Tag Archives: Luxury Armonk Properties

Distressed sales fall | Armonk Real Estate

  • Of total sales in November 2015, distressed sales made up 11.9 percent and real estate-owned (REO) sales made up 8.7 percent
  • Maryland remains the state with the largest share of distressed sales among all states at 20.3 percent
  • Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colo. had the lowest distressed sales share among the largest Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs) at 3.1 percent

Distressed sales, which include REOs and short sales, accounted for 11.9 percent of total home sales nationally in November 2015, down 1.9 percentage points from November 2014 and up 1.4 percentage points from October 2015. This month-over-month increase was expected due to seasonality, and the magnitude of the change was in line with previous Novembers.

Within the distressed category, REO sales accounted for 8.7 percent and short sales accounted for 3.2 percent of total home sales in November 2015. The REO sales share was 1.5 percentage points below the November 2014 share and is the lowest for the month of November since 2007. The short sales share fell below 4 percent in mid-2014 and has remained in the 3-4 percent range since then. At its peak in January 2009, distressed sales totaled 32.4 percent of all sales, with REO sales representing 27.9 percent of that share. While distressed sales play an important role in clearing the housing market of foreclosed properties, they sell at a discount to non-distressed sales, and when the share of distressed sales is high, it can pull down the prices of non-distressed sales. There will always be some level of distress in the housing market, and by comparison, the pre-crisis share of distressed sales was traditionally about 2 percent. If the current year-over-year decrease in the distressed sales share continues, it will reach that “normal” 2-percent mark in mid-2019.

All but nine states recorded lower distressed sales shares in November 2015 compared with a year earlier. Maryland had the largest share of distressed sales of any state at 20.2 percent[1] in November 2015, followed by Connecticut (19.1 percent), Florida (19 percent), Michigan (18.9 percent) and Illinois (17.8 percent). North Dakota had the smallest distressed sales share at 2.7 percent. Nevada had a 5.4 percentage point drop in its distressed sales share from a year earlier, the largest decline of any state. California had the largest improvement of any state from its peak distressed sales share, falling 59.2 percentage points from its January 2009 peak of 67.4 percent. While some states stand out as having high distressed sales shares, only North Dakota and the District of Columbia are close to their pre-crisis levels (within one percentage point).

 

read more…

 

http://www.corelogic.com/blog/authors/molly-boesel/2016/01/distressed-sales-accounted-for-12-percent-of-homes-sold-nationally-in-november-2015.aspx#.Vqow2_k4H4Z

Snow Is Back In The Forecast For Tuesday In Armonk | Armonk NY Homes

Westchester County is likely to see its second accumulating snow fall in the span of four days on Tuesday.

After a mostly sunny day Monday with highs near 30, there is an 80 percent chance of snow on Tuesday, mainly before 4 p.m., with 2 to 4 inches accumulation possible, according to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service. The snow is expected to start prior to dawn on Tuesday, which could make driving conditions during the morning commute treacherous.

It will clear out on Wednesday, with sunny skies and a high around 35.

Thursday should be mostly sunny with a high around 34.

Temperatures will then warm up for the weekend.

There is a chance of rain Friday with a high of around 48. There’s a chance of rain on Saturday with a high around 43.

 

 

http://armonk.dailyvoice.com/news/snow-back-forecast-tuesday-westchester

Homebuyers more likely to use real estate agents, even as Internet usage hits an all-time high | Armonk NY Homes

Use of the Internet among consumers in the homebuying process continues to grow, but those buyers are more, not less, likely to use a real estate agent, according to an annual survey from the National Association of Realtors.

NAR’s 2013 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers includes survey responses from 8,767 people who purchased a home between July 2012 and June 2013. The seller information in the report is from those buyers who also sold a home.

For those who purchased a home during that time period, the highest share ever – 92 percent — used the Internet to search for a home, up from 90 percent in last year’s survey and 71 percent in 2003.

use_of_internet_home_search_NAR_2013

Source: National Association of Realtors.

Just over 4 in 10 buyers (42 percent) started the homebuying process by looking for properties online (up from 35 percent in 2011) followed distantly by those whose first step was to contact a real estate agent (17 percent). Online websites and agents tied as the most common information sources homebuyers used in their search with 89 percent using each. Yard signs followed at 51 percent.

 

 

– See more at: http://www.inman.com/2013/11/04/homebuyers-more-likely-to-use-real-estate-agents-even-as-internet-usage-hits-an-all-time-high/#sthash.Me4tRDgv.dpuf

Pour a #Concrete Floor | #Armonk Real Estate

Concrete floors are a major component of many buildings, from homes and garages to shops and sheds. Pouring a polished concrete floor is hard work, and it takes skill, strength and tools. You may wish to have this job done by the best concrete contractors Yakima WA, but you can do it yourself. The tools can be rented at many rental places, and the skills are not very difficult to learn. If you’re undecided as to whether to do it yourself or have the job done by a professional, the following steps on pouring both a slab or in-foundation floor illustrate the basics and may help you decide.Well many of experts female also gives their opinion about concrete sealers,you can check her latest blog.

A concrete slab on which a building is erected is a fairly simple concrete pour, but it takes more work in creating the forms needed to hold the concrete. A pour within a foundation requires little in the way of forming, but in some cases can be a bit more difficult to pour, especially on larger projects. Regardless of the type of pour, or whether you do it yourself or have the job done, the first step is to check with local building codes and regulations, and acquire any permits needed.

The first step is to lay out the slab, making sure it is square. Batter boards and strings are used to establish the building perimeter.

Creating a Slab

First step is to lay out the slab. Take your time with this step and make sure you get it right. Lay out the slab incorrectly, and the building can be a nightmare. The slab must be square. Mark the outline of the building with stakes at each approximate corner. Drive a nail into the top of the stake and, using a tape measure, measure diagonally from stake to stake. The measurements must be equal. Move the stakes in or out to create equal diagonal measurements.

Another method is to place string lines on the nails to mark a rectangular perimeter. Measure and mark 3 feet on one string and 4 feet on the adjoining line. The distance between these two marks should be 5 feet. Again, move in or out as needed.

After the corners are determined and the building laid out square, batter boards are used to create a permanent perimeter mark at all corners. These will stay in place until the forms for the slab have been constructed. Two-by-4 stakes are driven solidly in place and boards nailed to their outer edges. The batter board tops should be level with each other. A string line and string level or laser level can be used to make sure all boards are level with each other. Once the boards are established, a string line is run for all sides of the slab. A plumb bob is used on the intersection of the strings to position their crossing points, or the building corners, directly over the nails on the original stakes.

Mark the outline of the slab with lime, following the string lines. Then dig up the area and remove sod and debris. The area is normally recessed slightly, but the top of the slab must be well above ground level or fill level. In many instances the slab is raised and soil filled in around it to create a slope to drain rainwater away from the slab. In some instances local codes may require a footing be poured before the slab. In other cases, a “stiffener” method may be used, digging a deeper area below the frost line around the perimeter of the slab

– See more at: http://extremehowto.com/pour-a-concrete-floor/#sthash.VRZgeUKm.dpuf

Armonk Election Season Heating Up | Armonk NY Homes

Armonk Politics:

Dear Neighbor,
On November 5, our town faces an important election.  I am running for Supervisor against Howard Arden, and I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce my running mates for Town Board, Barry Reiter and José Berra.  I urge you to support them as their experience and abilities will help me in continuing to protect the taxpayers of our town.
Barry Reiter and José Berra are joining me in bringing the right change to our community.  We strongly oppose the way Diane Roth, Howard Arden, and John Cronin have been running our town, as this “ruling majority” has brought a disrespectful, arrogant, and secretive approach to North Castle.  Instead of basing decisions on facts, too often false personal attacks are used to get their way (the latest example is the inexcusable campaign of a vicious character assassination conducted during the Republican primary).  Too often they are not honest with the residents, treat them with disdain, and focus more on their own personal agendas then with your priorities.
José Berra and Barry Reiter provide a superior alternative for the Town Board than what we’ve seen from Diane Roth and John Cronin.  Both Barry and José offer excellent professional experience coupled with a clear commitment to our community.
Barry Reiter is an expert on budgeting and resource management as a local business owner, which are important skills that will help protect our taxpayers.  In addition, Barry is truly committed to our community.  From serving on the Byram Hills Education Foundation that benefits our children, to chairing NC4 (North Castle Citizen Corps Council), to coaching AYSO soccer, to volunteering in Boy Scout Troop 94, Barry understands the importance of giving back to our town.  Any of the more than 2000 residents that passed through the Herganhan Recreation Center for comfort during Hurricane Sandy understand Barry’s commitment to his neighbors, as he managed that facility 24/7 as Chairman of NC4. Barry is a respected fiscal conservative and is endorsed by both the Democratic and Conservative parties.
José Berra has lived and volunteered in North Castle for nearly 25 years and possesses an exceptionally strong combination of financial, business, analytical, and legal skills.  José is a CPA and attorney who earned his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School.  He is uniquely qualified scrutinize the town’s finances and to help improve deteriorating town roads and services in a fiscally responsible manner.  José knows the importance of giving back to our community and among other things has volunteered every year for almost 20 years for the Friends of the North Castle Public Library at the Armonk Outdoor Art Show.  José has been enthusiastically endorsed by the Democratic and Independence parties and has strong support throughout North Castle.
Barry, José, and I want to bring responsible, respectful leadership back to our community.  We hope you will support us on November 5 and we look forward to talking with you in the weeks to come.

Sincerely,

Mike Schiliro

www.electmikeschiliro.com

North Castle Funeral Service for Becky Kittredge | Armonk Homes

Newsletter
Funeral Service for Rebecca (Becky) Kittredge
The funeral service took place on Friday, Aug. 30 at Town Hall and can be viewed on line through All About Armonk.
There have been dozens of inquiries requesting information about when the video of the funeral will be aired on NCTV.  Unfortunately, a 3-2 majority of the Town Board: Supervisor Arden, and Board members John Cronin and Diane DiDonato Roth, have voted NOT to allow the service to be aired on our cable TV channel.
Your comments regarding this decision may be forwarded to the Town Clerk’s Office.
Town Board Work Session – Sept. 4  (Agenda)
2:00-5:00 p.m. at Hegenhan Recreation Center.
Agenda with supporting documents and video: View
Primary Election – Sept. 10 –  (Sample Ballots)
Registered Voters in Democratic, Republican, Independence and Conservative Parties may vote.
Note: The last day to postmark an Absentee Ballot application is today – Sept. 3.   Read more…
Town Clerk  273-3321

Foreclosure Sales Fall 22% In Q1 | Armonk NY Real Estate

foreclosure

Foreclosure and bank owned sales fell 18% in the first quarter to 190,121, according to RealtyTrac’s latest report.  This is down 22% from Q1 2012.

Foreclosure and short sales accounted for 21% of all residential sales in Q1, down form 25% in Q1 2012, and a peak of 45% in Q1 2009.

Meanwhile, non-foreclosure short sales were down 10% from Q4 2012, and down 35% from Q1 2012.

Including non-foreclosure short sales, the share of distressed sales came to 36%.

The decline in foreclosure related sales is in large part because of  a decline in foreclosure activity. But the decline in non-foreclosure short sales was “surprising” according to RaltyTrac vice president Daren Blomquist, given that 11 million homeowners are in negative equity.

“Rising home prices in many markets are stunting the continued growth of short sales by reducing incentive for both underwater homeowners and lenders.

“Underwater homeowners may be willing to stick it out a few more months or even years in the hope that they will be able to walk away with money at the closing table and without a hit to their credit rating, and for lenders a failed short sale may no longer translate into bigger losses down the road given that average prices of bank-owned homes are rising — at a faster pace than non-distressed home prices in many markets.”

Here are some details from the report:

  • The average price of a foreclosure related sale declined 1% quarter-over-quarter in Q1 to $167,095.
  • At 35% Georgia had the biggest percentage of foreclosure related sales. Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey foreclosure-related sales account for less than 10% of sales.
  • The average price of a foreclosed home was 30% below the average price of a non-foreclosure property.

Here’s a look at foreclosure sales against average foreclosure sale price:

foreclosure sale and price chart

 

Foreclosure Sales Fall 22% In Q1 – Business Insider.

Professional Courtesy: Where Did It Go? | Armonk NY Real Estate

It never ceases to amaze me how REALTORS® can treat each other sometimes. I recently had an experience with a buyer’s agent who could not have been more rude or bullheaded. I never like to talk poorly about anyone as it’s not my nature and I don’t think it’s very professional, but in this case, it may be necessary for today’s lesson. There are loathsome people throughout all walks of life and it’s impossible to avoid all of them. Why though, do some real estate professionals think that being difficult to work with helps anyone? Our primary duty is to provide our client with quality service in a lawful manor. After all, we wouldn’t make it too far without our clients, would we?

Recently, I sold a property that had a cracked septic system. Knowing that replacing this system would be financially impossible for my clients, I opened my bag of saved favors to ensure they would be able to sell their vacant home. I was able to convince one of my best contractors to replace the septic tank for less than cost, (yes, she actually lost money replacing it), as a massive favor for me. With breakneck speed, we obtained the appropriate permits, and the job was done in just a few days. Even so, the buyer’s agent was not impressed, and without going into any detail, was very unprofessional during the entire ordeal. The other agent actually called my favorite contractor to fuss about the pace of the work being done. Meanwhile, this agent called me horrible names and insulted my real estate abilities to my contractor!

The property did end up closing after continued scrutiny from the buying party. My sellers, a married couple who live several hours away, knew nothing of the troubles mentioned or the ugliness of the buying side. All they knew was that I was going to do everything in my power to ensure that the property sold. I ended up calling in a lot of favors and I took a significant loss on my commission. However, my hard work paid off. Since the deal closed, the sellers have referred me additional business, given me marketing space on their website—at no cost—and called me many times to thank me for all my help!

 

Professional Courtesy: Where Did It Go?.

How to Market your Personal Online Brand on 10 Social Media Networks | Armonk Realtor

How would you feel if your Facebook page was shut down? What if your blog, where you create, post your ideas and thoughts was turned off?How to Market your Personal Online Brand on 10 Social Media Networks

What would your reaction be if your Twitter account went blank?

These are questions that we often don’t want to contemplate.

For me, the reaction would be one of loss. My persona is now woven and embedded in and on the web. It is where I express myself, share and learn.

Our online world is becoming an extension of who we are. This virtual world is becoming real. If you work in a knowledge industry or the creative arts then it is becoming essential to define and market yourself online.

Influence , knowledge and power is being digitised. There is no turning back. If you want to continue to be effective and relevant, then there is no choice.

Jobscareers and businesses are being driven by the social web.

Avatars come to life

The platforms and social media channels we are creating are taking on a life of their own. Our avatars are breathing. They are digital signatures with a pulse.

It is not just where you create, express and think. It is also where you meet. This meeting of minds is where you change others in real time and you change them.

No longer do we need to catch up face to face to start a conversation, pose an idea or network.

Social networking is a duopoly

Networking was the province of the cocktail party, the conference or a breakfast meetup.

They still are.

Jobs are found, business opportunities are discovered and friendships made. Sometimes though the pushing of the business card under someone’s nose smells of desperation.

Now it’s a bit more like “here is my card you can check me out later online

Blogs, social media networks now accelerate the networking process. They allow us to create weak ties online from New York, to London and Rio de Janeiro. Online platforms facilitate and accelerate the discovery. They are efficient.

The strong ties happen when we break bread, catch up for a coffee or share a wine together.

We need both.

How to use social networks to grow your personal brand

Sometimes the question is asked, “which social network should I use?

The answer will vary according to your industry, your target market and your goals.  Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are no brainers. Then it comes down to time, resources and often some experimentation.

Here are some tips and tactics to use 10 social networks to enhance and market your personal and online brand.

How to Market your Personal Online Brand on 10 Social Media Networks

Source: Launchyourself.com

What about you?

How important has your online brand become to you?  Could you live without it? Is it part of who you are?

How do you market your personal online brand? Facebook, blog or LinkedIn?

How many social networks are you on?

Look forward to hearing your successes, challenges and thoughts in the comments below.


Read more at http://www.jeffbullas.com/2013/05/27/how-to-market-your-personal-online-brand-on-10-social-media-networks/#WlFYYhP2UlSFY8BT.99 

 

How to Market your Personal Online Brand on 10 Social Media Networks | Jeffbullas’s Blog.

President Obama Urges Congress to Boost Homeowners in ‘Healing’ Housing Market | Armonk Homes

President Obama today declared that the housing market has reached a point where it is “healing” and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to promoting initiatives that benefit responsible homeowners, including measures encourage refinancing at low rates.

“Today, seven years after the real estate bubble burst, triggering the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and costing millions of responsible Americans their jobs and their homes, our housing market is healing,” Obama said in his weekly address. “Sales are up.  Foreclosures are down.  Construction is expanding.  And thanks to rising home prices over the past year, 1.7 million more families have been able to come up for air because they’re no longer underwater on their mortgages.

ap barack obama ll 130506 wblog President Obama Urges Congress to Boost Homeowners in Healing Housing Market

Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo

“But we’ve got more work to do,” he added. “We’ve got more responsible homeowners to help – folks who have never missed a mortgage payment but aren’t allowed to refinance; working families who have done everything right, but still owe more on their homes than they’re worth.”

As he highlighted the administration’s initiatives to boost the housing market, the president called on Congress to confirm Mel Watt, who he recently nominated to head the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

“He’s the right person for the job, and that’s why Congress should do its job and confirm him without delay,” the president said.

Obama also urged Congress to pass additional measures that would allow homeowners to refinance their homes at low rates.

“Our economy and our housing market are poised for progress – but we could do so much more if we work together,” he said. “More good jobs.  Greater security for middle-class families.  A sense that your hard work is rewarded.  That’s what I’m fighting for – and that’s what I’m going to keep fighting for as long as I hold this office.”

While gun control and a battle over government spending has dominated much of the president’s agenda this year, the White House has made an direct push this week to turn attention to the economy.  On Thursday, the president held a series of events promoting innovation and job creation in the technology industry as part of his “Middle Class Jobs & Opportunity Tours,” which he will continue next week with events in Baltimore.

 

 

President Obama Urges Congress to Boost Homeowners in ‘Healing’ Housing Market – ABC News.