Hudson Valley Musing

Wordless Wednesday - Reflections

Jennifer Fivelsdal, Mid Hudson Valley (JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:06:48 -0400

Wordless Wednesday - Reflections

There are times when you decide to take a photograph and you end up getting more than you expected. Take this photo as an example, I took the shot but what thrilled me most about it was the reflections in the water, something I had not noticed.

Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com

www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com

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Open House - Lovely Raised Ranch in Rhinebeck NY

Jennifer Fivelsdal, Mid Hudson Valley (JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:10:30 -0400

A lovely Raised Ranch with central air, fireplace, a deck off of the kitchen and a nice backyard are just some of the features of this home located just minutes from the Village of Rhinebeck.

So stop by the open house this Sunday to see first hand why this property would be perfect as your next home.

OPEN HOUSE DETAILS

Where: 8 Cedar Lane Rhinebeck NY

Date: July 25th

Time: 1-4PM

Directions

Price: $329,000

Contact: 845-594-9947

Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com

www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com

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Wordless Wednesday- I heard Chelsea Clinton's wedding will be down the road

Jennifer Fivelsdal, Mid Hudson Valley (JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 22:48:35 -0400

Wordless Wednesday- I heard Chelsea Clinton's wedding will be down the road

By now, everyone has heard Chelsea Clinton wedding will be held in Rhinebeck, New York and to be more specific at a former Astor family mansion on River Road.

River Road is a New York State scenic road with many large gates, gate houses and long driveways which leave you wondering what is at the end of those driveways.

Besides the private mansions on the river side of the road, there are also several farms, as well as historic sites: Montgomery Place, and Poet's Walk (the inspiration for Washington Irving's story of Rip Van Winkle).

What I love about River Road is the scenic beauty; open space, mature trees and the beautiful view of the Catskill Mountains. Yes, this is an ideal setting for a wedding, right on the banks of the majestic Hudson River.

Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com

www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com

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Speechless Sunday-Hudson Valley Dutch Barn

Jennifer Fivelsdal, Mid Hudson Valley (JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 23:39:26 -0400

Barns are an important feature of the history of the Hudson Valley. This Hudson Valley Dutch Barn in Red Hook, New York is a popular photography subject; and I have had the opportunity to photograph it in several seasons.

Because some of the farmland in the area was sold off, some barns have been converted for other purposes. However due to the historical nature of many of these barns, there are organizations dedicated to the preservation of this segment of American history.

Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com

www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com

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Oh I get it you don't believe me so get it appraised!

Jennifer Fivelsdal, Mid Hudson Valley (JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:55:25 -0400

Oh I get it you don't believe me so get it appraised!

It should not be a big surprise that there are still home sellers who have not caught up with the market.

If you are a listing agent you might be asked why is my property not getting shown, or how come the price reduction didn't work?

The truth is, the market has shifted and is nothing like we were accustomed to just a few years ago. I really feel for home owners who need to sell, especially those who bought at the height of the market and now find themselves carrying a mortgage that is larger than what the home is worth.

With that being said, both sellers and agents have to pay attention to the trends in the existing market. So, here are a few situations to ponder.

What if as a seller you just agreed to a price change but you still don't have any showings?

The market is liquid and it is not uncommon for your competitors to make even bigger cuts which would immediately put you at a disadvantage. This could mean you might have to cut even further.

But my house is assessed at $380,000 why am I getting offers only in the $200,000's?

Just a few years ago it was not uncommon to see a house assessed at $200,000 selling for $400,000 and this made home sellers happy. That was a market called a Seller's Market, in other words more buyers and fewer properties. The well known rule of supply and demand dictates that a higher demand with a limited supply will result in higher prices. Today the scenario is so different. Very high inventory and few buyers makes this a Buyer's Market. In this case buyers want to spend less and get much more for their money.

How come my neighbor's house sold for so much more than I am being offered although my home is larger?

Mr. Seller take a close look at the neighbor's property. Did you notice the nicely landscaped yard? And do you remember the large renovation project they did a year ago? Well, curb appeal and the condition of the home does matter. Do you remember the checklist of the things you were told you would need to do if you wanted to get more for your home? How much of that list has been completed?

Please don't tell me what potential buyers have to say about my home. Despite what they have to say, I know my home is lovely and worth every dollar I am asking.

If potential buyers are saying similar things and making similar offers this is an indication that this is what the market will bear. Sorry, you really don't get to make this decision, buyers do.

So, you have the feedback, the offers, the comparative market analysis and you still disagree. Yes I get it you don't believe me. May I make one final suggestion? Get it appraised.

The appraisal will show you what your home is truly worth in this market, and what a bank will finance. The question is: Do you really want to sell your home or are you waiting for the market to come back? Keep in mind that it may be a long wait.

Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com

www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com

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Wordless Wednesday-Musician at the Senate House in Uptown Kingston NY

Jennifer Fivelsdal, Mid Hudson Valley (JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:34:27 -0400

Wordless Wednesday-Musician at the Senate House in Uptown Kingston NY

Today after a business meeting in Uptown Kingston I was walking by the historic Senate House when I heard beautiful folk music. I decided to stop for a few minutes, and of course I wanted to know their reason for being there. I was told this is something they do weekly on Wednesdays between 12:00-1:00 PM. I actually saw someone sitting nearby having lunch and enjoying the music.

These are the little moments in a day that can lift the spirits. So if you are ever around Uptown Kingston on a Wednesday stop by the Senate House and take in the music. If the weather is bad you can find the group performing in the Senate House Visitor's center.

SENATE HOUSE PHOTO

Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com

www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com

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Hyde Park New York Real Estate Report for June 2010

Jennifer Fivelsdal, Mid Hudson Valley (JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 06:10:08 -0400

Hyde Park NY Real Estate Report For Single Family Detached Homes- June 2010

During the month of June in Hyde Park NY there were 15 single family homes sold; ranging from $90,000-$277,000. Most of the new listings in June were also in the $100,000-$200,000, what does this mean for the area? This is the price range that is moving therefore Hyde Park should continue to see properties moving.

Active 28 Offer 4 Average List $2290,837 Average List $223,250 Average DOM 22 Average DOM 143 Average SQFT 1982 Average SQFT 1884 Average $/SQFT $147 Average $/SQ FT $115 tinue to

Offer CS 2 Contract 2 Average List $244,950 Average List $227,400 Average DOM 95 Average DOM 21 Average SQFT 1709 Average SQFT 1955 Average $/SQFT $143 Average $/SQFT $116

Sold 15 Average List $199,973 Average DOM 161 Average SQFT 1624 Average $/SQFT $123 Average Sold $186,471 Average $/SQFT $115

Town of Hyde Park - June 2010 Sales

ADDRESS PRICE Kilmer $ 90,000 Cardinal Road $ 95,000 Violet Avenue $150,000 South Quaker $153,600 Route 9G $163,000 Greentree DR $185,000 Wright DR $190,500 Buttonwood CT $192,000 W. Dorsey LN $200,000 S Norah $200,000 Bennet RD $210,463 South DR $213,500 Kirchner AVE $235,000 Valerie Court $252,000 Hill and Hollow $277,000

Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com

www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com

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

Historic Home for Rent in Rhinebeck NY-6 Long Dock RD Rhinebeck NY

Jennifer Fivelsdal, Mid Hudson Valley (JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:35:39 -0400

Historic Home for Rent in Rhinebeck NY-6 Long Dock RD Rhinebeck NY

Imagine spending a few weeks this summer in a 304 year old stone house in Rhinebeck New York. This historic home known as the Abraham Kip home sits high above the Hudson River on almost 6 beautifully landscaped acres and is available for rent the last week of July and the month of August.

The home has had a rich history; at one point in the 18th century it functioned as a tavern.

Inside you will find a large stone fireplace and enormous chestnut beams, the story goes these beams came from trees seeded before the discovery of America.

RENTAL BEDROOM 3 Bathroom 1 1/2

Last week of July $1750 2760 Sqft AC

Month of August $7500 1 Bedroom Cottage Bathroom 1

ABRAHAM KIP HOUSE-6 LONG DOCK ROAD RHINEBECK NY

Virtual Tour

Location: Between the Village of Rhinebeck and the Hudson River.

Things to do Nearby

Transportation

The amtrak station is no more than 3 minutes away, you could come by train and then take a short taxi ride to the house.

Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com

www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com

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Rhinebeck New York Real Estate Market Report for June 2010

Jennifer Fivelsdal, Mid Hudson Valley (JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC) — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 23:31:11 -0400

Rhinebeck New York Real Estate Market Report for June 2010

304 YEAR OLD RHINEBECK HOUSE

During June there were 9 sales in the town and village of Rhinebeck. Home sales ranged from $189,000-$805,7000. The sale for $805,700 was the highest in the county during the period; and the majority of the properties sold were in the $300,000 range, higher than that of the county.

Also during June there was an accepted offer on a Rhinebeck NY home listed at $2,730,000 with over 8400 square feet.

A Tip for Sellers

This has been a hot summer so far. If your home is on the market but lack some sort of cooling system this could be a drawback to getting it sold at this time of year. So if you are thinking of making an improvement to gain a competitive edge this is an item you might want to consider.

UPDATED 7/13/2010

**When the data for this report was pulled a house on Slate Quarry was still showing as under contract put was later updated as sold for the month. There was also a house on Burger Rd. This would bring the total sale for the month up to 11.

Town of Rhinebeck NY Real Estate Report - June 2010

Single Family Detached

Active 20 Offer CS 1 Average List $577,310 Average List $2,730,000 Average DOM 24 Average DOM 54 Average SQFT 2439 Average SQFT 8400 Average $/SQFT $237 Average $/SQFT $325

Contract 2 Sold 3 Average List $259,950 Average List $468,300 Average DOM 85 Average DOM 30 Average SQFT 2280 Average SQFT 3058 Average $/SQFT $114 Average $/SQFT $153 Average Sold Average Sold $451,900 Average $/SQFT Average $/SQFT $148

Town of Rhinebeck NY - June 2010 Home Sales

ADDRESS PRICE Espie $220,000 South Street $330,000 Hilee Road $805,700

**7/13/2010 update of Sales

Slate Quarry $277,500 Burger Rd $288,000

Village of Rhinebeck NY Market Report - June 2010

Active 5 Contract 4 Average List $382,000 Average List $388,725 Average DOM 14 Average DOM 159 Average SQFT 2194 Average SQFT 2302 Average $/SQFT $174 Average $/SQFT $169

Sold 1 Average List $425,000 Average DOM 5 Average SQFT 1384

Average $/SQFT

$307

Average Sold $390,625 Average $/SQFT $199

Village of Rhinebeck NY Home Sales June 2010 ADDRESS PRICE Starr Drive $189,000 Oak St $211,000 Knollwood Road $385,500 Seymour $398,000 Albany Post Road $410,000 Locust Grove Road $$750,000

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

Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com

www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com

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Speechless Sunday-Paper-The Day my imagination got the better of me

Jennifer Fivelsdal, Mid Hudson Valley (JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC) — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 21:37:08 -0400

This was the day my imagination got the better of me. At first I was fascinated by these huge rolls of paper - I love the way they were stacked vertical and horizontally.

I wanted to capture the moment so I even took shots of my son standing in front of the stack. Then my mind took over. What if the upper layer came crashing down? I knew how important safety was to this facility. I tried to reason logically but I found my self backing away and making a quick exit.

Has your imagination every gotten the best of you?

Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com

www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com

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Real Estate look so much better this June in the Dutchess County New York

Jennifer Fivelsdal, Mid Hudson Valley (JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC) — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:24:44 -0400

Real estate look so much better this June in Dutchess County New York. Last June there were 124 properties sold. and this year it jumped to 205, that's an impressive increase of 65.3 percent. I took a closer look to see where most of the sales occurred; the East Fishkill/Fishkill and Wappingers in Southern Dutchess as well as Poughkeesie/City of Poughkeepsie and Hyde Park accounted for most of the sales. The majority of homes sold were in the range of $100,000-$299,000 and the most expensive home sold was in Rhinebeck for $805,700.

SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED SALES JUNE 2010DUTCHESS COUNTY NY

Year Average Price Median Price # of Sales DOM

Inventory

Absorption Rate Purchase offer 1st of Month June 09 $296,917 $255,000 124 128 1983 15.99 165 May 10 $348,110 $295,000 106 132 2077 19.59 164 June 10 $301,993 $267,000 205 137 2140 10.43 156

The increase in sales was not as dramatic in the townhouse/condo market, there were 7 more sales this year when compared to June of last year; however both the median and average prices fell.

SINGLE FAMILY ATTACHED SALES May 2010

(Condos & Townhouses)

DUTCHESS COUNTY NY

Year Average Price Median Price # of Sales DOM

Inventory

Absorption Rate Purchase offer 1st of Month June 09 $200,184 $185,900 32 133 429 13.40 35 May 10 $218,771 $231,500 28 139 375 13.39 39 June 10 $176,670 $153,750 39 118 400 10.25 35

Tip for Sellers

Do not test the market, if you are not serious about selling do not list your home. Right now inventory is high and we are still in a Buyer's Market. The aim is to get to a normal market, to do this the inventory need to drop significantly, so if you are just testing the market you are having a negative impact.

Buyers

The internet is a great tool to get your home search started however intead of calling several agents your search would be more productive if you work with just one agent. Real estate agents have access to all the properties in the Multiple listing Services and can show them to you.

The Dutchess County Fairgrounds is located in Rhinebeck NY and throughout the year many events are held there. Most recently there were car shows as well as a craft fair. The event both adults and children are looking forward to is the County Fair scheduled for late August. The location of the Fairgrounds could not be better, you could easily walk to some of the fine restaurants in the Village of Rhinebeck.

Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com

www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com

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

Wordless Wednesday-Did someone say water?

Jennifer Fivelsdal, Mid Hudson Valley (JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:49:23 -0400

For some reason I believe looking at pictures of water will somehow make me feel cooler.

If you have not heard about the heat wave in the Northeast you must be on another planet.

To make things worse, it has not rained. Lawn? what's that ? it is now a brown mess. No amount of water can save it now.

How about the lush garden in bloom just a week ago? Gone!

Okay, so the heat is getting to me but here are a couple of heat wave survival tips:

Drinks lots of water to keep hydrated.
Cool your car down before getting into it. Remember it will be a lot hotter in there.
Wear light clothing.
Check on seniors and pay attention to the pets.

Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com

www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com

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Speechless Sunday-Red Sumac

Jennifer Fivelsdal, Mid Hudson Valley (JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC) — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 21:50:29 -0400

Speechless Sunday-Red Sumac

A few days ago I had to be present at one of my listings for a showing. I personally like to give the buyer's agent space so I stayed outside during the showing. I walked around the yard and took a few pictures but then I got bored until a bit of red in the bushes caught my eye. Upon closer examination I identified it as Red Sumac. Do you know why it is call Red Sumac? like most people you are thinking it is because of the fruit; that is not the case, the name is related to how the leaves turn bright red in the fall ahead of other trees.

One of the theories as to how the town of Red Hook NY got its name had to do with a land formation in the shape of a hook and in the fall, when the settlers landed there, it was covered with Red Sumac .

Still waiting to see if a sale results from that showing.

Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com

www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com

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Wordless Wednesday- A Rear View of the Tappan Zee Bridge

Jennifer Fivelsdal, Mid Hudson Valley (JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:41:58 -0400

Last Friday, I left Dutchess County, NY and headed to Ulster County, then Orange County and Rockland County. To get to Westchester I had to cross the Tappan Zee Bridge. I wanted a view of the bridge, however, I was driving so I asked my daughter to take this shot. On the way back I took a different route; I passed through a small portion of Connecticut and then I was back in New York. The last County before Dutchess was Punam County. You could say I went in a circle and in the middle of all of this was the Hudson River. I went down the west side and came back up the east side. These counties make up part of the Hudson Valley region.

Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com

www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com

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Arielle another fine Rhinebeck New York Restaurant

Jennifer Fivelsdal, Mid Hudson Valley (JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 23:04:08 -0400

Arielle another fine Rhinebeck New York Restaurant

Saturday was another wedding anniversary and my husband asked me to pick a restaurant. I like trying new places and since Arielle was one of the few restaurants in Rhinebeck I have not dined at I decided it would be the one.

Since we had made a reservation we were seated immediately and I can say the service was excellent since there was enough staff available to make sure we were enjoying our meal.

We started the evening with some wine and and a platter of cheese with dried fruits and nuts and crostini . My choice for a main course was duck breast in Rhubarb sauce. I can say, I am now inspired to make some Rhubarb sauce in my own kitchen. My husband had the flatiron steak and we ended our meal with banana crepes and cardamon creme brulee.

Arielle Restaurant
1 East Market Street
Rhinebeck, NY 12572-1662
(845) 876-5666

Inside Arielle you will find beamed ceilings, oil paintings on the wall and banquettes lending old world charm to your dining experience.

Duck Breast in Rhubarb Sauce

I love Creme Brulee but this was the first time I have had Cardamon Creme Brulee and it is now my favorite.

Arielle is truly another fine restaurant in Rhinebeck.

Other Rhinebeck Restaurants

Aroi Thai Restaurant

Le Petit Bistro

Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com

www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com

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