Buffalo, Amherst, Clarence, NY Real Estate and Other Stuff...

Clarence NY Homes for sale and Market Report

Fri, 29 May 2009 17:43:47 -0700

Clarence NY Home Sales and Market Report By buffalorealestate As of Friday May 29, 2009 the current market report for Clarence and Clarence Center, NY for the last 30 days : SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL HOMES Currently there are 203 active listings on the market.Lowest price: $107,000Highest price: $1,700,000Average Price: $408,909 There are 14 pending home sales and 13 under contract.2 homes have closed within the past 30 days. Average sales price of the homes that have closed was $315,000.The average number of days on market was 42. More information on Homes for sale in Clarence or Clarence Center, NY 14032, This information was taken from the Buffalo-Niagara Multiple Listings Service and is deemed to be accurate, but not guaranteed.

What keeps me running

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 16:04:19 -0800

I am fairly new at running which is an accomplishment for me since I am over 50. Last June, I started a diet and exercise program where I just walked leisurely on the bike path near my home in Buffalo, NY. Soon, I started to wonder if I could run "from here to there." It was tough. I was out of breath. One day, my daughter gave me her old IPOD with a NIKE sensor that plugged into the IPOD and a sensor that went into my shoe. She showed me how to download all my CD's on the IPOD (All my favorite 70's music, and some current stuff too). All I had to do was set the distance, pick some music and GO! The music makes it much easier to keep going, and the NIKE chip keeps track of my progress. Every once in a while Lance Armstrong will come on after a run and tell me "Congratulations that was your personal best time for the mile" or some other recognition. Somehow using this motivates me to keep going! I have since run more than 100 miles, and was inducted into the NIKE 100 mile club. In November, I ran my first race, the 8K Turkey Trot. I finished in 56 minutes. Not bad for a beginner. Since then, I have been running 3 miles a day on my treadmill since it has been so cold. One unseasonably warm day when it hit 60 degrees, I again took off on the bike path. To my surprise I could run the whole 3 miles section of the path without stopping! Quite a difference from when I first started. When the weather gets a little warmer, I plan to sign up for some more races. I even bought my husband his own Nike Sensor. The results so far have been amazing. I have lost 35 lbs and feel great! I never thought I would be a runner! http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/?l=runners,goals,150288566,1626274817

February Buffalo, NY Attractions

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 15:04:45 -0800

Buffalo Auto Show at the Buffalo Niagara Convention CenterFebruary 6-10http://www.buffalocars.com/The Buffalo Auto Show is filled with the newest cars, trucks, and concept vehicles. Fun for the whole family.February 9-10 2008Town of Cheektowaga Winter Recreation Celebrationhttp://www.town.cheektowaga.ny.us/Live Music, Fireworks, Public Skate, Chili Cook off and more!February 10, 2008Town of Clarence Winterfest 2008http://clarence.ny.us/#item2Fun for all! Includes ice skating, sledding, petting zoo, bonfire, food and more.February 13, 2008Amherst Meals on Wheels Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiserhttp://www.amherst.ny.us/news/events.asp4:00 - 6:30pmTickets - $7Dinner will include spaghetti and meatballs, salad, bread and butter, dessert, and coffee, tea or soda.Take out available.370 JJ Audubon Pkwy.Amherst, NY 14228 636-3065All proceeds benefit Amherst Meals on Wheels clientsSponsored by Bristol Village and Bristol Home Also Check out these Attractions:ALBRIGHT-KNOX ART GALLERY1285 Elmwood AvenueBuffalo, NY http://www.albrightknox.orgAQUARIUM OF NIAGARA701 Whirlpool StreetNiagara Falls, NY http://www.aquariumofniagara.orgTHE BROADWAY MARKET999 BroadwayBuffalo, NY http://www.broadwaymarket.com For more information on these or any other attractions or events in Western New York, please call or email me!Mary BuchnerRealty USA(716) 634-4200Serving Buffalo, Amherst, Clarence, Williamsville, NY and all surrounding communities.http://www.wnyhomes2go.com

What else do you do to market a property?

Thu, 31 May 2007 09:18:37 -0700

I have been working hard to sell a nice house in Clarence New York. It shows well, has a nice floor plan, but it has not sold yet, (my guess is because it is on the bike path) and it needs some updates. We have reduced the price, held open houses, sent out postcards, told numerous other agents, put it on line on quite a few websites, advertised it in the paper and real estate magazines. And of course it is listed on the MLS. I am running out of ideas. Besides lowering the price is there anything else I can do?

Do you ever feel guilty?

Wed, 30 May 2007 14:46:31 -0700

I took the day off today. I had no appointments, the weather was sunny and 80's. Other things could wait until tomorrow. I went shopping. I bought flowers. I sat out on my deck. Then my cell phone rang and it was Mr. Seller. He wanted to know exactly what I was doing to sell his home and how I was handling other agents and why is it taking so long to sell.... He made me feel guilty.I felt guilty that I was sitting on my deck reading a magazine, and not figuring out some way to sell that house! I know that was irrational because I work hard practically 7 days a week! I know I deserve a day off. Do any of your clients make you feel guilty?

Give a Perennial instead of a Poinsettia

Tue, 29 May 2007 15:40:35 -0700

I was recently reading a post about closing gifts. This could work as a closing gift in the warmer weather, but I do this instead of giving a holiday gift. Every year around this time I go out and buy some small pretty perennial flowering plants. I wrap the pot in colored foil and staple my business card on it. Then I deliver them to past clients. The investment is under $5.00 each. My intention is to have my clients plant them and then think of me every year when they bloom in the Spring! I like this much better than delivering Poinsettias at the Holidays. Most people are so busy over the holidays (including me) with shopping and parties that they probably don't have enough time to appreciate or acknowledge who the poinsettias came from. Not to mention, that getting a gift at this time of the year is totally unexpected.

Wondering If I should keep breaking my back...

Sat, 19 May 2007 16:38:23 -0700

Every year since 2003 I have been prospecting by lining the street with American flags around Memorial Day.I put one flag in front of every single house near the curb on 5 streets in my farm area with my business card attached. I usually end up putting about 250 flags out. I get up early in the morning and am usually done in a few hours. When it is done, it looks great! (But my back and legs hurt for the next week from all the bending!) I have tried to hire my own children to do it for me but of course, they are too busy. The thing is, everyone knows me as the "flag lady", but I do not get any business from it. This is not the only prospecting I do either. I try to send at least once piece out every month with my picture on it.This year I am contemplating whether it would be better to take those flags to our community Memorial Day parade and pass them out rather than "breaking my back" lining the street. What do you think? Or should I forget the whole flag thing altogether and try something new?

Texting for Pizza and Tuxedos

Mon, 14 May 2007 14:13:31 -0700

I recently attended a few GRI classes and picked up a piece of information that I think is neat and I use it quite often.Have you ever been out of town and wanted to know where are the nearest pizza places or your favorite chain restaurant? Need to find a bookstore? Whatever your needs are, you can send a text message to google and it will send you back a text message with the infomation. For example, You want to find out where the nearest pizza place is. All you have to do is go to your cell phone, open up new text message, google to # 46645. In the text area, type in Pizza (space) zip code. Like this: Pizza 14221 Then press send. In a few minutes, you will get a text message back with the names, addresses and phone numbers of the nearest local Pizza places! It also works with names. Like this: Smith 10032 send. I recently used it to find a tuxedo shop in the area. You can also do a reverse search if you know the zip code: type in the phone number for example like this: (area code and phone number with no spaces then a space then the zip code) 5551112222 10032 and hit send and it will come back and tell you the name and address of the person who called. Try it!

Rent vs. Buy? A thought for Buffalo area college students and their parents

Sun, 13 May 2007 14:17:28 -0700

A family member recently moved here to attend the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School.Being a realtor and knowing the area very well, she asked me to help her find a small apartment. She was tired of living in dorms and with roommates so we did not check out any University housing. First of course, I checked the Multiple Listing Service to see what was listed. There were some nice condos and apartments for rent, but the rent was higher than she could afford. Next we checked the classified ads in the newspapers and were surprised to find only a few apartments in the area that she wanted to be in and in the price range.Then we scoured the "Apartment Finder" magazine that is always available at the Supermarket. There were several choices in there that we are going to check out, but the rent still seems too high for a College student on a budget with loans. Next, we decided to check out "Craigs List." There we also found a few possibilities. I just have to wait to hear back from the owners to set up the appointments. As we were coming to the realization that she might have to spend more for an apartment than she wanted, I decided to take out my real estate calculator and find out if it would be feasible to actually buy a small condo, and still pay the mortgage, association fees and taxes. It turns out that we could probably BUY for about the same amount as rent or less! HMMM..... something to definitely think about!Buying would definitely be a great investment because at least she would be accumulating some property equity and tax advantages instead of throwing her money away on rent. And with the condo being near the University, she could always rent it out if she decides to move out of the area or possibly make some money when she sells it in the future. If she gets a 2 or 3 bedrooms, she can also rent out a room or two and that would help her pay the mortgage. Of course we are just starting our search and we will look at all posibilites, but for anyone considering getting an apartment in the University area, buying is definitely an option to look at. For more information on Buying vs. Renting, please contact me at buffalorealtor@gmail.comVisit my website! http://www.wnyhomes2go.com

What to do in Clarence, New York

Fri, 11 May 2007 14:51:49 -0700

Looking for a quaint and fun place to spend a few hours? Clarence Hollow is a little section of Main Street in Clarence, New York, that runs between Salt Road and Goodrich Road. This area is home to restaurants, museums, gift shops, antique shops, cafes and historic buildings. Dubbed the "Antiques Capital of Western New York," Clarence Hollow is located along Route 5 - Main Street and it is home to many antique shops, like Kelly Schultz Antiques, Antique World Co-op and Antique World Flea market. Don't miss the Great American Garage Sale at Antique World held once a month from May through October. If it's farm fresh produce you are after, the Clarence Farmers' Market is sure to please with a changing selection of fresh produce, honey, maple syrup, jams, jellies, chocolates, baked goods, flowers, and crafts. You can even taste a different wine every week. It is held every Saturday morning (rain or shine) from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM from June 2 to October 27, 2007. Located at 10717 Main Street between Ransom and Salt roads, there is always something going on for everyone - like music and dancing, animals, and demonstrations.Grab a seat along the curb and be part of the community while you help celebrate at the annual Memorial Day Parade! Or plan your picnic and attend the "Day in the Park and Fireworks." The Clarence Hollow Association has done a great job planning and organizing many special events for 2007. Be sure to check them out and find out why Clarence Hollow is a neat place to visit.For more information on Clarence, New York, Clarence Hollow or any suburb in the Buffalo region, please contact me at buffalorealtor@gmail.comAlso visit my website! http://www.wnyhomes2go.comMary BuchnerRealty USA(716) 743-5862

Post other people's listings on Craigslist?

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 09:17:14 -0700

I recently saw on of MY listings posted on Craigslist through another Real Estate Company. It is listed in the MLS, but can they do that?

Clarence Center - Small town atmosphere

Thu, 15 Mar 2007 15:40:31 -0700

I live in Clarence Center, New York. It is a suburb of Buffalo, NY. What I like about living here is that it feels like a small town, but drive 5 minutes away, and you can get anything you want. One cool thing about Clarence Center is the bike path. It used to be railroad tracks. They call it the Peanut Line. You can take that path up to Clarence Center 4 corners where you will find The Clarence Center Coffe Company, Clarence Center Preschool and Child Care, The bank, and a gift shop. Also nearby is a shoe shop, Ohlson's bakery, a consignment shop, Kenyon's (which is a gas and convenience store). Ride your bike a little further and you can visit Big Singh's Ice Cream shop, get your hair cut at the Classic Barber Shop, or get some Pizza and wings at Pizza Inn. You can even stop in to talk to the Sheriff at the Erie County Sheriff's Office. If you are in better shape than me, you can ride your bike to the Clarence Library and Town hall. A little further up the bike path is the Clarence Soccer Fields. Go the other way on the bike path, and you are a short walk (or bike ride) from the Meadowlakes Park. They have tennis courts, basketball, swings, a playground area, little league fields and a covered pavillion there. Keep going and you will hit Transit Road and get to yet another ice cream shop (Pautler's)!The bike path is very pleasant whether it is Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter. It winds behind homes, parks, and woods. It is about 6.1 miles long and goes from Transit Road in Clarence all the way up to Newstead . You can always find people and families out running, rollerblading, dog walking, power walking, and even cross country skiing on that path. What I like is that my children were able to go to the "candy store" with their friends, or out for ice cream, or to the park. Sometimes when people live in a suburb or in a sub-division, you have to drive to get places. I think that living near the bike path in Clarence Center, NY is great.

Home for sale in Clarence Center, New York (Buffalo Area - WNY suburb)

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 15:40:27 -0800

Great new home for sale in Clarence Center, New York If you need room, this house has it 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Colonial in demand neighborhood near Meadowlakes park, Clarence schools. Close to everything: shopping, restaurants, entertainment, schools, University @ Buffalo, and easy access to all highways and the Thruway. Clarence Center is a little town (In Clarence, NY) where you can walk to the mini mart/gas station, use the bike path for biking, roller blading, cross country skiing or a leisurely walk. There is a cute and famous little cafe called the "Clarence Center Coffee Company, a bakery, a gift shop, a shoe store, a hair salon, a barber shop, a soft ice cream shop, a library, the town hall and a few parks and playgrounds. The local sherif's office is just off the bike path. There is a child care center, and a bank all within about a mile. Clarence Center is the kind of place that reminds you of "home". It brings back childhood memories. Everyone is friendly. The local volunteer fire department even puts on a fair every summer and a halloween party every Halloween. Sounds kind of like "Mayberry" but it is a 5 minute drive to all conveniences to major supermarkets like Tops and Wegmans, Restaurants and Entertainment.... Live the good life! Call today for your own private showing. 716 743-5862

BUFFALO, CHICKEN WINGS AND THE SUPERBOWL

Sun, 04 Feb 2007 08:39:17 -0800

BUFFALO, CHICKEN WINGS AND THE SUPERBOWL I went grocery shopping at Tops Supermarket yesterday and that was probably not the best thing to do. There was no place left to park in the parking lot and I had to drive around and stalk people as they were leaving the store - much like on Black Friday at the mall. I, like everyone else in America, had to pick up some stuff for our little superbowl get together. Once I managed to park, and got into the store, it didn't seem so bad. First the deli, no line there. Then to produce, not bad there either. I was wondering where everyone was, considering all the cars in the lot. I found out soon enough when I got into the "snack" aisle. Forget pushing your grocery cart down there. It was wall to wall people. It was like a sale in Filene's basement with shoppers grabbing chips and Fritos and peanuts as fast as they could. The shelves were rapidly becoming empty as people grabbed first and looked later. I got right in there and emerged victoriously with two bags of Lays potato chips, a bag of Fritos and a jar of dry roasted peanuts. Now, all I had to do was pick up a few more items and I was out of there. Down the condiments aisle I went, and up dairy aisle. So far so good. Now the only thing left was the Beer........... As I turned my loaded cart full of calories I saw them: the people waiting to get in the Beer Aisle. That little road was even more congested than the snack aisle and it was at that point that I decided that if my husband needed more beer, he could go out and get it himself. What a nice wife. Finished shopping all that was left was to checkout. Oh no.... more lines. Somehow I lucked out and got in a short lane. I quickly found out why. The cashier was about 86 and was moving about as slow as traffic during rush hour. Finally done, I walked out the door to find a snowstorm! Anyway, being from Buffalo and having had our Buffalo Bills go to four super bowls (I know, they didn't win - but it was fun) I feel like bragging a little about our Buffalo chicken wings. I have lived and traveled around quite a bit, but the wings here are the best. I have had wings from the Anchor Bar and lots of the many bars and restaurants around here. Every summer we have the "Taste of Buffalo" and I have sampled many delicious versions of the chicken wing. I haven't been to the National Chicken Wing Festival yet, but I will get there this year for sure. Right now, living in Clarence, New York, (a suburb of Buffalo) some of our favorite places to get wings are Pizza Inn, Brennan's Bowery Bar and Just Pizza. As a matter of fact, I better go order them now!

"YOU WOULD THINK THAT THEY WOULD AT LEAST HAVE PAINTED THE FRONT DOOR!"

Wed, 10 Jan 2007 14:05:43 -0800

YOU WOULD THINK THAT THEY WOULD AT LEAST HAVE PAINTED THE FRONT DOOR!" Current mood: amused I recently listed a beautiful home for sale. As I was walking through prior to the listing, I made suggestions to Mr. and Mrs. Seller as to what they could do to make their home more appealing to buyers. Mrs. Seller asked me to give her a list of what to do. Upon leaving, I left her a 3 page list of "To Do's." Now, most of these suggestions were very easy to do, like tidying up the laundry room, putting away the laundry, removing all the papers and magnets off the front of her refrigerator, and clearing the tops of her countertops. Mrs. Seller was appreciative of the "the list". Mr. Seller, on the other hand, grumbled and said under his breath, "I feel like you are my mother giving me chores to do!" His jobs were a little harder, like paint the front door, fix the molding around the garage entrance, plant some flowers. Mr. and Mrs. Seller went to work and got everything done before our open house, except for painting the front door. The house sparkled. Everything was put away and it showed like a model home. After the open house, Mr. and Mrs. Seller were anxious to find out what the lookers had to say. I gave them all of the feed back and most of it was good. I also told them that almost everyone who came through that front door said something like "you would think that they would at least have painted the front door". THAT DOOR WAS PAINTED THE NEXT DAY. To make sure your property competes successfully against all other homes in your market area and price range, please consider the helpful tips (not chores) I have included here. Start Inside - pretend that YOU are the buyer. Look at your home from that point of view. *Do you see rooms with too much furniture in them? *Are the tops of tables covered with knick knacs? *Are the bookshelves stuffed to the brims? *Is that turquoise and pink paint peeling? *Is the wallpaper peeling and are the borders falling down? *Kitchen counters - is there so much stuff on them that you can't see them? *If someone opened your oven door would they gag?*Are the cupboards so packed that they look crowded? *Are there toys in every room? *Newspaper and magazine piles? *Check the bathrooms - is the wallpaper peeling, the tile cracking and do you really need 10 different kinds of shampoos, conditioners and hairsprays? *Check your closets - If you still have everything in there from when you went to high school, you have too much stuff - space is what we are looking for here. *Are the doorknobs falling off, the faucets dripping? *Do all the lightbulbs work? *Check floors - carpeting, tile, wood, vinyl - is it in good condition? Does it need cleaning? * Family photos are nice, but do you want everyone looking at them or your home? *Let's talk pets. If you have one, (or two or three) your buyers don't want to smell them. Make sure you take care of all odors - (sniff your sofa, rugs, litterboxes). *Let the sun shine in! Wash the windows and open up those drapes/blinds.For more staging advice or if you have a question about some aspect of selling your home, please visit my website, or email me!http://www.wnyhomes2go.com/Mary