Tag Archives: Cross River NY Homes

Greenwich, Take Steps To Avoid Mosquitoes And West Nile Virus | Cross River Real Estate

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The discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile virus in Norwalk last week renews the summer fear of insect bites.

The Connecticut Mosquito Management Program advises the best way to avoid the West Nile virus is to lower your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

Here are steps to take to avoid the annoying summer pests, according to the Mosquito Management Program:

  • Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.
  • Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to protect babies when outdoors.
  • Consider the use of mosquito repellent, according to directions, when outdoors.

Restricting mosquito breeding habitats can greatly lessen the potential for West Nile virus to become a significant human health threat, the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program says.

To protect you and your family from mosquitoes and the West Nile virus, it advises you:

  • Reduce the amount of standing water available for mosquito breeding around your home.
  • Empty standing water from used or discarded tires, including tire swings, that may have accumulated on your property.
  • Dispose of cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers. Do not overlook containers that have become overgrown by vegetation.
  • Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outside. Drainage holes on the sides collect enough water for mosquitoes to breed.
  • Clean clogged roof gutters annually. Roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
  • Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. A wading pool becomes a mosquito producer if it is not used regularly.
  • Turn over wheelbarrows and do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths. Change water in birdbaths and wading pools weekly.
  • Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens are fashionable but become major mosquito producers if they stagnate.
  • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, even if not being used. A swimming pool left untended during a vacation can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Mosquitoes may breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.
  • Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property. Mosquitoes can develop in any puddle that lasts more than seven to 10 days

 

Greenwich, Take Steps To Avoid Mosquitoes And West Nile Virus | The Greenwich Daily Voice.

Hot Real Estate Market Causes Unexpected Glitch For Buyers, Sellers | Cross River Real Estate

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The real estate market in the Boston area has been crazy lately and that’s adding up to trouble for both buyers and sellers.

 

Demand is way up and inventory is way down. That means buyers are all chomping at the bit to bid on the few houses that are on the market. “I’ve had clients this spring who have offered on properties without even seeing them,” explained realtor Kerrianne Ciccone.

 

In the most popular neighborhoods, sellers are routinely getting multiple offers above the asking price. While that may sound like great news for Ciccone’s clients like Neil Maniar, it can create some problems. “You never quite know what you are going to get into when you sell your house,” Maniar said.

 

One of the biggest unknowns in the current market is the appraisal. If a bidding war pushes the price above asking, the appraisal may come in too low.

 

 

Appraisers use recent sales to set the value of a home, but prices have been rising so fast that sales from a few months ago are out of step with current rates. That, according to Boston realtor P.T. Vineburgh, can put both buyer and seller back to square one. “It could completely create an inability for someone to secure financing,” he said. “Our company has definitely lost deals,” he added.

 

New rules to avoid another mortgage meltdown are also causing problems. Banks can no longer hire their own appraisers and that means appraisers are sometimes sent to unfamiliar territory. Vineburgh says he almost lost a deal because an appraiser from the Cape was sent to evaluate a condo in the Back Bay.

 

“He valued the parking space at like $20, 000,” he said. You may recall a parking space in that neighborhood recently sold for $560,000.

 

If you are a buyer and your appraisal comes in low, here are a few things to try.

 

Put more money down. The bank is more likely to sign off if you improve the loan-to-value ratio.

Renegotiate the price with the seller. They may be willing to come down rather than start from scratch.

Find another bank and hope the appraisal comes back higher.

Everything worked out for the Maniars, but it was a stressful time. “There certainly were a couple of knots in our stomachs,” he said.

 

Rising interest rates could put a damper on this frenzied market, but as long as inventories stay low, there will still be stiff competition for the few homes that are available.

 

Hot Real Estate Market Causes Unexpected Glitch For Buyers, Sellers « CBS Boston.

Innovations in ‘big data’ set to take off | Cross River Real Estate

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The sheer volume and types of real estate data available may be akin to drinking from a firehose, but the technology available to wrangle that data is rapidly becoming cheaper and easier to use.

“In the past three years, costs have gone through the floor. The cost of doing (data) integration is so cheap now. The ability for you to integrate and pull in data now from (different sources) has completely changed. You can build something in an afternoon,” said Jack Miller, chief technology officer for the The Goodlife Team, an Austin, Texas-based boutique brokerage.

Miller spoke on a panel about how to work with real estate data at today’s Real Estate Connect San Francisco conference.

Miller noted that data is becoming normalized and “making everybody’s life easier.” He pointed to the Spark API from multiple listing service software provider FBS as an example. The API allows authorized MLS members and developers access to MLS data standardized according to the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) Data Dictionary, which includes some common vocabulary for fields used to represent real estate data in MLSs.

Previously, vendors had to tailor their products to the standards of different MLSs, which stymied innovation in the industry as a whole and allowed other industries to innovate faster, Miller said.

“Now that things are normalized, new tools can come to the market and spread much, much faster,” he said.

– See more at: http://www.inman.com/2013/07/10/innovations-in-big-data-set-to-take-off/#sthash.yaN6KaCf.dpuf

 

Innovations in ‘big data’ set to take off | Inman News.

Reorganize Your Fridge, Revitalize Your Diet | Cross River Real Estate

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If finding something as simple as ketchup in your refrigerator is akin to reaching into astorage unit of forgotten mysteries, it’s probably time to rethink the way you’re storing food. Not only does a well-organized fridge make for a more pleasing kitchen environment overall, but you’ll never again find yourself frantically searching for green onions halfway through cooking dinner. Here are some easy ways to reorganize your fridge and streamline the way you cook and eat, for the better!

Organize by expiration date and throw items away weekly

Unless you’re planning on hunkering down for the next year or so, there’s no need to hoard food or keep leftovers for longer than 2-3 days. Judiciously throw away any foods that are expiring, or close to expiring, at the end of every week. This allows you to start each week with a clean slate — a great motivational tool if you’re following a specific diet plan or just trying to eat healthier.

Invest in quality storage containers

It’s easy to forget which leftover came first when you’re looking at five different to-go boxes. To solve this problem, invest in quality see-through containers such as Tupperware or Pyrex, and label with the contents and date. Clear space in your freezer as well by getting rid of unnecessary box packages, and instead keep everything in airtight plastic containers or bags.

Take advantage of your fridge’s storage

Your fridge comes with drawers and compartments for a reason — they’re optimized for certain foods. Meat should go into the deli drawer. If your fridge doesn’t have one, place meat in the shallowest drawer, which happens to be one of the colder areas in your fridge. Also make sure your vegetables are in the drawer with the highest humidity (most fridges will come with a fruit and vegetable drawer). Be careful with your eggs: They absorb odor, so put them in the airtight egg bin if your fridge has one, or in the centermost area.

Don’t rely on the the refrigerator door

While you may be haphazardly piling various food and drink items into the door of your refrigerator, don’t forget that most foods should be stored in an area that maintains a stable temperature. The frequent opening and closing of your refrigerator door can actually be damaging to many foods and cause them to expire faster than their regular shelf life.

Some foods are better left unrefrigerated

Some foods just do not belong in the fridge. These include potatoes, onions, tomatoes, avocados, peaches and honey. Some foods, such as bread, nut butters, bananas and apples, do not need to be refrigerated, but can be. Additionally, be careful of storing fruits that emit ethylene gas in close proximity with other ethylene-sensitive foods. Apples, for example, release ethylene gas, which will end up spoiling nearby fruits and vegetables.

 

Reorganize Your Fridge, Revitalize Your Diet | Zillow Blog.

Builder confidence buoys homebuilder stocks | Cross River Real Estate

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Homebuilder stocks soared Monday – edging up as high as 4% in some cases – after the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index was released, showing homebuilder confidence at a seven-year high.

 

Standard Pacific Corp. ($9.27 0%) maintained a positive trajectory throughout the day, with the builder’s stock rising as high as 4% in Monday trading and ending the day up by more than 3%.

 

Fort Worth-based builder DR Horton ($24.26 0%) managed to rise more than 1.5% while other gainers included PulteGroup [stock PHM]; KB Home ($22.02 0%); and Hovnanian ($6.37 0%).

 

The NAHB/Wells Fargo Index put homebuilder confidence in June at an index score of 52 for single-family homes, an eight-point increase from the last report and well above the 50-mark that generally signifies a market where most builders are confident about sales conditions.

 

The last time builders reached an index score above 50 was April 2006 right before the housing market crash.

 

Builder confidence buoys homebuilder stocks | HousingWire.

Solid-State Lighting has a Bright Future in Residential Architecture | Cross River Real Estate

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LEDs are upwards of 80 percent more efficient than incandescent lights, but they comprise only 5 percent of retail sales, says David Elien, vice president of corporate marketing and business development at Cree, a lighting manufacturer. Given the investment and attention that a relatively nascent technology is receiving from federal and private entities, the market share is expected to explode soon.

Substantial advancements in LED quality, versatility, and reliability in the past few years have made now as good a time as any to specify LEDs for residential applications. “There’s no question,” says Jim Brodrick, SSL portfolio manager in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, which has tested more than 500 LED products such 2006.

Naomi Miller, senior lighting engineer at the DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, agrees: “If you know what you’re doing, LEDs are absolutely ready for residential lighting.” Given the number of products now flooding retail and virtual stores, her stipulation should not go unheeded.

LED products fall into two main groups. Screw-in replacement lamps can be used in existing fixtures and typically have an Edison or medium screw base. Meanwhile, retrofit kits (which may cost more and require additional wiring and space) include the entire LED package, from housing to mounting, optics, and thermal management system, all native to the LED.

Solid state lighting can outfit nearly every type of luminaire found in a standard residence including: omnidirectional lamps, directional lamps, undercabinet lights, and outdoor luminaires. Nick Mehl, AIA, a principal at Element 5 Architecture, recently outfitted an entire residence in Austin with LED downlights, sconces, and pendants—88 luminaires in all. For directional luminaires such as recessed cans and downlights, LEDs come in parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) and bulged reflector (BR) lamp shapes, says Russ Leslie, AIA, a professor and associate director at the Lighting Research Center (LRC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. PAR lamps have a sharper beam distribution while the BR lamps produce a more diffused light distribution. Even three-way fixtures, such as floor luminaires, can be accommodated by LEDs when Switch Lighting releases its unprecedented three-way LED this April.

However, some luminaire types still beg for improvement. Eric MacInerney, AIA, a partner at Heimsath Architects who used nearly all LEDs in his own residence, hasn’t yet found satisfactory replacement LED high-bay and uplight products that can illuminate large and tall spaces. Similarly, Miller continues her quest for a suitable MR-16 (multifaceted-reflector) replacement lamp, a longstanding manufacturing challenge due to the typology’s compact size and use of magnetic or electronic transformers.

A host of technical metrics can help designers pinpoint which LED product will suit their needs. Instead of wattage, a common metric of light output for incandescent lamps, Leslie says lumens better indicates light output. The optimal amount of delivered light will depend on the application: Lamps in high-ceiling spaces will need more lumens than individual task lights. Color temperatures between 2700K and 3000K provide the warmth familiar to most homeowners, while temperatures between 4000K and 5000K work well for mostly daylit rooms and outdoor applications, Brodrick says. LEDs with a color rendering index exceeding 80 will produce the best color output.

 

Solid-State Lighting has a Bright Future in Residential Architecture – Lighting, Energy Efficiency, Energy Star – Builder Magazine.

7 Popular Types of Social Media Fans [Infographic] | Pamorama | Cross River Realtor

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If you’re using social media to market your company, you know that social media fans are not all alike.

7 types of social media fans 7 Popular Types of Social Media Fans [Infographic]Many different types of people follow you on social networks. While every person is different, social media fans and customers can be broken down into roughly 7  categories. Once you understand who these customers are, it’s easier to target them to improve brand awareness, find leads, and drive sales. Here’s a look a who they are, why they’re following your brand on social media, and what to do to get the most out of them.

The folks at ReachLocal, a localized-marketing agency, have illustrated the 7 popular types of social media fans in the infographic below. Here’s a quick take on these different personas:

1. The Quiet Follower

This fan has liked your business on Facebook or followed you on Twitter, but they don’t say much and don’t really engage with you. One of the easiest ways to reach them is by ask them to do something — create stronger calls to action by requesting that they retweet or “like” your posts. Getting these fans to engage with your brand on Facebook means that your content will appear more often in their news feeds. (See my post Understanding Facebook Edgerank to learn how to give your Facebook posts a higher probability of appearing at the top of news feeds.)

2. The Casual “Liker”

This person occasionally retweets your Twitter content or  “likes” your Facebook or LinkedIn posts. They probably followed your business because they want to let their friends know that they buy products from your company and/or because they genuinely enjoy your content. Use calls to action on your Facebook posts encourage your fans to share your content. Example: If you own a coffee shop, you could share a photo of the new hot drink you’ve just introduced with a caption that says, “Share this if you love coffee!” This will help turn casual fans into brand advocates.

3. The Deal Seeker

This fan wants exclusive access to coupons, deals, incentives, and events. There are a lot of deal-seekers out there: Studies have shown that more than half of Facebook users expect access to sales or to receive discounts or promotions after “liking” a brand on Facebook:

facebook fans expect access to exclusive deals content coupons sales events 7 Popular Types of Social Media Fans [Infographic]

Reach these customers by regularly posting deals-of-the-week, offers, contests, and specials for your social media audiences. Companies that regularly do this attract new fans.

4. The Unhappy Customer

No one wants unhappy customers — let alone seeing their negativity on your social media sites — but people are using social media more and more as a form of public communication with brands. Posts on Facebook pages or @mentions on Twitter are used to complain about customer service, and can harm your reputation. It’s important to continually monitor your pages and quickly respond to feedback and complaints. This sends the message that you care and are listening, and that you put your customers first.



Read more: http://www.pamorama.net/2013/06/09/7-types-of-social-media-fans-how-to-connect-infographic/#ixzz2VoDo20GZ

 

7 Popular Types of Social Media Fans [Infographic] | Pamorama | Social Media Marketing Blog.

Survey: Americans apply for mortgages 24/7 | Cross River Real Estate

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Time is money, and more Americans are adjusting their schedules to complete tasks at the most convenient time.

The mortgage space is just one of many industries adapting to this reality.

In an analysis by Mortgage Marvel of more than 650,000 online applications submitted to 1,100 lending institutions, it became clear that more people are applying for mortgages at all hours of the day, including the workday.

Technology has come a long way, allowing people to do almost anything from almost anywhere.

The survey found that in 2012 only about 15% of applications came in on Saturday or Sunday. This means more people are conducting business remotely during the hectic work week.

Additionally, of the applications coming in during weekdays, about 60% are submitted between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Mortgage Marvel said.

Rick Allen, chief operating officer of Mortgage Marvel, said, “Technology has given us more flexibility in all aspects of our lives. People appreciate being able to complete an application on their schedule and at their pace.”

He added, “We expect the number of online applications to continue to grow for many years to come.”

 

Survey: Americans apply for mortgages 24/7 | HousingWire.

How Rising Mortgage Rates Could Affect The Housing Recovery | Cross River Real Estate

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Mortgage interest rates are rising. In the week ending May 30, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage clocked 3.81%, its highest level in a year, according to Freddie Mac. That’s 15% higher than the 3.31% record low set in November of 2012 and almost 14% higher than the 3.35% rate logged in the beginning of May. The 15-year fixed rate jumped as well to 2.98%.

The increase from the start of May through the month’s final week translates into an extra $20 per month for every $100,000 of debt accrued. If rates continue their upward march, mortgages will become more expensive.

Since cheap financing has been a notable driver of the housing recovery, could those rising rates derail the momentum? To answer that question, let’s first take a look at what low interest rates have done for housing and why they’re increasing now.

Compared to decades past, today’s rates (even at 3.81%) are unprecedentedly — and artificially — low.  They’re the direct result of a Federal Reserve-funded fiscal stimulus plan, better known as the third round of quantitative easing or QE3, aimed at hastening the recovery in housing and the economy as a whole. Through the program the Fed has been buying $85 billion worth of Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities per month, a process that has tamped down interest rates, making mortgages more attractive to prospective consumers.

The low rates have enabled qualified home buyers (and owners looking to refinance) to access cheap financing, adding to already-record-high levels of home affordability. It’s helped bolster a surge in both home sales and price increases (since lower rates help make larger principals possible).

Rates are climbing now due to both stronger economic data and to speculation: recently Fed chairman Ben Bernanke suggested that the central bank may start slowing its bond buying within the next several months. The news has caused bond investors to begin selling out of their 10-year Treasury positions, driving yields for these bonds above 2%. Since mortgage rates correlate closely with Treasury yields, they have followed suit, rising about a quarter of a percentage point in just a week.

 

How Rising Mortgage Rates Could Affect The Housing Recovery – Forbes.

Saving property values in the wake of foreclosure | Cross River Real Estate

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Asset management firms are in a constant race to preserve local home values through the effective upkeep of vacant properties.

At HousingWire’s Real Estate Expo (REX Annual) on Monday, experts spoke on the subject of “Help Us Save Our Neighborhoods.” The idea behind the discussion was to visit code compliance issues, revealing effective ways to ensure property values are not weighed down by troubled and vacant properties.

Members of the panel included: Robert Klein, chairman ofSafeguard Properties; Jim Taylor, senior vice president withWells Fargo Home Mortgage; Kelvin Beene with the City of Fort Worth; Jeannie Fantasia, vice president of SecureView; and Eric Miller, executive director with the National Association of Mortgage Field Services.

Taylor said, “If you look at the REOs we sold last year, on average the customer has not made a payment in 16 months. If that is the case, that customer is really in distress.”

If we cannot help the borrower, we try to find ways to help them move on while attempting to get the house back on the market, Taylor explained. But to do so, the house has to be in the best shape possible.

“We cannot stop the situation but there are ways that we can improve the communication. One of the things that has been a constant is the stigma that is tied to a boarded property,” added Jeannie Fantasia with SecureView.

To stay abreast of how property preservation firms are coming along in preserving home values, Taylor with Safeguard announced the creation of a grading system that will score houses to show how they have progressed from REO to the day the home is sold.

REO homes take longer to get back on the market, so in the process, it is imperative that communication about the home’s status is clear and up-to-date, the panelists suggested.

 

Saving property values in the wake of foreclosure | HousingWire.