Pleasantville NY Real Estate Market Update November 2014

Despite slower times Pleasantville Single Family home sales were steady this past month with 9 closings. Sales are up from 7 in October 2013 and the sales/list price ratio decreased by 3% in September.  The median price was $535,000 which is barely up from $534,500 this time last year.  This is also the lowest the median price has been since March 2014.  Inventory of 57 homes was down 16.2% form 68 in September and down 8.1% from 62 in October 2013.  New listings were also down a bit and modestly from 11 last year.  The days on market of 91 in October was up modestly from 83 in September and down considerably from 119 in October 2013.

Christopher Pagli

Accredited Buyer Representative

Real Estate Associate Broker

William Raveis Legends Realty Group

914.406.9023

chris@legendsrealtygroup.net 

Larchmont NY Real Estate Market Update November 2014

Larchmont single family home sales cooled down a bit with 10 closings in the month of October.  This is the lowest home sales have been since 9 in April 2014.  The sales/list price ratio moved down to 94.4% from 97.8% in September.  The median price was $1,012,225 which is down 51.8% from $2,098,888 in October 2013.  This is also the lowest median price has been since May 2014.  Inventory levels of 53 homes  was down 14.5% from 62 in September and down 36.9% from 84 this time last year.  The average days on market of 67 was up marginally from 64 in September but down substantially from 149 in October 2013.  This is the highest days on market has been since May 2014.  Overall the Larchmont real estate market remains strong and usually does.

The Larchmont Coop sector saw a total of 8 closings in October, up 300% from 2 this time last year.  The sales/list price ratio moved down to 95.1% from 100.3% in September.  The median price was $208,750, up 11.6% from $187,000 in October 2013.  Price per square foot of $259 was down from $307 in September but up from $205 in October 2013.  

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Christopher Pagli - www.WestchesterCountyRealEstateMarket.com

Accredited Buyer Representative

Real estate Associate Broker

William Raveis Legends Realty Group

914.406.9023

Chris@LegendsRealtyGroup.net

SONYMA Loans For First Time Home Buyers In Westchester County and NY State

SONYMA, short for State of NY Mortgage Agency has been a saving grace for many cash strapped, first time home buyers in NY State. Some of the benfits of a SONYMA loan are a minimum 3% down payment (with down payment assistance) and the ability to finance closing costs, along with a host of others that your mortgage professional will educate you on.

Many buyers that I have recommended this loan product to were originally considering an FHA loan for a condo purchase. Since the FHA only backs loans in approved condo complexes the SONYMA worlked well because they back all condos.

One gripe some have had is that the SONYMA loan takes a bit longer and has more paperwork. This past spring began working with two of it’s largest lenders to develop SONYMA Express. This program will help improve the processing time and quickly determine the buyers eligibility.

The program will also cut down the amount of paperwork needed by using auto-populated forms that only require a buyer signature. There is so much more availailable to you through this SONYMA program and the others they offer. I’m just making you aware of the option.

Quite often I will talk with buyers that haven’t been educated on all of the loan products that may be available to them if they qualify. The best thing you can do is find a mortgage professional that will answer all of your questions and guide you accordingly. Don’t assume that they will automatically educate you on everything, ask the simple question “Can you please tell me about any and all available programs that I/we may qualify for?

Christopher Pagli - www.WestchesterCountyRealEstateMarket.com

Accredited Buyer Representative

Real Estate Associate Broker

William Raveis Legends Realty Group

914.406.9023

chris@legendsrealtygroup.net

The Best Pop-Up Holiday Shops & Flea Markets In NYC 2014

New York City is known for some of the coolest pop-up shops and flea markets all throughout the year, these are by far my favorite.  One of the things I love the most is the unique vendors from all around the world.  It's not your same old crafts and flea market stuff.  Much of the goods come from artisan vendors who are selling and promoting their hard work.  

Since Brooklyn has become the hot spot for srtisan folks over the years, you'll find more options to shop.

1) Holiday Shops at Bryant Park - (between 40th-42nd streets and 5th-6th avenues)  this is part of the bigger Winter Village that includes a Christmas tree and Ice Skating.  Open through Jan. 4; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays

Info: wintervillage.org

2) Winter Flea + Holiday Market (1000 Dean St., Crown Heights): The Brooklyn Flea heads inside for the winter, spread out over 30,000 square feet of warehouse space to host more than 100 vendors. Highlights  include an abundance of food vendors, Christmas trees (on sale starting Dec. 1); silent holiday movies on loop; and an eclectic array of vendors selling antique and salvage furniture, clothing, books, records, hand-crated items and and more.  Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Nov. 8 through March

Info: brooklynflea.com

3) Grand Central Holiday Fair (Grand Central Terminal, 89 E. 42nd St.): This market also hosts the annual train show. Head to Vanderbilt Hall and peruse 76 vendors selling wares for everyone, including your dog.  Open Nov. 17-Dec. 24 (closed Thanksgiving Day); 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily (Sundays until 7 p.m., Nov. 17 until 5, Dec. 24 until 6, closed Nov. 27)

Info: grandcentralterminal.com

4) Union Square Holiday Market - You would be amazed at how many unique shops manage to fit into Union Square.  This is one of the first shops that I attended back in 1999.  There is no shortage of artisan vendors and food to enjoy while shopping.  Open Nov. 20-Dec. 24; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays

Info: urbanspacenyc.com

5) Columbus Circle Holiday Market (59th Street and Central Park West): This market is run by the same people that run the Union Square Market, just more convenient for the folks that live Uptown.  Open Dec. 2-Dec. 24; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily (until 7 p.m Sundays)

Info: urbanspacenyc.com

6) Brooklyn Night Bazaar (Banker Street): Get your holiday shopping done early at this indoor Williamsburg marketplace, where 70 merchants sell their wares while food vendors offer up assorted grub. Craft beer and wine (drink passes are $25), live performances, black-light mini-golf and table tennis add to the festive atmosphere. 

When: 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Fridays and Saturday

Info: bkbazaar.com

Christopher Pagli - www.WestchesterCountyRealEstateMarket.com

Accredited Buyer Representative

Real Estate Associate Broker

William Ravies Legends Realty Group

914.406.9023

Chris@LegendsRealtyGroup.net