A compilation of timely information regarding matters of interest to homeowners, buyers and sellers of real estate in Dobbs Ferry, the Rivertowns and the Westchester County, NY area in general.
Welcome to your own private oasis with this charming stone and brick cottage, on 1/3 acre with an in-ground pool, in the sought after Ardsley School District. This spacious residence boasts a large living room, flooded with natural light from two exposures. The kitchen features all stainless appliances with a separate dining area and a door to the driveway, for your shopping convenience. The master bedroom is located away from the main living area, for the utmost in privacy. There is also a second bedroom and full hall bath on this level. The lower level, not included in listed square footage, consists of a finished family room, which could be used as a third bedroom, with its own bath. A laundry room and small auxiliary room, or wine cellar, completes this home. The lower level also has a walkout to the yard and the driveway, capable of parking 4-5 cars. In the rear of the yard is an inground pool that awaits your loving touch. Two blocks to the Ardsley Middle School, 5 blocks to all village shopping and restaurants.
Ranging in price from $389,000 up to $12,995,000, they represent the broad spectrum of available properties in Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington, Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown.. One of them is sure to please. Browse thru some of the listings below or contact me for more information or to schedule a showing.
“People often assume that getting a gorgeous kitchen like the ones they see in design magazines would require draining their bank account. And often, they’re right: Building a custom kitchen with upscale materials and finishes can easily run into six figures.
What they might not realize is that there are cost-saving alternatives that can deliver a high-end look for a fraction of the price. One of the most popular, employed by a number of architects and designers, is building a kitchen with Ikea cabinets and then covering those cabinets with custom doors, drawer fronts and panels from companies likeReform,SemihandmadeandKokeena.”
“Ikea makes a great box,” said John McDonald, the founder and chief executive of Semihandmade, a company based in Monrovia, Calif. And inside its Sektion cabinets, he added, Ikea “uses the best hardware you can get…..”
Contact me for more information about the expected Rate Of Return on your investment, at resale, for typical upgrades to your home, including the all important kitchen and bath.
Posted on December 6, 2019 2:51 pm by Scott Rosasco
The Rivertowns Holiday Trolley
Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty in Dobbs Ferry is sponsoring the Rivertowns Holiday Trolley, on Saturday, December 7. The office will be giving out candy canes and free, holiday basket raffle tickets. Have a photo taken with Santa, next door at the firehouse and watch the holiday tree lighting. Nothing like that small town appeal with big time charm at BHG Rand Realty, 108 Main Street, Dobbs Ferry NY.
See the link for full details and the trolley schedule, with participating Rivertowns shops and restaurants: Rivertowns Trolley
Only 4 brand new 1 bedroom units are still available, in this iconic, pre-War landmark building, at the most convenient location in Dobbs Ferry. Each residence boasts stainless appliances; gas range, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, granite counter tops and new bathrooms. Coupled with all the charm of yesteryear including terrazzo hallways, gleaming, original, ribbon inlaid hardwood floors and 9′ ceilings. Great security with new key fob entry and video. All new electric in each unit and a new laundry room. 4 blocks to Metro North commuter train. Across the street from Stop and Shop and convenient to all the chic restaurants and shopping in the village. Future plans include a gym and roof deck with river views. Free overnight parking within two blocks. Pets are allowed. Priced at $1999 month. 381 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry NY
2/5/2020 Call For More Information At: 914-960-3837 cell
The New York Times Real Estate Section recently espoused the benefits of living in Irvington NY. A brief quote was:
“A small town with a progressive attitude, Irvington offers residents a sense of community and history — as well as proximity to the Hudson River……According to data from the Hudson Gateway Multiple Listing Service, as of July 23 there were 53 single-family homes on the market, from a 948-square-foot, two-bedroom, 1926 Bungalow listed at $449,000, to an 11,653-square-foot, Eight-BedroomGated Colonial Built in 1929 for $4,950,000. There was one condominium, listed for $595,000, and 10 cooperative apartments, priced from $199,000 to $799,000.For the 12-month period ending July 23, the median sales price for a single-family home was $1,325,000, up from $1,192,500 during the previous 12 months. The median price for a condominium was $660,000, down from $675,250 the previous year; for a co-op, it was $245,000, up from $187,000 the year before…”
If you are looking to buy or sell real estate in The Rivertowns, let your #1 Rivertowns Real Estate Resource help. Call me to discuss all your real estate needs at 914-960-3837, or contact me thru the form below:
Housing inventory is up in Dobbs Ferry. With the average number of homes listed for sale in Dobbs Ferry in the first quarter of 2018 set at 28, there were nearly double the number of homes listed for sale in the second quarter, with 52 houses. Allowing for homes that have since sold quickly, those off the market or those currently under contract and waiting to close, there are currently 42 homes for sale in Dobbs Ferry. They range from a “Handyman’s Special” listed for $374,900 on the low end and range up to a$3,495,000 homeon the high end.
From Koby Kepert:
“Most of us have been down this road before… as a first-time home buyer, it seems easy to buy a fixer upper and transform it into your dream home. It seems so easy on all of the HGTV shows we watch, right? Well, the real-life reality is not always like that. Working in this business for so many years now, I can’t tell you how many emails I’ve received from people desperate for help with their “DIY gone wrong” issues. I think that, being a first-time home buyer, you should have some serious home improvement skills before attempting to renovate a fixer upper. This surely can save you some money as long you don’t make any expensive mistakes along the way. But if you don’t have the skills nor the time and energy, buying a newly-built home or having it built for you seems to be the best option…..” See The Full Story At:New Construction For The First Time Home Buyer
A great example of the American Craftsman, Bungalow Style of architecture, popular during the Arts and Crafts Movement, this home in Irvington NY has so much potential to offer. Known as The Hampton model, it was originally built in 1926 as a three bedroom home and later converted to two, but is easily converted back. Featuring 9′ ceilings thru-out, it boasts a wonderful covered front porch, large living room, huge formal dining room, kitchen, two bedrooms and a full bath. It has a flat rear yard with a driveway and 1 car garage underneath. There are hardwood floors under the wall to wall carpeting and recent vinyl windows. The original detailing still exists with the rafters exposed at the eaves and masonry piers and columns. Great for a tasteful restoration or as an alternative to a condo, with no shared walls or association fee. Located in the Irvington school district and a quick commute by Metro North train to Manhattan. Great expansion potential, up or out. Don’t wait too long to see this one!
An interesting news article that caught my attention
Photo courtesy of Sunrise Building
From Zillow.com
“A fresh coat of paint in the right color may help sell a home for more money.
Homes with rooms painted in shades of light blue or pale blue/gray can sell for as much as $5,440 more than expected, according to a new Zillow report.
Zillow’s 2017 Paint Color Analysis looked at more than 32,000 photos from sold homes around the country to see how certain paint colors impacted their sale price on average, when compared to similar homes with white walls.
Curious what colors may help you sell your home for more? See below for the full results of the 2017 Paint Color Analysis.”
Just listed in the Westchester County river village of Dobbs Ferry, is this historic 1927 Sears Kit House, gracefully updated for today’s modern lifestyle.
One of three, originally identical, sister houses on the street and built at a time when solid construction was de-rigeur, each home has been renovated in their own unique way. It has a lot to offer at this price point with a large Living Room, expansive Formal Dining Room, spacious Kitchen with the original 1927 subway tile and a Sun Porch or Den on the first floor. You will love the upstairs master bedroom with its huge double closet. There are two additional bedrooms on this level, as well as a renovated and full, hall bath. A tiered back yard has lots of privacy and boasts a patio as well as an outdoor fireplace. The basement is full and unfinished with a laundry room and 1 car garage. Only 3 blocks to the famed 76 acre Juhring Nature Preserve, 2 blocks to shopping and transportation and 10 minutes from the Metro North train to Manhattan. Enjoy Dobbs Ferry’s new waterfront park, restaurants and boutiques. Current taxes are under $11,000. Offered at $549,900.
The property website with more information on the listing, the village of Dobbs Ferry, schools, mortgage and Sears Kit Houses is at: www.21Highland.com
Contact Scott Rosasco today to see this home or any other property in the Rivertowns or Westchester County.
The sleek, flowing lines of this late mid-century modern condominium complex will captivate you with its beauty and serenity. Gracefully situated amidst the greenery and trees. Fully renovated and essentially all brand new, this attractively priced, 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo at $399,000 is currently the only unit available in The Colony and one of the few available in Hartsdale. Contact me for a private showing. For more information see: 722 The Colony Hartsdale NY
Posted on October 10, 2017 6:03 am by Scott Rosasco
2017 Dobbs Ferry Festa
Once again, this Saturday October 14, between 1 PM and 8 PM the “Ferry Festa” will be celebrated on Main Street and Cedar Street in the Dobbs Ferry village downtown. Featuring a wide variety of village businesses, outside vendors, food and music it looks to be a great time for the whole family. Stop by the Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty tent in front of our office at 108 Main Street, next to village hall. We will be sporting a haunted house theme with a raffle and crafts for kids. There will also be information available about real estate for sale and rent in Dobbs Ferry and the Rivertowns.
WHITE PLAINS— High sales rates, a sharp decline in inventory, and an uneven pattern of price increases across the region marked 2017’s first quarter entry to the real estate market recovery of the past five years, according to the recently released “2017 First Quarter Residential Real Estate Sales Report for Westchester, Putnam, Rockland and Orange Counties, New York” report authored by the Hudson Gateway Multiple Listing Service Inc. Realtors participating in the HGMLS, a subsidiary of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, Inc., reported a grand total of 3,700 closed transactions in the four-county region during the first three months of 2017, a 9.1% increase or 309 units more than last year’s first quarter results. The closings largely resulted from sales and market activity during the winter months of 2016 and early 2017, and comprised single-family houses, condominiums, cooperatives and 2-4 family houses……….
Rising sales and rising prices, coupled with low inventory, makes this a great season to sell your home. If you are thinking of selling, eitherEmail Meor call me at914-960-3837
Posted on February 17, 2017 6:01 am by Scott Rosasco
108 Rear Main Street, Dobbs Ferry NY
Diamond in the rough. Imagine the possibilities with this great opportunity in downtown Dobbs Ferry. This free standing building, located in the DB (Downtown Business) Zone, lends itself to a variety of uses. Currently a two family residence it could be converted to office, retail or some other commercial combination, with or without residential, or even to a single family residence. Extremely private location and very convenient to Metro North train to NYC, 3 blocks away. Directly adjacent to village parking lot with a $132 annual permit. Super low taxes of $11,368, before the STAR exemption is deducted if owner occupied.
Posted on January 18, 2017 6:27 am by Scott Rosasco
Dobbs Ferry Middle and High School
From Rivertowns Patch: Niche.com recently released its 2017 list of the best school districts throughout the nation and in the state of New York, and many familiar districts received high ranks, including Dobbs Ferry, Ardsley, Hastings-on-Hudson and Irvington.
Posted on October 6, 2016 6:04 am by Scott Rosasco
363 Ashford Avenue , Dobbs Ferry
Uniquely situated and conveniently located 2 blocks from major highways, this single family home is in Dobbs Ferry’s new DT(Downtown Transition) zone. In addition to its current residential use, it can also be used with a commercial use on the first floor with residential above. Other possibilities include office spaces such as physicians or attorneys, a retail storefront, or other commercial uses. There are significant parking possibilities with a driveway and lot in the rear.
A truly unique opportunity at this price point and with taxes of less than $15,000. Call me for more information. 914-960-3837.
Posted on September 29, 2016 6:05 am by Scott Rosasco
11 Bramblebrook Road, Ardsley NY
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Brand new to the market! Close to all from his 2500 sq.ft., 4 bedroom, 3 bath residence with a cut stone front offering the utmost in convenience. Features the sought after open layout floor plan with a Living Room and wood burning fireplace, Dining L with sliders to a private patio, Chefs Kitchen, boasting granite counter tops, new cabinets, stainless steel appliances, including a professional range, Sub-Zero refrigerator and breakfast bar, all as one open space. 2 large bedrooms and a full bath on the first level. The second floor has two over-sized bedrooms and a full bath. The lower level is fully finished with a separate entrance and is ideal for an au-pair with a bedroom, living area and full bath. Hardwood floors thru-out. Great, private rear patio in a wooded setting, 1 car garage and a large driveway with parking for 4 cars completes the picture. Listed taxes are before the STAR deduction is taken.
Posted on September 9, 2016 6:02 am by Scott Rosasco
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This Contemporary/Colonial Dobbs Ferry home is on a cul de sac with tree top views! Surrounded by greenery on the back deck, you will think you are at a country home far away from it all, when in fact, you are just a stone’s throw from all the conveniences of Dobbs Ferry. An open, light and airy home with plenty of room for everyone. The deck runs the width of the house, with access from both the family room, which has a fireplace, the dining room and the kitchen. The eat-in-kitchen has a pantry, large commercial range with 6 burners over an oven as well as a large griddle over a 2nd oven, granite counters, stainless steel fridge and dishwasher.
The master bedroom suite on the 2nd floor has a fireplace, 2 walk-in closets, and a large bath. Three additional bedrooms and a full bath with double sink vanity and laundry are also on this floor. The lower level, which is above grade in the back, has a bedroom, full bath, family room and storage. Freshly painted. Ardsley schools. $875,000
Directions: Ashford Avenue to Briary Road. Up approximately 5 blocks to Heatherway to right at stop sign on Summit Terrace to end of road.
Seasonal Hudson River Views at this 2 Bedroom with Den at Village Green
Rarely available with incredible privacy in this complex is an oversized, first floor, end unit with a garage in a B building, with no neighbors in the side and rear yards. 1200 sq.ft. with 2 bedrooms plus a den, commonly used as either a 3rd bedroom or formal dining room. The master bedroom has a 1/2 bath, easily converted to a full. Updated kitchen and baths. Hardwood floors thruought. A 1 car garage, which typically sells for an additional $15,000, is included with this unit and offers extra storage possibilites as well. Huge, private 20′ x 30′ deck with panoramic, seasonal Hudson River views and breezes is perfect for outdoor entertaining. The downtown location is 2 blocks from the Metro North train to NYC, with a 35 minute commute, as well schools, shopping and village restaurants. Amenities include a clubhouse and inground pool. A great way to get into Dobbs Ferry and its award winning school system, for considerably less money than a house. $425,000. Call me at 914-960-3837 for a private showing.
Public Open House: Sunday June 12 From 1 PM – 3 PM
Directions: Broadway/Route9 to Cedar Street, 2 blocks down to #100; Village Green.
“Once a downscale, sleepy Rivertown squeezed between Hastings-on-Hudson and Irvington, Dobbs Ferry has taken a giant leap to the forefront with a wave of commercial, residential, and lifestyle improvements. The biggest news in the village is the expected completion this fall of Rivertowns Square, a $150 million mixed-use development next to the Saw Mill at Lawrence Street. The project will turn an abandoned research laboratory into a….”
This custom designed contemporary residence will captivate you with its artistic flair and character. Soaring ceilings with great light and spaces embody this 3,800 square foot home. The living room boasts floor to ceiling French doors leading to a wraparound balcony, a wood burning fireplace and a skylight. The newly renovated gourmet eat-in-kitchen offers a breakfast island and a Juliette balcony,overlooking the entry foyer. The main level also features a spacious family room.
Upstairs, the master suite includes a bath and a private deck with quiet woodland views. There are also four additional family sized bedrooms and four additional baths.
Located directly adjacent to the renown 74 acre Juhring Nature Preserve with numerous marked trails for passive outdoor recreation. Easy access to highways, Metro North train and shopping. 2 car garage. Ardsley school district. $849,000
OPEN HOUSE WITH REFRESHMENTS: Sunday April 3; 1 PM – 3 PM
Nestled on a quiet driveway, the unassuming exterior of this 4500 sq.ft. Contemporary Colonial belies the unparalleled space and light within, offering Hudson River and Tappan Zee views. The main level features a two story entry foyer and living room with skylights, as well as an expansive dining room and breathtaking river views. The family room boasts a marble surround fireplace and adjoins the huge eat-in-kitchen with a door out to the large wood deck. Upstairs you will find an extravagant master suite with full bath, whirlpool tub and his and hers walk-in closets with a private balcony offering sweeping Hudson River and valley views. There are also 3 large, family bedrooms and a hall bath. Gleaming oak floors complement these spaces. The walk-out lower lever features an entertainment space with wet bar, full bath, bedroom and a bonus room adjacent to the patio entrance to the huge, flat, rear yard. This residence is ideally located near schools, parks, shopping, dining and transportation and only 35 minutes to Grand Central. Call me for more information: 914-960-3837.
Posted on January 26, 2016 6:03 am by Scott Rosasco
From Bloomberg Business: “Purchases of previously owned U.S. homes rose more than projected in December, helped in part by warmer weather and wrapping up the best year since 2006. Contract closings jumped 14.7 percent, the most on record, to a 5.46 million annualized rate, figures from the National Association of Realtors showed Friday. The median forecast in a Bloomberg survey called for a gain to 5.2 million. Prices picked up as inventories eased. For all of 2015, sales climbed to 5.26 million from 4.94 million……”
Posted on January 13, 2016 6:13 am by Scott Rosasco
Hastings-On-Hudson Schools
According to the annual Niche.com report for 2016, the Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington and Tarrytown school districts were ranked among the Top 100 Schools in New York State. The highest ranking Westchester school was Rye, coming in at #2. Ardsley was ranked at #12, Hastings-on-Hudson at #28, Dobbs Ferry at #38, Irvington at #42 and Tarrytown #58.
The full 2016 report from Niche.com can be viewed here:
Posted on November 3, 2015 6:05 am by Scott Rosasco
Hastings-on-Hudson 2015 3rd Quarter Market Report
The volume of homes sold in the Westchester County NY Rivertowns area is up as high as 110% for the third quarter of 2015 vs. the third quarter of 2014. The village with the highest sales volume was the village of Hastings-on-Hudson, where sales rose from 20 houses in the third quarter of 2014, to 42 houses in 2015. Sales in the village of Dobbs Ferry were up 33% and Tarrytown 34%, yet the village of Irvington actually showed a decrease in the number of homes sold. Overall, the Westchester County NY median selling price was also up 2.4%.
My complete Better Homes and Gardens Rand Westchester Real Estate Market Report can be found here:
Located in one of the most convenient spots in the charming river town of Dobbs Ferry NY, this 1,300 sq.ft residence is sure to please. With 3 bedrooms and two full baths, it has enough space for everyone to take advantage of the award winning Dobbs Ferry school system. Gleaming hardwood floors and an open layout with three exposures makes this corner unit a breezy and airy retreat year round. The master bedroom overlooks the woods and bucolic Wickers Creek, offering privacy and serenity. A covered balcony off the living room creates pleasurable alfresco dining. Literally across the street from some of this river villages most talked about restaurants, including Sushi Mikes, Sams, Harpers and The Cookery. A five minute walk to the Metro North train station and a quick 35 minute commute to Manhattan makes this residence hard to resist. Open House: Sunday May 10, from 12 PM – 2 PM. Or call me for a private showing appointment. 914-960-3837 cell.
Following in its northern neighbor Irvington’s footsteps with their recently acquired knowledge that even national and state historic landmark status designations cannot prevent demolitions, a group of Dobbs Ferry homeowners and other concerned citizens have proposed the first historic district in the village. Centered on one of Dobbs Ferry’s prettiest streets, Belden Avenue, the historic district designation would establish what is and what is not acceptable for home renovations and/or replacements to maintain the historic nature and character of the street.
According to Dobbs Ferry village code, the village board may designate landmarks and historic districts as “a contiguous area containing a number of sites, buildings, structures or features having a special character and historical, architectural or aesthetic interest or value, and constituting a distinct section of the Village“
A similar, yet unsuccessful, attempt appears to have been made over 30 years ago, on an equally historic and pretty Dobbs Ferry street, Clinton Avenue. Hopefully, with proper planning and research, this new attempt will be more successful and stand as a model for future districts in the village.
An Ad Hoc Committee of residents, homeowners, architects, attorneys and village officials has been established to research and report back to the village board the necessary steps, benefits and ramifications of creating one or more historic districts.
According to Niche.com, a website that runs a ranking and review site, schools in the Westchester County Rivertowns rank among the most highly regarded in the State of New York. Schools were evaluated based on several statistics, as well as parent and student reviews. Amongst Rivertowns schools, Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings-on-Hudson and Irvington rank among the NY Top 100. All four schools received A+ grades overall and closer scrutiny of the list reveals only minute differences between them. According to Niche.com, the high rankings are derived from a combination of factors including academics, extracurricular and sports involvement, positive school culture, diversity and overall happiness with all facets of the school experience.
Posted on December 17, 2014 6:12 am by Scott Rosasco
Heading into the New Year of 2015 there is a combined total of 125 houses for sale in all of the NY Metro area Rivertowns, from Hastings-on-Hudson to the south, to as far north as Sleepy Hollow. Ranging in price from $4,750,000 for a home in Irvington to a home in Dobbs Ferry for only $299,000 they represent a broad gamut of opportunities for living in this bucolic area. Here are just two of them, at both ends of the spectrum, linked to their full listings:
Sprawling New Construction in Dobbs Ferry $1,399,000
Classic Eyebrow Colonial Cottage in Dobbs Ferry $329,000
To View the Full List of Homes For Sale, Click on the Link Below.
Posted on December 4, 2014 6:02 am by Scott Rosasco
Before vs. (Proposed) After, at 19 Livingston Avenue, Dobbs Ferry NY
For the second time this year, the developer of the proposed and contentious 12 unit condominium complex, at the former Rudy’s Beau Rivage site in Dobbs Ferry, which seeks to block the panoramic Hudson river views from both the street and neighbors homes, will be appearing in front of the Dobbs Ferry Zoning Board. The purpose of their visit will be to appeal their second denial of the project by the Dobbs Ferry Architectural and Historic Review Board. The developer seeks to make the case that the AHRB once again acted in an “arbitrary and capricious” manner in denying their application with respect to a number of discrepancies between the proposal and the AHRB village code mandate required for approval. The developer seeks relief and permission to build the project as designed. Their first attempt, was denied by the ZBA, after a multi-month round of hearings. According to the Finding of Fact, submitted by the AHRB on October 22, the reasons for denial include Excessive Dissimilarity to the Neighborhood, Excessive Similarity of the Development to Itself and a failure to follow various parts of the Dobbs Ferry Residential Design Guidelines, as well as a lack of harmony with the neighborhood. Of particular concern in the denial is the fact that the construction of the complex as proposed, will result in a loss of property values to adjacent neighbors of between 10% – 20%. This is borne out by two appraisals from licensed real estate appraisers, submitted by neighbors. That equates to a loss of at least $60,000 – $120,000 per homeowner. Given the obvious and profound ramifications, when viewing the before and after documents and since there certainly must be many other ways to design and build a project like this, yet to the benefit of all, it remains to be seen how development of this parcel will proceed. The ZBA meeting is a public hearing and will be held at village hall, December 10, beginning at 8 PM.
UPDATE 12/11/2014: After an almost 3 hour debate, the application was continued on by the ZBA, until their next scheduled meeting; January 14, 2015 at 8 PM.
Posted on September 23, 2014 6:00 am by Scott Rosasco
A Classic Eyebrow Colonial Cottage
Spacious, shady and very private backyard
A bargain at only $329,000 with taxes of under $10,000, this classic eyebrow colonial cottage is located on a sun dappled, leafy Dobbs Ferry street. It is just minutes to village park, pool, shopping and schools. Featuring two bedrooms with a full bath, spacious living room. eat-in-kitchen and a 1 car garage, as well as an unfinished basement. The large flat yard with a concrete patio offers great privacy and is perfect for summer BBQ’s. This home will need some renovation, yet has great expansion potential and low taxes. Call me at 914-960-3837 for a private showing.
Few things are more exciting than building a new home or watching your old one change before your eyes. And the person who will affect the outcome of your project the most is usually the architect. His or her plan will dictate the ultimate appearance and function of the home, as well as the financial costs and emotional toll involved in its construction.
The client-architect relationship is very personal, involving discussions of your habits, your hobbies, your tastes, and even your relationships. So you want the choice to be right. The suggestions that follow will help you analyze the personality, design strategy and communication skills of your candidates. Ultimately, you want to find the architect who’s right for your situation, for your budget and for you.
See the full article at: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22038031/w/sid=1/list/How-to-Hire-the-Right-Architect
Posted on January 7, 2014 6:05 am by Scott Rosasco
Ardsley NY Featured in The Wall Street Journal
The January 4, 2014 Wall Street Journal featured a great article touting the benefits of living in bucolic Ardsley NY. It mentioned the excellent school system that Ardsley has become well-respected for, as well as some of the challenges the village faces with respect to traffic.
The village of Ardsley is concerned enough about a potential increase in traffic affecting its quality of life, it has led them to file an Article 78 lawsuit against neighboring Dobbs Ferry over its approval of the Rivertowns Square development, just across the village border.
The Mayor of Ardsley as well as two Realtors, myself included, were interviewed for this article. All in all, it is a good read for anyone considering a move to this part of southern Westchester County NY.
Posted on December 10, 2013 6:28 am by Scott Rosasco
Starting in 2014, regulations drafted by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will change the definition of a qualified mortgage with respect to several of the government agencies that buy most loans from lenders. As a result, many buyers may find themselves unable to meet the new requirements. As of January 10, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will not buy non-qualified mortgages. Therefore banks and other lending originators that count on those two government agencies to buy the loans they write will cease to finance clients requiring those types of loans.
A qualified mortgage is defined as one in which the APR is within 150 basis points (1.5 percentage points) of the annual prime offer rate, a loan term cannot exceed 30 years, points and fees cannot exceed 3 percent of the loan balance and there can be no negative amortization or interest-only payments. Under these conditions, the mortgage qualifies for safe harbor, meaning the lender is not at risk of being sued by a borrower who is unable to repay the loan.
There’s also a class of loans called higher-priced qualified mortgages, in which the APR exceeds the 150 basis-point limit, and in those cases, the loan falls under rebuttable presumption, meaning the lender is assumed to have complied with ability-to-pay requirements, unless a borrower or attorney argues otherwise. Loans with rebuttable presumption will likely come at an additional premium, said Cameron Findlay, chief economist at Discover Home Loans, though the price of that premium is unclear at this point.
Posted on September 20, 2013 1:44 pm by Scott Rosasco
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This low slung, circa 1958 residence, an architects personally designed home, has only had two owners in over 50 years. With 3300 sq.ft and comfortably ensconced in the charming and established Dobbs Ferry neighborhood of Hilltop Park, it is adjacent to the 76 acre Juhring Estate Nature Preserve. Offering the unique benefits of both the highly regarded Ardsley school district, as well as an easy drive to the Dobbs Ferry train station. Tastefully renovated this past year and redesigned for today’s lifestyles it shows a rare and incredible attention to detail. Custom, lacquered kitchen cabinets, quartz counter tops, bamboo floors and exotic woods are a mere sample of the fine finishes brought to this wonderful home. Offering 3 Bedrooms, two of which have new, full ensuite baths, a full width living room with stone fireplace wall and a full width dining room, both offering floor to ceiling glass doors to let the outdoors in. There is also a new custom kitchen and powder room completing the first level. The lower level offers a third bedroom, new hall bath and family room with an easy walk out thru oversized sliding glass doors to the spacious backyard as well as a 1.5 car garage. Comfortable entertaining takes place on the new mahogany deck overlooking views of the bucolic woodlands below, with nautically inspired stainless steel cable railings, all exuding a sense of quiet and peace.
Hilltop Park is a unique enclave of comfortable residences that rarely come on the market. Streets quiet enough for children to play on, still evenings, friendly neighbors and an abundant sense of nature and privacy make a home in this neighborhood a truly special place to live.
Become one of the privileged few. Offered at only $789,000, this is a rare opportunity. Call me for a private tour at 914-960-3837.
Posted on September 12, 2013 6:10 am by Scott Rosasco
In the now all too typical “development vs. quality of life” conversation, it appears that the incredible Hudson River views from the once thriving Rudy’s Beau Rivage property, a local landmark at the southern gateway to Dobbs Ferry, are in jeopardy of being lost to a developers vision, for a wall of condominium buildings at the street, approximately 141′ long by 35′ high, on the now vacant site. Frighteningly enough, the village of Dobbs Ferry may be prepared to ignore its own new rules, some 10 years in the making, prohibiting this type of development, which robs the entire village of existing views, for one developers benefit. Currently, under village law, a thorough View Analysis must take place by village advisory boards before permitting this project to go forward. This View Analysis must seek to mitigate to the fullest extent possible the adverse effects of construction on existing views. The item is on the agenda, as a public hearing, for the Thursday, September 12 Planning Board meeting. The developers response so far has been to propose mitigating the loss of the views from his own property, by opening up views from the neighboring Cabrini Nursing Home property to the south. While this is all well and good for the Cabrini property and is probably something that should be done anyway, it fails to address the village code requirement for the applicant to mitigate his own property. Unfortunately, this has become the all too typical way for developers in Dobbs Ferry to shirk their own responsibilities under village law, with tacit support from the village governance.
Existing public Hudson River views are called out as important to Dobbs Ferry, in the recently enacted village code: “Views to the Hudson River, from both public and private property, are particularly important and demand consideration in the review of development applications. The purpose of these standards are to preserve the scenic quality of these resources and thereby promote a high quality of life, preserve property values, and promote sustainable economic development by limiting development that would reduce their visual integrity and to ensure that development does not block observation of a scenic view from delineated public viewing places.”
As well, section 300-46 of Dobbs Ferry Code states: “When development occurs on or in the vicinity of a well-recognized landmark or outstanding view it can have a dramatic negative effect upon the general character of the community. As part of the Vision Plan process, the Village has identified significant scenic views and view corridors from selected viewing places throughout the community. Views to the Hudson River, from both public and private property, are particularly important and demand consideration in the review of development applications. The purpose of these standards are to preserve the scenic quality of these resources and thereby promote a high quality of life, preserve property values, and promote sustainable economic development by limiting development that would reduce their visual integrity and to ensure that development does not block observation of a scenic view from delineated public viewing places.”
It will certainly be interesting to see if the Dobbs Ferry Planning Board, which is supposed to have the first look at these applications and which appears to wield the most power and influence over development, will embrace its new powers to thoroughly address this issue. Developers should be held fully accountable to village law, as opposed to the more typical rubber stamp reputation Dobbs Ferry has gotten over the past few years, towards development in the village, which comes at the expense of the quality of life of its residents.
This past Saturday’s, August 3rd edition of the Wall Street Journal featured a great review of living in Dobbs Ferry. Two Realtors were interviewed, myself included, as well as the Dobbs Ferry Mayor, Hartley Connett. In addition to great commentary and information on the flavors of the village, some of Dobbs Ferry’s wonderful dining and shopping destinations were mentioned. Featured on this list were Half Moon Restaurant and The Cookery, as well as the Fiamor and Affordables boutiques. All in all, a great article in a nationally read, financial newspaper.
The full article can either be viewed on the wsj.com site, generally by subscription only, at: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324136204578642362803411642.html
2013 2nd Quarter From The Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors MLS
According to the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, the median sale price in the 2nd quarter jumped 5% in Westchester County, to $650,000, the highest 2nd quarter increase since 2008. In the region consisting of Westchester, Putnam, Rockland and Orange counties, sales volume is up 24% compared with the 2nd quarter of 2012. The HGAR MLS also reported 3,445 residential real estate closings in the past quarter, with both a 23.8% volume increase in the Westchester county single family home segment and a 27.8% volume increase in the Westchester cooperative housing market. This is viewed as the beginning of a sustained recovery. The low interest rates and increased volume of transactions however has also resulted in a shrinking inventory of homes for sale in the area. Available inventory is down 13.1% over this time last year.
There were 1,425 sales of single-family homes in Westchester in the second quarter, 296 sales of condos, 391 co-op’s and 113 multi-family dwellings. There were 2,202 single-family homes sold in the first six months of 2012 in Westchester, representing a 17.1 increase from last year and the highest figure in the past four years.
For the full report see: http://cdn2.dailyvoice.com/sites/default/files/2ndqtr2013salesreportfinal_1.pdf
It’s that time of year again, when the days start getting warmer and longer and people’s thoughts tend to stray toward selling their homes, in what looks like the best Spring market this area has seen in several years. Apropos to that, an interesting article was just published in houzz.com, one of my favorite blogs, detailing what a difference it makes in the sale of your home, to have a house that looks great from the street. Read the brief excerpt below and then click the link to the full article at the bottom. As always, if you are looking for expert advice in the Rivertowns regarding the sale of your home, come help me celebrate over 25 years of listing and selling homes in the Rivertowns, at 914-960-3837 or scott.rosasco@randrealty.com. “Even if you are not planning to sell your home anytime soon, a fresh and welcoming exterior is a wonderful thing to come home to each day. From front doors, house numbers and porch furnishings to color schemes, landscaping and basic repairs, this smorgasbord of ideas will hopefully inspire a few changes around your own home.” Read The Full Article at: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8193935/list?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u250&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0
New to the market, this Rivertowns residence offers great bones at a great price. Situated on a quiet residential street the solid 4 bedroom center hall colonial, with 2200 sq.ft. of living space is a wonderful opportunity.
Featuring the open floor plan prefered by todays lifestyles, it boasts a spacious living room, dining room, eat-in-kitchen and powder room on the first floor. A master bedroom suite on the second level runs the full width of the house and features a huge walk-in-closet and a full bath. There are 3 more family bedrooms and a full hall bath on this floor. The lower level offers a large family room with another full bath, laundry and a door out to the private patio. Gleaming hardwood floors and a 1 car garage complete the picture. Currently the least expensive 4 bedroom colonial for sale in the Rivertowns.
Call me at 914-960-3837 for a private showing or EMAIL ME
Posted on February 26, 2013 6:45 am by Scott Rosasco
Courtesy: National Association of Realtors
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal appears to confirm some of the more hyper-local activity that we have been noticing here in Westchester and the Rivertowns. Sellers are gaining the upper hand once again in the sale of their homes. Due to a low inventory, which can be traced to a number of reasons, homeowners are often picking and choosing between multiple offers on their homes. It goes without saying that if you have multiple offers on your home, within two weeks of listing, some of those offers are likely at or above the full asking price. I have had experiences in the past two weeks, of my clients bidding against other buyers, where the full asking price was just not enough. In these cases, buyers who have the full purchase price or more available in cash, are able to forgo the mortgage process and are often the winners. These are not foreclosed, short or otherwise distressed sales. Simply homes which show very well to prospective buyers and are perceived to be a good value in a given price range, currently well over $1,000,000 in that market. This trend is not unique to any particular price point though. In the village of Dobbs Ferry, in the Rivertowns, I have another listing at a significantly lower price point of the market, currently in contract for just slightly less than full asking. Back up offers have come in, even after it is made clear to prospective purchasers that binding contracts of sale have already been signed with other buyers. These back up offers are at full asking, hoping for a failure of the current buyers, so they may gladly take their place in the process. There are other accounts of this at all levels of Rivertowns real estate.
Whether this is a temporary blip in the market, until inventory or interest rates rise or a more prolonged phenomena remains to be seen. The short story for sellers though, may be to not wait until the traditional spring market starts in April and instead to list now while this situation still exists. Read the full Wall Street Journal article at: http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2013/02/21/housing-its-becoming-a-sellers-market/?mod=WSJBlog&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wsj%2Fdevelopments%2Ffeed+%28WSJ.com%3A+Developments+Blog%29
Posted on February 9, 2013 6:50 am by Scott Rosasco
Westchester Home Sale Prices Up 14% Over Last Year
In what can only be described as a remarkable turnaround in the US housing market, homes in some parts of the country are going from active status to accepted offer status in an incredible two weeks or less. This, coming on the heels of a housing market which had typical selling periods of 6 months or more. The primary driving force behind this phenomena is an extremely low inventory of homes for sale. Many sellers appear to be waiting out the bottom of the market, preferring to sell their homes when values go up. Concurrently, banks remain very tight on financing, requiring a borrower to have a virtually blemish free credit history and FICO scores of 740 and above. This has resulted in super high quality buyers converging on the few remaining houses for sale. Not only is this resulting in fast marketing periods, it is also starting to drive prices up, for reasons of supply vs. demand.
Even here in the Rivertowns, I am experiencing multiple bid situations with buyers winning out, based not only on the highest offer, but also on the best terms available, sometimes with down payment amounts of 50% or even all-cash purchases. If you bought your home 5 years ago you will still perhaps be losing money, based on your original purchase price, but any available homes for sale are also equally devalued. If you were thinking of selling this could be a great time to cash in on this unique set of circumstances, particularly if you were planning on downsizing to a smaller home or moving out of the area. Interest rates remain at historic lows and assuming a good credit history, your chances of getting a great value in another purchase would seem ideal.
More information on this trend as it relates to the Westchester housing market can be found in the BHG Rand 4th Quarter Market Report. Additionally, an interesting story on this trend in the US housing market can be found at Bloomberg News: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-05/homes-sell-in-two-weeks-with-low-supply-for-spring-buyers.html
Posted on January 3, 2013 10:24 am by Scott Rosasco
From CNNMoney “The recovery in the housing market continues to pick up steam, as home prices posted the biggest percentage gain in more than two years in the latest reading of the closely followed S&P/Case-Shiller index.
The index showed prices up 4.3% in October compared to a year earlier. That’s the best improvement since May 2010. But that earlier increase was due to a temporary spike caused by a homebuyers’ tax credit of up to $8,000 on homes purchased in late 2009 and early 2010.”
Read the full article at: http://money.cnn.com/2012/12/26/real_estate/home-prices/index.html?source=linkedin&buffer_share=95a93
Posted on November 29, 2012 7:00 am by Scott Rosasco
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In-Town Living At Its Best! Like a small house, this 1350 sq.ft. Co-Op is ideally situated a mere two blocks from the Metro North commuter train station, two blocks from a major grocery store and one block from village restaurants, shops and boutiques. Completely renovated for sale. With the charming river town village of Dobbs Ferry as it’s backdrop, this wonderful residence offers 3 bedrooms, 2 new baths, a spacious living and dining room and a stunning new kitchen. Only the finest finishes were used in this unit with granite, stainless and polished hardwood floors thru-out. What makes it special and unique though, is the separate entrance at grade with no steps required between your car and front door. There is also a rare, in-unit laundry. This is a great opportunity for no-step living or to get into the famed Dobbs Ferry school system at an almost unheard of price of $349,000. Arrange for your private showing by calling 914-960-3837.
See the full listing at: http://www.randrealty.com/agent/652/Scott-Rosasco/NY/Property/1392482/150-Draper-Ln-G1n-Dobbs-Ferry-NY-10522/
Posted on November 27, 2012 1:43 pm by Scott Rosasco
From Houzz.com: “When a young family needed more space in their 1920s bungalow, they thought about renovating the basement, but the low ceilings, leaky stone foundation, hanging wires and hodgepodge of structural poles hampered their hopes. Then architect Ryan Duebber came up with a plan. He helped turn their once-cramped space into an open family room and bar, and incorporated secondary spaces including a laundry room, storage closet and dream steam shower room.
Rather than fighting the challenging elements, Duebber used them as elements of industrial style for a modern space that suited the clients’ tastes. The result is a sleek and open space that mixes old and new elements and highlights the places where they meet.”
Read the full article at Houzz.com: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5266676/list?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u190&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery1
Posted on November 15, 2012 2:07 pm by Scott Rosasco
Rivertowns Square Proposal
The oft postponed Rivertowns Square public hearing, regarding the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), prepared by the applicant and accepted as complete by the Dobbs Ferry Board of Trustees, will be held tonight at 6:30 PM at the Embassy Center, 60 Palisade Street, Dobbs Ferry. This will be the first opportunity for members of the public to comment on the final document and air their concerns. Although there may be additional meetings scheduled after this and written comments will also be accepted, it’s possible this may be the only opportunity to comment on the FEIS, before this project proceeds further in the development process.
An abbreviated version of the public notice, from the Dobbs Ferry village website, is as follows:
Description of Action:
Application by Saber Dobbs Ferry LLC and Lincoln Dobbs Ferry LLC, as co-developers, for site plan approval of a proposed mixed-use redevelopment of the former AKZO Nobel Chemical, Inc. property. In response to comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (“DEIS”), the applicant has modified the project to now include: (i) approximately 202 residential units (including affordable units); (ii) an approximately 18,000 square foot supermarket; (iii) approximately 62,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space; (iv) an approximately 123 room hotel; and (v) a 33,600 square foot hotel, together with approximately 1228 parking spaces to serve all uses.
Location of Action:
The subject property is located on Stanley Avenue, Danforth Avenue, Livingstone Avenue, Ogden Avenue and Lawrence Street, Dobbs ferry, New York.
A copy of the FEIS is located on the Village of Dobbs Ferry Website and is available at Village Hall, 112 Main Street, Dobbs Ferry, New York 10522.
Posted on September 11, 2012 6:48 am by Scott Rosasco
Before
After
Home staging is still a fairly new concept to many homeowners, especially those who have not sold real estate in the last 5 years or so. At this point it goes way beyond de-personalizing and de-cluttering your home An important part of preparing to list your home for sale, aside from listing it for the right price with the right agent, is making sure it puts its best foot forward, to appeal to as many buyers as possible. First impressions are lasting impressions and the fantastic home you may have gotten used to living in, for all your own fantastic reasons, may actually turn off many buyers for those exact same reasons. Your goal is to turn on as many possible buyers to the benefits of living in your home in order to distinguish it from the rest and get the highest price in the shortest time frame. Especially in a market where inventory levels are high, a typical buyer may be looking at 30 or more homes before buying one. How does your home compare and stand out (in a good way) to those other 29? A recent article in Business Insider, called Guerilla Staging offered 7 tips for home staging your home for success. http://www.businessinsider.com/guerilla-staging-7-hard-core-tactics-for-sellers-2012-9
Posted on August 28, 2012 7:00 am by Scott Rosasco
From a recent article in houzz.com:
“One of the most powerful tools you have when marketing your home for sale is amazing listing photography. No matter how fabulous your home is, it won’t sell if the listing photos don’t do their job. Your photos should be light, bright and welcoming so that potential buyers jump in and schedule a showing. Here are some simple ways to get the most out of these incredibly important home photos.
In the listing, include only photos of your most attractive rooms. Include the description and dimensions of the other rooms in the home, but you aren’t doing yourself any favors by including bad photos or poorly staged rooms. Lure potential buyers in with lovely spaces; don’t show them anything that might keep them from scheduling a showing[……]” Read the full article at: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3773781/list?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u154&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery22
As you know, real estate is a tough profession these days, but imagine trying to sell or rent a house that has a reputation for being haunted. A good friend and client of mine, Elisa Mondi, is producing a television show, about the trials and tribulations of doing just that, titled “Haunts For Sale or Rent”.
I am cordially inviting all of my friends, clients and any other interested persons (or spirits) to join me to celebrate the press premiere of her new show, to be held in conjunction with a book signing party for New York Times Best Selling Author, Concetta Bertholdi for her related new book; “Inside The Other Side”, at Quirky Consignments 4 South Washington Street in Tarrytown NY, this coming Wednesday, August 15 at 6:30 PM. Complimentary wine is being provided by River View Wine and Spirits also in Tarrytown. You can view the full event…
In what can only be described as a continuous decline, mortgage rates have reached the lowest point in 60 years, dropping to a record of 3.49% for a fixed rate product.
The real problem now, is not how small your monthly mortgage payment will be these days, but what it actually takes to qualify for one of these rates to begin with. Typically, lenders will require a truly blemish free credit history, FICO scores well over 700, significant cash reserves and a perfect appraisal on any property you are considering buying.
While some would laud the banks for tightening the very same mortgage guidelines that helped to cause the housing crisis in the first place, financial institutions also seem to be understandably concerned about the future profitability of themselves and whomever they are selling their mortgages to. Who wouldn’t want to limit the pool of borrowers by any means possible, to as few people as possible, when the prospect of loaning money out, over 15 – 30 years, becomes a losing proposition once bank savings rates go above 3.49%. Some of us are old enough to remember when a passbook savings rate was over 6%. Common sense would say that this will happen again, sometime in the next 15 – 30 years. What bank or investor wants to be stuck with a borrower paying only 3.49% then? Read more at: http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/story/2012-07-26/home-sales-mortgages/56499092/1
From Stylelist.com: “This weekend, catch up on some of those lingering home fix ups and upgrades that you’ve been meaning to get to for a while. From simple updates such as changing out light switch covers to more ambitious projects like installing a sliding door, here are 10 DIY ideas that are certain to get your home into better shape and put you in a better mood…all in a weekend (or less). Click through our slideshow below for full tutorials for each project.” http://www.stylelist.com/2012/01/13/diy-ideas-projects_n_1204779.html?ref=stylelist-home&ncid=edlinkusaolp00000008#s612124&title=Install_A_Sliding
According to the Wall Street Journal: “The housing market has turned—at last.The U.S. finally has moved beyond attention-grabbing predictions from housing “experts” that housing is bottoming. The numbers are now convincing.Nearly seven years after the housing bubble burst, most indexes of house prices are bending up. “We finally saw some rising home prices,” S&P’s David Blitzer said a few weeks ago as he reported the first monthly increase in the slow-moving S&P/Case-Shiller house-price data after seven months of declines.The U.S. finally has moved beyond attention-grabbing predictions from housing “experts” that housing is bottoming. The numbers are now convincing, according to David Wessel on The News Hub. Nearly 10% more existing homes were sold in May than in the same month a year earlier, many purchased by investors who plan to rent them for now and sell them later, an important sign of an inflection point. In something of a surprise, the inventory of existing homes for sale has fallen close to the normal level of six months’ worth despite all the foreclosed homes that lenders own. The fraction of homes that are vacant is at its lowest level since 2006″.
Read the full article at the Wall Street Journal webpage: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303644004577520414196790098.html
Although sewage treatment is not a topic everyone wants to think about, I was recently involved in a residential sale in which the home had a septic system that was in failure, discovered only during the home inspection process, prior to contract signing. An impartial septic inspection, as opposed to one from a septic contractor (who is also looking for work), is an absolute requirement for anyone buying a house with these types of systems.
On-site septic systems in the Rivertowns are rarer than one might expect, especially for an area that was once considered semi-rural, but they do exist and are more common as one moves farther north in the county. A septic system will go into failure if the tank is not pumped routinely over time and the fields become saturated as a result. Ponding of water near the system is not a good sign. In the case of this particular home, the ground was perpetually and noticeably wet. The owner should have recognized the signs. The replacement costs for a septic system hover in the $30,000 range and require significant soil replacement and property disruption, usually of your now perfect lawn, as well as removal of any nearby trees and shrubs. It is required however if there is no easy street access to a newer, sanitary sewer line. This can all be avoided with a routine pump out of the system every few years, with a typical cost of only $400.
Because of the possibly expensive repair required due to the lack of what was easy maintenance, my clients, who really liked the house otherwise, were able to negotiate a substantial price reduction to reflect the future work required. The property owners were essentially held hostage to the overly exorbitant estimates by some of the contractors.
A few points of interest, for those still reading this post, from the company that performed the initial septic inspection: http://advseptic.com/oursepticinspection.html
From Houzz.com: A house that is a good neighbor engages the world around it — even when it’s different. So what does that mean? How does a house engage the world, and why is it important that it do so? To engage the world, a home should have an in-between space that beckons to the passersby while providing shelter and a perch from which to watch the street. This is a space, such as a porch, from which you can see the street, and the street can see you. Creating such a space is more than good manners and neighborliness — it also helps keep a neighborhood safe, as crime typically takes place in the shadows. The in-between space is best when it’s large enough to be a room of its own. A place for comfortable chairs, a table or two, maybe even a hammock. Remember that it is a room that’s part of the home, so treat it with the same attention to detail as the other rooms. In fact, since this is the room that presents your face to the world, maybe treating it a little better than the other rooms is in order […..].
See the full article and slide show at: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/813460/list?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u123&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery18
It seems an apropos time to repost something I wrote last year, about summer dining opportunities on the Hudson River waterfront in the Rivertowns. It is a testament to the strong experience of dining on the water and the quality of the restaurants mentioned in that post that nothing seems to have changed much, except for perhaps some prices. There is word however of the future opening of an offshoot of Crabtree’s Kittle House Restaurant, based in Chappaqua, on the Tarrytown waterfront, in the Hudson Harbor condo development under construction, adjacent to the Metro North commuter parking lot.
“One of the really great things about living in the Rivertowns, is the easy access to a number of waterfront restaurants at virtually all price points. From a $12 glass of Chardonnay at Half Moon on the Dobbs Ferry waterfront to a $4 plastic cup of Pinot Grigio at Sunset Cove in Tarrytown. When the light is just right and the breeze is just so, if you squint your eyes you can easily imagine yourself sitting out in the Hampton’s or on the North Shore of Long Island. Dining spots on the river have their own special charms though. Some, like Sunset Cove and Striped Bass in Tarrytown are even accessible by boat.
Every Rivertown has its own special place. Harvest-on-Hudson in Hastings-on-Hudson, Half Moon in Dobbs Ferry, Red Hat in Irvington and both Sunset Cove and Striped Bass in Tarrytown. Try to sample each one sometime this summer.”
Hudson River Waterfront Park at Hastings-on-Hudson NY Photo by Michael Bauman
Ranging in price from a low of $49,900 for a studio co-op in Hastings Townhouse, to a high of $1,795,000 For a 6 bedroom colonial on Forest Avenue, there is a plethora of residential real estate opportunities for sale in the bucolic village of Hastings-on-Hudson, NY. Offering a charming downtown and a quick, picturesque 35 minute commute to New York City on Metro North, Hastings-on-Hudson is a village worth looking into. With interest rates lower than they have been in decades, this may be your ideal time to make an investment for the future.
For the full list of residential properties for sale, see: http://www.randrealty.com/agent/652/Scott-Rosasco/Search/3574806/Hastings-on-Hudson/
To schedule a private showing for any of these properties, call me at 914-960-3837 cell or Email Scott Rosasco
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: Worried about trying to sell your home in this buyer’s market? Adopting some simple staging tips from the pros can help your home sell faster
The effort may be well worth your time, according to the Real Estate Staging Association. The group studied 174 homes that had been on the market for an average of 156 days, before homeowners hired a professional home stager. After staging, they sold an average of 42 days after re-listing.
But there’s not always a need to call in a professional for this job. “Keep that money for yourself,” says Thomas Rouse, who was a lead design producer at “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and has worked on other home television programs. As long as you have a friend with a strong eye to give you a second opinion, staging a home for sale is often something owners can handle on their own, he says[……..]
Read the full Wall Street Journal article, by Amy Hoak, with 10 tips for successful home staging at: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304840904577422084009663536.html
Former Anaconda Wire & Cable on the Hastings-on-Hudson Waterfront Photo by Scott Rosasco
According to a recent news release from the NY DEC, another cleanup plan has been finalized for the 28 acre waterfront property in Hastings-on-Hudson NY, formerly occupied by the Anaconda Wire & Cable Company. The comprehensive plan was developed with input from Scenic Hudson, the Riverkeeper, the village of Hastings-on-Hudson and the Atlantic Richfield Company. This plan caps a 60 day comment period and is expected to cost over $250 million by completion. Atlantic Richfield, the successor to the Anaconda Wire & Cable Company, will bear the cost of the cleanup.
Portions of the remediation will include a new sheet pile bulkhead at the northwest corner of the property, creating almost 1 acre (.88 acre) of new land for the purpose of the containment and recovery of liquid PCBs. Sediments will also be dredged from the Hudson riverbed, extending up to 80′ offshore of the site, to a depth of 6′, including the former marina area. The expectations are to remove tens of thousands of cubic yards of contaminated river sediments and land soils, including the PCB and heavy metal contamination.
This decision follows on the heels of a recent meeting to begin to address a similar, although perhaps less severe, contamination issue at the former GM site in Sleepy Hollow NY, also on the Hudson River, approximately 6 miles to the north of Hastings.
With any hope, the collaborative combination of these efforts will help the Westchester Hudson riverfront to live up to the incredible potential it has for scenic beauty, waterfront uses, development and as a great natural recreational resource.
There are currently 72 properties available for sale in the Rivertown village of Dobbs Ferry. They run the gamut in price from a $169,999 Co-Op in Beacon Hill Estates, to a $3,595,000 house in Ardsley Park.
With current interest rates hovering, at a 3.9% fixed rate and the now well established opinion that there will never be a better time to buy real estate, both in terms of low prices and low interest rates, the opportunities abound for making an investment in Dobbs Ferry that will no doubt increase in value over time.
See the full list at: http://www.randrealty.com/agent/652/Scott-Rosasco/Search/2709818/Dobbs-Ferry/
Immaculate, large one bedroom at sought after Village Green in Dobbs Ferry. This fantastic unit boasts a modern kitchen with granite countertops, built in cabinets, large hall walk in closet as well as an updated bathroom. The spacious front patio is perfect for your upcoming summer bbq’s. This complex offers a luxurious resort feel with your own pool and clubhouse. On top of it all, you are walking distance to the village, shops, restaurants and train station. Directions: Broadway/Route 9 to Cedar Street, down to 100 Cedar Street at end. Full Listing at: http://www.randrealty.com/agent/652/Scott-Rosasco/NY/Property/1021788/100-Cedar-St-A30-Dobbs-Ferry-NY-10522/
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Seemingly without much fanfare or public notice, Dobbs Ferry recently changed its building code again, to require all property transfers to obtain an updated Certificate of Occupancy from the village. Irregardless of whether you own property that was built in 1912 or 2012; house, condo or co-op, you will be required to request the building department to inspect your property prior to any sale, to get what will now be called a CCO (Continuing Certificate of Occupancy). The fee will be $150. Currently, it will be good for 90 days after it is issued. Alternatively, you can wait up to 180 days after a successful inspection to get the CCO issued, at which time the 90 day clock starts. After that, a reinspection may be required for another $75 – $150.
This would appear to be a great new benefit for buyers of properties in Dobbs Ferry, to ascertain that the homes they are buying do in fact pass building department standards with respect to fire, safety and building codes.
On the seller side of the equation however, the idea that you would need a new CO for a home that already has an existing, building department issued CO, even if you’ve made no changes to the property, makes this sound less and less like a good thing for buyers and more and more like a new village transfer tax for sellers, once the costs of all the other possible fees are factored in. Especially if you need to bring a home up to conformity with current fire and safety standards as well as village records, which can often times be inaccurate.
There can be no doubt that this has the potential to open a whole Pandora’s box of issues for sellers of property in Dobbs Ferry. As a result, for any homeowner, this inspection needs to be addressed before a property is listed for sale.
For an unsuspecting seller, who perhaps has been living in a home for any number of years, to find out well after a deal with a buyer has been consummated, that their home does not match building department records or current fire and safety rules, even though it has an existing Certificate of Occupancy, this new change may be an abrupt awakening. That homeowner may need to hire an architect or plumber or electrician, with all the associated village permitting fees and possibly be required to bring certain updates before the various statutory boards in the village, taking valuable and expensive time away from a potential real estate sale. It remains to be seen how this new law will work out over time.
A PDF of the new law can be found here, from the Dobbs Ferry website: https://dobbsferry-rivertowns.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/home.pdf
Uniquely situated and conveniently located 2 blocks from major highways, this single family home is in Dobbs Ferry’s new DT 
Rivertowns Real Estate News 