrooms, basement etc.. and my clients benefited from those renovations. I had negotiated lower on their behalf (of course), and also because the taxes were so high  (we are going to grieve them at the end of this month).  So, I called to wish Kamu ( a physician)  a Happy Mother's … (4 comments)

Preparing your Home for Sale - 05/12/12 04:14 AM
Many times, would be sellers get a little overwhelmed when preparing their home for sale.. We, as agents, can walk through their home and suggest painting this or that, having wires trimmed here or there, removing clutter, and refinishing those floors.. but when time is an element, it is always nice to know that you have a bevy of professionals that you can call, and who will make things 'work' for your clients and your deadlines.
Such was the case this past week. Clients had a room that had paint on the floors that were a few years old..... They asked … (8 comments)

New Rochelle 10804, Public Open House 5/13/2012 - 2 Edna Place 1-5 p.m. - 05/11/12 05:38 PM
Happy Mother's Day! Pop by 2 Edna Place on Sunday, May 13th, 1-5 p.m. and Mom will love this lovely 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath 2467 square foot Tudor home with an exquisite kitchen designed by the Award winning team of Joan Schindler Interior Designs. Ms. Schindler won the coveted House Beautiful's Kitchen of the Year Award in 2007 for designing a wonderful kitchen in Connecticut. Her team has surpassed itself in this kitchen also. There is a 6 burner Wolf stove, custom cabinetry (of course), and a concealed foot stool under one of the cabinets.
The beamed living room embodies charm … (7 comments)

New Rochelle 10805 - What does $1,050,000 Buy? - 05/11/12 05:26 PM
  New Rochelle is a city of over 77,000 (as per 2010 stats), and growing.... Like any urban city, there are expensive properties, inexpensive properties, and properties priced in between! Having lived in New Rochelle for over 33 years, I am amazed at the ongoing (wonderful) transition of our great city, and I am always enthusiastic about representing any seller who wishes to sell their home here, or for that matter, any buyer who wishes to purchase here. Our school stats speak for themselves - as do our scholastic programs and high school courses. Every child has different needs, and so … (0 comments)

You Snooze - You Lose! Larchmont 10538 - 05/11/12 05:21 PM
Larchmont 10538 is very desirable! It is close to New York City (just 35 minutes by train), offers great recreation (boating, a beach, sports, a beautiful park), fine dining, a movie theater, and all easily accessible from the train station. The population (per the 2010 census) was over 5800 and growing. There is a French American School, and is well known as having a European flair with Brits and French residents. With Larchmont consistently being listed as one of the most popular places in which to live in the United States, it is no suprise that if an interesting property enters … (2 comments)

I had a Closing Today - YUM! - 05/07/12 05:11 PM
I live in New Rochelle, 10804, Westchester... a wonderful city in which to reside.. and I have done so for over 33 years. However, sometimes, I have closings for those Westchester properties in New York City... just 30 minutes away (express train this evening), and throughout the 3 hours that I sat there, I was salivating thinking about the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station!

In 1913, the Grand Central Train Station first opened its doors -the same year as the Oyster Bar on a site that had been a run down train depot. Today, Grand Central Station is a vibrant place … (10 comments)

"Paw for a Heart" Celebration May 17th, 2012 New Rochelle Humane Society - 05/06/12 07:42 AM
Don't forget the New Rochelle's "Paw for a Heart" Celebration May 17, 2012, from 6:30 -9:30 p.m. to be held at the Pelham Country Club in Pelham Manor, N.Y. You could ask yourself why Pelham if it is the New Rochelle Humane Society? Well, the New Rochelle Humane Society services 17 communities in Westchester County including Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Eastchester, Elmsford, Greenburgh, Harrison, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington, Larchmont, Mamaroneck Village, New Rochelle, Pelham Manor, Rye, Rye Brook, Scarsdale and Tarrytown. 50% of its' funding comes from the animal control services provided to the local towns and villages, and the balance of its … (6 comments)

Public Open House 10804, 999 Weaver Street, New Rochelle 1-5 p.m. - 05/06/12 07:37 AM
Public Open today, May 6th, from 1-5 p.m. 999 Weaver Strret, New Rochelle, 10804
Enjoy your very own shangri-la on nearly 1/2 acre with 5 bedrooms., 3.5 baths, a large terrace overlooking a 48X24' in ground pool, his/hers cabana w stove-top & shower, large eat-in kitchen/granite counters, skylight, formal dining room, a beamed family room with a fireplace, large step down living room. There is a first floor bedroom, second floor Master Bedroom with bath and great closets, 3 addiitional bedrooms on second floor, and a 2 car garage, lower/level woih a walk out basement. Easy access to houses of worship, transportation, & just 35 minutes. to New Tork City. … (2 comments)

Mamaroneck 10543 - "A Taste of Mamaroneck" 6th Annual Wine Tasting Tour - 05/02/12 04:46 AM
  Cheers! Mamaroneck's 6th Annual Wine Tasting Tour, Sunday, May 6th 1-5 p.m.
Being organized by the Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce, this upcoming Sunday, May 6th, Mamaroneck will have its 6th Annual " A Taste of Mamaroneck" Wine Tasting Tour from 1-5 p.m. Tickets are just $50 per person, and the tour will commence at 1 p.m. when trolley (yes, a trolley!) will leave Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck, and make a delectable and delicious tour of the following restaurants : Lum Yen, Zitoune, Gusano Loco, Spicy Shallot 2, Turkish Meze, Vinefera, Piri-Q, Roasted Peppers, Café Mozart, Boiano Bakery, Chocolations, … (8 comments)

 
Gay Rainmaker_large

Gay Rosen

Larchmont, NY

More about me…

Houlihan Lawrence

Address: 2070 Boston Post Road, Larchmont, NY, 10538

Office Phone: (914) 833-0420 x 307

Cell Phone: (914) 907-2645

Email Me

Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Rye NY real estate info for home buyers and sellers.


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog