May 2008 Western New York Real Estate Articles - 05/31/08 10:32 PM
 It has been a busy month of writing for me.  Here is a summary of articles that I have written, including one to celebrate the 300 post on Buffalo Niagara Real Estate & Home Sales in WNY!
 
31: Buffalo Homecoming! Happy to be Here!  31: Open House Sunday June 1 2629 Kusum Court  30: Western New York Investors Report - 5 units or Greater May 2008  29: Amherst NY Multi-family Market Report - May 2008  28: 300 Articles for WNY Buyers, Sellers & Investors...  28: Are you selling your home by yourself?   27: The Great Post Memorial Day Meme  26: Niagara Falls Single Family Homes For Sale - … (5 comments)

Trying to sell your WNY Home by your self? - 05/31/08 08:38 PM
Are you selling your home by yourself?   By Colleen Kulikowski If you are reading this, more than likely you are looking for some answers. Give me a call at (716) 743-5297 today and we can go over these questions together and see if you can get a SOLD sign on your home. If you would like a free Comparative Market Analysis, it would be my pleasure to deliver one to you free of charge.
Can Burying a St. Joseph ensure a home Sale?  By Colleen Kulikowski Wherever you place the patron saint, it appears that miracles do happen. I cannot guarantee by buying … (2 comments)

Western New York Home Staging Advice - 05/31/08 08:33 PM
Should I stage my Western New York home? By Colleen Kulikowski   Many times a staged home assists WNY Buyers to make that personal connection and help them purchase a home rather than a house. In a 2004 survey of Realtors®, almost two-thirds estimated that a staged home kept in show-to-sell condition sells for a price that is between 10% and 20% higher. You have decided to sell you Western New York home. You have a beautiful home that you decorated for your need and reflect your personal tastes. And in that lies the problem. It is deeply personal and it is … (0 comments)

WNY Real Estate Week in Review - 05/31/08 08:25 PM
 

Open House Sunday June 1 2629 Kusum Court
Grand 2 story foyer greets you w/tons of light & ceramic tile floor. Living room with french doors & Berber carpet. Family Room w/gas fireplace, neutral Frieze carpet (10/07). Master bedroom w/glamour bath, walk-in closet & ceiling fan. Basement recreation room w/custom bar area & wine cellar. Back up battery sump pump & house generator. Backyard w/huge 3-tiered deck, pool & hot tub. Professionally landscaped and complete with pet fence. All this on a private cul-de-sac. Perfect for kids at play.
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WNY Market Report
Amherst NY … (0 comments)

Summer Travel Tips with your kids - 05/31/08 04:18 PM
Are We There Yet? Summer Travel Tips for WNY Parents...
By Colleen Kulikowski

It is the summer travel season and car trips (and plane trips too) and traveling with antsy children. It doesn't matter if you are just going twenty minutes or spending several hours heading to Rochester or Elmira traveling with kids can be stressful. It seems that "Are we there yet?" has been issued already more times than your nerves can handle.
I feel your pain. I have now the joy of older children and they have iPods, DVD's and the laptop computer to keep them occupied. The … (3 comments)

How reaching outside of ActiveRain can help you too! - 05/31/08 12:26 PM

 
Last night I attended a Happy to Be Here Happy Hour downtown Buffalo at the Town Ballroom.  Had a blast, the photo is of me and my new friend that I meet through Twitter, Marti Gorman.  Marti just happens to be the organizer behind Buffalo Homecoming that is happening June 26-29 here in Buffalo NY.   You still have a chance to win two tickets on Soutwest Airlines! 
Why do I mention this?
Well I have Brian Brady to thank for this amazing connection.   Brian suggested that I join Twitter.  Within minutes of doing so, there was a group getting … (3 comments)

Your Homes Safety 101 - 05/29/08 09:45 AM
 
Buffalo Home Safety | Changing Your Locks
By Colleen Kulikowski •  Category: Featured Articles, Home Improvement
In all the excitement of searching for a home, getting the sale approved, your home inspected, and all the associated excitement of getting ready to move into your new Buffalo area home. The first thing after you leave the closing you need to change the locks. The house you now call home was for sale, that means that the keys to that home were in many hands. Just think of all the potential people that have had access to the home from the previous … (8 comments)

Benefits of Replacement Windows - 05/29/08 09:32 AM
Replacement Windows in your WNY homes future?
By Colleen Kulikowski •  Category: Home Improvement

Do you need Replacement Windows?
Are you thinking about Replacement Windows in your WNY home?  Here are some quick facts for any consumer thinking about purchasing and installing replacement windows.  At first glance they seem to be simple pieces of glass placed in the wall, but closer attention will bring to light important details.
Energy Savings
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, leaky windows account for 25 percent of the average household energy bill. The Energy Department says homeowners can cut electricity costs by about … (0 comments)

Why is my home not sold? Could it be the listing black hole? - 05/29/08 09:28 AM
How to Avoid the Real Estate Listing Black Hole in Western New York.
By Colleen Kulikowski • Category: Sell my WNY Home
Why it is important to work with a dedicated Professional!
Awhile ago, our team went to a listing appointment with a frustrated Cheektowaga NY property owner. They want to get their home sold, but there has been no activity. They had moved into their new home and are happy there. They have been for a couple of years now. Their listing was up and they wanted to interview us to see if we could assist them in selling their … (0 comments)

Did you hear the news? - 05/29/08 09:12 AM
 By Colleen Kulikowski • Category: Featured Articles, Why Call WNY Home

 
 
Good News for Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Yes, even amid the housing crisis, parts of the U.S. are still expected to post price gains in the coming year, according to Money Magazine.  Check out the CNN/Money Magazine article that not only names Buffalo/Niagara but Syracuse and Rochester too! Here are ten places that made this list!
read more | digg story
 
 
Additional Stories from Western New York:
Buffalo Niagara ranks among the fastest growing real estate markets in the nation Favorite Buffalo Area Real Estate Articles … (0 comments)

Memorial Day 2008 - 05/25/08 06:21 PM
Memorial Day is a time to remember those that served this country and lost their lives. Most people think that Memorial Day is a three-day weekend with party and celebration with friends of family. But do you really know the reason behind Memorial Day? So as you enjoy the Indianapolis 500, BBQ picnics with friends and the official launch of summer, take a moment to remember the reason for the day. To remember those that served our country. So at three o'clock tomorrow, take a moment and pause and pay tribute to those that died in service of our freedom. … (5 comments)

Buffalo Homecoming 2008 Sponsors - 05/25/08 06:00 PM

 
 
 
Buffalo Homecoming 2008June 26-28, 2008
Buffalo NY and Surrounding Communities
 
 
 
 
Albright-Knox Art Gallery - www.albrightknox.org      Buffalo Heritage Unlimited - www.BuffaloHeritage.com     Buffalo Niagara Enterprise (BNE) - www.buffaloniagara.org
Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors (BNAR) -  www.bnar.org      Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy - www.buffaloolmstedparks.org     Buffalo Place - www.buffaloplace.com
Buffalo Spree Magazine - www.buffalospree.com      Buffalo Tours - www.BuffaloTours.org     Business First - www.buffalo.bizjournals.com
Chakra -www.chakracentral.com     Citadel Broadcasting (97 Rock) - http://www.97rock.com/      Cultural Niagara  - www.culturalniagara.com/
Delaware North - www.delawarenorth.com   The Downtowner -- www.thebuffalodowntowner.com    ECMC - www.ecmc.edu
Goulah Design -- www.goulahdesigngroup.com     InfoTech Niagara - www.infotechniagara.org     M&T Bank -- www.mandtbank.com
New … (0 comments)

Western New York Sights.... - 05/24/08 09:49 PM
Western New York is a wonderful place to live. There are so many wonderful places to see! Why not come and explore the beauty and wonder of Western New York this summer? If you are interested in more information about owning a home in Western New York, call me! There are so many wonderful things that you will find here in Western New York and enjoy if given the chance to explore it! Call me at (716) 990-7384 today for information regarding living here in Western New York. … (3 comments)

Western New York Real Estate News & Homes for Sale - 05/24/08 10:06 AM


Favorite Buffalo Area Real Estate Articles
Sometimes I write an article about a specific community (Cheektowaga, Niagara Falls, Buffalo or Lewiston for example) but the information is universal to all Buyers, Sellers and Investors of Real Estate. So don't let my titles stop you from reading the information contained in the article. Also note that if you are a For Sale By Owner, many of my Seller articles will be of interest to you, just like some of the Mortgage and Finance articles will be of interest to Buyers, Sellers and Investors.
 
Western New York Market Report 
(3 comments)

Before you send out your Memorial Day email.... - 05/23/08 11:15 AM
 
Or write that post.  Stop and think for a moment.
I started getting email messages from several Realtors around the country starting on Monday regarding Memorial Day and I am seeing posts pop up around the Internet regarding this somber holiday.  It is amazing how unoriginal so many of these people are.  
Over the years I have gotten on many databases of a variety of Real Estate Professionals.   What is amazing each holiday how similar they all are and how they all ask for business, yet the all lack something....  The only time I hear from these people is on … (8 comments)

Win two tickets on Southwest Airlines!! - 05/21/08 02:21 PM
Use them to come home to Buffalo! We all have great memories here, here is your opportunity to share your inside tips that can make a stay in our community truly special.


The Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau and Southwest Airlines are pleased to announce our "Tell us why you LUV Buffalo" contest.
It is simple!   They want to know what you love best about our region -
your favorite walks your hidden treasures your perfect day your romantic dining spots The winning entry will receive two tickets to anywhere Southwest flies, including Buffalo. So enter now and fly two very … (6 comments)

Western New York News .... - 05/18/08 07:24 AM
Now to the positive news of Western New York:
The Upstate New York metropolitan areas of Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse rank in the top five best mid-sized cities for relocating families, according to a new study.   In cities with population of 600,000 to 1.3 million, Syracuse ranked second, followed by Rochester with Buffalo placing fifth. None of the Upstate markets ranked in the top five a year ago.   Read More >>>>
Tonight, the Bandits held off Portland 14-13 to win the National Lacrosse League's Champion's Cup, the world championship of professional lacrosse, down at HSBC Arena.  Read More >>>>
Jim Locke … (0 comments)

Buffalo Homecoming! You need to make plans now! - 05/17/08 06:54 PM
There is no better time to celebrate and re-discover this increasingly vibrant city, than on June 26 - 29. Visit their website at www.buffalohomecoming.com for the latest news about the four day event! Join thousands of fellow Buffalo enthusiasts at the best event of the year - Buffalo Homecoming. The sense of community alone is worth the visit - but wait until you see all the hidden treasures! Even those who have lived in Buffalo all their life - especially those with a stake in this community -- will find much to discover and enjoy during the Buffalo Homecoming 2008! . … (1 comments)

Buffalo Area Real Estate News... - 05/17/08 06:43 PM
Recent Real Estate News by Colleen Kulikowski wants everyone to know about the Buffalo Area Lilacs, and the fact that CNN - 10 Fastest Growing Real Estate Markets article reports what she already knew!  
Buffalo is where it is at!  There is a lot more to Western New York than Wings, Shakespeare in the Park, Buffalo Zoo and Buffalo Homecoming 2008.  Buffalo New York - Vibrant and Growing Community that I am proud to promote and hope you too can call Western New York home too!  Perhaps you need a Reason to Call Western New York home....
Are you thinking of spending your Summer Vacation … (0 comments)

Top Insurance Companies in Western New York - 05/16/08 10:37 AM
According to Wikipedia:
"Insurance, in law and economics, is a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against the risk of a contingent loss. Insurance is defined as the equitable transfer of the risk of a loss, from one entity to another, in exchange for a premium. An insurer is a company selling the insurance. The insurance rate is a factor used to determine the amount, called the premium, to be charged for a certain amount of insurance coverage. Risk management, the practice of appraising and controlling risk, has evolved as a discrete field of study and practice.?
Buffalo Business … (4 comments)

Buffalo Area Lilacs - 05/15/08 11:06 AM

Spring in Western New York is a great time! One of the things I missed while living in Florida was Lilacs! I don't know if I remember seeing so many lilacs or if I am just aware of them because it is the first time in 20 years that I have experienced them for days. They are everywhere, outside my bedroom window is a bush that was planted by my grandmother, and in almost every yard as I head to my office. They are on the side of the roads, and even in shopping centers. Just another wonderful reason to … (5 comments)

Wheatfield New York Real Estate News - 05/15/08 09:04 AM

 
Get that SOLD Sign! How to Remove Objections for Buyers
It is said that Home Staging is decorating for others. This is so very true! There are a few things you don't want potential Western New York buyers to see in your home on a showing.
There is a benefit to you by removing these items that people object to. Each item in this list creates a strong reaction - positive and negative.
Can you really afford to lose the perfect buyer for your Western New York home because someone saw something that they reacted negatively to?

(2 comments)

Buffalo New York - Vibrant and Growing Community - 05/14/08 09:25 AM
 
 
Buffalo New York - who knew?
 
Buffalo New York once was a vibrant growing community that the press wants to continue to only show the negative.  Did you know that new idustries are transforming the City of Buffalo?  Buffalo's location on a major fiberoptic internet hub has spurred growth in the high tech sector.  The bio-medical field is also expanding with world-class research facilities such as the Hauptman-Woodward Institute.
The Greater Buffalo Area is home to more than 20 colleges and universities including:
University of Buffalo State College at Buffalo Daeman College Niagara University Numerous waterfront developments are … (8 comments)

Shakespeare in Delaware Park - 05/14/08 09:21 AM
 
Shakespeare in Delaware Park
A Buffalo summer tradition since 1976, Shakespeare in Delaware Park has been thrilling local audiences with world-class theatrical productions. It is the country's second most successful outdoor Shakespeare festival in terms of audience, attracting an average of 50,000 patrons each summer. Only New York City draws more attendance for a FREE Shakespeare festival. Our festival takes place in a historic park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, father of landscape architecture, and the nation's foremost parkmaker. Behind the Park's rose garden stands our grand Tudor-Style stage on a sweeping hill of green. In this beautiful setting under … (3 comments)

Recent Real Estate News by Colleen Kulikowski - 05/14/08 08:32 AM
Buffalo Niagara Falls Real Estate & Home Sales in WNY WNY Real Estate Experts & Homes Sales in the greater Buffalo Niagara Region Buffalo NY is one of the 10 Fastest Growing Real Estate Markets Good News for Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Yes, even amid the housing crisis, parts of the U.S. are still expected to post price gains in the coming year, according to Money Magazine. Check out the CNN/Money Magazine article that not only names Buffalo/Niagara but Syracuse and Rochester too! Here are ten places that made this list! » Read more... Five Reasons Your Home is For Sale … (0 comments)

Recent WNY Market Reports - 05/11/08 10:43 PM
Lockport NY
There are currently 216 active Single-family homes for sale with an average list price of $110,529. 
 Lockport NY Real Estate Single-family home sales report May 2008
North Tonawanda
Currently there are 101 single-family homes for sale and there are 14 pending sales in North Tonawanda with an average list price of $109,108.
North Tonawanda Single Family Market Report - May 2008
Hartland NY
Currently there is 1 pending sale and 20 active single-family homes for sale in Hartland with an average list price of $131,755.
Hartland NY Single-family homes for sale May 2008 Market Report
 Clarence NY
There are … (6 comments)

CNN - 10 Fastest Growing Real Estate Markets - 05/07/08 09:33 PM
 
For all those doomsayers about Buffalo, it seems that CNN Money says otherwise.  CNN compiled their 10 Fastest Growing Real Estate Markets.    The state of New York seems to be be the big winner with Four of it's cities making the list -- Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Rochester and Syracuse.  
Interesting conversation is over at Buffalo Rising's post today about how Buffalonians see it... 
Buffalo/Niagara Falls New York
12-month forecast: 2.4% Median home price: $105,000 One year price change: 1.6% Five year price change: 24.5% Change in foreclosure rate: 14% Rochester, New York
12-month forecast: 2.7% Median home price: $121,000 One … (6 comments)

Creekwoods - Amherst NY 14228 - 05/07/08 05:27 PM

Creekwoods in Amherst NY is a community of multi-family and single-family homes. Just minutes to the business park, shopping and all that Amherst has to offer. Situated in the Sweethome School District and a short drive from the University of Buffalo Amherst Campus makes this community popular. Popular with investors and first-time home buyers as the two-family units provide a steady income. Interested in more about this community? Please give me a call at (716) 990-7384.
 

Colleen Kulikowski is your Western New York Real Estate Expert focusing on Buffalo and Niagara Falls neighborhoods of Western New York.  If you are … (2 comments)

April 28th Gathering at the Empire Grill - 05/07/08 03:37 PM

Here are the photos from the April 28th gathering at the Empire Grill in Buffalo NY... The count down is upon us for the Buffalo Homecoming Celebration. If you are interested in voluteering for this great event, please leave a comment below and we will be in touch with you. Buffalo Homecoming is June 26-29 and is everything about Buffalo NY and showcases the best, the brightest and most innovative things happening in Western New York. Visit their website at www.buffalohomecoming.com … (0 comments)

For Sale By Owner Information For Western New York Sellers - 05/05/08 01:58 PM
Your home’s marketing plan There is nothing more frustrating that having your home on the market and not getting showings? In this highly competitive market there are choices for Western New York buyers to choose from. They are open to the possibilities and location. If they start their search in Lewiston, they may seek out Youngstown, DeVeaux Section of Niagara Falls and even explore Cambria or Wheatfield as options for their new home. Ineffective Windshield Advertising by Owner This is an interesting advertisement that I found on my car after an Investor Meeting in Cheektowaga this week. For $45,000 you can … (4 comments)

Mortgage & Finance Articles for Western New York Buyers and Sellers - 05/05/08 01:46 PM
How to Keep Your Mortgage Approval As a buyer you need to remember that a mortgage is conditionally approved, with the lender reserving the right to re-verify credit, income, assets and employment at anytime. The lender may cancel the loan if there are any adverse changes to your qualification status. Just because you have your mortgage approval letter does not mean you will be able to close on your home purchase. What happens after your mortgage approval may affect your eligibility. Why you should pre-qualify for a mortgage before you start your WNY home search! You might have an idea of … (2 comments)

May 2008 Market Report Amherst NY - 05/05/08 01:37 PM
Living in Amherst NY you are ideally situated to the best of all of Western New York.  Head north to Niagara Falls and south to the city of Buffalo.  As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 116,510.  The Town of Amherst encompasses most of the Village of Williamsville. The town is by the northern part of the county and borders a small section of the Erie Canal. The town is the largest and most populous suburb of Buffalo.
The single family market report as of May 5, 2008 is as follows:
There are currently 97 active single-family … (0 comments)

May 2008 Market Report for Real Estate in Grand Island NY Single-family homes - 05/03/08 09:10 AM
Here are some facts for the Grand Island Real Estate Market:
Of the 93 active homes for sale they are listed for an average of $259,933 Over the past 30 days there have been 15 closed sales on Grand Island with an average closed price of $193,933 and spending an average of 53 days on the market (DOM).Year to date there has been a total f 57 homes sold on Grand Island with an average sold price of $182,221 (62 DOM) Thinking of selling your Grand Island home? Interested in finding out the current market value of your Grand Island home? Then … (1 comments)

May 2008 Market Report for Real Estate in Wheatfield NY Single-family homes - 05/03/08 09:07 AM
Currently here is the statstics as of May 1, 2008 for Single Family homes in Wheatfield NY:
There are currently 8 pending and 88 Active listings in Wheatfield with an average list price of $196,495. In the past 30 days there have been 8 single family homes closed in Wheatfield with an average sold price o $185,500 and spending an average of 58 days on the market (DOM). Year to date sold homes in Wheatfield total 26 closed sales with an average of $173,274 (61 DOM). Thinking of selling your Wheatfield NY home? Interested in finding out the current market value of … (0 comments)

May 2008 Market Report for Real Estate in Lewiston NY Single-family homes - 05/03/08 09:05 AM
In Lewiston NY there are many great homes for sale and in this desirable community there are currently:
There are 84 homes for sale and 4 pending/under contract - average list price of $211,164  In the 30 day period April 1-May 1, 2008 there were 13 closed sales with an average sold price of $170,746 spending an average of 71 days on the market  Year to date there has been 31 homes sold in Lewiston with the average home sold for $172,374 and spending an average of 60 days on the market.   Thinking of selling your Lewiston home? Interested in finding out … (0 comments)

Creekwoods Community Clean Up Day - May 17 - 05/03/08 08:59 AM
The Creekwoods Association in Amherst NY is sponsoring their 3rd annual community clean-up on Saturday May 10th with a rain date of May 17th.  The supplies will be provided by the town of Amherst.
Time:  10am - ?
Where:  The Sweet Home Food & Beverage StoreCorner of Sweet Home and Pheasant Run
Join the Creekwoods Association by sending a check for $5 for your household with the following information:
Name of Owner/Spouse Address Email Address Phone numberCheck should be made out to Creek Woods Associaiton and mailed to:
Gerald Gardner, Treasurer
89 Oakview DriveWilliamsville, NY 14221creekwoodsassociation@yahoo.com
or if you prefer, bring your check to the Creek Woods Cleanup … (0 comments)

Recent Western New York Real Estate News - 05/01/08 10:28 PM
Mortgage & Finance - Why you should pre-qualify for a mortgage before you start your WNY home search!»
You might have an idea of the loan payment and mortgage you can afford in Western New York. Lending requirements are changing rapidly in today's market so the bank might not agree with your thinking. Do you really want to find the absolutely perfect home only to find out you cannot get the mortgage for it?
Niagara County - DeVeaux Homes Market Report April 25, 2008»
The Real Estate market in DeVeaux is heating up since the prior market report. Here is a summary of what … (4 comments)

 
Colleen Kulikowski (MJ Peterson) Rainmaker_large

Colleen Kulikowski

Amherst, NY

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MJ Peterson

Address: 501 John James Audubon Parkway, Amherst, NY, 14228

Office Phone: (716) 650-0051

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