South Ozone Park & New York City Real Estate Blog

GOAL SETTING FOR 2008

Wed, 26 Dec 2007 12:08:29 -0600

Another fabulous year is almost behind us.

This has been a year of change. I have been going over the list of year end goals that I set this time last year and I was amazingly surprised.

In what way you ask? Pleasantly surprised. With the state of the Real Estate Market, the Credit Crunch and Gas Prices my optimism for this year was at an all time low for a super-optimistic person like me. I found myself looking two or three times before verifying that the glass was actually half full, "Yeah it is half full" whoosh!

The situation I am am at now is not to let the current mood place a negative effect on my goal setting for 2008.

Times of adversity give us the opportunity to really RISE to the occasion and challenge our possibilities. What a sense of accomplishment when you do what every one is saying CAN'T be done.

When sitting down to set your goals for the new year AIM HIGH and don't let the Dream-Stealers bury your vision.

There are many of us who have let others beat the OPTIMISM, HOPE and VISION out of us. The good thing is that you can reclaim that part of yourself and one of your first steps can be through goal setting for this New Year.

TIPS FOR GOAL SETTING

1. SET ASIDE TIME - You have to set aside some quality time that you can complete this process uninterrupted and when you are able to think clearly.

2. HAVE YOUR TOOLS READY - If you will be creating VISION BOOKS, have your pictures of your dream house and dream car ready.

3. AIM HIGH - Do not limit yourself.

4. SET TIME LINES- When setting your goals don't forget to set them in increments. 30 - 60 -90 dAY goals or just monthly and quarterly goals.

5. SET CLEAR, CONCISE GOALS - Be as clear as you can when setting your goals. If you are setting an income goal you need to set an exact amount. When you clearly define your goals you can better set up your plan to achieve them.

6. IDENTIFY ACTIVITIES - Have clear activities to use when setting your goals. If you live in a climate that has severe temperatures your activities should match the climate. Don't forget to factor in major Holidays in your activities, you can use them to develop special activities geared around them.

Once you set your goals it is time to go into ALL OUT MASSIVE ACTION. Annual Goal setting is just the start of the process. Your plan and activities should be adjusted and modified all of the time. When you are planning activities you need to measure their success and make adjustments when needed. Having a blueprint to work from helps you identify what you need to do.

NOW LET'S GO OUT SET THOSE GOALS AND MAKE IT HAPPEN.

Any extra goal setting tips will be appreciated in the comments.

TO MY ACTIVERAIN FAMILY;

Thank you all for making the last half of this year a great one for me. I am Blessed to be a part of this wonderful community and I owe a lot to so many of you who continue to inspire me, make me laugh, make me want to do more, make me think and helped me push through the rocky road. Who could ask for MORE.
I am eternally THANKFUL to you all!

HAVE AN ABUNDANT AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!

How Do You Truly Help Those In Need? California Wildfires

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 08:52:10 -0600

When I used to think of Wildfires I used to think of acres of dry grasslands and forest being burned to the ground. I never used to associate it with Homes and Families.

Then the 2003 Wildfires changed that for me. It was the first fire that affected someone I knew personally, a home that I had visited and enjoyed or so I thought.
"Oh, Toni don't you remember such and such, we visited them back in '96, They lost their home and some horses".

My friend went on and on about how many people we knew that had been affected over the years.
That was an Uh-oh moment for me... Wildfires were no longer solely about trees, vegetation and wildlife for me. My thinking was forever changed.

WHAT TO DO!

My next thought back in 2003 was what I could do to help. I then decided to help another long time friend (whose name I won't mention, til I clear it with her) and she in turn was able to help three other families, she had the space in her home and her heart. One family stayed on until their house was rebuilt, (they have had to run from the wildfires again.)

I think of Kathy & Corina McGraw and their family. I have never met them in person, but I formed a spiritual bond with them here on AR. I lived those moments when Kathy couldn't contact Corina with her. Stopping constantly during my day and Thanking God for keeping them safe and asking him to open the lines so that Kathy could have her faith confirmed by Corina herself. See these wildfires were no longer a news event for me. I was now worried about Kathy, Corina and the kids and many others in my extended family. Being here on the East coast feeling so helpless but empowered in my prayers and faith.

After Katrina, I also had a total .change of perspective on Charities. I already knew that it worked to help someone with the will and capability of helping others. So I knew that would serve those in need better. OK Red Cross, United Way? Nah! I thought back to long ago at the age of nine when we lost our home and how little support we received from the Red Cross. Things hadn't really changed in all these years had they?
We always wonder when we donate if our dollars will reach those in need. Katrina proved to me that they usually don't, save for a few very hardworking charities filled with volunteers whose salaries are not a part of my donation.

When these recent Wildfires came about our church collected funds and we sought a resource to donate our efforts to. Sadly, the two charities that were being mentioned were the last choices on our list. So our church found a group that asked us to not send money but specific items that were needed by families. Our wonderful committee made it happen, we had the shipping fees donated, what a blessing! (dang it I don't have the name of the Charity here with me)

When looking to make a difference for those in need. (I refuse to call them victims, but Victors, for they are still here) take a little time.

Try choosing a specific community or area to support
Identify a need and help fill it
Look to Grassroots organizations, churches and synagogues that know the people in their community and have identified specific needs.
Offer your support, no donation is too little.
Ask! Some people are too proud or overwhelmed to ask for help, but will accept it when offered.

A lot of people doing a little will go very far. $1 from a million people is 1 million dollars. Just try and make sure it is truly going to help someone.

I am not blasting the Big Charities, they serve their purpose. I don't want emails from them please!
But when we were burned out of our home when I was a little girl, the Red Cross put us in a hotel for the first two nights. It was great having shelter but I would've jumped for joy to have a toothbrush when I woke up that morning. My panties hadn't dried yet from washing them late that night and I cried. I had no books, no clothes save the nightie I had on when I ran out and slippers. My mother had to leave me in the hotel room to go buy me and my brother some clothes and pick up necessities. My brother went to get us something to eat and they wouldn't let him back up to the room. So I was homeless, half naked and hungry (he had the food).

God sent us Angels during those times, not the many people that my Mom had helped over the years. We always had extra seats at our dinner table, or she was sending one of us to give someone something. The help we received was from wonderful strangers, that made some of those times the most vivid memories of my childhood. I'll never forget the lady at the clothing store (Ms Anna) who picked up the phone and asked her boss if she could donate some clothing for a family (she had overheard a conversation that my Mom was having with another customer) or the bus driver (Mr William) who used to wait for me to cross the street to catch the City Bus if I was running late as I had to travel 7 miles on the city bus to school every day at the age of nine for about four months. (The looks of the other passengers on their way to work, priceless). Nothing you do to help others is too small.

If you know of anyone who is doing the real work in these communities, the ANGELS, Please BLOG ABOUT THEM! We won't hear about them on the news, but we know that the real help comes from average folks doing extraordinary things, not from the huge charities. How can we help them if we don't know they exist?

If you know someone who is housing families, (there are some who have two or three families sharing their homes) Drop them off a care package. Fill up the gas tank of someone who is donating the use of their pickup to help others salvage the ruins of their homes.

Most importantly, if you are able donate your time.

Was I Dreaming? A Positive Report on the Real Estate Market!

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 09:17:12 -0500

Ask and you shall receive.
I have been asking God to please put words of positivity into mouths and minds of the media.

It is no surprise that this report came from an actual Real Estate expert, not a journalist or economist.

National news coverage is not giving a totally accurate depiction of the Real Estate Market and is not creating an environment that is conducive to any remedy of current issues.

They are missing the fact is this is the time to buy a home. Lots of inventory, great interest rates and price reductions. Banks and lending institutions are still in business aren't they? This is not the time to go into the home buying process without the assistance of a real estate professional who can skillfully guide you through this process. Lenders are just being prudent as they should have been in the past couple of years.

GOOD NEWS

On Saturday, October 6th, Kendra Todd, winner of season 3 of "The Apprentice", managing broker of the Kendra Todd Group, a Realty Investment Consultation firm and host of HGTV's "My House Is Worth What?"appeared on CNN's "Open House" and spoke about certain real estate markets that are showing growth.

Ms. Todd reported on some small to large cities, and used a formula that included job growth, affordability, appreciation of homes and relocation.

Kendra Todd's Top 5

Salt Lake City, UT - Salt Lake City, UT is stated to have a boom in home appreciation at 22%. It is known as a city that has a small town feel and "The Crossroads to the West". The economy is sound with many jobs in the industrial sector including transportation, trade, mining and utilities, as well as being the hub for Utah government. A growth in tourism spurred by it's sports and recreation activities and the many who discovered the city while attending the Winter Olympics back in 2002 has helped Salt Lake's growth.

Wenatchee, WA - is stated to have a 25% home appreciation. Relocation of many Californians and residents from Seattle is believed to be a factor. With the influx of new residents there has been a growth in new construction and development bringing in more jobs and fueling their local economy.

Austin, TX- Austin, TX is known as a great place to live for families and a good investment for landlords. Many of the real estate professionals on ActiveRain a top-notch real estate network of professionals across the country (my unbiased opinion) who are serving Austin and the surrounding areas have been testifying to the strength of their local market. The Lone Star State's Capitol has the best of both world's.

Charlotte, NC - Charlotte, NC known as the second largest banking community in the US and the 5th fastest growing large city in the US. Relocation has become key for Charlotte as their growth in the financial industry and their affordability has made it a spot for retirees and professionals looking for change. This has helped it become the fastest growing city on the East Coast.

Farmington, NM- Farmington, NM located in the beautiful San Juan River Valley has been experiencing a growth in home appreciation of 14%. Small business and commerce is exploding in this city which is the largest in the Four Corners area. Touted for having a great year round climate and spectacular views of the Arizona and Utah desert highlands and Colorado's San Juan Mountains we understand why this area is known as the Four Corners and a year round destination for many.

Congratulations to the real estate professionals serving these cities and those looking to relocate or purchase there. Real Estate investors are no longer investing primarily in their local areas. Savvy ones are looking in other states and looking for areas of sustained growth.

Hearing this positive Real Estate report pushed me to do further research on favorable markets around the country.

It has been suggested by Money Magazine that the areas that showed the least amount of gains during the real estate boom are the areas that are holding steady and continuing to experience growth.

Historically slow steady gains have been more sustainable in many industries. So it is practical to come to the conclusion that areas that didn't experience a huge appreciation are not feeling the correction in the market.

I came across the list of Fiserv Lending Solutions growth forecast from April 2007 - April 2008.

These cities were rated top 10 in their forecast with their projected growth.

1. McAllen, TX - 12-month forecast: 9.8%
2. Tulsa, OK - 12-month forecast: 4.3%
3. El Paso, TX - 12-month forecast: 4.3%
4. Scranton, PA - 12-month forecast: 3.9%
5. Rochester, NY - 12-month forecast: 3.7%
6. Buffalo/Niagra Falls, NY - 12-month forecast: 3.7%
7. Fort Worth/Arlington, TX - 12-month forecast: 3.6%
8. Baton Rouge, LA - 12-month forecast: 3.6%
9. Dallas, TX - 12-month forecast: 3.6%
10. Birmingham, AL - 12-month forecast: 3.6%

They are forecasting 56 major US cities with positive growth between April 2007 and April 2008. That's more than half of the top 100. Many others are fore-casted to have minute drops of less than 2%.

Now that's Good News to me. So why aren't these projections being reported? Financing is not AS easy for ANYONE to get, but there are still great loan programs for those that have done their financial homework.

I guess the media believes that Good News doesn't sell papers or entice people to tune in. Personally, I am longing for the days when the media found the diamonds in the sand and I didn't have to find positive news buried in the back of my newspaper amongst the advertisements.

About South Ozone Park, New York

Thu, 04 Oct 2007 15:47:31 -0500

click here to see more photos

South Ozone Park, New York is located in the southern part of Queens. It's boundaries are as follows; from the east, the Van Wyck Expressway, the west boundary is the Aqueduct Race Track, the North is Liberty Avenue and the south is The Conduit. However many parts of the surrounding area have either attached itself or detached itself from the area for various reasons.

South Ozone Park History

South Ozone Park's first inhabitants were Native Americans of the Jameco (where Jamaica got it's name) and Reckowacky (where we derived the name Rockaway) tribes.

South Ozone Park was once farmland that was first developed back in 1907, when David Leahy began building homes in farm fields. The area to the west known as Ozone Park had been developed back in 1880's by Benjamin Hitchcock had become a success and South Ozone Park which is actually located East of Ozone Park was to be a community of smaller more moderately priced homes.
With the expansion of the railroad into the area Leahy anticipated the need for more housing and marketed his homes for a reasonable price.

South Ozone Park's Residents

The boundaries and the demographics of the community have changed through the years. Today it is the home of over 45,000 people who live mostly in one-family or two-family dwellings.
Once it's main inhabitants were of Italian-American descent. Today the community is the picture of diversity with a mixture of Whites, Blacks or African-Americans, Hispanics and a steady growth of people of Indian-descent from Trinidad/Tobago and Guyana.

Rockaway Boulevard it's main thorughfare is now a bustling center of commerce with many small businesses as well as major franchises popping up all along it's streets. Liberty Avenue once the sole center of commerce was not as close a trip for many residents. This has given many residents the ability to spend their dollars closer to home.

It's proximity to JFK Airport, the Belt Parkway and the Van Wyck Expressway make it a convenient place to live and just a short trip to Brooklyn and Long Island and with the Long Island Railroad and subways just a short commute into Manhattan.

It's a great place to live for those looking for the convenience of the city, but prefer to live in a quiet and beautiful neighborhood.

Today South Ozone Park is a community that is fast becoming the place to live and one of Queen's best kept secrets.

Landmarks

Ancient Burial Ground of the Reckowacky (Rockaway) Tribe- Located at the northern end of JFK's runway.

Wilbur E. Colyer Square- Located at Rockaway Boulevard and 120th Avenue/133rd Street. Coyler Square was named after Wilbur E. Colyer a resident of South Ozone Park who volunteered at the age of 17 to fight in WWI. He was killed during battle and received the Congressional Medal of Honor for Valor at Verdun. He was the youngest and first Queens resident to receive this honor.

Edward R. Byrne Place- Located at N. Conduit Avenue between 130th Place and 134th Street. This location was named to honor the memory of rookie Police Officer Edward R. Byrne. He was killed in his patrol car while protecting a witness to a drug crime. His death spurned the inception of the TNT (Tactical Narcotics Team) that has changed the way the NYPD and many police departments across the world fight drugs and drug related crimes.

Aqueduct Race Track- Located on Rockaway Blvd. The Aqueduct Race Track holds the distinction of being the largest thoroughbred racing track in the USA with it's 80,000 seat capacity. It is also the border between Ozone Park and South Ozone Park. Aqueduct has also been the site where many famous horses won championship races like Seabiscuit and Man O'War.

If you're considering South Ozone Park as the location of your new home, please feel free to contact Sharon (Toni) Brown, Your South Ozone Park Neighborhood Expert.

New York City and South Ozone Park Real Estate

Mortgage Information

My New York City and South Ozone Park Real Estate Blog

Sources:

http://www.thirteen.org/queens/history.html

Á Walk Through Queens With David Hartman
http://www.thirteen.org/queens/history3.html

http://www.queenslibrary.org/index.aspx?page_nm=CL-CommunityInfo&branch_id=SZ

Queens Real Estate Expo - Sunday, Sept 30, 2007

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 00:25:39 -0500

To All Queens and Long Island Agents be there or be square.

Queens Real Estate Expo
September 30, 2007
York College
94-20 Guy R. Brewer Boulevard
Jamaica, New York
Hours.10am - 5 pm
www.queensrealestateexpo.com

I know that Sunday is a busy day for all of us. But it is important for us to come together.

I will be looking forward to meeting colleagues and taking the time to establish new contacts and build relationships with other Realtors and Mortgage professionals.

In between showings, church and a Pastor's dinner, I will still find time to be there so what is your excuse?

Richmond Hill Residential Real Estate Market Report

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 09:51:44 -0500

Residential Market Report for Richmond Hill, North Richmond Hill, South Richmond Hill New York
by Sharon Brown, Exit Realty United 131-09 Rockaway Blvd, South Ozone Park NY 11420

This is a summary for the Residential Real Estate Market for Richmond Hill, N. Richmond Hill and S. Richmond Hill, New York.

There are currently 485 residential homes on the market in Richmond Hill, North Richmond Hill and South Richmond Hill, New York.

The average listed home price is $646,836 in Richmond Hill, N. Richmond Hill and S. Richmond Hill

The average amount of days on market (DOM) in Richmond Hill, N. Richmond Hill and S. Richmond Hill, New York is 127.

August 2007 Statistics for Richmond Hill, North Richmond Hill and South Richmond Hill, New York

458 Residential homes were listed in Richmond Hill, N. Richmond Hill and S. Richmond Hill as of August, 2007.

232 Residential homes were in contract in Richmond Hill, N. Richmond Hill and S. Richmond Hill as of August
2007.

26 Residential homes closed in Richmond Hill, N. Richmond Hill and S. Richmond Hill in August, 2007.

The average sale price was $551,500 for homes sold in Richmond Hill, N. Richmond Hill and S. Richmond Hill,
New York.

If you are interested in selling or purchasing a home or want to be informed of new listings in Richmond Hill, North Richmond Hill or South Richmond Hill feel free to contact me at 718-322-5677 or visit my website Richmond Hill, North Richmond Hill and South Richmond Hill Real Estate.

South Ozone Park Residential Market Report

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 09:32:38 -0500

Residential Market Report for South Ozone Park, New York, 11420 by Sharon Brown, Exit Realty United

Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home it is important to know the market for your area of interest. As a real estate professional it's important to stay on top of the market and pass that information along to consumers.
This is a summary for the Residential Real Estate Market for South Ozone Park and Wakefield.

There are currently 351 residential homes on the market.

The average listed home price is $564,279

The average amount of days on market (Avg. DOM) is 86 days

August 2007 Statistics in South Ozone Park

351 Residential homes were listed in South Ozone Park as of August, 2007.

158 Residential homes were in contract in South Ozone Park as of August, 2007.

26 Residential homes closed in South Ozone Park in August, 2007.

The average sale price was $462,750 for homes sold in South Ozone Park during August, 2007.

If you are interested in selling or purchasing a home or want to be informed of new listings in South Ozone Park, please feel free to contact me at 718-322-5677 or visit my website South Ozone Park Real Estate.

Race a Factor in Your Interest Rates and the Elevation of Foreclosures?

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 19:03:28 -0500

I read an article today that made my face literally hit the floor.

Mortgage data links higher-priced loans with delinquencies
Racial disparities persist in analysis of loan denials and rates
Thursday, September 13, 2007
By Matt Carter
Inman News

It stated the obvious that " A new Federal Reserve Board analysis of millions of home loans made in 2006 shows a correlation between higher-priced loans that carry heftier interest rates and the rate of serious delinquencies." NO KIDDING!

I didn't want to disclose this but I had a family member that was approved for a mortgage refi In 2006 whose payment was 60% of her gross income. She was counting on a second job that she didn't have at the time, the kindness of friends and family and overtime to cover the rest of her expenses. She had another family member accompany her to the closing (Thank God) and after the closing the family member called me crying. " They are trying to steal her house!, come over quick! She can't afford her new mortgage, She won't listen!" It took me five hours to crunch the numbers with her, before she faxed in a refusal. I then found her a professional that not only gave her a loan at 4 ENTIRE POINTS lower than the previous one (imagine the rate) But brought her payments down over $300 after paying off a couple of bills and taking some out for home improvement. Family always wait til things go bad to give you their business. That is another story.

It is no secret that there were many people given loans for mortgages that they were financially unable to carry. So this revelation by the Fed was no surprise to me.

They gathered information from 8,886 lending institutions, which included 2,036 credit unions, 2,004 mortgage companies, 946 savings institutions and 3,900 commercial banks. Together these institutions reported information on 6.2 million loans they purchased from other institutions and made 14 million mortgage loans.
The Federal Government created the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act which mandated the collection of data from these institutions.

The part of the article that had me dusting off my face was the part that Blacks and Hispanics were more likely to get stuck with a higher-cost loan. Ever been to a closing where people try to pay themselves twice? They've tried it with me as a buyer and two others that I know of. It makes me wonder how many others they were getting away with this practice with. They were not oversights, just attempted larceny. So I was not suprised at this finding either.

The article stated that "Blacks got higher-cost loans 53.7 percent of the time and Hispanics 46.6 percent of the time in 2006, compared with 17.7 percent of the time for whites. Asians were the least likely of any racial or ethnic group to take out higher-priced loans, at 16.8 percent of the time." They however were not able to definitively determine that these disparities in lending practices were due to discrimination, even after putting the differences through a number of variables like, location, income, loan-to-value, debt-to-income ratios and loan product. According to the article "The adjusted denial rate on purchase loans was 21.5 percent for blacks, 17.5 percent for Hispanics and 14.8 percent for Asians, compared with 13.1 percent for whites. After adjusting for borrower- and lender-related factors, the incidence of higher-cost loans was 30.3 percent for blacks, 24 percent for Hispanics, and unchanged for Asians and whites.

Many agencies are using the data collected from the HDMA to investigate alleged abuses. Many studies have found discrimination in lending for minorities. Why hasn't the Federal Reserve conceded to the practice of discrimination and do something about it. The real point is the abusive lending. That is why there is an increase in the amount of consumers suing financial institutions for granting loans that they knew were impossible for the consumer to pay.

What was most interesting is that these practices were found to more or less pronounced depending on geographic location. I am not going to mention these areas so as to not gain unneeded attention from loan professionals here. Wherever these higher-priced lending practices were found to be elevated also had a marked elevation in foreclosures, with a few exceptions. YOU THINK!

But we are all aware of the abuses by some of our fly-by-night colleagues. Many who are now out of business, thanks to Karma and all that.

Articles like these remind me to do the best for consumers and why it's important for me to stay on top of my game. There is no reason for two individuals with similar incomes, savings and credit score should have such a difference in their interest rate. I evaluate mortgage professionals like I would a babysitter, with a microscope. Luckily I have found some great mortgage brokers and loan officers that do the best for EVERYBODY regardless of their skin color.

Richmond Hill School Information

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:26:29 -0500

Public Elementary Schools

PS 055 Maure (PK-6)

PS 062 Chester Park (K-5)

PS 100 Glen Morris School (K-5)

PS 108 Capt. Vincent G. Fowler (K-5)

PS 121 (K-6)

PS 161 Arthur Ashe School (K-6)

Public Junior High/Intermediate Schools

Public High Schools

John Adams High School (9-12)

Private / Parochial Schools

St. Benedict Joseph Labre (PK-8)

St. Teresa of Avila (K-8)

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School (PK-8)

Richmond Hill Community Information

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:31:27 -0500

Community Board District #10
115-01 Lefferts Boulevard
South Ozone Park, NY 11420
Phone: 718) 843-4488
Email: cb10qns@nyc.rr.com

Elected Officials

New York City Council District #32
Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr
District Office Address
159-53 102 Street
Howard Beach, NY 11414
Phone: (718) 738-1111
Fax: (718) 322-5760

Legislative Office Address
250 Broadway, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 788-7069
Email: addabbo@council.nyc.ny.us

New York State Assembly District #25
Rory I. Lancman
DISTRICT OFFICE
77-40 170th Street
Fresh Meadows, NY 11366
Phone: (718) 820-0241

ALBANY OFFICE
LOB 704
Albany, NY 12248
Phone: (518) 455-5172

New York State Senate District #10
Shirley Huntley
808 Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12247
Phone: (518) 455-3531
Fax:

116-43 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11434
Phone: (718) 322-2537

U.S. Congressional District #6
District 6 Gregory Meeks
1710 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3461
Fax: (202) 226-4169

153-01 Jamaica Ave
Jamaica, NY 11432
Phone: 718-725-6000
Fax: 718-725-9868

Community Organizations & Services

Kew Gardens Civic Association
105 82nd Street
Kew Gardens, NY 11415

Kew Gardens Community Website

NHS (Neighborhood Housing Services) of Richmond Hill
115-02 Jamaica Avenue
Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Phone: (718) 441-3063

Richmond Hill Block Association
110-08 Jamaica Avenue
Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Phone: (718) 849-3759
Email: RHBA@worldnet.att.net

Richmond Hill Historical Society

Richmond Hill Online Community Guide

Sacred Music Chorale of Richmond Hill
Email: vilnisman@aol.com

South Queens Boys & Girls Club
110-04 Atlantic Avenue
Richmond Hill, NY 11419
Phone: (718) 441-6050

Child Care

A to Z Learning Center
123-21 Jamaica Avenue
Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Phone: (718) 805-4400

Happy Day Nursery
104-25 Jamaica Ave
Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Phone: (718) 847-0223

Nareesa's Day Care
104-30 116th Street
Richmond Hill, NY 11419
Phone: (718) 835-6721

Playmates Nursery Inc.
131-15 Liberty Avenue
Richmond Hill ,NY 11419
Phone: (718) 659-0474
Fax: (718) 529-6690

Wonder World
107-42 117th Street
Richmond Hill, NY 11419
Phone: (718) 835-9660
Fax: (718) 925-9061

Emergency Services

Fire Department
Engine 308
107-12 Lefferts Boulevard
South Richmond Hil, NY 11419

Police Department
106th Precinct
103-53 101st Street
Ozone Park, NY 11417
Phone: (718) 845-2211

Local Hospitals
Jamaica Hospital Medical Center
8900 Van Wyck Expressway
Queens ,NY 11418
Phone: 718) 206-6000

Post Office
117-04 101st Avenue
South Richmond Hill ,NY 11419
Phone: 800) 275-8777

Contact Toni Brown @ 718-322-5677 to have your communty or civic organization added to this list.

Last updated 9/13/07

Ozone Park School Information

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:11:47 -0500

Public Elementary Schools

PS 65
103-22 99th Street
Ozone Park, NY 11417
Phone: (718) 323-1685

Old South PS 63
90-15 Sutter Avenue
Ozone Park, NY 11417
Phone: (718) 845-7560

Joseph P. Addabo PS 64
82-01 101 Avenue
Ozone Park, NY 11416
Phone: (718) 845-2890

PS 108 School
108-10 109th Avenue
Ozone Park, NY 11420
Phone: (718) 641-4956

Public Junior High/ Intermediate Schools

Elizabeth Blackwell School (IS 210)
93-11 101st Ave
Ozone Park, NY 11416
Phone: (718) 845-5942

America's School of Heroes
109-15 98th Street
Ozone Park, NY 11417
Phone: (718) 659-0471

Public High Schools
John Adams High School
101-01 Rockaway Blvd.
Ozone Park, NY 11417
Phone: (718) 332-0500

Private / Parochial Schools
St. Mary Gate of Heaven School
101-20 101st Avenue
Ozone Park, NY 11416
Phone: (718) 846-0689
Fax: (718) 846-1059

St. Mary Gate of Heaven Children's School
101-17 103rd Street
Ozone Park, NY 11416
Phone: (718) 846-3773

Saint Elizabeth School
94-01 85th Street
Ozone Park, NY 11416
Phone: (718) 641-6990

Second Opportunity School
82-01 Rockaway Boulevard
Ozone Park, NY

Nativity-Blessed Virgin Mary
101-60 92nd Street
Ozone Park, NY 11416
Phone: (718) 845-3074

Little Dolphin School
107-01 Crossbay Boulevard
Ozone Park, NY 11417
Phone: (718) 641-7754

St. Stanislaus Blessed Martyr School
90-01 101st Avenue
Ozone Park, NY 11416
Phone: (718) 845-3188

Ozone Park Community Information

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:55:17 -0500

Ozone Park Community Information

Queens Community Board District # 9
120-55 Queens Boulevard Room 310-A
Kew Gardens, NY 11424
Phone: (718) 286-2686
Fax: (718) 286-2685
Elected Officials

New York City Council District #32
Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr
District Office Address
159-53 102 Street
Howard Beach, NY 11414
Phone: (718) 738-1111
Fax: (718) 322-5760

Legislative Office Address
250 Broadway, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 788-7069
Email: addabbo@council.nyc.ny.us

New York State Assembly District #23
DISTRICT OFFICE
108-14 Crossbay Blvd.
Ozone Park, NY 11417
Phone: (718) 641-8755

DISTRICT OFFICE
90-16 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
Rockaway Beach, NY 11693
Phone: (718) 945-9550

New York State Senate District #15
Serphin R. Maltese
71-04 Myrtle Ave
Glendale, NY 11385
Phone: (718) 497-1800

U.S. Congressional District #9
Anthony D. Weiner
80-02 Kew Gardens Rd. Suite 5000
Kew Gardens, NY 11415
Phone: 718) 520-9001

90-16 Rockaway Beach Blvd.
Rockaway, NY 11693
Phone: (718) 318-9255

Ozone Park Community Organizations & Services

US Railroad Retirement Board
Jamaica, NY
Phone: (718) 835-7808

Catholic Charities
94-17 84th Street
Ozone Park, NY 11416
Phone: (718) 296-1172

Safe Space NYC (Children and Family Services)
157-02 Crossbay Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11416
Phone: (718) 641-3528

First Step Early Childhood Center
115-15 101st Avenue
Jamaica, NY 11419
Phone: (718) 441-5333

B'FFY Ozone Park Senior Center
103-12 101 Avenue
Ozone Park ,NY 11420
Phone: (718) 847-2100

New York Families for Autistic Children
95-16 Pitkin Avenue
Ozone Park, NY 11417
Phone: (718) 641-3441
Fax: (718) 641-4452

Hope for the Disabled Kids
103-59 100th Street
Ozone Park, NY 11417
Phone: (718) 843-9363
Fax: (718) 845-3755

Armstrong Residence (branch of Association for Help of Retarded Children)
9520 95th St.
Ozone Park, NY 11416
Phone: (718) 835-5911

Emergency Services

Fire Department
West Hamilton Beach Fire Station
102-33 Davenport Ct.
Jamaica, NY 11414
Phone: (718) 843-1716

Engine 285 Ladder 142
103-19 98th Street
Ozone Park, NY 11417

Police Department
106th Precinct
103-51 101st Street
Ozone Park, NY 11417
Phone: (718)845-2211

Local Hospitals
Jamaica Hospital Medical Center
8900 Van Wyck Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11418
Phone: (718) 206-8000

Post Office
Ozone Park Finance
9111 Liberty Avenue
Ozone Park, NY 11417-9993

Contact Toni Brown @ 718-322-5677 to have your communty or civic organization added to this list.

Last updated 9/13/07

South Ozone Park School Information

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 10:14:39 -0500

Public Elementary Schools

PS 096Q
130-01 Rockaway Boulevard
South Ozone Park ,New York 11420
Phone: (718) 529-2547
Fax: (718) 659-0113

PS 100 Glen Morris (Q100)
111-11 118th Street
South Ozone Park ,New York 11420
Phone: (718) 843-8390
Fax: (718) 641-2474

PS 108 Capt. Vincent G. Fowler (Q108)
108-10 109 Avenue
South Ozone Park ,New York 11420
Phone: (718) 641-4956
Fax: (718) 641-2474

PS 121 Queens (Q121)
126-10 109 Avenue
South Ozone Park ,New York 11420
Phone: (718)-738-5126
Fax: (718) 843-5584

PS 124 Osmond A Church (Q124)
129-15 150 Avenue
South Ozone Park ,New York 11420
Phone: (718) 529-2580
Fax: (718) 322-4039

PS 155 (Q155)
130-02 115 Avenue
South Ozone Park ,New York 11420
Phone: (718) 529-0767
Fax: (718) 529-0773

Public Junior High/ Intermediate Schools

JHS 226 Virgil I Grissom (Q 226)
121-10 Rockaway Boulevard
South Ozone Park ,New York 11420
Phone: (718) 843-2260
Fax: (718) 835-6317

Public High Schools

John Adams High School
101-01 Rockaway Blvd
South Ozone Park ,New York 11420

Private / Parochial Schools

Al-Ihsan Academy
130-08 Rockaway Boulevard
South Ozone Park ,New York 11420

St. Anthony of Padua
125-18 Rockaway Boulevard
South Ozone Park ,New York 11420

St. Clement Pope
120-27 141 Street
South Ozone Park ,New York 11420

South Ozone Park Community Information

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 10:01:40 -0500

South Ozone Park Community Information

Queens Community Board 10
115-01 Lefferts Boulevard,
South Ozone Park, NY 11420
Phone: 718.843.4488
Fax: 718.738.1184
Email: cb10qns@nyc.rr.com

Elected Officials

Assemblywoman Michelle R Titus
131-17 Rockaway Blvd,
South Ozone Park, NY 11420
Phone: (718) 738-4958

New York State Assembly District #31
DISTRICT OFFICE
19-31 Mott Avenue, Room 301
Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Phone: (718) 327-1845

ALBANY OFFICE
LOB 741
Albany, NY 12248
Phone: (518) 455-5668

New York City Council District #28
Thomas White Jr.
District Office Address
145-40 Rockaway Blvd
South Ozone Park, NY 11436
Phone: 718-843-2735
Fax: 718-845-0817

Manhattan Office Address
250 Broadway, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 788-6850
Fax: (212) 442-2729

New York State Senate District #10
Shirley Huntley
808 Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12247
Phone: (518) 455-3531

116-43 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11434
Phone: (718) 322-2537

U.S. Congressional District #6
Gregory Meeks
1710 Longworth House Office Building
Washington ,DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3461
Fax: (202) 226-4169

153-01 Jamaica Ave
Jamaica ,NY 11432
Phone: 718-725-6000
Fax: 718-725-9868

South Ozone Park Community Organizations & Services

Morris Brown AME Church
14503 Rockaway Blvd
Jamaica, NY 11436
Phone (718) 322-7596
Food Pantry - Wednesdays from 10am - 12pm
Soup Kitchen - Saturdays from 10am - 12pm

Independence Residences, Inc.
130-33 130 street
South Ozone Park, New York 11420

South Ozone Park Civic Association
116-35 124th Street
South Ozone Park, New York 11420
Phone: (718) 429-8292

Faith Mission Center
114-40 Van Wyck Expressway
South Ozone Park, New York 11420

LifeSpire
127-06 Old South Road
South Ozone Park, New York 11420

Salvation Army
115-37 133 Street
South Ozone Park, New York 11420

Child Care / Preschools
Little Dolphins
107-01 Crossbay Boulevard
South Ozone Park, New York 11420
Phone: (718) 641-7754

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
123-10 143 Street
South Ozone Park, New York 11420
Phone: (718) 322-9671

Senior Centers
B'ffy Wakefield Senior Center
135-45 Lefferts Boulevard
South Ozone Park ,New York 11420

United Hindu Cultural Senior Center
118-09 Sutter Avenue
South Ozone Park ,New York 11420

Emergency Services
Fire Department
Engine 302 Ladder 155
143-15 Rockaway Boulevard
Queens,N ew York 11436

Police Department
106th Precinct
103-51 101 Street
Ozone Park, New York
Phone: (718) 845-2211

Local Hospitals
Mary Immaculate Hospital
152-11 89th Avenue
Queens, New York 11432
Phone: (718) 558-2000

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center
900 Van Wyck Expressway
Queens, New York 11418
Phone: (718) 206-6000

Post Office
South Ozone Park
126-15 Foch Boulevard
South Ozone Park ,New York 11420
Phone: (800) 275-8777
Fax: (718) 738-6331

Contact Toni Brown @ 718-322-5677 to have your communty or civic organization added to this list.

Last updated 9/13/07

With Rent So High, It Is Time To Buy Your New Home

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:17:20 -0500

In a time when the media is full of stories about the difficulty in the real estate market it is no wonder that people have been apprehensive about purchasing real estate.

The thing is that the price of rent has continued to increase because landlord's are still feeling the pressure of ever increasing overhead costs.

In New York City the price of renting an apartment rose so high that many have flocked to once less desirable areas. The gentrification of Harlem is a case in point. With the influx of new immigrants to our area from a variety of countries getting a reasonably priced apartment was compared to hitting the lottery.

High rents were a huge catalyst to the boom in the market as working people were faced with the realization that what they were paying for rent could easily pay off a mortgage.

Many areas where homes and apartment buildings had been abandoned for years were being revitalized and new construction could be found all over the city to meet the increasing need for housing.

The need for housing has not decreased much over the past year, the ability for new homeowners to qualify for loans has been a significant change.

One thing however has not changed. People need somewhere to live. The difference is that the pool is smaller because of the diffuculty in finding financing. It's not that the funds are not available, but the demise of sub-prime lending and the strict criteria for a decent interest rate is making it hard for those with OK or not so stellar credit get a loan that will work for them.

We need to reach these people and inform them of their options and explain the advantages of not delaying their purchase of their home. Negative media coverage is scaring the buyer out of the BUYER'S MARKET. The same basic reasons for purchasing a home vs paying rent still apply, the buyer just has to be more savvy about their credit and finances to qualify and let's face it, in many areas the prices of homes are incredibly affordable.

This creates a unique opportunity for professionals in real estate to support one another in the goal of helping people get into a home of their own.

A family that a real estate professional directs to an experienced Mortgage Broker that can help them efficiently and affordably refinance out of their ill-fated adjustable rate will create a valuable source of referrals and more importantly help them avoid foreclosure. According to First American LoanPerformance almost one in five subprime borrowers, or those with poor credit, were 60 days or more past due on payments in June. There has also been an increase in late payments from Alt-A borrowers from 1.25% last June to 4% in June 2007.

Many are struggling to pay their bills, look at the price of a gallon of milk and a gallon of gas. People have to find new creative ways to cut their overhead and manage their credit. Don't be afraid to negotiate down your high credit card interest rates and also start with their neccessities like finding more affordable phone service, cutting the costs of their energy bills by shopping for cheaper prices in deregulated states and shopping for more affordable home, health and car insurance. The money saved should be used to pay off bills or even better put into savings.

People paying that extraordinary amount of rent should not delay in starting their process to home ownership. It won't be a buyer's market forever.

Annual South Ozone Park Street Festival, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007

Sat, 08 Sep 2007 08:47:26 -0500

The South Ozone Park Community Development Corporation and Assemblyperson Michele R. Titus are hosting the Annual South Ozone Park Street Festival on Saturday, September 8, 2007 from 11:00am until 6:00pm on Rockaway Boulevard between 131st Street/Lincoln Street & 135th Street.

There will be plenty of entertainment including Rides, Games, Prizes, Giveaways, Rollerskating and other activities. Plenty of food, vendors and fun.

Come out and meet your neighbor and support your community.

There will also be a Talent Show so come out and Showcase Your Talent. South Ozone Park has always been a community of talented musicians and artists, come out and enjoy the new generation of talent that our community has to bring.

See you there!

Play Fair So I Could Buy My New Home!

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 23:23:53 -0500

This may well be my all-time dumbest post. Now this is not my field of specialty being an agent, but one thing I do know is NUMBERS and MONEY. I was also blessed by my Mother with some common sense.

Well, I just came in from a hard nights work and peeled off the suit and turned on the one thing I used to enjoy watching. The News.

I waited with half-hearted anticipation for the new nightly bashing of the real estate industry and Doom and Gloom Revue on the stock market.

It was after listening to the news and reviewing in my mind the latest articles I have read that I realized. Almost every article has one thing in common, the word "Credit" and the word "crunch". It was then I figured out what I already knew. These banks are really upset that home sales are down. They are counting on the revenue they get from home sales and are probably deeply invested in real estate.
With prices and home values dropping they are not covering their losses on foreclosures and it is not as profitable as it used to be squeezing out the little guy anymore. That's what is scaring these folks to death? With the rise in Real Estate they banked their future on revenue from new homeowners. Loans on home improvements and upgrades. That oh so handy Credit Card they use to cover unexpected expenses (their bubbles were bursted with the new legislature on the credit industry and with the people exercising their rights under the FDCPA).

The value of a company's stock is affected by no growth or not meeting expected gains as well as it's company's losses. They must have been rubbing their hands together in anticipation of this years growth in our industry and sunk alot of money into sub-prime lending. tsk, tsk tsk.

Wall Street said here lend them the money, hell if they can pay. We'll get it on the back end. The back end wound up being a dead end.

sorry for screaming but....

WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH BUYERS NOT PURCHASING IN A BUYERS MARKET?

Could it be unfair lending practices from the Banks that have killed their credit score? Those new car loans made to people who could barely afford to pay their rent or mortgage?

In July I asked 8 families that were on the fence on home buying what would have to happen for them to consider buying a home. Not poor folks. Middle-class families with two decent incomes. 6 out of 8 families stated that their overhead has increased with spikes in their revolving debt and now their monthly payments have priced them out of the market for a home. 4 out of 6 are in dispute with their creditors over fraudulent or incorredt entries on their credit report. 3 of those 4 say their Credit Card companies have been resistant to corecting their records and are waiting to clear their credit reports before beginning to look at buying a home.

I then looked at my recent situation with abusive collection agencies plying my credit report with imaginary debt in the last year. It took me 7 months and an attorney to clear up all but one issue. I have to go to court for one imaginary creditor next month, so when it's thrown out that will be a total of 9 months to get my credit report cleared and maybe another 6 for my score to be back in the very good. What if I was looking to buy this year?

Has our addiction to credit and questionable practices been a major catalyst to this nightly sideshow of woes and worries?

How about trying this Mr Banker... stop making people jump through hoops to repair their credit, stop levying their accounts and garnishing their wages and destroying their credit future without giving them a reasonable way to pay you. Stop destroying the credit of somone who you think owes you money. Most people have no problem paying what they owe, it's those outageous fees you charge with interest that kills 'em. Then maybe my buyer could qualify for a loan and afford to live in their new home.

Whew! I need a cold shower! thanks for listening

OK, How About a Positive Look at the Real Estate Market

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 15:07:32 -0500

When I was growing up my Mother taught me many things, among them being that "Nothing happens without a reason" and " Look at things as a LESSON or a BLESSING". These comments usually came after a disappointment or all out tragedy. She would then tell me a story about her life and how she managed to pull victory out of the jaws of defeat. I Miss My Mom.

Looking at the state of today's Real Estate Market and the doom and gloom surrounding the lending industry and economy I decided to take stock of the situation, focus on the positives and evaluate my strategy.

Here a few positives I took stock of;
Everybody wanted to be an Agent or Loan Officer - With the rise in the amount of people entering the Real Estate and home lending field since 2005, this turn in the market will weed out those in the industry for the wrong reasons, the faint of heart and those not serious about helping people and studying our industry, further lesssening the competition and renewing our reputation as PROFESSIONALS.

Finally Priced Right - The "correction" of the market now allows those who were priced out of certain neighborhoods to afford to purchase there now. In less than a year I've seen properties that were grossly overpriced come down closer to actual value.

You Qualified For How Much? - Less people who are not really qualified to purchase that new home will get a loan that they really can't afford and they will be saved from foreclosure and financial devastation.

Truly Working Together - This is an opportunity for us to truly work together. Have you noticed the change in the commission splits. I saw many buyers agents being offered 1% or less a year ago. Boy has that changed! There seems to be a more spirit of cooperation and fairness, as we all have this opportunity to come together and help change things around.

Oh, We Don't Co-Broke - Some agencies wouldn't co-broke, but listed on the MLS. That infuriated me, but I am now getting a kick out of the calls and emails I now get from those same offices asking if I had any more buyers looking for that property I wanted to show earlier this year. (Still unsold!) So many are now playing by the rules, it may be out of necessity but I'll take it. Now maybe we can now actually show buyers ALL the property available within their criteria and those poor sellers listed in those offices may actually get their properties sold.

Sharpen Our Skills - Many of us have to go back to the drawing board. Stay on top of the industry, stay informed and share ideas. I don't know how you feel, but your success is mine. A satisfied customer is another testimony to the importance of using a professional and making FSBO's alot easier to come into the light. What we do reflects on one another negatively and positively, so I applaud your good work, Thank You!

Oh I could go on and on as there are so many examples of the changes in the market and how we can make lemonade from those lemons.
So we have to dig deeper, work together and know our stuff in order to survive this ride. my Mother also said" If it doesn't come out in the wash, it'll come out in the rinse". So this soaking we are taking is hopefully washing away the grime and leaving us clean and renewed.

Sometimes You Just Need a Hug

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:01:54 -0500

How are you feeling today?

Has your week been a good one?

Do you remember your life before real estate when you used to look forward to the rest you'd get this weekend?

Do you remember the parties you could attend and have time to sleep off the nights dancing? and drinking?

Not looking forward to that open house?

Need to just decompress and put your feet up for a change?

Upset that you've already spent $100 on gas this week?

WELL FORGET ABOUT IT! You know that we make our money on the weekends. You know that there is a buyer who is out there waiting to buy that home.

In the mean time I'm gonna just give you a big great juicy HUG! Good Job, You're THE BEST! You deserve love, happiness and all the success you have coming to you.

Take The Blogging Addiction Test

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 19:09:22 -0500

As I try to understand this addiction that I have developed to blogging I found something very interesting. It is called the Blog Addiction Test.

OK It is located on a dating site but I had to do a little research and I needed a way to measure the level of my addiction and take an objective look at how strung-out I was.

You see this blogging thing has me looking into mobile web options as if my lap-top wasn't enough. It's like an itch that can't be scratched and I have been making a list of it's benefits to me and my business and the little voice in the back of my head has been saying "Girl you know you really want it for blogging, you'll be reading posts at the stop sign!"

Here are the results of my Blog Addiction Test.

I thought it would be higher, but there is hope. I'll have it up to 96% in no time.

How addicted to blogging are you?

Blogging Stimulates Brain Activity

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 18:49:53 -0500

Blogging has been found to stimulate brain activity.

Professors at well known institutes of higher learning have stated that reading Shakespeare stimulates brain activity and I can attest to the fact that many of the blogs here although not written in the Olde English can give old Shake a run for his money.

OK I am new to blogging and I'm sure that it is obvious from my posts and I always mention it as if to give excuse to it's noviceness (I love making up words) But bear with me I am barely warming up.

The data that I use to verify this was found ironically in my very own brain.

When I missed three days on ActiveRain I was lethargic and I had cravings for sugar and other unhealthy foods. My only stimulation came when I thought of coming to this blog and I was revitalized as I looked at my day as an abundance of wonderful things that I could blog about.
I find myself taking notes during the day on topics that I would like to blog about.
I have learned so much since I've been blogging on Active Rain and feel rejuvenated and empowered with my newfound knowledge.
What to blog about now? What do I really have to say? Brings brain levels to amazing highs.
My husband has to think of creative ways to coax me into bed and away from the computer giving further evidence of second-hand brain stimulation.

How can we really form a well-rounded and thought out opinion without looking at a situation from all sides. Just the mere thought of that keeps my brain stimulated as I read the blogs here and add my two cents.

OK so maybe this is not ready to post to a medical journal. But listening to professional ideas and perspectives without having to actually go to a networking event or schedule someone in on an already busy schedule is gold. Nothing stimulates my brain more than associating with bright, intelligent people. PROOF that blogging stimulates your brain, because here in the Rain are some bright, brilliant professionals that always keep me thinking and stimulated.

The withdrawal experienced when not blogging is proof that blogging stimulates dopamine and other brain chemicals much the way many prescription and on the corner pharmaceuticals do. Maybe it doesn't attack the dopamine, maybe Blogging Addiction is comparable to the highs and lows a gambling addict get without actually losing.

OMG we could actually cure negative addictions by replacing it with blogging. A new topic to blog about. Geez I'm stimulated.

I REST MY CASE!

Are You Operating in One of the Ten Least Affordable Real Estate Markets

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 08:50:45 -0500

Matt Woolsey of Forbes.com wrote an article on the Ten Least Affordable Real Estate Markets.

The criteria for determining the list was by figuring how many years of gross income it would take to buy a home at the median sales price using the NAHB/Wells-Fargo index with the rating of home price to earnings. Affordability was determined by the lower number.

Although ten years ago San Francisco was the only city ranked above 4.5 they are now ranking 13 cities above that benchmark.

With the high inventory of homes on the market and the tightening of the lending industry, they determined that there are more homes and less qualified buyers.

"The credit barrier affects all strata, but it's more critical at the lower end," says Jonathan Miller, president of Miller Samuel, a New York-based real estate appraisal and consultancy firm. He points out that recent bank struggles with subprime lending have resulted in tighter lending standards. "And the success of the market's lower strata is critical to recovery of the whole market."

The most interesting thing is that affordability seems to not be determined by the actual price of homes, but by the number of median-income earners buying homes.

According to the article; Since 2000, Boston area home prices have risen 16.7%. Median-income buyers who make up 50% of the buying pool in 2000 now represent only 28% of it. By contrast, in Raleigh, N.C., home prices have grown by 37% in that time period, and the share of median-income earners buying homes has dropped by only 3%.

Migration has become a factor as many people leave the areas where the market has risen above their means. It is said that seven of the ten least affordable cities are experiencing negative domestic migration (more people are moving out than moving in) so the drop in affordability is not due to an increase in demand.

OK here's the list
Top Ten Least Affordable Real Estate Markets

1. Los Angeles, Ca
2. San Francisco, Ca
3. San Diego, Ca
4. New York
5. Miami, Fla.;
6. Sacramento, Ca
7. Las Vegas, NV
8. Seattle, Wa
9. Boston, Ma
10. Orlando, Fla.

There is one thing they haven't factored in their article; US! As professionals we can do our part in changing the direction in the market with the way we do business.

Matching the owner with the right home SHOULD include affordability. Lord knows I want a Town House in Midtown Manhattan but at this time I can't AFFORD one. If one was to drop out of the sky at an amazing price, the next question for me is will I be able to maintain it. If the price of your mortgage is the only determining factor when deciding on a home, you've got problems. We see that in the increasing number of foreclosures and bank-owned properties on the market. We Sell HOMES, not DREAMS.

Buyer, oh buyer! That may be reading this. Don't be discouraged by all the News articles. Get with the right Real Estate Professionals that will guide you through this process. It's your market right now, with lots of homes to chose from. Do your due diligence, look at your income with an objective eye and you'll be in the home that is right for you.

South Ozone Park- Queens Best Kept Real Estate Secret Part II

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:07:07 -0500

Being a Native New Yorker and spending most of my life in Manhattan, when I run into people and they ask where I live now, I have to admit "I used to say "the boondocks". Now I tell them South Ozone Park and I say it with pride.

Now I've lived and owned in the country so when I refer to a part of New York City as being the boondocks that is compared to Manhattan, not small town USA.

The fact of the matter is I love South Ozone Park, New York and it is becoming less boon-dockier (snicker) while still maintaining it's residential, small town feel. If I blind-folded you and took you there you wouldn't know that you were in a city. But you go a few blocks this way or a few blocks that way and you have all the conveniences of the city.

Over the next few months I will be posting about the great things going on in my community and blow the whistle on Queens Best Kept Real Estate Secret!

THEY SAY OLD PEOPLE DON'T BLOG AND I LOVE MY NEW SHOES

Sun, 05 Aug 2007 16:44:32 -0500

OK I know I am on the right path with this blogging thing because according to a recent survey, only a small percentage of us are doing it and I am admiring my new shoes while typing this.

Anytime you are doing what others won't or don't (and it is legal and ethical) you know you are on the right path.

OK NAR has about 1.3 million members. Should we double that for the agents who are not REALTORS® OK lets say about 2 million Real Estate Professionals and less than 10% of us are blogging. According to the experts that amount cuts in half after age 30. Geesh! I'm feeling dinosaurish!
So that means 4 -6% of us are blogging. I think that may be a high estimate.

It's no secret that those who are active here are doing well on the internet and hasn't it been established that the internet is replacing the newspaper and those little magazines in the supermarket for buyers of real estate.

Successful people do what unsuccessful people don't. So when you feel like skipping blogging for something else remember that you can actually have fun while building your business. I think I am going to start blogging in the backyard with a smoothie, MANDATORY! (while the weather is good)

If things work out the way they do, then a good part of the 4-6% of us blogging will make our fair share 90% of the money. Maybe or maybe not, but it definitely won't work for you if you don't do it.

Maybe I am just a newly strung-out blog addict trying to justify my addiction or maybe we are really on to something. Probably both, in any case.... I'M IN, I'M HOOKED AND I LIKE IT!

Is the Internet the King of Real Estate Marketing?

Sun, 05 Aug 2007 14:02:09 -0500

I just reread a featured article in New York State Realtor magazine called "Tips from the Top". It had top producers sharing their secrets and market outlook.

In reviewing the answers to the questions posed the most common word that came up was the "Internet".

NYSR - What is your best marketing tool? 4 asked, 2 responded Internet, 1 said Moving van and the other said his TV show.

NYSR - Technology has become pervasive in the industry. What do you consider to be your best use of it to advance your business? 4 asked, 3 said website and one said photography (which I assume they use on their website)

I refer to this article every time I am ready to throw my PC out of the window. OK, We know that is not gonna happen, but secretly in the recesses of my mind I think "I could be curled up reading a regular book tonight" I remember the days when I could read non-fiction and luxuriate for an hour or so.

Then I get back to work updating my site, searching the listings, with the phone to my ear, emailing contacts and blogging (well now I do). If I lost my broadband connection I would lose my mind.

Part of staying on top of is staying with the trends and even being ahead of them and it amazes me when "professionals" say they still don't have a website or are just using the franchise site.

Thanks for listening.