Daily Archives: May 3, 2013

US home prices up 9.3 pct., most in nearly 7 years | North Salem Homes

U.S. home prices rose 9.3 percent in February compared with a year ago, the most in nearly seven years. The gains were driven by a growing number of buyers who bid on a limited supply of homes.

The Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index increased from an 8.1 percent year-over-year gain in January. And annual prices rose in February in all 20 cities for the second month in a row.

Phoenix led all cities with an annual gain of 23 percent in February. Prices jumped nearly 19 percent in San Francisco. In Las Vegas, home prices increased 17.6 percent and in Atlanta they rose 16.5 percent.

Eleven of the 20 cities reported price gains in February compared with January. Those monthly numbers are not seasonally adjusted and reflect the slower winter buying period.

The index covers roughly half of U.S. homes. It measures prices compared with those in January 2000 and creates a three-month moving average. The February figures are the latest available.

Steady hiring and near-record low mortgage rates are driving up demand, helping sustain the housing recovery that began last year. Buyer traffic was 25 percent higher in March than it was a year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors.

 

 

http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com

China home prices up for 11th straight month in April-survey | Waccabuc Homes

BEIJING: Average home prices in China’s 100 biggest cities rose in April from the previous month, the eleventh straight month-on-month rise, a private survey showed on Thursday, raising the risk of further tightening steps despite recent government measures to crack down on speculation.

Average home prices in April climbed 1 percent from March to 10,098 yuan ($1,600) per square metre, said China Real Estate Index System (CREIS), a consultancy tied to China’s largest online property firm, Soufun Holdings.

 

 

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com

Mortgage rates drop for 5th week, flirt with record lows | Cross River Homes

Mortgage rates dipped for the fifth consecutive week, following a first-quarter economic-growth estimate that fell short of expectations.

Rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 3.35 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending May 2, down from 3.4 percent last week and 3.84 percent a year ago, Freddie Mac said in releasing the results of its latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey. The drop put the 30-year rate not far above the record low of 3.31 percent seen during the week ending Nov. 21, 2012.

Rates on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loans and 1-year Treasury-indexed ARMs also dipped. Source: Fannie Mae

http://www.inman.com

Do Not Fall Off The Roof – Roofing Tips | Bedford Hills Homes

REMODELING: How likely is it that roofing contractors get a jobsite visit from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration?

Mark Paskell: It depends on where the contractor’ [job] is. If he’s working on a main street in a heavily populated area in the Northeast, the chance would be high. This will vary region to region, since OSHA enforcement and educational efforts are predicated on where the injuries and deaths are happening. But there’s national emphasis by OSHA on fall protection. So there may not be a local program for fall hazards, but until Sept. 30, 2015, if you are any type of contractor working on heights of 6 feet or higher, you are the No. 1 priority for OSHA.

RM: How does enforcement work?

MP: Martha Kent, the regional director here in New England, states this: If you are an OSHA compliance health and safety officer — a CHSO — here are your orders. When you go by a residential or commercial jobsite and see people on higher levels, you’re required to stop, observe, and see if there are any obvious fall protection violations or hazards that would be considered an imminent danger situation. If you see that you will immediately pull over and call the OSHA office and begin an audit of that company and that job. If the office can’t send someone, you have to stop and do the initial audit.

RM: Why are residential remodeling and roofing contractors not more aware? That’s why it is important to hire an experienced roofer like RainTech Roofing, Sheet Metal & Gutters. Commercial contractors have borne the cost of compliance because OSHA always visits their sites. So there’s a total lack of knowledge about OSHA in the residential sector. Plus there’s no requirement for OSHA training in residential. A third factor is apathy. Contractors feel that if they haven’t seen OSHA on their jobsites, they don’t need to worry about it.

RM: What happens during that jobsite visit?

MP: The first thing a CHSO will do is start a file. They’ll go by the site several times and will have probably already taken several pictures. When they’re coming onto the site, they know why they’re there.

RM: What if the roofing crew is not working safely according to OSHA rules. How would that be handled?

MP: Say you have five guys on the roof and they’re not tied off. The OSHA inspector will approach the site, present I.D., and ask to speak to the person in charge. The OSHA officer will talk about what he sees that isn’t safe. He’ll focus first on items that are considered “imminent danger,” meaning where someone could get hurt or killed. The guys up there with no harnesses; he will ask them to come down. He’ll talk to people on the jobsite and walk around the site and note anything that’s not up to par for safety standards — like extension cords missing a third prong.

If you’re getting a roofing repair, make sure that they have safety hazards and are professionals to avoid accidents from happening.

http://www.remodeling.hw.net

The Perfect Facebook Post? | Pound Ridge NY Realtor

Perfection. What is that?

In the world of cars ….is it a Ferrari? If it is art… could it be the Mona Lisa? With the profession of architecture, is it personified in the Sydney Opera House?The Perfect Facebook Post

A rose?

Big claims… but you have to admit their all damm good. Memorable even…and maybe even the term excellent could be rolled out and we could even stretch it to “awesome”.

When you see something that is splendid you know it. The visual impact can be visceral , emotional and inspiring.

Whatever the phrase it is always good to strive for perfection. But keep in mind that if you are always “waiting” for your creation to be sublime and faultless then that post will never be published or that book will never be written.

At some stage the finger needs to hit that “publish” button or that “enter” key.

7 Tips for the Perfect Facebook Post

Images on Facebook are the most shared of any media. As humans we do like a good picture. Facebook just makes it easy to acknowledge that with a “like” or if we get really get excited we can even share it with our 500 “best” friends.

Creating a perfect Facebook post for images is maybe not possible, but here are 7 tips to help you move along the spectrum of excellence towards a “God like” Facebook post.

1. Post copy

Keep it short and sharp and less than 90 characters or make sure that you if you have a URL include it near the top of that text. Oh yes…asking a question about the image is sublime because it increases engagement.

2. Call to action

You need to include a URL in your post copy that drives your audience either deeper into Facebook, your blog or website. Also make that ugly long link more attractive by shortening it with bit.ly

A bit like putting lipstick on a pig.

3. Target your Post

If you are targeting a country, language or audience then make the post relevant and specific for them.

4. Timely promotion

Want to reach a bigger audience?… then run it as a “sponsored story” on Facebook within 24 hours of posting. To ensure it works as an ad unit make sure the image is square.

5. Image Upload

Make it at least 300×300 pixels and use an image that has high impact. This includes close-ups of people (don’t use a company logo) and colors like red and orange are good.

6. Mobile first

Facebook is very often viewed on a mobile (some figures show that as being 70%) so use simple images, short copy and yes/no questions are ideal.
Read more at http://www.jeffbullas.com/2013/05/03/the-perfect-facebook-post/#2z70R0yXlk7K6Cdw.99

Get This Look: Greenery in the Home | Bedford Corners Homes

Greenery can add a lot to a home, but for many homeowners the idea of incorporating living plants into a space is daunting.

“So many of my clients will say, ‘I kill everything I have!’” said designer Jamie Herzlinger. But what she tells them is that many of the latest trends in greenery don’t require a lot of maintenance.

Despite the size of the planter, these succulents require very little care.

Despite the size of the planter, these succulents require very little care.

“Succulents and air plants just need a little bit of water,” Herzlinger explained. “I think they’re a fantastic idea because it’s a great way to bring nature in, and you don’t have to have a green thumb.”

Succulents, cacti and air plants are not new forms of greenery. Popular across the U.S. in the 1970s and continuously a form of greenery in Southwestern states, these hardy and low-maintenance plants are now a hot way to add nature indoors.

The container matters

Although succulents are primarily shown in glassy, modern planters, Herzlinger says that these plants can be added to any vessel. The shape and structure of the planter will determine the look of the space.

For example, Herzlinger suggests a traditional planter for an elegant look, perhaps sticking a plant in a blue-and-white porcelain Chinese foot bath.

Unusual planters make liven up the table in this entryway.

Unusual planters liven up the table in this entryway.

“If you were to pot that up with living moss, that sitting on a dining room table with gorgeous sterling candlesticks, it is as beautiful as fresh-cut flowers,” she said.

For a more contemporary look, a glass or wooden container can be hung on the wall as living art. Even in the kitchen, small apothecary jars or containers can be the perfect home for an air plant.

Curated, not over-accessorized

As with any accessory, less is more. There is a tendency to want to add more items to a room, but often Herzlinger finds herself taking out the items her clients add.

“Try accessorizing with one large item or groupings of two to three,” she explained.

A small terrarium is a great addition to this traditional living room.

A small terrarium is a great addition to this traditional living room.

The look should be touches of greenery, not jungle.

Other plant options

While some designers rely on faux plants and flowers, Herzlinger believes that with enough low-maintenance plants out there, there’s no need to go with the silk versions.

Her other suggestions for low-maintanence plants? Moss, cacti and fig trees, if your space has high enough ceilings and plenty of light.

Jamie Herzlinger added fresh-cut flowers and greenery to this space.

Jamie Herzlinger added fresh-cut flowers and greenery to this space.

And, in a pinch, fresh flowers can be found at any local grocery store and are the easiest green addition to a room.

 

 

http://www.zillowblog.com

Hottest Digs of April 2013 – Zillow | Chappaqua Realtor

Rain clouds couldn’t dampen design fans’ spirits this April with these top-10 photos from Zillow Digsinspiring remodel dreams across the country. Check out what images you and your friends Dug the most this month:

No. 10

Zillow's Hottest Digs of April 2013 No. 10
Outdated no longer! A stale bathing unit gets a major overhaul with glass and marble, creating a modern look.

Zillow's Hottest Digs of April 2013 User No. 10

No. 9

Zillow's Hottest Digs of April 2013 No. 9
This kitchen mixes metal, wood and marble, adding interest to the space. This island’s dark wood stain is a bold, yet tasteful contrast with white cabinetry on the adjacent wall.

Zillow's Hottest Digs of April 2013 User No. 9

No. 8

Zillow's Hottest Digs of April 2013 No. 8
A staging counter allows home chefs to gather the exact items needed per recipe without making multiple trips.

Zillow's Hottest Digs of April 2013 User No. 8

No. 7

Zillow's Hottest Digs of April 2013 No. 7
Padded benches along the hearth offer extra seating options, while exposed brick and wood beams draw guests to the table.

Zillow's Hottest Digs of April 2013 User No. 7

No. 6

Zillow's Hottest Digs of April 2013 No. 6
Not yet outdone, these modern basins defend their title as the No. 6 Hottest Digs for the second month in a row.

Zillow's Hottest Digs of April 2013 User No. 6

No. 5

Zillow's Hottest Digs of April 2013 No. 5
Users may have been divided when it came to their favorite feature of this closet, but one thing they could all agree on — there’s no such thing as too many shoes!

 

 

 

http://www.zillowblog.com

Weekend in Bedford/Katonah NY | Katonah Realtor

Whether you’re in search of something fun to do with the kids or you have a babysitter and are planning a night out, look no further because Patch editors have picked a variety of events taking place to help you make the most of your weekend. Click on the headline for more information of each event that’s listed alphabetically by town.

Bedford: Chowder & Marching Tag Sale and Clean Up Weekend

When: Friday-Saturday, May 3-4, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: Bedford Highway Yard at Route 22 and Route 172

Cost: Admission is free.

Description: Bedford’s best known tag sale takes place the same weekend that the Chowder & Marching service club picks up unwanted items from locals. Come to the highway yard to find an array of treasures at bargain prices.

Katonah: Spotlight Theater Presents Young Frankenstein

Where: The Harvey School, Katonah

When: May 3-4, May 10-11

Cost: $18

Description: Spotlight Theater presents the Mel Brooks musical. Dr. Frankenstein aims to fulfill his grandfather’s legacy by bringing a corpse back to life. With help and hindrance from servant Igor, buxom assistant Inga and needy fiancée Elizabeth, his experiment yields success and unexpected consequences.

Katonah: Fiber Arts Trunk Show 

When: Saturday May 4, Sun. May 5, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where: The Red Barn at the John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay Street, Katonah

Cost: Free admission

Description: A sale of Quilts, Fiber Art, Hooked Rugs, Jewelry and more will benefit the Katonah Museum of Art.

 

 

http://bedford.patch.com

We Now Watch 6 Billion Hours of Content A Month on YouTube | Armonk NY Realtor

We Now Watch 6 Billion Hours of Content A Month on YouTube

YouTube, which is putting on the best face it can during this week’s NewFronts, slipped in an amazing statistic during their announcement of Dreamworks’ acquisition of AwesomenessTV, a network that reaches 14 million subscribers over 55,000 YouTube channels.  Earthlings now watch YouTube to the tune of 6 billion hours a month.  That’s a 50 percent increase year-over-year.  And, they are citing a conclusion from Nielsen that YouTube reaches more people in the 18-34 demographic than any cable network.  That’s some kind of reach.

YouTube: 6 Billion Hours And Counting

As YouTube points out, 6 billion hours in a month is almost an hour for every person who lives on Earth.  Of course, it’s not nearly like that…it is a bunch of people, a little over a billion unique visitors, watching hours of content every month.  The figure was at 4 billion hours, and now it’s at 6 billion…a 50 percent increase.  That’s just mind-blowing.  But it also shows that YouTube has been hard at work finding people everywhere they go, increasing its reach in different countries (70 percent of its traffic comes outside the U.S.) and on almost every device you can think of.

I’m wondering if this time next year, we’ll be talking about 9 billion hours a month.  It was impressive when it was 4 billion.  Just imagine it being more than twice that next year.

Source: We Now Watch 6 Billion Hours of Content A Month on YouTube http://www.reelseo.com/we-watch-6-billion-hours-content-a-month-youtube/#ixzz2SFQPoDWc

Mortgage Rates are near record lows. How do they affect buyers qualified to buy a home? | Mt Kisco NY Real Estate

  • In a previous post, we examined the impact of mortgage rates and house prices on the number of renters qualified to buy to show that lower mortgage rates, rising incomes and changes in house prices have affected the number of renters who could qualify to purchase a median-priced home over time.
  • In this post, we look at the impact of mortgage rates ceteris paribus, a latin term used in economics that means “holding everything else constant.” In this case, we’re going to use the same income distribution, home price, and down payment requirement, but we’re going to change the mortgage rates to see what happens to the number of renter households who qualify to purchase the median priced home.
  • The table below shows the results of our thought experiment. While 20 million renter households qualify based on income to purchase the median-priced home in 2012 at prevailing mortgage rates, that figure would decline if interest rates were to rise.
  • If rates were to return to 5 percent, only 17.6 million renter households would have income sufficient to qualify to purchase the median-priced existing home. A rate increase to 7 percent causes increased monthly payments of $280 per month, and an additional $13,400 is needed to qualify to purchase this home. That type of rate increase would knock nearly 6 million currently qualified renter-households out of the market

  • What is the likelihood of increasing mortgage rates? In our current forecast, NAR Research expects mortgage rates to begin to creep up but still remain below 5 percent through the 2014 forecast horizon. Mortgage rates bottomed in November/December 2012 at 3.4 percent for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages. Over the most recent 15 years, rates have ranged from 3.4 to 8.5 percent and averaged 6 percent as seen in the chart below.

  • One note about the above calculations. They assume that potential buyers meet credit qualifications and have sufficient cash on hand to close a transaction. Lending standards, credit quality, and access to funds will affect the number of households who will ultimately be able to buy a home.

 

http://economistsoutlook.blogs.realtor.org/2013/04/29