In New York, attorneys prepare real estate contracts. I’m no fan of this, but when in Rome, well, you know. I am involved in one particular transacton where contracts have been held up for a month while the buyer’s attorney contemplates her navel. This morning, after reading an email from this lawyer, I had enough. […]

Straight talk for consumers:  When you hire a real estate agent, in the eyes of New York law, you are hiring their brokerage. The broker, owner or manager is directly accountable to you, and is, by contractual obligation, the “go to” guy if something seems amiss. In a sense, you are quasi-married for the term […]

What can you buy in White Plains, New York for $400,000? I’ll tell you.  $400,000 could get you a great 2 bedroom 2 bath ranch on a quiet street with a stucco/tudor exterior, beautiful pre-war appointments inside, such as a gorgeous woodburning fireplace, hardwoods, wood trim, and glass doorknobs like the one we just closed […]

What can you buy in Chappaqua, NY for $443,000? Well, just today a buyer found out. They closed on my listing at 374 Quaker Road in Chappaqua and they got a 3 bedroom ranch in move in condition with a new granite and stainless steel kitchen, 2 new bathrooms, a den, formal dining room, and […]

I was recently asked by Bob Stewart of Active Rain on how I’d raise the standards of practice in the real estate industry, a discussion which raises passions among my colleagues. I didn’t have a thought; I had about five thoughts. Higher licensure standards, better oversight by local boards and many other things are often discussed. […]

At the risk of sounding like a stereotypical 40-something whining about the utility company, I have to ask who is at the wheel of these work crews Con Ed has working in my neighborhood.  Obviously, some digging in the road is required this week, and that means the usual trucks, diversions, and jackhammers. No problem […]

A not so deep drilling of sales data from the Empire Access MLS yields some interesting information on how 2011 stacks up to 2010 in the Westchester County single family home sector.  In April 2010: 284 sales, median price of $590,000.  From Janurary 1, 2010 through April 30, 2010: 1041 sales, median price $598,500. In […]

Mr May (I love saying that-it evokes an image of him on a calender in a Chippendale get up) has thrown down a challenge to me, sharing that my recent idea on blog radio (not really radio…it was the Interwebs) of making a game of things like blog subscribers has inspired him to catch up, […]

I am told that Westchester County property taxes are the highest in the nation. After reading this article in the New York Times on the effects of tax grievances in the County, I was inspired to make the following comment:  People aren’t grieving their taxes because of the companies selling the service; companies are selling […]

I’m a foodie for sure. One of the great things about Westchester County is our vast array of incredible cuisine, and other than a good steak house my preference will always be Italian. This past week I had the good fortune to enjoy lunch with a fellow broker at Angelina’s of Tuckahoe, a wonderful place […]

There is nothing in the water in New Rochelle; this is just an English Mastiff, all of 250 pounds, that I met this past weekend while showing its master’s home. I have never seen a dog this big. Never. He was just huge. This pooch was quite a gentle giant, however, and happily let me […]

New York Foreclosure Settlement Conferences I attended a foreclosure settlement conference today with a client whose house is listed with my company as a short sale. There was some understandable anxiety about the event, so I went to be a supportive advocate. As daunting as the name may sound, they are in place to ensure […]

I’ve seen crazy stuff in homes before. I really have. I’ve seen a basement pool table filled with sand and hundreds of plastic soldiers carefully placed upon it to re-enact a battle in the Civil War. I’ve seen people who had more photos of their kids than exposed wall. Nude art? Dime a dozen. Personal documents […]

I will be holding 3030 Johnson Avenue, Unit 2G open today, May 7 from 1-3 pm. The unit is a very cute 1 bedroom starter with an updated kitchen and bath, dining area, and spacious open living room. Riverdale is truly one of the jewels on the crown of New York, with a fantastic walk […]

I was referred by a current client (I love referrals) to a family member who wanted to know what his condominium in White Plains might be worth. It is a nicely renovated unit he bought last year, but it is in a small building with fewer than 50 units and was built prior to World […]

We have had the good fortune to receive some cash offers submitted on company listings recently. Cash is nice; no mortgage, no appraisal, no banks, and fewer headaches. Agents who submit a cash offer have every right to be enthusiastic and upbeat about it. However, there is a peculiar trend among cash offers which perplexes […]

Do you like privacy?  Looking for that quiet getaway?  Are you security minded?  Perhaps you seek a nice pied-à-terre. Maybe you hate schlepping out the garbage all the way to the end of the driveway twice a week.  Did you hear that the Hamptons and Catskills are “out?” I have just the place for you.  That’s […]

Should I get a little R and R? You tell me. Earlier today I put a slice of pizza in the microwave and began to input my bank card PIN.  Not long ago, Ann mentioned Catherine’s excellent report card, and for a fleeting moment I began to worry that it wouldn’t comp out.  On the […]

On September 11, 2001, I was preparing to drive my fiance’ to work at her office on the upper east side of Manhattan. Our wedding was in 18 days, her parents were literally in the air from Korea that very morning and due at JFK in a few hours, and the sky was blue. It […]

My fellow New Yorkers know we’ve endured a brutal winter. The kids were busting out to enjoy the warmer weather, and even when it rained, they were out there to enjoy mother nature. We have a great vantange point from our back door and caught preciousness many times. These are just a few examples of […]