The Westchester View » Pet-Friendly Real Estate

Siberian Huskies in White Plains NY Winter Wonderland…

Ruthmarie Hicks — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 08:13:39 +0000

For many on the East coast Friday was a snow day. White Plains NY was no exception. Let’s put it this way – people were not exactly calling me for showings on Friday. It took several hours for me to dig out – my walkways were covered with the white stuff. I actually spent about an hour cutting back branches that were hanging so low, they were in danger of pulling down a couple of small trees.

When I finally finished, I found that my Siberain Huskies (Jade, Tundra, & Buddy) were eager to play in the yard with me. I grabbed the camera and decided to create a video from some of the photos. Siberian Huskies and snow go together like ham and eggs. They were having a ball and I think it shows.

Enjoy the video, I put it together rather quickly, but I still think its fun

To see the still photos that helped make up this video go to my Flickr account:

Scarsdale Coops – Pet-Friendly Scarsdale Country Estates

Ruthmarie Hicks — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:28:55 +0000

Scarsdale Cooperatives:

Scarsdale coops are very popular for commuters and long-time residents alike. When people think of coops in Scarsdale, they are often thinking of the famous Garth Road. Unfortunately, there are no longer any dog-friendly cooperative complexes on Garth. However, nearby on Central Ave, there is such a complex.

Scarsdale Country Estates:

Scarsdale Country Estates is located on Campus Place and Sentry Pl. off of Central Ave. Although they have a Scarsdale, P.O. address, it is important to clarify that they are actually located in the town of Greenburgh in the famous Edgemont school district. These are lovely old world garden style units with fine moldings, hard wood floors and fireplaces.

Being located directly off of Central Ave., these units offer easy access to the Express Bus to Manhattan as well as Shuttle service to the Scarsdale Train Station. Their location is definitely convenient many forms of shopping and within just of few minutes of the hustle, bustle, shopping and entertainment that downtown White Plains, NY and the City Center has to offer.

Cost of Living:

The units themselves are generously sized with loads of charm. 750-900 sq.ft. is customary for a 1 BR or Jr. 4 while 1250-1350 sq. ft. is the norm for a 2 BR. Many of the ground floor units offer private entrances complete with private patios and are very appealing for people who have pets or for those who just enjoy being outdoors in warmer weather. Parking is available but unassigned and storage is available.

There are several units under contract and in pending at this time. Although the final sales price is not known, the average sales price is about $178,000 for a 1 BR/1BA unit with units having a private patio having a correspondingly higher price. The average maintenance is $731 a month without STAR savings. Using a 30-year 5.5% loan and a 20% down payment as a basis, the outlay for such a unit after calculating standard tax deductions would be about $1250/month – more than competitive with rentals in the area. 2 BR units are selling for about $277,000 with maintenance fees running $1050/month. The outlay is correspondingly higher at about $1920/month but still very competitive with rentals.

Pet Friendly Status:

One dog is allowed. The dog can be any size or breed but must pass the board.

Let it snow…at least that’s what my Siberian Huskies say!

Ruthmarie Hicks — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:39:12 +0000

January was a quiet month for snow. Westchester NY weather was cold, but after months when I thought it would never stop raining – we had a reprieve on the amount precipitation. The result was a calm January. A lot of residents had their fingers crossed for February – but it was not to be. And although we all grumbled about digging out, my pups were as pleased as punch to have some quality time with the white stuff. I was out with them this afternoon watching the cavort and play like they had never seen snow before and it was a lot of fun to see. I took a few pictures with the idea of making a new video, but this time, they didn’t come out the way I anticipated. So I’m settling for a remix of the video I prepared in December of them playing in the first snow of the season. The picture above, however was from today’s snow…

1BR/1BA/Home Office – Pet-Friendly Condo at Jefferson Place – 300 Mamaroneck Ave. #429 Offered at $389,900

Ruthmarie Hicks — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:42:14 +0000

The Residences at Jefferson Place in Downtown White Plains NY.

Jefferson place is a new and very desirable complex located in downtown White Plains. The complex spans an entire square block between Livingston Ave and Rutherford Ave in White Plains NY. The side facing Mamaroneck Ave is an eight-story urban mid-rise with a sophisticated brick façade. The Greenridge Ave side of the complex is built in low rise “town house” style which is in keeping with the suburban neighborhood of the Highlands which it borders. Jefferson Place is just steps away from all the shopping and dining that downtown White Plains has to offer.

Just across the street on the Mamaroneck Ave. side there is plenty of fine dining, take out and retail – all within easy walking distance of the complex. The heart of the downtown with all it has to offer is just a stroll down the street. Walk to almost everything: Shopping entertainment, fine dining and so much more. Walk score is 92 out of 100 – making it a “walkers paradise.”

For more still photos of this wonderful unit please click here.

This Luxury 1 BR/Home Office Unit Offers:

Over 900 s.f.
Separate home office area.
Excellent living space with a great layout.
Hardwood floors.
Modern granite kitchen & baths.
Private laundry in unit.
Walk-in-closets – ample storage.

Jefferson Place Amenities:

Jefferson Place is well-known for the amenities in its common space. It offers luxury touches that are generally only found in condo complexes with far higher price points. These include:

24 hour doorman.
Indoor parking
Club Room.
Media Center.
State-of-the-art gym.
Business and conference center.
Central AC.

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Cost of living:

* Current Listing Price: $389,900.
* Property Taxes: $4635 without STAR.
* STAR Savings: $1525.
* Monthly Common Charges/Fees: $483.
* Monthly Mortgage: $1772*
* Gross Outlay: $2514.

Net Outlay After Taxes:

$2044/month**

* Conservative estimate includes FULL list price. Also assumes conservative 5.5% 30 year fixed rate loan with 20% down payment. Includes STAR savings.
** Assumes 28% marginal tax rate and fixed rate loan sighted above.

Tundra is Toonces….my Siberian Husky can drive a car…

Ruthmarie Hicks — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:34:56 +0000

Ok, so one of the advantages of having a pet-friendly real estate practice is that my dogs can sometimes accompany me on my outings. They add something to the mix by actually calming my buyers during times of stress. Many like to pet them and play with them in between showings.

But Tundra has taken to wanting to be in the driver’s seat. I’ve told her that she needs to be at least 16 for a learners permit, but she just doesn’t want to listen. So when I get back to the car – it really looks like she’s driving the vehicle.

It reminds me of one of my favorite SNL skits from the late 80s. “Toonces the Driving Cat.” For those who are too young to remember – enjoy the clip. For those of us who were watching SNL in the late 80s and early 90s – this should bring back memories.

Finding a Pet-Friendly Condo/Coop in Westchester NY – It isn’t easy, but it can be done….

Ruthmarie Hicks — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 10:34:58 +0000

Last year around March a young couple called me up seeking a buyer’s agent. They were about to get married and they wanted to buy either a coop or condominium. We were at the height of the credit crisis but they were in great shape to make that first purchase and so we went on our way.

There was one distinct caveat…they wanted to a dog – and they wanted a German Shepherd. Now this is a challenge. But let’s face it – I’m a sucker for anyone with a dog. After all, I have three goodly sized canines myself in the form of 2 Siberian Huskies and a Husky/Cattle Dog mix.

Dogs are tough sale to condo and cooperative boards:

But here are the facts: Its tough enough to find a condo or cooperative that will accept dogs – but a German Shepherd is much tougher. Even if the complex accepts larger dogs many are restrictive with respect to breeds. The German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Akita, Pit Bull, and from time to time my beloved Siberian Huskies are often on the chopping block specifically by condo and coop boards. Why? These dogs are supposedly known to have attitude problems such as a tendency to attack/bite, over-protectiveness and the like.

To me, as an animal person who understands dogs quite well – (I’ve lived with 8 dogs over the course of my life) I think that boards would do better to concentrate their efforts on the individual dog and its owner rather than the breed itself. After all, dogs, like their human counterparts have individual personalities. My two pure huskies are like night and day personality wise. The owner also plays their part. Aneglectful owner who doesn’t care about those living around them can turn the sweetest and most agreeable dog into a nightmare for his neighbors.

For Buyers with dogs – flexibility is an absolute must:

For Allison and Frank, it was slow going. The readily expanded their geography to accommodate the dog. We toured complexes in White Plains, Pelham, New Rochelle, Scarsdale, Hartsdale, Dobbs Ferry and Tuckahoe in search of a condo or coop. We had some false starts – one where we got to inspection and there were too many problems. It took a WHILE. But we eventually found a great unit for them to call home. I have to say of this couple that they had forbearance. It was the height of the loan logjam and getting to a closing table was like living a nightmare. Closing dates got cancelled over and over – generally over “one sheet of paper.” But eventually we closed and they were able to move in.

I got an update in the fall…they have a new addition to the family named “Charlie.” A German Shepherd puppy. So now the family of three are settled in their pet-friendly home. Of course Charlie will never know what his parents went through to provide him with a roof over his head, but I’m sure he will pay them back handsomely with the unconditional love that pets bring to their owners.

There is a lesson here for people with pets. As you can see from the geography we covered, there is a need for flexibility when you have a pet. This is particularly true for multiple dogs or/and a large breed – particularly if its a breed that is traditionally “problematic.” It CAN work, but the first priority has to be whether the pet will be accepted. If you want your pets – you have to start there and then try to work in other things that are on your wish list.

The Surrey Strathmore White Plains NY – Pet-Friendly Cooperative

Ruthmarie Hicks — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:43:14 +0000

Buying a condo in White Plains NY can be very expensive. Cooperatives offer a viable alternative and financially stable complexes are great investments. But for those who own dogs, relatively few are pet-friendly. Here is one of the premier cooperative complexes of White Plains – and the best part is that its pet-friendly.

The Surrey Strathmore is a complex of six mid-rise buildings which surround a courtyard. This is perhaps one of the more upscale cooperatives in White Plains. Built in 1939, the complex boasts some of the graces of a by-gone era. The ceilings are 9 ft high, and graceful archways separate living room, dining room and kitchen areas. Each unit has at least one of the Surrey Starthmore’s signature curio nooks. The floor plan is excellent.

Located at the Southern end of White Plains, the Surrey Strathmore is located on Bryant Ave which almost acts as the “dividing line” between the Southern residential area from the Northern downtown. So, the Surrey Strathmore sits on the edge of the residential neighborhood, the Highlands where quiet walks on tree-lined streets are just a block away. Perfect for a walk with the dog. On the other side is the beginning of the downtown area within walking distance of the famous and upscale Westchester Mall, Whole Foods, Cheesecake Factory, Morton’s Steak House along with some favorite local restaurants including Iannelli’s. A bus taking commuters to the White Plains Train Station stops right at the corner of Bryant Ave and Old Mamaroneck Rd. – which is the Southwest corner of the complex.

The complex has its own parking facility, though there is a short wait list for parking, but most new residents get a parking spot within two to three months. There is a municipal parking lot a little over a block away for additional spaces and for ample parking during the waiting period.
In addition to the courtyard there is also a picnic area complete with barbeque pits.

The Cost of Living:

The Surrey Strathmore has studios, 1 BR and 2 BR units. Some 2 BR units have two baths, the other units all have a single bath. Many of the units have been extensively renovated complete with granite kitchens and high-end finishes. Sales have been light over the past year. For 2 BR units there was a sale for $290,000 last June for a unit with 2 baths and 1250 s.f. and currently one unit under contract. For 1 BR units a recent sale of a renovated unit commanded $195,000 at 825 s.f. These prices are down considerably from their highs of a couple years ago. There are also a few studios in the complex – though these are few and far between and when they become available, they are in high demand.

For a 2 BR Unit:
Maintenance for a large 2 BR with two baths is around $1300 month. This naturally includes property taxes as is the case in all cooperatives. 50% of that fee is tax deductible.

Assuming 20% down payment on $290,000 and a fixed rate mortgage of 5.25%, the gross outlay for a unit like this would be roughly $2581/month for a 2BR/2 BA unit. However, with tax deductions (assuming the 28% marginal bracket) the overall outlay is around $2117.00. For a 1 BR unit

For a 1 BR Unit:
Maintenance is about $884/month and once again 50% of this is the property tax and is deductible. Assuming a sales price of $195k and 20% down, the gross outlay for this type of unit would be $1745.00. Factoring in tax deductions (assuming the 28% tax bracket) the overall outlay would be about $1431 a month.

Pet-Friendly Status:

The management is very dedicated towards maintaining the quality of life for all residents both two-footed and four-footed. Officially, there is a weight limit of 40-50 lbs, however, they are more concerned with the pet’s disposition than its actual size and larger dogs are commonplace. An interview of the dog is a prerequisite – size notwithstanding. I have had personal experience with the management and the board. They do their best to accommodate people with pets.

Keep Coffee Labs of Tarrytown NY Pet-Friendly…

Ruthmarie Hicks — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 11:01:35 +0000

Over the past couple of years, I’ve written several blogs about local businesses. One of my favorite haunts has been Coffee Labs of Tarrytown NY. Coffee Labs was established in 2002 and for seven years has roasted and served wonderful coffee drinks and freshly roasted coffee to brew at home. Coffee Labs was named for the owner’s chocolate Labrador Retrievers. During tht time, Mike and Alicia have established Coffee Labs as a eco-friendly and pet-friendly coffee shop. Since they don’t prepare food on-site, they had an arrangement with the health department that allowed patrons to bring their dogs into the shop. The dogs had to be properly leashed and be well-behaved. I even wrote a blog about how Jade and I often spent mornings at Coffee Labs while I completed correspondence and some work realted activities – including market reports and blog articles.

But it only takes one complaint to ruin something that has worked well for years. Apparently one person complained to the health department and that has put the entire pet-friendly nature of the coffee shop “on hold.” The coffee shop is applying for a variance so that the patrons can bring their pets back. But positive public opinion on this matter can only be helpful. So I ask all pet-owners everywhere to feel free to comment on this blog and add your support by joining the discussion on Facebook. As one dog-owner and patron said to me last evening – “If you don’t like the fact that dogs area allowed – go somewhere else! There are plenty of coffee shops in Westchester if you don’t like dogs.”

First Snow with my Snow Dogs….

Ruthmarie Hicks — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 05:07:42 +0000

We had our first snow yesterday. As usual we were told to expect the storm of the century, so I did what everyone else in Westchester was doing…got groceries, hoarded salt, made sure I had a good shovel and hunkered down. Seriously, the way we treat snow storms around here one would think that no one had ever heard of snow plows and other modern marvels that actually make it possible for you to be back in the real world within 24 hours. Nevertheless, the storm and subsequent dig-out gave me some quiet time with my canine family. I have two Siberain Huskies and a husky mix who for obvious reasons LOVE the snow. The colder the better and the heavier the snow fall, the happier they are. So after spending quality time with my shovel and salt, I spent some time outside with Buddy, Jade & Tundra. They had a great time tearing up the yard. To get good pictures however they had to stand still…I got a few shots of them running, but most of that passed by my camera in a blur!

For the stills here is a link to Siberians in the Snow on Flickr.

Enjoy the video and Happy Holidays.

2 BR/2 BA Pet-Friendly Condo at Jefferson Place – 300 Mamaroneck Ave. #828 Offered at $455,000

Ruthmarie Hicks — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:45:18 +0000

Newly Reduced Price – the most competitive price at Jefferson Place above the ground floor.

The Residences at Jefferson Place in Downtown White Plains NY.

Jefferson place is a new and very desirable complex located in downtown White Plains in the coveted 10605 zip code. The complex spans an entire square block between Livingston Ave. and Rutherford Ave. in White Plains, NY. The units cover two major addresses: 300 Mamaroneck Ave. and 31 Greenridge Ave. The side facing Mamaroneck Ave. is an eight-story urban mid-rise with a sophisticated brick façade. The other side of the complex on Greenridge gives a bow to the suburban neighborhood of the Highlands that it borders. Jefferson Place is just steps away from all the shopping and dining that downtown White Plains has to offer.

This Luxury 2 BR/2BA Unit Offers:

* Over 1000 s.f.
* Top Floor Unit – the privacy of having no one above you.
* Balcony with plenty of light and spectacular city views.
* Working gas fireplace.
* Hardwood floors.
* Modern granite kitchen & baths.
* Walk-in-closets – LOTS of storage in the unit.
* Additional Storage comes with the unit.
* Full-sized laundry in unit.

For more photos, see the photostream for this listing on Flickr.

Jefferson Place Amenities:

Jefferson Place is well-known for the amenities in its common space. It offers luxury touches that are generally only found in condo complexes with far higher price points. These include:

* 24 hour doorman.
* Indoor parking – this unit has a prime assigned spot.
* Club Room.
* Media Center.
* State-of-the-art gym.
* Business and conference center.
* Central AC.

COST OF LIVING

* Current Listing Price: $455,000
* Property Taxes: $7607 without STAR.
* STAR Savings: $1525.
* Monthly Common Charges: $578.
* Monthly Mortgage: $2067*
* Gross Outlay: $3,152.

Net Outlay After Taxes:
$2546/month**