Hurricane Irene hits Westchester

Video of hurricane Irene at the Larchmont Shore Club.

Safety Tips for Weekend Do-It-Yourself Home Repairs

Many of us have a rather cavalier attitude about home improvements. We are convinced that we can tackle the project from start to finish and that no harm will befall us–even though we may be amateurs working with power tools or electricity at dizzying heights.

You can greatly reduce your risk of injury by employing these proven safety techniques:
*Do your own electrical work only if you have the necessary skills and knowledge
* Keep a tidy work area to avoid creating your own hazards
* Dress for safety: wear sturdy clothing, boots, gloves and safety glasses
* Keep drill bits, blades and cutters sharp; dull tools are dangerous
* Make sure your ladder is on a flat, firm surface and never stand on the top two rungs
* Wear a mask to avoid breathing dust and fibers and learn how to handle hazardous materials
* Equip your house and garage with fire extinguishers
* Keep a good first-aid kit on hand

Eliminating risky practices will free you to enjoy your home improvement project and the results of your work. If you’d like information on which home improvement projects may increase your home’s value, please don’t hesitate to call or send me an email.

Easy Ways to Make a Move Less Stressful on Your Pets

Because we are so close to our pets, they often become very sensitive to our stress levels. When we are packing to move or even take a vacation, our pets will be more stressed than usual. When packing, it helps to remove pets from the area to minimize stress, fear and possible harm.

Here are some tips for traveling to your new destination with your pet:

• Carry your pet’s current health certificate and rabies tag

• Make sure your pet has a collar with current contact identification

• Have any of your pet’s medications handy and make sure it is protected from fleas and ticks

• Bring your pet’s bedding, food and water bowls, a litter box and favorite toys

• Keep fresh water available at all times

• Maintain good air circulation; use your air conditioner if necessary

• Stop for an exercise and potty break at least every three hours

• Never leave your pet alone in the car on a warm day

Call or email me if you have any questions. I am always happy to help you, you family and friends with any real estate related needs.

A Different Kind of Garage Sale

Instead of having a traditional garage sale, perhaps you should consider putting your garage sale online. Free online classified ads like Craig’s List or fee-based auction sites like eBay make it easy to do. Here’s how:

• Take your time: The beauty of an online garage sale is that you don’t need to sell all your unwanted belongings at once. Instead you can post them online as soon as you decide to get rid of them.

• Price it right: Search online to learn prices of comparable items and price yours to sell if you don’t want to be stuck with them later on.

• Use pictures: Use a digital camera to take shots of your items. One picture is worth hundreds of words of description. Provide written descriptions, including dimensions and be sure to indicate any defect or areas of wear or damage.

• Payment: Items listed on local classified sites like Craig’s List are usually paid for as cash at delivery on a first-come, first-served basis. Winning bidders on auction sites like eBay use PayPal to pay with their credit card. Setting up an account with PayPal is free and easy.

• Shipping: Auction sites let you specify a flat rate for shipping or allow buyers to compute and pay for shipping costs. Craig’s List buyers will pick up their purchase from you once you’ve both agreed on the price so there are no shipping costs at all.

By getting rid of unwanted items through an online garage sale you’ll make your home feel more spacious and have fewer items to pack if you decide to make a move.
Please call or send me an email if I can answer any real estate related questions. I appreciate the opportunity to be your real estate resource.

Exclusive look at 4 Martine Avenue White Plains, NY 10606 Single bedroom unit for Sale

A stunning unit that has been updated with Cashmere white granite flooring and countertops with stainless steel GE Profile series appliances, glass tile back splash. Brazilian cherry hardwood floors throughout the living area with plush carpeting in the bedroom for contrast and style. The large expansive windows allow plenty of natural light while showing off a stunning view of downtown White Plains. The bathrooms showcase two rich marble selections including Carrera marble vanity countertops complimented by Bergio Bordeaux tub surrounds.

7 Important Real Estate Documents to Keep in a Safe Place

As long as you own your home, here is a list of important real estate documents you’ll want to keep in a safe place:

1. Property deed: keep it for as long as you own the property.

2. Closing statements: keep statements for three years after your purchase to show capital gains.

3. Home improvement: some remodeling projects can reduce a potential capital gains hit when you sell your property, so save your receipts and consult your accountant.

4. Warranty information: keep until the warranty expires.

5. Loan papers: keep until paid off or refinanced, or in the case of mortgages that have tax-deductible interest, keep them for three years.

6. Insurance policies: keep until the policy expires.

7. Receipts or statements: save credit card receipts and/or checking account statements or cancelled checks for all major purchases such as appliances, furniture, antiques and art

When you sell your home, you’ll usually be required to submit a disclosure form. Receipts for major home improvements like a new roof or remodeling project can help you complete disclosure forms and substantiate the good condition of your home.

A bank safety deposit box or fireproof safe is the best place to store your important documents. Be sure to save an up-to-date household inventory, complete with appraisals, receipts and photos or a videotape for insurance purposes in case of loss.

Please call or send me an email if I can provide you with an updated home evaluation for insurance purposes.

New Rochelle Greek Festival September 18, 2010

One of the best festivals in New Rochelle is the Greek festival held every year at Holy Trinity Greek Church at the end of North Avenue. This is a great chance to eat Greek food, have some fun on rides, and have a great time with your family. Enjoy the video clips of this years festival.

Larchmont Farmers market in Larchmont, NY 10538

Going to your local farmers market is a real treat. In August and September the markets are full with fresh produce that is locally grown and harvested. August and September is the peak of the growing season so the fruits and vegetables are being harvested are in season and ready to be eaten. Many of stands offer produce that is organically grown on environmentally sensitive farms. It is important to support your local farms so stop by a farmers market this season.

The Exclusive- A must see house in New Rochelle, NY 10801

This charming center hall colonial in the Beechmont section of New Rochelle is a beautiful home. It has 5 bedrooms 4 full bathrooms a full finished basement. Throughout the whole house there are polished hardwood floors large windows that bring in plenty of sunlight. The yard contains an underground sprinkler system with 15 sprinklers. There is a 2 car attached garage and the driveway can fit additional cars. If you would like more information give me a call on my cell phone at 914-755-9816.

How to Make Rooms in Your Home Look Larger with Lighting

A bright and well-lit home can dramatically change the mood of your home and help you feel relaxed and comfortable all year long. Here are some tips to lighten up your home and make the rooms look big and inviting:

1. Choose different types of lighting to avoid the expense of installing windows or skylights. Lamps or other accent lighting can make a dull room appear elegant or small rooms seem larger.
2. If you have a room with a dark wall or a narrow, dark hallway, hang a group of pictures and light them with adjustable halogen track lighting to create the effect of a photo gallery.
3. Paint ceilings a light color to avoid making them seem lower than they are and give the room a cramped feel.
4. Use color to add cheer to a room. Pink and green tones have a calming effect while darker colors, such as red, tend to cause agitation. Neutral wall tones create a harmonious environment. Bright colors should be used as accents in pillows, artwork or flowers.
5. When selecting paint, tape large color chips together on a wall to get a better idea of the shades you like. When you’ve narrowed your choices down, buy a quart of 2 or 3 colors and paint 1 or 2 foot squares next to each other on both shaded and brightly lit walls. Choose the color that looks best in both kinds of light.

If you have any questions or comments please share them with me.