DUTCHESS COUNTY REAL ESTATE

I don't know why it seems the phone company drops off multiple phone books about twice a year. I've never asked for these, especially 2-3 at a time - and, so frequently. So many trees have died! I usually bring these into my home and put them aside, never to be used. Occasionally, I get around to throwing out phone books during my annual spring clean when it occurs to me that I never use these. I just google or use online white/yellow pages to look up everything, everybody and every business - for phone numbers and addresses. I find it so much faster to get the information directly off my computer than to have to flip through the pages of a big fat book to look things up alphabetically. I recently had problems notifying somebody to stop these deliveries. Seems this is an outsourced company.

I wonder how many people still uses phone books?

                                                                         ....and, how many trees could be saved!

Two houses were for sale in the same neighborhood, the same real estate agent/agency was marketing both homes at the same time. both homes have the same square footage. However, everybody knows that no two homes are alike. One house sold for $87,000 more than the other. Can you guess which one??? I'll even give you some photos to help you out. Keep in mind, these are both the same size house, same neighborhood, same # of bedrooms, both have 2 car garages, and were built by the same builder during the same year. You can make your comments and register at the same time to be notified when there are new comments. I promise to follow up and eventually - give the ANSWER!

House # 1

BUILT IN 2000  4 BR / 2.5 BA. GLAMOUR GREATS YOU IN EVERY ROOM! GRAND TWO STORY FOYER WITH TILE FLOOR, FABULOUS KITCHEN WITH LARGE ISLAND, BREAKFAST NOOK, AND CERAMIC TILE FLOOR, FAMILY ROOM W/GAS FIREPLACE, SIDE ENTRANCE WITH WET BAR, MASTER BR W/WALK-IN CLOSET & ELEGANT MASTER BATH INCLUDING WHIRLPOOL TUB, 3 ADDITIONAL BR'S AND EXTRA LARGE BONUS ROOM. FULL BASEMENT WITH HIGH CEILING, COULD BE FINISHED. UNILOCK PATIO & BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED ON 3+ SECLUDED/WOODED ACRES. GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD.

House # 2

BUILT IN 2000  4 BR / 2.5 BA. CHEF'S DELIGHT GOURMET KITCHEN WITH MAPLE CABINETS, GRANITE COUNTERS AND STAINLESS APPLIANCES INCLUDING A PROFESSIONAL VIKING STOVE, HARDWOOD FLOORS THROUGHOUT, FAMILY ROOM W/CATHEDRAL CEILING & GAS FIREPLACE, 1ST FLOOR OFFICE/DEN, MASTER BR W/WALK-IN CLOSET & ELEGANT MASTER BATH INCLUDING WHIRLPOOL TUB, LAUNDRY ROOM UPSTAIRS. FULL BSMT WITH ROUGH IN BATH AND OUTSIDE ACCESS. SITUATED ON A 1 ACRE LOT. GREAT, QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD.

Yesterday was a sad day in New York for all Yankee fans. We said goodbye to our beloved Yankee Stadium - "The House That Ruth Built". This is the place where the Yankees won 26 world championships, more than any other baseball team. This was a place where history was made many times over.

Didn't know I was a Yankee fan? Well, I bet you also didn't know that we watched the play-offs on our wedding night from our honeymoon suite! And, that just happened to be 29 years ago today!

As we bid farewell to generations of memories, baseball's legends will remain in-beaded in our hearts as we carry them to the new ball park. Where do I begin? - Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe Dimaggio, Micky Mantle, Yogi Berra, Reggie Jackson. Those are just a few. There was one Yankee who's career I paid close attention to over the years as I followed him to NY when I moved back here from Ohio - that's where he began his major league baseball career with the Cinciinnati Reds. I am not sure if Paul O'Neil ended up being my favorite Yankee because he was a great player and I watched him play for a few years prior to his trade to NY, or because his older brother was my old neighbor and friend in Cincy, and as I remember - Paul's biggest fan.

While there are pages and pages of statistics and trivia I could write about Yankee Stadium and baseball's legends. I'll bring it to present time - The Yankees won their final game last night 7-3. A new generation of legends were on the field for this historical game. The final run in Yankee Stadium was scored by Brett Gardner and the final hit was recorded by Jason Giambi. Jose Molina hit the last Yankee stadium home run and Mariano Rivera threw the closing pitch.

In the eighth inning, Derek Jeter became the final Yankee at bat in Yankee Stadium. "For us out here, it's a huge honor to put this uniform on and come out every day to play," After the game Jeter told fans, "We have the greatest fans in the world. We're relying on you to take the memories from this stadium, take them to the new stadium, and pass them on from generation to generation."

The new stadium's exterior will resmble the old stadium, the interior will be more modern, the dimensions will be the same. But, one thing's for sure, it will never house the memories of the past. Like every historical landmark, there was just a sort of aura about the old Yankee Stadium. Attending a Yankee game in the old stadium was a NY family tradition - will it ever be the same?

 Lou Gehrig

For NY Yankee trivia visit http://mlb.mlb.com/nyy/fan_forum/insider_trivia.jsp

For NY Yankee history visit http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/nyy/history/index.jsp

For the history of Yankee Stadium visit http://www.ballparks.com/baseball/american/yankee.htm

Now is the time of the year when buyers are focused on a home purchase that will have them settled in for the holidays! But, many buyers don't realize that it could take 8-10 weeks for their mortgage to be processed. This weekend might very well be the cut-off date for a Thanksgiving closing. And, most people dread winter moves.

Buyers: Now is the height of the selling season. Don't wait any longer if your goal is to be into your new home by Thanksgiving or the holidays which follow. If the upcoming holiday season is not motivation enough - understand that interest rates have recently dropped and prices have fallen. NOW is the time to take action!

There are many great deals! Why not give yourself and family the best gift of all - a new home!

Now I've heard of everything. Potential buyers sleeping in a house first to try it out? I can't imagine such a thing. Most sellers hate the thought of inviting the public in for just an open house. Who likes putting their personal life on display??? To have total strangers sleeping in my house? I couldn't even suggest this to a seller! Isn't this going a little to far? It's downright intrusive! ...It's plain creepy! Sorry, but I don't just let strangers sleep in MY bed! I'm not that kid of girl!

Click on the link below to read the article - then, tell me.... WOULD YOU DO IT?    

http://realestate.msn.com/Buying/Article_MW.aspx?cp-documentid=10364724&GT1=35000

I remember back a few years ago when one of my all-time favorite seller clients listed her beautiful turn of the century Victorian with me. I loved that house! If only I could have talked my husband into buying it! I listed the property a year after the market began changing here. It had been on the market already for almost a year when I came along. I sold it in just 10 days without even having to reduce the price from the former listing.

I drive past this house often. I am still mesmerized by it!

What is it about this house that left a favorable impression on me like no other house I have ever been in before. And, even more disappointing is that it would have been in our price range had we been in the market for a home ourselves at the time. It was restored to perfection and my client who had an appreciation for fine art and antiques also had a decorator's touch. It had a museum quality and at the same time it was down to earrh.

I regret that we did not consider buying that house!      

I had even researched the history of this house when I first took the listing. I learned all about life in Poughkeepsie over 100 years ago and about the prominent attorney who the house had been built for.

Is it the spirit who calls out to me every time I pass by?

When it comes to old homes, people sometimes have bad vibes. But, this one gives me a good feeling! As I drove by today, I slowed down as I always do! Now, I've dealt with having to council clients through buyer's remorse. But, I wondered - is there such a thing as Realtor's remorse???      

Why are 50-plus clients moving? To be closer to grandchildren. They like to live near water and in metropolitan areas where there is cultural activities, things to do, and every day conveniences. They are looking to be close to good hospitals, to be able to confidently and easily address health concerns. The list goes on and on.

Beyond the baby boomers is an older generation - they might be overwhelmed with the maintenance associated with a larger property and are considering a down-size. Or, perhaps they need one-level living. In some cases, this older generation might even be considering assisted living. Unlike the baby boomers who are more energetic, excited and embracing a change - this generation finds the process of moving to be an emotionally and physically daunting task. It might involve leaving behind a lifetime of memories. But, in either case, moving at this time of life is about improving one's quality of day to day living.   

Last week I earned my designation as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES). This is the kind of distinction which I hope can set me apart from other local real estate agents in Dutchess County. 

Earning this designation was not so much about business, but for me it's more about who I am!

...I am baby boomer who is venturing into the senior world myself soon and starting to give consideration about my own future lifestyle transitions. I'm even a grandma now! In the next 10-15 years I will be facing retirement together with my husband who has already crossed that 50+ threshold. And, I have watched my own parents (who are in their 80's and still living independently). They've had to evaluate their own housing needs from time to time. So, I have grown fond of helping others like them. 

Finding the right real estate agent is about making the right personal connection. A real estate agent should be able to relate to their clientele. I know from relocating over the years and having to hire my own Realtors in the past - an agent who can relate and/or share similar life experiences is one who can make all the difference when it comes to helping somebody transition into a new and improved lifestyle.  

Please call me if you are considering transitioning to a new lifestyle which involves buying or selling real estate in Dutchess County. I will be able to relate as a baby boomer, as the daughter of older generation senior citizens and as your area Seniors Real Estate Specialist!       

 Carol Culkin                     http://www.dutchesshomefinder.com/
Associate Broker
Century 21 Anita Ferri Realty
845-297-7707 ext 39
845-430-6543 cell phone      

Looking for a fun-filled day? How about a visit to an apple farm? Barton Orchards is situated on over 120 acres of rolling and picturesque land in the beautiful historic Dutchess County, NY located in the heart of the Hudson Valley. It's now harvest season in apple country!

At Barton Orchards you can even pick your own apples!

There is even a play area, petting zoo and picnic area. A full bakery features - Fresh Baked Pies, Cookies, Cakes, Breads. And, The Country Store offers produce, jams, jellies, candy, ice cream, & crafts.

This is a place where family traditions begin and lifetime memories can be made! So, pack up the family and have some fun! Why not make it your yearly tradition?  

Call the Harvest Hotline (845)-227-2306

'Pick-You-Own' hours of operation, July - October 31st 9am ~ 5pm

http://www.bartonorchards.com/

Tonight I went to Germany! ...just for the night! Down the road, not too far from my house was the first annual Oktoberfest at the Germania center. Boy, those Germans know how to throw a party! Tonight I decided that the dark beer tastes better than the light beer.  

The event continues through tomorrow.

Germania of Poughkeepsie 2008 Oktoberfest - Sept 12,13,14

I attended with my husband, son and our friends/neighbors along with their kids and grand-kids. Joe, the neighbor kid (I refer to him as a kid even though he's all grown up because his parents are as old as me and he's as old as my kids), ...well, that Joe tried to lure me to the dance floor for the chicken dance. But just as I was setting down my beer one of those German ladies stole him from me. As he was grabbed from the other direction, I was feeling relieved to have been spared from having to do that silly arm flapping dance. Then suddenly the chicken dance became cool, because Joe was doing it and having fun. So, then my son joined in. Ah, ha! Did these boys come to Oktoberfest just to meet nice German women? Did these German women have eyes for these 20 something guys?

Then, I spotted this cute couple. They told me they have been married 19 years and I told them how they looked so in love! Well, I also told them they looked like leprechauns ...then they told me I was all wrong - "different country" they said. What did I know, it, I was drinking that yummy dark beer!

                 Did you know ....In heaven there is no beer, that's why we drink it all here!

Well, this guy was drinking alot of beer! Drinking and dancing. Dancing every dance - and never did he part ways with his mug. He never spilled a drop either! How could that be?

Although I was disappointed at the limited menu of brats, chicken and a veal dish with a German name - I was promised that next year if I come back there will be potato pancakes. That's all I came for! After-all what's an Oktoberfest without potato pancakes? They didn't even have wiener schnitzel or sauerbraten! I satisfied my hunger with a big pretzel. I left without desert too because they were not serving up cream puffs which I also had my heart set on - so I boycotted all the other choices. One thing's for sure - I'll be back next year for the dark beer!

Well, it WAS their first year for Oktoberfest and it was a great success. What a celebration!

...Thanks Germania! 

Poughkeepsie needs more events like this! I'll be back next year!

...Oh, and about that potato pancake - I like mine with applesauce & a dollop of sour cream!  

GORGEOUS CONDO. 1ST FLOOR NO STAIRS! MAGNIFICENT EAT-IN-KITCHEN W/CHERRY CABINETS, MAPLE HW FLOORS, NEW STAINLESS APPLIANCES. MASTER BR W/3 WALK-IN CLOSETS. TILED BATHS W/CHERRY VANITY & JACUZZI TUB. CHERRY WET BAR. CUSTOM OAK PLANTATION BLINDS. NEW CENTRAL AIR UNIT & WATER HEATER. SEMI-PRIVATE DECK. ACTIVE CLUBHOUSE W/TENNIS, POOL & PLAYGROUND. WALK TO VASSAR COLLEGE, SHOPS/RESTAURANTS. CLOSE TO IBM, TRAIN STATION & COMMUTER ROUTES. PRISTINE. $285,000