David Brook’s column in today’s New York Times examines the growing field of positive psychology and the pursuit of happiness. The desire for money to achieve happiness, he says, is disproved time and again, and studies reveal that happiness is not a commodity that can be purchased with an American Express card.
Our government he goes on to say, should pay more attention to what does in fact make us happy – interpersonal relationships and social trust – and not to what can be easily measured and quantified.
This leads me to posit the question: has the government, with all its well-intentioned (albeit ineffective) programs to help struggling homeowners stay in their homes, unwittingly acknowledged that our homes – where meaningful relationships with spouses, children, siblings, parents, neighbors and friends reside — are a principal source of personal happiness? As a homeowner, do you consider your home a vessel of happiness, or a financial asset, like stocks and bonds?
Westchester Real Estate Market Leading Indicator
In the Westchester County real estate market one of the leading indicators we use to gauge where our market is heading is the ratio of active listings to listings under contract. Our full recap is below. Here are a few highlights from the report.
All Price Ranges
- Last year at this time, for every single-family home in Westchester under contract there were 8 active listings
- This year, for every single-family home in Westchester under contract there are 5 active listings.
- The number of Westchester single-family homes in contract has increased 61% over this same time last year
Price Ranges Up to $1 million
- Last year, the only price range with an active/in contract ratio equal to or better than the total market was up to $699,999.
- This year, prices up to $999,999 had an active/in contract ratio better than the average.
Market Overview Report for Westchester Single Family Homes
High net-worth homebuyers are still out there shopping but we are seeing a definite shift in the type of home they are seeking.
While exclusivity never goes out of style, the trend seems to be moving to more discreet luxury. Bigger is not necessarily better for today’s buyers. Attributes such as quality, authenticity, and old-fashioned value have become increasingly important elements in the decision process as well.
One of our newest offerings, The Sanctuary in Bronxville, meets the needs of the new buyer on every level.
This exciting Mid-Century Modernist home, designed by acclaimed architect Frederick Frost, has been brought into the 21st century by the current homeowners, an award-winning architect/designer couple who undertook the masterful restoration and expansion. Sophisticated and elegant with an innate beauty that has graced the village since 1954, the home’s view-filled living spaces, original details, superb craftsmanship and serene surroundings are the essence of luxury living.
Chappaqua comes from the Algonquin word Shah-pah-qa and means the “rattling land”. To residents who know and love it, Chappaqua means natural beauty. Picturesque ponds dot this hamlet, which is located in the town of New Castle.
167-acre Whippoorwill Park is among the seven municipal parks in Chappaqua. Nature trails, baseball fields, tennis courts and a running track keep residents in shape while they enjoy the outdoors.
Artists are truly are inspired by their environment at the Martin Stankiewicz Gallery located at 112 King Street. This innovative gallery exhibits nature as its major theme and a percentage of all sales will be donated to an organization devoted to conservation.
The charming village center, within walking distance to the Chappaqua High School, has a variety of restaurants and cafés. Le Jardin du Roi embodies the charm of Chappaqua both inside the dining room and on the ever-popular porch. Susan Lawrence creates atmosphere and delectable food that can be eaten in the café, or catered in your home. Their cooking classes have an interesting spin and aspiring Martha’s can learn about “The Art of the Summer Dinner Party” on April 22nd.
Chappaqua is situated 35 miles north of Manhattan with easy accessibility to Metro North, the Saw Mill Parkway and is convenient to Westchester Airport and approximately an hour’s drive to international airports.
On this spring-like weekend, take a walk through one of Chappaqua’s nature trails, have a picnic by one of the ponds, or feel the sun on your face as you window shop on Greeley Avenue.
Leading the Revolution
Fresh from attending the annual Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Conference in Las Vegas, I feel a renewed sense of excitement and purpose. This was by far the most content rich conference I’ve attended in several years. I went out early to attend the pre-conference MarTech symposium. The sessions were chock full of great information on social media, the latest technologies and real life examples of innovative real estate brokerages like Long Realty of Tucson, AZ. Next up was the main conference ‘Leading the Revolution’. Three impressive speakers kicked off the event: David Stevens, FHA Commissioner, Ron Peltier, Chairman and CEO of Home Services of America, and Guy Kawasaki, a venture capitalist formerly of Apple computer fame. One word sums it up – WOW! The conference continued with outside speakers and members sharing their secrets to success. I participated in a panel on agent blogging along with Peter Rabitz of Wetag Consulting in Locarno, Switzerland and Sherrie Porter of EWM Realtors in Southern Florida.
Awards Ceremony Winners
The conference ended with two upbeat awards ceremonies. Houlihan Lawrence received the Million Dollar Club Award, having the most closed outgoing referrals with a sales price of $1 million and higher in the entire global network. We also were rewarded for the Top Propopoly agent blog site. Several of our agent bloggers had success stories from their blogging efforts on Westchester real estate topics in 2009. That’s what clinched the award for us.
Liz Nunan, Pam O'Connor, Chris Meyers
Finally, we had a special treat of seeing the Beatles LOVE Show by Cirque du Soliel. Since 2009 was such a challenging year for the real estate industry, it was motivating to see that innovation and entrepreneurship did not wane. All in all it was a fabulous week of top-notch educational sessions, networking with great real estate industry friends, and lots of fun. I can’t wait to implement the many new things I learned!
Now that the sun has finally come out, it’s time to step outside and appreciate the surrounding natural beauty that makes our area so desirable.
Many of our luxury properties offer expansive outdoor porches and terraces with wonderful views - the perfect spots to enjoy the first days of Spring. Here are a few of our favorite outdoor venues from our inventory of luxury homes for sale.
One of the most illustrious homes in Bedford, Sutton Corners Farm was built in 1879 by prominent New York businessman James Sutton – of Sutton Place fame – for his bride, Florence Macy – daughter of retailing magnate, R. H. Macy. Creator of New York’s Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted designed the landscape that they enjoyed from their ivy-covered porch, which still remains today.
The spirit of the Old South inspired the grand veranda at West Wind Farm, which looks over scenic Turkey Hill in North Salem, NY. Anyone for Mint Juleps ?
Long Point in Rumson, NJ occupies a blissful spot on the Navesink River. When the weather warms up, the heated private pool, dock and sandy beach offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy this unique locale.
One of our favorite blogs, Curbed, has expanded into different business verticals, including food, shopping, and travel. Learn how Curbed founder Lockhart Steele turned his passion into a successful business venture.
http://www.businessinsider.com/business-news/mar-12-curbed-2010-3
A survey recently found that women are three times quicker in making a real estate decision than men … women decide intuitively while men are more measured and methodical.
What do you think?
Houlihan Lawrence’s East Fishkill office is proud to exhibit the work of John Jay High School art students.
If you would like to see the creativity of young artists in the making, stop by the East Fishkill office at 1989 Route 52 in East Fishkill.
Their talent is on display through April 8th.
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