Tag Archives: Pound Ridge NY Real Estate

Pound Ridge NY Real Estate

Hold Your Email Recipients Accountable | Pound Ridge Realtor

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Have you ever received an internet lead that only provided an email address?  You were diligent in responding quickly to this lead, and sent them a detailed emailed response

providing them with all the details they requested and a nice call to action to engage them.  Sometimes after you send that important follow up email, you mentally block that activity out of your mind and push it into the archives of your brain.  The problem is your leads can slip through the cracks without a gentle reminder, informing you if that person responded.

Yesware, a free(ish) email tool, just released a new update that will help you with all of your non-responders.  Draft an email, hit the reminder button and set a time.  It is that simple!

Watch the video below to get a quick 1 minute overview on how it works!

 

 

 

http://techsavvyagent.com

Elevated refi activity pushes mortgage applications higher | Pound Ridge Real Estate

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Mortgage applications increased 7% for the week ending May 3 when compared to a week earlier, an industry trade group said Wednesday.

The steeper jump comes after only slight increases these past few weeks, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

The refinance index also soared 8%, reaching its highest level since December 2012.

“The gain in the refinance index was due to increases in both the conventional and government refinance indices of 8.8% and 5.7% respectively,” the MBA noted.

The seasonally adjusted purchase index rose 2%, bringing it back to its highest level since May 2010.

Breaking a three-week trend, the refinance share of overall mortgage activity inched up to 76% of total applications compared to 75% last week.

Additionally, the adjustable-rate mortgage share of activity increased slightly and now accounts for 4% of all mortgage applications.

The average 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage with a conforming loan balance continued to slip to 3.59%, the lowest level since December 2012, and down from 3.60% the previous week.

Meanwhile, the average 30-year, FRM with a jumbo loan balance dipped to 3.79% from 3.80% last week.

The average contract interest rate for the 30-year, FRM backed by the FHA ticked up to 3.35% compared to 3.34% the previous week.

Both the 5/1 ARM and the 15-year, FRM fell to the lowest rate in the history of the survey, tumbling to 2.53% and 2.81%, respectively.

 

 

http://www.housingwire.com/news

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively Buy Country Spread Just Outside New York for $5.7 million | Pound Ridge Homes

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Ryan Reynolds and Blake Livelymore big

The happily-married hot celebrity couple, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively has reportedly dropped $5.7 million on a residence in the Westchester County town of Pound Ridge, New York. (Photo : Reuters)

The happily-married hot celebrity couple, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, has reportedly dropped $5.7 million on a residence in the Westchester County town of Pound Ridge, New York.

According to the Real Estalker, the couple had closed the deal on the property sometime back in November 2012, but kept it private just as they had kept their wedding in September.

“Blake was trying to decide between getting married in her new home in New York or in Charleston. She chose Charleston because we could keep it secret, quiet and a private affair for her,” Tara Guérard, their wedding planner told Life & Style at the Martha Stewart Weddings Annual Bridal Market Party. Apparently, they also used a lot of code names to do a lot of things, reports Life & Style Magazine.

The Real Estalker tried searching for some “meaty” property records but could only lay hands on some less interesting stuff. The couple bought the estate under a trust that Reynolds used to purchase his Bedford, New York and Los Angeles homes. Currently, the home is under renovation. However, the original colonial-style residence spans an area of 8892 square feet and  has 21 rooms including seven bedrooms seven/six bathrooms, all sitting on 12 large acres of land. A detached barn and a sweeping driveway are also a part of the property.

Currently, any active listing could not be found on the estate. An eyewitness reportedly saw the couple’s car moving in and out of the property many a times. The witness also saw trucks hauling loads of furniture to the residence.

Well! Nothing can be known until they want it to be known. Recently, Lively opened up about how she and Reynolds chose the Bedford home in an interview with Elle décor. The former “Gossip Girl” star said that the location of the home and the kitchen was why they liked the place a lot. Lively loves to cook and therefore having a comfy kitchen was one of the first things in her mind.

“Since my kitchen is the most important part of my home, I want to be creative and innovative, not only in its aesthetic, but also in the tools that I’m using to cook,” she explains in the interview.

 

 

http://www.realtytoday.com/articles

 

Calgary’s country residential real estate market set to take off | Pound Ridge Real Estate

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A longer winter season in the Calgary area has had an impact on sales in the country residential market but with the weather warming up it’s expected that sector will see an uptick in activity similar to what’s happening in the city and in surrounding towns.

“As the snow has melted and access to rural properties becomes an easier venture, buyers are becoming more motivated to purchase within the rural markets,” said Mark Evernden, with Sotheby’s International Realty Canada in Calgary. “As well as warm weather, a strong and growing economy accompanied by low interest rates also make home buyers eager and able to obtain homes.”

According to the Calgary Real Estate Board, year-to-date until the end of April, there have been 263 MLS sales in the ‘country residential’ market which includes acreages. That’s down 2.95 per cent compared with the same period a year ago. However, the average sale price has increased by 2.64 per cent to $823,253. New listings are off by 1.20 per cent to 991.

Evernden said the country residential market is now in full swing of activity.

“It is seasonal. The longer winter does impact the sales and volume as we are seeing. From a marketing position, the green pastures and rolling hills with colour give it that extra appeal to the consumer with digital and print marketing that goes out. No different than terrible rain seasons and gloomy days in the tropics,” he said, adding that there will now be an increase in viewings driven by the better weather, strong economy and migration of high net worth clients to the area.

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/Calgary+country+residential+real+estate+market+take/8347802/story.html#ixzz2Sd9SPf18

Cash Sales: 30 Percent of Residential Sales | Pound Ridge Real Estate

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Approximately 30 percent of REALTORS® reporting on their last sale had a cash sale (32 percent in February). Investors and international buyers typically pay cash. About 9 percent of REALTORS® reporting a sale to a first-time homebuyer also reported cash sales, while over 70 percent of reported last sales to investors and international buyers were for cash. This is based on data from the March REALTORS® Confidence Index Survey.

What Does This Mean for REALTORS®?
The first time buyer faces a challenge—particularly given that investors are in many cases paying cash—as are second home buyers and international buyers. The key to success appears to be getting financing in place.

 

 

 

http://economistsoutlook.blogs.realtor.org/2013/04/30

Real Estate Q&A: 1031 Tax-Deferred Exchanges and Renters Insurance Coverage | Pound Ridge Real Estate

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Investment property 1031 tax-deferred exchanges

Hi Leonard — I own a few investment properties, and I want to trade up to bigger properties. I’ve owned them a long time and would like to avoid paying taxes with a 1031 tax-deferred exchange. What are the ins and outs and basics on these? Rob H., Virginia Beach, VA

Hi Rob — OK first, are these investments performing well? If yes, you should really think through whether or not you want to trade up to a bigger property. Trading up to a better property may be a good idea, but not just a bigger one.

When you do an exchange, you might save money on taxes, but you still have the significant transaction fees that all real estate deals incur. So that could easily be 10-15 percent of the sales price — which is a much bigger slice of your equity that is gone, gone, gone due to the transaction.

The basics are simple: Sell one property, sales proceeds are held by a third-party intermediary, buy another property of an equal or higher price. Any taxable gain you would have had to recognize on the sale of the existing property is now deferred until you sell the new property (and it could be deferred indefinitely if you keep doing 1031 exchanges). But don’t forget those transaction fees.

The tough part is that you must identify the property(ies) you plan to purchase within 45 days of selling the first one and close escrow within 180 days. Many people take their own sweet time, and wham: The 45 days go by, the exchange fails, and they pay the taxes!

Make sure to get good quality advice on the rules and regulations way before you start the process to sell the first properties that you plan to exchange.

Renters insurance

Hi Professor — I’m considering requiring my existing tenants to carry renters insurance when their lease renews. They’re pressing back a little due to the cost. Any guidance on how to deal with this? Martha M., Cushing, OK

Hi Martha — Renters insurance protects everyone: the tenant, the landlord and people who are guests in the house. It’s pretty inexpensive, generally costing $125-$225 per year for basic coverage.

You can explain to them what it covers and why it is worthwhile for them to carry this insurance. It protects their personal property from damages or theft, covers liability in case someone gets hurt at the property and more (check the policy for specifics).

You could also offer to pay for or chip in for the policy for the first year, or longer. It gives you some protection, too. Insurance covers them for losses so they won’t ask you to cover their losses. Note: Even if you are not legally responsible, that doesn’t mean that you wouldn’t be asked to help by the tenant.

You certainly don’t want a good tenant to leave over a couple of hundred dollars, so think it through and do what you need to so your tenant stays in the property for a long time.

 

 

http://www.zillowblog.com/2013-05-03

More move-up buyers are ‘going to Miami’ | Pound Ridge Real Estate

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Home sales in Miami rose year-over-year for the 11thconsecutive month in March. The March report fromDataQuick also revealed sizeable increases in mid- to high-end activity and a record level of sales to investors and other absentee buyers.

Miami’s median price paid for a home rose 14.1% year-over-year, marking the 15th consecutive month that the city saw a gain.

In March, there were 10,215 new and resale houses and condos closed in the metro area that encompasses Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Broward counties. Sales in March rose 18.8% from February and 7.1% from one-year prior, according to DataQuick.

However, while a sharp gain between February and March is normal, the change between those two months has averaged 26.7% since 1997.

During the first quarter of 2013 — January through March — a total of 28,294 homes sold in the region, a 14.2% increase from the first-quarter of 2012.

Sales of homes that were priced below $100,000 dipped 11.2% year-over-year, while sub-$200,000 homes dropped 3.3%.

In Miami and other markets slammed by foreclosures in recent years, you tend to have the greatest inventory restraints in the most affordable areas — the bottom third or so of the market, says Andrew LePage, a spokesperson for DataQuick.

 

 

http://www.housingwire.com

The Perfect Facebook Post? | Pound Ridge NY Realtor

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Perfection. What is that?

In the world of cars ….is it a Ferrari? If it is art… could it be the Mona Lisa? With the profession of architecture, is it personified in the Sydney Opera House?The Perfect Facebook Post

A rose?

Big claims… but you have to admit their all damm good. Memorable even…and maybe even the term excellent could be rolled out and we could even stretch it to “awesome”.

When you see something that is splendid you know it. The visual impact can be visceral , emotional and inspiring.

Whatever the phrase it is always good to strive for perfection. But keep in mind that if you are always “waiting” for your creation to be sublime and faultless then that post will never be published or that book will never be written.

At some stage the finger needs to hit that “publish” button or that “enter” key.

7 Tips for the Perfect Facebook Post

Images on Facebook are the most shared of any media. As humans we do like a good picture. Facebook just makes it easy to acknowledge that with a “like” or if we get really get excited we can even share it with our 500 “best” friends.

Creating a perfect Facebook post for images is maybe not possible, but here are 7 tips to help you move along the spectrum of excellence towards a “God like” Facebook post.

1. Post copy

Keep it short and sharp and less than 90 characters or make sure that you if you have a URL include it near the top of that text. Oh yes…asking a question about the image is sublime because it increases engagement.

2. Call to action

You need to include a URL in your post copy that drives your audience either deeper into Facebook, your blog or website. Also make that ugly long link more attractive by shortening it with bit.ly

A bit like putting lipstick on a pig.

3. Target your Post

If you are targeting a country, language or audience then make the post relevant and specific for them.

4. Timely promotion

Want to reach a bigger audience?… then run it as a “sponsored story” on Facebook within 24 hours of posting. To ensure it works as an ad unit make sure the image is square.

5. Image Upload

Make it at least 300×300 pixels and use an image that has high impact. This includes close-ups of people (don’t use a company logo) and colors like red and orange are good.

6. Mobile first

Facebook is very often viewed on a mobile (some figures show that as being 70%) so use simple images, short copy and yes/no questions are ideal.
Read more at http://www.jeffbullas.com/2013/05/03/the-perfect-facebook-post/#2z70R0yXlk7K6Cdw.99

Middle Aged Homeownership Plummets | Pound Ridge Real Estate

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Home ownership fell across all age groups in the first quarter of the year, but declines were greatest not among younger Americans under 35 who have been having problems getting financing and finding homes to buy but among middle aged households over 45, which traditionally register the highest home ownership rates but suddenly registered significant decreases.

According to the latest Census Bureau data, the national homeownership rate fell by .4 percent in the first quarter to 65 percent, its lowest since 1995, and a surprise to many observers in light of the recovering housing economy. Even more surprising was the steep decline among middle aged householders who traditionally score the highest homeownership rates of all age groups.

Homeownership fell more among those age 45 to 54 than any other age group, declining .8 points from 72.1 to 71.3 percent, the first quarterly decline since 2011. The new rate for the age group is lower than it has been at any time during the housing recession. Householders age 55 to 64 saw their homeownership rate fall .6 percent, from 76.7 to 77 percent. By contrast, those under 35 lost only .3 percent on their homeownership rate.

“The number has gone down for middle-aged people because they’re the ones who lost their homes to foreclosure,” Brad Hunter, chief economist for Metrostudy, told the Wall Street Journal. “The uptick among young people is what we can describe as the allure of newly rising prices and low interest rates.”

However, the numbers of bank repossessions due to foreclosure have been generally declining over the past year. Bank repossessions did increase 9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012 over the third quarter, yet they were still down 14 percent from the fourth quarter of 2011. During the first quarter of this year, repossessions have declined. Lenders repossessed 43,597 properties nationwide in March, the lowest since September 2007. U.S. bank repossessions in March decreased 3 percent from February and were down 21 percent from a year ago, according to RealtyTrac.

Short sales may have more to do with turning middle aged homeowners into renters than foreclosures. Short sales now account for virtually the same volume as foreclosures. RealtyTrac reported short sales accounted for 22 percent of all homes sold last year. REO and pre-foreclosure sales accounted for only 21 percent of all sales.

Short sales of properties not in foreclosure accounted for an estimated 22 percent of all U.S. residential sales in 2012 and increased 4 percent from 2011. Non-foreclosure short sales nationwide accelerated throughout the year, increasing from the previous quarter in each quarter. Fourth quarter non-foreclosure short sales increased 2 percent from the third quarter and were up 17 percent from the fourth quarter of 2011, reaching a seven-quarter high.

 

 

 

http://www.realestateeconomywatch.com/2013/05

Coasts Clean up on Mortgage Deduction | Pound Ridge Real Estate

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Taxpayers in states along the East and West Coasts are grabbing the lion’s share of tax savings from the mortgage interest deduction, the third largest tax expenditure that saved taxpayers filers deducted about $72 billion in 2011.

The benefits of the mortgage interest deduction skews heavily toward certain states, particularly along parts of the East and West Coasts.  The percentage of tax filers deducting mortgage interest ranges from nearly 37 percent in Maryland to 15 percent in West Virginia and North Dakota.  The average mortgage interest deduction for all tax filers (not just those taking the deduction) varied from a high of $4,580 per tax filer in Maryland to a low of $1,192 per filer in North Dakota, according to a new report released yesterday by The Pew Charitable Trusts. The national average was $2,713.

The variation across metropolitan areas within states is even greater, with tax filers in larger areas generally claiming the deduction at much higher rates and greater average amounts than filers in medium- and small-size areas. In Texas, for example, the state’s highest claim rate-in the Austin area-is 4 times larger than the lowest rate, in the Odessa area.

With the housing recovery and higher home values, the mortgage interest deduction is expected to grow and become more of a target for tax reformers in Washington.  Before the onset of the housing crisis in 2007 the total mortgage interest deducted by tax filers peaked at $543 billion in deductions and roughly $85 billion in forgone revenue.  Between 2007 and 2010, the total amount deducted fell 28 percent, and the number of claims declined by 12 percent.

via realestateeconomywatch.com