New Stimulus Bill to Create a Tax Credit for a Home Purchase!
Clearly Ambiguous – Flickr.com
Great news for those looking to purchase a home… a tax credit of $8,000 has been approved!
<<Click Here to view the Consumer Chart>>
Amagill – Flickr.com
Mannequin – Flickr.com
A Road to Happy House Hunting!
Now that the holidays are over – President Obamais officially in office – interest rates are still low and more homes are coming onto the market, while some that are currently on have been reduced – I wish all that are looking to purchase… A Road to Happy House Hunting!
Please keep in mind that the road to finding your home may seem windy at times…
mikael miettinen – Flickr.com
and it may seem to go on forever… with no happy ending in sight…
thejourney1972 – Flickr.com
But in the end, when you’ve found a home, and begin a new chapter in your life, I’m sure you’ll look back and realize it was all well worth it! After all… roads lead to homes – right?
visulogik – Flickr.com
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
A Clutter Free Home
Whether your home is currently on the market – or your thinking of selling your home – or have no plans for selling at all – Living in a Clutter Free Home is wonderful! Less Mess… equals Less Stress!
supershoppertoo – Flickr.com
When my 5 kids were little, and mornings getting ready for school could get crazy. If you have children – 1 child – or maybe just yourself to get together in the am – being organized was and is key to having enough time for a good breakfast, no need for shouting and stressing and things going as smoothly as possible! Everyone wondered why I had so much patience. Alot came from again, being neat, organized and clutter free. Just think how upset one gets when you can’t find your car keys – or your left shoe! If everything gets put in their place, this could be avoided.
Mickelodeon – Flickr.com
Even now, with my kids being 20, 18, 16, 15 and 13 years old, I insist on that way of life. I think it’s great that they’re able to get up, have their clothes picked out from the night before, everything needed to get ready is at their fingertips so no time is wasted – and rather spend that time to eat well, grab their lunch – which is always made the night before – and be able to run off to school on time. OK – I admit, with teenagers, it doesn’t ALWAYS work so smoothly!
This works well with my life as a Realtor – having my electronic keys updated, my appointments made, listings printed out – one copy for me and one for my clients, gas in my car, addressed inputted into my GPS, I-Pod ALWAYS in my purse to be able to connect to my car – along with my camera and Flip video camera, and last – but not least – my cell phone and back up battery always charged. Even if a client calls and asks to view a house in – an hour – I can usually always make it work – since most of the above has been done! Keeping organized – keeps me sane. And knowing that there are always days that things can’t and don’t seem to run smoothly is also important.
supershoppertoo – Flickr.com
During my appointments, viewing homes with clients, many can see past the dirty dishes in the sink, the pile of smelly shoes near the front door, the dead fish floating in the fish tank – but some simply can not see past all of this! It is an instant turn off and with sooo many homes on the market, they simply want to move onto the next! And I can’t blame them since I can’t help but think that if the homeowners can’t keep up with the laundry and make the beds, then I wonder if they’ve had the time or responsibility to service their furnace yearly, have the septic pumped every 2 or 3 years or fix a leaky pipe asap??
Joe Shlabotnik – Flickr.com
The easiest way to get started on getting organized is to pick a day – any day – whether it’s when the kids are at school and your home alone – or when the kids are home and you have them help. Make a LIST – Tackle ONE ROOM AT A TIME – Have REWARDS for you and anyone that helps. For me, I would say that after I’m all done cleaning out the garage, I will NOT be making dinner – Pizza for all and a glass of wine for me! To get the kids to help, say after they’re done helping, they can pick what’s for dinner – or what movie to rent – or – you can take them to the mall for a TREAT! And don’t forget to stay hydrated, take snack breaks to refuel, play some hoping music to get you going and have fun!
Also watch a video from
- HGTV – Kitchen Organized <CLICK>
- HGTV – Reorganizing Your Medicine Cabinet <CLICK>
- HGTV - Getting Organized for the New Year <CLICK>
glass window – Flickr.com
For someone selling their home, think of how easy it will be if you get a last minute call for a viewing - or an unexpected guest comes over – or you get sick and family or friends come to help – how do you explain the moldy containers in the fridge – the 9 piles of laundry – the empty cupboards since no dishes have been done! Yes – this is a bit much, but I have seen this! No one is perfect – but there is always room for improvement. Please keep in mind that stress can lead to numerous health issues with your heart, immune system, weight gain…
Carmel, NY – A Place to Call Home
Carmel, NY is located in Putnam County – consisting of hamlets in Carmel, Mahopac and Mahopac Falls. Located just a few miles from the Westchester County border and approximately 55 miles from NYC, with access to I-84 and the Croton Falls and Southeast Train Station for commuting. The population of Carmel is approximately, just under, 35,000 and the residents are able to enjoy the rural charm of the village and Historical significance. Lake Gleneida – with a statue of Sybil Ludington, is located just across from the Putnam County Courthouse, a National Historic Landmark erected in 1814. There are also other lakes – Lake Carmel, ponds,reservoirs, parks, farms and horse stables – adding the picturesque scenery.
Children either attend the Carmel Schools - or - the Mahopac Schools.
Some wonderful places to visit in Carmel -
- Centennial Golf Club - a 27 hole Championship course on 340 acres.
- Smalley’s Inn & Restaurant- built in 1883 and where they say several ghostly incidents have happened.
- Your choice of many restaurants from around the world!
- The Sedgewood Country Club – a private community with golf and tennis facilities.
- Putnam County Hospital
Carmel offers many Condo/Townhouse complexes – Hunter’s Glen, Sparrow Ridge, The Fairways, Misty Hills, Twin Brook Manor, Kings Grant, Vista on the Lake, Woodland Trail, Clearing in the Woods, the new Country Villas at Stoneleigh and for adult active communities - also new Stoneleigh Woods and The Retreat.
If your looking to purchase a home – or sell your home …. Feel free to contact me via cell or text: 203-648-2619 – or – e-mail me at: Diana.Santos@Century21.com – any day, any time!
For more information – Carmel, NY – Postcard History Series from Amazon.com
My Photos were enhanced through PicNik.com
Mahopac, NY a Great Community
Photo from Google Imagery
Mahopac, NY is a great community located in Putnam County and bordering Westchester County. It is approximately 50 miles from New York City which is accessible via the train in Croton Falls or on the Taconic State Parkway – or – Interstate 684.
The Mahopac Central School District has multiple elementary schools that are recognized as National Schools of Excellence and the Middle and High School are both New York Schools of Excellence.
The just under 9,000 residents have much to do in Mahopac - The most popular attraction is Lake Mahopac for boating, fishing, swimming and more on it’s approximate body of 587 acres.
With it’s fresh, clean air – parks and trails to walk or jog – one of which is Sycamore Park with 32 acres on Lake Mahopac - And best of all – Lake Mahopac along with a few smaller lakes.
My husband and I purchased our very first home in Mahopac – overlooking Lake Mahopac – many good memories there! Now, as I show homes there, I can see all the changes that Mahopac has had over these past 22 years. All the new shops and restaurants, new state of the art library with 33,000 square feet and Mahopac’s new firehouse.
If your interested in viewing homes – single family or condo/townhomes – in Mahopac, I would be pleased to show you around!
Clouds for a Wintery Mix in New Fairfield, CT & Brewster, NY
ashoct28 – Flickr.com
Clouds are everywhere – where I live in New Fairfield, CT and where I work in Brewster, NY. We are due for a wintery mix – rain and snow which will then change over to ice. Although, I am pleased to say, that it doesn’t seem to stop my buyers who are looking to purchase a home.
takacsi75 – Flickr.com
and… as long as the driveways are plowed and walkways are clean to homes that we’re viewing – I’m good to go!
GIRLintheCAFE – Flickr.com
Viewing homes in the winter does have some advantages. You can see how cozy the house is – are there drafts – or possibly rooms that are poorly heated and/or insulated. Rooms can vary – for example those with vaulted ceilings hold all the heat high above. Simply installing fans to draw the heat down can help. Or, rooms that were once a porch and now enclosed, may need more insulation and so on.
pleasantpointinn – Flickr.com
Also, while viewing the homes property in the winter, when all the leaves and shrubs are gone, helps to see the entire acreage – along with what is neighboring the property.
Lisa Sanderson – Flickr.com
So, I invite all those interested in going out to view homes – in the snow – ice – cold and wind!
WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?
Relaxing at Home
ikkoskinen – Flickr.com
As I sit here in my den by the fireplace, writing another post for my Blog – which is turning out to be one of my favorite daily routines! I can’t help but think about all the comforts of a HOME. Being able to relax and enjoy homeownership is FABULOUS!
*clairity* – Flickr.com
During the winter especially, a HOME gives you warmth – and invites your family and friends during the Holidays.
A HOME is where memories are made and never forgotten. I still dream of my childhood HOME – over and over. I have friends and family that say the same – many of their dreams are also of their HOME, where they lived when they were a child.
alicepopkorn – Flickr.com
If taking steps toward HOMEOWNERSHIP is one of your NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS – talking to a mortgage broker is an important first step! I highly recommend Anthony Frascone – cell: 203-648-6713. He is licensed in New York and Connecticut and has similar family and work ethics as I do. GOOD LUCK and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Do You Want to Buy a House?
Do you want to buy a house?? If your answer is YES – Great!! Interest rates are FANTASTIC – Inventory is HIGH – AND – most sellers are ANXIOUS!
visulogik – Flickr.com
So, if your interested in a single family, multi – family home, condo or townhouse – I’d be happy to assist!
sailorbill – Flickr.com
Would You Buy A Ginger Bread House…?
Would you buy a Ginger Bread House …
kb35 – Flickr.com
or maybe a Light House ….
priotography – Flickr.com
how about a Little House on the Prarie …
dingbat2005 – Flickr.com
a Blue House …
pedrosimoes – Flickr.com
or a House by the Lake!
Seabamirum’s – Flickr.com
Whatever home you may be interested in purchasing, I’d love to help in the search!
Find a Home on TRULIA Real Estate Search
The other day I was asked by a client, where could he search on line for ALL currently listed homes for sale. One of the Real Estate sites I mentioned was TRULIA Real Estate Search (click).
You input what state, town and price of home your interested in – and VOILA! Oogles and oodles of HOMES! You can search from the comfort of your own home – during a break at work – or even on your phone!
Then, when you find a few potential listings – call a REALTOR for more information, set up an appointment to view some of these properties and your on your way to purchasing a home!
If you need assistance in Westchester, Putnam or Dutchess Counties in New York – or – Fairfield and parts of Litchfield Counties in Connecticut – feel free to contact me – I’d be happy to walk you down the path of HOMEOWNERSHIP!
Diana Santos – call or text: 203-648-2619 – E-Mail: Diana.Santos@Century21.com or visit me on Trulia.com
mannequin – Flickr.com
Should I Move?
Todd D Jones – FLICKR.com
FrontDoor.com has a QUIZ you can take if your wondering if now is a good time to sell your home and move – and so many other guides and tips to homebuying and/or selling.
Jsome1 – FlickR.com
Many of you may be renting and would love to have the ability to control the heat - instead of feeling as though your living in a cold stone house. I guess the Flinstones didn’t mind!
James Gordon – FlickR.com
Others may want to go from their started home to a bit larger home to accommodate their growing family or to start a family. I’ve been there – feeling like the old woman, living in a shoe filled with children! For years I waited to be able to move to a larger home since we had 5 growing children. I knew it would be difficult for us to afford a larger home in Harrison, NY – so, we made the best decision of our lives – to do the commute up and down I-684 and move to New Fairfield, Connecticut!
Homebuyer’s Guide
Buying a home for the first time – or anytime - can be stressful. From deciding where to live, how much to spend, who can you trust to walk you through the most important investment in your life – and many more issues.
Thanks to Frontdoor.com – you can view videos and read some helpful information about Homebuying.
This step-by-step guide will help ease any anxiety.
Another excellent site is – About.com - Here you can read about – Buying vs Renting – Reasons for buying – and Should you buy before getting married? and other answers to questions that you may have.
Hope this information helps you achieve the American Dream of Homeownership.
Thanks to GOOGLE IMAGERY and ClipArt.com
It’s a Great Time to Buy a Home!
A very good friend of mine, Anthony Frascone with Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, has been keeping me informed on the housing news.
I just received this e-mail from him…
I hope this note finds you and your family well…
As I am sure you have seen in the headlines, last weekend the Fed stepped in and took control of the government sponsored entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This has caused benefits and has restored confidence in mortgage back securities and collateralized debt obligations, which has had positive impact on 30yr fixed mortgage rates.
Other positive news is the strength of the US Dollar vs. other currencies. After years of a devaluation, the Dollar has reversed to a 12 month high, and combined with reduced demand for oil, we have seen barrel of oil prices drop from $147 to $100 (32% decrease), which has been a blessing for us consumers at the gas pump (people smile when you fill up at $3.61 a gallon, compare to $4.45 a gallon), and eases fears a bit as we approach home heating oil season as prices are easing a bit for the winter season.
Rates have dropped about .625% to .75%, which means on a $300,000 mortgage, a monthly payment has dropped by $147 a month. Rates are now available in the 5.375% to 6% range.
Friends on the Road in Real Estate
As many of you know, I am a Realtor in New York and Connecticut. Within those 2 states, I cover 5 counties – Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties in NY and Fairfield and parts of Litchfield counties in CT. That is ALOT of driving!
Along the way, I have seen many interesting places and have met some new friends – critter friends – some small and some … not so small!
Adorable pup in Carmel, NY – at first, he came out of his home barking up a storm, then allowed me to step out of the car to view his property.
A very brave Chipmunk who allowed me to snap a few photos.
Stopped to say “Hello” to these fellows after a very exciting viewing of the home of an Oscar winning actor in Patterson, NY!
I didn’t get out of the car for this photo! 
Many, many ponds, lakes, streams and reservoirs through out all 5 counties full of fish, turtles, frogs, ducks, geese, swans, ….
Two Doves who kept getting closer and closer to me.
If your thinking of purchasing a home and moving here, just think – when the kids ask for a pet, just take them for a ride – there is so much to see!
WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?
Do You Have Time to go House Hunting in June?
June is a busy time for everyone – Weddings, Graduations, end of the school year activities and lots of barbecue – backyard get togethers!
If your interested in looking for a home – in this current market which has lots of inventory and historically low interest rates - please keep in mind that most of the “looking” is done on your computer!
No Stress! Just send me an e-mail – diana.santos@century21.com - and let me your areas of interest in either New York - in Westchester County, Putnam County, Dutchess County and/or in Connecticut – in Fairfield County and Litchfield County.
Also, please let me know what type of home you would like – 3 bedrooms? with a pool? close to I-84 – I 684? and last but not least, your price range!
You will then begin receiving e-mails with listings and photos. Questions can be answered and information exchanged regarding the town, schools, commuter info and even where to shop. Everything can be done on-line.
Then, when your available to start viewing - put on a pair of comfy sandals and off we go!
WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?
A big Thank You to Google Images for most of these photos.
Home Buyers and Sellers Questions
A very good friend of mine, Anthony Frascone with Wells Fargo, sent me some information for BUYERS and SELLERS in New York or Connecticut. Read more »
LIFE AS A REALTOR – Realtor Open House Day (4)
Realtor Open House Day – yeah! I viewed a home in Patterson, NY – with a spectacular garden. The homeowner has transformed what was a house surrounded by trees to a home with a secret garden!
This immaculately kept, contemporary home is just minutes from the train station, 684 and 84. Every room has views of the outside and the sound of the waterfall is mesmerising! It is a perfect home for entertaining!
WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?
GETTING TO KNOW ME
As a full time REALTOR in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties in NEW YORK – and Fairfield and parts of Litchfield counties in CONNECTICUT , I am very pleased to have the opportunity to share my passions on REAL ESTATE, FAMILY, PETS, anything and everything in and around a HOME – including COOKING, MOVIES, MUSIC and more!
I have been married for 25+ years to my wonderful husband Joe. We have 5 children – Melissa, David, Amanda, Sara and Jonathan. After waiting anxiously – for almost 17 years, being home with my kids for 10 and a Nursery school teacher for 7 years – I FINALLY became a Licensed Realtor – first in Connecticut - where my family and I live – and then in New York – where my office, Century 21 V.J.F. Realty is located.
I was born and raised in Mt. Vernon, New York. My parents, who came to the US from Portugal, were extremely hard working – with even stronger ethics on being good to everyone – everywhere – period! “Faz bem, nao olhes a quem.” This has been instilled in me all my life, which has made me the mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and the REALTOR I am today. Thank You Ma and Papa. 
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HouseLogic
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Should You Move or Remodel?
When your house no longer suits you, you can move or remodel. Find out which big change is the right investment of your housing dollars. Read
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Fielding a Lowball Purchase Offer on Your Home
Consider before you ignore or outright refuse a very low purchase offer for your home. A counteroffer and negotiation could turn that low purchase offer into a sale. Read
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Make Your House FHA-Loan Friendly
Know the basics of FHA loan rules and you stand a better chance of selling your house or condo. Read
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Keep Your Home Sale from Falling Apart
After finding a buyer, all you have to do to make it to closing is to avoid these five traps. Read
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5 Tips for Buying a Foreclosure
Get prequalified for a loan and set aside funds, and you’ll be ready to purchase a foreclosed home. Read
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
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