Category Archives: Bedford Corners NY

House Cleaning Service Costs | Bedford NY Real Estate

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t’s a magical feeling to open your door and find your home all clean and smelling fresh. Like Samantha from “Bewitched” just wiggled her nose and, voila, everything shines. A reliable cleaning service can do wonders not only for your home but your state of mind. But keep in mind that the value cleaning services offer may go beyond polished floors and spotless toilets. Sparkling windows, pollutant-free ducts and clear gutters and downspouts are critical to home maintenance as well. How much you’ll pay for a cleaning service often depends on the extent of the cleaning job and the specialized services needed.
Maid Service

The most significant factors affecting the cost of any interior house cleaning or maid service are the number and size of your rooms, whether you own pets, and how often you schedule your cleanings. Many maid services will charge you less per cleaning if you have them come once a week rather than once a month. Some companies will charge more for specialty services, such as window washing, fireplace cleaning, dusting shelves where a large number of books need to be removed and replaced, and cleaning high shelving or ceilings that require a ladder. Some services also will add a trip charge if you live far away from their place of business.  Continue Reading

  • Clean Gutters & Downspouts Costs
    Most homeowners spent between:
    $159 – $203
    Average cost:
    $181
    Minimum
    cost:
    $90
    Maximum
    cost:
    $314

Select your Cleaning Service project

                Exterior Cleaning

                There’s a reason people talk about spring cleaning. During the winter, your property might be covered in snow, and doing exterior cleaning is nearly impossible. But once the snow is melted, you may find your home’s exterior and much of your property looking messy. Depending on the company (or independent contractor) external home cleaning and lawn and garden clean-up may be charged by the scale of the project or by the hour. An experienced cleaning service should be able to give an accurate price quote before beginning the job.

                 

                 

                House Cleaning Service Costs | Cleaning Service Prices.

                How the truly smart home could finally become a reality | Bedford Corners Homes

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                The promise of the internet of things (IoT) is currently one of the most-hyped trends in technology circles. Back in 2010, Hans Vestberg, CEO of telecom giant Ericsson, boldly predicted that by 2020, 50 billion devices would be connected to the internet. The growing proliferation of connected consumer electronics, the falling costs of cellular-embedded modules and airtime, shrinking chip prices, and the emergence of wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, ZigBee, and Z-Wave drove this optimism.

                The IoT is regularly associated with home automation; however, the market for home energy management systems and smart appliances, which many expected to track the rollout of smart meters and to give rise to truly connected homes, have both failed to take off. Today, many of these products are still involved in small pilot programs. The arrival of a number of glitzy cloud-enabled gadgets like Belkin’s WeMo line and the Nest Learning Thermostat could accelerate things rapidly. These devices, however, aren’t truly IoT; they are connected to the internet but remain isolated from one another.

                For the smart home to ignite the IoT, home automation software platform vendors must provide open APIs. SmartThings and future open-API platforms could be the disruptive players that encourage a tidal wave of interconnected things.

                Key findings from our analysis include:

                • Do-it-yourself (DIY) kits and high-end luxury installations are creating competition across previously separated home automation sectors. This, coupled with cloud-based services and general-purpose controllers built on apps, is driving much growth. Meanwhile, service providers like telecommunications companies (telcos) and utilities are raising category awareness with low-cost offerings.

                • Extensible software platforms from the likes of Alarm.com, iControl, and AlertMe mean that service providers can introduce new services to end customers over time. A home security-focused solution, like Comcast’s XFINITY Home package, easily can be extended to incorporate home energy management or home health capabilities. Open-API platforms would accelerate this extensibility and enable even more competition.

                • Currently the largest segment, custom-designed smart home systems will grow at only a 7-percent rate, compounded annually, to $2.2 billion in 2017. DIY kits will grow much faster but still only reach $200 million in annual sales by then. In contrast, connected home systems will explode from a $300-million base to $1.5 billion in 2017.

                 

                 

                How the truly smart home could finally become a reality — GigaOM Pro.

                Foreclosure starts plummet to six-year lows | Bedford NY Real Estate

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                Foreclosure starts recorded during the 12-month period ending in July fell to an activity level not seen since 2007,Lender Processing Services said in its latest Mortgage Monitor report.

                The report overall showed loan delinquencies and foreclosures on a downward trajectory despite the new influence of rising interest rates and fears that the economy may be slowing coming out of the month of August.

                The delinquency rate month-over-month fell 3.96% with 6.41% of all U.S. mortgages delinquent, LPS data shows. Vintage loans originated after 2010 continue to outperform earlier vintages, which continually record higher delinquency rates.

                Meanwhile, the total U.S. foreclosure presale inventory rate hit 2.82%, down 3.46% from the previous month.

                Originations are beginning to feel the impact of higher interest rates, but July prepayment rates are equal to year ago levels, suggesting mortgage refis continue at a consistent pace.

                In fact, LPS notes that prepayments are equal to levels reached during the refi booms experienced in 2010 and 2009—time periods when interest rates were either higher or equal to current levels.

                Yet, Herb Blecher, senior vice president of LPS, suggests prepayments could decline as interest rates edge higher.

                Refinancing activity through the government’s HARP program in July showed a unique trend with prepayments on loans with 100% LTVs actually increasing during the month.

                And troubled assets are no longer a major headache, at least not at the same level they were in 2011. The real estate market continues to see fewer sales of troubled properties with distressed sales down 30% for the 12-month period ending in June. Short sales on their own fell 60% from last year, making up only 10% of sales for the 12-month period ending in June.

                The states with the highest percentages of distressed sales included Nevada, Florida, California and Arizona – all of which are recovering sand states.

                 

                Foreclosure starts plummet to six-year lows | 2013-09-03 | HousingWire.

                The Dakota’s Crushed Velvet Paradise Sells for $1.75 Million | Bedford Corners Real Estate

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                High up in the attic, the first Mrs. Rochester of the Dakota, is a small apartment full of butterscotch-colored crushed velvet, stripes, and palm trees. The unit hit the market in September 2012 asking what seemed a high price: $2 million. (And for one of the building’s former servant’s quarters, no less!) But the apartment entered contract quickly, and a tipster points us to the closing documents for the deal. The Dakota’s unit 80A sold for $1.75 million. The buyer is already the owner of another unit in the building, so perhaps he plans to use 80A as a guest suite, an office, or a place to sit in shorts and pretend it’s summer in December.

                dakota80Afloorplan.jpg

                · Crushed Velvet and a Palm Tree at the Dakota for $2 million [Curbed]

                 

                 

                The Dakota’s Crushed Velvet Paradise Sells for $1.75 Million – Sold Stuff – Curbed NY.

                End of an era: NAR’s legal champion to retire | Bedford Corners Real Estate

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                Laurie Janik, the National Association of Realtors’ chief legal champion, is generally considered a straight shooter: Ask her a question and you get the kind of clear, informed answer that has endeared her to many Realtors.

                But inquire how many hours she works a week and she’s not so forthcoming.“I’m not giving you that figure,” Janik said. “Ralph will quit before he starts.

                It’s an all-consuming job.” “Ralph” would be Ralph Holmen, NAR’s assistant general counsel, who will take over as the trade group’s general counsel when Janik retires Nov. 30. At age 59, Janik has spent nearly two-thirds of her life — and nearly all of her career — working for NAR.

                She joined the association as a law clerk in 1977 and became its general counsel in 1987. For many Realtors, she is the only NAR general counsel they have ever known.

                 

                read more…

                 

                http://www.inman.com/2013/08/29/end-of-an-era-nars-legal-champion-to-retire/#sthash.UTrdO9Ow.dpuf

                Bedford NY Real Estate Under $999k sales up 20% | Median price Up 1.6% | RobReportBlog

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                Bedford   NY Real Estate Under $1 Mill ReportRobReportBlog
                20136 months ending 9/42012
                71Sales59Up 20%
                $620,000.00median sold price$610,000.00Up 1.60%
                $170,000.00low sold price$263,000.00
                $950,000.00high sold price$995,000.00
                2177average size2374
                $289.00ave. price per foot$259.00
                160ave. days on market179
                $604,401.00average sold price$598,262.00
                95.12%ave sold to ask95.32%

                NY Mercury Pollution Affects Many Places | Bedford Corners Real Estate

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                When you think of mercury contamination, you probably think of fish. But scientists have now learned that mercury pollution affects many places and species on land—and even the air we breathe. Saab Bio Power can guide you to control pollution.

                Here’s what you need to know about this important issue.

                How does mercury get in the air?

                Much of the mercury in New York comes from coal-burning plants located in the Midwest. As smokestack emissions from these plants drift eastward, the airborne mercury settles in lakes and streams and transforms into methyl mercury, which is toxic and makes the mercury available for uptake into the food web. As a result, national health organizations advise people to restrict consumption of certain kinds of fish.  For example, if you eat one 18” walleye caught in Sacandaga Lake in the Adirondack Park in New York, as far as mercury goes it is like eating one compact fluorescent light bulb.

                If mercury contaminates fish, where do songbirds come in?

                Mercury contamination in wildlife has been known for many years, but only recently have we begun to learn that it affects birds that do not live on water and never eat fish. In a study commissioned by the Conservancy in 2006, we found that some songbirds that eat primarily insects are at high risk of mercury poisoning.  Mercury levels were high enough that it could affect the birds’ reproductive cycle, and may help explain declining populations of some species like the wood thrush. These results supported other research illustrating that mercury from air pollution that gets into soil can ultimately find its way into the human food chain.

                What is The Nature Conservancy doing?

                The Nature Conservancy recently is conducting research to monitor mercury levels in songbirds. Working in partnership with the Biodiversity Research Institute, global leaders in mercury research, this current study began in June 2013 and will continue each summer until 2017. The data compiled will ultimately provide more scientific evidence of the links between ecological health and human health.

                You can support our work to study the mercury levels in songbirds when you make a secure, online donation.

                What are some solutions to the problem of mercury pollution?
                • Greater investment in a mercury monitoring network. This would allow us to better assess the extent of this problem, and if current efforts to reduce mercury like the recent Mercury Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule that requires coal-fired power plants to update their mercury pollution control technologies, are enough to result in improving the areas that are damaged.
                • Continued research to learn more about this issue. This includes altering some management practices to reduce mercury emissions, such as some forestry practices and the management of water levels in our reservoirs.
                • More support for local, regional, and global efforts to reduce mercury. There is no question that mercury is coming from multiple sources, and therefore efforts to reduce a single source, while helpful, are likely not to be enough.  Let your legislators know that mercury is a problem you care about, and want to fix.

                read more…

                http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/newyork/explore/songbirds-and-mercury.xml

                August 21, 2013

                Whole-House Remodel $250,000 to $500,000: Desert Embrace | Bedford Corners Homes

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                Priorities

                • Improve the connection between interior rooms • Provide a better visual connection from the house to the lush landscape

                • Opening up walls created a better interior flow.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmp258F%2Etmp_tcm17-1999556.jpg

                  Opening up walls created a better interior flow.

                • The original layout did not allow for good traffic flow.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmp2000%2Etmp_tcm17-1999554.jpg

                  The original layout did not allow for good traffic flow.

                • The fireplace in the existing living room.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmp1C36%2Etmp_tcm17-1999551.jpg

                  The fireplace in the existing living room.

                • The new living room is open to the kitchen and dining rooms.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmp16A7%2Etmp_tcm17-1999548.jpg

                  The new living room is open to the kitchen and dining rooms.

                • The original kitchen was cut off from the living areas.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmp11A5%2Etmp_tcm17-1999545.jpg

                  The original kitchen was cut off from the living areas.

                • The custom cabinetsa re made from Douglas fir.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmpB2D%2Etmp_tcm17-1999542.jpg

                  The custom cabinets are made from Douglas fir.

                • The original interior walls were sheetrock made to resemble adobe.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmp530%2Etmp_tcm17-1999539.jpg

                  The original interior walls were sheetrock made to resemble adobe.

                • The kitchen countertops are Caesarstone and concrete.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmp137%2Etmp_tcm17-1999535.jpg

                  The kitchen countertops are Caesarstone and concrete.

                • The original side porch was enclosed to create a theater room.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmpFD3E%2Etmp_tcm17-1999532.jpg

                  The original side porch was enclosed to create a theater room.

                • Architect Rob Paulus incorporated the original fireplace in to the theater room wall. The large projection screen takes up one wall.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmpF753%2Etmp_tcm17-1999530.jpg

                  Architect Rob Paulus incorporated the original fireplace in to the theater room wall. The large projection screen takes up one wall.

                • The original bathroom.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmpF378%2Etmp_tcm17-1999529.jpg

                  The original bathroom.

                • The bathroom has the same clean, contemporary lines as the main living area.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmpE8B9%2Etmp_tcm17-1999525.jpg

                  The bathroom has the same clean, contemporary lines as the main living area.

                • The original wood porch.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmpE416%2Etmp_tcm17-1999519.jpg

                  The original wood porch.

                • The roof canopy is not attached to the existing building. Architect Paulus says this design makes it look like it's levitating and makes it clear that is separate from the original structure.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmpDF22%2Etmp_tcm17-1999518.jpg

                  The roof canopy is not attached to the existing building. Architect Paulus says this design makes it look like it’s levitating and makes it clear that is separate from the original structure.

                • The canopy structure is made of steel and rough-hewn Douglas fir. It ties in to the new masonry and landscaping.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmpDA10%2Etmp_tcm17-1999517.jpg

                  The canopy structure is made of steel and rough-hewn Douglas fir. It ties in to the new masonry and landscaping.

                • A before view of the house from poolside.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmpD676%2Etmp_tcm17-1999516.jpg

                  A before view of the house from poolside.

                • The canopy connects the home with the pool and backyard.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmpD164%2Etmp_tcm17-1999515.jpg

                  The canopy connects the home with the pool and backyard.

                • The architect's original sketch of the canopy included a round opening, but it was more cost-effective to follow the lines of the structure and make it rectangular.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmpCB87%2Etmp_tcm17-1999514.jpg

                  The architect’s original sketch of the canopy included a round opening, but it was more cost-effective to follow the lines of the structure and make it rectangular.

                • A during photo of the project shows the construction of the steel canopy frame.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmpC4CF%2Etmp_tcm17-1999513.jpg

                  A during photo of the project shows the construction of the steel canopy frame.

                • The steel and Douglas fir pieces fit together seamlessly.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmpC134%2Etmp_tcm17-1999512.jpg

                  The steel and Douglas fir pieces fit together seamlessly.

                • The original master bedroom (right) didn't have a great connection to the outdoors.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmpBD6A%2Etmp_tcm17-1999511.jpg

                  The original master bedroom (right) didn’t have a great connection to the outdoors.

                • A small, side porch off the master bedroom provides a more private outdoor setting for the owner.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmpB9C2%2Etmp_tcm17-1999510.jpg

                  A small, side porch off the master bedroom  provides a more private outdoor setting for the owner.

                • The steel pieces of the canopy and the steel shade boxes for the theater room were lifted into place with a crane.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmpB3B4%2Etmp_tcm17-1999509.jpg

                  The steel pieces of the canopy and the steel shade boxes for the theater room were lifted into place with a crane.

                • Two steel boxes frame the windows and provide shade to the theater room.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmpAED1%2Etmp_tcm17-1999508.jpg

                  Two steel boxes frame the windows and provide shade to the theater room.

                • Architect Rob Paulus designed these steel frames to be more delicate to contrast with the strong structure of the canopy. Vines are now growing on the canopy, which connects the structure to the outdoor landscaping.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmpAB07%2Etmp_tcm17-1999507.jpg

                  Architect Rob Paulus designed these steel frames to be more delicate to contrast with the strong structure of the canopy. Vines are now growing on the canopy, which connects the structure to the outdoor landscaping.

                • The home is set in the foothills of Tucson.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmpA569%2Etmp_tcm17-1999506.jpg

                  The home is set in the foothills of Tucson.

                • The original floorplan.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmpA1AF%2Etmp_tcm17-1999505.jpg

                  The original floorplan.

                • The new floorplan shows the home's connection to the outdoors. The small structure on the other side of the pool is a guest house.

                  http://www.remodeling.hw.net/Images/tmp9CEB%2Etmp_tcm17-1999504.jpg

                  The new floorplan shows the home’s connection to the outdoors. The small structure on the other side of the pool is a guest house.

                Solutions

                Not only was this house poorly laid out, but architect Rob Paulus describes the Spanish style as “Santa fake.” “A lot of what we did was more subtractive—taking things away and bringing it back to a simple box. From there, we opened up as much as we could,” Paulus says, by removing walls to create a better flow. Some of the sheet rock was made to resemble adobe walls, so he simplified those for a cleaner, more modern look.

                The owner purchased the house because of its mature landscape and setting. He wanted the interior spaces to have a better connection to the backyard. Paulus increased the glazing on the rear wall to capture views.

                The owner, a film enthusiast, also wanted a media room with a large 14-foot projection screen. The living room didn’t have enough wall space to accommodate a screen that large, so Paulus enclosed an outdoor porch and incorporated the existing outdoor fireplace.

                The second phase of the project involved improving the outdoor spaces. A 20-foot by 40-foot contemporary steel and Douglas fir porch trellis shades an outdoor living space with an outdoor kitchen. It has direct access from the home theater, great room, and master bedroom.

                The interior kitchen cabinets are made of Douglas fir, but a more polished and smooth version that fulfills the owner’s request for a natural element. It also provides a contrast to the rough-hewn fir used for the trellis ceiling.

                 

                 

                read more…

                 

                http://www.remodeling.hw.net/awards/2013-rda-grand-desert-embrace.aspx?utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=jump&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=RDU_081613&day=2013-08-16

                 

                Facebook Contests, How to Get Your Fans Excited | Bedford Corners Realtor

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                Have you ever run a Facebook contest?

                Are you wondering if you should use them for your business?

                To learn about Facebook contests, I interview Andrea Vahl for this episode of the Social Media Marketing podcast.

                More About This Show

                Social Media Marketing Podcast w/ Michael Stelzner

                 

                The Social Media Marketing podcast is a show from Social Media Examiner.

                It’s designed to help busy marketers and business owners discover what works with social media marketing.

                The show format is on-demand talk radio (also known as podcasting).

                In this episode, I interview Andrea Vahl, co-author of Facebook Marketing All-in-One for Dummies.She regularly writes about Facebook for Social Media Examiner (in fact she was our community manager for 2 years), and has an alter-ego known online as Grandma Mary.

                Andrea shares how a Facebook contest can work for your page and your business.

                You’ll learn about the different contests available and what contest apps to use.

                Share your feedback, read the show notes and get the links mentioned in this episode below!

                Listen Now

                Podcast: Play in new window | Download

                You can also subscribe via iTunes, RSS, Stitcher or Blackberry.

                 Here are some of the things you’ll discover in this show:

                Facebook Contests

                Why should businesses run contests on Facebook?

                When it comes to what contests can do for your Facebook page and your business, Andrea is a contest fan girl.

                There are many benefits of running a contest and Andrea’s top three follow. You’ll hear the benefits of each and the best types of prizes to give away.

                1. Help grow the likes on your page and your Facebook presence
                2. Grow your email list
                3. Help promote a product you’re selling

                Listen to the show to find out how we did a photo contest called Help Me Launch.

                Examples of successful contests

                Andrea shares a few success stories with Facebook contests and what range of prizes can develop good success.

                Andrea helped set up a contest for a client on Facebook called Chocolate for Breakfast. It was a contest where the giveaway was a small box of premium chocolate truffles.

                The contest was run for one week. From this, the client got 700 new fans and 400 email addresses. At the time, the page was at the early stages with around 1200 fans. So for the cost of the premium box of chocolates, the client got a huge response.

                chocolate for breakfast truffles

                The Chocolates for Breakfast prize was very well branded with the page.

                The contest was on the client’s Facebook tab (like you’re supposed to do), and it required people to like the page to enter.

                Discover how a contest on a tab works and what information people need to enter to participate.

                It was a sweepstakes contest where you didn’t have to enter any photos, essay or video. It was a random-draw winner with anyone eligible to win.

                You’ll hear how it was promoted and the frequency of the posts.

                Another client of Andrea’s, Camp Bow Wow, did a contest called Bad to the Bone. They’re a doggy daycare facility and also have home buddies dog training courses that they give away.

                 

                 

                Facebook Contests, How to Get Your Fans Excited | Social Media Examiner.

                Home Depot piggybacks off housing recovery | Bedford Corners Real Estate

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                According to CNBC, Home Depot (HD) experienced a booming second quarter, with its net earnings surging to $1.8 billion, or $1.24 a share, in the second quarter, from $1.53 billion, or $1.01 a share, a year earlier.

                “I know there’s been a debate lately about the strength of the housing market,” Brian Nagel, senior equity research analyst at Oppenheimer & Co., told CNBC’s Squawk Box. “I think the housing market is recovering quite well here. And I think Home Depot is capitalizing quite well.”

                                    Source: CNBC