Paddy's Blog

Dealing With Homeowners Who Are In Trouble

2008-08-20T07:15:21Z

I went to a presentation yesterday on Short Sales and Foreclosures presented by two attorneys. While I did not get much help on working with buyers on short sales, which is what I was hoping for since I am primarily a buyer's agent, I got a better understanding of the complexities of these situations from the homeowners perspective. What are they going through and what is in their best interests? I know that there are soooo many of these situations all over the country today. We as real estate professionals will be facing them more and more as we move out of the current real estate upheaval and on to a more sane realistic one.

When an agent is approached to sell a home by someone who appears to be in trouble, some agents will ignore warning buzzers and present a regular Marketing Plan to the homeowners. Some sellers will tell you upfront there is a problem and some will try to hide it from you out of embarrassment or even anger. It is important for you to know there is a problem before you can provide the professional services you are to be paid for. Dig a bit deeper with the sellers if you notice that they are anxious or unclear about their reasons to sell. There is nothing worse than having a ready willing and able buyer for a property at a price that the bank won't accept and you can not deliver clear title.

In the past, I have heard agents trying to negotiate with mortgage holders who have not gotten through to the right person in time. I was days away from a closing with buyers when the house was pulled out from under them because we could not find the right person to talk to. I not only lost the sale but I lost the clients as they were so turned off they decided to stay renters rather than continue.

After hearing the complexities of everything that can affect a sale I believe the best we can do is to get advice from an attorney who can delve into the homeowners full financial picture and offer options. In NY the bankruptcy laws may be used to allow your potential sellers to keep some of the equity in a house if there is any available. Also there is a way to guarantee your payment at closing as a real estate agent if a bankruptcy is approved by the courts.

Perhaps there is a way to work with the banks to restructure the loan to keep the people in their home. Some of you may say "Hey wait a minute I don't get paid unless the house sells" but those happy people will return the favor by referring others and by using you at some point in the future. When you do things like this you gain a reputation as a caring individual.

A word of caution against getting too involved with the lives of these unfortunate individuals. It can bring you down if you let it. Try to refer them to someone who can help them with the whole issue that they are facing, such as an experienced bankruptcy attorney, and be there to help with the real estate part only. It is always good to be a resource but if you try to be the source you may end up burning out, or worse, in trouble for practicing law or giving financial advice without a license to do so.

Keep Smiling and Keep Selling (Just Make Sure Your Sellers Are Able To Deliver Clear Title)

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy!

How Google Alerts Increased My SOI

2008-08-18T11:47:34Z

This morning I read a blog by Desiree Daniels on Google Alerts and how they were useful in staying ahead of the competition. I had already set up a Google Alert for my name based on another post and plan to follow up with some key word searches.

Then, just a little while ago, I received this email from one of my classmates from the Leadership Orange program I attended. She is a partner in an advertising and public relations firm which makes her comments doubly cool.

Hi Paddy,

I have set up Google Alerts for anything having to do with Orange County Tourism, and your blog about the Tourism web site was alerted today.

It was really good.

Bringing tourism to our county benefits so many businesses and people. I think it's so important.

Well, it was good seeing your face, even though it was on my computer screen :)

Hope to see you soon, and hope you're enjoying the summer!

Regards,
Name Withheld by Me.

She had no idea I was doing this type of outreach and now she has touched it and may continue to read the blog. Her Google Alert has helped me to increase my readers and SOI. I love it!

Come Visit Orange County NY And Find Your New Country Place

2008-08-16T17:33:32Z

As I was surfing around today looking for some new and interesting things for my Orange County visitors to do I found some interesting pages on the Orange County Tourism Site. The Tourism Board has put together a lot of special deals with some of our fine Orange County Getaway locations. You can find a package deal for Romance, a Shopping Escape, or a Family Fun Package at the Homewood Suites in New Windsor, a Hiking Escape with accommodations in a Bed and Breakfast in Pine Bush, several other Shopping Packages from the Tiger Lily Inn or the Hampton Inn in Middletown, a Romance Package or a Girl's Weekend at the Academy House Inn & Spa in Montgomery. The site also offers an events calendar that would be helpful for anyone planning a trip here. There are many other useful pages on the site. I plan to bookmark it to return often.

I encourage you to come up and sample what Orange County can offer you. I love living where others come to vacation or for a weekend getaway. If you find that you love Orange County after visiting please consider buying a weekend or permanent home in the area. I would love to help you find your new home away from home or a house for you to live the good life while being close enough to commute to New York City.

Working with an experienced buyer's agent can help you to choose what is best for you. I work in Orange, Ulster, or Sullivan County NY and I would love to be your Buyer's Agent. If you are looking elsewhere I would love to find someone in your chosen location to help you. Give me a call or send an email today.

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work the Me and You'll be Happy!

845-800-7086

paddypizappi@rjsmithrealty.com

To Do Orange County NY- August 17, 2008

2008-08-16T16:59:22Z

Sunday August 17, 2008 in Orange County NY

Special Events

Come Hear Bluegrass at Ahif Farm- Greenville, NY

Listen to live music and enjoy a variety of food starting at 10:00 AM . 5143 Route 81 Greenville NY

Click on the link above for further information on the full weekend line-up and pricing

Hear Folk Guitarist Francis Doughty at Storm King Art Center, Mountainville, NY

If you have never visited this amazing "giant sculpture garden" this would be great weekend to go. It has acres of fields with huge sculptures placed around the grounds. Concert at3:45 PM 1 Museum Road, Mountainville, NY

Click link or call 845-534-3115 for more information.

Hear the US Military Academy Concert Band - United States Military Academy

Free concert performing with special guest Broadway vocalist, Caissie Levy as part of the "Music Under the Stars" program at Trophy Point Amphitheater,West Point, NY 7:30 PM

Click on link above for further information

Sunday Farmer's Markets

Warwick Valley Farmer's Market
Sunday 9:00 - 2:00 Located in the South Street Parking lot, Warwick, NY

West Point/Town of Highlands Farmer's Market
Sunday 9:00 - 2:30 Located in the Municipal lot, Main St., near Visitor's Center, Highland, NY

There are literally thousands of things to do on this 4th of July weekend in Orange County New York.

Get up and head out for some fun.

The greater Hudson Valley is a great place to live or have a second home. If you would like a link to a Greater Hudson Valley almanac that is packed with information to help you decide if this is the place for you, give me a call or send me an email.

If you would like to start a search for a permanent residence or vacation home in the area I would love to help you. Working with an experienced buyer's agent can help you to choose what is best for you. I work in Orange, Ulster, or Sullivan County NY and I would love to be your Buyer's Agent. If you are looking elsewhere I would love to find someone in your chosen location to help you. Give me a call or send an email today.

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work the Me and You'll be Happy!

845-800-7086

paddypizappi@rjsmithrealty.com

To Do Orange County NY - August 16, 2008

2008-08-16T06:23:29Z

Saturday August 16, 2008 in Orange County NY

Special Events

Pine Island Summer Fest - Pine Island, NY

Come enjoy a Car Show, bands, dance performances, and an Onion Eating Contest today. From 9:00AM to after 10:00PM for Fireworks! 16 Legion Lane Pine Island, NY

Call 845-258-1410 for further information

Come Hear Bluegrass at Ahif Farm- Greenville, NY

Listen to live music and enjoy a variety of food starting at 11:45. 5143 Route 81 Greenville NY

Click on the link above for further information on the full weekend line-up and pricing

Museum of the Highlands -Take a Guided Discovery Quest

Come explore nature with a guided discovery quest at 1:00 PM Located at 20 Kenridge Farm Road, Cornwall, NY. Open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

For further information call 845-534-5506 x 204 or click on the above link.

Children's Storytime and Play Acting Storm King Art Center, Mountainville, NY

Visit this amazing art facility with your family. Join storyteller Jill Olesker and hear stories inspired by sculptor Alexander Calder's works. Special event starts 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM 1 Museum Road, Mountainville, NY

Click link above or call 845-534-3115 for more information.

Chillin and Grillin Music Festival and Food at Boodles Opera House - Chester NY

Come out for this family event at Boodles. Many bands are playing. 39 Main St Chester NY

Click on link above or call 845-469-4595 for more information

Trailside Museum and Zoo, Bear Mountain State Park

This is a great ride out on the Palisades Parkway past beautiful lakes and incredible views of river and cliffs. The zoo is great so go on out and enjoy!

Click link or call 845-786-2701 Ext 265 for more information

Music in the Grove - Walden NY

Listen to the music at a Free Concert at Wooster's Grove on East Main Street Walden NY.

Call 845-778-2617 for more information

Saturday Farmers Markets
Take advantage of the wonderful variety of produce available at many markets located throughout the county.

Middletown Farmer's Market
Saturdays 8:00 - 1:00 Located in on Erie Way from Grove and Cottage Streets, Middletown NY

PINE BUSH FARMER'S MARKET

Saturdays from 9:00 - 2:00 Located in the Municipal parking lot on the corner of Depot & New Streets, Pine Bush NY

TriState Farmer's Market Newburgh NY
Saturday 8:00 - 2:00 Located in the parking lot between Ball & Front Streets, Newburgh, NY

Tuxedo Farmer's Market
Saturday 9:00 - 2:00 Located at the Tuxedo Train Station 240 Rt 17N Tuxedo, NY

There are literally thousands of things to do on this weekend in Orange County New York and the surrounding area. Get up and head out for some fun.

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work the Me and You'll be Happy!

845-800-7086

paddypizappi@rjsmithrealty.com

The Jonas Brothers Concert with the Pizappi Girls

2008-08-15T08:08:33Z

Yesterday afternoon my daughters Nicole and Victoria and I headed out to see their favorite band, The Jonas Brother s, play. They were so excited as we took off from home in a horrible downpour. I was really concerned as the concert was rain or shine and we had lawn seats. As luck would have it we arrived at beautiful Bethel Woods (on the original sight of the famous Woodstock Festival of 1969) and found blue skies and dry lawn.

Of course we got there at the crack of early, I think the girls would have slept over in the parking lot if I let them, but we had parking right up near the entrance. Right in front of the entrance there was a bus that is traveling the tour with the Jonas Brothers.

The lines were frustrating and we waited a long time to get in but the weather favored us all day and night. It was a sell out crowd (only the third one at this relatively new venue)

Believe it or not I have become a fan of these wonderful kids. They are refreshingly humble and deeply religious. They all wear purity rings. The youngest, Nick, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes two and a half years ago and they have been raising hope and funds for research for this disease. They a really more than the latest pop star sensation.

The girls took a lot of concert footage and pics that I don't have on this camera and they are still sleeping as we did not get home until after 1 AM. All in all it was a fantastic day with my girls and I enjoyed the concert itself a lot more than I expected to.

What's your "Driving Style"?

2008-08-14T06:58:20Z

On Tuesday we decided to play hooky. My husband was between jobs and my father in law had invited us to join him down at the New Jersey Shore for a break so we took advantage of the free place to stay. I think I needed a little break after the emotional roller coaster that the Rain has been this week and besides, I am always up for a trip to the beach.

We loaded up my car with overnight bags and beach gear and headed out about 8:30 AM for our 3 or so hour drive to south Jersey. My father in law likes the area just north of Wildwood in Cape May County. It is the drive I really want to discuss this morning.

I have a question for all the men out there. Why do you have to think of driving as an "aggressive sport"? When you are on the road, not particularly late for anything, do you feel it is your obligation to keep everyone else in line? Is it really necessary to beat out the other guy? Do you have to jerk the car from one lane to the other to get around that car in front of you? And finally, do you really think you can teach that other driver to drive better by traveling along at 65+ miles per hour glued to his butt?

My husband commutes a lot. He has never had an accident due to his "style" of driving. He seems to do just fine other than maybe raising his blood pressure and causing me to grip the door handle in fear for my life. I just don't understand why. I drive a lot in my business too. I do not feel that I have to teach lessons or beat out the other guy. I do get frustrated by traffic and might say a few choice words but I am not aggressive. I say live and let live. I pass when I can and stay in line if I have to. I always get there eventually. I try to enjoy the ride, especially when I don't have a strict time line.

Next time you are out there on the roads. Think about why you are getting so uptight and aggravated at the other drivers. You don't have to teach anyone else to drive. Just worry about your self. Have a great day and be careful out there.

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy!

Slow and Steady Wins The Race - A Real Estate Story

2008-08-11T06:08:41Z

What a refreshing young couple I had the pleasure to take out looking for starter homes on Sunday. They are not looking for the Taj Mahal. They are looking for a house that they can afford and be comfortable in. They are willing to do the work needed to update and rehab if needed, and they have the skills and friends to help them do that.

I think this is one of those times when a smaller commission means so much more to me because I am going to be helping someone who will be grateful and send some more business my way. As a matter of fact, this couple was referred to me by his mother who I showed a house to months ago but she decided to wait to buy with the uncertainty in the market. I have kept in touch with her through an active MLS search and occasional notes and emails and this is the reward. Many agents might have given up on the mom, but I think she will eventually buy something and now she has referred her son to me. That's what I'm talkin 'bout. Slow and steady wins the race.

Keep Smiling and Keep Selling!

I'm Paddy Pizappi _ Work with Me and You'll be Happy!

To Do Orange County NY August 10, 2008

2008-08-10T09:11:34Z

Sunday August 10, 2008 in Orange County NY

Special Events

Hear Some Music at Storm King Art Center, Mountainville, NY

Click link or call 845-534-3115 for more information.

If You Can't Go To The Beach...-Interactive Museum Middletown NY

Exhibits and programs at this Children's Museum on Saturday highlight seashells. From 2:00 - 4:00 PM 23 Center Street, Middletown NY

Click above or call 845-344-3131

Hear the US Military Academy Band Jazz Knights - United States Military Academy

Free concert as part of the "Music Under the Stars" program at Trophy Point Amphitheater,West Point, NY 7:30 PM

Click on link above for further information

Sunday Farmer's Markets

There are literally thousands of things to do on this 4th of July weekend in Orange County New York.

Get up and head out for some fun.

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work the Me and You'll be Happy!

845-800-7086

paddypizappi@rjsmithrealty.com

It's a Small World In The Rain

2008-08-10T08:23:31Z

Yesterday morning I was reading a blog, Great Life Lesson I Learned from a Dog.. by Celina Gleason and I looked over at the side bar and saw she was from Manning, SC. Well it's a small world after all for sure on AR. My house in SC is right outside of Manning and I spend a lot of time there at WalMart and other shopping meccas (it is not a big town but it has what we need there). I emailed her to say hi.

I got an email from an agent, Ginger Sala, who had caught one of my blogs. I found the buyer for her house up north here when she moved to North Carolina a few years ago.

I met one of my best friends in the rain, my intrepid Sister from Another Mister C Tann-Starr, because she blogged about Greeleyville, Greeleyville SC Tell A Friend Network . Greeleyville is on my way out to the beach from my SC house and it is a notorious speed trap so I recognized the name right away and emailed her.

What a great place the Rain is for connecting and re-connecting with people. If you have not started to form relationships with others you are missing the point. Business will come not from your advertisements and solicitations but from the relationships you form and informative localism posts. So go out and find yourself some peeps and have a great week.

Keep Smiling and Keep Selling!

I'm Paddy Pizappi - work with Me and You'll be Happy!

The Key to Success in Business and Life - Pass it On!

2008-08-09T05:56:11Z

Yesterday I had an appointment with my hair stylist. We were talking about customer service and staying on top of your game in your chosen profession. Danielle is an amazing young woman who is so booked up that I need to make appointments 6 months in advance to get her. She has a great personality and is easy to talk to. She is a master trainer for a hair color company and travels to hair shows and educational events to help keep up with the latest techniques. She knows what she wants and goes after it.

When she dreamed of her own shop, she made it happen. She opened her own salon several years ago and has recently expanded it. She wanted to buy a house and, with some help from her friend , she did that too. She has a passion for cars and planned and schemed until she was able to buy her dream car. Once she makes up her mind on a goal she moves forward with plans and does whatever it takes.

It is the same in any profession, isn't it? If you don't keep planning and keep up to date with trends and techniques you fall behind. I know I can work much more efficiently when I have my goals firmly in mind.

So to all of you who are sitting around lamenting the fact that life has dealt you a bad hand realize that you and your attitude are the key to future success. Decide what you want and move towards that goal whatever it is. Make today the day you start.

Keep Smiling and Keep Selling!

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy!

To Do Orange County NY Saturday August 9, 2008

2008-08-09T05:23:41Z

Saturday August 9, 2008 in Orange County NY

Special Events

Museum of the Highlands - Life Cycles of Moths and Butterflies

Spend the day at this Nature Museum learning about and searching for moths and butterfies. Located at 20 Kenridge Farm Road, Cornwall, NY. Open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

For further information call 845-534-5506 x 204 or click on the above link.

Children's Sculpture Workshop Storm King Art Center, Mountainville, NY

Browning kay will lead a tour of the giant sculptures at this unique facility. Later children willhave the opportunity to build their own scluptures. Special event starts 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM 1 Museum Road, Mountainville, NY

Click link above or call 845-534-3115 for more information.

Special "Birds of Prey" Demonstration at Museum Village, Monroe, NY

Come see the crafts of the 19th Century at this village of shops with a balcksmith, broommaker, and potter and the many quaint buildings and exhibits. Open from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM with a special presentation on birds of prey with the Deleware Valley Raptor Center at 12:00 PM

For further information click the link above or call 845-782-8248

Trailside Museum and Zoo, Bear Mountain State Park

This is a great ride out on the Palisades Parkway past beautiful lakes and incredible views of river and cliffs. The zoo is great so go on out and enjoy!

Click link or call 845-786-2701 Ext 265 for more information

Music in the Grove - Walden NY

Listen to the music of Hudson River Boys Free Concert at Wooster's Grove on East Main Street Walden NY.

Call 845-778-2617 for more information

Saturday Farmers Markets
Take advantage of the wonderful variety of produce available at many markets located throughout the county.

Middletown Farmer's Market
Saturdays 8:00 - 1:00 Located in on Erie Way from Grove and Cottage Streets, Middletown NY

PINE BUSH FARMER'S MARKET

There are literally thousands of things to do on this second weekend of Augustin Orange County New Yorkand the surrounding area. Get up and head out for some fun.

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work the Me and You'll be Happy!

845-800-7086

paddypizappi@rjsmithrealty.com

Mass Transit Guide For Orange County New York - Part 3 Other Commuter Services

2008-08-08T06:15:24Z

This is the last installment in the series of blogs on various forms of Mass Transit that are available in Orange County NY. We looked at the bus services and the rail services that are explained more fully in a guide to all things transit called Transit Orange which was recently published by Orange County. The printed guide has a partner web site that can be reached by clicking on the link on the orange words in the last sentence. Today I will be reviewing a few of the other services mentioned in this informative guide.

Did you know you can catch a plane right here in Orange County? Stewart International Airport is located in Newburgh NY and offers passenger service to many locations.

If you are planning to take advantage of either bus or train services there are 11 Park and Ride lots available throughout Orange County. The guide includes a map of all the locations in the county.

For those planning a trip to the great shopping outlet , Woodbury Common, on any Saturday or Sunday there is a trolley to take you from the Harriman train station to the outlet mecca.

I did not realize there were some great incentives available for Orange County residents and employers to promote smarter commuting. The guide gives details on programs offered through MetroPool, a non-profit private corporation. There is an Easy Street Vanpool Program that provides rides to work or centrally located park and ride locations for groups of 6 -15 commuters for a fixed monthly fee. Another service of interest is Nuride, an incentive based on-line ride-matching service. There is also information for employers on ways to set up tax savings for employees through the Commuter Tax Benefits available through the IRS. MetroPool offers a service to set up the best options for individual commuters and for employers, check it out.

If you or a friend are looking to relocate to Orange County NY or anywhere in the Greater Hudson Valley please give me a call. There are options here in the Greater Hudson Valley of NY to meet everyone's needs. We have urban, suburban, village and rural locations that can provide you with the perfect blend of country for you. Working with an experienced buyer's agent can help you to choose what is best for you. If you are looking for a home in Orange, Ulster, or Sullivan County NY I would love to be your Buyer's Agent. If you are looking elsewhere I would love to find someone in your chosen location to help you. Give me a call or send an email today.

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work the Me and You'll be Happy!

845-800-7086

paddypizappi@rjsmithrealty.com

Mass Transit Guide For Orange County New York - Part 2 The Rail Services

2008-08-07T06:49:39Z

Yesterday I started a series on the mass transit available in Orange County NY. As I said there are a lot of potential buyers who are concerned about the types of mass transit available to get them moving from place to place within and out of the county. The Orange County planning Department has recently released a guide to all things transit called Transit Orange. The guide shows us that the county has many types of mass transit available. Today I will review the section on the rail travel options for Orange County that you will find more fully explained in the guide.

The Metropolitan Transportations Authority (MTA) serves Orange County with two lines, the Port Jervis Line (through a service contract with New Jersey Transit) and the Hudson Line. The Port Jervis Line provides service on the west side of the Hudson River and has seven stations in Orange County that will connect you with New Jersey and the Hoboken and Secaucus transfer stations and onward depending on your final destination. Some residents of Orange County also use the Pascak Valley Line (NJT) through the Spring Valley Station in Rockland County. On the east side of the river Orange County Residents can use the Metro North Hudson Line. Shuttle and ferry services are available from the Newburgh area to the Beacon Station just across the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge.

As you can see there are options for rail service in the county that make commuting easier and less costly than driving. Tomorrow I will review the other services that may be of interest to you when traveling in and out of Orange County.

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work the Me and You'll be Happy!

845-800-7086

paddypizappi@rjsmithrealty.com

Mass Transit Guide For Orange County New York - Part 1 The Bus Services

2008-08-06T06:28:30Z

Many potential Orange County New York home buyers ask about mass transit to get them moving from place to place within and out of the county. The Orange County planning Department has recently released a guide to all things transit called Transit Orange. The new web page to go with this guide is being developed right now but there is a temporary page that will give you a lot of great information about mass transit in the county. If the print version of the guide is any indication of the final website's usefulness it will be a great resource for new as well as seasoned Orange County residents.

The guide shows us that the county has many types of mass transit available. Today I will give you a brief overview of the various bus services that are explained in much greater detail in the guide.

There is bus service available in many communities you just need to know how to access it and the guide tells you all about the various services including commuter buses. The largest commuter service is provided by Coach USA through Shortline with stops at various park and rides. NJ Transit provides commuter services from the Greenwood Lake and Warwick area. There are other commuter lines that run service between Kiryas Joel and NYC or Rockland County.

Local bus services are provided by a variety of operators. The Main Line provides service between Middletown and Harriman. Middletown Transit Corporation runs local services in the City of Middletown and into the town of Wallkill. The Newburgh Beacon Bus Corporation operates services in the City of Newburgh with services extending to some parts of the Towns of Newburgh and New Windsor. Town of Warwick Inter-Municipal Bus runs between Warwick, Goshen, and Wallkill. The Village of Kiryas Joel also has several local bus routes available.

Dial-a-Bus service is available in many local communities. This service is open to the public and must be reserved 24 hours in advance. The bus will pick you up at curb of your designated pick up location. Fares are a reasonable $1.00 or less one way. The following towns offer this service: Blooming Grove, Goshen and Chester, Highlands, Town of Monroe, Montgomery and Crawford, New Windsor and Cornwall, Town of Newburgh, City of Port Jervis, Town of Wallkill, and finally Town of Warwick. Check the guide for phone numbers for each service. This service is a gem as it is open to anyone who calls and is so reasonable. With the gas crunch many more will be taking advantage of this great offering through the municipalities.

There are transportation services for Seniors available in the Town of Cornwall, Town of Newburgh, Towns of Montgomery and Crawford, and the City of Middletown. This service is available only to seniors and you should check with the individual operating towns for information on how to take advantage of it.

If you or a friend are looking to relocate to Orange County NY or anywhere in the Greater Hudson Valley please give me a call. There are options here in the Greater Hudson Valley of NY to meet everyone's needs. We have urban, suburban, village and rural locations that can provide you with the perfect blend of country for you. Working with an experienced buyer's agent can help you to choose what is best for you. If you are looking for a home in Orange, Ulster, or Sullivan County NY I would love to be your Buyer's Agent. If you are looking elsewhere I would love to find someone in your chosen location to help you. Give me a call or send an email today.

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work the Me and You'll be Happy!

845-800-7086

paddypizappi@rjsmithrealty.com

Going to College on the Cheap - A Real Estate Question For the Experienced Among You

2008-08-05T06:28:18Z

My son is planning to go to our local branch of the State University of New York, SUNY Orange, in Middletown NY and live home for this first year of college. This used to be our County Community College but it has been incorperated into the State University system. It is affordable and it makes sense to get the basics out of the way. I just went with him yesterday to pay for the first semester and it was very affordable, just over $1500 for full time up to 15 credits. Compared to many of the schools he was looking at last year, with estimated costs of up to $40000 a year including room and board, it is an absolute bargain. Living home saves him even more so I am very pleased with this decision.

He is considering going a bit further away next year, probably to SUNY New Paltz, and wants to live near to the college even though it is only about 30 minutes or so from here. I am considering buying a house that could be used as student housing in the area of the college as an investment. I wanted to hear from those of you who may have done this.

Did you buy a multi family or just a single family and rent out rooms? What about local zoning when doing the room rental thing?

How was the behavior of the student tenants with your child living in the house?

Did you collect rent from students for a whole semester or make them sign a yearly lease as
summers might be difficult when there are less students in school?

Any other words of wisdom would be welcome.

Civil War Reeacting Weekend Liberty NY 2008 - Part 2 The Camp Life

2008-08-04T09:09:42Z

No trip to a Civil War Reenacting Weekend would be complete without viewing the camp life. This is the part of the hobby that I enjoy most.

Our weekend at Liberty was memorable and fun. We had some severe thunderstorms that caused a bit of havoc on the camps and cut down on the amount of participants and public attendance but we had a great time in spite of it. I hope you will enjoy the views of Camp Life and realize that I am not crazy after all for going out to live for a weekend in a tent that has no floor, without electricity, or many modern day conveniences. We had several guests in camp this weekend and one of them remarked at the silence of a world without radios blaring but believe me our camp rang with laughter and fun instead.

This is the command tents and our campsite is in the background.

Some of the members of the NYSV 56th in Camp

My son Dan has been promoted to Corporal

My daughter Nicole and a little friend playing catch

Everyone had to shuck corn for dinner. We had pulled pork, beans, corn, and coleslaw, Ummmmm!

Some soldiers near the dog tents after a rain storm!

Cooking Breakfast for a crowd!

Some of the privates got KP Duty. Dishes are no easy task.

The kids had fun with the Soldier Toss. Don't worry they caught her.

The Sargent is not happy. Where is everyone?

What was Sargent Major Cavelone saying that cracked my kids up?

Here is my other daughter Victoria enjoying a break

As you see we had a great weekend in spite of the rain. I hope that you will become interested in going out to see a Civil War reenactment in your area. Now I have to go start cleaning up for our weekend of fun.

Civil War Reenacting Weekend Liberty NY 2008 - Part 1 The Battle Views

2008-08-04T08:14:16Z

As those of you who regularly check out my blog will know, this past weekend was a Civil War Weekend for the Pizappi Family. I have decided to share the weekend with you in two installments. The Camp Life Views and The Battle Views. This will be The Battle Views.

We reenact to honor the men and women who believed in their causes, who fought and died in the worst war to have been fought by our country because it was brother against brother, and to always remember so it won't happen again. The following pictures may upset those of you who do not understand but many of us feel that by showing the history we will teach a new generation the bitter lessons learned in this war. It is a hobby for those of us who participate and we all pay to participate in these events. We sell tickets to the public to offset the costs of facilities and insurance and the remainder of the funds collected are used for various charity and preservation projects.

During our reenactment at Liberty NY the troops had several tactical and surprise attacks which were not publicly presented as well as two spectator battles, an artillery demonstration, and a candlelight tour with various scenarios including a field medic operation, camp life, searching for lost brothers, and a church service. The following pictures are of the two spectator battles.

An artillery look out scans the area for activity

Union soldier informs them of Confederate activity in the area

Trouble has been spotted by the Union advance guards

Confederate General looking at some of his men preparing for a skirmish.

The Union Forces arrive.

Home Invasion 1860's style

The Confederates set up on a fence line

Union Troops defend the cabin

Union Soldiers pushing the Confederates back

This brave soldier did not finish the battle
(He stayed in this position an incredible amount of time BTW I give him props for effort!)

Union Troops marching home after victory Saturday

Union Troops line up on Sunday

The Union firing line

Artillery piece just after firing

The Confederate Troops are victorious on Sunday.

I hope you enjoyed a glimpse at the battles from the Liberty NY 2008 Reenactment Weekend. See my next blog for the camp life side of the reenactment.

To Do in Orange County NY Sunday August 3, 2008

2008-08-01T06:05:54Z

Sunday August 3rd in Orange County NY

Special Events

Head Out of the County and Back in Time to the Civil War

This is a shameless plug for the Civil War Reenactment Weekend at Walnut Mountain Park in Liberty NY that my family will be participating in. Come join us to see a snapshot in time. Open at 10:00 AM with a candlelight tour on Saturday Night.

Click on the above link to my blog invite for more information

Spying During the Revolution- Washington's Headquarters Newburgh NY

Visit and tour General George Washington's Headquarters and hear a special program on the dangers and difficulties of spying during the War for Independence. Great views of the Hudson River and a wonderful museum will make this a special trip. Program at 2:00 PM Parking lot is on Lafayette Street, Newburgh NY

Call 845-562-1195 or click above for further information on the site and program

There is a Dixieland Quartet at Storm King Art Center Today

Call 845-534-3115 or click on link above for more information.

Hear the US Military Academy Band Concert "A Walk In the Park"
Free concert as part of the "Music Under the Stars" program at the United States Military Academy
Trophy Point Amphitheater,West Point, NY 7:30 PM
Click on link above for further information

Sunday Farmer's Markets

There are literally thousands of things to do on this first Sunday in August in Orange County New York.

Get up and head out for some fun.

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work the Me and You'll be Happy!

845-800-7086

paddypizappi@rjsmithrealty.com

To Do In Orange County NY Saturday August 2, 2008

2008-07-31T07:20:35Z

Saturday August 2, 2008 in Orange County NY

Special Events

Museum of the Highlands Discovery Quests

Spend the day at this Nature Museum following one of their discovery quests. It sounds like a great time for the whole family with trails that range from easy to more challanging. Located at 20 Kenridge Farm Road, Cornwall, NY. Open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

For further information call 845-534-5506 x 204 or click on the above link.

Head Out of the County and Back in Time to the Civil War

Click on the above link to my blog invite for more information

Storm King Art Center, Mountainville, NY

If you have never visited this amazing "giant sculpture garden" this would be great weekend to go. It has acres of fields with huge sculptures placed around the grounds. 1 Museum Road, Mountainville, NY Be sure to bring the children for Saturday's special event. Bindlestick Bill will present an interactive sing along with stories and songs about the Hudson Valley at harvest time at 3:00 PM..

Click link or call 845-534-3115 for more information.

Trailside Museum and Zoo, Bear Mountain State Park

This is a great ride out on the Palisades Parkway past beautiful lakes and incredible views of river and cliffs. The zoo is great so go on out and enjoy!

Click link or call 845-786-2701 Ext 265 for more information

Tricky Tray/Penny Social Pine Bush NY

The Infant Savior Church, Route 302, Pine Bush is the location of this benifit for Our Lady of the Valley Church in Walker Valley. Starts at 6:30 with calling at 8:00 PM.

Saturday Farmers Markets
Take advantage of the wonderful variety of produce available at many markets located throughout the county.

Middletown Farmer's Market
Saturdays 8:00 - 1:00 Located in on Erie Way from Grove and Cottage Streets, Middletown NY

PINE BUSH FARMER'S MARKET

Get up and head out for some fun.

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work the Me and You'll be Happy!

845-800-7086

paddypizappi@rjsmithrealty.com