New York City is one of the most famous, iconic places in the world. With thousands upon thousands of places to discover, the enormity of New York City is part of its particular charm. There are large, well-known spots like Times Square and Central Park that everyone flocks to, but then there are the smaller ones that take much more perseverance and time to discover—a cozy restaurant in Greenwich Village, a used book shop on the Upper West Side, a favorite statue or edifice. One can spend years wandering around the boroughs and have an entirely new experience every day, meeting fascinating new people from all over the world, and experiencing the best in culture, arts, and more.

Manhattan

At the heart of the city lies Manhattan, which is known as quintessential New York City. It is the most famous area of the city, and the one most captured on film, television, and in pop culture. It provides its citizens, as well as tourists, with the most opportunity for diversity—of people, of things to do, of opportunities. It has the most museums, theatres, and world-renowned landmarks of any other borough, as well as the most convenient mass transit. Additionally, the grid system of streets makes it the most overall easy area of the city to navigate.

When people speak of New York City, they are most often referring to Manhattan. The Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Madison Square Garden, Central Park, Washington Square Park, The Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, The Russian Tea Room, Macy’s, Herald Square, the Chrysler Building…The list goes on and on.

A Wealth of Housing

Overall, Manhattan residents make more money than residents in any other part of the United States, with the highest per capita income in the country. Manhattan houses the New York Stock Exchange—arguably the center of the world’s financial market—the NASDAQ, and the headquarters of the United Nations. More than 2 million people—both residents and commuters—work in Manhattan, which makes it one of the single busiest places on the entire planet. These enormous influences have a sizable impact on the housing industry. Manhattan has a large amount of the United States’ most valuable real estate, with prices for residential properties recently estimated at an average of over $1400 per co-op or condo.

Living in Manhattan

There is no place in America more densely populated than Manhattan, with over 1.6 million people living on 28 square miles of land (or 57 square kilometers). The sheer volume of people is one of the main reasons Manhattan has such a unique energy and vibe. It is pulsing with life and energetic people with countless hopes, dreams, and pursuits. It is also home to the most exciting places in the city, making it an extremely popular area for prime real estate in New York.

Another unique aspect of Manhattan is that it provides so many different areas for people to choose to live in, with different environments and atmospheres suited to people’s varying personalities and temperaments. Broadly divided into uptown, downtown, and midtown, Manhattan has tons of smaller, more specific divisions, such as the bustling Times Square, the wealthy, stately Upper East Side and areas surrounding Central Park, the artsy Village, SoHo, and Chelsea, the historic Gramercy Park, the Eastern-infused Chinatown, the energetic and quirky Hell’s Kitchen, and so on and so forth.

Manhattan offers seemingly endless options for entertainment and culture from the aforementioned museums and theatres to exclusive stores and boutiques, restaurants, cafes, private clubs, night clubs and more. In fact, the city has more than 5,000 restaurants of practically every style and ethnicity, about 200 art galleries and museums, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim, the Frick, the Whitney, the Museum of Natural History, which has the Hayden Planetarium, at least 39 theatrical venues, such as theatres (on Broadway and off), opera houses, ballet and modern dance companies, and that doesn’t even count the movie theatres, both wide release and independent.

Neighborhoods in Manhattan

What is so special about Manhattan is that it really caters to everybody, from the incredibly rich to people who earn a more modest income. If one can’t afford to live in a high rise on the Upper East Side with a panoramic view of Central Park, one might find something more manageable in SoHo or the Village. There are also, of course, people who can afford any home they want and who still find themselves drawn to different areas of Manhattan for different reasons. Some people prefer the vital, artsy, downtown vibe to the austere areas in uptown and midtown, or vice versa. All places promise different experiences and communities, and most importantly, all are convenient to one another, thanks to the subway, bus systems, and ubiquitous taxicabs.

The Beauty of Manhattan

Manhattan is also a unique in how many beautiful places it offers its residents, both natural and man-made. On the natural end of the spectrum, it boasts three rivers—East River, the Harlem, and the Hudson, as well as over 2,500 interspersed green acres, most famously Central Park, which accounts for 843 of these acres and attracts thousands of people every day. This world-famous park is a green oasis of sorts in the city’s urban landscape that gives people a chance to get a taste of nature within the confines of Manhattan, while jogging, walking their dogs, or just relaxing and reading.

As far as man-made beauty, Manhattan has countless gorgeous buildings, from both Mets (the Museum and the Opera) to the Empire State and Chrysler Buildings to Rockefeller Center to St. Patrick’s Cathedral to the Guggenheim to thousands of residential and office buildings with facades both classic and modern, and beautiful old theatres. It also has thousands of statues, small parks, art installations, and more. In short, it is an almost perfect place to live.

If you are interested in renting or buying a home in NYC please contact Vanessa Saunders at 845 598 5083.

I discovered AM via Hudson Valley Magazine, one of my "go to" sources for restaurant reviews. They loved AM and I do too!

O.K. The neighborhood is a bit sketchy. (Ya ever been to Peter Luger - the real one... under the bridge?) But it's not dangerous. I mean it's the center of town, the main drag, and the cops are constantly cruising/hanging 'round so when all is said and done it's more a question of "atmosphere" than anything else. You can park your car on the street up or down the block and it'll be safe enough, or, if you're the nervous type, they have valet parking.

Frankly, the location is the only thing I can think of as a possible negative, and again, when all is said and done the location is part of the charm. (Hey... it's a beautiful old building, inside and out; they did one heck of a job with the restoration!)

Now the food... OH... MY... GOD...!

I suppose you could classify A & M as a gastropub. It has a great bar... real old-fashioned class... fireplace... great selection of beers on tap (Mother's Milk!), bottled beer, wine, and booze. (Signature cocktails too, including specials!)

The dining room is separate from the bar area (which offers a few tables, including "formal" tables "in" the street viewing window. (That's where my wife and I sat the first time we visited; it was great... romantic yet fun!)

Anyway, the dining room is upscale gastropub; think 19th century "clubby"... brick walls... copper plate ceilings... warm and inviting.

The room is intimate yet not crowded; tables are properly spaced. We're talking a room just as appropriate for a romantic evening as it is for a business dinner or a night out with friends. (Just make sure to have a reservation on weekends!)

Back to the food: "Continental Irish." One of their signature dishes is Corned Beef Gratin -- layers of corned beef, sliced potatoes and béchamel sauce topped with gruyere.

Their appetizers are awesome! Desserts are excellent!

Bottom line... check out their menu... savor the descriptions... and take my word that everything tastes just as delicious as it sounds.

Portions? Not huge. Not "overdone." But not "French" either. What A & M does is this: they offer you an outstanding meal - quality as well as varied choices - at a MORE than fair price.

Again... check out the menu. The bang for the buck is simply outstanding! (The corned beef gratin for example... $15.)

Service? Friendly and competent. Again - as with the food - you're getting beyond what you'd reasonably expect for the price. Everyone working at A & M from the hostess to the servers to the bartender comes across as seriously interested in impressing you with the dining experience at A & M.

One thing I particularly love: The chef will send "samples" of stuff she's cooking out to the floor. I love when they bring out a taste of one of the soups served in an espresso glass!

Last but not least, at least one of the owners is always there. The owner I know is Pete. Besides being a co-owner of AM's, he's also FDNY.

Let me tell you something folks... I'm not a native New Yorker, I'm actually Welsh, but I'll never forget 9/11 for more reasons that I care to share right now. However, any time I can support one of New York's Bravest while having the time of my life at a great restaurant where the tab ain't gonna break the bank... count me in!

Folks... you're gonna LOVE this place! Enjoy....

With the High Line to the south, Hudson Park and Boulevard to the north and Hudson River Park to the west, the Yards will be the center of a major new open space network on the west side of Manhattan, bringing millions of visitors a year to what is destined to become New York's next great neighborhood.

Hudson Yards represents the next chapter in the development and expansion that New York has experienced throughout its history. Like the construction of Park Avenue over Grand Central's railroad tracks at the turn of the 20th century or the construction of Rockefeller Center during the depths of the Great Depression, Hudson Yards will become New York's next great place; a new commercial center visited by millions and home to thousands.

For more information about investing in this dynamic development please contact Vanessa Saunders +1 845 598 5083

Piermont is a village in Rockland County, New York, United States. Piermont is in the town of Orangetown, located north of the hamlet of Palisades; east of Sparkill and south of Grand View-on-Hudson, on the west bank of the Hudson River. The population was 2,607 at the 2000 census.

Tallman

The village's name, in earlier years known as Tappan Landing, was given by Dr. Eleazar Lord, author, educator, deacon of the First Protestant Dutch Church and first president of the Erie Railroad. It was derived by combining a local natural feature – Tallman Mountain – and the most prominent man-made feature of the village – the long Erie Railroad pier.

Looking for more info? Check out our homes for sale in Piermont

The home is perched on a high hillside, and the first thing you notice, even before you see the house is its absolutely spectacular view of the Hudson River and river valley. I know, Realtors use “spectacular” to describe practically anything, but this view truly is spectacular. The first time I saw it was one of those perfect summer days, with sailboats on the broad river tacking in the breeze and eagles floating lazily against a pure blue sky. Like I said. Spectacular.

The home is at 214 Hudson Hills Drive, nestled  among the trees at the top of a wooded ridge. Guarded by a white electronic gate, the home is at the end of a short drive, built in the style of a French brick and Mansard roofed villa. The first thing one notices is an unusual feature; the house has its own a professional office suite & private guest suite with separate entrances. It has four bedrooms, four bathrooms and recently has been fully updated. The interior is the picture of elegance, with gleaming hardwood floors, classic wall treatments, chandeliers and a gorgeous gourmet kitchen.

The best surprise is the back yard. I wish I had a better word for it than “yard,” because this is a veritable Garden of Eden. It is beautifully landscaped, green and lush, with an in-ground pool, multiple levels of redwood decks, a gazebo dining area large enough for a banquet, and a stainless steel barbecue (of course!) What I really like is the clever way walls, evergreens and foliage have been combined to make the yard and pool naturally private. The pool even has its own custom-built motorized retractable awning.

The home is located near so many interesting, fun and useful places. It’s perfect for getting around, just minutes to Interstate 84 or to the ferry that connects to the train station in Beacon, and just six miles from the Stewart International Airport. It is close to shopping, and in an area full of golf courses, mountains, woods, state forests, parks and fine dining. Even though it’s technically in the Newburgh area, it is served by the Marlboro school district.

So if anyone has a spare $590,000 lying around, I would be delighted if you bought this home and gave it to me. I’d love to live here!

When it comes to a Short Sale or Foreclosure, your choices are never easy.  But, I can consult, advise and assist you in making the right choice depending upon your individual and unique circumstances.
                             
There are many programs that can help homeowners prevent a foreclosure.  If you are reading this message, you may need help now.  Being aware, prepared and proactive is absolutely necessary to resolve this unfortunate situation with the least amount of financial loss and credit damage.  Let's work together and determine what is the best option for you.  

                                                                          YOU HAVE OPTIONS

The Treasury Department has provided excellent resources to help you determine what programs you do or do not qualify for.  Based upon your eligibility, you will know exactly what steps to take.  Click here: Making Home Affordable     
                                                                    
When you need personal help, counseling or guidance, just contact me by phone or email.  Let's work together and make your bad situation the best that it can be. 

                                                                              Let ME help YOU.

The easiest and cheapest project anyone can do to increase selling your home is clean, bar none!  Every buyer likes a clean, well maintained, fresh smelling home! It can be the difference between an offer and moving on!

1. Use Windex Glass Cleaner on pictures, glass covered art, chandeliers with crystals, electronics, ceiling light fixtures and any glass surfaces. They will sparkle and look brand new!

2. Clean all kitchen appliances. If you have stainless steel, you can use olive oil to bring back their shine.

3. Use rolled lint tape – it will take dust off curtains, lamp shades, couches, bedspreads and throw pillows; it’s easier and more effective than vacuuming.

4. Wipe down baseboards, walls, door handles, using a mixture of Mr. Clean and water – works great and smells like lemon.

5. Bathroom – use bleach to rid your bathroom of mildew and grim. Mix with water and put into an empty spray bottle and spray entire shower, sink, tub, toilette and vanity.

6. Vacuum rugs, floors, area rugs. Make sure you get all corners and move furniture if necessary to get hard to reach places.

7. Use Swiffer Dusters with an extendable handle to get dust and cobwebs out of corners, ceilings, walls, floor and crown molding and any hard to reach places.

8. Polish wood furniture and bring back its shine and luster using lemon Pledge. In a study it was found that the most common scent people agree on is lemon – it’s the smell of clean.

9. Rent your own or hire a carpet cleaning service – not only will it clean your rugs, it will take out any odors caught in the fibers.

10. Mop up hardwood floors and make them shine. There are many products you can use found right in your grocery store.

One thing all buyers agree on is they all love a clean, great smelling home and it's the cheapest fix you can do yourself!

This can be "purchase money with money for the renovations" and any amount of renovations.

Or

it can be a refinance loan with money for renovations & making those repairs you have been putting off for a number of years.

If the needed renovation work is about $30,000 you may qualify for the "Streamlined k" provided there are no structural issues.

The alternative program is the "Full 203k" loan program which can provide money up to the FHA Maximum loan amount for your county.

Call Vanessa for more information about buying a fixer-upper with a Renovation Loan

For example, you can instantly see from the Rockland map above, that more people are moving out than into the county. It's also easy to understand from the demographics statistics,  that those leaving are mostly retirees heading to the warmer climate of the southern states. Inbound movement is seeing  most are coming from upstate NY and Long Island, with California and Florida sending a good amount too. Those from Florida are mostly returning to their former properties in Rockland, and those from California represent some major corporate moves.

Click on the map to see where people are moving from other States. I hope you enjoy the information contained as much as I do.

Welcome to Janis and Micki Tyrell who are taking over the business and lovely riverside cottage. As a patron of the Red Barn for many years I look forward to many further treasure hunts at the barn! 

It is more common overseas than in the USA, but catching on fast here. We tend to post some off topic videos but all of our listings can also be found here too. We get a lot of feedback, so we know it's working but it's a lot of fun too.

Heres a recent video we enjoyed and shared with our followers..

Want your own Tumblr? Contact Vanessa and she'll help you set it up. 

1. Doors and windows: This should be an obvious one. If you can see gaps between your siding and your windows or exterior doors, close them up with a bead of clear or paintable acrylic latex caulk. Larger gaps can be filled with foam backer rod before applying the caulking.

2. Exterior penetrations: Some of these areas are going to be obvious, while some may take a little bit of searching. Some examples of exterior penetrations where air can leak into the house include exterior faucets, dryer vents, exterior electrical outlets, exterior light fixtures, holes that have been drilled for phone and TV cables, conduit penetrations, exit points for plumbing drains, and penetrations for air conditioning lines. Closing these penetrations may require a variety of different techniques, including caulk, expanding spray foam, or, in the case of electrical boxes and fixtures, specific gaskets that are designed to fit the boxes.

3. Exhaust-vent covers: Dryer vents, range hood vents, bath fan vents, and other interior ventilation equipment typically terminate outside the house in a plastic or metal cover that has one or more louvers on it. The louvers are designed to be in the closed position whenever the fan is not in use, so that outside air doesn't leak in. Check all of these louvers to be sure they're closing completely, with no air leaks. If they aren't, you can adjust the spring tension to hold them closed more tightly; add foam weatherstripping tape for a more air-tight seal; or replace the entire vent cap with a new one.

4. Gaps around interior vents and recessed lights: Inside your home, heated air can be leaking out around that same ventilation equipment, where vent pipes pass through the walls or ceiling, or where vent covers meet wall and ceiling surfaces. Recessed light fixtures can also be real air-leakers. Around the vent pipes and recessed light cans, seal any gaps with caulking. For the vent covers and recessed light covers, remove the covers, then adjust the springs and/or add foam weatherstripping tape to create a tight seal between the cover and the ceiling.

5. Heat-duct penetrations: Gaps around heating-duct cans where they pass through the floor or wall allow cold air to enter from the crawl space, while gaps around ceiling-duct cans allow heated air to escape into the attic. To close those drafts, first remove the register, then use a combination of caulking and/or metallic duct sealant tape to close any gaps between the sheet metal cans and the floor, wall or ceiling surface.

6. Fireplaces and woodstoves: Lots of gaps can occur around these appliances. With a conventional fireplace, keep the damper closed except when burning a fire to prevent heated air from escaping up the chimney. Consider investing in a set of air-tight doors, which close off the air leaks and also make your fires more efficient. Look for gaps around woodstove and gas fireplace flue pipes, and air leaks around masonry chimneys. Use a metal collar if necessary around flue pipe penetrations, and seal gaps with heat-resistant sealant specially formulated for this application.

7. Attic and crawl space hatches: These can be real air losers if they're not weather stripped, so take care of that with some foam tape. Make sure the hatches are insulated as well.

8. Interior doors to unheated spaces: If you have any interior doors that lead to unheated spaces, including basements, garages or attics, be sure the doors are weather stripped to prevent air leakage. If possible, replace older, hollow-core doors with solid-core or, better yet, insulated metal doors.

9. Sill plates and penetrations: This one's not as easy to deal with, but it's well worth the effort to try to do whatever you can with it. Air can leak both into and out of the house through gaps where the sill plate meets the foundation or the siding, and around plumbing and wiring penetrations drilled through wall plates in various areas. If you have a gap between your siding and the bottom of your exterior wall, especially in older homes where the use of sill sealers was not a common practice, consider closing up this big air gap with a bead of caulking or expanding foam. In the basement, crawl space and attic, if you can access any of the pipes and wires that pass through the wall plates, seal the penetrations with expanding foam.

So what gives? 

Reflecting living patterns, the need for formal living and dining rooms is dwindling, people prefer a less formal atmosphere combining the kitchen, living and dining room into a “great room.”

It’s predicted that homes exceeding four bedrooms and three bathrooms are also going out of fashion, as are sun rooms, media rooms, butler’s pantries and three season porches and most likely three car garages.

Looking forward…

What we will see more of is energy-saving technology. Features such as low-E windows, energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting will be installed with green features including dual-flush, low-flow toilets, engineered wood products and whole house Energy-Star homes becoming the norm rather than exception by 2015. These homes will include argon windows, solar photovoltaic and geo-thermal systems with above-code insulation and tank-less water heaters.

Affordability is driving these changes. The construction of living space that provides better amenities, a greener lifestyle with lower running costs is the way to a better future.

For information on the current availability of properties providing some, or all of the features mentioned in this article, please contact Vanessa Saunders.

A 203k (Renovation) loan is simply a FHA loan with a twist. An ordinary FHA loan referred to as a 203(b) in the the mortgage industry. Adding renovation or improvement costs to the loan you get a 203k!

Through this loan program, renovations are completed after closing of Escrow by using a portion of the loan proceeds to cover improvement costs.

Funds are held in a managed account with the mortgage company, earning you interest during the renovation period. "Draw requests" throughout stages of renovation release funds to your contractor's as the work progresses.

The FHA 203k loan is a HUD approved FHA home loan. The difference is, 203k includes money for home repair and remodeling. The 203k loan may allow you to have the home you always wanted. This is a terrific loan program, and not too complicated. But if it still sounds too complicated, contact me and I'll put you in touch with a Renovation Loan specialist in your area. I also can put you in touch with several excellent contractors that will work with this type of loan.

Info@wesellny.com