Self- employment vs employee benefits - the grass always seems greener from a distance. - 07/31/10 04:54 AM
There were two blogs featured on Active Rain yesterday that got me thinking about how the grass always seems greener from a distance.  Roxanne wrote about unemployment benefits vs. self-employment  discussing a stint as a sales coordinator at a biotech firm.  Given the market and the fact that she had been self-employed for many years - the thought of having a job with benefits sounded "dreamy."  But then reality set in.  Clocking in, clocking out - employers frowning if you go to the bathroom too often.   Employers can be very demanding.  And this got Roxanne set back on a path towards … (12 comments)

Freaky Friday – Jon Stewart Takes No Prisoners – Nor should he in this case.. - 07/30/10 05:25 AM
Plenty of blame to go around on this one.  The only blameless soul in the mix was the center of attention Shirley Sherrod. So much of this has to do with the partisan bickering that seems endless these days.  But at the end of the day EVERYONE was guilty of reacting to quickly.  Jon Stewart is able to put everyone in their place with a sense of humor and sarcasm that would be more hilarious if it weren’t such a sad commentary on the state of our union.
Enjoy the clip – and have a great weekend!
(Here is the link … (9 comments)

Westchester Events – Calendar of Events for Lower Westchester – July 30 – August 5 - 07/30/10 05:06 AM
 
 
It’s the weekend again – and the Westchester events calendar is  once again up for your convenience.   Once again, there are plenty of Westchester County events to pick from.  Sure, the city is just a train ride away – but there is plenty to do in your own back yard.
EVERYDAY EVENTS: Open Gym
The County Center is open to high school students for basketball, foosball, board games, knock hockey and general socializing
6 p.m. to 10 PM – Free to all
Westchster County Center
198 Central Avenue
White Plains, NY  10606
(914) 995-4050
Friday, July 30 New Rochelle Farmers’ … (1 comments)

The Stonecrest Cooperative - Larchmont NY - 07/26/10 06:22 AM
Larchmont Condos & Cooperatives: Often when buyers are first looking at Westchester coops and condos, they make a beeline to condo/coop hotspots  like White Plains without giving a passing glance at  some of the towns and villages in the surrounding areas.  But often after looking for a while they realize that these towns and villages give them more of what they are looking for in terms of ambiance and convenience.
Larchmont NY has long been a popular destination for buyers of single family homes, but Larchmont is also a popular location for those looking for condos or cooperatives.  A cluster of … (1 comments)

Funky Floral Arrangements in Westchester County - 07/25/10 05:58 AM
 
Over the past couple of years, I’ve been able to see and capture some very unique floral arrangements in lower Westchseter NY.  Here are some photos of my top 3 picks.   The flowers themselves though beautiful can not be described as “funky.”  However the  …shall we say ..”planters” in each of these cases is truly unique. My all time favorite is the truck.
I also rather like the “bathtub” arrangement.  I found his in the back of building just behind the Tarrytown Music Hall.   The antique cast iron tub makes for  quite a “planter.”
Both the truck and the working … (8 comments)

I don't need Active Rain - I already have a website with IDX! - 07/24/10 05:16 AM
The other day I wrote a blog about when it was time to consider changing brokerages. One of the issues on my list of red flags was a broker who didn't want agents having their own web presence and their own IDX.  It never ceases to amaze me how so many agents don't understand the importence of their own web presence.I brought to mind a conversation I had with an agent a couple of years ago.  She didn't understand my move to Keller -Williams.  I mentioned the independence, my blog/web site and my presence on Active Rain.  While encouraged at Keller  … (18 comments)

Freaky Friday: Pretend you are POTUS: Eradicate the deficit using the CEPR deficit calculator - 07/23/10 06:16 AM
Here we go again - I want you to pretend you are POTUS again!  Have fun!
A friend of mine sent me this link – and I was having a great time playing with it. I can’t embed this deficit calculator on this blog, but here is a link to the Center for Economic and Policy Research’s Deficit Calculator.
With the 2010 House of Representatives elections as well as the 2010 Senate races coming up and the majority in both houses up for grabs – the budget is going to be a huge bone of contention.
Although I can’t embed the … (10 comments)

Westchester Events – Calendar of Events for Lower Westchester July 23-July 28 2010 - 07/23/10 04:49 AM

The weekend is rolling around again and it is time for me to put up another Westchester events calendar.  Here are some nice events for a sultry summer weekend!  The number and variety of Westchester County events always ensures that residents will never be bored.
EVERYDAY EVENTS: Open Gym The County Center is open to high school students for basketball, foosball, board games, knock hockey and general socializing 6 p.m. to 10 PM – Free to all Westchester County Center 198 Central Avenue White Plains, NY  10606 (914) 995-4050
Friday, July 23 New Rochelle Farmers’ Market
Huguenot Street and Lawton … (2 comments)

For Sale at the Broadlawn of White Plains – a 2BR cooperative offered at $349,900 - 07/21/10 04:41 AM

20 North Broadway #C313 – White Plains, NY 10601 This Listing is Courtesy of Carolyn Schoemer of Keller Williams Realty NY.
Welcome home to a one-of-a-kind unit in a a one-of-a-kind cooperative. The Broadlawn is truly unique.  Located in the heart of  downtown White Plains – it seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown.  Once you walk through the entry – you find yourself in a mature English garden with mature plantings.  This is the most unique cooperative complex in the city of White Plains NY and perhaps the most unique of Westchester coops … (2 comments)

On Page ONE of Google? If I am a seller – what does that do for me? - 07/18/10 05:51 PM

We often hear an agent or brokerage bragging about being on the first page of Google.  Many sellers see being on the first page of Google and other major search engines such as Yahoo and Bing as a moot point.  It is not – but it all depends on the nature of the search. Being first for long-tail searches for real estate rather than general terms is key. (For those who don’t know what a “long tail” search means – be patient – all we be revealed) A page one Google search for some general search criteria – is meaningless … (15 comments)

Tarrytown NY – 3rd Friday – Great for kids & adults alike… - 07/17/10 10:22 PM
 
Tarrytown NY is one of those river towns in Westchester that has a vibe all its own.  The streets are not rolled up at 6 PM – a night life exists.  No – its not the dynamic city-style nightlife of Manhattan or even downtown White Plains, but the village has plenty of fine dining and activities that keep people on the streets well after dark.
One of the listings on my calendar of events Westchester NY was Tarrytown’s 3rd Friday.  Yesterday was, of course the 3rd Friday of July and in spite of the blistering heat and humidity – this … (4 comments)

Freaky Friday: Bring on the Blame Game – A Pox on ALL Your Houses… - 07/17/10 05:12 AM
OK - So I'm a day late with Freaky Friday- but here it is....
Every two years we have an  election cycle in Washington – and every two years its the same-old, same-old. In the House -  there are 435 seats congressional seats up for election.  Even In the United States Senate where the turnover is far from 100% – the majority may be up for grabs.   Certainly the 2010 House of Representatives election cycle is bringing out the very worst that our nation’s politics has to dish out.
One of the most confusing issues to the public is the … (7 comments)

Westchester Events – Calendar of Events for Lower Westchester - 07/15/10 06:28 PM

Here is your weekend Westchester events calendar.  There is certainly plenty to do this  considering that it is a relatively quiet summer weekend.  Westchester county events always have something for everyone.
Everyday Events: Open Gym The County Center is open to high school students for basketball, foosball, board games, knock hockey and general socializing 6 p.m. to 10 PM – Free to all Westchester County Center 198 Central Avenue White Plains, NY  10606 (914) 995-4050
Thursday July 15: Flint Park Concert July 15, 2010, 7:15pm–9:00pm Flint Park, Bronson Ave & Locust Ave, Larchmont
Wine-coupled dinner July 15, 2010, 7:00pm Plates … (1 comments)

Larchmont Homes For Sale – Murray Ave Elementary – Market Update - 07/14/10 03:55 AM
 
Larchmont is one of the most walkable and commutable communities in lower Westchester.  This is why Homes for sale Larchomt NY are actually a desired commodity even in a deep housing recession.  Homes in the Murray Ave elementary school district are not technically part of Larchmont Village – but are considered to be in the unincorported portion of the of the town of Mamaroneck.  However,  the neighborhood boasts a Larchmont P.O. and zip code and much of it is located within walking distance of the train and the village.  Depending on precise location, many have the option of leaving the … (3 comments)

Events Calendar – What to do in Lower Westchester NY - 07/09/10 06:35 AM

Want to know what there is to do for the weekend in  lower Westchester NY?  Well this is just for starters -
Friday July 9 Build a Boat/Construya un Bote 2:30pm Warner Library, 121 N Broadway, Tarrytown
“Living with Art Collecting Contemporary in Metro New York” 12- 5 PM Contemporary works of art -from six metro-New York private collections.  Including work from emerging as well as established artists/ $5 for adults, $3 for students/seniors Neuberger Museum of Art – Purchase College 735 Anderson Hill Rd. Purchase NY 914-251-6100 Friday Night Jazz 7:30-10:30 PM Al DiMarco Quintet Free Marianacci’s 24 Sherman … (5 comments)

Update on the Bengal Tiger – Downtown White Plains NY - 07/09/10 02:23 AM
 
As posted yesterday, the Bengal Tiger – a landmark Indian restaurant in downtown White Plains went up in flames yesterday.  The cooking oil that was everywhere combined with 100 degree temperatures and flammable chemicals from the adjacent dry cleaners caused the fire to rapidly escalate into a 5 alarm fire.  Over 160 firefighters from White Plains and neighboring communities responded to the blaze.  The roof collapsed about 5 hours after the blaze began.  The fire is now “under control” but not over. 25 were overcome by smoke inhalation and the heat and taken to area hospitals.
I drove by this … (10 comments)

The landmark Bengal Tiger goes up in flames - 07/08/10 04:51 AM
One of the famous downtown White Plains restaurants went up in flames today as a fire – which started in the basement spread to engulf the entire restaurant and take out half a block on East Post Road in White Plains NY. The location, just off of Mamaroneck Avenue in the heart of the downtown, complicated matters as smoke engulfed the area with temperatures near triple digits.  The five alarm fire demolished the Bengal Tiger and three other businesses – effectively destroying a half a block of the downtown area.  60 firefighters were from several communities were battling the flames.  The … (2 comments)

Prefinished Hardwood vs. Unfinished Hardwood - Which is better? Which costs less? - 07/07/10 02:56 PM
Many homeowners are baffled by the choices in floor finishing.  This was a wonderful comparision between prefinished hardwood and unfinished hardwood. The choice is in many cases a question of personal taste. Look at it this way, you are going to be living with those expensive floors for a loooong time.  In fact - several generations of people might be living with those floors. No matter how you slice it, hardwood is a big ticket item and you will pay a tidy sum for it.  You might as well get what you really love. Going with one because it is somewhat … (2 comments)

How To Make Condo and Cooperative Complexes More Attractive To Buyers: - 07/07/10 04:41 AM
Attention condo/cooperative board members and management.  I know that times are difficult and that units are not selling like they were.  This is particularly true since the tax credit has just expired.  Westchester condos and coops are often the first step on the ladder to home ownership – so complexes that have entry to mid-level prices will be impacted the most by the expiration of the first time home buyer’s tax credit. The inventory of condos for sale Westchester NY is very high.
But nothing is worse for values in your complex than a ton of listings just sitting on the … (9 comments)

STRATEGIC DEFAULT?? HOW ABOUT A TATTOO??? - 07/05/10 08:46 PM
Tonight is strategic default night for Active Rain.  Lenn had a marevelous tongue in cheek post about these defaults.  Many people have lost almost everything.  I guess the idea here is to make sure they DO lose everything.
Via Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate:
PENALTY FOR STRATEGIC DEFAULT
The only logical solution to the matter of what should happen to home owners who makes the decision to default on their home loan and walk away would be for that home owner to suffer the moral judgmentof a citizen panel. 
In addition to the penalties agreed in the Deed of Trust or … (0 comments)

Responsible Rex and his Responsible Default. - 07/05/10 08:29 PM
It takes a lot of courage for someone in the real estate business to talk about their own issues in real estate.  So Broker Bryant is to be congratualted for telling it like it is and in doing so - offering HOPE for those with similar issues.   In many cases this is no one's fault.  Bad things happen to good people and its how we handle those situations that tells the world who we are.
In the meantime - the bigger question is this: WHY??? WHY did BOA do this.  It was senseless and pointless. Which is why I am so … (1 comments)

BANKS BEGIN TO GO AFTER DEFICIENCY JUDGMENTS - FANNIE MAE POINTS THE WAY - 07/04/10 03:30 PM
Here's is another post - from which Lenn Harley's post was based.  It perhaps should have come first, but both are a very worthy read.
Via Richard Zaretsky, Florida Real Estate Attorney (Richard P. Zaretsky P.A. ):
Earlier this week I wrote about lenders taking the next step after a foreclosure.  Foreclosures happen from borrowers that "walk away" from their upside down valued properties, whether because of job loss, other expenses more important than the mortgage payment, or just a strategic default.  You can find the other article at MOTION FOR DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT - FORECLOSURE CONSEQUENCES.
An alarming event occured after I wrote that … (0 comments)

FANNIE MAE SET TO COLLECT ON DEFICIENCY JUDGMENTS CAUSED BY STRATEGIC DEFAULTS. - 07/04/10 03:28 PM
This is an important issue to the national market.  It is an issue in certain parts of this market, though not the overwhelming one that is present in some parts of the country.  It is an issue that I feel strongly on.  The issue of strategic defaults is one where one is technically capable of paying their mortgage but walks away because they are so underwater.  Some peg this is an amoral decision based on selfishness.  For me, all I see are shades of gray. 
The person I think about when it comes to strategic default is someone in late middle … (0 comments)

 
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Ruthmarie Hicks

White Plains, NY

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Keller Williams Realty - White Plains NY

Address: 120 Bloomingdale Rd. Suite 101, White Plains, NY, 10605

Office Phone: (914) 374-5529

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