It was once said that there are two main emotions that drive any market – fear and greed. As a general rule, the side with the royal flush tends to play the “greed card” while the side with an lowly pair deuces operates from the “fear” side of the equation. This market is definite staked towards buyers and as a result – some are overestimating their power by pushing the greed card way too far. I never knew there were so many ways to blow the opportunities that this market has to offer by simply being too greedy.
Westchester Home Buyers who assume they can just lean hard on sellers until they cave…
Buyers seem to be playing a lot of games lately and some are almost drunk with hubris. Nevertheless, parts of the housing market in lower Westchester is no longer a no-holds- barred buyers market. Some of the most desirable pockets are transitioning to a sellers market. Transitioning markets are tricky – the transition might be real – or it might be just another false start. But its a trend that has been ongoing for a while now – so I do take it seriously.
For the moment however, buyers are coming up with some very creative ways of shooting themselves in the foot.
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Right now I’ve got a couple of clients who appear to be wandering aimlessly through Westchester county in search of the “perfect home.” In the past I had a great deal of patience and would take a qualified buyer almost anywhere they wanted. But with Westchester homes for sale inventories still fairly high and buyers finding new and very creative ways for shooting themselves in the foot through by overestimating their power in this buyers market and ignoring comps altogether when they make offers…..I have to find a way get these buyers to narrow the field to something resembling sanity.
After showing almost 30 properties to one couple and over 40 properties to another – these buyers appear to have no urgency and seem to want to meander aimlessly into every town, village and city in Westchester county and quite literally schedule showings for every single home that might – just might – remotely qualify. I just pulled some favorites picked by one such client and the X’s on the map depict where the most recent 15 of the numerous favorites they had filed away.
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It sounds obvious – with a river like the Hudson River hugging the western border of our county - that we have to have a significant police and rescue presence along the river – but I seldom gave that presence much thought. Recently there have been a couple of “jumpers” – people threatening to jump off the Tappan Zee Bridge. But even then – I was more preoccupied with the plight of someone who would go over the edge like that. I wasn’t necessarily thinking about the police presence on the river specifically. I just assumed that “they” -whoever “they” were would try and talk that poor soul out of ending it all. No more. A few weeks ago I was walking on the Tarrytown River Walk – I happened along some of the police and rescue boats. There they were – solid proof of law enforcement and rescue workers on the River…
It just goes to show you that there will always be the need for a public sector and the maintenance of infrastructure….
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The White Plains Outdoor Art Festival which started today will be continuing tomorrow at Tibbets Park along the median of North Broadway in White Plains. It’s a wonderful Festival with artisans coming from far and wide. The variety is really quite amazing. I made this video in 2009 and while I was there bought a wonderful lithograph of Yankee Stadium complete with all the famous ball players in their uniforms with their numbers for my father. There was pottery, photography on canvas, oil painting, jewelery, incredible pastels – you name it – it was there. This is no amateur hour. Artisans come from all over for this event… A truly unique experience. The photo below was taken in the festival in 2009. For some more photos and a video of the 2009 arts festival – click here.
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Real estate agents are known to spend a lot of time on the road. I am no exception. My car is my second office and depending on what I am doing on a given day – I sometimes bring along my social secretary, and friend – Jade. I have two other dogs but they are not what you would call great work companions. They are lively and active and a real blast – on a hike or any other doggie adventure - but not at work. Jade, however, is so mellow and relaxed that bringing her along actually makes the day run more smoothly. Gentle and quiet – and a bit shy, she makes any trip – work or otherwise – more fun.
Today was cool and comfortable. So Jade tagged along when I went out in the late afternoon….I was taking some photos quickly and when I came back to the car to put my camera away – there she was – apparently she had been tracking me and was looking out the back window…..I actually was able to grab a quick shot….since I already had the camera handy…
© 2011 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.
On this Memorial Day I think it is fitting that we take a look at how our Veterans are fairing. After all, we have been at war for nearly 10 years and many serving our country have been on multiple deployments. Sunday Candy Crowley of CNN addressed Veterans issues in depth on her show “The State of the Union”. She had several segments on Veterans affairs – two of which I have embedded on this post. These interviews revealed some shameful facts:
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When listing your Westchester NY home for sale - choosing a good listing agent is critical. One issue that you should consider in the selection is what kind of photographs they put into the MLS. Seriously, I am often shocked at what many agents seem to think is an acceptable presentation. Buyers are pouring over public facing versions of the MLS. Most will cherry pick the homes with the best photos and discard the rest. With many homes for sale at this time, the process of elimination begins on line. Poor photography means fewer showings and less offers. Its really that simple.
Photos should be warm – inviting and should include neighborhood photos so that buyers that are not purely local can get a feel for the area before even getting in their car.
Exteriors need to have curb appeal. I took these three pictures in Larchmont NY. One was of a house (not my listing) and the other two give the feel of the area immediately surrounding the home. Make no mistake – when listing your home a picture really is worth 1000 words…
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In real estate it is a known fact that it is actually the buyers who determine the market. Home sellers can put any list price they please on the listing sheet, but it is the buyer that actually speaks for the “market.” However, that is not to say that an individual buyer can determine the market by him or herself! It “buyers” collectively that determine where the market is for any given home.
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If you love your pet – and don’t we all – you need to take proper care of him or her. Having 3 dogs in these hard times – I have to say that this isn’t easy. Vaccinations are easy to “skip” but you are truly tempting fate with your pet’s health if you do. Well here is something that can help. My Veterinarian is associated with the County Animal Clinic in Yonkers NY. They offer vaccines for your pets at half price on specific days and times. They started this right after the crash and it has proved enormously successful. It has helped many pet owners keep on top of their vaccination schedule.
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Spring was late this year and with all the rain that we have had – everyone is eager to get some sunshine on their faces and get outside. It was a long and difficult winter and seeing the sun again is such a treat. I don’t know about anyone else, but my outdoor space could use some remedial help. Whether you are selling your home or just looking to ENJOY your home more – these post from Marie Graham – my Ninja Stager friend – will give you inspiration and direction…
By Marie Graham – of The Refreshed Home
FINALLY! Spring has enthusiastically, colorfully, and jubilantly arrived! After an interminable winter, we are OH-SO ready to get back outside, and enjoy our friends, family and property.
But is your space ready for all your big plans?
If some updates are in your future, here is the first of 3 parts on what to consider before you even THINK of setting foot in an outdoor living store.
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