Face to Face vs In Your Face…. - 09/28/10 11:33 PM

Jennifer Allen wrote a blog about a week ago.  Would you rather annoy 30,000 or impress 300? I have always been a believer in the “do unto to others” approach to sales.  I don’t enjoy high-pressure sales tactics – so why should I engage in them?  Apparently, I’m not alone.  The public has made it clear that it is totally fed up with the “in your face” sales person.  The fact that finding someone who isn’t on the DNC is like looking for a needle in a haystack says it all. If you still  don’t believe that the public is  … (11 comments)

How much does flooring cost? Which types cost more? Which cost less? - 09/28/10 10:17 PM
This is a tremendous post about flooring and the options that are open to the consumer. One thing that I had not factored in was how high tile actually cost to install.   People who prefer carpeting - often underestimate the allure of hard wood for the buyer.  Resale is something that needs to be considered when making such a big investment.
Via Debbie Gartner, Flooring guru (Floor Coverings International :Westchester NY & Fairfield CT):
How much does flooring cost? Which types cost more? Which cost less? Now, these are course are loaded questions. I always hesitate to give per sf prices because they … (5 comments)

Tarrytown NY - A Video Collage - 09/27/10 11:17 PM
All right - I'll admit it - I finally got tuckered out on 30 in 30  blogging challenge.  Up front and center for today was going to be an in-depth blog about the village of Tarrytown.  So, I pulled a ton of photos from my archives - took to the streets and took even more photos.  I tweaked and cropped and then put them into video format using Animoto....and then completely ran out of steam when it came to discussing the local market.  To make things worse, I've been having some computer issues that just won't quit which has slowed down … (9 comments)

Kayaking on the Hudson - 09/26/10 10:43 PM
A lot of my clients and friends have been asking about kayaking on the  Hudson River.   And who can blame them?  The Hudson is an amazing body of water for kayaking – the views – particularly in the early evening are nothing short of spectacular with the sunset views. But it is not for the faint of heart. Proper training is essential because the currents on the Hudson can be quite strong.  Beautiful though it may be – it is not user-friendly.
Well, a  few days ago, I came across a pamphlet a few days ago in Tarrytown  NY about  Hudson … (4 comments)

The Tuckahoe Trolley… A great idea who’s time has come – once again - 09/25/10 11:54 PM

Today I found myself in Bronxville, I had a client there the other day and realized that I had precious few photos – so I decided to take an hour or so to  walk the town, take in the sun and the vibe of the town – and gather some pictures along the way.
While taking photos  by the train station I saw – for the first time – the Tuckahoe Trolley… pull up and let off a couple of passengers.  Of course, I have never seen the Tuckahoe Trolley before – that service had been discontinued 75 years ago … (13 comments)

Calendar of Events for Lower Westchester – Sept 24 – Oct 1 - 09/24/10 02:41 AM

In spite of the Indian Summer weather that we are experiencing – fall is in the air and Westchester events are changing with the season. So the Westchester events calendar is once again up for your convenience.  There are plenty of Westchester County events to pick from. Why travel to Manhattan when all of this is in your back yard?
Friday, Sept 24 New Rochelle Farmers’ Market
Huguenot Street and Lawton Street
FRIDAYS 8:00 AM TO 3:00 PM
Stone Barns Farmer’s Market
Seasonal Farmer’s Market
2-4 PM for the general public.
630 Bedford Rd – Tarrytown, NY 10591
 

… (3 comments)

Westchester For Change Hosts Forum on Property Taxes – Mon Oct. 4 2010 - 09/22/10 11:39 PM

What are we going to do about Westchester NY property Taxes? Unless you have been living as an outcast on an uninhabited island somewhere – almost every resident of Westchester NY is aware that soaring property taxes are about to bury us.  Each new tax years offer  homeowners the unique opportunity of experiencing tax “sticker shock”  for our property taxes.  As an agent working in lower Westchester, I have long argued that taxes are out of control and need to be reigned in.  So on Oct. 4 we have an opportunity to attend a forum on this very important issue … (2 comments)

Scarsdale Manor Cooperative – Garth Road -Scarsdale NY – Update Sept 2010 - 09/21/10 11:53 PM

When people think of real estate in Scarsdale NY they tend to think of single- family homes and high-end cooperatives with  Old-World charm.  Scarsdale Manor is one of the larger cooperative complexes on the famous Garth Road.  The area reflects the mature elegance of Scarsdale Village  and features many pre-war complexes that were converted into cooperatives in the 1980s.   It is a mature community with very little space for new development.
Scarsdale Manor Complex: Scarsdale Manor like many of the buildings surrounding it,  is a pre-war complex which is reflected in the grace of the structure and the grace  that … (0 comments)

Elizabeth Warren gets the nod - sort of.... - 09/20/10 11:52 PM
Last week Barack Obama appointed  Elizabeth Warren  as  an assistant to the president to form the consumer protection agency  that was mandated by the financial regulation bill.  This appointment as special assistant  does an end-run around the Senate confirmation process where republicans had vowed to block the appointment.  Although highly qualified for the position, Warren is known for being a straight arrow with controversial views - at least in the eyes of the banks.  Elizabeth Warren is no ideaologue.  Her job  will be to protect consumers from some of the more egregious  practices of the big banks. It is the sad … (16 comments)

Sales Update on Chateaux Circle - Commuter-Friendly Walkable Coop in Scarsdale Village - 09/19/10 11:30 PM
 

Real estate in Scarsdale NY has a remarkably sparse number of cooperatives located within  the Scarsdale municipality. The famous Garth Road cooperatives – though conveniently located with resepect to Metro-North and village shopping, are not truly in the Village of Scarsdale. If you are looking  a cooperative that is located in the Village of Scarsdale with easy acce
ss to the train station as well as shops and Scarsdale restaurants, then the Chateaux of Scarsdale is one complex that  fits the bill. The location couldn’t be better for the commuter -  you can even grab a quick morning drink … (0 comments)

Calendar of Events for Lower Westchester – Sept 17– Sept 23 - 09/17/10 04:59 AM
 
Fall is in the air and Westchester events are changing with the season. So the Westchester events calendar is once again up for your convenience.  There are plenty of Westchester County events to pick from. Why travel to Manhattan when all of this is in your back yard?
Friday, Sept 17 New Rochelle Farmers’ Market
Huguenot Street and Lawton Street
FRIDAYS 8:00 AM TO 3:00 PM
Stone Barns Farmer’s Market
Seasonal Farmer’s Market
2-4 PM for the general public.
630 Bedford Rd – Tarrytown, NY 10591
 
Rockefeller Fridays with Kids Unplugged:
4 PM hike along the Pocantico River
Meeting … (1 comments)

Duck shooting at Harbor Island Park – Mamaroneck NY - 09/16/10 02:30 AM
I admit that I enjoy shooting ducks.  This afternoon I took a bit of time to take some photos at Harbor Island Park – Mamaroneck NY  -  and some ducks just happened to get in the way…so it really wasn’t my fault at all.   They were there and I had my zoom lens – so they just got themselves shot.  Before the afternoon was over I had shot four ducks.
But seriously, the fall migration pattern means that many of our feathered friends are flying and floating around – just asking to be shot in a similar way.  So get out … (7 comments)

The Crafts Fair at Lyndhurst – Tarrytown NY - 09/15/10 11:48 PM
 
The Crafts Fair at Lyndhurst – Tarrytown NY  – is a classic Westchester event that occurs twice a year – in the spring and again just after Labor Day.  It’s always high on my list of things to do-see in Westchester NY.  Top notch artisans from all over come to display their talents in one of the most diverse and unique way.   I admit that I was very short on time this year and although I was supposed to go with a friend – work kept me away until the very end of the day.  I wandered in and decided … (4 comments)

Larchmont NY Homes – Chatsworth Ave Elementary School - Market Update - 09/14/10 11:01 PM

Like the rest of Larchmont NY homes,  homes zoned for the Chatsworth Ave Elementary School feature the best of what a Westchester bedroom community has to offer.  Homes in this particular school zone cover two distinct neighborhoods.
Homes in the Village of Larchmont: Homes in the village of Larchmont feature tree-lined streets and pre-war homes packed with Old-World charm and character.  They range in style from rambling Victorians with wrap-around porches, graceful colonials and impressive Tudors.   Typically, the homes in the village sit on smaller lots, though there is still a feeling of space and privacy.  These are mature neighborhoods … (11 comments)

The Broadlawn White Plains NY – Garden oasis of the downtown – Market update - 09/13/10 11:32 PM


The information  on this post will be  placed as a revision  on my web page for the Broadlawn White Plains. This market update includes the first and second quarters along with an informal update of stats since the end of the second quarter.
The Broadlawn – White Plains – Sales History – 2006- Dec 2009*: Coming down from their highs in 2007, where $390k for a renovated 2 BR unit was considered a reasonable price,  prices at the Broadlawn have moderated.   The following chart reflects the sales history of 2 BR units since 2006 and is based on median … (1 comments)

Congratulations, you missed the $8,000 tax credit - 09/12/10 08:41 PM
Of course no one has a crystal ball.  At the time, the tax credit looked like the best deal in town.  But now - with interest rates so low they can't possibly be sustained - buyers should be out in DROVES.  The cost of living is very competitive with rent.  Even more so becuase part of your payment is toward equity and the taxes and mortgage interest are deductible.
Via Jim Lee, REALTOR®, Knoxville, Tennessee (Realty Executives Associates):
No, I'm not being facetious or implying you're a dummy because you haven't bought a house yet.

 
In fact, just the opposite; waiting … (6 comments)

Update on Sales in Gedney Farms White Plains NY - 09/12/10 08:34 PM

The Neighborhood of Gedney Farms White Plains NY: Gedney Farms is a beautiful neighborhood with large rolling lawns and ample lot size. It’s a very quiet and private community similar to some of the finer neighborhoods of Scarsdale and Larchmont but without the steep price point. Located in the southern portion of White Plains NY, Gedney Farms is a traditional neighborhood with all the amenities of suburban life.
Gedney Farms is mature neighborhood with old growth trees lining the streets and gracing the properties. Since only three homes are allowed per acre, the area offers plenty of privacy and wonderful … (2 comments)

Update on Market Stats for Jefferson Place White Plains NY - Pet-friendly Condo - 09/11/10 10:10 PM
 

This is an update on the status of Jefferson Place - White Plains sales volume and pricing.  For a  link to the full web page on Jefferson Place click here.
White Plains NY condos go, Jefferson Place offers a great deal of luxury for  the money. The complex spans on square block between Livingston Ave. and Rutherford Ave. in White Plains, NY with units on 300 Mamaroneck Ave. and 31 Greenridge Ave. Jefferson Place is located a scant half -mile from Trump Tower, the Ritz Carlton and the White Plains City Center.  The city side – facing Mamaroneck … (0 comments)

Open House @ The Stonecrest#3C – 21 N Chatsworth Ave – Larchmont NY – RAFFLE FOR CHAT 19 – GIFT CERTIFICATE! - 09/10/10 11:57 PM

I rarely set up a separate post to promote my open houses, but I thought I would do  so this one time because…..
I am pleased to offer a raffle for a $25 gift certificate for the popular and well acclaimed CHAT 19 American Grill. One of the most active hot-spots for fine dining in Larchmont NY (and more recently Scarsdale NY)  Among Larchmont restaurants – Chat 19 is one of the busiest and after sampling the food and the comfortable ambiance, I can see why.   I wrote a review of Chat 19 just  few months ago. I had many … (7 comments)

Calendar of Events for Lower Westchester – Sept 10– Sept 16 - 09/09/10 11:55 PM

Fall is in the air and Westchester events are changing with the season. So the Westchester events calendar is once again up for your convenience.  I keep adding on as time goes on.  Right now we are in transition. There are plenty of Westchester County events to pick from. Why travel to Manhattan when all of this is in your back yard?
Friday, Sept 10 New Rochelle Farmers’ Market
Huguenot Street and Lawton Street
FRIDAYS 8:00 AM TO 3:00 PM
Stone Barns Farmer’s Market
Seasonal Farmer’s Market
2-4 PM for the general public.
630 Bedford Rd – Tarrytown, NY 10591
… (2 comments)

Is your agent trying to sell your home – or are they using the listing as “buyer’s bait?” - 09/08/10 11:58 PM

Initially I wrote this for my "outside blog"  but decided to post it here. It was influenced by the great blogs by Barbara Todaro "Need to balance your time?? Listing agents can do that!!!" and Phil Faranda's blog "List to Last" .  Listings are great, but I have found that I have to turn them down from time to time.  Yet, I am amazed at the number of agents who hold on to overpriced and unsellable listings. One has to ask why?  The answer could easily be that they really don't think of them as listings, but as "buyer's bait." … (58 comments)

The River Towns NY Housing Market Statistics –Second Quarter 2010 - 09/07/10 10:54 PM
In general the River Towns are very similar to the rest of the Westchester market with single family homes going up in value – like other high-end areas while prices of condos continued to drop. Coops were a surprise in that prices remained flat.
The Westchester River Towns included in this section consist of all the villages in the town of Greenburgh that  are on the Hudson.  These include, Hastings-on-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, Ardsley-on-Hudoson, Irvington and Tarrytown NY.  I also include Sleepy Hollow NY, since it is the sister village to Tarrytown.  It is the only village that is in the town … (1 comments)

Sweet Grass of Tarrytown NY – a wonderful dining experience in one of my favorite villages - 09/06/10 11:46 PM

Every once in a while its good to treat yourself.  A friend of mine, Janet, came up from the city one night a few weeks ago to enjoy a some village life in Tarrytown NY.  She was on her way back from a trip across the Tappan Zee bridge – so the location was perfect for both of us.  We decided to try our luck at Sweet Grass Grill – which has gotten a lot of buzz as one of the best restaurants in Westchester since it was opened by David Starkey a little over a year ago.  There are … (6 comments)

Hartsdale NY Housing Market Statistics – Second Quarter 2010 - 09/05/10 11:53 PM

Hartsdale NY  housing prices are running parallel to those of White Plains.  While some parts of the county have been experiencing a mini-boom in single family home prices in White Plains and Hartsdale are still trending downward.  Volume is up from the previous year, but that is that has not been reflected  in the prices.  Condos and coops are also following a downward trend in price that is being seen county-wide.
Hartsdale NY Single Family Homes The median price of a single family home is down 17% from Q2 of the previous year to $433,000.   This follows the pricing trend … (1 comments)

Hurricane Earl – The storm that wasn’t – at least for Westchester NY - 09/04/10 05:44 PM
 
Everyone was bracing for the worst: Westchester residents were very girding themselves for the strong possibility of a major tropical storm or the remote possibility of a level one hurricane.  After the “hurricane without a name” earlier in the year which downed trees and disrupted power throughout the area – Westchester was bracing itself.   Last March there were many left without power for over a week. Trees were downed and the live wires were everywhere.  Our area had little  appetite for more of the same.   Mamaroneck NY – which includes Larchmont Village – being on the Long Island Sound was … (4 comments)

Are You a Seller Looking for Help to Get Your Home Ready to Sell? Here are Some Low Cost Tips! - 09/03/10 10:55 PM
This is a great post about the "basics" that everyone even thinking of selling their homes should work on.  Its even good for those of us who have no desire to move in the near future, but just want a nice atmosphere to come home to.  This does not negate the need for staging.  But making these changes and complimenting it with appropriate staging are very important.
Via Shelley Rowton (RE/MAX River City Realtors, Austin TX):
Every seller wants to sell. Most sellers don't want to spend money to make that happen, and sometimes it's just not necessary. Here are some tips to … (4 comments)

Freaky Friday – My Favorite Real Estate Videos… - 09/03/10 09:48 PM

Lets not take ourselves too seriously: If one of the signs of maturity is that people cease to take themselves too seriously – then I guess I’m very mature – bordering on ancient.  Making fun of  real estate agents appears to be a favorite indoor sport of many. But of all the videos out there that make fun of agents – these two are favorites.
I know that I put one of these on a blog a couple of years ago  - and that other AR members have embedded these videos - but they are worth viewing again and truly … (7 comments)

It's official - FHA has formally announced the mortgage insurance changes for FHA loans - 09/02/10 11:15 PM
For those considering an FHA loan - these new rules go into effect sooner than we would like!  FHA has become a major lifeline for first time buyers - so this is a must read for any first time buyer going the FHA route.
Via Jeff Belonger-The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans ( - FHA Home Loans - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):
FHA first shared these changes on August 4th, after it had been approved by Congress and then the President signed off on it on August 11th. FHA has finally come … (1 comments)

Calendar of Events for Lower Westchester – Sept 3 – Sept 9 - 09/02/10 04:17 AM

Labor Day Weekend is upon us – and the Westchester events calendar is once again up for your convenience.  I keep adding on as time goes on.  As the seasons are changing – so is the calendar.  Right now we are in transition. There are plenty of Westchester County events to pick from. Why travel to Manhattan when all of this is in your back yard?
Friday, Sept 3 New Rochelle Farmers’ Market
Huguenot Street and Lawton Street
FRIDAYS 8:00 AM TO 3:00 PM
Stone Barns Farmer’s Market
Seasonal Farmer’s Market
2-4 PM for the general public.
630 Bedford Rd … (2 comments)

Trump Tower - White Plains NY - Update on Sales History and Statistics - 09/01/10 05:57 AM
 

Trump Tower – White Plains – Sales History -  2006-2010* The chart below follows the median sales price of 2 BR units at Trump from 2006 through 2009.  Sales of 1BR and 3BR units were too sparse to make any statistical trends valid.  The average sales price peaked in the second half of 2006.  After that there was a gradual decline in the average price which appeared to be leveling off until the the crash of 2008.  Like the rest of White Plains,  prices declined significantly following the stock market crash.  accelerated after the stock market crash of 2008. … (4 comments)

 
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Ruthmarie Hicks

White Plains, NY

More about me…

Keller Williams Realty - White Plains NY

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

Office Phone: (914) 374-5529

Cell Phone: (914) 374-5529

Email Me

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