Monthly Archives: January 2015

Townhouse on One of NY’s Most Exclusive Gardens | Pound Ridge Real Estate

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The 95-year-old Jones Wood Garden, located between Lexington and Third Avenues and 65th and 66th Streets, is accessible only via one of the 12 townhouses that surround it, and now one of those townhouses is for sale, asking $12.3 million. Forget Gramercy Park (that place is on Google Maps, for crying out loud)—this is the real super-exclusive stuff. So what if it’s mostly paved and looks a little dreary in the sole photograph?* Only 12 keys! Plus, there’s a fountain. And it was named after the family of Edith Wharton, who had previous owned the land. The townhouse itself isn’t too shabby, either.

* In an old Streetscapes from 1997, Christopher Gray writes that when the garden was first designed, “The Times said the garden foliage ‘will look best in winter.'” Hmm.

 

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http://ny.curbed.com/archives/2015/01/23/townhouse_on_one_of_nys_most_exclusive_gardens_asks_12m.php

Spend the Summer Relaxing in This Charming Village Cottage | Bedford Corners Real Estate

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Nothing to do but move your furniture in and start enjoying your weekends in this adorable shingled house. It’s been recently renovated—the 3.5 bathroomsare especially nice—and although the plot is fairly small at 0.22 acre, as is usual for the area, there’s a lawn, a gunite pool, separate garage, and a variance to build a pool house. The house itself isn’t huge at 2000sf, but there’s everything you need, with three bedrooms, separate dining room, and eat-in kitchen. And the in-town location means you can walk to shops, restaurants, the movies, whatever. Price is $2.35M, which is reasonable; the place last sold for $2.225M in 2007.

 

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http://hamptons.curbed.com/archives/2015/01/23/spend_the_summer_relaxing_in_this_charming_village_cottage.php

South Florida Market Reports: Year End Close Out | Chappaqua Real Estate

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Douglas Elliman just published their 4Q 2014 Real Estate Market Reportscovering Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach. After a long hiatus from the pages of Curbed MIami, report author Jonathan Miller of Miller Samuel, lover of charts and graphs, is back to break down the Miami market for us.

4qMCMCHART.png

The five 4Q 2014 market studies my firm Miller Samuel prepares for Douglas Elliman were published today. To drill down into each of the market areas and see the trends shaped by the 8,205 transactions that were analyzed in the fourth quarter, you can click on the following Elliman Report series links, or read on for some top level observations from each market, after the jump:

Miami Coastal Mainland
Miami Beach/Barrier Island
Boca Raton
Fort Lauderdale
Palm Beach

Here are some top level observations for each market:

4q14MCMMATRIX.png

Miami Coastal Mainland – One of the best performing markets measured by sale and price trends:

– Overall housing prices continued to rise
– Sales increased sharply from a year ago but inventory rising as well
– Despite inventory rising faster than sales, the absorption period remained low
– Condo price gains outpaced single family price gains
– Distressed condo sales fell sharply

Farmers Markets | Armonk Real Estate

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Please note: There is NO Mamaroneck Winter Farmers Market this Saturday, January 24th due to
a previously scheduled event at St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

In the meantime, we will prepare a FANTASTIC winter market for next Saturday, January 31st!
Several rotating vendors are planned, and the full vendor roster will include:

American Pride Seafood
Bombay Emerald Chutney Company
Christiane’s Backstube (German-inspired baked goods)
Dr. Pickle
French Press Cafe (Freshly made crepes & more, served on site)
Gaia’s Breath Farm
Gajeski Produce
Meredith’s Country Bakery
Migliorelli Farm
OM Champagne Tea
Orchards of Concklin
Orwashers Bakery
Pie Lady & Son
Pika’s Farm Table (Locally-sourced quiche & prepared foods to go)
Sohha Savory Yogurt
Stone & Thistle Farm
Taiim Falafel Shack
Tierra Farm (Locally-roasted coffee, nuts, and more)
Trotta Foods (Italian prepared foods)

The market will host music by guitarist Ed Packer from 10 am-noon.

We’ll also welcome At Home on the Sound, a non-profit organization that provides members with the assistance they need to continue to live confidently at home in the community they love. They’ll be at the Community Table – stop by anytime during the market to learn about their services.
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The market is open every Saturday through early May
9:00 am-1:00 pm

Indoors at St. Thomas Episcopal Church
168 West Boston Post Road (at Mount Pleasant Avenue)

Stay tuned to all market events, rotating vendor listings, and more
on the Mamaroneck Winter Farmers Market webpage.

Thank you for supporting local farms and food businesses.

Down to Earth Farmers Markets is a mission-driven company that curates and manages approximately twenty farmers markets in Westchester and Rockland Counties, as well as in New York City. We envision a strong regional food system, built by independent farms and food businesses, that provides everyone with an alternative to industrial food. We believe that seasonal, local food is a vital part of our heritage that ensures the health of our communities and environment.

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Mortgage Rates at New Lows in Early 2015 | North Salem Real Estate

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Freddie Mac today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), showing average fixed mortgage rates falling again amid declining bond yields and oil prices. Averaging 3.63 percent, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is at its lowest level since the week ending May 23, 2013 when it averaged 3.59 percent.

News Facts

  • 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 3.63 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending January 22, 2015, down from last week when it averaged 3.66 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.39 percent.
  • 15-year FRM this week averaged 2.93 percent with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 2.98 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 3.44 percent.
  • 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 2.83 percent this week with an average 0.4 point, down from last week when it averaged 2.90 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 3.15 percent.
  • 1-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 2.37 percent this week with an average 0.4 point, unchanged from last week. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 2.54 percent.

Average commitment rates should be reported along with average fees and points to reflect the total upfront cost of obtaining the mortgage. Visit the following links for theRegional and National Mortgage Rate Details and Definitions. Borrowers may still pay closing costs which are not included in the survey.

Quotes
Attributed to Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist, Freddie Mac.

“Mortgage rates continued to fall, albeit at a slower pace, with the 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaging 3.63 percent this week. Housing starts picked up in December coming in at a seasonally adjusted 1.089 million unit pace and beating market expectations. Meanwhile, the drop in energy prices pushed the Producer Price Index down 0.3 percent for December and the Consumer Price Index fell 0.4 percent.”

Why you need grab bars in your bathroom | Mt Kisco Real Estate

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You might think the kitchen, with its hot stoves and sharp utensils, would be the most dangerous room in your home, but it’s actually the bathroom. According to a 2011 report from the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls­—the No. 1 problem—most often occurred in or around the bathtub, shower, or toilet.

“We get lots of calls for slips and falls in the bathroom,” says Howard Mell, M.D., a spokesman for the American College of Emergency Physicians who works at several hospitals in Cleveland.

The bathroom is especially hazardous for women, who are at a higher risk than men for falling and getting hurt, perhaps because of lesser body strength and bone mass. And let JustWedi provide quality products for your new bathroom and make it look like you always wanted.

For those age 65 and older, falls often cause more serious injuries, such as hip fractures. Seniors, according to the report, were also more likely to be injured getting on or off the toilet. Standing after sitting for a long time, especially if you’re dehydrated or taking certain med­ications, can result in a sudden drop in blood pressure that can cause light-­headedness or dizziness.

But few of us have bathrooms that are equipped with grab bars, a secure safety device that looks like a railing and could prevent falls. Also, installing a shower head filter for hard water is the solution to low pressure, water waste and hard to clean shower heads. Here are other modifications you can make to your bathroom to make it a safer place.

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https://homes.yahoo.com/news/why-grab-bars-bathroom-201500727.html

Mortgage Loan Rates Fall to 16-Month Low | Cross River Real Estate

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The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) released its most recent report on mortgage applications Wednesday morning. It noted a week­over­week increase of 14.2% in the group’s seasonally adjusted composite index for the week ending January 16, following a rise of 49.1% for the two­ week period endingJanuary 9. Mortgage loan rates dropped on all types of loans for the third consecutive reporting period and are now at levels equal to mid­2013.

On an unadjusted basis, the composite index increased by 17% week­over­week. The seasonally adjusted purchase index decreased 3% compared to the week ended January 2. The unadjusted purchase index rose by 3% for the week and is now 3% higher year­ over ­year.

The MBA’s chief economist explained:
Mortgage application volume increased last week to its highest level since June 2013, led by a
22 percent increase in refinance application volume. This increase was largely due to mortgage
rates dropping to their lowest level since May 2013. However, the recent reduction in FHA
mortgage insurance premiums also played a role: FHA refinance applications increased 57
percent last week.
Adjustable rate mortgage loans accounted for 6.4% of all applications, up from 5.9% in the prior week.
The MBA’s refinance index increased 22% week­over­week, and the percentage of all new applications that were seeking refinancing rose from 71% in the prior week to 74%.

Conventional refinancing applications rose 21% week­over­week, while government refinancing rose 29%.
FHA refinancing applications rose 57%, raising the FHA share of all refinancings from 4.1% to 5.2%, compared with the prior week.

 

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http://247wallst.com/housing/2015/01/21/mortgage-loan-rates-fall-to-16-month-low/

All Eyes on Texas Real Estate as Oil Prices Plunge | Waccabuc Real Estate

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When you live in a state heavily influenced by oil, saddle up and hold on for the ride. What comes up must come down, and real estate has room on the downside. The real question is really just how much. My clients are all energy professionals, and when I visit with them, nine out of ten have one thing in mind: housing prices in Texas. They buy out of need, but wait… didn’t most people already buy when Texas was booming?

Demand poured in and buying was frenzied. Now, demand is leveling off and prices will too. Where you purchased will dictate whether it will be a reward or a risk. If you think you’ll find a goldmine this time around, think again. The last time I saw a foreclosure in Tanglewood, Houston people were lined up for showings, and that was when banks weren’t even lending money. Now, Texas has more money pouring into the economy from all parts of the globe and a “deal” might mean just being happy with current pricing.

Considering residential pricing is not at $2500.00 per square foot yet, there are lots of deals in the area; but it’s all relative to what you’re used to. Getting a property that’s already discounted is a pretty good deal even though it doesn’t have a sale tag on it. But watch out for those new high rises, now that crude is at $50.00 per barrel, you may want to think twice about buying that new penthouse. If you have already purchased when crude was priced at $100.00, well, let’s just say you might have to wait for the next merry-go-round.  High-rises take as long to build as a boom, so by the next time we see $80.00 oil, buyers will be back at those doorsteps again too.

 

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All Eyes on Texas Real Estate as Oil Prices Plunge

 

Mixing Vintage and Modern in an Urban Family Kitchen | South Salem Real Estate

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Emily and Ian Allison’s kitchen looked like it was thrown together on a whim, that’s because it kind of was. When previous owners converted their 1888-built home into a duplex, they put together an ad hoc kitchen on the second floor because the original kitchen resided on the ground floor. So when the Allisons bought both units and rented out the bottom floor, they were stuck with a kitchen that seriously lacked function. “There wasn’t even a single drawer,” says Ian. “It was a bummer.”
Rustic by Kelli Kaufer Designs
Kelli Kaufer Designs
BEFORE: There also were limited counter and cabinet space and a river-rock floor left over from the 1960s or 1970s that the couple had attempted to cover up. “We erroneously painted the floor black,” Ian says. “But it started to chip, and you could see the brown and cream-colored river rock tile beneath.”

Fed up, the couple met with interior designer Kelli Kaufer. After several conversations about their likes and dislikes, they handed the reins over to Kaufer. “We basically said, ‘We trust you. Build a kitchen that you think suits us,’” Ian says.

Rustic Kitchen by Kelli Kaufer Designs
Kelli Kaufer Designs
AFTER: They gutted everything but left the plumbing where it was to save money. Kaufer interpreted the couple’s personalities — he’s a bass player; she’s a digital artist — into a design that channels modern urban hipness with a vintage feel.

For example, repurposed bleacher seats form the honey-colored lower cabinets, while old schoolhouse chalkboards make up the countertops. There are also a black ceiling, pops of color and a funky, graphic floor pattern. But, above all, there’s finally function. “It looks like us, it’s functional, and it’s a delight to be in,” Ian says.

Flat-slab upper cabinets deliver a dose of modern, and the flooring plays on an old houndstooth print that’s been around for a century, Kaufer says. She enlarged the pattern and printed it in a funky color on tiles.She then painted the ceiling black as a visual trick that forces the eye up and makes people pay attention to the whole space.

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http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/39711425?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u956&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery4

Hip Hillside Spec Home | Katonah Real Estate

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Location: Los Angeles, Calif.
Price: $1,849,000
One of a pair of “brother and sister residences” designed by Fung + Blatt architects and developed by Ground Up is on the market for the first time. But is this terraced spec home the brother or the sister?

This one’s called the Jem Residence, and the other is the Scout Residence. Which doesn’t really bring us any closer to answering the question, because to the extent that those words can be considered human names, neither is very gendered. Update: A commenter who advises me to “read a book” sometime says that these are characters from Harper Lee’s 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird, which I haven’t read. Jem is the brother and Scout is the sister. And here I thought Scout Willis was the only noteworthy Scout.

Anyway, this 2,170-square-foot three-bedroom home was built with “careful recognition and nod to the masters of mid-century and modernist architecture,” with large balconies and a very chic and chicly decorated interior, with folding glass doors a few raw concrete-block walls. The asking price is $1,849,000.

 

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http://curbed.com/archives/2015/01/20/fung-blatt-jem-residence-for-sale.php