A Penny for your thoughts- what will it take to get the housing market back on track? - 09/30/10 11:28 PM
A Penny for your thoughts- what will it take to get the housing market back on track?
Interest rates are at all-time lows. Home values have been falling for many months and may be near bottom in some markets. If we were talking about stocks, with these conditions in place, people would find the money to buy low hoping to sell as the stock price rises. Why are homes still not being viewed as investment opportunities?
Do you recall when, before the dot com bust, everyone and his uncle was becoming a day trader? Remember "irrational exuberance"? It took a while … (12 comments)

Foreclosure information per 1000 households across the country from January -July - 09/29/10 10:32 PM
Foreclosure is a word we can't escape.  Today while conducting real estate transactions the question as to how many foreclosures are in a neighborhood often comes up. While you may know this information for a particular neighborhood in your market it is also interesting to look at larger areas.
Patchwork Nation is a site that will show you how many foreclosure there are per 1000 in a congressional district in any state.
Go to www.patchworknation.org
 
Below the map you will find categories; in this case you will want to chose housing
 Look to the right and chose Foreclosures per 1,000 HH … (8 comments)

Germantown NY celebrates 300 years In October - 09/28/10 11:35 PM
Germantown NY celebrates 300 years In October
In 1710 settlers from the Palatine region of Germany settled in Columbia County NY in an area then called East Camp and then later renamed Germantown.  Fast forward 300 years; Over the next two weekends Germanton NY will be celebrating this milestone.
The first weekend starting Saturday, October 2nd  will feature seminars exploring the history of the Palatines, an artifacts exhibition at the Germantown Library, a play about the Palatines performed by students, featuring two re-published books written about the Palatines as well as oral history presented by descendants of the Palatines. The seminar will include famed historians, geneologists and DNA experts.  The … (7 comments)

The Arbors a condo community in Hyde Park NY - 09/27/10 10:52 PM

This is the entrance to The Arbors a condo community in Hyde Park New York with a population of about 450. Constructed in the early 1970's consisting of two levels, with units ranging from 835-923 square feet.  The exterior of the building is made of brick and vinyl.  The amenities include, an in-ground pool, playground, storage area and common laundry.
The HOA fee at this time is is $356 and it covers the following items: water and sewer, hot water, ground maintenance, pool service, management fees and heat.
The school district serving this community is the Hyde Park Central Schools
High School - Franklin … (15 comments)

Speechless Sunday-Saperstein's in Millerton NY - 09/26/10 11:39 PM
Today small department stores are an endangered species.  There was a time when such a store was the centerpiece of a small town or village.
The Village of Millerton located in the town of Northeast in Dutchess County still has a small department store which has been around since the 1940's.
Saperstein's, a family owned store, is known for its service.   Customers have gone in to find an item and if not available efforts were made to get it from somewhere else.
A store like Saperstein's gives you an idea of what the community is like.  The charm of this village has not gone unnoticed.  This community … (15 comments)

Guide to Hudson Valley Leaf Peeping - 09/24/10 11:15 PM
 

Guide to Hudson Valley Leaf Peeping
Don't get too excited; the leaves in the Hudson Valley have not peaked as yet.  This Photo was taken last year in Milan.
Fall is a season many look forward to, maybe, because it is the last chance for much outdoor activity before old man winter rears his head. So, here is my guide to leaf peeping in my part of the Hudson Valley.
There are really so many ways to enjoy the colorful foliage.  One spot that you should not miss is the Walkway Over the Hudson, with the Hudson River as part … (25 comments)

What is your advice to sellers caught in the real estate dead zone? - 09/23/10 10:58 PM
 
What is your advice to sellers caught in the real estate dead zone?
I don't need to tell you what the state of the economy is just take a look around.  Today, many home owners are frustrated as they watch their home languish on the market.
Looking at market reports for many areas I see the the majority of the home sales are on the lower end of the market.  Those with cash or those fortunate enough to qualify for a mortage seem to consider  short sales or foreclosures over some of the resales on the market.
So, what advice can you give to a seller … (42 comments)

Smithsonian Day is this Saturday. Here is a chance for a free ticket to a museum - 09/22/10 10:56 PM
This is the 6th year of the Smithsonian Day, where admission is free.  You might be thinking, "but I am nowhere near the Smithsonian." Don't despair, you see, many museums around the country are participating in this event by also offering free admission at their museum.
What will you need to do to participate? Go to the Smithsonian magazine site to download your free pass.   Enter your state and start searching for participating museums in your area.
Keep in mind this pass is good for you and a guest.  There is only one ticket per household Pass is only good for … (11 comments)

8 Fun Fall Activities For The Kids - 09/21/10 11:39 PM
8 Fun Fall Activities For The Kids
There are so many fall activities for families to engage in.  This post however will concentrate on 8 fun fall activities involving leaves.
Over the years I have seen families raking up the leaves into piles and then the kids would jump into the piles over and over again.  So this particular activity accomplishes two goals, cleaning up the yard and at the same time providing a fun outdoor activity for the kids. Take a nature walk and watch the leaves fall.  There are so many shades of color and a variety of shapes.  This is an opportunity to … (19 comments)

Hardscrabble Day one of Red Hook's Yearly Fun Days - 09/20/10 11:24 PM
Hardscrabble Day is one of Red Hook's Yearly Fun Days
Picture this,  you are walking down the main street in the Village of Red Hook, you hear music and the smell of kettle corn and hot dogs is in the air.  You look around and there are all types of vendors lining both sides of the street.  The regular merchants have brought their wares out in front of their stores.
Oh look! there are horses and goats and children with painted faces displaying big grins.
All heads suddenly turn. What was that big bang?  It is another historical reenactment of times past. 
 Look! I see someone weaving and some children have … (15 comments)

Speechless Sunday-Field of dreams - 09/19/10 09:29 PM

This is the Charles B. Benson Visitor's Center at The Fields Sculpture Park in Ghent New York.  Here you can view Modern and Contemporary Sculptures.  This Park consists of about 100 acres and around every corner there is a new discovery.
This Park is operated by OMI International Arts Center.  Access to this facility is free and both local and international visitors make the trip here to see the exhibition.
When I visited just a few weeks ago, I saw a table being set up with glasses in one of the fields, and when I inquired was told it was … (9 comments)

Is your library relevant in this technology crazy world? Red Hook is - 09/18/10 10:53 PM
Is your library relevant in this technology crazy world? Red Hook is
Today because most people have access to the Internet many feel libraries are not that relevant anymore, but I disagree.  Libraries are an important asset to a community.
To prove my point I will show you what Red Hook Library in Red Hook NY means to the community. At the library there are many programs available and here are just a few:
Book Club Knitting Club Whether you are taking the GED, SAT, Civil Service exam or graduate exams did you know if you are a member of the library there are practice … (20 comments)

Zen Dog Cafe newest restaurant in the Village of Rhinebeck NY - 09/17/10 11:33 PM
Zen Dog Cafe newest restaurant in the Village of Rhinebeck NY
A couple of weeks ago week We visited Zen Dog Cafe, Rhinebeck's newest restaurant.  This place is more than the usual restaurant.  When you drive into the parking lot you will notice charging stations for electric cars.
Next, you will come to a nice patio and upon entering the restaurant there are several rooms to just relax and maybe read a book. You will find a library and also books you can purchase. For music lovers there is some jazz memorabilia including classic album covers.
There is a a bar area and … (13 comments)

Wordless Wednesday-I could daydream all day - 09/15/10 10:47 PM

When friends come to visit it gives a good excuse for taking time to enjoy the view.  Life can get busy and we sometimes don't get the time to truly appreciate the area in which we live.  Taking the time to do so keeps me excited about the area and helps me to convey the many highlights of the Hudson Valley to those who may be thinking of relocating.  This view from Olana never gets old, and is a great spot to bring guests that come to visit.  
Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com 
www.jfivehomes.com  or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com
  Flickr | Facebook | Linked-in … (30 comments)

Croquet anyone? - 09/14/10 11:08 PM
 Croquet anyone?
A Croquet tournamentwill be held at Clermont State Park on September 18th and 19th.  What is Croquet anyway?
Croquet is a lawn game in which the players drive wooden balls through a series of wickets using mallets.  Some have the game dating back to the 1300's, a game played by aristocrats.  So, it is no surprise that the wealthy residents of the Hudson Valley participated in this sport.
The tournament at Clermont State Park  will be the 28th  Annual Honoria Livingston McVitty Memorial Croquet Tournament.  Honoria was a descendant of Robert Livingston, a wealthy land owner who was involved with … (21 comments)

Dutchess County NY Real Estate Update August 2010 - 09/13/10 11:12 PM
Dutchess County NY Real Estate Update August 2010

Information obtained from US Census Bureau quick Facts.
 
During August  2010 there were 135 single family homes sold in Dutchess County NY.  This was a year over year decrease of 30 units since 165 sold in August 2009.  August sales however showed a big increase over July sales of 89 which was the lowest sales figure in that month over the last 10 years.
The median sale price in Dutchess County fell to $$268.000,  6.3% less that August 2009,  when the median was $285,900.  The average sale price also declined by10.8% going from $368,638 in 2009,  to $300,425 in … (5 comments)

Hyde Park NY Real Estate Report For Single Family Detached Homes August 2010 - 09/12/10 11:51 PM
Hyde Park NY Real Estate Report For Single Family Detached Homes August 2010

                                        Hyde Park Drive-in; One of two in Dutchess County NY
 
During August there were 31 single family homes listed in Hyde Park, of which the most expensive house was one for $449,000.  When I look at the new listings it was encouraging to see most of them were in the range where sales have occurred.
There were 8 sales in Hyde Park during August, a big improvement over July.  Sale prices ranged from $180,000-$312,000 and if you look at the chart below you can find out where each … (10 comments)

Speechless Sunday-Please don't gawk - 09/12/10 10:08 AM

This is Susanna another sculpture by Phillip Grausman on display at the OMI location in Ghent NY.
I must admit I thought she was a boy, maybe because of the way the hair was pulled back as well as the profile.
What do I see?  A person who is shy but is placed in a spot where people gawk, and this makes her uncomfortable.
I love the arts, however I first like to come up with my intrepretation of the piece before finding out what the artist intrepretation is.

So what do you see when you look at this sculpture of Susanna?
… (13 comments)

Rhinebeck and Village of Rhinebeck NY Real Estate Market Report for August 2010 - 09/11/10 11:23 PM

 
                                           The Delamater House is a part of the Beekman Arms


Rhinebeck and Village of Rhinebeck NY Real Estate Market Report for August 2010
The homes new to the market in Rhinebeck NY during the month of August had an age range of over 300 years, this was because the oldest stone house in Rhinebeck  came on the market; the Abraham Kip house.
Between the Town of Rhinebeck and the Village of Rhinebeck there were 5 sales ranging from $245,000-$445,000, with another 4 in contract and 5 with offers.
Rhinebeck continues to be a great tourist destination, and during August the … (5 comments)

Red Hook New York Real Estate Market Report for August 2010 - 09/10/10 09:38 PM
 Red Hook New York Real Estate Market Report for August 2010                                                         
During August the new listings to the market in Red Hook ranged from $210,000-$2,300,000.  Of the 4 homes sold, prices ranged from $118,000-$322,900.  The house for $118,000 on Spring Lake Road was a bank owned property.
As you can see, the properties being sold in Red Hook NY are below $400,000. This means that sellers in the higher price ranges will have to be more creative in their marketing.  I recently asked the question "What does the end of summer mean to you?" In that blog I outlined some things sellers might do if they want … (8 comments)

Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest At the Dutchess County Fairgrounds - 09/09/10 11:19 PM
Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest At the Dutchess County Fairgrounds
Preparation is underway at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck NY for the Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest this weekend.
This is an annual event which brings together in one place many regional wineries to display their wines and attendees have an opportunity to sample a great variety.  There will be wine seminars to heighten your appreciation by showing you how to choose, serve, taste and store wine .
Besides wine tasting you will be able to sample food from many Hudson Valley fine restaurants. There will also be live food preparation demonstrations.
… (8 comments)

Wordless Wednesday-Aha! I took a bite out of you - 09/08/10 09:46 PM

I took labor Day literally and although it was a bad allergy day, I grabbed my hedge trimmer, rakes and other outdoor tools and went to work.
After hours of trimming, mowing, and raking it was time to pull the debris into the woods.  I grabbed the wheel barrow and headed down the hill towards the woods.  The path to my compost heap was a bit overgrown and the needles on some of this branches made me stop and pulled out a trimmer to clear the path.  While doing that I ran across this white caterpillar, so of course I … (22 comments)

Not too early to be thinking about winterizing your Dutchess County NY home - 09/07/10 10:08 PM
Not too early to be thinking about winterizing your Dutchess County NY home
You might be thinking it is just a bit early to think about winterizing your Dutchess County home but after taking a look at this checklist you might just want to get started.
Each year during the winter people die as a result of fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.  Many of the cases could have been prevented, so some of what you will be doing could make a difference in how safe you will be this winter.
Have you had your furnace inspected? if not, you should. A leak could result in … (10 comments)

Stories - Maria Elena and the VW - 09/07/10 08:09 AM
Looking for a good laugh to get your day going? Maria Morton's post will accomplish that.  When I first started reading it I was not sure where it was going, then at a certain point I could not stop laughing.
Have a great day.
 

Via Maria Morton, Kansas City Real Estate (Prudential Kansas City Realty):
The Story of Maria Elena and the VW Bug
Today, Mom and I met a delightful woman named Maria Elena. She and her daughter shared their table with us for a bit at Irish Fest. Here is one of the stories Maria Elena told us:
… (7 comments)

What does the end of summer mean to you? - 09/06/10 09:43 PM
I know summer is not officially over yet but once Labor Day comes and goes, face it;  it is over.  So what does the end of summer mean to you?
For parents, it means children are going back to school and the extra curricular activities will have to be factored into the weekly schedule.  
For some, they are eagerly anticipating the fall foliage and hoping it will be a spectacular year.
If you have many trees, especially maples, you will be thinking of all the leaves that will have to be raked up.
Others are already planning their winter activities, even hoping … (15 comments)

Speechless Sunday-I am Queen Of This Field And Don't You Forget it - 09/05/10 06:59 PM

With nose in the air I can see why she would think she is queen of this field; and we should not forget it.  So where is this anyway? This is at the Field Sculpture Park in Ghent NY.
This scuplture is called Victoria  and is the work of Phillip Grausman.
The park is made up several fields, this particular field has three heads, Victoria is the tallest, and with that profile looks like the queen.
Visiting this park is well worth a trip, the sculptures on display are each rather unique.
Stay tune for more photos over the next few weeks.
 
Update*** … (17 comments)

Art Studio Views In Northern Dutchess NY - 09/04/10 10:37 PM
Art Studio Views In Northern Dutchess NY
It is still not too late to take the self guided art studio views tour in Northern Dutchess NY.  Today the weather here was beautiful so I am sure many made use of this opportunity to look at the work of the various artists in the region.  I suspect artists are attracted to this area because of the beautiful surroundings.  Some of these artists might have also taken advantage of programs offered at Bard College since it is well known for arts education.
Viewing starts on Sunday at 11:00AM-5:00PM and this is free to the public. You … (5 comments)

Just another day in real estate? I would say not - 09/03/10 09:35 PM
Just another day in real estate? I would say not
Yesterday, I mentioned I came home early from vacation because of hurricane Earl and immediately had an appointment set.
Well, I took these potential buyers out today to look at a unique home which they ended up really liking.  The tour took about an hour and because of the beautiful landscape we got around to talking about plants and herbs.
There were several butterfly bushes on the property so there were many butterflies around.  This made me think of a creature I had noticed around my own butterfly bushes, something that looked like a cross … (14 comments)

Hurricane Earl sent us packing - 09/02/10 11:07 PM
My family and I were vacationing in Ocean City, Maryland.  For the first four days the weather was beautiful although the waves were a bit rough at times and the lifegaurds would ask people to get out of the water.
Yes it is hurricane season, and there was talk of Earl Heading up the East Coast.  Having survived many hurricanes I know these are not fun. Our condo was facing the ocean, and we enjoyed the view, getting lovely shots of the sunrise and eating on the balcony while enjoy the sounds of the ocean.
Hurricane Earl was on our minds, so we kept … (20 comments)

Wordless Wednesday-Have you been to the New York Trolley Museum? - 09/01/10 10:14 PM

 

 These photos were taken in the late fall, at the Trolley Museum of New York located in the Roundout area of Kingston New York.
This museum is located in the old Ulster and  Delaware railroad yard.  There are about 30 trolleys, the oldest dating back to 1907.  The Trolley Museum  covers the history of the railroad in the Hudson Valley.  Rail travel was once a very important part of the transportation system in small communities. Then came the car and this system which connected many communities by train was abandoned.  While out and about in my real estate activities  I sometimes run into these … (14 comments)

 
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Dutchess County homes for sale | Dutchess County Communities

Jennifer Fivelsdal LIC. R.E. Broker

Rhinebeck, NY

More about me…

JFIVE Home Realty LLC |Columbia,Dutchess,Ulster Counties

Address: Rhinebeck,East Fishkill,Poughkeepsie,Hudson,Beekman, Stone Ridge, Woodstock,Hyde Park,Beacon,Wappingers Falls,Saugerties,Germantown , Red Hook, NY, 12571

Office Phone: (845) 758-6842

Cell Phone: (845) 594-9947

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This will be a source of information on the Mid-Hudson Valley and real estate related topics. Please call me at 845-758-6842 or visit www.jfivehomes.com



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