In conjunction with the “strategic release” of some of our oil reserves this week, as well as the propaganda filled viral YouTube video (I Love My NY Water) that is being bandied about Facebook. I have decided to weigh in for a minute or two on the gas drilling debate that has been raging here in Sullivan County for over three years. (Actually for over two decades on and off.)
I am fairly certain that anyone reading this is pretty familiar with the debate. But for those who aren’t, I will give you the cliff notes. About two miles below us, there is a bunch (although how much is debated) of natural gas among the Marcellus Shale.
Well halfway through the 2000’s, gas companies like Chesapeake, and Exco Petroleum began quietly approaching landowners of large chunks here in Sulllivan County, and offering them leases, which would give these companies the right to drill down to retrieve the fossil fuel, via a process called fracking. Fracking is a procedure where they force pressurized water and other ingredients down the well, forcing open fissures which will release the gas. Thanks to our fearless leader at that point (George Walker) the environmental laws were relaxed enough so these companies expected to come in and set up shop with little trouble.
Well I think they under estimated the land owners here a little bit. The residents formed a coalition, and held out for better terms on the leases. Some of the higher numbers I have heard are $3,000 an acre. However, this coalition brought attention, and with that attention people began to do some research, and some of the things that they found were troubling. Gas drilling has potential negative side effects on the environment. The gas companies are somewhat vague as to the “other ingredients” in the fracking process, and stories began to emerge from other areas. Suddenly Sullivan County was slated to be the next Chernobyl.
There was a series of town hall type meeting put on by the gas companies, which attempted to assuage all fears, but over the last few years there is a growing movement of anti-drillers, and they have pretty successfully halted the process while environmental impact studies are performed.
Let me first say that I get why the anti-drillers are doing what they are doing. No-one wants to see Sullivan County turned into a wasteland dotted with discarded pools of fracking fluid. These gas companies cannot be allowed to operate with impunity. There needs to be accountability.
However what I don’t get is the across the board attitude that drilling is evil, and must be stopped at all costs. This growing number of anti-drillers, led by their celebrity Lorax Mark Ruffalo, has continued to amass, until it almost seems like that is the general sentiment here in Sullivan County.
I can tell you that it is not the general sentiment. There are an equally large number of people who are, if not welcoming, at least understanding that gas drilling may be a way for Sullivan to emerge from a two decade long decline. Natural gas drilling could pump more money into our local economy than it has ever seen. Our ridiculous property taxes would be lowered, and jobs would be created. Many argue that the gas companies would be all take and no give, however there are ways to assure that that won’t happen.
I suppose the “not in my backyard” attitude has always bothered me, and in this instance it takes it a step further. Many of these anti gas drillers are second homeowners, so it is more like “not in my play yard.” Mark Ruffalo’s presence in Sullivan County does little to boost its economy. And I doubt if Ethan Hawke has ever even been here. We all drive cars, use electricity, drink from plastic and ride on rubber tires. That fossil fuel was harvested from somebody's backyard.
I suppose some need a cause, and self righteous indignation feels good. I just think it is all a bit much. Other areas have been drilled for natural gas, and the community has survived and even thrived. There is not a Dr. Evil out there intent on poisoning the children of Sullivan County. Let’s all just relax for a minute, and see what is best for our county.
There were twelve properties reported sold on the Sullivan County MLS this week. Click Here for Listings
My pick of the week is new lakefront listing on Tennanah. I think it is priced pretty middle of the road. There was a much bigger house that went for less on that lake just last month, but I really like Tennanah Lake. And I think this is one of the better lakefront listings for under a million. Its funny, it seems like there has to be one house for sale on Crowley Road. And this is the new one. Click Here
Friday, June 24, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Emerald Ash Borer
So some may know about our latest infestation threat, but for those of you who don’t, I will tell you. The Emerald Ash Borer, indigenous to Central Asia, at some point hitched a ride over the Pacific, and showed up in Michigan in ’02. Apparently these little insects have a fondness for our Ash trees. The adults nibble on the leaves, with little damage, but the larvae love to bore holes in them until they are dead. Tens of millions of trees have been lost in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and recently New York.
Surrounding counties have confirmed reports of these little buggers, but as of yet, none in Sullivan County. However it is only a matter of time before they show up. Quarantine procedures have been set up by the D.E.C to limit firewood and nursery tree transportation, but most experts agree that it is a losing battle.
Well these purple boxes have a bunch of sweet smelling sap inside that the bugs find irresistible. (Apparently they are also fond of purple.) They work along the same lines as a lobster trap. Once inside the insects are not smart enough to find their way out.
How effective will this be in stopping the beetles? I am going to guess not very. But I suppose every little bit helps.
This is just another example of how our world is getting smaller, and the repercussions it has on our environment. Last year we had an outbreak of “Rock Snot” (Didymosphenia geminata) an algae that was originally from Africa. Earliest reporting of this plant was in the ‘80’s. Although not a significant threat, it is a slimy weed that covered the bottom of the Delaware River for the month of July. Environmentalists report that it is a health risk for the local fish population. Also the bamboo that is prevalent along the banks of the Delaware is not indigenous to this region. Sometime in the mid 1980’s it began appearing, and now it is everywhere, and has choked out a lot of the natural growth along the river banks.
Nature is an opportunist I suppose, and if these species can hitch a ride on our carelessness, they will. Makes you wonder what was on Darwin’s shoe when he first stepped onto the Galapagos.
There were ten properties sold in Sullivan County this week as reported by the Sullivan County MLS.
Click Here for Listings
Friday, June 3, 2011
Phish and Memorial Day
Memorial Day has always been one of my favorite holidays. It just feels like summer now, and the way the phone has been ringing means that buyers are out there looking for that place to escape to for the summer. Once again I have a full weekend docket.
Sold listings:
There were 6 listings sold in Sullivan County this week. Actually one is in Delaware County, however it is significant enough (829K) that I included it.
Sullivan County Sold
Greater Hudson Valley Sold
My "pick" of the week is a 130 acre piece in Lumberland on Kalin Webber Road. It is vacant land. It has been on the market for over three years. Original price? 995K. They have dropped it too 430K, and who knows where it will end up, and when it will sell. Is it now priced where someone might jump? Hard to tell, but half a million off your original asking price is pretty hefty. Just another example of the champagne wishes and caviar dreams that fueled the bubble, and are now starting to fizzle away.
Lumberland vacant land
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Sold Properties
Posting this week's blog a little late. I guess technically since it is Sunday I missed the week. However, I am going to cut myself a bit of slack, and say I made it in under the wire. Busy seems to be the word these days. I have been swamped just fielding leads and setting up appointments, so the blog took a back burner.
Ayway, I got a call from an old friend of mine who wants to sell her house in Lakewood PA. Lakewood is in Wayne County, sort of in the middle of nowhere, about 20 miles north of Honesdale, and 15 or so miles west of Hancock/Lordville area. Nice countryside, but further out than most second homeowners want to be.
I have my Pennsylvania real estate license, however I do not sell much in PA, and I am not a member of their MLS. It is something I may do some day if it starts to make sense monetarily, however for now I just haven't really done more than stick a toe or two over the border.
Well my friend is looking to sell her home, and wanted me to give her an idea of what it is worth. I called a colleague that works in a PA RE/MAX office, but he was temporarily unavailable, so I figured I would as a "layman" in this information age we live in, attempt to get some information on the local Lakewood PA real estate market.
It was surprisingly difficult. Active listings were very easy to find. They were splashed across half a dozen sites, tons of pictures and info, including acreage, square footage, taxes etc. However the good stuff, days on market, price reductions, distressed property info, all that was hidden, which makes it difficult to form any sort of opinion.
And sold comp info was even harder to find. Wayne County actually has a much better tax info site than Sullivan County. Tax info However in order to find a sold price, you would need to know it had sold, and then look each one up individually. Still that is better than here in S.C. The only way to find sold info here if you are not in the business, is to schlep to the courthouse and look it up manually.
And that is why I have decided each week to post the houses that have sold here in Sullivan County NY. I will post the ones both from the Sullivan County MLS and the Greater Hudson Valley MLS, and for the convenience of my vast audience, I will omit the duplicate listings. This week we had seven sales in Sullivan County.
Sullivan County Sold
Greater Hudson Valley Sold
Let me know if there is any other info that I have left out that might be helpful or interesting.
My pick of the week is a 115 acre parcel in Jeffersonville with a somewhat nondescript house. It has just dropped in price by fifty thousand dollars. The reason I picked this one is because of the land. It is a gorgeous piece with two ponds, woods and some really big open fields. However like I said, the house is not anything special. Recently there was a 60 acre piece that sold in Fremont in the 600K range, but the house on that one is a really great farmhouse renovation. Pretty breathtaking. However similar square footage, the land on this one in Jeff is comparable, if not better, and there is 50 more acres!
It just goes to show you that the wow factor of the house is what sells, but if you can look past that, those are where the deals are. I'm not saying that this is a deal at 699K, but as the old saying goes, they're not making any more land.
Jeffersonville House with Acreage
Ayway, I got a call from an old friend of mine who wants to sell her house in Lakewood PA. Lakewood is in Wayne County, sort of in the middle of nowhere, about 20 miles north of Honesdale, and 15 or so miles west of Hancock/Lordville area. Nice countryside, but further out than most second homeowners want to be.
I have my Pennsylvania real estate license, however I do not sell much in PA, and I am not a member of their MLS. It is something I may do some day if it starts to make sense monetarily, however for now I just haven't really done more than stick a toe or two over the border.
Well my friend is looking to sell her home, and wanted me to give her an idea of what it is worth. I called a colleague that works in a PA RE/MAX office, but he was temporarily unavailable, so I figured I would as a "layman" in this information age we live in, attempt to get some information on the local Lakewood PA real estate market.
It was surprisingly difficult. Active listings were very easy to find. They were splashed across half a dozen sites, tons of pictures and info, including acreage, square footage, taxes etc. However the good stuff, days on market, price reductions, distressed property info, all that was hidden, which makes it difficult to form any sort of opinion.
And sold comp info was even harder to find. Wayne County actually has a much better tax info site than Sullivan County. Tax info However in order to find a sold price, you would need to know it had sold, and then look each one up individually. Still that is better than here in S.C. The only way to find sold info here if you are not in the business, is to schlep to the courthouse and look it up manually.
And that is why I have decided each week to post the houses that have sold here in Sullivan County NY. I will post the ones both from the Sullivan County MLS and the Greater Hudson Valley MLS, and for the convenience of my vast audience, I will omit the duplicate listings. This week we had seven sales in Sullivan County.
Sullivan County Sold
Greater Hudson Valley Sold
Let me know if there is any other info that I have left out that might be helpful or interesting.
My pick of the week is a 115 acre parcel in Jeffersonville with a somewhat nondescript house. It has just dropped in price by fifty thousand dollars. The reason I picked this one is because of the land. It is a gorgeous piece with two ponds, woods and some really big open fields. However like I said, the house is not anything special. Recently there was a 60 acre piece that sold in Fremont in the 600K range, but the house on that one is a really great farmhouse renovation. Pretty breathtaking. However similar square footage, the land on this one in Jeff is comparable, if not better, and there is 50 more acres!
It just goes to show you that the wow factor of the house is what sells, but if you can look past that, those are where the deals are. I'm not saying that this is a deal at 699K, but as the old saying goes, they're not making any more land.
Jeffersonville House with Acreage
Friday, May 20, 2011
Roscoe
I ate dinner out the other night. It is a much rarer activity we can indulge in now that my son has come along, but every once in a while, we persuade a friend or relative to babysit, and we get a much needed night out. We went to Live Bait in Roscoe. Great little place. The food is American casual, the atmosphere when we went was upbeat and lively. The owners did a great job decorating the place, and it fits into the general feel of Roscoe.
I have always liked Rosoce. It has a different feel to it than other Sullivan County towns. It is hard to explain, maybe it is the way the highway runs right through (or should I say over) it, or the old buildings along main street or all the streams and rivers around it. But there is something that I like about it. There are half a dozen places to eat, including the famous Roscoe Diner, all the necessary shops, including a great little wine and liquor store, and of course the fly fishing shops.
The town is currently in the finals for the title of "Ultimate Fishing Town". Right now they are in second behind Waddington NY, and could use all the help they can get. Click here to vote.
The whole area around Roscoe including Fremont and Rockland townships, and even into Delaware County hide some really nice second home spots. I think this area is overlooked a bit because mileage wise, it is further than other Sullivan County towns. However the straight shot to get to Roscoe actually makes the time in the car less. Taxes are historically lower in this area as well. If you are interested, drop me a line. I've got a few favorites picked out in each price range. My pick of the week below is a Roscoe house.
Pick of the week. This house sits just outside of Roscoe on Old Route 17, which I think is a pretty cool country drive along the Willowemoc River. This is an old 1850's farmhouse. It has been "restored", and the owner did a pretty good job (although there is some evidence of Home Depot pergo). It is a phenomenal spot though. An authentic civil war era farmhouse with water is very difficult to find, and I think it is priced to move. Click Here for Listing
In contract/sold pick of the week. As soon as I saw this house come back on the market at the price it was listed, I knew it would go quick, and it was in contract in a matter of weeks, and closed last week. Originally it was listed above 250K I showed it a few times when it was listed in the 230K range. (I tried to get the listing after it expired the first time, but the owner never called me back.) It is a 3000 square foot Cape Cod on Sackett Lake Road in Forestburgh on 2.2 nice acres. This is a really nice house that is a product of the market. It sold for 140K.
This is a classic example of an owner throwing up their hands and taking what the market will bear. In mid '07 it would have been heresy to suggest this home was only worth $140,000. However this is not a distress sale, and it is now in the comp pool. Like it or not. Click Here for Listing
I have always liked Rosoce. It has a different feel to it than other Sullivan County towns. It is hard to explain, maybe it is the way the highway runs right through (or should I say over) it, or the old buildings along main street or all the streams and rivers around it. But there is something that I like about it. There are half a dozen places to eat, including the famous Roscoe Diner, all the necessary shops, including a great little wine and liquor store, and of course the fly fishing shops.
The town is currently in the finals for the title of "Ultimate Fishing Town". Right now they are in second behind Waddington NY, and could use all the help they can get. Click here to vote.
The whole area around Roscoe including Fremont and Rockland townships, and even into Delaware County hide some really nice second home spots. I think this area is overlooked a bit because mileage wise, it is further than other Sullivan County towns. However the straight shot to get to Roscoe actually makes the time in the car less. Taxes are historically lower in this area as well. If you are interested, drop me a line. I've got a few favorites picked out in each price range. My pick of the week below is a Roscoe house.
Pick of the week. This house sits just outside of Roscoe on Old Route 17, which I think is a pretty cool country drive along the Willowemoc River. This is an old 1850's farmhouse. It has been "restored", and the owner did a pretty good job (although there is some evidence of Home Depot pergo). It is a phenomenal spot though. An authentic civil war era farmhouse with water is very difficult to find, and I think it is priced to move. Click Here for Listing
In contract/sold pick of the week. As soon as I saw this house come back on the market at the price it was listed, I knew it would go quick, and it was in contract in a matter of weeks, and closed last week. Originally it was listed above 250K I showed it a few times when it was listed in the 230K range. (I tried to get the listing after it expired the first time, but the owner never called me back.) It is a 3000 square foot Cape Cod on Sackett Lake Road in Forestburgh on 2.2 nice acres. This is a really nice house that is a product of the market. It sold for 140K.
This is a classic example of an owner throwing up their hands and taking what the market will bear. In mid '07 it would have been heresy to suggest this home was only worth $140,000. However this is not a distress sale, and it is now in the comp pool. Like it or not. Click Here for Listing
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Support Our Firefighters
Now that spring is in full swing, and these nice seventy degree days are beginning to feel like summer, our county is showing signs of coming out of hibernation. Towns and roads were busier this weekend, as the slow influx from the southeast works its way towards us. Suddenly there will be a bit more Burberry scattered across the county, and a bit less flannel. The Delaware River will be dotted with canoes, rafts and kayaks, the country roads sprinkled with joggers and bicyclists.
All the local businesses who cater to the summer folk are also getting ready. Signs are going back up, outdoor umbrellas are appearing, and cobwebs are being dusted off. As the local farmers put it, "Gotta make hay while the sun shines."
Well, there is a particular group of people who are rolling up their sleeves and trying to make some hay for a pretty selfless cause. They are our volunteer firefighters, and every year the various stations hold assorted community events, the proceeds literally going to help keep the lights on in the firehouse the whole year round.
Sullivan County firefighters are all volunteer, save for a few in Monticello. These are men and women who live in our communities, who donate time and effort to ensure our safety. And firefighting is not their only duty. We also have a volunteer ambulance corps, but it is small and with the huge area that it must cover, the response is understandably slow. And of course we have state police, and local sheriffs, but they too must cover a large area. So, 99% of the time in any emergency call, the local fire department will show up first. They are trained in First Response, and are equipped to stabilize and save lives until further help arrives. I know a bunch of local S.C firemen, and their commitment to helping others is something I admire and respect. They have families, jobs, and lawns to mow, but they take time out of their busy lives to make our county safer. Good bunch of people.
The fire department in general is pretty inter-woven into the community. From parades to field days to pancake breakfasts, you can find a fire department event pretty much every weekend. In just a few weeks for Memorial Day, there are two parades in Sullivan County. One in Roscoe, and one in Fremont Center. Click Here for Sullivan County Events.
My favorite is the chicken barbecues. Many of the firefighters are weekend grill warriors and take special pride in their grilling. At most of these events you get a tasty piece of freshly grilled chicken, some various sides, a piece of corn on the cob, or homemade potato salad, all for around eight bucks. Whether it be a day on the Delaware, or on one of our lakes, or golfing--however you decided to enjoy the Sullivan County Catskills, stop by the local firehouse and pick up dinner for the family. It goes to a good cause. They are the ones that will show up first should you ever need them.
And now for my "pick of the week." This house (more like estate, it is a 12 bedroom B&B) just came back on the market. It is a really cool old building on Washington Lake, and although it, and the surrounding area is in a bit of disrepair, it seems they are finally having a dose of reality, and have dropped the price. I am not saying it will sell at this price. It needs work, and a bunch more money for whomever buys it. I hope it does sell though. Some fresh energy on Washington Lake would be great. House on Washington Lake. Click on the "show all photos" on the top.
I am also going to add a weekly listing. It is going to be a house that has gone into contract that is in someway remarkable, whether it be the price, style, whatever.
This week it is a house on Australia Road in Lumberland on 56 acres. This house has been on the market forever--I believe well over three years. It dropped in price from 699K to 585K over a year ago, and stayed put there. I know this property pretty well, because I had an interested party. We walked the acreage. It is beautiful land which backs up to 1500 hundred acres of state land that runs all the way to Rio Reservoir. At the top of the property, the views are spectacular, you can see all the way to New Jersey. The house is a log, I believe Beaver Mountain, but the layout was a little cramped and funny. The bedrooms were more like lofts, and open. Despite the obvious draws of this property, I did not believe it would sell until there was a substantial price reduction. I was wrong. I am curious to know what the agreed upon price was. Lumberland Home With Acreage
All the local businesses who cater to the summer folk are also getting ready. Signs are going back up, outdoor umbrellas are appearing, and cobwebs are being dusted off. As the local farmers put it, "Gotta make hay while the sun shines."
Well, there is a particular group of people who are rolling up their sleeves and trying to make some hay for a pretty selfless cause. They are our volunteer firefighters, and every year the various stations hold assorted community events, the proceeds literally going to help keep the lights on in the firehouse the whole year round.
Sullivan County firefighters are all volunteer, save for a few in Monticello. These are men and women who live in our communities, who donate time and effort to ensure our safety. And firefighting is not their only duty. We also have a volunteer ambulance corps, but it is small and with the huge area that it must cover, the response is understandably slow. And of course we have state police, and local sheriffs, but they too must cover a large area. So, 99% of the time in any emergency call, the local fire department will show up first. They are trained in First Response, and are equipped to stabilize and save lives until further help arrives. I know a bunch of local S.C firemen, and their commitment to helping others is something I admire and respect. They have families, jobs, and lawns to mow, but they take time out of their busy lives to make our county safer. Good bunch of people.
The fire department in general is pretty inter-woven into the community. From parades to field days to pancake breakfasts, you can find a fire department event pretty much every weekend. In just a few weeks for Memorial Day, there are two parades in Sullivan County. One in Roscoe, and one in Fremont Center. Click Here for Sullivan County Events.
My favorite is the chicken barbecues. Many of the firefighters are weekend grill warriors and take special pride in their grilling. At most of these events you get a tasty piece of freshly grilled chicken, some various sides, a piece of corn on the cob, or homemade potato salad, all for around eight bucks. Whether it be a day on the Delaware, or on one of our lakes, or golfing--however you decided to enjoy the Sullivan County Catskills, stop by the local firehouse and pick up dinner for the family. It goes to a good cause. They are the ones that will show up first should you ever need them.
And now for my "pick of the week." This house (more like estate, it is a 12 bedroom B&B) just came back on the market. It is a really cool old building on Washington Lake, and although it, and the surrounding area is in a bit of disrepair, it seems they are finally having a dose of reality, and have dropped the price. I am not saying it will sell at this price. It needs work, and a bunch more money for whomever buys it. I hope it does sell though. Some fresh energy on Washington Lake would be great. House on Washington Lake. Click on the "show all photos" on the top.
I am also going to add a weekly listing. It is going to be a house that has gone into contract that is in someway remarkable, whether it be the price, style, whatever.
This week it is a house on Australia Road in Lumberland on 56 acres. This house has been on the market forever--I believe well over three years. It dropped in price from 699K to 585K over a year ago, and stayed put there. I know this property pretty well, because I had an interested party. We walked the acreage. It is beautiful land which backs up to 1500 hundred acres of state land that runs all the way to Rio Reservoir. At the top of the property, the views are spectacular, you can see all the way to New Jersey. The house is a log, I believe Beaver Mountain, but the layout was a little cramped and funny. The bedrooms were more like lofts, and open. Despite the obvious draws of this property, I did not believe it would sell until there was a substantial price reduction. I was wrong. I am curious to know what the agreed upon price was. Lumberland Home With Acreage
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Million Dollar Listing, and the Grass-is-Greener Seller.
Got my first million dollar listing this weekend. Pretty big deal for me. Of course I will have to sell it in order to make any money, but it feels good to add it to my inventory. That would be one tasty commission. It is the Lighthouse Restaurant in White Lake. It is right on the water, beautiful views from a huge deck with seating for fifty. Restaurant seats 250, and has been in business for sixty years.
Upstairs there is a four bedroom huge living space with great views of the lake.
Legend has it that the final Woodstock handshakes were done at a Lighthouse table, where a somewhat reluctant Yasgur finally gave in to Elliot Tiber's and the promoter's persuasion. The story goes on that a waitress overheard the final plan being hatched, and leaked it to a local radio station (WVOS) and the men heard the news before they even left the restaurant.
Whether time has romanticized the story or not, it is still a pretty cool nugget of history. And it is a pretty cool building. Hope I sell it.
I am not the first person to list this property however . I am the second lister, and I have spoken about this in previous blogs, but I was able to be a bit more sanctimonious since I was the one inheriting the listing (like this one.) However in the last few months, I have lost two listings that were re listed by other agents, (one is even using my pictures to market the property) and regardless of the reasoning, that stings a bit. Both were listed at lower price points, despite giving me resistance when I suggested reductions earlier. The thing that is a little unsettling about it is I thought I had a pretty good relationship with both sellers. In fact one is an old friend of the family. Now it is easy to dismiss this as a grass is greener reaction to a property not selling, and in a large part I think that is true, but this is a people business, and if elsewhere is where they thought they had the best chance of selling, then I failed.
However, if you can take a step back, and try not to bring human emotions like rejection and disappointment into it, the behavior by sellers in a slow market, where things are taking forever to sell, makes perfect sense. Listings, and sellers need to marinate for a bit before the reality really sets in. And a new person, with a shiny new sales pitch makes it seem like it all may be okay. Sellers just want results. The fact of the matter is, besides some tweaks, Realtors in Sullivan County are all doing the same marketing strategies. And in a lot of cases it is nothing more than the right price that sells a property. But like I said before, some agents are of the ilk that a good dog and pony show can give you some time to massage a price reduction and ultimately a sale out of the deal.
My dislike for "salesman tactics" prevent me from this strategy however, although believe it or not, some people do not want to hear the truth.
Oh well, for now I will concentrate on my million dollar listing. Sounds good to say it.
Upstairs there is a four bedroom huge living space with great views of the lake.
Whether time has romanticized the story or not, it is still a pretty cool nugget of history. And it is a pretty cool building. Hope I sell it.
I am not the first person to list this property however . I am the second lister, and I have spoken about this in previous blogs, but I was able to be a bit more sanctimonious since I was the one inheriting the listing (like this one.) However in the last few months, I have lost two listings that were re listed by other agents, (one is even using my pictures to market the property) and regardless of the reasoning, that stings a bit. Both were listed at lower price points, despite giving me resistance when I suggested reductions earlier. The thing that is a little unsettling about it is I thought I had a pretty good relationship with both sellers. In fact one is an old friend of the family. Now it is easy to dismiss this as a grass is greener reaction to a property not selling, and in a large part I think that is true, but this is a people business, and if elsewhere is where they thought they had the best chance of selling, then I failed.
However, if you can take a step back, and try not to bring human emotions like rejection and disappointment into it, the behavior by sellers in a slow market, where things are taking forever to sell, makes perfect sense. Listings, and sellers need to marinate for a bit before the reality really sets in. And a new person, with a shiny new sales pitch makes it seem like it all may be okay. Sellers just want results. The fact of the matter is, besides some tweaks, Realtors in Sullivan County are all doing the same marketing strategies. And in a lot of cases it is nothing more than the right price that sells a property. But like I said before, some agents are of the ilk that a good dog and pony show can give you some time to massage a price reduction and ultimately a sale out of the deal.
My dislike for "salesman tactics" prevent me from this strategy however, although believe it or not, some people do not want to hear the truth.
Oh well, for now I will concentrate on my million dollar listing. Sounds good to say it.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Despite Gas Prices, Busy Seems to be the Word
Finally had a nice spring day yesterday, and for a while, it felt like summer, as the temperature hit eighty. I spent the day driving around with four dollar a gallon liquid gold in my gas tank, taking pictures of my listings (finally with no snow heaped around them). These gas prices are ridiculous though, and there is no doubt it will hurt our real estate market, and the economy in general.
I consider myself to be somewhat intelligent, but the how and why of this increase doesn't make any sense to me. In April of '09, the national average price was $2.03. Two years later it is double. There is no way this is because a bunch of Chinese decided to buy cars, or Lybia's production has slowed, or any of the other reasons that are bandied about. No, this extra money is going directly into someones pocket, and for whatever reason, no one seems to know, or is reluctant to say who that is. The media loves a villain. Why are they not showcasing who these people are? Are they OPEC fat cats? Future traders? I really have no clue, and I think most Americans don't. The government seems reluctant to take measures, and I suppose the whole "make it hurt so change can happen" mantra holds some water, but I don't believe we are on the brink of hydrogen, or electric, or ethanol, or cold fusion combustion engines. Something needs to be done.
Anyway, as of right now, it seems to have done little to slow our real estate market. Pretty much every colleague I have spoken to has remarked how busy they are. At first I was a little skeptical, but now things are showing up in the pending section of the mls--some really nice high end homes. Click here to see five of them
It has been a rarity to see this many homes above the 500K mark go into contract around the same time. Now I won't know the final price tag until they close, but most of them have not been on the market that long, I don't anticipate much more than 10% off the ask.
Although I am not a part of any of these sales, (and I have a little twinge when this much good inventory goes away) I am bolstered by the fact that there are high end buyers out there, and they have decided to get back in the market. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come.
I consider myself to be somewhat intelligent, but the how and why of this increase doesn't make any sense to me. In April of '09, the national average price was $2.03. Two years later it is double. There is no way this is because a bunch of Chinese decided to buy cars, or Lybia's production has slowed, or any of the other reasons that are bandied about. No, this extra money is going directly into someones pocket, and for whatever reason, no one seems to know, or is reluctant to say who that is. The media loves a villain. Why are they not showcasing who these people are? Are they OPEC fat cats? Future traders? I really have no clue, and I think most Americans don't. The government seems reluctant to take measures, and I suppose the whole "make it hurt so change can happen" mantra holds some water, but I don't believe we are on the brink of hydrogen, or electric, or ethanol, or cold fusion combustion engines. Something needs to be done.
Anyway, as of right now, it seems to have done little to slow our real estate market. Pretty much every colleague I have spoken to has remarked how busy they are. At first I was a little skeptical, but now things are showing up in the pending section of the mls--some really nice high end homes. Click here to see five of them
It has been a rarity to see this many homes above the 500K mark go into contract around the same time. Now I won't know the final price tag until they close, but most of them have not been on the market that long, I don't anticipate much more than 10% off the ask.
Although I am not a part of any of these sales, (and I have a little twinge when this much good inventory goes away) I am bolstered by the fact that there are high end buyers out there, and they have decided to get back in the market. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Blog Back from the Dead and a Brand New Website
Hopefully anyone considering using my services won't think that my lack of consistency on blogging reflects my business practices in general. The fact of the matter is, The Blog is always last on the to-do list, and very rarely do I get down that low. However I again read an article about how it can really boost business, so sort of like dusting off the treadmill for another go at it, I have resolved to keep current, and post once a week.
I had a busy beginning of '11...seven transactions sides closed already. For some I suppose that is not busy, but for here in Sullivan, in the midst of a prolonged real estate doldrum, it is. And it has kept me running around the last few months. (Spell check is insisting you cannot have a single doldrum, but I disagree.)
And although there was doom and gloom again in the media (the numbers for the first quarter of this year were abysmal and talk of a double dip have been circulating) for me, and other brokers in the area, it seems like things are picking up. The interest is there, but all buyers I have dealt with are very cost conscious, and will not jump unless it feels like a very good deal. It is the nature of the market.
I have had some listings that have been sitting for a bit, and my sellers are anxious. There are a few that I think are very good deals, and despite my best efforts at marketing, they continue to languish. Annoying for me, and the sellers. Oh well, patience (from what I've heard) is a virtue.
The other endeavor that has kept me busy (besides a 1 year old who likes to put everything in his mouth. Seriously, he thinks the world is one giant smorgasbord) is a brand new website. I am still working out the tweaks, and it cost me a bit of money, but I think I will reap the benefits. I have learned how to write some code, and although I don't think I will ever be confused with Zuckerberg, it has been a fun project. Now I just need some hits. Click here for my website (See I wrote that link with html. That is why it opens the link in a new window.) Genius!
OK off to preview in the rain.
I had a busy beginning of '11...seven transactions sides closed already. For some I suppose that is not busy, but for here in Sullivan, in the midst of a prolonged real estate doldrum, it is. And it has kept me running around the last few months. (Spell check is insisting you cannot have a single doldrum, but I disagree.)
And although there was doom and gloom again in the media (the numbers for the first quarter of this year were abysmal and talk of a double dip have been circulating) for me, and other brokers in the area, it seems like things are picking up. The interest is there, but all buyers I have dealt with are very cost conscious, and will not jump unless it feels like a very good deal. It is the nature of the market.
I have had some listings that have been sitting for a bit, and my sellers are anxious. There are a few that I think are very good deals, and despite my best efforts at marketing, they continue to languish. Annoying for me, and the sellers. Oh well, patience (from what I've heard) is a virtue.
The other endeavor that has kept me busy (besides a 1 year old who likes to put everything in his mouth. Seriously, he thinks the world is one giant smorgasbord) is a brand new website. I am still working out the tweaks, and it cost me a bit of money, but I think I will reap the benefits. I have learned how to write some code, and although I don't think I will ever be confused with Zuckerberg, it has been a fun project. Now I just need some hits. Click here for my website (See I wrote that link with html. That is why it opens the link in a new window.) Genius!
OK off to preview in the rain.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Horn Tooting, Zesitmates, and Catskill Concierge
I was going to start this segment off with the old phrase “not to toot my own horn,” but then I said, the hell with it, if I am proud of my accomplishments this past month, then I should be able to talk about it.
I then wondered where the phrase “toot your own horn” came from and despite the information age we are in, there was surprising little on where that phrase originated . All I could find was where someone thought it may have come from the bible, where Jesus says, “when you do acts of charity, don’t announce it with trumpets, like the hypocrites do.” (Well I hope the following paragraphs are not classified as a mortal sin. I need all the help I can get.)
Anyway, I have been working with a first time home buyer this past month, who are serious buyers, but for whatever reason, an agent has not taken them under their proverbial wing, to secure a home, and hence a commission. They had already looked at around ten things when they called me, I guess one agent took them around a few times, and then gave up when there was not a quick offer. They are fastidious and cautious, which I think all buyers should be. Big step, big numbers involved, etc. it’s a scary process.
They found a foreclosure home that they loved, but the taxes were too high for them. Also the home was not up to FHA standards, which, since they are putting less than twenty percent down, they thought that was the only option.
Au contraire mon frere. That is what the “big banks” will tell you. I can’t tell you the number of times I have asked why someone has picked a certain big bank, and the answer always is. “Well that’s where I do my banking.” It is surprising how few people do research on the mortgage end of it.
Anyway I got them hooked up with a local bank that does conventional with five percent down, and almost
a full point less in interest. I also got them in touch with a tax grievance consultant , who is confident that he
can get the taxes lowered. Total estimated savings secured by yours truly over a thirty year loan? Over
eighty thousand dollars. Toot Toot.
Now for the pet peeve segment. I suppose that many of you are aware of the real estate web site Zillow?
Well, you can type in any address anywhere in the U.S., and it pulls tax records, latest sales, a little map, as
much info has it can find. If it is listed for sale, it pulls all that info as well.
OK good tool for a prospective buyer. It has information that ten years ago was difficult to get. However it
has this one feature that drives me crazy, because of the inaccuracy. It is called the “zestimate”, where,
using whatever algorithm they use, they come up with a market value estimate.
Now I’ve heard that they are pretty spot on in denser populated areas, and I say good for the denser
populated areas, but here in S.C.? They are so far off, it is absurd. And people, for whatever reason believe
this number. Now it is not always under market. I have seen numbers thirty to forty percent over market
value. They have a little graph of the last few years, and on some of these houses it looks like the
seismograph of Mount St. Helen. Absurd.
On the bright side, my concierge business continues to take on new clients. All seem satisfied, and the few
that have had little issue were quickly rectified. I’ve put together a good list of vendors, who do tremendous
work. So if you have a second home that need a little looking after. Give me a call.
I then wondered where the phrase “toot your own horn” came from and despite the information age we are in, there was surprising little on where that phrase originated . All I could find was where someone thought it may have come from the bible, where Jesus says, “when you do acts of charity, don’t announce it with trumpets, like the hypocrites do.” (Well I hope the following paragraphs are not classified as a mortal sin. I need all the help I can get.)
Anyway, I have been working with a first time home buyer this past month, who are serious buyers, but for whatever reason, an agent has not taken them under their proverbial wing, to secure a home, and hence a commission. They had already looked at around ten things when they called me, I guess one agent took them around a few times, and then gave up when there was not a quick offer. They are fastidious and cautious, which I think all buyers should be. Big step, big numbers involved, etc. it’s a scary process.
They found a foreclosure home that they loved, but the taxes were too high for them. Also the home was not up to FHA standards, which, since they are putting less than twenty percent down, they thought that was the only option.
Au contraire mon frere. That is what the “big banks” will tell you. I can’t tell you the number of times I have asked why someone has picked a certain big bank, and the answer always is. “Well that’s where I do my banking.” It is surprising how few people do research on the mortgage end of it.
Anyway I got them hooked up with a local bank that does conventional with five percent down, and almost
a full point less in interest. I also got them in touch with a tax grievance consultant , who is confident that he
can get the taxes lowered. Total estimated savings secured by yours truly over a thirty year loan? Over
eighty thousand dollars. Toot Toot.
Now for the pet peeve segment. I suppose that many of you are aware of the real estate web site Zillow?
Well, you can type in any address anywhere in the U.S., and it pulls tax records, latest sales, a little map, as
much info has it can find. If it is listed for sale, it pulls all that info as well.
OK good tool for a prospective buyer. It has information that ten years ago was difficult to get. However it
has this one feature that drives me crazy, because of the inaccuracy. It is called the “zestimate”, where,
using whatever algorithm they use, they come up with a market value estimate.
Now I’ve heard that they are pretty spot on in denser populated areas, and I say good for the denser
populated areas, but here in S.C.? They are so far off, it is absurd. And people, for whatever reason believe
this number. Now it is not always under market. I have seen numbers thirty to forty percent over market
value. They have a little graph of the last few years, and on some of these houses it looks like the
seismograph of Mount St. Helen. Absurd.
On the bright side, my concierge business continues to take on new clients. All seem satisfied, and the few
that have had little issue were quickly rectified. I’ve put together a good list of vendors, who do tremendous
work. So if you have a second home that need a little looking after. Give me a call.
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