Rhinebeck Living

It is that time of year again when another group of Red Hook High School Students will start a new journey so congratulations to you for making it this far.  And, not to be forgotten. the family members, friends and teachers who helped you along the way.

I know that this is an exciting time for you. I too had two children who graduated from Red Hook High School.

So, whether you plan to enter the workforce or go on to college, I want to wish you the best.

Red Hook High School is to be commended for making the list again and again of the Newsweek top 1500 top High Schools in the nation.

RELOCATINNG TO RED HOOK? LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO RED HOOK CENTRAL SCHOOLS

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team

845-249-2945 or 845-758-6842  jennifer@jfivehomes.com  and www.jfivehomes.com           

  SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

 **** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team

845-249-2945 or 845-758-6842  jennifer@jfivehomes.com  and www.jfivehomes.com           

  SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

 **** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

In some of my previous market reports I gave tips to sellers as to how to gain a competitive edge in this challenging market; one of the tips was: Do not take offense if a buyer makes a low-ball offer.

The present real estate market in the Dutchess County area is what is called a buyer's market. Properties are on the market longer, the inventory is large and there are fewer buyers.

You can imagine how surprised I was when one of my buyers placed an offer and the seller was so offended that the consideration of a counter offer was out of the question.  This offer was by no means out of the realm of the type of offers I have been seeing this year, and with good negotiation a meeting of the minds would have been possible.

In this particular incident it was especially surprising because this property was in the price range that would have required a jumbo loan, a category in which there are even fewer buyers, but my buyer was paying cash.

I make a point to tell my sellers that a buyer will probably make a low offer but don't get offended by this, instead view it as the beginning point of a negotiation process instead of the end.

So what should a seller do next when facing this situation?

• Review the offer with your agent
• Take a look at the most recent sale of similar properties
• Make a counter offer.

Your counter offer will give the potential buyer a clear indication as to whether you are willing to budge on the price. or not.  At this stage your counter offer might be accepted or you might have to do this back and forth a few times.  The key is this, don't get offended and you might find that you can arrive at an agreement.

In the case I mentioned above, because of high inventory and cash in hand the buyer moved on to another property, and did not see any reason to waste time on a seller who took offense to an offer.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team

845-249-2945 or 845-758-6842  jennifer@jfivehomes.com  and www.jfivehomes.com           

  SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

 **** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

 In May the properties sold in Hyde Park were in the $100,000-$300,000 and this was no surprise since the majority of the inventory fell within that price range.

With 14 offers and 2 pending sales, one can conclude that the market is picking up.  This is prime real estate season in the Hudson Valley.

 HYDE PARK REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT - SINGLE FAMILY HOMES  March 2009

 ****Source of data Mid-Hudson Multiple Listing Service Inc (MHMLS)

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in the Hudson Valley ,or to get an answer to a real estate question please contact me.

  Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com  and www.jfivehomes.com           

      SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

 **** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

I have been blogging about events occurring in the Hudson Valley because this is New York's 400 year celebration, the Qradracentennial.   This week I had the opportunity to witness a flotilla going up the Hudson River.   It included a replica of the Half Moon the ship in which Henry Hudson sailed up the Hudson River; and the Nina one of Christopher Columbus  ship. 

                                       THE HALF MOON

                                                   THE NINA

                                       CLEAR WATER SLOOP

 So make sure to visit the Hudson Valley this summer.

Here is a short video of the Half moon accompanied by music from a cricket.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team

845-249-2945 or 845-758-6842  jennifer@jfivehomes.com  and www.jfivehomes.com           

  SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

 **** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

During the month of May the Town of Rhinebeck and the villages of Rhinebeck  had a  combined sales of 3, with a price range of $285,000-$447,600.

Looking for a million dollar home? there were 14 properties available from $1,125,000-$5,500,000  

First Time Buyers seems to be a major player in todays's market.  In Rhinebeck there were about 30 properties in the 200,000-300,000.    

 Town of Rhinebeck Market Report For Single Family Detached Homes - May 2009

ACTIVE 62       DOM  122  AVG LIST PRICE   $905,269    AVG SQFT  2863     AVG $/SQFT  $ 316

OFFERS   1       DOM  128   AVG LIST PRICE   $899,000   AVG SQFT  4900    AVG $/SQFT   $ 183

CONTRACTS 1  DOM  36  AVG LIST PRICE   $419,000   AVG SQFT   2800    AVG $/SQFT   $ 150

SOLD   1          DOM  136  AVG LIST PRICE   $319,000   AVG SQFT   2136     AVG $/SQFT   $149

                                                AVG SOLD PRICE  $285,000                                  AVG $/SQFT   $ 133

  STREET                                                PRICE

Vlei Street                                          $ 285,000

Village Of Rhinebeck Real Estate Market Report For Single Family Detached Homes - May 2009

ACTIVE    18   DOM   202  AVG LIST PRICE   $480,717   AVG SQFT   2265    AVG $/SQFT   $ 212

Contract   1     DOM  325    AVG LIST PRICE  $995,000  AVG SQFT   2800    AVG $/SQFT   $ 355

SOLD        2      DOM  88    AVG LIST PRICE   $382,000    AVG SQFT   2794    AVG $/SQFT   $ 137

                                               AVG SOLD PRICE  $343,800                                    AVG $/SQFT   $123

STREET                                                                PRICE

South Street                                               $ 240,000

Stortini Drive                                             $  447,600

****Source of data Mid-Hudson Multiple Listing Service Inc (MHMLS)

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team

845-249-2945 or 845-758-6842  jennifer@jfivehomes.com  and www.jfivehomes.com           

  SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

 **** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

During the month of May the Town of Red Hook and The villages of Red Hook and  Tivoli had  combined sales of 4. 

The sale price ranged from $195,000-$470,000 and active listings from $75,000-$2,500,000.

So, what can sellers do to to gain a competitive edge?

1. Make sure that your property is priced right
2. Improve your curb appeal .
3. Offer a Home Warranty
4. Price , Price, Price

Buyers it's time to act!

1. Only about 6 months left for you to take advantage of the $8000 tax credit -you have to close on a property by November 30th. 
2. Large inventory with the majority having price reduction
3. Mortgage rates although relatively low are rising.

                                         Town of Red Hook Market Report - May 2009

ACTIVE 70         DOM  146   AVG LIST PRICE   $496,601   AVG SQFT  2506    AVG $/SQFT  $ 198

OFFERS  2          DOM  68    AVG LIST PRICE   $277,450    AVG SQFT  1985     AVG $/SQFT   $ 140

OFFERS  CS 2    DOM  363   AVG LIST PRICE   $359,500   AVG SQFT  1825    AVG $/SQFT   $ 197

CONTRACTS 3   DOM  100   AVG LIST PRICE   $394,333    AVG SQFT   2292     AVG $/SQFT   $ 172

SOLD   4            DOM     129   AVG LIST PRICE   $313,000  AVG SQFT   2294    AVG $/SQFT   $ 136

                                                     AVG SOLD PRICE  $286,250                           AVG $/SQFT   $  125

STREET                                                                 PRICE

  Manor Road                                                $ 195,000

  Kelly Road                                                  $ 225,000

  Alder                                                            $ 255,000

Southview Lane                                           $ 470,000

Village Of Red Hook Real Estate Market Report For May 2009

ACTIVE     9    DOM     104    AVG LIST PRICE   $328,767   AVG SQFT   1653   AVG $/SQFT   $ 199

OFFER       1   DOM    112    AVG LIST PRICE   $229,000   AVG SQFT   1056     AVG $/SQFT   $ 217

  Village Of Tivoli Real Estate Market Report - May 2009

  ACTIVE     2  DOM  268   AVG LIST PRICE   $ 257,250  AVG SQFT  1284     AVG $/SQFT   $ 200

****Source of data Mid-Hudson Multiple Listing Service Inc (MHMLS)

OTHER MARKET REPORTS  - 2009

Red Hook Real Estate Market Report -  April 2009

Red Hook Real Estate Market Report - March 2009

Red Hook Real Estate Market Report - February 2009

Red Hook Real Estate Market Report - January 2009

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in the Hudson Valley ,or to get an answer to a real estate question please contact me.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team

845-249-2945 or 845-758-6842  jennifer@jfivehomes.com  and www.jfivehomes.com           

  SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

 **** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

home

Picture from the Affordable and Workforce Housing Conference in  2008

 Get ready for the third annual conference held by Pattern for Progress.  Last year the theme was: Affordable and Workforce Housing.  This year the theme is: Housing the Hudson Valley - Exploring the Next Generation of Housing Issues.

The Guest Speakers are:

• Deborah VanAmerongen, NYS Commissioner of Housing and Community Renewal
• Dr Robert Burchell, Co-Director, Center for Urban Policy Research at Rutgers University

A new feature added to the conference is a Regional Housing Award; the first recipeints are:

• Anne Saylor, Dutchess County Housing Coordinator
• Ken Kearney a Developer of Affordable Senior Housing .

As a member of the Red Hook Seniors Committe I am familar with Mr. Kearney's project in Red Hook, The Red Hook Commons. 

There will be many discussions.  The Panel discussion, on issues such as: Foreclosure prevention, rental market trend and who is buying what now, should be enlightening.  I hope it will be well attended especially by the real estate community.

When:  June 12, 2009

Time:  8:00 AM - 12:00PM

Where:  Marist College

Cost: $ 55 for members, Non Members $70, discount rate for municipalities and Realtors

Registration Information

Directions

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com  and www.jfivehomes.com           

      SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

 **** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

 Related Blog Postings

• Affordable and Workforce Conference Part 1
• Affordable and Workforce Conference Part 2
• Affordable Senior Housing in Ulster County

 If you live in the Hudson Valley and have never visited Clermont State Park you are missing much.  Did you know it is truly one of the few historic sites in the Hudson Valley that is actually located right on the banks of the the Hudson River?  Yes this was the home of Robert Livingston who was instrumental in the introduction of the Steamboat.

This Saturday is the annual Hudson Bush Plant Sale And Exchange sponsored by The Friends of Clermont and is attended each year by hundreds of people.   There will be over 30 vendors with a variety of products besides plants.  Last year I purchased a blueberry brush and will probably get another one this year.

To get a feel for Clermont take a look at the very informative Friends of Clermont newsletter. Toward the end of the newsletter there is an opportunity to obtain membership,  or you might want to make a  contribution towards the wonderful restoration projects.

Where- Clermont State Park

When     June 6th 2009

Time       10:00AM - 2:00PM

Contact     (518) 537-4240

Sponsor   Friends of Clermont

Directions

Restoration Project at Clermont

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com  and www.jfivehomes.com           

      SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

 **** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

• When compared to last month, sales are  still trending upward.
• Offers at the begining of the month were 138 this was a 20% increase over last year but keep in mind not all of these will turn into closed sales.
• About a quarter of the sales were short sales or REOs in the single family detached home sector.
• The number of months it will take to get rid of the inventory is getting better but still much work to be done.
• Great news for First Time Buyers according to HUD info you could possible get the $8000 prior to filing a tax return .  Money to be advanced by approved lenders this money cannot be used for the 3.5% downpayment required by FHA but can be applied to closing cost or for additional downpayment    read the HUD press release

 Irises in all colors can be found all over Dutchess County at this time.

   Breakdown of the numbers for single family Detached

Median Selling Price - $ 265,000 a decrease 14.5% from April 2008 

Average Selling Price - $ 312,484 a decrease of  9.5% from April 2008

Closed sales - 105 a decrease of 18.6% from April 2008

Inventory at beginning of month - 1769 a decrease of  8.7% from April 2008

Days on market - 138 an increase of  8.7% over April 2008

Absorption rate for April 2009 1769/105= 16.84 months to clear inventory

In the single family attached market there was a slight increase in average and median price although a sizable drop in closed sales.  I also noticed one unit sold was short sale/REO.

 Breakdown of the numbers for single family Attached

Median Selling Price - $ 162,000 an increase of  1.3% from April 2008

Average Selling Price - $ 181,222 an increase of  3.2% from April 2008

Closed sales - 18 a decrease of 18.2 % from April 2008

Inventory at beginning of month - 366 an increase of  7.0% over April 2008

Days on market - 107 a decrease of  8.5% over April 2008

Absorption rate for April 2009 366/18= 20.33 months to clear inventory

****Source of data Mid-Hudson Multiple Listing Service Inc (MHMLS)

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in the Hudson Valley ,or to get an answer to a real estate question please contact me.

  Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com  and www.jfivehomes.com           

      SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

 **** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

I read Kathy McGraw's Post in which she stated location is a big factor in achieving serenity.  This is so true, and based on the various issues confronting us, now more than ever it is important to find that place to escape to.

I am fortunate that I can arrive at serenity quickly, all I need to do is walk out to my backyard.  However I so love escaping to the beach where I can sit and listen to the waves, watch the various cloud formations, the birds looking around for food. children building sand castles and of course the sunrise and sunset.

So make sure to take some time out for yourself this summer.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com  and www.jfivehomes.com

    SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

The Old Dutch Village Garden Club annual plant sale is a great place to get plants for your garden, and the timing is perfect since here in Red Hook the advice is to put in your plants after Memorial Day.

This is a popular event since the plants are reasonable priced, they will go rather quickly so the trick is to get there early.  Then after you have secured your plants go over to the the bake goods table and I know you won;t be disappointed.

The Old Dutch Village Garden Club help to maintain a several parks, gives a scholarship to a graduating Red Hook High School student, and each month offers an informative talk like this one on Bonsai

Location - Memorial Park across from the Red Hook IGA

Time - 9:00 am -12:00 pm

Enjoy this slide show of last year event.

*

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in the Hudson Valley ,or to get an answer to a real estate question please contact me.

  Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com  and www.jfivehomes.com

      SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

 **** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

Hyde Park Real Estate Market Report  For Single Family Detached  Homes - April 2009

In April there were 9 sales in the town of Hyde Park.  The sale price ranged from $4,500 - $330,000.  Yes $4,500 , and that was not a rental but the price of a mobile home.  Of the 9 sales 4 of them were short sale or banked owned properties.

Hyde Park does have a healthy inventory of homes from $100,000 -S300,000 so it represents  a great opportunity for first time buyers to make that purchase  and benefit from the $8000.00 tax credit.

 Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park NY

                                         Town of Hyde Park Market Report - April 2009

ACTIVE 90       DOM  100   AVG LIST PRICE   $375,561    AVG SQFT  2059     AVG $/SQFT  $ 185

OFFERS   1       DOM    77  AVG LIST PRICE   $380,000   AVG SQFT  1812    AVG $/SQFT   $ 210

OFFERS   CS  2 DOM    162  AVG LIST PRICE   $180,000   AVG SQFT  1793    AVG $/SQFT   $ 100

CONTRACTS  4  DOM  128   AVG LIST PRICE   $278,025   AVG SQFT   1642   AVG $/SQFT   $ 169

SOLD   9               DOM  160  AVG LIST PRICE   $186,389  AVG SQFT   1902     AVG $/SQFT   $ 98

                                                AVG SOLD PRICE  $178,767                                   AVG $/SQFT   $ 93

STREET                                                                 PRICE

Rte 9G Violet Ave                                           $      4,500

Cardinal Road                                                  $   74,000

Crum Elbow                                                      $ 145,000      

Red Barn                                                          $  145,000

Luty Drive                                                        $  165,900

Greentree Drive                                              $  182,000

Gilbert Drive                                                    $  254,500

Potter Bend                                                      $  290,000

Hook Road                                                        $  330,000

****Source of data Mid-Hudson Multiple Listing Service Inc (MHMLS)

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in the Hudson Valley ,or to get an answer to a real estate question please contact me.

  Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com  and www.jfivehomes.com

      SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

 **** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

Related Post

Historic Hyde Park

The theme in the Hudson Valley this year is related to the Quadracentennial celebrations.  Today at 4:00PM is the kickoff of the Millbrook Book Festival  at the Cary Institute.

This year the celebration will be centered around 400 years of writing on the banks of the Hudson River; and many authors will participate in the event, here is a list of participants.

There will be something for all ages, books, poetry, photography and an exhibition at theMillbrook library.  At the end of the festival there will be a one man play entitled Hudson Adrift: Bitter end of Henry Hudson.

So this weekend make your way over to beautiful Millbrook.

Other Hudson Valley Post

Picture of Clearwater Sloop

FDR -  Quadracentennial lecture

Longest walkway over Hudson River

Hudson River Paintings - Thomas Cole House

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com  and www.jfivehomes.com

        SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

 **** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guarantee

Rhinebeck Real Estate Market Report For Single Family Detached Homes- April 2009

During the month of April the Town of Rhinebeck and The villages of Rhinebeck  had a  combined sales of 2.  So far this year there were a total of 9 sales up to April 30th.

The sale price range for the 9 sales were:  $195,500 - $850,000.  Athough most of the sales in the County is in the $100,000-$300,000 range Rhinbeck had 2 sales in the $800,000 range thus giving it  an average sale price of $428,586.

 Town of Rhinebeck Market Report For Single Family Detached Homes - April 2009

ACTIVE 50        DOM  140   AVG LIST PRICE   $923768    AVG SQFT  2869     AVG $/SQFT  $ 322

OFFERS   1       DOM  173   AVG LIST PRICE   $319,000   AVG SQFT  2136    AVG $/SQFT   $ 149

CONTRACTS  1  DOM  109   AVG LIST PRICE   $349,900   AVG SQFT   2183    AVG $/SQFT   $ 160

SOLD   1           DOM  178   AVG LIST PRICE   $925,000   AVG SQFT   4244     AVG $/SQFT   $ 218

                                                AVG SOLD PRICE  $850,000                                   AVG $/SQFT   $ 200

  STREET                                                                 PRICE

Montgomery Street                                          $ 850,000

Village Of Rhinebeck Real Estate Market Report For Single Family Detached Homes - April 2009

ACTIVE    16    DOM   246   AVG LIST PRICE   $549,625   AVG SQFT   2322    AVG $/SQFT   $ 237

OFFER    1        DOM   315   AVG LIST PRICE   $995,000   AVG SQFT   2800    AVG $/SQFT   $ 355

Contract   2      DOM  134     AVG LIST PRICE   $449.000   AVG SQFT   2380    AVG $/SQFT   $ 189

SOLD        1     DOM  105    AVG LIST PRICE   $307,900    AVG SQFT   1872    AVG $/SQFT   $ 164

                                               AVG SOLD PRICE  $282,500                                    AVG $/SQFT   $151

STREET                                                                PRICE

 Lorraine Drive                                                  $ 282,500

****Source of data Mid-Hudson Multiple Listing Service Inc (MHMLS)

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in the Hudson Valley ,or to get an answer to a real estate question please contact me.

  Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com  and www.jfivehomes.com

      SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

 **** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

*****RED HOOK MARKET REPORT - APRIL 09

During the month of April the Town of Red Hook and The villages of Red Hook and  Tivoli had  combined sales of 5 of which 2 were bank owned properties. 

The sale price ranged from $142,500 -272,500 which is similar to the rest of the county in the sense that  most of the sales are in the lower end of the market.

So, what can sellers do to to gain a competitive edge?

1. Make sure that your property is priced right
2. Take care of any issues that could be troublesome to buyers i.e. underground oil tank.
3. Provide access; there are still too many properties with restricted access.
4. Don't get offended by a low offer- keep negotiating.

Buyers it's time to act!

1. Only about 6 months left for you to take advantage of the $8000 tax credit -you have to close on a property by November 30th. 
2. Prices on many properties have come down
3. Low mortgage rates.

                                         Town of Red Hook Market Report - April 2009

ACTIVE 61         DOM  139     AVG LIST PRICE   $501,695    AVG SQFT  2533     AVG $/SQFT  $ 198

OFFERs   2          DOM  108    AVG LIST PRICE   $390,000    AVG SQFT  2308     AVG $/SQFT   $ 169

CONTRACTS  2  DOM  128    AVG LIST PRICE   $260,000    AVG SQFT   1986     AVG $/SQFT   $ 131

SOLD   3           DOM     52    AVG LIST PRICE   $251,633    AVG SQFT   1611     AVG $/SQFT   $ 156

                                                     AVG SOLD PRICE  $226,667                              AVG $/SQFT   $  141

STREET                                                                 PRICE

  Spring Lake Road                                               $ 165,000

  Vosburgh Road                                                    $ 242,500

  Fruitbud Lane                                                    $ 272,500

Village Of Red Hook Real Estate Market Report For April 2009

ACTIVE     9    DOM     99     AVG LIST PRICE   $334,878    AVG SQFT   1735    AVG $/SQFT   $ 193

SOLD          1  DOM    62    AVG LIST PRICE   $159,500    AVG SQFT   1050     AVG $/SQFT   $ 152

                                                AVG SOLD PRICE  $142,500                                    AVG $/SQFT   $136

STREET                                                                PRICE

 Amherst Road                                                   $ 142,500

  Village Of Tivoli Real Estate Market Report - April 2009

  ACTIVE    3   DOM  181     AVG LIST PRICE   $254,500    AVG SQFT  1306      AVG $/SQFT   $ 195

CONTRACTS  1 DOM  253   AVG LIST PRICE   $199,000    AVG SQFT   1200     AVG $/SQFT   $ 166

SOLD  1     DOM    40       AVG LIST PRICE     $249,000    AVG SQFT    1320     AVG $/SQFT   $ 189

                                                                      AVG SOLD PRICE  $235,000           AVG $/SQFT   $  178

STREET                                                                PRICE

 Feroe                                                                 $ 235,500

****Source of data Mid-Hudson Multiple Listing Service Inc (MHMLS)

If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in the Hudson Valley ,or to get an answer to a real estate question please contact me.

  Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com  and www.jfivehomes.com

                    SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

 **** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

 ***** Rhinebeck market report - April 09

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com  and www.jfivehomes.com

    SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

These days we are more aware of environmental issues.  In some areas the practice of putting the home heating oil tank underground was very common.  Today, if your heating oil tank is underground and you are thinking of selling your home this could be one of your selling expenses.  New York State does provide a homeowner's guide for underground heating oil tanks

When taking a listing this is a subject I cover with the seller. We discuss the various ways this issue could be addressed and sometimes will get a few estimates.  My suggestion is that the seller address the issue before listing the property.

Some homeowners will resist because, after all, they have not had a problem with the tank.  What sellers fail to do is to think like a buyer.  Why is the tank in the ground such an issue with buyers? It is because buyers are now more aware of the various environmental issues and do not want to inherit a potentially costly problem.

In this competitive buyer's market would it make sense to lose a sale because of a buried oil tank? Well, this is still happening. In the last month I had two buyers who ruled out homes they liked because of the buried oil tank.  I tried explaining that this is a fixable issue but they would not hear it.  The wise course would be to avoid this issue by correcting the problem prior to listing.

Yes, sellers, it does not make sense to create a stumbling block to completing the sale in this climate.

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com  and www.jfivehomes.com

    SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

 **** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranteed

If you are a reader of my Blog you know that one of the topic I like to address is the historical homes in the Hudson Valley, as well as the Hudson River.  This year marks the 400th year that Henry Hudson sailed up the Hudson River and throughout the year there will be many events to mark the occasion.

At Cedar Grove in Catskill NY, the home of Thomas Cole the founder of the Hudson River School of Arts there will be a free exhibitions of River Views of the Hudson River School featuring works from Thomas Cole, Sanford Gifford, Jasper Cropsey and others masters.

Following the exhibition there will be a talk by John K. Howat

When: May 2nd

Time:  Exhibition 12:00PM - 1:30PM

          Talk by John K. Howat will be at 2:00PM

Cost: Exhibition free

         Talk $9.00 or $6 for members

Location and Directions

Jennifer Fivelsdal- Associate Broker- Keller Williams Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com  and www.jfivehomes.com

    SEARCH FOR A HOME IN THE MID HUDSON VALLEY

 **** Informational only; deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.