Hudson Valley Musing

   This afternoon I had a few appointments, all in all it was a very productive afternoon.   Heading home a little after 5PM I saw the colors and  sun shining on the snow through the trees.  Since I am am never tired of sunsets I pulled over.  I was so disappointed when my camera would not stay on, maybe it was cold.  Then I remembered the cellphone and I was delighted that I was able to capture this late January Sunset.

Yes I am never tired of you.

Copyright © by Jennifer Fivelsdal, all rights reserved- Speechless Sunday-I am never tired of you

Today I was taking a listing and the cat of the house checked me out fully, even going so far as looking in my bag.

When we got to the point where documents were being signed he jumped up on a folder and looked me square in the eyes as if to say "Now where do I sign? I am a member of this family.

How to get ready for a showing appointment in this winter weather

If your home is on the market now,  you have had to cope with many snow storms; so it is a challenge getting it ready for showing.   I am not talking about the inside, but rather the outside so that potential buyers and their agents can make it to the front door safely.

Here are some things you must do

• Clean the driveway and put down salt or other products to melt the ice.
• Clean the walkway and also apply product to melt ice.
• If you have a porch make  sure that is also clean.
• Try to remove as many of the icicles as you can since these could cause harm,
• If for any reason you can't get these task done, it would be better to cancel the appointment.
• Provide shoe covers so that the snow and salt is not tracked into the house.
• Make sure the inside is nice and warm.  If you have a fireplace light a fire that would be a nice touch.

Copyright © by Jennifer Fivelsdal, all rights reserved- How to get ready for a showing appointment in this winter weather

It must be cold outside wouldn't you say?  I can't remember the last time I have seen icicles this big in Rhinebeck.  You are probably thinking this must be Jennifer's igloo, well it is not.

Many of the homes I have seen in the last few days do have icicles and that is to be expected since all the trees are also covered.

So what are the best practices for removing icicles?

Oh by the way don't stand under the icicle and hit it at the same time.  I tried that and almost got hit in the head :)

So here is one memory of the 2011 winter season.

Copyright © by Jennifer Fivelsdal, all rights reserved-It must be cold outside wouldn't you say?

SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED  DUTCHESS HOMES FOR December 2010   

 The December 2010 real estate report for Dutchess County showed an increase in the median home price of homes sold.  At the same time there were 20 less homes sold in 2010 when compared to 2009.  The inventory also grew and this, in turn, led to a larger absorption rate.  Clearly this market is still a buyer's market.

The townhouse and condo market, otherwise referred to as single family attached, unlike the single family detached saw a drop in the median price of homes sold.  When compared to 2009 the sales were similar but the increase in the inventory and days on market led to a larger absorption rate.

                 SINGLE FAMILY ATTACHED  DUTCHESS HOME SALES  FOR December 2010

                                                        CONDOS AND TOWNHOUSES    

**Data for report obtained from Mid Hudson Multiple listing Services.  Deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Copyright © by Jennifer Fivelsdal, all rights reserved-Dutchess County NY Real Estate Market For December 2010

This 2 bedroom Tivoli Garden Condo is perfect for carefree living. It is much sought after end unit on the ground floor. So, here is your opportunity to own this comfortable condo facing the woods. There is even a 3 season enclosed porch which is where present owner spends a lot of time, especially in the summer, reading and admiring the nicely landscaped grounds.

Step inside, and you will find 2 bedrooms, one on the first floor and another upstairs, also a livingroom, dining area and cozy kitchen. There is a stacked washer and dryer in a closet just outside the bathroom. For your convenience, this unit has a 1 car garage with room for additional storage.

So, if you want all the comforts of home without the need for a snow blower or lawn mower this is the home for you.

Built 1989 Size 964 sq.ft. Village water and sewer 2 bedrooms 1 Bath

PRICE $185,000

 Please take a moment to view a video of 9 Elizabeth DR-57D,Tivoli 12583

Explore Tivoli NY in this Virtual tour

Copyright © by Jennifer Fivelsdal, all rights reserved-End unit condo for sale at Tivoli Garden Tivoli NY

In Rhinebeck NY during December 2010 7 single family homes sold with price ranging from $339,000-$1,525,000. In 2009 there were 4 sales between the town and village with a price range of $320,000-$1,150,000. Below is a comparison of 2010 to 2009 as well as a detail report of the market activity for December 2010. At the bottom of the report you can also request a report of graphs showing the changes in the market from 2007-2009 for the Rhinebeck market.

                    December 2010 compared to 2009

 Town $875,380 (2010) Village $448,000 (2010) Average List

          $814,000 (2009)          $414,000 (2009) Average List

          $720,000 (2010)          $422,000 (2010) Average Sold

         $735,000 (2009)           $396,500 (2009) Average Sold

Town of Rhinebeck NY Real Estate Report - December

                              Single Family Detached

   Town of Rhinebeck NY - December  2010 Home Sales

  Village of Rhinebeck NY Market Report - December 2010

Village of Rhinebeck NY Home Sales December 2010 

To get a 4 year market comparison for 2007-2010 just click button

Data for report obtained from Mid Hudson Multiple listing Services.  Deemed reliable but not guaranteed

 Copyright © by Jennifer Fivelsdal, all rights reserved-Rhinebeck and Village of Rhinebeck NY Real Estate Market Report for December 2010

 _____________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday I was showing houses and it was cold and windy I couldn't wait to get home and have a cup of tea.   AnywayI decided to take a different way home so I went down this country road with wide open fields, old farmhouses and barns.  As I went by this particular barn all I could think of was how cold it was.  It would have helped if I had only turned the car heater up.

I thought this blog post written by Judi Barrett was very timely.  Many sellers are hoping to get their home sold in the spring for top dollars.  If you have an older home or as we say in the real estate industry a dated home, here are some reasons you won't get top dollars unless you upgrade appliances and do a bit of remodeling.