Hudson Valley Happenings Blog : April 2008

Renters in the NYC Area Read This!

Do you currently rent an apartment or house in New York or the Metro NYC area?  

Do you ever want to buy a house of your own?  

If you do, then you owe it to yourself to consider Orange County NY as an
affordable alternative to high prices where you are.

Why not come out to the free first time home buyer fair,
Catch the Dream Orange County
to be held at the SUNY Orange Campus in Middletown NY on
Sunday May 4th between 10 AM and 4 PM.  

There will be instructional information sessions on the basics of homebuying in English and Spanish, being credit smart, purchasing an owner occupied multi family, and other valuable classes for prospective home buyers.  You will find more than 50 booths where you can meet professionals in real estate services who can help you make your home ownership dreams come true.  

For more information or to preregister for classes please visit Catch the Dream Orange County at www.catchthedreamocinc.com or contact me.

While there please visit the Real Estate Solutions Buyer's Assistance Program booth to learn how our Buyer's Agents can help you.  
Looking forward to meeting you there.       
I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy!

House Search

 

Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley

Paddy Pizappi, Associate Broker for Buyer Representation
 RJ Smith Realty - A Real Estate Solutions Company
Serving the Greater Hudson Valley of New York
from Pine Bush, NY at the corner of Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan Counties
Call or Text to 845-800-7086

Get Started With Your Own Rainmaker Blog Today Click Here To Ask Me How

Subscribe to Hudson Valley Happenings With Paddy Pizappi via RSS feed 

0 comments • Paddy Pizappi PineBush & Hudson Valley NY Real Estate • April 29 2008 06:59AM

Do you want to buy a house?

Do you currently rent an apartment or house in Orange County NY?  

Do you ever want to buy a house of your own?  

If you do, then you owe it to yourself to come out to the free first time home buyer fair,

Catch the Dream Orange County

to be held at the SUNY Orange Campus in Middletown NY on

Sunday May 4th between 10 AM and 4 PM.  

There will be instructional information sessions on the basics of homebuying in English and Spanish, being credit smart, purchasing an owner occupied multi family, and other valuable classes for prospective home buyers.  You will find more than 50 booths where you can meet professionals in real estate services who can help you make your home ownership dreams come true.  

For more information or to preregister for classes please visit Catch the Dream Orange County at www.catchthedreamocinc.com or contact me.

While there please visit the Real Estate Solutions Buyer's Assistance Program booth to learn how our Buyer's Agents can help you.  
Looking forward to meeting you there.       
I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy!

House Search

 

Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley

Paddy Pizappi, Associate Broker for Buyer Representation
 RJ Smith Realty - A Real Estate Solutions Company
Serving the Greater Hudson Valley of New York
from Pine Bush, NY at the corner of Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan Counties
Call or Text to 845-800-7086

Get Started With Your Own Rainmaker Blog Today Click Here To Ask Me How

Subscribe to Hudson Valley Happenings With Paddy Pizappi via RSS feed 

4 comments • Paddy Pizappi PineBush & Hudson Valley NY Real Estate • April 29 2008 05:41AM

Do you take time for the important things?

Good Monday Morning.

I am back from vacation and need to get moving.  I have to do my morning excercise and organize for the first day back to work.  I am in the middle of "Mount Laundry" and unpacking from the trip.  I need to get my broker and myself prepared for the sessions we are presenting next Sunday at "Catch The Dream Orange County", the county wide first time home buyer fair I have been working on for months now.  I need to follow up on two deals that should be closing this week. Was vacation worth all this?  Absolutely!!!  

Although I try to take time each day for the most important people in my life, my family, I have not taken a vacation in years that I really did no work.  I usually have my laptop running at least a few times during the vacation and have to follow up on messages received.  Well I did not have any fires that needed to be put out and I could not get wifi at the hotel without a fee I did not want to pay so I did not do it.  I enjoyed Disney World with my family and watched my daughters dance at the Magic Kingdom, (I will post a congratulations and pics later this week on this.)  I just want to say to all of you, you need to do this once in a while!!  The world will not end if you give yourself the time you and your family need.  

Hope you all have a great week and that you will take time for your family as often as you can.  
Keep Smiling and Keep Selling!
I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy!

House Search

 

Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley

Paddy Pizappi, Associate Broker for Buyer Representation
 RJ Smith Realty - A Real Estate Solutions Company
Serving the Greater Hudson Valley of New York
from Pine Bush, NY at the corner of Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan Counties
Call or Text to 845-800-7086

Get Started With Your Own Rainmaker Blog Today Click Here To Ask Me How

Subscribe to Hudson Valley Happenings With Paddy Pizappi via RSS feed 

14 comments • Paddy Pizappi PineBush & Hudson Valley NY Real Estate • April 28 2008 06:45AM

First Time Homebuyer Alternative To The Fixer Upper Handyman Special

There has been a lot of activity on my blog recently from first time home buyers looking for a fixer upper.  I thinkHouse with red roof that what many of them are looking for is really a less expensive way to achieve homeownership. One alternative to buying a house that needs major work is to buy a two family home and live in one apartment while you rent the other.  Many potential buyers are surprised that most of the rental income can be counted towards qualifying for a mortgage amount higher than you could get based on your income alone.  This can allow you to look for a house in better condition or in a more desirable area.  

While you may say that you are buying a house to get out of an apartment, it is quite different and much more rewarding to receive a monthly rent check and use it to help to pay for your housing expenses rather than writing a check to the landlord.  There are tax advantages and many programs available to help owners of these types of properties with home improvements through grants and low cost loans.  It is a great stepping stone that can be one stop in the journey towards your "Dream House".  After you have had a chance to save more or your income increases you can either sell the multi family unit to trade up to a single family or keep the multi as an investment property.  A good real estate agent can help you to make the transition when you are ready to move on.  

I hope that you will consider this alternative.  Believe me living in a handyman house can be a lot more uncomfortable and cost a lot more than you anticipate.  I have lived in both and the two family was a lot less stressful than the rehab. Think about looking at a few multi family units during your search and speak with your Buyer's Agent about the pros and cons of buying and managing an owner occupied multi family house.

If you are looking for a house in the Greater Hudson Valley of NY I would be pleased to speak with you regarding great entry level housing whether you think you want a fixer upper, a multi family unit, or anything else.  If you are looking elsewhere I will find you an agent in your area that can help you.  I look forward to helping you start your home ownership journey.


   
I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy!

House Search

 

Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley

Paddy Pizappi, Associate Broker for Buyer Representation
 RJ Smith Realty - A Real Estate Solutions Company
Serving the Greater Hudson Valley of New York
from Pine Bush, NY at the corner of Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan Counties
Call or Text to 845-800-7086

Get Started With Your Own Rainmaker Blog Today Click Here To Ask Me How

Subscribe to Hudson Valley Happenings With Paddy Pizappi via RSS feed 

6 comments • Paddy Pizappi PineBush & Hudson Valley NY Real Estate • April 18 2008 06:48AM

The Key To Getting The House You Want

        One of most stressful times in the house hunting process is when you are preparing your offer for a property.  I have gone through many negotiations and try to help my buyer clients to prepare the best offer that they can give.

    While we all want to feel we have gotten a bargain the truth of the matter is no one is going to give away their property.  The sellers had at least one, if not more, real estate professionals helping them to price the house to sell.  While some sellers are still listing their houses above market value, most of them are now realizing that they need to price the property realistically.  What you, as the buyer, need is a real estate professional to help you determine the market value of a house before you make your offer so that you can make an offer that is attractive enough for the seller to respond to but does not have you paying too much for the property.

    Some buyers want to come in with an offer that takes the asking price and subtracts all the repairs that they feel the property needs and even some of the improvements they want to make for their own comfort.  While some owners are not pricing the house with repairs in mind, most are advised by their agents to either fix major issues or price the house at less than market value for the property if it was in perfect condition. Again working with a buyer's agent can help you to determine whether the house was priced to sell in it's current condition or if the owner's are hoping someone won't notice the problems and offer them more than the house is worth.

    Many buyers don't realize that their first offer sets the tone for the rest of the negotiations.  You need to put your best foot forward and present the best terms you can in your offer.  You should not make your first offer your highest and best, unless your agent warns you that the property is really active and will sell quickly at the listed price.  On the other hand you do not want to make your offer so low as to insult a seller who has realistically priced their property.  Again you need to depend on your agent to advise you on the situation.  

    The bad news is that I have seen people who really wanted a house lose it to another buyer for a few thousand dollars.  In terms of a 30 year mortgage at 6.5% an extra thousand in your offer adds about $6.50 to your monthly payment.  It is rarely worth this small amount to miss out on a house that you want.  

    The bottom line is that you need to have a buyer's agent who is experienced in negotiations and knows the current market on your side.  How else will you be able to avoid costly mistakes?  The key to negotiating successfully is to have the best information and making an informed decision.

    Good luck as you search for your new home.  If you are looking in the Great Hudson Valley of NY I would love to be your buyer's agent.  If you are looking elsewhere I can help you find an agent who will help you where you want to be.  I'm just call or email away.

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy!

House Search

 

Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley

Paddy Pizappi, Associate Broker for Buyer Representation
 RJ Smith Realty - A Real Estate Solutions Company
Serving the Greater Hudson Valley of New York
from Pine Bush, NY at the corner of Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan Counties
Call or Text to 845-800-7086

Get Started With Your Own Rainmaker Blog Today Click Here To Ask Me How

Subscribe to Hudson Valley Happenings With Paddy Pizappi via RSS feed 

4 comments • Paddy Pizappi PineBush & Hudson Valley NY Real Estate • April 16 2008 06:24AM

Spring Comes to The Greater Hudson Valley NY

Flowers by the Well

Flowers by the well

 

I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy!

House Search

 

Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley

Paddy Pizappi, Associate Broker for Buyer Representation
 RJ Smith Realty - A Real Estate Solutions Company
Serving the Greater Hudson Valley of New York
from Pine Bush, NY at the corner of Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan Counties
Call or Text to 845-800-7086

Get Started With Your Own Rainmaker Blog Today Click Here To Ask Me How

Subscribe to Hudson Valley Happenings With Paddy Pizappi via RSS feed 

5 comments • Paddy Pizappi PineBush & Hudson Valley NY Real Estate • April 15 2008 05:35AM

Home Buyer - Who's Got Your Back?

So you have decided to buy a house.  It will be one of the most expensive purchases you are likely to make and not something that you will do often unless you become a real estate investor.  Doesn't it make sense to make to find an expert who can help you through the process?  Would you trust that your best interests are being looked after if you used the attorney hired by a person who was suing you?  No, you would want an expert on your side.

My suggestion is to start your home search with an agent search.  A good buyer's agent will help you with the whole process.  They can provide you with a step by step guide, offer you names of service providers that have excellent reputations and are reliable, and be your source of information and support during your search.

How can you find a good buyer's agent?  First start be asking your friends or relatives about their recent experiences with real estate agents.  They may have an excellent agent to refer you to.  You can then check out sources on the Internet, looking especially for agents who offer you testimonials of buyer agent services. Once you have a few agents you think will work with you, call them up to interview them over the phone.  If they seem like your type of agent then go ahead and meet them.  You will know when the agent is right because you will feel comfortable with their style and personality as well as with their record.     

It is a nerve racking experience to go forward where you have never stepped before but with the right buyer's agent you can step out with confidence that someone is guiding you on a path towards a great new place and will be watching your back in case there is a stumble on the way.

If you are looking for a house in the Greater Hudson Valley of New York I would love to take your call to tell you how much I can do for you.  I look forward to hearing from you.  I will be happy to speak with you no matter where you are looking for your new place and I will find you an agent who you can trust to watch your back in your area.
I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy!

House Search

 

Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley

Paddy Pizappi, Associate Broker for Buyer Representation
 RJ Smith Realty - A Real Estate Solutions Company
Serving the Greater Hudson Valley of New York
from Pine Bush, NY at the corner of Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan Counties
Call or Text to 845-800-7086

Get Started With Your Own Rainmaker Blog Today Click Here To Ask Me How

Subscribe to Hudson Valley Happenings With Paddy Pizappi via RSS feed 

3 comments • Paddy Pizappi PineBush & Hudson Valley NY Real Estate • April 13 2008 09:52AM

Have Some Fun With Me While Looking For Your New Property

It is so nice when we are recognized for our service.  Here is a recent thank you received from one of my Buyer Clients in the Greater Hudson Valley.  In Joe's case we started looking at houses in a remote secluded location and ended up in a totally different location that provided him with the peace and solitude he sought while keeping him close to the action in the revitalized Newburgh area.

"I was very pleased with the exceptional service Paddy provided. This was my first home and I had particular qualities in a house that I was looking for. Paddy was very patient and attentive to my needs. She was easy going and I never felt that she was being pushy. She offered her expertise and I am confident that she was looking out for my best interests. Despite the stress that goes into the home purchasing experience, it needs to be fun as well. Paddy and I had fun reviewing and critiquing properties. I highly recommend Paddy should anyone need a buyer's agent."

                                                                                Joe B, Highland NY

If you are looking for property anywhere in the Greater Hudson Valley of NY I would love to help you sort through the choices.  If you are looking elswhere I would be happy to refer you to an agent that will help you there.
I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy!

House Search

 

Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley

Paddy Pizappi, Associate Broker for Buyer Representation
 RJ Smith Realty - A Real Estate Solutions Company
Serving the Greater Hudson Valley of New York
from Pine Bush, NY at the corner of Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan Counties
Call or Text to 845-800-7086

Get Started With Your Own Rainmaker Blog Today Click Here To Ask Me How

Subscribe to Hudson Valley Happenings With Paddy Pizappi via RSS feed 

5 comments • Paddy Pizappi PineBush & Hudson Valley NY Real Estate • April 11 2008 09:16AM

First Time Home Buyer Beware Of Helpful Hints

House for saleA first time home buyer gets a lot of information and advice handed to them as soon as they announce that they are ready to start looking for a house.  They have parents, other relatives, friends, coworkers, and even people they don't know providing "helpful hints" and "war stories" of house buying problems.  These people all mean well but they can add extra stress and create problems for the hopeful buyers.

When you start looking for a home you normally search the Internet for houses in your price range in the area you would like to move to.  While it is nice to ask people what they think about particular location remember that you are the ones who will be living there so do your own research and trust your instincts and knowledge while considering what they are saying.

When you have finally found "THE HOUSE" don't be surprised if your friends and relatives are not as excited about it as you are. Remember that they have not looked at the many houses that you rejected in the price range and may not have a realistic picture of what you can afford.  So many times I have seen people walk away from a perfectly good house because a parent or other "helper" finds the house lacking.  Of course we all want the best for our friends and family but unless you have seen the rest you can't judge the best.

Using a friend or relative as a home inspector or attorney can also cause problems.  It is important to use service providers familiar with local conditions and practices.  Using someone who while qualified  for the job does not practice in the area you are buying in can create it's own set of problems.

So what should you as the first time home buyer do with all this advise?  Thank the person for their concerns and then speak with an expert in real estate.  Hire a Buyer's Agent" to help you. Working with a Buyer's Agent puts you one step ahead of other home buyer's because you have someone who will provide you with experienced help while you search for your property, when you find the house you want to make an offer on, after your offer is accepted with assistance in finding the services you need to help you as you move towards buying your place, and be with you right through to the closing and beyond.  
If you are looking for real estate in the Greater Hudson Valley of New York (Orange, Ulster, or Sullivan Counties) 
I would love to help you in your search. If you are looking anywhere else I would be happy to refer you to an agent who will help you.  




 
I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy!

House Search

 

Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley

Paddy Pizappi, Associate Broker for Buyer Representation
 RJ Smith Realty - A Real Estate Solutions Company
Serving the Greater Hudson Valley of New York
from Pine Bush, NY at the corner of Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan Counties
Call or Text to 845-800-7086

Get Started With Your Own Rainmaker Blog Today Click Here To Ask Me How

Subscribe to Hudson Valley Happenings With Paddy Pizappi via RSS feed 

3 comments • Paddy Pizappi PineBush & Hudson Valley NY Real Estate • April 09 2008 06:52AM

You Want To Buy What???

Does it makes sense?  One of the responsibilities of a buyer's agent through the fiduciary relationship is to be looking out for the buyer's best interest.  

Often buyers will come to me asking about properties that may not be the best choice for them.  Whether it is a house that is priced higher than it should be, or worse, a house that will not be affordable in the end due to the buyer's lifestyle or future income potential.  It could be an investment property that will not make enough to support itself let alone make the investor money.  It might be the quality of the building in general especially if it has been "renovated" by someone who did not do the best work and cut corners on materials.  

When a buyer wants to buy a property that is all wrong for them, we can point the problems and hope to point them in another direction.  Sometimes that can be difficult because the buyer already has connected with the house for whatever reason.  I will do my best to talk them out of the deal if need be because I would want someone to do that for me if I were the buyer.  

Does that make me a bad sales agent?  Perhaps, but it allows me to sleep at night and forms a bond with the buyers who come to appreciate my caring approach.  It is not about this one deal but a future relationship, future referrals, and good will.

So the next time you are scratching your head and wondering what you should do about a buyer client who seems determined to make a mistake just ask yourself if it makes sense and make your best effort to save them from themselves.



 
I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy!

House Search

 

Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley

Paddy Pizappi, Associate Broker for Buyer Representation
 RJ Smith Realty - A Real Estate Solutions Company
Serving the Greater Hudson Valley of New York
from Pine Bush, NY at the corner of Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan Counties
Call or Text to 845-800-7086

Get Started With Your Own Rainmaker Blog Today Click Here To Ask Me How

Subscribe to Hudson Valley Happenings With Paddy Pizappi via RSS feed 

5 comments • Paddy Pizappi PineBush & Hudson Valley NY Real Estate • April 02 2008 04:23PM