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Wind Advisory Is In Effect For Armonk Till 6 p.m. | The Armonk Realtor
7 Things to Do Before You Move Into a New House | Armonk NY Homes
Our son and daughter-in-law just purchased their first home. It’s in a location that allows an easy commute into Boston, where our son works, and is just a few towns away from where his wife works. The house is in a older suburb adjacent to Boston, and is itself older and in need of some TLC. So rather than move in right away, the new homeowners will stay in their apartment until the lease is up. They’ll spend just about every free moment of the few months getting their house ready to live in.
Of course, we didn’t let them do all of this alone. Uncle Ralph and I traveled to Boston to spend a week helping them clean, paint and otherwise get the house ready. One of the things that we really helped with is how to prioritize tasks. Since it’s getting close to winter, we stressed the importance of getting only the most basic outside things done. Fixing up the yard, cleaning the siding, touching up the paint etc. can all wait for the spring. What really needed to be done is the inside, not only so they can move in but so they can live there comfortably through the approaching winter.
With that in mind, here’s a list of tasks that needed doing. It’d be great to hear from you what your list of tasks would be.
1. Change the locks on the exterior doors. As soon as the closing is over and you’ve gotten the keys to your house, either buy and install new lock sets or call locksmith service to come to the house to switch them out. Let’s face it, the previous owners, Realtors, maintenance folks and who knows who else are all likely to have keys to your place. For some peace of mind and as a necessary step in making this house yours, get new locks installed immediately. The locksmith walnut creek ca provide locksmith services such as: lock & key cutting, lost car keys replacement, re key and unlock door assistance. Locksmiths of today go beyond just audits and installation, they offer services to maintain and upgrade these systems installed by them. Brisbane locksmith come to offer services as a package of tasks that include auditing a space that requires security, upgrading existing systems, installing new security systems, installation of sophisticated security and vigilance equipment such as sensors, radars, security cameras and CCTV recording systems.
2. Get the house cleaned up. While many folks will leave the house clean for you, some won’t. Even if they do, you’ll want to clean everything for yourself. You can hire a service to do a deep house cleaning, something I heartily recommend if time is tight, or you can do it yourself. If you do it yourself, set up an area with all of the supplies and tools you’ll need to get the job done: buckets, brooms, mops, a vacuum, cleaners for each type of surface etc. By hiring professional removal companies, like reliable removalist in Sydney, you’ll be able to clear out your rooms better in order to clean it up more thoroughly. Washing down cabinets, counters and plumbing fixtures and cleaning the carpeting etc. will make you feel good about the house. And don’t forget a healthy supply of rubber gloves. There are many good Carpet Cleaning Company who are always ready to clean house.
3. Paint all the walls and ceilings. This can be really time consuming, so you’ll probably want to hire professionals if you can. There’s no point in just slapping up a coat of paint if the walls and ceilings are damaged — if they have cracks, holes and other defects. Prepping these surfaces can be a real chore. So unless you have a relative or two who can help, save yourself a lot of time and just hire someone.
Also, if you’re short on time and the house is in dire straits and every surface needs painting, consider one neutral color for every room. This will just make it easier and limit the number of decisions you’ll have to make now. You can always go back and repaint rooms the colors you want as time permits.
4. Get some organizers. Many older houses suffer from closets that have a simple pole and shelf (if that). Look at where you’ll store what and get the closets outfitted to accommodate everything, to make moving in less stressful and your life in the new house more enjoyable.
And don’t just look at the closets. Think about where you’ll put everything, from winter boots to laundry detergent. A well-placed extra shelf, coat hook etc. will go a long way toward making the house that much easier to live in.
Also, if you’re short on time and the house is in dire straits and every surface needs painting, consider one neutral color for every room. This will just make it easier and limit the number of decisions you’ll have to make now. You can always go back and repaint rooms the colors you want as time permits.
4. Get some organizers. Many older houses suffer from closets that have a simple pole and shelf (if that). Look at where you’ll store what and get the closets outfitted to accommodate everything, to make moving in less stressful and your life in the new house more enjoyable.
And don’t just look at the closets. Think about where you’ll put everything, from winter boots to laundry detergent. A well-placed extra shelf, coat hook etc. will go a long way toward making the house that much easier to live in.
Schiliro Celebrates North Castle Supervisor Win | Armonk Real Estate
Michael Schiliro is now the man in charge in North Castle.
With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Democrat Schiliro, a councilman, defeated incumbent Republican Howard Arden to become North Castle Town Supervisor, 56 percent to 44 percent.
The Republican majority of Arden and council members John Cronin and Diane Didonato-Roth had governed the town over the past two years. Arden and Cronin were defeated, and Didonato-Roth was defeated in a primary in September.
“It feels great,” Schiliro said. “Campaigns are always a lot of hard work but they are enjoyable because you get to meet so many people. It’s a real privilege and honor to serve the town and to be chosen supervisor by the people of North Castle.”
Schiliro said residents were concerned about the financial health of the town and the lack of civility at meetings.
“Residents can expect a respectful government and a civil atmosphere,” Schiliro said. “Nobody will be talking over each other. We have cohesive board that will make well informed decisions. We’ll disagree, like a full functioning board should be doing. I’m looking forward to it.”
Arden blamed his loss on residents disapproving of the Brynwood Golf and Country Club’s development proposal. Brynwood is proposing 88 luxury condominium units for older adults.
In Sept. 2012, Arden, Cronin and Roth voted to accept Brynwood’s environmental review while Schiliro voted against it.
“You have to maintain integrity,” Arden said. “They have a right to present their application. We had never gotten to the point of making a decision. At the end of the day, it’s more important to maintain character and be fair and open.”
Arden said he plans to take a break from town politics.
“I put a lot of time and effort into it and the results were outstanding,” Arden said. “There shouldn’t have even been an election if you look at the results. I had two great years, the town is in the best financial and quality of life shape it’s ever been in.”
Republican Barbara DiGiacinto and Democrat Barry Reiter were elected to the town board with each getting 28 percent of the vote. Democrat Jose Berra had 22 of the vote, while Cronin had 21 percent of the vote.
Patricia Colombo ran unopposed for receiver of taxes, while Republican Douglas Martino defeated Democrat Linda Napolitano for town justice
http://armonk.dailyvoice.com/news/schiliro-celebrates-north-castle-supervisor-win
BofA CEO: Housing market is fairly stable | Armonk NY Real Estate
According to The Wall Street Journal, Bank of America (BAC) CEO Brian Moynihan said the U.S. housing market is fairly stable, as consumer spending stays solid and the shutdown fails to hinder progress.
Big banks have seen their mortgage banking income decline in recent quarters as refinancing activity fizzles. But Mr. Moynihan said that a decrease in refinancing activity is not indicative of the strength of the overall U.S. housing market. Instead, he said that home purchases, which have grown slightly since the beginning of the year, are what spurs broader economic growth.
He added that he believed the Federal Reserve would keep rates low until the economy starts to show greater signs of growth.
Moynihan also spoke about how the bank has spent more than $40 billion to date putting its legal troubles behind it. He wouldn’t say whether he thinks the government is unfairly “shaking down” big banks with penalties for crisis-era behavior.
Source: WSJ
Armonk Sales up 39% | Median price up 18% | Armonk NY Real Estate
| Armonk NY Real Estate Report | RobReportBlog | ||
| 2013 | 6 months ending 11/4 | 2012 | |
| 74 | Sales | 53 | up 39% |
| $1,040,000.00 | median sold price | $875,000.00 | up 18% |
| $255,000.00 | low sold price | $150,000.00 | |
| $2,895,000.00 | high sold price | $9,300,000.00 | |
| 3857 | average size | 3515 | |
| $309.00 | ave. price per foot | $352.00 | down 12% |
| 179 | ave days on market | 187 | |
| $1,179,609.00 | average sold price | $1,297,501.00 | |
Judge Dismisses Armonk Square Lawsuit | Armonk Real Estate
A lawsuit that alleged the town of North Castle made unauthorized and improper changes to the site plan of Armonk Square has been dismissed.
The Planning Board has already approved Armonk Square’s site plans for the construction of a supermarket, office space, retail space, and residential units.
In July, 37 Maple Avenue, a corporation managed by Armonk Developer Michael Fareri, challenged the town’s issuance of these certificates of occupancy. In a decision dated Oct.17, Acting State Supreme Court Justice Susan Cacace, wrote that the petitioner, 37 Maple Avenue, does have standing to bring this proceeding. The 2012 settlement clearly stated that the filing of a new Article 78 proceeding was not a remedy provided for in the stipulation.
The town also said that 37 Maple Avenue did not exhaust its administrative remedies by failing to appear before North Castle’s Zoning Board of Appeal as is required by law. Cacace said that the court agreed that the petitioner, 37 Maple Avenue, “failed to exhaust its administrative remedies as a condition precedent to the commencement of an action or special proceeding.”
Mark Miller, an attorney with Veneziano & Associates, representing Armonk Square , said, “We think the judge rendered exactly the right opinion based upon two actions.” The certificate of occupancy issued by the building Inspector says the buildings of Armonk Square are safe and fully compliant with town laws.
Miller said one action taken by 37 Maple Avenue was its failure to file a challenge with the Zoning Board of Appeals within 60 days of when the certificate of occupancy was issued. Miller adds that the settlement of a prior lawsuit prohibited 37 Maple Avenue from filing an Article 78 proceeding against Armonk Square for essentially for the same project.
The lawyer for 37 Maple Avenue, Alan Singer, a partner of Welby, Brady and Greenblatt, said his firm is contemplating filing a notice of appeal of the judgement in an appellate court. They have 30 days from Oct. 17 to do so.
Singer said the judgement barring a new Article 78 suit is wrong because the previous settlement prohibiting the filing of an Article 78 suit was part of a judgement about a different set of plans for Armonk Square.
Miller said Armonk Square’s parking requirements were established by the Town Board as a blend of several requirements by the central business zoning district. Miller says all of the environmental impacts were considered and addressed. “They can file an appeal and we are confident that the appellate division will make exactly the same finding.”
Miller said there was excellent cooperation between his firm and the town attorney, and Supervisor Howard Arden said that the cost of defending the town in this lawsuit was $15,300
http://armonk.dailyvoice.com/politics/judge-dismisses-armonk-square-lawsuit
Appreciating Values Make it Easier to Move | Armonk Real Estate
One in three Americans would consider moving to another state in the next one to two years for financial as well as lifestyle considerations, according to a new survey by ERA Real Estate
“While U.S. unemployment has declined and real estate values have been on the rise, many Americans who met with financial challenges during the last five years may be looking to make a change by moving to a new job market,” said Charlie Young, president and CEO of ERA Real Estate. “That not only makes good financial sense, but would likely increase their quality of life.”
For those consumers who would consider relocation, the primary financial drivers are better job opportunities and a lower cost of living, while curiosity about new places and better weather were equally important in the lifestyle consideration set.
For those who were not interested in a major move, 72% of respondents reported it was because they were happy living in their current local market.
With U.S. Census data pointing to increased “migration” – the number of people who moved out of state or region in 2012 increased 6 percent over 2011 – and ERA brokers citing an increased interest in self-directed relocation, ERA Real Estate partnered with HGTV to dig deeper into the American appetite for relocation.
“As the overall economy and job market improves, people are more likely to consider a major life change that is on their terms, not because they have to,” said Dr. Leslie Reiser, a behavioral expert who worked with ERA Real Estate to understand consumer psychology, attitudes and behavior surrounding relocation.
Moving to a market with better job prospects, a lower cost of living and better weather appears to be favorable to prospective house-hunters, even if it means leaving family and friends behind.
In addition to the consumer survey with HGTV.com, ERA Real Estate also conducted a national survey of its real estate brokers, who cited an improving economy and real estate market as the main reasons that their clients find relocating out of their local market today more attractive than it was 2 to 3 years ago. Other findings include:
- About two-thirds (63%) of ERA brokers reported that homebuyers and sellers are more open to the idea of moving to a new area, outside of their current local market.
- Nearly half (48%) of the brokers indicated that they are seeing an increase in the number of people in their market relocating, driven equally by financial reasons (lower cost of living, better job opportunities, increased equity position and lower home prices) as they are motivated by lifestyle reasons (better weather, closer to family/friends, retiring, curious about new places).
- ERA brokers reported that the two most important selling points in finding a home for a client who is relocating are home prices (29% of respondents) and schools (28%). Proximity to work was important for 17%. Real estate taxes were not a major consideration: only 8% of respondents indicated that was a major selling point.
http://www.realestateeconomywatch.com/2013/10/rising-values-make-it-easier-to-move/
Sophisticated Modern in East Hampton for $4.5M | Armonk NY Homes
This gorgeous house is brand-new, just completed by high-end builder Chris Vila (yes, Bob’s son). Pretty much any amenity you could want has been included. Low-E walls of glass: check. Kitchen with high end appliances, right within reach of an outdoor grilling station and herb garden: yep. Six bedrooms, all ensuite: affirmative. Wine cellar: absotively! Outdoor living room with fireplace: indeed. Double-edged saline infinity pool: you have to ask? All this on 2.08 acres. · Modern Retreat With Village Convenience [Saunders]
Interest in Miami real estate spikes | Armonk NY Homes
Visits to the Miami Association of Realtors’ property search portal rose 47 percent on an annual basis in September, to 114,338.
Among foreign countries, house hunters from Venezuela topped the list last month, likely spurred at least partially by political instability, the Realtor association said. Rounding out the top 10 were Canada, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, Lithuania, France, Italy, Spain and the Philippines.
Source: MIAMI –
See more at: http://www.inman.com/wire/interest-in-miami-real-estate-spikes/#sthash.wFBphAws.dpuf