That question seems to haunt me these days. Sometimes it seems that the price for leaving my home to buy a quart of milk is to be asked that question at least once. Unfortunately, I generally leave my crystal ball at home.
The answer to that question in part depends on how you define “recover”. I’m not trying to be cute here. A buyers definition of “recover” may be entirely different from a sellers perspective which is different still from a homeowner who simply wants to refinance but can’t because of tighter lending standards.
To buyers who are turning up their noses at what I believe to be a once-in-a -lifetime opportunity – I often respond that the market will recover a year before they decide they have to buy. Those who are determined to time the bottom of a market are destined to miss it.
For sellers, the answer is more complex. What sellers are looking for is a robust market with a substantial price hike from present values. Although all bad things come to an end, if you are looking for the glory days of 2005-2006, you will probably have a long wait.
Some areas are recovering while others decline:
Some parts of Westchester NY are already recovering. In areas such as Scarsdale and Larchmont, we saw our fair share of competitive bidding this year. This breath of fresh air was restricted to single-family homes in specific municipalities. Prices in these areas are well off their lows in spite of continuing declines elsewhere. But some markets that had been remarkably resistant to correction took a sickening nosedive in prices. If you live in a high-end cooperative or a townhouse, you probably know what I am talking about.
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The real estate industry is something of a black box to consumers. Agents hype their marketing in order to win listings. Consumers often buy into the hype because on the surface, it makes sense. However, if you dig a little deeper, you might be surprised to see what actually rocks and what flops.
The MLS Rocks:
The multiple listing service or MLS really, really rocks. Our MLS has over 6000 agents. So when you list your property on the MLS – you automatically put 6000 agents to work trying to find a buyer for your home. You simply can’t beat that!
Anyone can load a so-so listing on the MLS – but it takes a good marketer to make it pop. Great photos are an absolute must! Buyers expect them and will eliminate homes that don’t have them. Think of the MLS photo display as your “first showing”. For the same reasons a high-quality video or slideshow is no longer optional.
Signage Rocks:
Having a sign in front of the home with a sign rider guiding the buyer to a web page about the home always rocks. I buy a domain name for each listing and add QR codes for those with smart phones. Fliers help too – if they don’t end up scattered all over the place. The key here is to get the interested party to as much viable information as possible as quickly as possible.
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Real estate in Scarsdale NY has a remarkably sparse number of cooperatives located within theScarsdale municipality. The famous Garth Road cooperatives – though conveniently located with resepect to Metro-North and village shopping, are not truly in the Village of Scarsdale. If you are looking a cooperative that is located in the Village of Scarsdale with easy access to the train station as well as shops and Scarsdale restaurants, then the Chateaux of Scarsdale is one complex that fits the bill. The location couldn’t be better for the commuter - you can even grab a quick morning drink at Starbucks on your way to the train platform.
The Chateaux in Scarsdale NY:
The Chateaux is an elegant pre-war garden complex located just off of East Parkway on Chauteaux Circle. Mature growth gives and the unique garden-style buildings a tremendous amount of grace. The setting is peaceful in spite of being in the middle of the village. And you can’t ask for a better location. You can easily leave the car for day to day errands. Shops are just around the corner, dining out is just steps away.
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When people think of real estate in Scarsdale NY they tend to think of single- family homes and high-end cooperatives with Old-World charm. Scarsdale Manor is one of the larger cooperative complexes on the famous Garth Road. The area reflects the mature elegance of Scarsdale Village and features many pre-war complexes that were converted into cooperatives in the 1980s. It is a mature community with very little space for new development.
The area couldn’t be more convenient. It is highly walkable, you can leave the car behind for most of your day-to-day errands. A 10 minute stroll puts you on a Metro-North Train to NYC. The trip to Grand Central station in midtown is a mere 29 minutes by express.
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Located in the heart of downtown at 20 North Broadway in White Plains NY – the Broadlawn is one of the most desirable cooperatives in White Plains. The central location of the Broadlawn helps make it special. It lies within a block of the White Plains City Center, and Trump Tower. you can easily leave the car behind and walk to shopping, fine dining, entertainment and the train. Rated a walker’s paradise by WalkScore.com - the area ranks a 97 out of 100 with respect to walkability. The commute to Manhattan is 33 minutes on the Harlem Line. With the likes of New York transplants such as BLT Steakhouse and Level 42at the Ritz Carlton just a short stroll away, the lifestyle at the Broadlawn has a distinctly urban upscale feel. The White Plains Performing Arts Center is also just a short walk away. As for shopping the Westchester mall as well as the City Center mall along with major supermarkets including Whole Foods are all a comfortable walk away. In spite of being in near the center of the downtown, the area across from Tibbets Park creates an oasis of peace and quiet. It’s a world apart from the hubub despite its very central location.
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The cooperatives on Garth Road in the Scarsdale PO are a very popular destination for first time home buyers and those who are scaling back from a home. Among Westchester coops, the Garth Road location is one of the best known and most sought after. This is not without good reason. The location is fairly close to perfect for commuters and those who prefer to leave the car behind and walk to town.
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Yes, I know its Christmas day – but New Year’s Eve is just a week away…and its not too soon to think about where you will be when 2011 becomes a memory and 2012 is born.
For those who don’t know the history – downtown White Plains used to be a fairly quiet place. During the housing boom the downtown became built up an is now thought of as a mini-me Manhattan. Following the opening of Trump Tower and the Ritz Carlton – a new tradition was born. White Plains initiated a new tradition of celebrating New Years Eve in the heart of the downtown – including its own ball drop. The festivities include live music from 10:30 PM to 12:30 AM. It is a fun-filled event for the entire family. Last year I was downtown at around 11 PM and was watching as all the downtown residents started walking en masse towards the music. Parents with children in tow, and extended families all getting together as a large community. Its a terrific way to meet your neighbors and just have a great time with the whole family. At the stroke of midnight the ball drops and it is topped off by a fireworks display that literally lights of the entire sky.
For those who want to make an entire evening of it and eat out – here are some suggestions….
BLT Steakhouse White Plains - in the heart of the downtown in the Ritz Carlton – $125 pp. First seating 5:30 – 7 PM, Second seating after 9 PM.
Morton’s Steak House – Downtown White Plains – Maple Ave.
Black Bear Saloon & Wicked Wolff Tavern – Downtown White Plains – Mamaroneck Ave. are hosting a New Years Eve Bash. The doors open at 9 PM. Tickets are $50 pp and include an open bar.
© 2011 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
Westchester NY has never been shy about strutting its stuff during the Holiday Season. Finding displays is not hard. Getting them to photograph well is more of a challenge. Particularly when it involves Christmas light displays. Every December, for the last few years, I have gotten out with my camera and have tried to take as many photos as I could. So here are some of my favorites….Have a Merry Christmas and Happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!
© 2011 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.
Union Church of Pocantico Hills has a rich history. Part of the Historic Hudson Valley – the church has is closely associated with the Rockefeller family. It is also very famous for its stained glass windows by Matisse and Chagall. From the outside, the church is a chapel-sized field stone structure. Something of a classic Tudor. But the interior windows are simply breathtaking. The rose window by Matisse, was his last work of art. The Chagall windows came later. All were commissioned by the Rockefellers as memorials to family members.
The Christmas Eve services are a way for families to come together and get away from the Christmas materialism. Its a wonderful time to reflect about what Christmas really is all about. Something that quite honestly seems to get lost in the process of our mall -crazed month of shopping. The services themselves are marvelous with a mix of music, scriptures and carols and a short sermon. The church is non-denominational and welcomes one and all. There are three Christmas Eve services, at 3:30, 7:30 and 11 PM. The latter two services are candlelight services.
Before I sold real estate – I actually sang in that church choir. Unfortunately working on the weekends and attending a church nearly 30 minutes from my home an office does not mix well, but I have a tremendous affinity and affection for this church and try to get there whenever I can – which sadly is not often!
- The Event – Christmas Eve Services at Union Church
- The Place - Union Church of Pocantico Hills 555 Bedford Rd., Tarrytown NY
- The Time - Dec. 24 at 3:30 7:30, and 11 PM
© 2011 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.
As some of my readers know, I am currently on a quest to promote local businesses and merchants in lower Westchester NY. Westchester retail has come a long way since I was a youngster shopping at the local army and navy. But local merchants face an uphill climb from big-box creep. So far the focus has been on Mamaroneck, Larchmont, White Plains, and the River Towns – particularly Tarrytown. After a while, I realized that I was in as much of retail rut as the rest of the world. Sure I have my favorite haunts – but all of us need to stretch beyond and try new things!
To be totally candid – I had never been into Wendy Gee before this past week. From the outside, it looked to be well above my price range – and if the truth were to be told some of the higher end items certainly are. However, you can find just something for just about everyone at Wendy Gee from higher-end but comfortable furnishings for adults to toys for tots. Even the family pet is included. Many of the items are geared to adding a sense of style and whimsy to a room. An accent piece from this store can actually change the feel of room, by adding a splash of the unique. As my stager for properties (Marie Graham) would say ” a touch of whimsy an color go a long way.” Just one or two pieces could help transform a room from dull to dynamite.
This is a great place to shop for the remaining people on your list for the holidays and beyond. This is not a big-box bland place to be. Enjoy the video below an be sure to visit their website: WendyGee.com. Better still – stop by for a visit and get some ideas. Wendy Gee is located at 1949 Palmer Ave. in Larchmont NY.
© 2011 – RUthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.
