Sunday, March 30, 2014

Questions Any Home Seller Should Ask Their Agent



There are so many questions you can ask your agent but below are some very important, ones that I voluntarily discuss at all of my listing appointments.
 1) How many years they have been in the business.  This shouldn't be your determining factor, an agent that has been in the business 30 years doesn't make then a better agent. You want an agent that is tech savvy, invests in their education, understands the local laws and buying/selling process thoroughly, isn't so busy that you get handed off to someone else after they take the listing, and has the proper marketing skills.
 2) How they plan to market your property outside the MLS. Get a clear understanding before you sign and hold them to it. There is so much more to marketing a property then just putting it on the local MLS. I can't tell you how many times I see seasoned agents putting bad angle, dark photos of a listing on the internet. Any picture can be enhanced with online tools. Remember, buyers are making their decision to even view the home by what they see online. Make sure they have descriptions that talk about the homes functionality so a buyer can feel the flow before even seeing it.
 3) Ask them about their track record and success rate. How many homes have the help buy and sell in their career. Read past client testimonials to get a sense of how they work, look for a common thread. Avoid testimonials from their friends, you want real client testimonials.
 4) Find out what taxes and fees you are responsible for, including the commission.
 5) Be very clear on what you are signing. Make sure the agent goes through the contract slowly and explains each section so you have a clear understanding. Ask them about the process of terminating the contract, any repercussions? If so what are they?
 6) How often they work with buyers.  An agent that works with buyers understands how the buyers think. This can help you with getting the home ready to list. Have a pre-listing inspection done so you know what may come up.
7) Is this their full time job or are they doing it part-time. Part-time efforts get part time results.
8) How well they know the local market, trends, etc.  You want to know how long they feel it will take to sell your home and what you should expect from the market.  It is so very important for your agent to set this expectation up front.
 You want an agent that is going to represent your property in the best, possible light and will always have your best interest in mind.  They cannot properly represent you and a buyer for your property at the same time.  If a buyer signs the required agency disclosure form acknowledging that your agent represents you then that is fine.  Your agent will not be representing the buyer, just submitting their offer and any other requests that come in throughout the transaction.  Be very clear with your agent about dual agency and how it can affect you the seller.  After all, it is a relationship that you will be forming so be comfortable with your choice.  
Westchester County Real Estate Agent
By Christopher Pagli - www.WestchesterCountyRealEstateMarket.com
Accredited Buyer Representative
Real Estate Associate Broker
William Raveis Legends Realty Group

914.332.6300 office
914.406.9023 cell

chris@legendsrealtygroup.net
mrwestchester.blogspot.com
linkedin.com/in/christopherpagli

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Tarrytown NY Residential Real Estate Market Statistics Report 3/2014



Single Family Homes
There were 5 unit sales in February. This is up 66.7% from 3 in February of 2013. Sales/list price ratio in February moved down to 95.8% from 96.8% in January.

Median price in February was $419,500. This is up 9.7% from $382,500 in February of 2013. This is the lowest median price has been since February, 2013. 3-month median price of $497,500 in February was down just slightly from $521,000 in January but very slightly up from $486,000 in February of 2013.

Inventory of 26 in February was up 18.2% from 22 in January but down 33.3% from 39 in February of 2013. New listings of 8 in February were up considerably from 1 in January and way up from 2 in February of 2013. Months of supply of 5.6 in February was up modestly from 4.9 in January but down considerably from 10.4 in February of 2013.

Days on market of 182 in February was way up from 133 in January and up just slightly from 179 in February of 2013. This is the highest days on market has been since April, 2013.

Condos



Unit sales in February were 2, unchanged from the same month last year. This is the lowest unit sales have been since 1 in January, 2013. Sales/list price ratio in February moved down to 95.8% from 97.5% in January.

Median price in February was $578,750. This is up 20.6% from $480,000 in February of 2013. This is the highest median price has been since May, 2013. 3-month median price of $442,000 in February was up just slightly from $433,000 in January but way down from $675,000 in February of 2013.

Inventory of 17 in February was up 6.3% from 16 in January but down 59.5% from 42 in February of 2013. New listings of 3 in February were up from 0 in January but way down from 12 in February of 2013. Months of supply of 3 in February was very slightly up from 2.9 in January but down substantially from 11 in February of 2013.

Days on market of 226 in February was way up from 168 in January but down considerably from 308 in February of 2013. This is the highest days on market has been since February, 2013.

Coops


There were 1 unit sales in February. This is down 50.0% from 2 in February of 2013. Sales/list price ratio in February moved up to 93.4% from 89.3% in January.

Median price in February was $84,000. This is down 28.5% from $117,500 in February of 2013. 3-month median price of $142,000 in February was down modestly from $159,500 in January but up considerably from $117,500 in February of 2013.

Inventory of 15 in February was up 25.0% from 12 in January and up 15.4% from 13 in February of 2013. New listings of 6 in February were up considerably from 2 in January and way up from 2 in February of 2013. Months of supply of 9 in February was up moderately from 6.8 in January and up considerably from 6.9 in February of 2013.


Days on market of 453 in February was way up from 132 in January and up substantially from 212 in February of 2013.


Tarrytown Real Estate Agent, Tarrytown Buyers Agent

Christopher Pagli - www.WestchesterCountyRealEstateMarket.com
Accredited Buyer Representative
Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker
William Raveis Legends Realty Group

914.332.6300 office
914.406.9023 cell
chris@LegendsRealtyGroup.net

mrwestchester.blogspot.com
twitter.com/chrispagli
www.linkedin.com/in/christopherpagli

Celebrate Earth Hour March 29th, 2014




Earth hour was founded by the World Wildlife Fund and aims to educate the masses on a variety of environmental issues.  The event began in Australia in 2007 and has since spread all around the world.  The concept is simple, we all turn our lights off for one set hour on March 29, 2014 from 8:30pm - 9:30 PM.  There are other ways you can get involved as well, visit http://www.earthhour.org/celebrating-earth-hour for the complete history and further details.  See you in the dark!

Christopher Pagli
Accredited Buyer Representative
Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker
William Raveis Legends Realty Group
914.332.6300 office
914.406.9023 cell
chris@LegendsRealtyGroup.net

mrwestchester.blogspot.com
twitter.com/chrispagli
www.linkedin.com/in/christopherpagli

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Revised 3/25/14 - The Facts About FHA Loans In Westchester County NY




If you don't already know, the FHA loan in Westchester County NY has become wildly popular over the past few years, partly because lenders have raised the requirements for other loans.  The FHA also known as the Federal Housing Administration doesn't actually fund loans, the insure them for FHA approved lenders.  As a Westchester County Buyers Agent I have closed more FHA loans this past year then ever before.  The attraction to these loans are the minimum of 3.5% down payment requirement, the ability to finance closing costs up to 6% of the purchase price, and the ability to qualify with less then perfect credit.

Although the minimum credit score changes with the times it is currently a minimum of 620-640 for the 3.5% minimum requirement and anything less will require a 10% down payment.  You should also know that these credit requirements are the FHA guidelines, you will have to find a bank that will work with the lower scores.  I've been told by an FHA specialist that 640 is what a lot of banks were looking for but some are going lower.  Wells Fargo recently went down to 600 and Carrington Mortgage services just went to 550.  These guidelines change often so be sure to ask your loan officer for the latest.

The FHA does not back loans for Coops, they do back loans for condos but are limited to those on the FHA approved list.  To see if a certain condo is on the approved list you can visit the following link, http://1.usa.gov/10hZNpV.  All FHA loans require mortgage insurance and there is also an upfront mortgage insurance premium of 1 3/4% that can be financed.

The FHA loan limits for Westchester County NY are still $729,750 for single family homes and $934,000 for two family homes.  As of January 31, 2013 the FHA will be raising DTI guidelines for borrowers with low credit scores. FHA will require borrowers with credit scores below 620 to have a maximum DTI (debt to income ratio) of 43%

These are the basics, you will need to speak with an FHA specialist to see if you will qualify.  Please note that I am not a loan officer, I am a Westchester County Buyers Agent that specializes in FHA & conventional loans

Christopher Pagli - www.WestchesterCountyRealEstateMarket.com
Accredited Buyer Representative
Real Estate Associate Broker
William Raveis Legends Realty Group
914.332.6300 office
914.406.9023 cell
chris@legendsrealtygroup.net
mrwestchester.blogspot.com

Rye Ny Residential Real Estate Market Statistics Report 3/2014



Single Family Homes

Sales
There were 13 unit sales in February. This is up 8.3% from 12 in February of 2013. Sales/list price ratio in February moved down to 91.3% from 103.0% in January.

Prices
Median price in February was $1,390,000. This is up 19.1% from $1,167,000 in February of 2013. 3-month median price of $1,545,000 in February was down marginally from $1,560,000 in January but up a little from $1,343,500 in February of 2013.

Inventory
Inventory of 92 in February was up 10.8% from 83 in January but down 27.6% from 127 in February of 2013. New listings of 26 in February were up considerably from 21 in January but down modestly from 30 in February of 2013. Months of supply of 4.8 in February was up slightly from 4.4 in January but down considerably from 8.4 in February of 2013.

Market Time
Days on market of 222 in February was up substantially from 103 in January and way up from 154 in February of 2013. This is the highest days on market has been since April, 2013.

Condos

Sales
Unit sales in February were 2. Sales/list price ratio in February was 100.7%.

Prices
Median price in February was $654,000. 3-month median price of $424,950 in February was up substantially from $299,000 in January and up considerably from $205,000 in February of 2013.

Inventory
Inventory of 1 in February was down 66.7% from 3 in January and down 91.7% from 12 in February of 2013. Months of supply of.6 in February was down considerably from 1.9 in January and way down from 5.5 in February of 2013. On a year-over-year basis, months of supply has been falling for 4 months.

Market Time
Days on market in February was 251.
Coops

Sales
There were 5 unit sales in February. This is up 150.0% from 2 in February of 2013. Sales/list price ratio in February moved up to 97.7% from 96.4% in January.

Prices
Median price in February was $405,000. This is down 34.7% from $620,000 in February of 2013. 3-month median price of $324,000 in February was up slightly from $275,500 in January but down considerably from $550,000 in February of 2013.

Inventory
Inventory of 22 in February was down 21.4% from 28 in January and down 31.3% from 32 in February of 2013. New listings of 2 in February were down considerably from 3 in January and down substantially from 5 in February of 2013. Months of supply of 6.1 in February was down somewhat from 8.4 in January and down considerably from 15.4 in February of 2013. On a year-over-year basis, months of supply has been falling or even for 8 months.

Market Time
Days on market of 213 in February was up substantially from 115 in January and up somewhat from 162 in February of 2013.

Rye Real Estate Agent, Rye Buyers Agent

Christopher Pagli - www.WestchesterCountyRealEstateMarket.com
Accredited Buyer Representative
Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker
William Raveis Legends Realty Group
914.332.6300 office
914.406.9023 cell
chris@LegendsRealtyGroup.net

mrwestchester.blogspot.com
www.linkedin.com/in/christopherpagli

Monday, March 24, 2014

White Plains NY Real Estate Market Statistics Single Family, Condos, Coops 3/2014



Single Family Homes

Sales
There were 16 unit sales in February. This is up 100.0% from 8 in February of 2013. Sales/list price ratio in February moved down to 96.4% from 97.3% in January.

Prices
Median price in February was $627,500. This is down 1.3% from $636,000 in February of 2013. 3-month median price of $560,000 in February was down just slightly from $583,750 in January but up a little from $510,000 in February of 2013.

Inventory
Inventory of 85 in February was down 5.6% from 90 in January and down 19.8% from 106 in February of 2013. New listings of 11 in February were down considerably from 20 in January and way down from 18 in February of 2013. Months of supply of 4.4 in February was down modestly from 4.8 in January and down considerably from 7.4 in February of 2013. On a year-over-year basis, months of supply has been falling for 5 months.

Market Time
Days on market of 132 in February was up marginally from 128 in January but down substantially from 224 in February of 2013. This is the highest days on market has been since September, 2013.


Condos

Sales
There were 6 unit sales in February. This is down 25.0% from 8 in February of 2013. This is the lowest unit sales have been since 2 in October, 2010. Sales/list price ratio in February moved down to 94.6% from 98.2% in January.

Prices
Median price in February was $312,500. This is down 20.9% from $395,000 in February of 2013. This is the lowest median price has been since September, 2012. 3-month median price of $325,000 in February was down marginally from $338,000 in January and down a little from $342,500 in February of 2013.

Inventory
Inventory of 85 in February was up 6.3% from 80 in January but down 8.6% from 93 in February of 2013. New listings of 11 in February were down considerably from 21 in January and down moderately from 15 in February of 2013. Months of supply of 6.3 in February was up slightly from 5.8 in January but down a little from 7.2 in February of 2013. This is the highest months of supply has been since August, 2013.

Market Time
Days on market of 93 in February was down modestly from 107 in January and down slightly from 106 in February of 2013.


Coops

Sales
There were 12 unit sales in February. This is up 50.0% from 8 in February of 2013. This is the lowest unit sales have been since 8 in February, 2013. Sales/list price ratio in February moved up to 95.4% from 95.0% in January.

Prices
Median price in February was $139,250. This is down 36.0% from $217,500 in February of 2013. This is the lowest median price has been since September, 2013. 3-month median price of $155,000 in February was down just slightly from $160,000 in January and down a little from $166,500 in February of 2013.

Inventory
Inventory of 163 in February was up 2.5% from 159 in January but down 5.8% from 173 in February of 2013. New listings of 27 in February were up a little from 25 in January and way up from 18 in February of 2013. Months of supply this month is 11, the same as last month.

Market Time
Days on market of 157 in February was down slightly from 167 in January and down modestly from 186 in February of 2013. This is the lowest days on market has been since June, 2013.

White Plains Real Estate Agent, White Plains Buyers Agent

Christopher Pagli - www.WestchesterCountyRealEstateMarket.com
Accredited Buyer Representative
Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker
William Raveis Legends Realty Group
914.332.6300 office 
914.406.9023 cell
chris@LegendsRealtyGroup.net

linkedin.com/in/christopherpagli

Friday, March 21, 2014

New York Cares Day Spring 2014




New York Cares is an organization that does just that, they care about every inch of the City and all of it's occupants.  New York Cares day is considered to be the largest spring cleaning event anywhere and a transformation is seen by then end of the day.  Every year at least 4,000 New Yorkers get the chance to band together and lend a helping hand throughout the five boroughs.  This  year the event will take place on April 12th and projects on the agenda include shorelines, parks, green space, and gardens.  I joined last year and felt it was a great way to make a small difference in the city that we love so much.  I met a lot of great, like-minded people that I still keep in touch with today.  Visit this link to join, register, or just donate some money to a very worthy cause, http://bit.ly/1l9QhDD.

Christopher Pagli - www.WestchesterCountyRealEstateMarket.com
Accredited Buyer Representative
Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker
William Raveis Legends Realty Group
914.332.6300 cell
914.406.9023 cell

chris@legendsrealtygroup.net
mrwestchester.blogspot.com
twwiter.com/chrispagli

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Ardsley, Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings, & Irvington Real Estate Market Reports 2014

This year started off similar to last year with tight inventory and multiple buyers.  Sales for Ardlsey, Tarrytown, Irvington, Sleepy Hollow, Dobbs Ferry, and Hastings total 56 across the board with the majority in the $600,000-$700,000 and $1,000,000+ range.  This has to do with the average list price in those areas, very encouraging none the less.  As April approaches we hope to see a rise in inventory which is still very low in all of Westchester.  The good news for home sellers is tight inventory means more activity and multiple bidders in most cases.  Stay tuned for April's snapshot coming soon.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions or a complimenatry, customized, market analysis for your home.  If you are a buyer I can customize a market CMA to bring you up to speed on home values and making an offer.



Rivertowns Real Estate Agent, Tarrytown Buyers Agent, Tarrytown Real Estate Agent,

Christopher Pagli - www.WestchesterCountyRealEstateMarket.com
Accredited Buyer Representative
Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker
William Raveis Legends Realty Group
914.332.6300 office
914.406.9023 cell
chris@LegendsRealtyGroup.net

mrwestchester.blogspot.com
twitter.com/chrispagli

Volunteer With Your Kids Part 2




This is the second part of a three part series on volunteering opportunities for you and your kids.  There are tons of options but here are a few that stand out for me.

1) Grow NYC - grownyc.org - This is an environmental education program that sends children out into the community to make changes in regards to conservation of energy and alternatives.  Not only do they get to be active they learn why it is so important.  If interested contact Mike Zamm 212.788.7932 or mzamm@grownyc.org

2) Partnership For The Homeless - This program is for kids ages 12 and up (5 and up require a parent to be with them).  They are looking for help with the Children's Holiday Party in December and possibly other programs.  Contact Ed Snowden - 212.645.3444 x107 or esnowden@pfth.org

3) DoSomething.org - This is an online based program and one of the largest organization's in the US.  Kids ages 12 and older can take part in campaigns throughout the year and also their own project.  Visit do something.org/clubs or 212.254.2390

4) Kids For A Wish Program - metrony.wish.org - A program that develops project ideas for kids to raise money for Make-A-Wish.  Contact Kathie Lomabrdi 516.944.6212 x141



Christopher Pagli - www.WestchesterCountyRealEstateMarket.com
Accredited Buyer Representative
Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker
William Raveis Legends Realty Group
914.332.6300 cell
914.406.9023 cell
chris@LegendsRealtyGroup.net

mrwestchester.blogspot.com
twitter.com/chrispagli

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Proven Tips For Having A Successful Tag Sale

Spring is around the corner and that means tag sales every weekend.  Here is my guide to success!


1. Don't wait until the last minute. You don't want to be scrambling to hold a garage sale the week before an open house. Depending on how long you've lived in the home and how much stuff you have to sell, planning a garage sale can demand a lot of time and energy.
2. See if neighbors want to join in. You can turn your garage sale into a block-wide event and lure more shoppers if you team up with neighbors. However, a permit may be necessary for each home owner, even if it's a group event.
3. Schedule the sale. Sales on Saturdays and Sundays will generate the most traffic, especially if the weather cooperates. Start the sale early, 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. is best, and be prepared for early birds.
4. Advertise. Place an ad in free classified papers and Web sites (Craigslist is huge), and in your local newspapers. Include the dates, time, and address. Let the public know if certain types of items will be sold, such as baby clothes, furniture, or weightlifting equipment. On the day of the sale, balloons and signs with prominent arrows will help to grab the attention of passersby.
5. Price everything. Lay out everything that you plan to sell, and attach prices with removable stickers. Remember, garage sales are supposed to be bargains, so try to be objective as you set prices. Assign simple prices to your goods: 50 cents, 3 for $1, $5, $10, etc.
6. Don't sell junk. Decide what's worth selling and what's not. If it's really garbage, then throw it away. Broken appliances, for example, should be tossed. (Know where a nearby electrical outlet is, in case a customer wants to make sure something works.)
7. Create an organized display. Lay out your items by category, and display neatly so customers don't have to dig through boxes.
8. Stock up on bags and newspapers. People who buy many small items will appreciate a bag to carry their goods. Newspapers are handy for wrapping fragile items.
9. Manage your money. Make a trip to the bank to get ample change for your cashbox. Throughout the sale, keep a close eye on your cash; never leave the cashbox unattended. It's smart to have one person who manages the money throughout the day, keeping a tally of what was purchased and for how much. Keep a calculator nearby.
10. Prepare for your home sale. Donate the remaining stuff or sell it to a resale shop. Now that all of your clutter is cleared out, it's time to focus on preparing your house for a successful sale!


Christopher Pagli - www.WestchesterCountyRealEstateMarket.com
Accredited Buyer Representative
Real Estate Associate Broker
William Raveis Legends Realty Group
914.332.6300 office
914.406.9023 cell
chris@legendsrealtygroup.net
Twiiter.com/chrispagli

Monday, March 17, 2014

The James Beard Foundation Announces Semi Finalist for 2014 Awards




The James Beard Foundation recently announced the names of the chefs and restaurants selected as semi-finalist for the upcoming 2014 awards.  The winners will be announced Monday May 5th at Lincoln Center NYC.  

Outstanding Restaurant
  1. Hearth, NYC
  2. Pearl Oyster Bar, NYC
  3. wd~50, NYC
Best New Restaurant
  1. Betony, NYC
  2. Carbone, NYC
  3. The Elm, Brooklyn, NY
  4. Estela, NYC
  5. Fish & Game, Hudson, NY (Columbia County)
  6. Uncle Boons, NYC
Outstanding Chef
  1. Michael Anthony, Gramercy Tavern, NYC
  2. Andrew Carmellini, Locanda Verde, NYC
  3. Gabrielle Hamilton, Prune, NYC
  4. Maricel Presilla, Cucharamama, Hoboken, NJ
Outstanding Pastry Chef
  1. Dominique Ansel, Dominique Ansel Bakery, NYC
  2. Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito, Baked, Brooklyn, NY
  3. Christina Tosi, Momofuku, NYC
  4. Jennifer Yee, Lafayette, NYC
Outstanding Restaurateur
  1. Phil Suarez, Suarez Restaurant Group, NYC (ABC Kitchen, Jean-Georges, wd~50, and others)
  2. Andrew Tarlow, NYC (Diner, Marlow & Sons, Reynard, and others)
Outstanding Bar Program
  1. The Bar at the NoMad Hotel, NYC
  2. The Dead Rabbit, NYC
  3. Maison Premiere, Brooklyn, NY
Best Chef: Northeast
  1. Tyler Anderson, Millwright's, Simsbury, CT
  2. Eric Gabrynowicz, Restaurant North, Armonk, Westchester, NY
  3. Gerry Hayden, The North Fork Table & Inn, Southold, LI, NY
  4. Dano Hutnik, Dano's Heuriger on Seneca, Lodi, NY (upstate)
  5. Guy Reuge, Mirabelle, Stony Brook, LI, NY
  6. Joel Viehland, Community Table, Washington, CT

Best Chef: New York City

  • Jonathan Benno, Lincoln Ristorante
  • Fredrik Berselius, Aska
  • April Bloomfield, The Spotted Pig
  • Paul Carmichael, Má Pêche
  • Amanda Cohen, Dirt Candy
  • Dan Kluger, ABC Kitchen
  • Mark Ladner, Del Posto
  • Paul Liebrandt, The Elm
  • Anita Lo, Annisa
  • Carlo Mirarchi, Roberta’s
  • Seamus Mullen, Tertulia
  • Joe Ng, RedFarm
  • Alex Raij and Eder Montero, Txikito
  • César Ramirez, Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare
  • Masato Shimizu, 15 East
  • Justin Smillie, Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria
  • Alex Stupak, Empellón Cocina
  • Rich Torrisi and Mario Carbone, Carbone
  • Jonathan Waxman, Barbuto
  • Michael White, Marea

Christopher Pagli - www.WestchesterCountyRealEstateMarket.com
Accredited Buyer Representative
Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker
William Raveis Legends Realty Group
914.332.6300 office
914.406.9023 cell
chris@LegendsRealtyGroup.net

mrwestchester.blogspot.com
twitter.com/chrispagli

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

The New Museum of NY Let's YOU Be The Artist



It's not often that the public is allowed to paint or draw whatever they want on a museum exhibit.  The New Museum  has decided to break down that barrier and all are welcome to channel their inner artist at the Althamer show.  All visitor's are encouraged to choose from  markers, paints, or chalk and  make any additions to the growing piece of art once known as the fourth floor.  The project is dubbed "Draftsmen's Congress" and the brainchild of Polish artist Pawel Althamer.  It is open until April 13th as part of an exhibition of Althamer's works.

Contact the museum for reservations and any other info www.newmuseum.org or 212.343.0460


By Christopher Pagli - www.WestchesterCountyRealEstateMarket.com
Accredited Buyer Representative
Real Estate Associate Broker
William Raveis Legends Realty Group
914.332.6300 office
914.406.9023 cell
chris@LegendsRealtyGroup.net
mrwestchester.blogspot.com



Sunday, March 9, 2014

Energy Efficient Mortgages Are On The Rise



Energy efficient mortgages or "green" mortgages as they are also known, have gained momentum and popularity over the last 5 years.  They allow the home owner to finance certain home improvements such as as solar panels, geo-thermal heating, and more efficient air conditioning systems to name a few.  One thing to keep in mind is the cost of the improvements and how long you will live in the home.  You want to make sure you can get back what you have put in as some of these improvements are costly.  

Currently, Fannie Mae FHA, and VA offer loan products that cover energy efficient improvements.  Each will have their own qualifying criteria so have your lender explain them in more detail.  One caveat is the borrower will have higher monthly payments due to these loans and shoul factor that in when deciding what is best.  The flip side to this is the long term benefit and savings to the home owner.  The lender will also have to see the benefit and savings in order to fund the loan.

 Keep in mind that a lender is not only investing in your ability to pay back a loan but also the home you purchase, until it is paid off.  So any improvements that re-enforce the homes value will most likely be ok with them.  Another way to look at is they want to ensure that if you default they can get their money back if the home has to be sold.

Visit this link for more details on these mortgages...http://bit.ly/1fePuOd


Christopher Pagli - www.WestchesterCountyRealEstateMarket.com
Accredited Buyer Representative
Real Estate Associate Broker
William Raveis Legends Realty Group
914.406.9023
chris@LegendsRealtyGroup.net

mrwestchester.blogspot.com

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Guide To Farmers Markets In Brooklyn & Manhattan 2014




Guide To Farmers Markets In Brooklyn & Manhattan 2014

Brooklyn
Brooklyn Borough Hall Greenmarket: Court & Montague Sts Hours: Tue., Thu. & Sat. 8am-3pm
Carroll Gardens Greenmarket: Carroll St bet Court & Smith Sts Hours: Sun. 8am-3pm
Cortelyou Greenmarket: Cortelyou Rd bet Argyle & Rugby Rds Hours: Sun. 8am-2pm
Fort Greene Park Greenmarket: Washington Park bet DeKalb & Willoughby Aves Hours: Sat.  8am-3pm
Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket: Prospect Park W & Flatbush Ave  Hours: Sat. 8am-4pm
Greenpoint/ McCarren Park Greenmarket: Union Ave bet Driggs Ave & N 12th St Hours: Sat. 8am-3pm
Park Slope’s Down to Earth Farmers’ Market: 5th Ave & 4th St Hours: Sun. 10am-5pm

Manhattan
79th Street Greenmarket: Columbus Ave bet W 78th & 81st Sts Hours: Sun. 8am-5pm
82nd Street Greenmarket: 82nd St bet 1st and York Aves  Hours: Sat. 9am-3pm
97th Street Greenmarket: W 97th St bet Columbus & Amsterdam Aves Hours: Fri.  8am-2pm
Abingdon Square Greenmarket: W 12th St & 8th Ave Hours: Sat.  8am-2pm
Bowling Green Greenmarket: Broadway & Battery Pl Hours: Tue. & Thu. 8am-5pm
Columbia University Greenmarket: Broadway bet 114th & 116th Sts Hours: Thu. & Sun.  8am-5pm
Dag Hammarskjold Plaza Greenmarket: 47th St & 2nd Ave Hours: Wed. 8am-3pm
Downtown PATH Greenmarket: W Broadway bet Barclay St & Park Pl Hours: Thu. 8am-6pm
Inwood Park Greenmarket: Isham St bet Seaman Ave & Cooper St Hours: Sat.  8am-3pm
NY/NJ Port Authority Greenmarket: 8th Ave & W 42nd St, inside bus terminal Hours: Thu. 8am-6pm
Staten Island Ferry/Whitehall Greenmarket: 4 South St, inside Ferry Terminal Bldg Hours: Tue. & Fri.  8am-7pm
Tompkins Square Greenmarket: E 7th St & Ave A Hours: Sun. 8am-6pm
Tribeca Greenmarket: Greenwich & Chambers Sts Hours: Wed. & Sat.  8am-3pm
Tucker Square Greenmarket: W 66th St & Columbus Ave Hours: Thu. & Sat. 8am-5pm
Union Square Greenmarket: Broadway & E 17th St  Hours: Mon., Wed., Fri. & Sat. 8am-6pm


Christopher Pagli - www.WestchesterCountyRealEstateMarket.com
Accredited Buyer Representative
Real Estate Associate Broker
William Raveis Legends Realty Group.net
914.332.6300 office
914.406.9023 cell
chris@LegendsRealtyGroup.net
mrwestchester.blogspot.com

Monday, March 3, 2014

Green Festival New York City 2014




Green festivals and marketplaces have been popping up more and more over the past few years.  Being green or going green as many state, isn't just a decision it's a way of life.  It's a commitment by you to help preserve the earth and our natural resources.  I believe it all begins with a little education.  Festivals like these provide the average person an opportunity to learn from experts in the field.  You may leave with a wealth of knowledge or just one point or product that resonates with you.  Whatever it may be anything is better then nothing, as with your contribution to the movement.

This year the festival kicks off at Pier 94 (new location) on April 26th & 27th.  Visit greenfestivals.org to register as a vendor or purchase tickets.  Early bird registration is opn until March 15% and offers a 50% discount if you use the promo code NARAWAK14.

Sincerely,

Christopher Pagli - www.WestchesterCountyRealEstateMarket.com
Accredited Buyer Representative
Real Estate Associate Broker
William Raveis Legends Realty Group
914.332.6300 office
914.406.9023 cell
chris@legendsrealtygroup.net