White Plains NY Real Estate In One Word - Consistent!

White Plains NY Home Sales Remain Strong!

The White Plains NY real estate market has been one of the most consistent in Westchester this past year.  Even in months where we see a slow down, White Plains single family home, condo, and coop sales remained strong.  

The City itself is constantly evolving and looking for ways to improve the home owner experiencefor those moving from New York City and its current residents.  Over the years we have seen a lot of change.  Restaurants and big-box retailers have come and gone but now we have a bit more stability amongst them.  

Now, with talks about a new development on the Westchester Pavillion Mall property, downtown will only get better.  I remember what White Plains was like in the 80's and 90's, when we only had Galleria and Mamaroneck Ave was a far cry from what it is now.  

With rapid growth comes new opportunities for all.  The housing market will only continue to strengthen and White Plains will hopefully continue to be the go-to place for anyone looking to experience NYC outside of the City.

Sales 

There were 18 single family home sales in October. This is down 5.3% from 19 in October of 2014. This is the lowest unit sales have been since 7 in April, 2015. Sales/list price ratio in October moved down to 98.3% from 99.2% in September.

Prices

Median price in October was $559,000. This is down 8.7% from $612,000 in October of 2014. 3-month median price of $667,000 in October was up just slightly from $642,500 in September and up a little from $587,000 in October of 2014. Price per square foot in October was $325. This is up from $294 in September and up from $291 in October of 2014.

Inventory 

Inventory of 89 in October was down 9.2% from 98 in September and down 11.0% from 100 in October of 2014. New listings of 20 in October were down slightly from 24 in September and down moderately from 29 in October of 2014. Months of supply of 4.9 in October was down a little from 5.3 in September and down slightly from 5.3 in October of 2014. This is the lowest months of supply has been since March, 2015.

Market Time 

Days on market of 74 in October was up substantially from 54 in September and up considerably from 49 in October of 2014. This is the highest days on market has been since May, 2015.

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

Fourth of July Firework Displays In NYC 2014

1 ) Macy's Fireworks - This year they move back to the East Side - July 4th 9pm at Brooklyn Bridge

2) Coney Island Fireworks - July 4th 9:30pm - Coney Island Beach (north of the fishing pier)

3) Coop City Fireworks - July 3 9:00pm - Coop City little league fields


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

The Complete Guide To NYC Restaurant Week Summer 2014

It's time for NYC Restaurant week once again and it's expected to last 20 days.  The kick-off will be July 21 and ends August 15th.  As usual the lunch prices will be $25 for 3 course lunch and $38 for dinner, per person and not included drinks, tax, or tip.  Follow this link for the complete list of participating restaurants http://www.nycgo.com/restaurantweek.  Book your reservations early and have fun!

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

The Museum Mile Festival NYC 2014

Fifth Ave, also known as museum mile, hosts this highly anticipated event.  On June 10th the public will have FREE access to nine museums from 82nd St to 10th St 6-9pm, rain or shine. The festivities begin on the steps of the Museum of the City of New York at 103rd St 5:45 PM

If you have ever wondered what a car less NYC would be like now is your chance to experience it.  For 23 blocks, the street will be open to attendees, performers, artists, and vendors only.  Visit www.MuseumMileFestival.org for more info.


Christopher Pagli
Accredited Buyer Representative
Real Estate associate Broker
William Raveis Legends realty Group
914.406.9023

chris@legendsrealtygroup.net
mrwestchester.blogspot.com

The Ultimate List Of Free Concerts In NYC Summer 2014

Thanks to Village Voice for providing us with this great list of FREE concerts in NYC.  Everybody loves free and every body loves music, a match made in heaven.  There is definitely something for everyone on this list, ranging from hip hop to dance and jazz to rock.  The venues also range from one of the many parks, school yards, museums, and anywhere else the creative sources decide to throw a party.  The one thing I will warn you about is the amount of attendees.  As with any free event you should plan to arrive early and check the web for any last minute changes, NYC is full of them.  Click on this link or paste it intro your browser http://bit.ly/1nbATZt, you will be re-directed to the full list.

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

chris@legendsrealtygroup.net
mrwestchester.blogspot.com

914.332.6300 office
914.406.9023 cell

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

Resource For Local Public/Private School Rankings and Reports

As agents we get asked all of the time about the quality of local schools.  Due to license laws we are prohibited from talking about schools, crime & safety.  The Dept. of State wants the buyer to formulate their own opinion when it comes to decisions such as schools and neighborhood selection.  We can however be the source of the source.  Below are a few resources to help you navigate through the windy path we call New York City & Westchester County public and private schools. 

Look carefully at the data you find and choose what you think will benefit your child the most.  Some get caught up in the rankings but don't fully understand the criteria used to formulate those rankings.  I always tell my clients to visit the school they have interest in unannounced.  This way you will see the real deal and how you are treated without them being able to prepare for you.

Public Schools

1) Clarahemphill.com
2) Classsizematters.com
3) Greatschools.org
4) Gothamschools.org
5) Insideschools.org
6) NYCpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com
7) Schoolmatters.com
8) Schooldigger.com
9) Schools.nyc.gov

Private Schools
1) Victoriagoldman.net - Guide to private nursery schools.
2) NYCprivateschoolsblog.com
3) NYpeas.com
4) Schools.nyc.gov
5) Privateschoolreview.com
6) Isaagny.org


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

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week NYC February 6-13, 2014

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week kicked off this morning at Lincoln Center, the events headquarters.  Fashion week brings in about a few hundred thousand attendees and $865 million in revenue each year through restaurants, hotels, and other businesses.  Despite the freezing temps and frozen spirits in NYC, we should see a good turn out.  Follow this link for the complete schedule, see you on the runway!  

http://www.mbfashionweek.com/schedule

Christopher Pagli - www.WestchesterCountyRealEstateMarket.com

Accredited Buyer Representative

Real Estate Associate Broker

William Raveis Legends Realty Group

914.406.9023

chris@legendsrealtygroup.net

Ice Skating Rinks In New York City 2013-2014

Ice Skating is a favorite past time for kids of all ages in New York City.  If you have been to Rockefeller Center during the holidays then you know how busy it can be.  If you can't get onto the skating rink don't worry, there are others you can check out!

1) Citi Pond at Bryant Park - 1 Bryant Park - 212.661.6640 or bryantpark.org.  Admission is FREE and the hours of operation are as follows, Dec 24-31 Sun-Thurs8am-10pm, Fri & Sat 8am-midnight, Jan 1-March 2 - 8am-10pm daily.

2) Trump Skating Rink - Central Park - 830 Fifth Ave - 212.439.6900 or wollmanskatingrink.com.  Admission ranges, call for most current pricing.  Hours of operation are Dec 25-30 - 10am-11pm, Dec 31 - 10am-7pm, and Jan 1 - 10am-11pm

3) South Street Seaport Skating Rink - 19 Fulton St - southstreetseaport.com.  Admission is $10 and FREE for kids under 5.  Hours of operation are Mon-Thurs - 11am-9pm, Fri & Sat - 10am-10pm, and Sun - 10am-9pm Through March 2, 2014

4) City Ice Pavilion - 47-32 Place, Long Island City Queens - 718.706.6667 or cityicepavillion.com

Admission is $5 Mon-Fri, $8 Sat & Sun, $8 Holidays including school vacation week.  Hours of operation are Dec 26-28 - noon-5:20 and 7-9:50, Dec 29 - noon-5:20, Dec 30 - 1:30-5:20 & 7-9:50, Dec 31 & Jan 1 - 10:30am-5:20 & 7-9:50

5) Samuel J and Ethel LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park Brooklyn - Enter at Prospect Park, Parkside or Ocean Aves or Lincoln Rd - 212.661.6640 or lakesideprospectpark.com - Admission is $6 weekdays, $8 weekends and holidays, FREE for children under 12 on Mondays from 3-6pm (excludes holidays)

Have fun!

Christopher Pagli - www.WestchesterCountyRealEstateMarket.com

Accredited Buyer Representative

RealEstate Associate Broker

William Raveis Legends Realty Group

914.332.6300 - Office

914.406.9023 Cell