The Spring Market Starts in January

Sellers often tell me that they’ve decided to wait until April or May to list their properties. They’ve heard that homes show better during milder weather and that springtime attracts the market’s largest number of buyers. Although this may be true, I caution them that this strategy doesn’t always produce the expected results.

The spring market actually begins in January – and there can be great advantages to listing in the earlier part of the year. Most importantly, it gives your home exposure to the full spectrum of spring buyers. The market can begin to slow towards the end of June, so an April/May listing constitutes a very narrow window since it takes an average of 60 days to close. And that’s assuming you have an immediate buyer – which you can’t count on, especially in the current market.

Besides, why compete with the year’s largest inventory of properties? Your home may show well in springtime, but that won’t necessarily give you the edge over the multitude of properties for sale during April and May.

Give me a call at (914) 329-5329 to talk through your individual circumstances, as this strategy may not work for everyone. But if you do decide to list earlier in the year, here’s a quick tip – keep in mind the local school calendar so that your listing doesn’t fall too close to a school break.

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A Preview of 2011 Listings

Purchase, NY

 

House hunting in 2011? Here’s a preview of a great find that will be hitting the market by mid-January – a spacious ranch on a tree-lined and highly sought after neighborhood in Purchase. This bright, completely renovated 4 bedroom home shines with a new eat-in kitchen and bathrooms in addition to new windows and mechanicals. French doors in the large family room (with fireplace) lead to a rear garden, where you’ll find the sprawling and professionally landscaped .74 acre replete with a pool and specimen plantings. This property will be viewable after January 18th, call me at (914) 329-5329 to schedule your tour.

 

 

Purchase, NY (backyard view)

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The Spirit of Rye

There’s no doubt about it, the spirit of the holidays has arrived in Rye. While there isn’t any snow on the ground, there’s plenty to be found in Rye’s beautifully decorated shop windows. Everything looks so charming – it’s such a pleasure driving around town and taking in the beauty of the season. Happy holidays to all!

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30% Off Fabulous Gifts at Olivier New York

I stopped into local favorite Olivier New York this week and the shop owner, Gabriella Valentine, gave me the inside scoop on a fantastic sale event happening next week. For the holidays, their 100% natural, cold-pressed, handmade, organic skin care products are available in a wide selection of wrapped gift sets ranging from $19.95 to $185. Visit the store between December 21-23rd to shop these Grab-n-Go gifts at 30% off!

Olivier is making the last-minute shopping experience simply irresistible this year. In addition to lovely product, great prices and pre-wrapped gifts, shoppers will also enjoy coffee and delectable freshly-baked pastries from Le Pain Quotidien while shopping during the day, and fine wines during extended shop hours in the evenings. Spoil everyone on your list with these luxurious gifts, and enjoy yourself in the process!

Olivier New York, 26 Purchase Street, Rye (866) 970-7627
Hours: 10am – 8pm [Monday, December 20 – Thursday, December 23], 10am – 3pm [Friday, December 24th]

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Trends to Watch in 2011

It used to be that if you were the lone seller in a desirable price range that your home’s sale would be practically guaranteed. What we’ve been seeing instead this past year, is that buyers are much more willing to wait rather than accept trade-offs in order to move into a new home. The strength of the new construction market this year is a good indicator of this, as these homes sold well this year and demonstrate buyers’ limited financial ability to complete any additional work before moving in.

This provides us with some valuable insights about the importance of pricing and making improvements in 2011. Without a doubt, pricing your home according to comps and local market trends is going to be crucial to selling your home quickly and at the best possible price next year. But price won’t be the only consideration – buyers will also be looking for move-in ready homes. Next year’s savvy seller will invite a realtor for a walk-through of their home with enough lead-time to complete the suggested improvements so that the house is “show ready” before listing. A realtor can be your best resource in deciding whether you’ll need to make improvements or adjust the price accordingly – or both!

Even if 2011 isn’t your year to sell, a realtor walk-through can help you ensure that any upgrades you might be planning are in line with your home’s value, and can also suggest contractors if needed. Call me today at (914) 329-5329 to set up your walk-through appointment – there’s no time like the present!

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Walk to School, Beach and Marina

1 Fairlawn Court, Rye

This fabulous, spacious Milton Point split-level features a large living room, formal dining room, family room with fireplace, new kitchen with doors to deck and four bedrooms including a master suite. Storage space abounds in the home’s great walk-in closets. For more information, please view the home in my current listings under “Fantastic Milton Point Split,” or call me today at (914) 329-5329 to schedule a tour!

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