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Century 21 VJF Realty – December Newsletter

dianasantos — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 20:43:13 +0000

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973 Rte. 22, Brewster, NY 10509

(845) 279-7700

E-mail: info@century21vjf.com

December 2010

ssue #1

Month/Year

HOW LONG YOUR MORTGAGE RUNS

DETERMINES HOW MUCH YOU PAY

The first thing most of us think about when the time comes to take out a mortgage on a new home is the interest rate. That’s both perfectly natural and very sensible. The rate of interest we pay can make an immense difference - amounting to tens of thousands of dollars – in what the actual cost of our house ultimately turns out to be.

Still, interest rates are far from the only thing worth thinking about where mortgages are concerned. Other important variables need to be considered too. One is the question of whether to take a fixed interest rate or choose from among the many kinds of variable-rate mortgages that have been created over the years to meet the differing needs of different buyers.

Another – and a very important one – is the rather basic question of how long you want your mortgage to run. Even with fixed-rate mortgages, a broad spectrum of time spans is commonly available. In most cases the extremes are 15 years on the short side, 30 years on the long.

Some years ago, when a famous scientist was asked to name the most powerful force in the universe, he answered “the power of compound interest.” This reply suggests that he was knowledgeable not only about the laws of nature but the principles of finance – about what happens to even a modest sum of money when it continues to accumulate interest year after year after year.

Even at a modest rate of interest, money in a savings account can double within ten years or less. The amount actually paid for a house with a $100,000 mortgage can turn out to be several hundred thousand dollars if the mortgage runs for 30 years.

When you opt for a mortgage of only 15 or 20 years, on the other hand, you chop off much of the growth in your total obligation. But to do that without reducing the initial size of your mortgage, you have to make a bigger payment every month. As in most of life’s major decisions, the stakes are high and the trade-offs require careful consideration. Above all, they require a careful examination of your resources, your aspirations, and your personal priorities.

Someone who’s willing to make near-term lifestyle sacrifices for the sake of long-term gains probably will prefer a shorter mortgage. If your motto is “eat, drink and be merry,” on the other hand, the idea of squeezing extra money out of your budget for the sake of a bigger house payment won’t have much appeal.

If you’re attracted by a shorter, faster mortgage and think you might be able to handle one, ask your real estate agent to show you just how much long-term savings such an approach can make possible. Chances are you’ll be astonished by the size of the number.

Remember, though, that a 15-year or 20-year mortgage, by increasing your monthly obligations now and for years to come, can sharply reduce your flexibility. One good approach is to take a 30-year mortgage but try to discipline yourself to make one extra monthly payment each year. If you can stick to such a regimen, ultimately it will yield the benefits of a 15-year mortgage. Meanwhile, you’ll be less strapped if changing circumstances reduce your ability to make monthly payments.

What’s really important is making yourself aware of how many different options you have and gathering detailed information about the ones that interest you most.

WANT TO KNOW THE LOCAL MARKET?

Want to see what the market’s doing? That’s easy to do with our new Market Snapshot. Sign up to receive market and trend reports for whatever local market you are considering in Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess or even Connecticut. With data directly from the Multiple Listing Service, you can gauge how the market is trending, find nd recent sales & listings, compare areas, and more!

Click here to get started!

V.J.F. Realty

973 Route 22, Brewster, NY
(845) 279-7700
www.century21vjf.com
info@century21vjf.com

In This Issue

How Long Your Mortgage…

Get A Market Snapshot

New Listings

Quick Links

Search For Homes or you can

GET A LISTINGBOOK ACCOUNT & search the MLS like an agent!

123 Main St, Brewster $299,000

7 Pheasant Crossing, Brewster $600,000

MULTI-FAMILY! 62 Sodom Rd, Brewster $690,000

593 Route 292, Holmes $149,000

7 Panorama Dr, Brewster $387,500

154 Peaceable Hill Rd, Brewster $399,999

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Century 21 V.J.F. Realty Inc. | 973 Route 22 | Brewster | NY | 10509

Century 21 VJF Realty Newsletter

dianasantos — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:19:44 +0000

973 Rte. 22, Brewster, NY 10509

(845) 279-7700

E-mail: info@century21vjf.com

October 2010

WANT TO KNOW THE LOCAL MARKET?

Click here to get started!

10 Reasons to Buy A Home Now

TIME Magazine is being overly pessimistic in its recent cover piece that called into question the benefits of homeownership. In fact, now is a great time to buy. And, what’s more, tomorrow will be a great time to own, because the fundamental strength of homeownership hasn’t changed.

Why is now a great time to buy? Here are 10 reasons:

1. You can get a good deal. Prices are down 30 percent on average. They’re at a level that makes sense for people’s income.

2. Mortgages are cheap. At 4.3 percent on average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, your costs to own are down by a fifth from two years ago.

3. You can save on taxes. When you add up the deductions for mortgage interest and others, the cost of owning can drop below renting for a comparable place.

4. It’ll be yours. The one benefit to owning that never changes is that you can paint your walls orange if you want (generally speaking; there might be some community restrictions). How many landlords will let you do that?

5. You can get a better home. In some markets, it’s simply the case that the nicest places are for-sale homes and condos.

7. It’s risk capital. If the economy picks up, you stand to benefit from that, even if your goal is just to have a nice place to live.

9. There is a lot to choose from. There are some 4 million homes available today, about a year’s supply. Now’s the time to find something you like and get it.

10. Sooner or later the market will clear. The U.S. is expected to grow by another 100 million people in 40 years. They have to live somewhere. Demand will eventually outpace supply.

Source: Realtor.com

8. It’s forced savings. A part of your payment each month goes to equity.

6. It offers some inflation protection. Historically, appreciation over time outpaces inflation.

Rent vs. Buy

From the desk of

Kurt Drexler, Retail Sales Manager

Bank of America Home Loans

Both buying and renting can have their advantages. The better choice for you depends on your circumstances. Here are some of the things to keep in mind when you weigh the benefits of renting against the benefits of buying, both from a financial and a personal perspective.

Would I need to make changes in my budget to buy a home?
Would it mean stretching to my financial limits?
Would buying allow me to maintain my other savings goals and stay prepared for costly home emergencies such as a new roof or heating/cooling system?

Renting may provide you with more leftover cash each month, if your rent is less than a mortgage payment. Renters are often subjected to rent increases over time. And renters call the landlord when the faucet leaks. Homeowners call a plumber-and pay the bill.

Buying a home may provide you with income tax benefits (though it’s important to check with your tax advisor to see how buying would impact your personal situation). Buying a home also offers you the chance to increase your personal wealth as you pay off the principal on your loan over time and build what is known as equity. Equity is the difference between the market value of the home and the outstanding balance of the mortgage loan(s) on the home. Of course, home values can rise or fall over time, so building equity is not guaranteed. And there are significant upfront costs associated with buying, including the down payment. Down payments often range between 5% and 20% of the sales price depending on many factors, including your loan, your lender, your credit history, and closing costs. They may include attorneys’ fees, as well as fees for preparing and filing a mortgage, and for taxes, title search, and insurance. They include the expenses incurred in obtaining the loan and in transferring the ownership of any collateral property from the seller to the buyer. Generally, closing costs range from 2% to 6% of the mortgage amount.

Personal preferences
Buying a home is a financial commitment that requires you to plan ahead, reflecting on where your life is headed and what you want to accomplish along the way. Ask yourself:

What additional financial goals would I like to accomplish as I make payments on a home loan?
What’s more important to me: the opportunity to build equity over time or to perhaps have more cash available now?

Renting usually makes it easier to relocate (to pursue a job opportunity, for example). And if your rent is less than a mortgage payment, renting could allow you to contribute more toward specific savings goals, such as retirement, college, future travel, investments or even putting away money for a down payment for a home in the future.

Buying a home could make sense for you if you want to put your monthly living costs toward something you could eventually pay off and own outright. In addition, it also makes sense if you plan to stay in the area and prefer to feel settled in a home that reflects your personal tastes.

Together we can find out if buying a home makes sense for you financially. Call me at (845) 765-7072 or visit my website.

Financial considerations
Knowing where homeownership fits into your larger financial plan is important. Ask yourself:

UPCOMING EVENTS

HOMEBUYER WORKSHOP

Thursday, October 21

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM

973 Route 22, Brewster

(across from Argonne Rd)

Join us for an enlightening and informative “It’s Great To Be Home” Homebuyer Workshop, in cooperation with our trusted lending partner, Bank of America Home Loans. You’ll get insight on the end-to-end home buying process from a dedicated mortgage loan professional.

Feel free to bring additional guests!

No obligation… just bring your questions.

Refreshments will be provided.

To reserve your seats, call 845-279-7700 or email us at: info@century21vjf.com.

In This Issue

Get A Market Snapshot

Quick Links

Search For Homes or you can

GET A LISTINGBOOK ACCOUNT & search the MLS like an agent!

112 Pumphouse Rd, Brewster $269,999

216 Big Elm, Brewster $429,000

138 Clubhouse Dr, Carmel $1,500,000

10 Batavia Rd, Patterson $249,000

1 Jeffrey Ct, Carmel $299,999

44B Jefferson Oval, Yorktown $232,500

9 Nancy Rd, Brewster $299,000

1402 Eagles Ridge, Brewster $279,900

19 Prospect St, Brewster $299,900

V.J.F. Realty

973 Route 22, Brewster, NY
(845) 279-7700
www.century21vjf.com
info@century21vjf.com

My Life as a Realtor – Day 58

dianasantos — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:40:13 +0000

My Life as a Realtor ~

Day 58:

Office Meeting in the am – first started with a Listing Book class with Rob Rosa. He talked about all the great things Listing Book has to offer for us as agents, and for sellers and buyers – to view current listings of homes and search like an agent – CLICK on links to get a FREE account in Connecticut – www.DianaSantosCT.ListingBook.com ~~ or ~~ CLICK here for New York – www.DianaSantosNY.ListingBook.com

Afterwards, I tackled lots of paperwork to be handed into the admin department in our office – Century 21 VJF Realty - always a pleasure to be there!

On my way home – from Brewster, NY to New Fairfield, CT – I swung by my listing – 52 Mountain Brook Road – Brewster, NY – to add some listing sheets to the outside brochure box.

Being the Best Realtor I Can Be

dianasantos — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 02:24:28 +0000

Being a member of NAR – The National Association of Realtors, makes me a better Realtor. After receiving my licenses in the states of Connecticut – where my family and I reside – and New York – where my office, Century 21 V.J.F. Realty, is located – I took an oath to treat and care for ALL my clients, customers, the public and associate Realtors EQUALLY. This is a mandatory class that all Realtors must take – it is where we learn the Code of Ethics – a Pledge of Performance and Service that we must abide by.

The National Association of Realtors adopted the Code of Ethics in 1913, following the professions of medicine, law and engineering. CLICK below to view.

Realtor Code of Ethics

Along with my work ethics, usually always attached to me is my laptop which I take to the office and bring back home to be able to assist at any time…

cell phone- which also enables me to receive and send e-mails from anywhere, take photos and send instantly to clients of potential homes and of course - text…

my ear piece to chat while I’m in the car – since I do spend alot of time in it!

and quite a few other fun items – camera, GPS and Flip video camera and my most favorite – my I-Pod! When I’m driving almost an hour to show just 1 house – I at least have my music!

Guillermo Esteves – Flickr.com

Here is just one of the songs I enjoy listening to…

”Carry on My Wayward Son” – Kansas 1976

A New Year with Century 21 V.J.F. Realty

dianasantos — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 02:27:30 +0000

As 2008 has comes to an end, I realize how fortunate I have been to be associated with an outstanding Real Estate Office.

This past year has been a challenging year, but it has also been a year to remember, as Century 21 V.J.F. Realty celebrated it’s 30th year with Century 21…

attended functions and classes…

Visited many Realtor Open Houses …

Graciously accepted Awards and Celebrated the Holidays!

and listed and sold many homes despite the slow market …

I look forward to the New Year of 2009 – and wish you and your family the very best!

laserguided- Flickr.com

American Towns – Brewster & New Fairfield

dianasantos — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:56:02 +0000

My American Towns are New Fairfield, CT – where my husband and I live and are raising our 5 children – and – Brewster, NY – where I happily work as a REALTOR for Century 21 V.J.F. Realty. I am licensed in both states and show homes in 5 counties throughout those states. For information in and around these areas, AmericanTowns.com has some great info:

Candlewood Lake – New Fairfield, Danbury, Brookfield, Sherman & New Milford, CT

For in and around Danbury, CT – which will include New Fairfield click here: AmericanTowns.com – CT

Brewster, NY – Milltown Road

For in and around Brewster, NY – click here: AmericanTowns.com – NY

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

Back to School!

dianasantos — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:15:23 +0000

Summer is over – and the kids are all back to school! I’ve gotten my 2 oldest off to Western Connecticut State University, 2 into New Fairfield High School and my youngest into New Fairfield Middle School – Whew!

I was very fortunate in getting them ready for school. With having access to many different stores for school supplies and clothes – all within 20 minutes from where I live – New Fairfield, Connecticut – which neighbors Danbury, CT to one side and Brewster, New York to the other side.

Convenience, which is anything that saves time, energy or frustration, is very important – especially with all that is happening around us. Here in New Fairfield, I have convenience.

If I run out of milk – Shaw’s Supermarket is just 4 minutes away – or I go into Brewster to the A & P Supermarket in under 15 minutes – which helps me to take advantage of both stores weekly sales. Need gas? 2 gas stations are also just 4 minutes away from my home. Visiting my daughter in her dorm in Danbury – mostly to pick up her dirty laundry or drop off groceries – is just 15 minutes away, while she pretends to be miles and miles away! My commute to my office – Century 21 V.J.F. Realty in Brewster – is also under 15 minutes away! Convenience, convenience, convenience!

Thanks to GOOGLE for the School Bus image

Food Network Grilling Recipes

dianasantos — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 18:52:06 +0000

Robert S. Donovan (booleansplit) – Flickr.com

It is a beautiful day here in Brewster, NY at my office – Century 21 V.J.F. Realty. I live just 15 minutes away in New Fairfield, CT and can’t wait to get home and barbecue!

The Food Network has a ton of recipes on line. There are also tips to eating healthier, quick and easy recipes, videos and a “My Recipe Box” to keep all your favorites.

A few that I’m choosing from are:

So many to choose from! Many of my buyers, when looking at potential homes, make sure the deck or patio have enough room to fit a grill and table with chairs.

Happy and Safe Grilling to all!

Thanks to GOOGLE IMAGERY

HOMEBUYERS SEMINAR (2)

dianasantos — Thu, 29 May 2008 15:06:16 +0000

Once again, Century 21 V.J.F. Realty will be holding their FREE HOMEBUYERS SEMINAR! I had written a previous post regarding what this seminar offers.

I highly suggest attending if your interested in purchasing now or in the near future. We will have an Attorney, a Home Inspector, an Environment Specialist and Mortgage Brokers to instantly pre-approve you and/or answer any questions that you may have. Also, you will receive approximately $5,000 in coupons for your home buying process. You will not be disappointed!

Get to know us a bit by visiting our office’s website.

FREE HOME BUYERS SEMINAR – SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2008 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Can’t make that date – no problem, we’re having another on June 14th!

Century 21 V.J.F. Realty – 973 Route 22 – Brewster, NY 10509 – Office Phone: 845-279-7700

WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?

Thanks for GOOGLE IMAGERY

First Time Blogging for Diana’s Neighborhood in NY & CT

dianasantos — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:01:05 +0000

My very first BLOG post ever thanks to a good and patient friend Diane who has her own BLOG here.

This is very exciting for me because I am very passionate about my FAMILY, HOME, PETS, NEIGHBORHOOD and my career as a REALTOR with Century 21 V.J.F. Realty - specializing in 2 states and 5 counties:

NEW YORK – Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties ~ and ~

CONNECTICUT – Fairfield and parts of Litchfield Counties

In my BLOG you will find information and events in the neighborhoods I service for both BUYERS and SELLERS – and from time to time posts on anything revolving in and outside a HOME.

Please come back and visit dropping me a comment and a suggestion.

WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?