Monthly Archives: August 2013

The Hottest U.S. Housing Markets | Waccabuc Real Estate

Housing prices were up in May, and they are only expected to soar in the coming year. The housing market is hot, and that is a good thing for everyone. You can buy, sell, or invest to reap the benefits of the recovering market easily.

But this is not true everywhere. You only have to look at Detroit to see an example. Knowing where to get your foot into the housing market is important because some cities are doing better than others are.

san franciscoThe Best Cities for Housing Market Investing

1. San Francisco

San Francisco is the hottest housing market. The supply of homes in the city is plummeting, down as much as 80% since 2008. When supplies are down, people scurry to find a house, and they are willing to pay more for when they find one that meets their needs and wants.

People aren’t having trouble with paying more either because the state has a low unemployment rate of 6.5%, as of June. Home prices have gone up 24.5%, according to S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index, and they should continue to rise as much as 12.7% over the next year, projected by Veros Real Estate Solutions.

2. Los Angeles & San Jose

The boom in San Francisco has spread over to Los Angeles and San Jose too, and housing prices are expected to experience an 11.6% value increase and 11.1% increase, respectively, according to Veros.

3. Philadelphia

On the other side of country, Philadelphia’s housing market is heating up as well. Houses are bought within 30 days of listing date – an incredible selling rate.

4. Texas

Texas is known for its low house prices, but that’s about to rise too. This state expects to see a home valuation increase of 11.1%.

5. Phoenix

Analysts expect home price increases of 10.9% in the next year, and that may be quite accurate because, according to Zillow, Phoenix’s housing market rose 24 percent from year to year.

 

 

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http://www.wealthdaily.com/articles/the-hottest-us-housing-markets/4570

How Much Does it Cost to Install Countertops? | Cross River Real Estate

Whether in the kitchen or bathroom, the countertop can be the star of the room. A countertop should fit both your aesthetic style and your lifestyle. How much you pay for your countertops will depend on the sizes needed, the materials used and the labor involved.
Countertops usually get a lot of use. You don’t want to spend money on something that loses its beauty quickly or chips easily. The more you plan to use your counters, the more durability must be a major concern.  Continue Reading
Laminate Countertops

Laminate provides the best selection of colors and patterns at the lowest prices. Laminate can be used to form a seamless cove backsplash to keep spills from seeping behind the cabinets. They’re also cheap and easy to install. The down sides? Laminate scratches or chips easily. It can be tough to clean, and its colors can fade over time.

Ceramic Tile Countertops

No surface offers more choices than tile. The price you pay for tile will largely depend on where you get them. Go for a big box store and you can go as cheap as $10 per square foot. Contact an artist in Florence, and you could pay $5,000 per tile. Tile can adapt as easily to Mexican fiesta as it can to Tokyo contemporary. There are two downsides of tile. One is that it can expensive to install, depending on the square footage of your counters. The other is grout lines, which attract crumbs and stains and require periodic sealing to repel moisture.

Stone Slab Countertops (Granite, Marble, Quartz, etc)

Not much can add dazzle to your kitchen or bathroom like a stone slab countertop. The sheer beauty, amazing selection and durability of stone makes it an excellent choice for your home. The depth and character of natural stone cannot be matched by any man-made surface (though some made-made alternatives have taken great strides.) Natural stone does not depreciate with time and this stone will consistently add value to your home. The costs of the stone depend on how rare its elements, the size and particularly the length of the necessary cuts, which must be finished, buffed and polished. You can sometimes save big money on stone slabs by shopping through remnants.

Acrylic Countertops

The most popular of the acrylics is Corian by DuPont. Corian provides the color versatility of laminates with a rich look (and price) that rivals stone slabs. It’s easy to maintain. Scratches and nicks can easily be buffed out. If you want to create a seamless look, Corian can even be formed into sinks, so there’s no gap between the counter and the sink. Price is determined largely by square footage.

Other Expenses

You may want to also add a new sink or new faucets to your installation. This can be an additional cost, not only in purchasing the hardware, but the installation as well. If you’re going with a stone slab, you have the additional cost of cutting the hole. You also may need to hire a plumber, especially if you want to install something new like an instant hot water dispenser or side spray.

If you are upgrading and replacing your existing counters, you may have to pay for their removal from not only their current location, but from your home as well. Debris removal is normally not a huge expense, but it’s one you should talk with your contractor about nonetheless.
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Katonah-Lewisboro Math/ELA Scores Above State Average | Katonah Real Estate

The percentage of students considered proficient in math and English language arts for grades three to eight was significantly lower in 2013 throughout New York state, including the Katonah-Lewisboro School District, which came in well above state average.

“The District is analyzing the results, and initial review suggests that we performed in a manner consistent with our comparable schools,” district officials said in an emailed statement. “We can assure the community that our students are being educated based on the new standards.”

According to the state’s assessment tests, given to students in third- to eighth-grade, 41 percent of Westchester students were at grade level in ELA and 40 percent of county students were at grade level in math. The state results were released last week with most schools’ averages coming in below previous years on the exams.

The state results for Katonah-Lewisboro and Westchester schools showed the following percentages:

 

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http://bedford.dailyvoice.com/schools/katonah-lewisboro-mathela-scores-above-state-average

Are we in a bubble yet? Not even close: Trulia | Pound Ridge Real Estate

The housing market is not even close to forming a bubble, and recent developments have further diminished the likelihood that it will overheat anytime in the near future, Trulia said in releasing the results of its latest Bubble Watch report.

“Even though prices are less undervalued than one quarter ago, our chances of avoiding a bubble have gotten better. Price gains are slowing down, and asking prices dropped in July,” said Trulia Chief Economist Jed Kolko in an email. “Unlike in last decade’s bubble, prices today have started to cool before reaching dangerous heights.

National home prices in the third quarter of 2013 are 5 percent undervalued, compared with 7 percent undervalued in the second quarter of 2013 and 14 percent undervalued a year ago, Trulia reported.

How does that stack up against home values at the peak of the housing boom?

Prices then were 39 percent overvalued, according to Trulia.

– See more at: http://www.inman.com/wire/are-we-in-a-bubble-yet-not-even-close-trulia/#sthash.RY1QXM09.dpuf

Optimize your real estate brand with Instagram video | Bedford Corners Real Estate

As a real estate agent, what could you do with 15 seconds? With the latest update, Instagram 4.1 is opening some creative doors for its users by allowing video uploads directly from your library. Here are some great examples:

Coldwell Banker I love this from Coldwell Banker. A combination of a live video introduction and still shots from a home featured in Payson, Ariz., make this 15 seconds enjoyable and definitely recognizable as the CB brand.

Anne Jones I admire what Anne is able to capture with Instagram and now that video keeps getting better, I can’t wait to see more from the Tacoma area!

– See more at: http://www.inman.com/next/optimize-your-real-estate-brand-with-instagram-video/#sthash.wiMd5fxN.dpuf

Bedford, Katonah, Pound Ridge fire depts host charity softball games Saturday | Chappaqua Real Estate

The Bedford-Armonk Rotary Club is hosting charity softball games between the volunteer fire departments of Bedford Hills, Bedford Village, Katonah and Pound Ridge.

The games will be played from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17,, at Bedford Memorial Park.

There will be food and beverages and children’s races will be held. Local car dealerships will be showing off their models. The proceeds go to local community charities.

Rain date is Saturday, Aug. 24.

 

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http://northernwestchester.lohudblogs.com/2013/08/13/bedford-katonah-pound-ridge-fire-depts-host-charity-softball-games-saturday/

Realtor.com(R) National Housing Trend Report Shows Dramatic National Year-Over-Year Inventory Declines are Easing | Armonk Homes

Realtor.com(R), the leader in online real estate operated by Move, Inc. (NASDAQ: MOVE), today released the realtor.com(R) National Housing Trend Report for the month of July 2013. July’s real estate market data shows the nation experienced a 5.24 percent decline in housing inventory, which is the second month in a row with year-over-year inventory declines in the single digits. National median list prices increased 5.27 percent year-over-year while median age of inventory is down 16.67 percent.

While California markets have dominated the list of markets with the largest housing inventory declines in the first part of 2013, they have been replaced by a new set of market leaders including: Detroit, Mich.; Boston; Denver; Honolulu and Naples, Fla. The large decreases in the for-sale inventory in these markets suggests the beginning of a housing market recovery process similar to what was observed in Florida in 2011, and in California in 2012 and 2013.

“The recovery is entering a new phase where inventory shortfalls are no longer the driving force behind changes in housing prices in many markets. Larger inventories, especially in the hotter markets that experienced rapid price increases in the spring, are expanding buyers’ choices and helping to moderate price increases,” said Steve Berkowitz, CEO of Move, Inc. “This month’s report also underscores the uneven nature of the housing recovery and its dependence on the strength of the local economy.”

 
      Realtor.com(R)'s Key National Market Indicators for July 2013 

                                     Year-over-Year %  Month-over-Month % 
                          July 2013       Change             Change 
                          ---------  ----------------  ------------------ 
Number of Listings        1,959,030       -5.24%             1.41% 
------------------------  ---------  ----------------  ------------------ 
Median Age of Inventory    85 days       -16.67%             6.25% 
------------------------  ---------  ----------------  ------------------ 
Median List Price         $199,900        5.27%              0.00% 
------------------------  ---------  ----------------  ------------------

National Highlights:

   -- Dramatic national year-over-year inventory declines have evaporated. 
      Nationally inventories in July are only 5.24 percent below the level of a 
      year ago compared to being down 16.47 percent year-over-year in January. 

   -- Inventory declines decrease in local markets.  In July 2013, the number 
      of markets with decreases in year-over-year inventory declined from 125 
      markets in June to 118 markets in July.  This suggests that this fall 
      inventories in some markets may return to levels of a year ago and may 
      continue to slow price increases in some markets. 

   -- Markets are still moving fast. All but five markets are continuing to 
      experience year-over-year declines in age of inventory and on a 
      month-over-month basis. On a national level, housing inventory is 
      approximately 17 percent below last year, but the national age of 
      inventory increased 6.25 percent month-over-month. 

   -- Price declines decrease in local markets.  Median listing prices are now 
      negative year-over-year in only 31 markets, which is down from 36 in 
      June

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http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130813-907459.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Here’s Why the Housing Market Is Cooling Off and Why It’s OK | Pound Ridge Real Estate

There is evidence that the real estate market is reaching an equilibrium.

Movoto Real Estate’s August State of the Real Estate Market report showed that the median cost per square foot for a home in the United States increased by 14.9 percent in July compared to July 2012, while inventory fell by close to 16 percent year over year. At the same time, the average list price per square foot remained flat with June’s figures, and the number of homes for sale increased on a month-over-month basis.

That the list price did not increase between June and July indicates that the inventory supply has begun to catch up with demand. “Going forward, we expect prices to continue to move laterally on a month-over-month basis,” report says. “Higher mortgage rates and increased inventory will keep prices from increasing at the same pace we saw in the first half of the year.”

The average interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage edged higher to 4.61 percent for the week ended August 2, compared to 4.58 percent in the week before. “For the first time this year, the price did not increase, which could be a sign that the market is loosening and their buying power could increase,” the Movoto concludes.

Housing recovery continues to heat up | Bedford Corners Real Estate

Despite all odds against the housing recovery, the market is steadily improving and housing experts do not expect the sector to lose its momentum any time soon.

Regardless of an inadequately housing supply, rising home prices reacting to strong demand and difficult lending environment, market expectations remain bullish on housing.

Nonetheless, housing is in its early stages of recovery and panelists at the Bipartisan Policy Center’s conference believe it’s not time for the Federal Reserve to take their foot off the bond-buying gas pedal just yet.

“There is a cyclical and structural nature to the problem,” explained Paul Weech of Housing Partnership Network.

He added, “We haven’t solved for the underlying structural problem and if we revert back to the norm, we still have millions of homes trying to get back in the full market recovery.”

One of the major factors still impacting the housing market is underwriting standards.

Fannie Mae senior vice president and chief economist Doug Duncan pointed out that there is a high correlation between the business cycle and the credit cycle, which will ultimately lead to an established fixed floor of the credit box.

“If in the regulatory process we can establish a fixed floor then we’ll change fundamentally the level of housing,” Duncan explained.

Looking to the future state of housing, experts agreed that immigration will play a significant role in the housing recovery.

Data taken from 2012 and estimated through 2050 shows that the economy will have 15 million less workers if the immigration rate continues, meaning less people in the housing market and less people paying into their entitlements, Duncan noted.

Another group of Americans that will affect the future of housing is the baby boomer generation, which is the fastest growing age group.

Many have a desire to remain in a home, but want to be mobile. As a result, homebuilders are trying to find new ways to accommodate these needs as well as attract first-time homebuyers to market.

Conine Residential Group president Kent Conine explained that homebuilders are introducing new innovations and productions into the marketplace.

For instance, Conine is in the process of developing a system in which seniors sell their current homes and downgrade to plain vanilla property, which will allow them to travel, while still maintaining a home.

 

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http://www.housingwire.com/articles/26155-housing-recovery-continues-to-heat-up

 

Mount Kisco Diner Begins Expansion | Mount Kisco Real Estate

The Mount Kisco Coach Diner, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s favorite hangout, has begun construction on its expansion.

The diner is adding 1,250 square feet and 13 new parking spaces, along with providing a terrace for outdoor seating.

The project was approved by the planning board earlier this year after the Mount Kisco Village Board approved a zoning change in 2010.

Recently, the Paul Power’s structure, which exists south of the diner, was demolished, which was the first phase of construction.

Harry Georgiou, whose family owns the diner, said it will be much larger and more convenient for customers.

“We wanted to provide more space for clients and a nicer atmosphere,” Georgiou said. “We wanted to modernize the restaurant. It was time to expand.”

Plans for expansion have been in the works for five years. During that time, despite the recession, the diner’s business has remained steady, giving Georgiou confidence expansion was the right idea.

Georgiou’s father, Frank, a Somers resident, purchased the diner 18 years ago. Harry Georgiou, who lives in Queens, said it is in the family’s blood to provide service, hospitality, and good food.

 

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http://chappaqua.dailyvoice.com/business/mount-kisco-diner-begins-expansion