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Join the Renovation Generation

0 Comments By Mark Logue on June 8th, 2011
Tags: , , ,      Categories: Buying, Mortgage

Recognizing a “Diamond in the Rough”.

Thinking of buying a home that needs some work, then turning it into a dream home? You are not alone. Savvy buyers everywhere are searching for fixer-uppers with dream home potential.

If you are one of those buyers who can spot the “Diamond in the Rough”, and envision everything that home could become, you may open the door to a wealth of financial advantages:

  • You may get a bargain by paying less than market price.
  • Bargain prices can get you into a more expensive area than you could otherwise purchase.
  • You may be able to buy a larger home than you imagined.
  • Improvements you make can increase the fair market value of your home.
  • The renovated property will be done just the way you want it, reflecting your tastes and serving your needs.

Whatever the condition of the homes you consider – from quick fix to major makeover – you must be able to identify needs, estimate costs, weigh potential, and know when to make an offer. Asking yourself some questions can help:

  • How much money are you able to spend on renovation and repair?
  • How long will the project take?
  • Will your completed home be comparable in value and amenities to neighboring homes, without being overvalued or over-improved for the neighborhood?

When searching for opportunities, it makes good sense to work with a real estate agent. They know their areas well and provide access to multiple listing service resources, both of which can really open up your field of choices.

Persevere, have a clear understanding of your priorities, knowledge of current market values, and a sense of how much effort different types of renovation require. With these things on your side, you have the power to turn a “possibility” into a home that provides comfort, enhanced quality of life, and financial security.

Out and About in Lawrence Park West and Cedar Knolls

0 Comments By Cynthia Landis on May 12th, 2011
Tags: , , ,      Categories: Buying, Events, Market Area, Out and About, Westchester

445ACD282F2E4A4CB9F33B465DF68102 330035 1 1 Out and About in Lawrence Park West and Cedar KnollsDeveloped by one of the founders of Bronxville Village, Lawrence Park West is an area of Yonkers with a Bronxville post office address, and shares many of the physical qualities of nearby Bronxville Village. The plots of land in Lawrence Park are often larger than many of those found in the Village of Bronxville, and the neighborhood has an estate-like quality about it. The physical beauty of the neighborhood is characterized by sweeping lawns, manicured and mature landscaping and stately homes built with quality details from the 1920’s and 30’s. “Just over the border” from Bronxville, the taxing authority is the City of Yonkers, but the amenities of Lawrence Park West rival those of Bronxville in that Lawrence Hospital is around the corner, Sarah Lawrence College is adjacent to the neighborhood and the Bronxville train station is close by.

489D430DF32300F85A2290A8959EFBE0 330035 1 1 Out and About in Lawrence Park West and Cedar KnollsCedar Knolls, also within Yonkers but sharing a Bronxville address, is a designated historic district comprised of 140 homes. Each home is “architecturally distinguished” although there are contemporaries as well as homes dating from the early 1900’s. The Landmark Protection status assures the preservation of the physical beauty of the neighborhood. Cedar Knolls is also renowned for their social gatherings and active neighborhood association.

We are hosting numerous Open Houses in Lawrence Park West on Sunday, May 15 to highlight the attributes of the area.
Please visit our website for a list of all Open Houses in the Bronxville area of Yonkers.

Gallery of Homes Online and Interactive

0 Comments By Frederick Romley on May 9th, 2011
Tags: , , , ,      Categories: Buying, Dutchess, Houlihan Lawrence News, Market Area, Putnam, Westchester

Cover 150 Gallery of Homes Online and InteractiveHoulihan Lawrence’s Gallery of Homes magazine is now available online. The Gallery of Homes is a full color, glossy magazine featuring homes for sale in New York’s Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess Counties.
The Gallery of Homes print edition is currently distributed throughout Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties, and Manhattan street boxes in targeted locations as well as home delivery distribution through the New York Times to select zip codes.
The online, interactive edition of the Gallery of Homes allows viewers to browse homes for sale and easily obtain additional details from our website, houlihanlawrence.com on all of our listings.

Out and About in White Plains

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on May 5th, 2011
Tags: , ,      Categories: Buying, Out and About, Town Guides, Westchester

Like most big cities, White Plains takes on a different pulse in the evening when the warm weather arrives. The streets are alive with residents and visitors happy to be sharing the warm summer night and sense of community that pervades the promenade. 

Longer days and warmer temperatures make the perfect combination for al fresco dining. Mamaroneck Avenue, a main thoroughfare of White Plains, is lined with a plethora of restaurants -  from pubs and sports bars to steakhouses – that offer a great meal outdoors. 

Lazy Boy Saloon on Mamaroneck Avenue is a must-visit if only to see if all it accolades are true – it has been rated as One Of The Top 150 Beer Bars In The Nation, Voted “Westchester County’s hall of fame for best beer selection”, the 21st of the “56 Must Do” things in Westchester County, Best Chicken Wings and Best Place to hear music. 

New to Mamaroneck Avenue is Cheeburger Cheeburger. The lines are long for this national restaurant chain day and night. Ron Blacks and Hudson Grill both offer a convivial atmosphere, a wide selection of adult beverages and food.

At the top of Mamaroneck Avenue is the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, which houses BLT Steak, a well-know Manhattan name, on the street-level of the hotel, while the top floor showcases 42, serving up contemporary American cuisine and panoramic views of Westchester.  

 To check out the nightlife in White Plains, take a look at our video:

 If you would like to live in White Plains and be part of the action, one of these homes for sale offers a close, in town location:

Wimbledon blog 150x150 Out and About in White Plains302 Church Street, #1G. The Wimbledon Condominium offers superb layouts in downtown White Plains just minutes from the Ritz Carlton, transportation and shopping. All new kitchen cabinets, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, marble baths, concierge, gym and on-site parking.

Ritz Carlton Blog 150x150 Out and About in White Plains 1 Renaissance Square, #16B. URBANITE’S DELITE! Live 35 minutes from Manhattan in the sophisticated city of White Plains, located in the center of desired Westchester County. Pamper yourself with the world class services and luxurious amenities of the renowned Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Enjoy top-of-the-world views and fine dining at the 42nd floor restaurant or at other superb fine or casual dining spots in the city and surrounding suburbs. Golf, beaches, upscale shopping, movies, live theater, pubs are steps or minutes away.

Trump Blog 150x150 Out and About in White Plains10 City Place, #30A. Enjoy the life you deserve in the luxurious Trump Tower. This bright, spacious home gives you fabulous views of NYC and magnificent sunsets. This home features a large master bedroom with a walk in closet, large kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances, marble baths and mahogony floors. Offering you all the luxury amenities: 24 hour concierge, doorman, indoor/outdoor pool, tennis courts, outdoor recreation area, fitness center and play area all within a 32 minute express train to Grand Central Station.

The Value of Affiliated Title Agencies

0 Comments By Charles Brundage on May 4th, 2011
Tags: ,      Categories: Buying, title insurance

Consumer Benefits
Numerous industry studies show that consumers save money with affiliated title agencies and enjoy the many benefits of one stop shopping. The benefits to the consumer that uses an affiliated title agency include:

  • Greater convenience
  • Greater accountability
  • Greater speed due to technology
  • Greater competition and competitive costs

Convenience
The convenience of one stop shopping with an affiliated title agency is obvious. Purchasing a home (especially for the first time) is a complicated process with a lot of services and requirements that are thrust upon the buyers. If title insurance and other settlement services can be procured through the real estate agent (someone the buyers trust and feel comfortable with) this will save the buyer the hassle of shopping around and trying to make sense of a service they are no familiar with.

Greater Accountability
Affiliated title agencies provide greater accountability because they are owned or partially owned by the Brokerage. If an affiliated title agency does not provide competitive pricing and services that will reflect poorly on the agent and on the realtor and will in turn be harmful to future business. The Realtor© will not allow this. Affiliated title agencies also have the ability to communicate with the realtor-owner, the agent and other related companies through integrated technology platforms, which allows for speedier transactions.

Significantly Lower Costs
The most comprehensive economic study to date on the costs of affiliated title services vs. unaffiliated title services concluded that title premiums and title-related charges are not higher when an affiliated title agency handles the transaction. (The CapAnalysis Study – released in October 2006) In the case of Thoroughbred Title Services the costs are significantly lower. HUD has also recognized the benefits of affiliated title agencies: “Controlled business arrangements and so-called one stop shopping may offer consumers significant benefits including reducing time, complexity and costs associated with settlements.” (HUD’s July 1994 proposed Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) regulation governing affiliated business arrangements)

Better Overall Experience
Recent consumer surveys also have shown that consumers actually welcome the various benefits and convenience of affiliated settlement services. In a 2004 survey of over 3000 home buyers conducted by Weston Edwards & Associates found that 70% of the homebuyers were either highly likely or likely to use one-stop shopping for real estate purchases. An earlier survey by Harris Interactive found that 64% of home buyers who had recently used an affiliated settlement service had a much better overall experience, while 90% who did not use such services felt they would have had a better home purchase experience with less delays and more convenience.

Fit for a King and Queen

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on April 28th, 2011
Tags: , , , , ,      Categories: Buying, Luxury market, Market Area, Westchester

Will and Kate are giving the monarchy a makeover with their youth, happiness and affection for one another. Luckily, you don’t have to be a King or Queen to live like one.

Here is a selection of a few homes for sale that evoke royalty in both name and grandeur: 

Windsor Court 150x150 Fit for a King and QueenWindsor Court, with its formal gardens and profuse landscaping, would make Prince Charles proud.  Two acres of elegantly designed gardens surround this stately brick residence creating a magical setting for daily living and special events. Interior architectural details abound, with a 2-story entrance hall. The sunken living room has soaring 12’ ceilings with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the covered veranda, which is surrounded by Haddenstone balustrade. The formal dining room comfortably seats 20 guests, and features a marble fireplace and 11’ ceilings. 

3887 Purchase 150x150 Fit for a King and QueenPurchase Manor, sited on more than 3 acres,  features a large stream-fed pond, pool, poolhouse and extraordinary classical gardens. This Georgian masterpiece maintains a majestic presence overlooking the grounds of the Purchase Golf Club. Simply unrivaled for its grand scale and numerous luxuries, the home dazzles with its elegant design, refined living spaces and wealth of resort-level amenities – only 35 minutes from Manhattan. A Christopher Peacock-designed kitchen, grand formal rooms, mahogany-panelled library, wine room, home theater and entertainment/bar room make this the perfect home for entertaining complemented by a beautifully planted English garden overlooking the pond.

Devonshire 150x150 Fit for a King and QueenDevonshire, named after an aristocratic English estate, is impeccably restored to the grandeur of the 1900′s. This stately brick Georgian Manor incorporates 21st century amenities throughout. Extensive equestrian facilities and a park-like setting with a walled garden, gatehouse, guest house and caretaker’s house. An unforgettable backdrop for grand living in one of the East’s most beautiful settings.

Will you be watching the Royal Wedding tomorrow?

Out and About in Mount Vernon

1 Comment By Gay Prizio on April 21st, 2011
Tags: , , ,      Categories: Buying, Out and About, Westchester

Mount Vernon is one of the top ten most populous cities in the state of New York. With many neighborhoods, the city is divided into 4 major sections: The Northside (neighborhoods include Fleetwood, Chester Heights, Huntswood, Estate Manor/Aubyn Estates, and Oakwood Heights); The Southside; Mount Vernon Heights; and Downtown. 

Fleetwood is known as the little village in the big city. With tree-lined streets, tudor-style co-op buildings and 70 shops within a 3 block area, Fleetwood is the ultimate walking community. The Bayou, Buona Sera, Maggie Spillane’s, plus an assortment of cafes, delis and bagel shops keep residents well-fed.    

The Horizon at Fleetwood, a new construction condominium, recently opened its doors for sale. The building features one- and two-bedroom homes, many with outdoor space, and a full array of amenities, including a Fitness Center, Library, Concierge, Package Room, and Rooftop Garden with 360 degree views of Westchester County and New York City.

Mount Vernon is a commuter’s dream. The city offers 3 different Metro-North stations: Mount Vernon East, Mount Vernon West and Fleetwood. The Cross County Parkway, the Bronx River Parkway, and the Hutchinson River Parkway, I-95 and I-87 are all less than a mile from Mount Vernon’s borders, and when headed south, will get you to the city by car in less than 30 minutes.

Here is a sampling of a few single family homes for sale in Mount Vernon: 

8C3BE8A32DAD431F96AE48398C2F05F7 330035 1 1 Out and About in Mount Vernon44 Rockridge Road is a charming, staggered Colonial with a spacious front porch. This home boasts a living room with fireplace, Formal dining room and 3 bedrooms plus a  finishable loft area with room for another full bath. 

4525E9F83C4C415DA1DDB0AE6E295909 330035 1 1 Out and About in Mount Vernon19 Palmer Avenue is a charming brick and clapboard Colonial with new central air-conditioning, and powder room on lower level, large master with bath, new slate walk leading to new entry porch. 

CD64DF174CE04DF79B1F16EDEBCA6FD5 330035 1 1 Out and About in Mount Vernon85 Southfield Lane is a Majestic Turreted Tudor located on a sensational private and lush landscaped property with pool/gazebo/hot tub. Exceptional architectural details throughout including wood molding, stained/leaded windows. This home is one of a kind. Perfect for entertaining.

Out and About in Yonkers

1 Comment By Gay Prizio on April 7th, 2011
Tags: , ,      Categories: Buying, Out and About, Selling, Westchester

Yonkers is the fourth largest city in the State of New York. This urban center started out as a farming town with an active industrial waterfront. Many manufacturing companies that once called Yonkers home are gone but the four majestic miles of waterfront remain intact, and The Office of Downtown and Waterfront Development has created a Master Plan to revitalize the waterfront area.

Further inland, Yonkers is about to have a new destination that will provide entertainment, shopping and restaurants called Ridge Hill. Ridge Hill is an 82-acre mixed-use site, located between the New York State  and Sprain Brook thruways. The first tenant to open their doors is  Cinema de Lux, a 14-screen theater on May6th and Whole Foods is scheduled to open in August. L.L. Bean, Orvis, Sephora, Old Navy and Lord and Taylor are a few of the retailers that will grace Ridge Hill.

Ridge Hill is designed as an outdoor oasis with a Main Street venue and intersecting streets that create a new and vibrant neighborhood being built from the ground up. Monarch at Ridge Hill is the residential component which will ultimately include 4 glistening glass towers and 500 condominiums. Building One is close to completion and buyers are thrilled at the opportunity to live in a neighborhood that provides convenience, walkability, and a modern way of living known as New Urbanism.

Yonkers offers so much for so many. Take a look and listen to residents speak firsthand about their community:

Here is a sampling of Yonkers real estate for sale:

115 3110035 1 Out and About in Yonkers 701 Ridge Hill Blvd #9E, Yonkers, NY 10710 Monarch at Ridge Hill is a New Urbanism luxury condominium community with 1 and 2 bedroom homes featuring open kitchens, stainless appliances, sustainable bamboo flooring and outdoor terraces/balconies. Luxury condo amenities include 24-hour concierge, shuttle to Metro North, fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, golf simulator, wine cellar, cinema room, children’s playroom, and lounge. Walk to the lifestyle center for shopping, dining and entertainment.

Out and About in Yonkers 439 Park Hill Ave Yonkers, NY 10705-2442  You will fall in love with this charming Park Hill Victorian filled with beautiful 19th century details inc. stunning decorative fireplaces, solid oak doors, beautiful millwork and tall windows. 

  Out and About in Yonkers38 Boulder Trail Bronxville, NY 10708  Outdoor terraces have been expanded with new lighting and landscaping. Brand new kitchen with marble counters and stainless appliances adjoins a new family room.

Out and About in Yonkers 91 Warwick Rd Bronxville, NY 10708-5714 Exquisite 1910 William Bates colonial in exclusive Lawrence Park West. Gracefully sited on over an acre of lush private property with resort-like feel.

Out and About in East Fishkill

0 Comments By Gay Prizio on March 31st, 2011
Tags: , ,      Categories: Buying, Dutchess, Out and About

The Town of East Fishkill is located in Dutchess County and encompasses the communities of Arthursburg, East Fishkill, Fishkill Plains, Gayhead, Hillside Lake, Hopewell Junction, Hortontown, Lomala, Pecksville, Shenandoah, Stormville and Wiccopee.

With so many communities, locals interchange the town name of East Fishkill with the community Hopewell Junction. The center of the town is commonly referred to as Hopewell and is a series of stores and restaurants. A few favorites eateries are Cafe Tiramisu;  Hot Bagels (a local favorite for breakfast that makes it own homemade cream cheese) and Pizza Village.

Fishkill is steeped in history and the East Fishkill Society safeguards the cultural heritage of the Hudson Valley. In fact, “Fishkill” comes from the name of the river which the Dutch settlers in the area called “Vis Kill” and means “Stream full of fish”, and there are many opportunities for fishing in East Fishkill.

East Fishkill is proud of it recreation facilities that are located on a 60-acre site that are available both day and night for residents. Six baseball/ softball fields, four with lights; three lighted tennis courts; six lighted basketball courts; two lighted volleyball courts; a lighted roller hockey rink; an all-purpose field for football, lacrosse, etc.; a skateboard park; two concession stands; two “Water Misters” at the playground, two pavilions with picnic tables; a gazebo and picnic area, a three-quarter-mile walking/jogging trail, a lighted ice skating pond.

The East Fishkill Community Center is also located here and is the venue for senior citizen activities, shuffleboard, cards, bingo and nutrition programs. If you want to just relax on warm summer day, minor league baseball goes to bat at Dutchess County Stadium in Fishkill.

The community video will give you a taste of the town straight from the residents.

Here is a sampling of homes for sale in East Fishkill:

T 010B7CF06FCBED4AF5020AE1F1B9F42A 330035 1 1 Out and About in East Fishkill8 Americana Blvd is located in Taconic Estates, and is ideal for entertaining. Open and bright floor plan with dining room overlooking sunken living room with wood burning fireplace.

T 25D853CE31F9430E80C2E5D24BB6840A 330035 1 1 Out and About in East Fishkill25 Bayberry St is one  of the largest lots in Four Corners and one of the few that can accommodate a pool!  This outstanding home boasts a magnificent grand double stairway, huge gourmet kitchen w/breakfast area, 5 burner gas countertop stove with an easy Taconic Parkway commute!

T 09A34E04212940C4BF36847EEEFF4487 330035 1 1 Out and About in East FishkillLees Way is a to-be-built home by John O’Donnell at Taconic Meadows, a new residential enclave bordering exclusive Taconic Oaks. This beautiful Colonial features, family room with fireplace, kraftmaid kitchen with granite counters, crown moulding and hardwood floors in kitchen, dining room, and foyer.

Around the World in a Day

0 Comments By Elizabeth Nunan on March 29th, 2011
Tags: , , ,      Categories: Buying, Dutchess, Putnam, Relocation, Selling, Westchester

LeadingRE Vertical BW Around the World in a DayWherever our clients have real estate needs, Houlihan Lawrence can help. Our affiliations with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, Christie’s International Real Estate, Luxury Portfolio International and Mayfair International offer us experienced and capable partners all around the World.

Just today we’ve:

  • helped a client get one step closer to his dream of owning a vacation home in Puerto Rico.
  • received word of a closing on a client’s property in the Bay Area of California.
  • arranged for rental assistance in Singapore for a client’s daughter.

These types of referrals happen every day in real estate and being so connected means that our clients will work with the best agents in any given area. So if you need real estate assistance outside of the Westchester, Putnam or Dutchess County areas of New York and you don’t know who to call, call Houlihan Lawrence. Let us put you in touch with the perfect agent…anywhere in the World.

For assistance, please call or email our Global Referral manager, Julie Prete, at 914-273-2800 or jprete@houlihanlawrence.com.

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