Jennifer 's Mid-Hudson Valley New York Real Estate

Wordless Wednesday - Peonies

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:26:27 -0600

Today was a bit cold, so on a day like this I love to look at something colorful. I chose Peonies.

Two years ago when my daughter was getting married the peony was one of the flower she wanted, now I can't even remember what flowers she actually used; I suppose I will have to pull out the albums.

Anyway, I noticed that many brides like the peonies for their wedding centerpieces. Here are some designed found at DIY.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

So you think you don't qualify for the first time buyer tax credit? Think again.

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:17:31 -0600

Today while consulting with a first time buyer client I brought up the subject of the home buyer tax credit. I was told there was no need to discuss the subject since he did not qualify. I did not drop the subject but was curious to know why he said what he did. After further probing I found out that he was correct, but only under the old guidelines.

The tax credit has been extended and expanded to cover more than just first time buyers. You should have seen the look on the young man's face when I told him that the income guidelines for a single person had been increased to $125,000.

This encounter made me realize that there might be a group of potential first time buyers who have ignored the program because they are thinking that only the time frame was extended and the other requirements have remained the same. So if you are one of those who did not qualify under the old rules that might not be the case now.

Enjoy this short video which will give you the highlights of the new tax credit.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

Speechless Sunday - Don't Worry Be Happy

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 16:26:18 -0600

At the intersection of Route 199 and Route 308 in Milan, NY when you are stopped at the light you can't help staring at this Prozac capsule.

I can't tell you how many times I have gone by this and it always get a chuckle out of me. I am still not sure what is really the message that the creator of this piece is trying to convey. Should I simply not worry and be happy on my own or just take that 1,000,000 MG of Prozac and stop worrying altogether and be so happy. I never really had the urge to find out.

So after staring at this over the years, while on my way to preview a house in Standfordville last Friday I decided to get a shot.

What message do you think is being conveyed?

Wordless Wednesday - The moon on a dark night

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:02:54 -0600

Wordless Wednesday is a reminder to me to post a photo but I find it impossible to be completeley wordless so forgive me.

I have always found the sky moon amd stars fascinating, I remember as a child I would spend hours star gazing and daydreaming and I even loved the nights when it was pitch black except for the moon.

So it was not a surprie that I would want to capture this scene.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

Sylvan Lake - Dutchess County NY

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:16:58 -0600

This was inspired by my recent open house visit on Sylvan Lake. Sylvan Lake is located in the town of Beekman in Southern Dutchess County NY. The lake was once home to a mining quarry so parts of the lake are very deep. It is a great place to go swimming, scuba diving, and fishing.

The day of my visit was a bit overcast, however, I was entertained by the birds, beautiful swans and a flock of smaller birds.

Along Sylvan Lake can also be found a very popular camp site, a great location because of the many attractions within a few miles.

You will also find a housing complex known as Chelsea Cove. Residents of this complex have direct access to the lake. I just checked the mutliple listing service and there are properties available ranging from $139,000-250,000.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

Hyde Park NY Real Estate Market Report - October 2009

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:05:53 -0600

In Hyde Park NY during the month of October there were 21 closed sales in the single family detached market. There were 3 mobile home in the mix as well as several foreclosures. The selling price range from $48,100 a foreclosure to $323,000.

Hyde Park continues to be an area with a good inventory under $300,000. Now that the Tax Credit has been extended I am sure we will continue to see the Hyde Park inventory moving.

DOM AVG LIST PRICE AVG SQFT AVG $/SQFT

ACTIVE 15 22 $259,980 1800 $144

OFFER 4 125 $302,075 2273 $133

OFFER CS 8 131 $219,150 1691 $130

CONTRACT 4 109 $109,400 1274 $86

SOLD 18 92 $219,105 1550 $141

SOLD MH 3 183 $85,800 1200 $72

AVG SOLD AVG $/SQFT

$209,833 $135

MH $70,333 $59

****MH -Mobile Homes

STREET SOLD PRICE

N. Quaker $48,100

Bircher $95,000

Prince Road $145,000

E, Dorsy Lane $150,000

Madison Ave $165,000

East Market $172,500

Douglas RD $174,900

Cardinal Road $180,000

Hemlock $215,000

Kirchner Ave $225,000

South Drive $233,000

Honeywell LN $245,000

Hillman Drive $283,000

Patricia LN $290,000

W. Pine RD $300,000

Kristi $307,500

Roosevelt Road $323,000

If you would like to find a home in the Hyde Park area start your search here:

HYDE PARK HOME SEARCH

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

I would love to assist you with your real estate needs.

Rhinebeck NY Real Estate Market Report - October 2009

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:34:53 -0600

Rhinebeck NY REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT - OCTOBER 2009

During the month of October in the town of Rhinebeck there were two million dollar listings: $4,200,000 and $12,000,000 on River Road which has views of the Hudson River. However just one sale was recorded in the village of Rhinebeck, a big contrast to September when there were 6 sales.

Here is the break down for single family detached homes.

DOM AVG LIST PRICE AVG SQFT AVG $/SQFT

ACTIVE 9 21 $2,191,700 4276 $513

OFFER 1 97 $199,000 1762 $113

Contract 2 104 $814,000 3930 $207

VILLAGE OF RHINEBECK NY REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT - OCTOBER 2009

DOM AVG LIST PRICE AVG SQFT AVG $/SQFT

ACTIVE 1 29 $320,000 1660 $193

Offer CS 2 283 $424,000 2500 $170

Contract 1 71 $429,000 1350 $318

Sold 1 36 $220,000 1715 $318

AVG SOLD AVG $/ SQFT

$217000 $127

STREET SOLD PRICE

E. Market St $217,000

****Source of data Mid-Hudson Multiple Listing Service Inc (MHMLS)

OTHER MARKET REPORTS - 2009

Rhinebeck Real Estate Market Report - September 2009

Rhinebeck Real Estate Market Report - August 2009

Rhinebeck Real Estate Market Report - July 2009

Rhinebeck Real Estate Market Report - June 2009

Rhinebeck Real Estate Market Report - May 2009

Rhinebeck Real Estate Market Report - April 2009

Rhinebeck Real Estate Market Report - March 2009

Rhinebeck Real Estate Market Report - February 2009

Rhinebeck Real Estate Market Report - January 2009

Start your search here for homes for sale in the Rhinebeck NY

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

Wordless Wednesday - View from an open house

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:02:37 -0600

Today was my day for attending Brokers open house in Southern Dutchess County NY. I saw a total of 4 homes; a cape, a brick split level, a townhouse and a beautiful log house overlooking a lake. The last house I viewed was the log house and this is just one of the view you would see.

Red Hook NY Real Estate Market Report - October 2009

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:26:09 -0600

RED HOOK NY REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT - OCTOBER 2009

In the month of October there were seven sales in Red Hook in the single family detached category. Three of the seven sales were over 400,000; it is good to see activity in the part of the market that has been stagnant.

Properties on the market in Red Hook during September ranged from $118,000 - $745,000

So here is the breakdown of the October real estate market in the town of Red Hook, and the village of Red Hook.

DOM AVG LIST PRICE AVG SQFT AVG $/SQFT

ACTIVE 12 19 $374,475 2595 $144

OFFER 1 238 $565,500 3010 $188

OFFER CS 3 284 $284,617 2097 $136

CONTRACT 4 70 $214,600 1350 $159

SOLD 7 131 $429,257 2578 $167

AVG SOLD AVG $/SQFT

$409,664 $159

STREET SOLD PRICE

Orlich RD $187,000

Read Road $219,000

Linden Ave $254,650

Route 9G $ 280,000

Elm Street $482,000

Williams RD $700,000

W. Kerley Corners $745,000

VILLAGE OF RED HOOK NY REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT - October 2009

DOM AVG LIST PRICE AVG SQFT AVG $/SQFT

ACTIVE 2 21 $246,750 1489 $166

OFFER 1 115 $109,900 1300 $85

OTHER MARKET REPORTS - 2009

Red Hook Real Estate Market Report - September 2009

Red Hook Real Estate Market Report - August 2009

Red Hook Real Estate Market Report- July

Red Hook Real Estate Market Report - June 2009

Red Hook Real ERstate Market Report - May 2009

Red Hook Real Estate Market Report - April 2009

Red Hook Real Estate Market Report - March 2009

Red Hook Real Estate Market Report - February 2009

Red Hook Real Estate Market Report - January 2009

Start your search here for homes for sale in the RED Hook NY

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

**** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranted

Data for report obtained from the Mid Hudson MLS

Dutchess County Real Estate Market Report - October 2009

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:18:33 -0600

DUTCHESS COUNTY NY REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT - OCTOBER 2009

SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED

AVG. Median # of Sales DOM Inventory

October 08 $305,897 $275,000 131 128 2249

September 09 $303,491 $270,000 136 130 2074

October 09 $298,982 $265,000 155 128 2027

In Dutchess County NY during the month of October 24 more single family detached properties closed than the same time last year.

The number of months it would take to clear the present inventory is 13.07 months(2027/155) which is an improvement over September's absorption rate of 15.25 months. The current sales dollar volume is up 15.6% over the same time last year, both positive trends.

DUTCHESS COUNTY NY CONDO/TOWNHOUSE MARKET REPORT OCTOBER 09

Single Family Attached (Condos/Townhouses)

AVG. Median # of Sales DOM Inventory

October 08 $239,516 $212,000 26 126 373

September 09 $226,373 $230,000 50 133 382

October 09 $194,708 $183,000 25 111 386

The Single Family Attached Properties (condos, Co-op, townhouses) in Dutchess County NY during October saw a 50% drop in the number of sales when compared to September. And a 3.8% decrease over same time last year.

The absorption rate on the Condo/townhouse market is 15.44 months (386/25) a big difference from last month when the absorption rate was 7.64 months. The current dollar sales volume also was less than 50% of last month and 21.8% less than same time last year.

********

I enjoy living in Dutchess County; and it is a pleasure for me to help consumers with their real estate needs. If you are considering buying or selling real estate please give me a call.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams

Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

*****Data to compile this report was obtained from the Mid Hudson MLS System

Speechless Sunday - Sea Grapes

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:06:20 -0600

These are sea grapes. You will find this interesting plant along the beach in tropical climates. The fruit is green but when ripe turns purple. I can remember that as a child I had fun gathering and eating this unusual fruit.

Take a look at the leaves, they are round large and waxy and this always gets my attention. The wood is also used to make furniture and dye is also a by product of the plant.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

SEARCH FOR A HOME IN DUTCHESS COUNTY

Sellers stop shooting yourself in the foot. Have that Broker's Open House

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:41:56 -0600

Wednesday is a typical Broker's Open House Day in Dutchess County NY. Agents can find these open houses by looking on the Multiple Listing Service; although, not all agents make use of this tool. Most agents will send out email invitations and now and then you will get a direct phone call.

Last Wednesday I saw several homes and each was a different style and price range. I got to thinking about those sellers, although they are in the minority, who refuse to have any sort of open house; to me that is like shooting themselves in the foot.

So here are 5 reason why a Broker's Open is a must:

By holding a Broker's Open House many agents will see the house at once and this will cut down on the number of calls from agents wishing to preview the property for their buyer clients.
If you and your agent had a disagreement on the best price to list the property, agents will provide feedback on how they feel the property is priced in relation to the existing market. Carefully reviewing all feedback can help you and your agent . Sometimes right after an open house there will be a price reduction and that's not an accident.
Agents will also give feedback on property condition and sometimes will volunteer additional ideas on what could be done to make the property more saleable.
When agents come to the open house it will be easier for them to recommend your home to a prospective client. It is not uncommon for an agent to call a client right from the open house to let them know that the property matches their criteria so they should make arrangements to see it ASAP.
A Broker's open house is a marketing tool, Keep in mind that most buyers still seek the assistance of a real estate agent.

So if you resisted having a broker's open house in the past maybe you should reconsider, as doing so could get your property sold sooner.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

SEARCH FOR A HOME IN DUTCHESS COUNTY

A Lovely Red Hook Sunset

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 23:45:44 -0600

This evening while running an errand I came across a beautiful scene. It was just about the time when the sun was setting; I was just going by an open field in Red Hook when I noticed the the colors in the sky and that big ball of fire. At that point I just had to pull over and get my camera out; and I was glad I did because this was truly a magnificent scene.

Start your search here for homes for sale in the RED Hook NY

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

**** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranted

Wordless Wednesday - A Caribbean Delight The Colorful Bougainvillea

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:45:05 -0600

The Bougainvillea is a beautiful plant that comes in a variety of colors; these can be found in California, Florida and the islands. This flower loves sunshine and will do especially well near the ocean.

As winter approaches I am already missing the colorful outdoor plants. I remember when I was growing up we had several colors of the Bougainvillea surrounding the house.

If you happen to have this wonderful plants, here are some tips on the care of the Bougainvillea.

Thanks to Steve Hoffacker's post which made me think of my childhood.

Budds Corner to Pitcher Lane - Red Hook NY

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:42:21 -0600

Budds Corner is located between Route 9 and Route 9G in the town of Red Hook. So named after the Budds family and there are still members of this family residing on this street.

On Budds Corner can be found a couple large farms. I was once told that the corn crop need to be knee high by the the begining of July so when I go by in the summer I make a mental note.

This is also a great spot t to shoot some lovely sunsets.

One of my favorite spot on this road is going by a farm where a gnarly tree stands alone in the middle of the field.

Make a right off Budds Corner on to Pitcher Lane, Here you will find Grandiflora Nusery a popular place for plants a a favorite spots for many with second homes in the area. Next stop is the Greg Farm, a place where you can pick your own fruits; my favorite is Blueberries.

In a Barn on the Greig's Farm you will find Gigi Market, here I find the only brownies I really love; everyone I have given them to agrees.

Next door to Gigi's you will find Alison's Winery.

Enjoy this brief tour of the fall colors from Budds Corner to Pitcher lane.

Start your search here for homes for sale in the RED Hook NY

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

**** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranted

Buying a house in Dutchess County NY - What type of Architecture can you expect to see - Part 8

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:32:16 -0600

When you decide to buy a home in Dutchess County there might be several factors to consider.

Your needs. Do you need a one level home, such as, a ranch because you can't climb stairs or do you want a multi-level home with a bedroom on the first floor?
Are you only interested in older homes?
Are you looking for a house in move-in condition or are you open to a potentially large renovation project?
Where in Dutchess County do you want to live, in a village or a rural town?

First, let us take a look at some of the older architecture to be found in Dutchess County

The Dutch houses are some of the earliest homes in the area (1650-1800) The Luykas Van Allen House (in Columbia county) is an example of a Dutch home. Because the Dutch had great influence on the Hudson Valley region these homes can be found in several counties.

ITALIANATE - 1855-1870

GREEK REVIVAL - 1825 -1855

GEORGIAN - 1700-1790

FRENCH SECOND EMPIRE - 1855-1880's

There are many other types of architecture to be found in Dutchess County however the most common are:

Ranches

Raised Ranch

Split Level

Neo Colonial

Here is a slide show of homes you will see in Dutchess County, the slides are just examples and are not necessarily representations of properties presently listed.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

SEARCH FOR A HOME IN DUTCHESS COUNTY

Speechless Sunday - Sand Dunes

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 07:43:05 -0600

Coastal sand dunes are fragile areas along a beach and are vital to the preservation of beaches as they help to limit soil erosion. The blades of grass keep the sand from getting blown away by the wind.

So when using the beaches what can we do to protect the ecosystem so that future generations can enjoy the scenic beauty?

Avoid walking on the dunes
Don't ride your bikes or any vehicles on dunes

I don't think this is too much to ask.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

Can you believe it! time to set the clocks back

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:05:16 -0500

The saying goes: "spring a head fall back. " Yes on November 1, 2009 at 2:00 AM it will be time once again to set the clocks back one hour. Caution, only in States where Daylight Saving Time is observed.

This is also a good time to make various preparation to deal with the winter weather and to check out safety devices to make sure they are in working order.

Since we never seem to have enough time it will be great to have an extra hour if just for one day.

I don't think many of us wait for 2:00 am to set the clock back, usually you will do this before going to bed. If you have several clocks in the house make sure to change them all. One yearr I did not do this and woke up in a panic because I thought I was late for an appointment.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

SEARCH FOR A HOME IN DUTCHESS COUNTY

Wordless Wednesday - Windmill

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:44:56 -0500

I love to think outside of the box, so while on vacation in Cape Cod last summer I thought a windmill was the perfect measuring tool. I achieved my goal, it made me feel so small.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

Condos in Northern Dutchess County NY

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:52:39 -0500

I would have to say that condos make up a small part of the new and resale market in Northern Dutchess.

Northern Dutchess condos are perfect for people downsizing because they don't want to take care of a house or as an investment made by parents to insure their student have a place to live while at college. Also Popular with young professionals.

1. Condos are governed by covenants and bylaws and are enforced by the condo association. When considering a purchase these documents should be reviewed prior to signing a contract; because you would want to know about any restrictions as well as what the HOA fees include. Some complexes might even have additional rules and regulations

2. Reserved fund - this fund is used to make repairs of common areas. However if a major project is necessary; for instance repaving of the parking lot each unit owner will get a special assessment; this will be added to the monthly HOA payment.

3. Maintenance - there is usually a property management company hired to take care of the complex. It might be a good idea to investigate the management company. I recently listed a a unit which was in excellent condition however the hallway was not well maintained, torn carpet. The owner indicated the work should have been completed months ago but was still not done. This affected the sale , the condition of the hall was a turn off for many potential buyers.

4. Amenities - these differ from complex to complex, ranging from play area and swimming pool to tennis court and fitness center.

5. Storage - Some condos have separate storage units with lockers as well as garage, others have storage in the basement.s

6. Laundry - Some allow washer and dryer in the unit, others have a coin operated laundry in the basement.

Keep in mind you will be living close to someone else so hope and pray you will get along.

Search for Condos in Northern Dutchess and surrounding areas

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

**** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranted

Annandale-on-Hudson - Montgomery Place to Bard College

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:03:19 -0500

In my last post I took you for a ride on River Road to the point where it becomes Annandale -On -Hudson.

Annandale- On -Hudson is a hamlet in the town of Red Hook and it has its own zip-code 12504 and post office housed on the Bard Campus.

On the way, you will go by a well known historic site Montgomery Place with it's beautiful gardens and a working farm.

You will also pass some old buildings that have been restored, then you will start seeing buildings on the Bard College Campus.

Noteworthy sites include the gatehouse, Parliament of reality, Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts and Ward Manor.

Our next tour will include other buildings found on the Bard College Campus.

You could say, Annandale-On-Hudson is mostly Bard College.

Start your search here for homes for sale in the RED Hook NY

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

**** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranted

River Road a designated scenic route - Red Hook NY

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:10:59 -0500

River Road is a very scenic route stretching from Rhinebeck to Red Hook. You really don't have to guess as to which river it is near, the Hudson River of course.

On River Road you will find beautiful homes, estates, farms, open fields and fantastic views of the Catskill Mountain and Hudson River in some spots.

River Road is a route you will take if you get off the Kingston Rhinecliff Bridge and is heading to Bard College or to a performance at the Fisher Center.

On the way you will past the well known Migliorelli farmstand, and Poet's Walk a park operated by Scenic Hudson.

River Road has many bends so you have to be careful not to get too carried away with the scenery. You will get to a crossroad where Barrytown Road crosses River Road which then becomes Annandale Road. Bard College is located in Annandale so my next Blog post will take you from this crossing right to Bard College.

View Larger Map

Start your search here for homes for sale in the RED Hook NY

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

**** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranted

Speechless Sunday - Reach out and touch a cloud

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:50:23 -0500

This looks like it was about to storm but never did. Maybe it was just the time of day the shot was taken, early evening.

Sitting on the white sands, listening to the waves and watching the cloud formation can really make me forget all the stresses in life, if just for a while.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

Saugerties NY one of the 10 coolest towns in the US

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 23:38:16 -0500

Congratulation to the town of Saugerties for being named one of the top 10 coolest towns in the US. Saugerties is located on the banks of the Hudson River and has a very rich history.

Saugerties is known for it's antiques, the very popular Saugerties Garlic Festival, the Winston Farm (site of Woodstock 94) and Hits.

Visiting Saugerties I always enjoyed looking in the antique stores and was also captivated by the wonderful architecture.

Cantine Field is a 127 acres recreation complex where many events are held such as the Garlic Festival as well as a variety of sports.

I have listed and successfully sold two homes that backed up to Cantine Field and was concerned that this could be a negative. To my surprise both homes were sold quickly as I soon discovered that many of the residents wanted a front row seat to the events held at the park.

One thing I discovered about Saugerties is that the residents really love their community and are eager to fill newcomers in. When I had those properties listed near the Cantine Field I went door to door to tell the neighbors about my listings and everyone was welcoming and provided me with valuable information. From this interaction with the community I even picked up another listing a year later from a lady whose door I had knocked on.

So if you want to get-away for a weekend Saugerties is a great destination.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com

SEARCH FOR REAL ESTATE LISTINGS IN SAUGERTIES

Are you really selling any real estate?

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:13:54 -0500

It is very common for people to ask if I am really making any sales in real estate and then to give me that look as if to say, "poor thing. How are you surviving?" I suppose this is understandable when you look around and see all the for sale signs; some having been up over a year.

Yesterday, the question came up several times, starting with a visit to my financial consultant, next, running into someone in the store and then again during a telephone conversation with a friend I had not spoken to for a while. Don't get me wrong, I do send out information when I list and sell properties.

My usual response to such a question would be yes, and I am presently working with buyers and sellers. My problem is, I hate tooting my own horn, although my husband reminds me that real estate is a sales business and a little tooting does go a long way. I am the type of person who would not show up for an award if I knew about it ahead of time, so tooting my own horn is just something that is uncomfortable for me. I prefer providing a a good experience for my clients.

I admire the way my friend Bill Gassett always does a blog after selling a property, so yesterday I decided I would expand on my answer to those asking if I was actually making sales.

And this is how I responded. Yes! I am selling real estate, as a matter of fact, October is not over yet and in the last 3 weeks I sold a property on Elm Street and do you know what was great about that? I saw more properties like the one on Elm St that were priced over $ 400,000 moving; actually a couple pending right now were listed over $700,000.

I sold a ranch in Gallatin on a large parcel and over the last couple months I had many calls from people interested in purchasing it, some who had look at it months before. This too showed me that there were many people who still wanted to own real estate.

Next, I told them about my listing that I had an accepted offer on in 40 days althouugh the days on the market for the area exceeded 100 days.

I thought about it for a moment, and then I said, those 3 transactions in October would account for over 1.2 million dollars of real estate sales. And the reposone to that was: Wow! I guess you are selling real estate.

I failed to mention that these were all non-distressed and cash sales.

So, I just have to drill it into my head that people really like to hear your success stories.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com and www.jfivehomes.com