May 17, 2012

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Beautiful Home For Sale In New Paltz NY

April 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Ulster County Real Estate: Outstanding Mountain Views On Over 21 Acres

Are you looking for peace and tranquility? Need to get away? Welcome to the top of the world. panoramic views of the infamous Catskills and of the gorgeous Shawangunks. Long private driveway leads you to this large cape with wrap around porch on 21 acres.

Click here to view the full listing details.

Some additional features include gas fireplace in living room, vaulted ceilings in both the master bedroom and living room. Gleaming hardwood floors, breakfast room, country kitchen, high efficiency stainless steel appliances. Master bedroom suite on first floor with Jacuzzi tub, double vanity sinks and much more. Property is located between New Paltz and Kingston, it is 20 minutes to the Mid-Hudson bridge, great for commuting. So are you ready for some unbelievable sunsets? Make your appointment today!!

Ulster County Real Estate: Catskills Real Estate, Hudson Valley Real Estate, Upstate NY Real Estate, New York Real Estate, Ulster County Homes For Sale

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Historic Buildings of the Stockade District, Kingston NY

April 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment

There is a rich history throughout Kingston NY, but perhaps the area most rich in historical value is the Stockade District. If you are visiting the area there are some key homes and buildings that are a must see.

  • The Hoffman House is located at 94 North Front Street and dates back to 1679. Its construction is of “American-Dutch Rubble” and is truly unique. Currently, The Hoffman House is a restaurant that is open for lunch and dinner.
  • On the corner of North Front Street and Clinton Avenue is the Senate House. It was built circa 1676 of limestone and housed the first meeting of New York’s newly formed State Senate. Take a guided tour!
  • The Kingston Academy is next on the list. It has had many owners and uses over the years like many of the other buildings in the Stockade district. Located at 82 John Street, currently a restaurant exists on the first floor and the building is open to the public.
  • In 1789 the Ulster County Courthouse was constructed. The building has gone through amazing million dollar renovations with out compromising the historic integrity. The building is obviously still open to the public as it functions as a regular courthouse, it just has certain access restrictions. 285 Wall Street.
  • By appointment only, you can see the Henry Sleight House. It was, like most of the Stockade District built before 1695, but burned down by the British and rebuilt again. Located at 3 Crown Street.
  • Another great home built in 1812 is the Fred J. Johnston House at 63 Main Street. This home is of the beautiful Federal style and houses an exquisit antique collection. It is open to the public.
  • Near the Fred Johnston House is the Old Dutch Church located at 272 Wall Street. The church was built in 1852 in the center of the Stockade District, there is also a historic cemetary and monuments on the church grounds. Tours are available by appointment.

There are more historic homes that dot the Stockade District of Kingston like Mathhew Jansen House, Franz P. Roggen House and the Matthew Person House, but these happen to be privately owned and not open to the public. However, they are all located in close proximity to each other. It is worth it to take your camera and stroll around these beautiful streets to see all the wonderful pieces of history that this area has to offer.

 

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Ulster County Home For Sale 419 Glasco Turnpike Saugerties NY

March 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment

This spectacular home for sale, is conveniently located in Saugerties NY. This would be the prefect country retreat or weekend home for NYC buyers, or a great full time residence with a private country setting, yet minutes to everything! The convenient location is just minutes to the major shopping malls in the Town of Ulster, and just a short drive to local restaurants and hot spots in Kingston, Woodstock, and Saugerties Village.

This privately sited 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath federal style country retreat gives you everything that one could ask for & more! Walk inside & you will be instantly intrigued by all of the details & pride of ownership that this home has to offer. Original oak floors, gorgeous tin ceilings, spacious livable square footage & high ceilings throughout. The kitchen is four years young with textured walls, butcher block & corian countertops, all new GC Pro Series appliances & a window that overlooks the creek. Outside, you’ll feel like you’re in your own little oasis with English Gardens, pear & apple trees, and little pathways to navigate you through the property with 1,000 feet of Esopus Creek frontage w/ access to kayaking & fishing, all on 7.50 acres!

This home is a true delight and a must see! Click here to view the full listing details.

Ulster County Real Estate: Catskills Real Estate, Hudson Valley Real Estate, Upstate NY Real Estate, New York Real Estate, Ulster County Homes For Sale

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Mortgage Rates Fall Back Below 4%

March 30, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Freddie Mac Weekly Mortgage Rates

After a brief run-up two weeks ago, mortgage rates are back below 4 percent. It’s good news for home buyers and mortgage rate shoppers of New Paltz because with lower mortgage rates come lower mortgage payments.

According to Freddie Mac’s weekly Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the national, average 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate fell to 3.99 percent this week from last week’s 4.08 percent.

Last week had marked the first time since December 2011 that the benchmark rate crossed north of 4 percent — a span of 16 weeks.

And, it wasn’t just rates that got cheaper this week — closing costs dropped, too.

Freddie Mac’s survey showed that the average number of discount points to accompany a 30-year fixed rate mortgage fell one-tenth of a percent this week to 0.7, where one discount point is equal to one percent of your loan size.

As a real-life example, a $200,000 Saugerties mortgage with an accompanying 0.7 discount points would be subject to an additional $1,400 one-time closing cost. Last week, that cost was $1,600.

Note, though, that these are average mortgage rates for the nation. On a local level, rates may be higher or lower, and so may the accompanying number of discount points.

For example, in this week’s Freddie Mac survey, each U.S. region boasts its own “average rate” :

  • Northeast Region : 4.00% with 0.7 discount points
  • West Region : 3.94% with 0.9 discount points
  • Southeast Region : 4.01% with 0.8 discount points
  • North Central Region : 3.99% with 0.6 discount points
  • Southwest Region : 4.02% with 0.8 discount points

These rates are each well below the average rates of a year ago when the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage was 4.86%.

Low mortgage rates can’t last forever so if you’ve been wondering whether now is a good time to buy a home or refinance one; or whether rising rates will harm your monthly budget, the answer may be yes. A weak economy held mortgage rates low last year. An improving economy should push rates higher this year.

Talk to your loan officer and review your home loan options. Looking ahead to spring and summer, mortgage rates appear poised to rise.

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Pending Home Sales Index Remains Strong Into Spring

March 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Pending Home Sales IndexThe housing market took a step back in February, but remains near post-recession highs.

According to data from the National Association of REALTORS®, February’s Pending Home Sales Index slipped 0.5 percent from the month prior, to 96.5.

The Pending Home Sales Index is a monthly report which measures the number of homes under contract to sell, but not yet sold, nationwide.

The index is benchmarked to a value of 100, the average level of home contract activity in 2001, the first year that pending home sales data was analyzed. It also happened to be a year of historically-high levels of home contract activity. Therefore, a Pending Home Sales Index reading of 100 suggests a strong housing market nationwide.

The index has read north of 90 since October 2011.

On a regional basis, February’s Pending Home Sales Index varied :

  • Northeast Region: -0.5 percent from January 2012
  • Midwest Region : +5.7 percent from January 2012
  • South Region : -3.3 percent from January 2012
  • West Region : -2.6 percent from January 2012

Mild weather may have helped the Midwest Region last month but even regional data can only tell us so much. Like everything in real estate, housing data must be local to be relevant.

Throughout the South Region, for example, the area in which contract activity fell most on a monthly basis, there are states which performed better than the regional average, and states which performed worse. Furthermore, even within those states, there are some cities which over-performed, and others which underperformed.

It’s why we can’t put too much stock in national housing news. Buyers don’t buy nationally — they buy locally.

Today’s home buyers and sellers in New Paltz , therefore, should look beyond the national Pending Home Sales Index and into local market drivers. The Pending Home Sales Index can paint a broad picture of the U.S. housing market but for data that matters to you specifically, it’s not as widely helpful.

To get relevant, timely local real estate data, talk to a real estate professional.

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Building Permits On The Rise

March 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Building PermitsThe new construction housing market appears primed for growth this season.

According to the Census Bureau, the number of single-family building permits issued in February rose to 472,000 on a seasonally-adjusted, annual basis, marking the highest building permit tally since April 2010 — the last month of that year’s federal home buyer tax credit program.

Building permits are a pre-cursor to new home construction.

In 2011, from the date of permit-issuance to the date of “ground-breaking”, an average of 27 calendar days passed. February’s data, therefore, is a signal that the market for newly-built homes should be strong this year, an idea supported by the most recent homebuilder confidence survey.

As buyer foot traffic soars, homebuilders expect to make more sales in the next 6 months than at any time since the housing market’s collapse. Builder confidence is at a 5-year high.

Last month, however, single-family housing starts slipped.

As compared to January, February’s single-family housing starts fell by 50,000 units on a seasonally-adjusted, annualized basis. The 10% drop represents the largest one-month drop since February 2011. It’s a statistic that may suggest that this year’s results are simply seasonal.

For buyers of new construction, the news is mixed.

Rising permits and builder confidence may mean that New Paltz homebuilders will be less willing to negotiate with today’s buyer on upgrades and/or home prices. However, as more new home supply is set to come online, excess housing stock could help keep home prices low.

If you’re planning to buy new construction in Ulster County this year, be sure to ask your real estate agent about the local home supply, and how the market is currently trending. With mortgage rates low and the summer buying season approaching, you may find some of your best deals of the year available in just the next few weeks.

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ULSTER COUNTY TOWNHOUSES FOR SALE

March 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Ulster County TownhouseAdmired for its natural beauty and noted for its historic roots, Ulster County has been alluring tourists and visitors from the New York City metropolitan areas for centuries.  The tranquil Catskill Mountains, the scenic Hudson River and the many farmlands of the valley, have attracted many people seeking rest and relaxation.  Not only occasional visitors but there are many second homeowners who travel the New York State Thruway each Friday afternoon to arrive at their “country place” and “detox” from the hustle and bustle of their weekday lives in the city.  But, in addition to the tourists and second homeowners, the Ulster County area appeals to many full time residents who make it their home on a day to day basis.  It’s hard to imagine while driving around the picturesque country sides that people are fortunate enough to live here everyday. [Read more...]

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Just Listed, Kennel in Saugerties

February 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Have you always loved dogs and dreamed of owning a kennel? Now is your chance! Just listed, this two acre country setting has it all. The very comfortable three bedroom, two bathroom home boasts a custom kitchen, ceramic tiled bathrooms, and french doors that lead to a huge deck. There is a full basement with a walk-out to a spacious, landscaped yard complete with koi pond, barn and shed.

The kennel has radiant heat and is centrally cooled with 18 indoor/outdoor kennels, a “kitty castle” and also a grooming room. This comes with a client list and very efficient Kennel Connection Software program. Everything is right at your finger tips, don’t miss this great opportunity! Priced at $299,900. Click here to view the full listing details, or browse through all available Saugerties NY Real Estate listings

Call today for a showing! Virtual Tour Here!

Mary Orapello: 845.590.0386 or

Cathy Lenz: 845.389.5060

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Who Wouldn’t Want to Live Here?

February 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

New Paltz, NY was named one of National Geographic’s best adventure towns in September of 2009 and with its rural, but urban charm, it still reigns true today. New Paltz, located in Ulster County, NY, has a great deal to offer its citizens and tourists alike. This town has an un-Hamptons vibe, which certainly attracts many creative artists to the area.

Wine lovers flock to New Paltz to enjoy its vineyards and the eleven stop wine trail. In the fall, New Paltz, NY is a popular destination for visitors to see the beautiful foliage and for amazing apple picking in its many orchards, a local favorite is nearby, Overlook Farms. Farm stands also line the streets with fresh fruits and vegetables from local producers. A variety of restaurants from Thai to Vegetarian, are sure to please the palates of anyone. For people who prefer beer to wine, and good old fashioned pub-grub there are micro-breweries too!

New Paltz, NY is nestled in between the Shawangunk Mountains to its west and the Hudson River to the east. Nearly 120 miles of trails make outdoor activities plentiful and some of the region’s best places to hike, bike, and rock climb are right here. With Monhonk Mountain and Minnewaska State Park close by, winter sports such as cross country skiing and snowshoeing are at your fingertips.

For the history buff, French Huguenots founded New Paltz in 1677, the main road; Huguenot Street is the most famous and oldest street in the United States. It is still lined with original stone houses, which lend a great deal of character to the town.

Real estate ranges in New Paltz, everything from historic stone houses, to farmhouses, lakeside retreats to contemporary green-built. With its close proximity to New York City, New Paltz is a perfect place to own a second home, a place to get away and slow down! Start your search for New Paltz NY Real Estate here!

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Discovering 1800′s Real Estate in New Paltz, NY

February 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

If you are into old 19th century farmhouses as much as I am, you will love this beautiful home in New Paltz, NY. Throughout Ulster County, NY there are certainly many old homes to choose from, but this one in particular caught my eye. Built in 1800, this farmhouse has so much of its original charm making it almost irresistible. This home is located on a very desirable road in New Paltz where it is rare to see a for sale sign, this is a unique opportunity to own a piece of Ulster County history.

This home sits on 2.15 acres of well landscaped gardens and meadows. It has a view of the Mohonk Tower and is against protected land, close to all the area has to offer. Miles of some of the best hiking in New York State are right at your backdoor. And the land is just the beginning.

Stepping inside this home, you will find wide board pine floors and wood beams that lend to the original farmhouse charm.  This home will accommodate a family for everyday living or a weekend home where you can entertain your friends. It has 3,029 square feet, four bedrooms and three bathrooms, which have been renovated with loving care. It is easy to cozy up to one of the two fireplaces on those chilly winter days. In the summer months, there is a screened in porch and an in-ground pool, perfect for a bbq or just a day of relaxation. Above the three car garage there is even a great guest suite.

If you ever choose to leave this amazing home, it is just minutes from the center of the funky, artsy town of New Paltz. There are many restaurants and stores to peek in throughout the village. You will also find historically appointed stone houses mixed in with the local businesses. With all the history and all that Ulster County, NY has to offer, you will not be disappointed. Also, the fall brings many tourists to the area, not only to view the gorgeous foliage, but for the farmers markets and the delicious apples. Many pick your own farms are all over the area, a favorite of mine is Overlook Farms, a short drive from New Paltz.

Being just shy of two hours from NYC and just off the thruway, it is an easy drive, making it a great destination for a weekend home.  Whether looking for a new home, a second home, a weekender, or a country retreat….. start your search for New Paltz Real Estate here!

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