Interior DesignMarketSellingThe Helpful Agent September 30, 2024

5 Selling Myths Busted: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Selling your home can be a daunting task, and it can be hard to know what steps to take in order to make sure you get the best deal possible. That’s why it’s important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to preparing your home for sale. Here are five common myths about selling a home—and the truths behind them.

Myth 1: You should renovate the kitchen and bathroom.
Truth: While a remodel would certainly increase your property value, it’s not necessary—especially if you don’t have the budget for it. However, there are some inexpensive ways you can give your kitchen and bathroom a facelift without breaking the bank. Consider painting cabinets, replacing fixtures, and refreshing tile grout. These small changes will help spruce up the look of these rooms without all the hassle of a full remodel.

Myth 2: The interior of my home is more important than the exterior.
Truth: Actually, first impressions matter! Make sure that your landscaping is well-maintained and that you give your front porch or entryway an inviting feel with tasteful decorations like potted flowers or plants. Cleaning up any debris around the yard or driveway is also key—you want potential buyers to feel welcome right away!

Myth 3: There’s no need to stage my home if it is already clean.
Truth: Staging is so much more than just cleaning! Taking time to arrange furniture and décor in a way that shows off each room’s best features will create an inviting atmosphere for potential buyers. Even if you don’t have much furniture or décor on hand, minimalistic staging can still go a long way in creating an appealing environment for viewers.

Myth 4: Everyone is over granite and stainless steel appliances.
Truth: While granite countertops may no longer be ‘trendy,’ they are still classic additions that many people find desirable in homes today. Stainless steel appliances are also timeless classics that will stand out in any kitchen—but if they’re outdated models, consider updating them before listing your property to appeal more to potential buyers who might be looking for more modern features in their new home.

Myth 5: Home shoppers can paint over colors they don’t like.
Truth: Potential buyers may overlook some colors they don’t care for while touring homes; however, they might not want their hard-earned money going toward something they won’t appreciate down the road (like repainting). Painting walls with neutral colors will help ensure that prospective buyers focus on how livable each space is rather than how much time (and money) it would take for them to switch out wall colors later on!

Prepare the Right Way
Selling your home doesn’t have to be a hassle. With these tips in mind, you’ll be one step closer to getting top dollar for your house.

If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, be sure to contact me at 914-525-9325. I’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and provide expert guidance every step of the way.

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Buying September 20, 2024

Why the First Week of October Is the Best Time to Buy a Home

As autumn arrives with its crisp air and vibrant foliage, many prospective homebuyers ask: Is there a best time to buy? According to Realtor.com, the week of September 29 to October 5, 2024, stands out as an ideal window to dive into the market. Here’s why this specific week could be your golden opportunity to find the perfect home.

Why This Week Is a Buyer’s Sweet Spot

1. High Inventory

By early October, many summer-listed homes are still available. Sellers hoping for quick summer sales may find themselves more motivated to negotiate, giving buyers a wider selection and better bargaining power.

2. Lower Prices

Data shows home prices tend to dip from their summer highs during this period. With fewer buyers competing, sellers often adjust their expectations, providing buyers a chance to secure a great deal.

3. Slower Market Pace

The post-summer slowdown means less competition, giving you more time to evaluate homes and negotiate without the pressure of a fast-moving market. This is an excellent opportunity to make thoughtful, informed decisions.

4. Local Market Insights Matter

While these trends are seen on a national scale, local real estate markets can differ. A local real estate expert can provide tailored advice and guide you through the nuances of your area’s market during this optimal timeframe.

Can’t Buy During This Week? No Problem!

If September 29 to October 5 doesn’t work for you, the following weeks in October still offer excellent opportunities to buy, though with slightly less activity. The key is preparation:

  • Get your financial documents in order.
  • Define your must-haves and deal-breakers in a home.
  • Start conversations with a mortgage advisor to understand your budget.

Make Your Move This October

The first week of October offers a unique combination of high inventory, lower prices, and reduced competition, making it a standout time to buy a home. Mark your calendar and get ready to take advantage of this prime buying opportunity.

Ready to start your home search with confidence? Contact me today at (914) 525-9325 for personalized advice and to explore what’s happening in your local market. Let’s find your dream home this fall!

 

BuyingMarket November 12, 2023

What Can You Buy For $675,000 in Ridgefield

Ridgefield Townhouse

Our company sold this gorgeous townhome with a two car garage in Ridgefield for $675,000.  It’s an open floor plan and fully updated. So close to everything you could want!  Ridgefield is one of my favorite towns.  I love the Main Street, restaurants and theaters for movies and also live music.

The MLS description is as follows:

Welcome to this 2 bedroom 2 bath end unit townhome in the sought after community of Prospect Woods. Enter into the spacious foyer with access to 2 car garage, multi-purpose room that can be used as an office, den, bedroom, exercise room, or playroom, and a laundry room with plenty of storage. The open concept main level living room/dining room is great for entertaining and includes a masonry floor to ceiling wood burning fireplace and hardwood floors. The updated eat-in kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, vaulted ceiling and skylight. The family room boasts a vaulted ceiling, 2 skylights, hardwood floors, and access to large private deck with wooded views perfect for morning coffee, al fresco dining, or simply relaxing amidst nature. The bedroom on this level has hardwood floors and sliders to deck. A full bath completes this main level. Head upstairs to find the master bedroom suite with full bath with jacuzzi tub, large walk-in closet, and wall to wall carpeting. Conveniently located just minutes from Main St, restaurants, theaters, parks, and shopping.

This one is sold, but we have more.  Contact me at 914-525-9325 and we can get started on your home search today.

BuyingMarket November 3, 2023

What $1,100,000 Buys In Ridgefield, CT

Our company sold this stunner in Ridgefield recently for $1,160,000.  Best of both worlds – antique Colonial but updated with a smart home thermostat and more.  4 full bedrooms and 3 baths.  Don’t forget about the 1 bedroom cottage on the property.

The MLS description was as follows:

Just minutes to everything Ridgefield has to offer, this beautifully updated 4 bedroom 3 bath Antique Colonial farmhouse with detached cottage has it all. Full of character and charm, this home offers a glimpse into the past while providing all the modern comforts of today. Relax with your morning coffee on the welcoming front porch or for more privacy head to the gorgeous backyard with large patio, beautiful plantings, and newly built stone fireplace. Recently renovated eat-in kitchen features quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, wet bar, and beverage fridge. The open concept living space includes a living room with wood burning fireplace, dining room, and cozy den both with custom built-ins. The main floor bedroom has a full bathroom and door to backyard. The upper level features the Primary en suite bedroom with full recently renovated bathroom and large walk in closet. Two additional spacious bedrooms and a full bathroom complete this upper level. As an added bonus, head up to the 3rd floor walk-up attic to find extra living space with endless possibilities and lots of storage space. Additional features include hardwood floors throughout main and upper level, crown moldings, solar panels, bay windows, and NEST. The separate guest cottage features 1 bedroom, living room, kitchen, full bathroom, laundry, and sliders out to private backyard. Public water. Public sewer. Close to restaurants, shopping, coffee shops, parks, and more!

This beauty is sold, but we have more.  Contact me at 914-914-525-9325 and we can start looking for your dream home.

BuyingMarket October 10, 2022

You Can Get A Home Within The Chappaqua School District for $876,000

Our company recently sold this lovely 3 bedroom 4 bath home in the Chappaqua School District for $876,000.  It was one of the largest properties in Cornell Woods.  The home was located one mile to highways, restaurants, walking trails, shopping, and parks.  So close to the North County Railway which is 22 miles for bicyclists and hiking going from Yonkers to Brewster.

The MLS description was as follows:

If you are looking for a fantastic home, which offers an amazing set-up for a home office/ au-pair or nanny living quarters/ guest suite with a full bath and separate entrance, you just found one. The extra-large bonus room on the same level of the other bedrooms can be used as an additional bedroom, making it a fourth bedroom.. As you enter this welcoming 2 story foyer, it is apparent from the start this house is a place to call home. Inviting living space offers sun drenched living room with large windows leading into dining area for family gatherings. Eat in kitchen offers granite counters, stainless steel appliances with plenty of room for farm table. Enjoy cool nights in family room with wood burning fireplace or sit on private deck in this tranquil setting with luscious greenery. Powder room and door to garage complete this level. The second floor is comprised of 2 bedrooms, hall bath, washer/dryer, bonus room (465 sq ft) used as guest bedroom/4th bedroom and large primary bedroom with sparkling custom new bath with soaking tub, separate shower and radiant heated floors. Lower level consists of essential office area, au-pair set-up, full bath, with separate entrance, and is not included in the total sq ft (1200) making this home 4359 sqft of living space. Some of the special features, and updates are recently painted exterior/interior, professionally landscaped grounds, and 5 zone sprinkler system.

This beauty sold, but we have more!  Contact me at 914-525-9325 to get started on your dream home search.

BuyingMarket October 10, 2022

You Can Purchase In The Katonah-Lewisboro School District for $569,000

This wonderful townhome in Goldens Bridge with Katonah-Lewisboro schools was just sold by our company for $569,000.  The living doesn’t get much easier than this!  So close to everything and a commuter’s delight.  Recently upgraded and the community features a great pool for those hot summer days.

The MLS description was as follows:

Enjoy easy living in this Lovely and spacious well maintained 2 bed Townhouse located on a private cul-de-sac at the desirable Katonah Close Community. This home features contemporary style, great large living room and sitting area, traditional dining room with views overlooking the woods and a french door connecting to an updated Eat in kitchen with new cabinets and granite counter tops, sliders to a private Patio, recessed lighting and updated powder room. Second Level has an extra office space, a large Master bedroom with 2 walking California closets and a beautiful master bathroom with Jacuzzi and walk in steam shower. Second bedroom with a full bath. Two zone heating system. Unfinished lower level with spacious storage space, laundry area and utilities. New windows throughout, Upgraded Roofing, Downspouts, Leaf Guard gutters along with new Siding,( 2016) Heating and A/C system ( 2017), other features include house Water Filter and Booster pump assembly. Complex offers a community pool.

This one is sold, but we have more.  Contact me at 914-525-9325 and let’s get your home search started!

BuyingMarket August 20, 2022

What $630,000 Buys In Ridgefield, CT

Our firm sold this pretty move in ready Condo in Ridgefield for $630,000 recently.  It had an open floor plan with 3 bedrooms and 2 and 1/2 baths.  The view from the back patio was serene and wooded.  It had a wood burning fireplace to relax near on cool winter nights.  So close to everything you could want – Main Street, great food and fun live music at the Playhouse.

Welcome to this beautiful, move in ready 3 bedroom 2.5 bath townhouse in sought after Prospect Woods. Enter into the updated foyer with new flooring. A multi-purpose room on this level can be used as an office, den, bedroom, or playroom. The open concept main level living room/dining room is great for entertaining and includes a masonry wood burning brick fireplace and hardwood floors. Enjoy a coffee and the view in your updated eat-in kitchen complete with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, vaulted ceiling and skylight. The bedroom/office on this level opens up to a spacious private patio with wooded views. A full bath and washer and dryer complete this level. The Master bedroom suite has a full bath, large walk-in closet, and wall to wall carpeting. The second bedroom on this level has an enormous walk-in closet and wall to wall carpeting. A half bath is also located on this level. Carpet, foyer flooring, and new central air conditioning unit installed in 2020. Conveniently located just minutes from Main St, restaurants, theaters, parks, and shopping.

This one is sold, but we have more.  Contact me at 914-525-9325 to get started on your home search.

BuyingMarket August 12, 2022

You Can Get A Home For $500,000 In The Somers School District

Our firm sold this adorable Cape Cod with lots of upgrades for $506,000 and it’s in the Somers School District.  The property is almost a half acre.  Close to everything and so convenient!  The MLS description was as follows:

This story book Cape Cod will create wonderful memories of days gone past and moments ahead. Located on a quiet dead-end lane in the Shenorock section of Somers, this charming 3 BR 2.1 Bath home will capture your heart. As you enter the house from the delightful breezeway, you are greeted by a spacious, light-filled LR w/fpl, excellent for entertaining. Opposite the LR, a beautiful set of vintage wooden framed French doors open into an office/den. Down the hall is another amply sized room off the LR offering myriad possibilites. The large family-style kitchen and full bath are also located on the first floor. Situated on a level lot, this home w/1-car garage boasts a meticulously landscaped property. Enjoy fresh blueberries from your property’s own bushes while relaxing on the 3-season slate patio. Septic and roof recently updated and the interior of the home has been freshly painted, ready to make it your’s. You won’t be disappointed!

This one sold, but we have more!  Contact me at 914-525-9325 and let’s get started on your home search.

BuyingMarket July 30, 2022

What Type Of Home Does $2,900,000 Buy In Chappaqua

Our company recently sold this absolutely gorgeous home in Chappaqua for $2,900,000.  It had 5 bedrooms and 7 baths and over 6000 sq. ft with an elevator reaching all three stories.  Over 1 and 1/2 acres (perfect for entertaining) in the center of Chappaqua.

The MLS description was as follows:

The majestic gated entry and Belgian block paved driveway announces this beautiful Mediterranean-inspired home in the heart of Chappaqua. Extensive renovations with custom high-quality finishes create elegant rooms full of warmth and character. This home includes custom hardwood floors, imported Murano chandeliers, Savant lighting, Aprilaire temperature control, surround sound and surveillance system. Elevator serving 3 floors, Geothermal and solar heat/ac with natural gas backup. A gourmet kitchen designed for the cook who has to have it all! A luxurious master bedroom suite with oversized sitting room and spa bath with dual custom closets sure to please. The outdoor property has been meticulously landscaped with specimen plantings, flower beds, and victory garden. The oversized deck has been upgraded to a Timber tech composite with a retractable awning. There is plenty of room to lounge around the free-form salt water pool, or spend evenings around the gas fire pit. As if this wasn’t all enough there is a two-bay heated garage with Tesla charging stations.

This stunner is sold, but we have more.  Contact me at 914-525-9325 and let’s get started on your dream home search.

BuyingMarket June 5, 2022

What $780,000 Buys In Somers, NY

Our firm sold this beautiful condo in sought after Heritage Hills in Somers, NY.  Heritage Hills Development is well maintained and sports multiple pools, walking trails, tennis and pickle ball courts.  This unit had three nice sized bedrooms and 2 baths.  Granite countertops. Close to Metro North Trains, shopping and schools.  The MLS description was as follows:

Stunning and immaculately maintained three bedroom two bathroom Sherman II end unit in the desirable Heritage Hills! Not a thing to do but move your belongings in! Beautifully renovated kitchen, granite countertops, newer appliances, hardwood floors throughout, open concept flow, tons of natural light, sizeable bedrooms, both newer central AC unit and water heater, low taxes – the list goes on! Enjoy your private back patio with ample amounts of space for entertaining. Utilize all of the fabulous facilities this community has to offer – pools, tennis courts, gyms, golf course.. Heritage Hills has it all!

This lovely condo is sold, but we have more.  Contact me at 914-525-9325 and I will help you find your best property match!