Daily Archives: September 20, 2013

Old-School Daguerrotypes Capture Urban Sprawl of the 1800s | Cross River Real Estate

firstda.jpgImage via The Atlantic Cities

No, that’s not an Instagram of rural Connecticut, it’s a look at a “busy street” in the Paris of 1838, and also the first print produced by Daguerreotype creator Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre. The Atlantic Cities recently dug up this and a few more Dagerreotypes—prints produced via complicated methods and bulky, expensive machinery once lauded for being the first “practicable” photographic process—of 19th-century cities. The images show off urban sprawl from before Chanel and Michael Kors lined the boulevards and starchitect-designed towers stood shoulder to steel-boned shoulder in the most congested bits of town. Below, Philadelphia in 1843 and Washington, D.C., in 1846.

Must-Know Modern Homes: Mies van der Rohe’s Villa Tugendhat | Armonk Homes

wenty years before Ludwig Mies van der Rohe realized his famous Farnsworth House, and seven years before emigrating to the United States, he designed Villa Tugendhat in 1930 for the wealthy couple Fritz and Grete Tugendhat.
As a wedding present, Grete (born Grete Weiss Löw-Beer) received about a half acre of her family’s land, a portion on a slope immediately adjacent to Černopolní Street in Brno, now in the Czech Republic. On the property Mies developed a split-level house with three floors: The entrance, bedrooms, nanny quarters, a terrace and play area, and a garage with chauffeur quarters are on the upper level; the living spaces, kitchen, winter garden and another terrace are on the middle level; and the utilities are on the lowest level.
The house can be seen as a domestic version of Mies’ Barcelona Pavilion from just one year before, with its flowing, open plan and structural columns distinct from walls. It is also a precursor to Mies’ later “universal space,” found primarily in the office towers he designed in the United States in the 1950s. But the design is sensitive to the particulars of place and the family who occupied it for only a short time — the Tugendhats, Jewish in origin, fled in 1938, first to Switzerland then to South America.
Perhaps due to Mies’ open plan, the building was able to serve later as a school and hospital (housing a child psychology department) before the municipality took ownership and restored the villa in the 1980s. In 2001 the house was named a Unesco World Heritage site, and 10 years later it underwent more restoration work, opening to the public in March 2012. The photos in this tour follow the latest restoration.
Villa Tugendhat at a Glance Year built: 1930 Architect: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Location: Brno, Czech Republic Size: 2,600 square feet Visiting info: Guided tours with advance tickets available

modern exterior Villa Tugendhat

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The west side is where we find all three levels, but the massing does not make it appear so. The horizontal glass of the middle floor dominates, while the top floor is set back, almost out of sight, and the lowest floor is short and predominantly solid.
modern exterior Villa Tugendhat

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From the street side on the east, the house appears as one horizontal level. With its planar surfaces, glass expanses and garage front and center, the house must have made a stir in 1930. Even now it presents a very un-house-like face to the street.
Between the garage on the right and the glass expanse in the middle is a gap that frames the landscape beyond and draws one toward the entrance.
modern entry Villa Tugendhat

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The milk-white glass curves to subtly hide the front door from the street but also to encourage movement toward it once someone is beyond the gate. The cover is generous, but the step up to the door is subtle. Nevertheless the latter is important, particularly in the change from one stone to another.
modern entry Villa Tugendhat

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Inside, on the travertine flooring (a favorite of Mies’), the reason for the curved glass becomes apparent. The bedrooms are located to the left and behind us in this photo, while the stairs provide access to the main living space downstairs.
modern floor plan Villa Tugendhat

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Here is a plan of the main level, where we find the living area, kitchen, winter garden and terrace. The stair from above is located in the middle. The spiral below it on the drawing provides access to the lower (utility) level.
After the 180-degree turn from above, one enters a large, open space with the primary view to the right (bottom on the drawing). But two walls — one straight and one curved — break up this space, as does a grid of small columns. What looks open is actually made up of smaller areas defined in unconventional ways.

Cardinal Dolan Enjoys Event-Filled Visit To Westchester | Chappaqua Real Estate

Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan commended Archbishop Stepinac High School for its upstanding students and technological innovation during his visit on Wednesday.

Dolan, the Archbishop of New York who was identified as a close contender during the last papal conclave in March, visited the school to say Mass, meet students and faculty, answer questions and tour the new technology center.

“Our board and the entire Stepinac community appreciate not only his visit, but the opportunity to show the Cardinal firsthand how Stepinac has transitioned to a 21st century education model while retaining our deep commitment to our faith,” William F. Plunkett Jr., chairman of the Stepinac Board of Trustees, said.

Some of Westchester’s dignitaries were also present, including County Executive Rob Astorino, Deputy County Executive Kevin J. Plunkett and White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach.

In his homily, Dolan told the 700 students, faculty and staff the story of Cardinal Archbishop Aloysius Stepinac, a Croatian cardinal who maintained his Catholic faith in the face of the Nazi and Communist regimes.

He praised the school for continuing Stepinac’s legacy with its commitment to service and religious lifestyle.

As part of the mass, he blessed over 700 rosaries for each member of the Stepinac community. Later, he answered questions from students about his religious journey and duties as Archbishop.

Dolan concluded his visit by touring the school’s tech center, which has helped make Stepinac the first high school in the United States with a complete online textbook library.

“It sends a message to the community that although Stepinac has a time-honored tradition,” Mayor Roach said of Dolan’s visit. “It is committed to moving forward every day.”

The school presented Dolan with several gifts, including a painting to hang in the school in his honor, a Stepinac hat and sweatshirt, and a memorial tree planted in his honor.

Dolan returned the favor by saying he would grant the students a day off in the near future, which elicited a loud round of applause.

 

 

http://chappaqua.dailyvoice.com/news/cardinal-dolan-enjoys-event-filled-visit-stepinac

Changing Times For Fox Lane Girls | Mt Kisco Real Estate

The Fox Lane girls varsity soccer team has started a new season that involves a lot of change.

Last year, the Foxes went 6-8, and this season, are off to a 1-1 start.

Coach Fabian Videla faced of a summer of upheaval when 10 of his seniors graduated.

“There are lots of new faces this season,” Videla said. “There are a lot of young faces this season.”

The team welcomes several freshmen, including Victoria Surace and Caroline Evnin. The team also welcomes freshmen Emily DeBitetto, Stephanie Ingraldi and Emily Kowalski. Caroline Thompson is joining the team from eighth grade as Videla found himself with 11 open spots to fill in 2013.

“Leadership from returning players will be a key to the season,” Videla said. “Team unity will be a key to the season.”

Videla will be leaning heavily on his three captains: seniors Tattie Petts and Julia Santuro and junior Arianna Delli.Carpini.

Overall, Videla is hoping his new players and returning players can increase their production.

“Many of our returning players did not start last year,” Videla said.

Videla is joined by assistant coaches Laura Elwood and Kristen DeCandido.

 

 

http://mtkisco.dailyvoice.com/news/changing-times-fox-lane-girls

Survey: Affluent homebuyers will give up space for amenities | Chappaqua Real Estate

The vast majority of luxury homebuyers used an agent, are willing to give up square footage for an amenity they want and wouldn’t live in a home that isn’t tech-friendly, according to a survey commissioned by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.

The online survey of 500 affluent homebuyers, conducted by Wakefield Research between May 20 and June 4, also showed that most luxury homebuyers believe homeownership is a more sound investment than the stock market, would rather live in a “smart” home than a “green” home, and would rather have an upgraded home than more square footage.

“The luxury consumer is considered a trendsetter in most industries, and to see the strong connection this consumer has with ‘home’ is very significant as we look at the real estate market as a whole,” said Sherry Chris, president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, in a statement.

Luxury homebuyer survey statementPercentage of respondents agree
Used an agent for real estate services96%
Willing to give up 1,000 square feet of living space in their next home for a lifestyle amenity they want94%
Believe their house is the best on the block93%
Wouldn’t live in a home that isn’t tech-friendly87%
Homeownership is a more sound investment than the stock market75%
Consider a “smart” home more important than a “green” home66%
Rather have upgraded home than more square footage60%
Own multiple homes58%
Homeownership is a bigger indicator of success than their job or title*57%
Prefer owning multiple “lifestyle” homes to support recreational activities like skiing and theater-going53%

Source: Online survey of 500 luxury homebuyers between May 20 and June 4, 2013, conducted by Wakefield Research *Of those luxury homeowner survey respondents who have jobs

A majority of the affluent homebuyers surveyed said they used an agent for neighborhood lifestyle insight (65 percent) as a source of advance info for new listings (64 percent), as a go-to source for housing trends (55 percent) and for support through the homebuying process (53 percent).

More survey results:

– See more at: http://www.inman.com/2013/09/10/survey-affluent-homebuyers-will-give-up-space-for-amenities/#sthash.r1LgFpQO.dpuf

How to Wash Your House | Bedford Corners Real Estate

If you want to give your home more curb appeal, one great way to start is by giving the exterior a thorough cleaning. An exterior that sparkles in the sun can make a world of difference. But if you’re about to reach for a pressure washer, stop right there. Not all surfaces can handle the intense spray of a pressure washer; some, like brick, can be damaged by the wrong tools. Here you’ll find out which method is best for your home, along with more know-how you’ll need to get the job done right.

traditional exterior by Vinyl Siding Institute

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When to pressure wash. Vinyl or wood siding, or a hybrid material, is typically strong enough to withstand pressure washing. But before you head to the home improvement store, consider just how dirty your house is. It’s best to start with the lightest, gentlest cleaning method that is effective and work your way up from there.
Don’t reach for the pressure washer unless you have some serious grime to contend with — a light layer of dirt and road dust can be easily cleaned using a plain old garden hose. If your home has sturdy siding and needs more power than a garden hose can muster, a pressure washer can be heaven sent.
rustic exterior by Cathy Schwabe Architecture

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Get prepared to pressure wash. If you own your home and plan to use a pressure washer at least once each year, it could be worth it to buy your own. They are not cheap … but they are not cheap to rent, either. If you cannot reach the upper floors of your home on a ladder, consider hiring a pro to do the job. If you are doing it yourself, follow these steps:

  1. Soap or no soap? Water alone is enough to get most exteriors clean. If you have mold or mildew, use a specialty house cleaner designed to kill mildew in the pressure washer’s detergent compartment.
  2. Choose the right nozzle. Pressure washer nozzles are measured in degrees — those that shoot water in a very narrow area have the strongest spray (zero is the strongest) and should be used very cautiously. For most homes a nozzle with a 40-degree spray should suffice, so start there and work your way down to a 25-degree nozzle if necessary.
  3. Secure windows, doors and pets. Make sure dogs (who could be curious about the spray) and children are inside, and close all the windows and doors before getting started. Also put on a pair of safety goggles to protect your eyes from dirt and debris.
Pressure washing safety. Treat your pressure washer with respect and common sense, the same as you would any other power tool — because it is potentially just as dangerous. The spray that comes out of the tip of the power washer is so concentrated, it can slice through skin, so keep children and pets away while you are working, and never direct the pressure washer at a person.
Also avoid spraying windows, as the spray could break the glass, especially in older homes with single-pane windows.
How to pressure wash your house:

  • Spray at a downward angle. Siding is designed to protect your home from weather … and weather comes from above, not from below. Work with your home’s protective features and direct your sprayer downward. Never spray into seams or cracks in siding where water can become trapped and damage your house.

 

 

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/17268616/

 

Singapore’s Home Sales Rebound to Be Short-Lived: Southeast Asia | Pound Ridge Real Estate

Singapore’s jump in private home sales last month was only a temporary reprieve for developers as the government’s cooling measures take root and mortgage rates begin to rise.

The city’s housing sales climbed 54 percent to 742 in August from July, when they fell to 482, the lowest in almost four years, according to government data. With nine rounds of cooling measures since mid-2009, the increase will be short-lived, according to Mizuho Bank Ltd. and UOB Kay Hian Pte. Monthly sales averaged about 1,700 units in the first six months of the year.

A man cycles past CapitaLand Ltd.’s The Wharf Residence in Singapore. CapitaLand said July 25 it expects prices and sales of residential properties to moderate. Photographer: Munshi Ahmed/Bloomberg

CapitaLand Ltd.’s The Orchard Residences, center, stands in Singapore. Photographer: Munshi Ahmed/Bloomberg

“There have been successive rounds of measures coming through and with mortgage rates also beginning to move up, you will find that buyers are becoming more circumspect and wondering if these are the right entry levels,” said Vishnu Varathan, a Singapore-based economist at Mizuho, who forecasthome prices to fall 10 percent to 15 percent by 2016.

Singapore unveiled new rules in June governing how financial institutions grant property loans to individuals. Record home prices amid low interest rates raised concerns of a housing bubble and prompted the government to widen a more than four-year campaign to curb speculation in Asia’s second-most expensive housing market, according to a Knight Frank LLP and Citi Private Bank report.

The new loan framework requires that lenders take a borrower’s debt into consideration when granting property loans, the Monetary Authority of Singapore said June 28. Home loans should not exceed a total debt-servicing ratio of 60 percent and those that do will be considered imprudent, it said.

“Normalizing interest rates” will pose significant financial risks to individual borrowers and the economy, the Ministry of National Development said on its website in response to questions in parliament yesterday. The property curbs are needed to avoid a “major price correction,” it said.

 

Higher Rates

Singapore’s home lending rates have risen about 0.5 percentage points in the past year, according to Keff Hui, a director at Mortgage Supermart Singapore, a mortgage broker.

Executive condominiums made up almost half of the homes sold in August, an unprecedented level, according to SLP International Property Consultants. Including these apartments, offered with some restrictions such as a monthly household income cap of S$12,000 ($9,523), August sales were 1,468, according to the government data.

“The bulk of the sales in August was on the executive condo side, not on private sales, which shows demand for private home sales is still low,” said Vikrant Pandey, a Singapore-based analyst at UOB Kay Hian, who expects the number of residential properties sold to drop 30 percent in the next 12 months and as much as a 10 percent decline in prices. “The measures are having their impact.”

Record Prices

Among the developers that began sales of projects in August was Wing Tai Holdings Ltd. (WINGT), which marketed its condominium in the Tampines area, an eastern suburb of Singapore. It sold 218 units of 337 marketed last month, according to the data. RV Residences, offered by Allgreen Properties Ltd., in the central district sold 39 of 83 units marketed, the data showed.

 

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-09-16/

 

7 ways to stay safe when buying a home online | Bedford Real Estate

Most consumers are comfortable with their security when banking or shopping online, but house hunting should take your online security to another level.

With 90% of buyers taking to the Internet to search for homes last year, online security experts warn homebuyers that cybercriminals are ready and waiting to take advantage.

“People who are looking for a home have money and criminals are out there watching,” says Dmitry Bestuzhev, head of the global research and analysis team of Kaspersky Lab, an antivirus and security software company in Quito, Ecuador. “It’s like walking around a minefield. Buyers need to take steps to protect their information from identity theft and their computer from viruses.”

Spammers can set up fake websites to capture personal information. The sites are designed to look like legitimate bank or property listing websites.

Start by searching for homes on reputable, well-known websites such as Realtor.com, Zillow.com and Trulia.com.

“People put a lot of trust into the Web but the reality is there’s a bad guy around every corner,” says Robert Siciliano, a personal-security and identity-theft expert in Boston.

 

 

http://realestate.msn.com/7-ways-to-stay-safe-when-buying-a-home-online

10 Smart Tips for Creating, Marketing and Sharing Content on Twitter | Bedford Hills Real Estate

10 Smart Tips for Creating, Marketing and Sharing Content on Twitter

Twitter, the online texting service on steroids at only 140 characters is  often a challenge for those with a traditional marketing mindset. It’s more  about brutal brevity, smart succinctness and simple shortness than monstering  the masses with multi-media sensory overload.

It’s all about doing more with less.

Creating and then marketing content with Twitter is more about tempting the  click than revealing all your secrets at once. Twitter should be seen as  the teaser social network. It offers the promise of much more beyond the  link.

It’s unsophisticated ways are its charm and its fatal attraction for  celebrities who dare to tweet while under the influence of substances, emotion  or plain stupidity.

The Twitter torrent

Twitter is sometimes seen as an inbox when it is more like a fleeting torrent  that streams and screams its content past you. Often never to be seen again. It  pushes the “I don’t want to miss out” syndrome.

This led to the creation of Twitter tools like Hootsuite that organises  Tweets into lists for reading later. The corralling of Tweets into hashtag  categories can be an effective way to manage Twitter  that is sometimes  seen as similar to the ungainly management that is like herding cats.

3 key elements to a tweet

There are 3 core elements to a tweet. Get these right and you are on your way  to using Twitter well. They may seem simple but they are often poorly executed  or ignored.

So what do you need to hone, polish and include to make your tweets sing and  dance?

  1. Headline – tempt the reader to click the link. That’s its  job, nothing more nothing less.
  2. Links – It was 4 years ago that I watched a video that said “don’t waste a tweet without a link“. It sort of made sense.
  3. Hashtags – Drive those tweets into Twitter searches and  lists that are relevant. It is becoming the glue for social. This is the role  of a hashtag.

What are your goals?

Stumbling onto Twitter with poor intent can lead to wasted time and effort.  You need to have some specific goals in mind.

Some goals that are worth considering.

  • Do you want to drive more traffic to your blog, website or online store?..So  tweet and automate the content but not the conversation.
  • Is it sales you are after? Use tweets with links to landing pages that have  something to sell. Or tweet a coupon that can be claimed in-store or via a  Facebook page.
  • Are you wanting to connect and engage with influencers, customers and  prospects?…Tweet their content, offer to help.

There are more goals than this but bait the Twitter hook, get focused and  strategic and maybe those tweets will lead to blogging nirvana.

10 tips for Twitter content success

So here are 10 top tips for creating, marketing and sharing content on  Twitter.

Read more at http://www.jeffbullas.com/2013/09/17/10-smart-tips-for-creating-marketing-and-sharing-content-on-twitter/#PiFDERoxr7D4eetb.99