Paddy's Blog

But the Listing is STILL ACTIVE!

Fri, 06 Jan 2017 10:20:22 -0800

The listing still says active but you are telling me it has an accepted offer. Why? When a buyer is looking at listings that say they are active they are often surprised to find out from me that the listing has an accepted offer. Why is it still showing as active and can I still see it are the common questions I get after telling them of the offer. The listings in our MLS show as active until both the buyer and seller have signed an attorney approved contract which can take a month or more after acceptance. A buyer will often do home inspections prior to signing contracts then contracts are prepared by the sellers attorney. The contracts are sent to the buyer’s attorney who will review them and then have the buyer sign them. They are then returned to the seller’s attorney along with a deposit check and the seller’s attorney will then have the seller sign the contracts. Only after all of these steps will the listing be changed to under contract and no longer show as active. The question is “Do you want to see this property for back up?” Now while many offers do fall through I will always remind a buyer I am working with that many do go through and I truly hate to see someone fall in love with a house that they can’t have. Buying a home is an emotional journey and adding the stress of waiting to see if another deal goes through on “your perfect house” adds even more stress to the mix. I will show for back up if it seems that the currently accepted offer is very shaky or has a major contingency on it but my buyer will go into that house knowing they may not be able to buy it. I know that in some MLS systems the listing agents have the option of putting the home in a pending or pending with contingencies but many do not. It is helpful to find yourself a buyer’s agent who can sort through the listings and ask the questions for you. Please let me know if I can help you or someone you know here or anywhere you want to be. Good luck with your search for a new home! I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

One Stop Home Shopping

Tue, 03 Jan 2017 12:00:59 -0800

One Stop Home Shopping… It has a lot of advantages and I can offer you a variety of options to get things done through our affiliated companies of Hudson United Mortgage, Hudson United Insurance, and Hudson United Title Services. By starting your search off with me as your Buyer’s Agent we can work with our affiliates to insure a smooth purchase. Do you know why this is important? Because many buyers are disappointed when they fail to purchase the home they wanted due to lack of follow through by their agent , a break-down in communication between the people you have working for you, and lack of attention to their needs by a service provider. Unfortunately I see these types of things happen all the time. You can insure a better search and purchase process by choosing to work with an experienced buyer’s agent as part of your buying team. A buyer’s agent will have your best interests at heart. The listing agent is looking out for the seller’s best interest. I have worked with many buyers and have helped more than 60 of those buyers purchase the property they want. I know how to push the deal through. By working with a mortgage broker like Hudson United Mortgage you have the advantage of working with experienced mortgage professionals who have access to many different lenders. Working with a mortgage broker allows them to match the best program for your individual needs. If you work with a mortgage bank they will be limited to the programs offered by that bank only. It is truly amazing what a difference this can make to you as a buyer. Our affiliates work as hard as I do to get your mortgage through and I will have an open line of communication with them. I can’t tell you how many times I have been unable to reach my buyer’s lenders in a timely manner. When you shop for insurance for your new home you may call many sources but when you work with a Hudson United Insurance Agent you will get extremely prompt service and that can be invaluable in avoiding a hold up when it is time to close your sale. They have saved some of my buyer clients a lot of money for superior coverage as well. Using our affiliates at Hudson United Title can also help to move the deal along. There have been so many times over the years that a purchase has been held up because the title work was not completed when it was needed. Most often title work is ordered by your attorney. We can ask them to use Hudson United Title or I can provide you with a list of attorneys who have agreed to use the service. So you might ask if you have to use all of these services to work with me? No I am happy to try to work with any service provider you choose but it will make it easier for me to handle all the issues that may arise during the time between offer and closing if you choose One Stop Home Shopping with Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty and the affiliates of Hudson United. I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

A Letter to You All on the Morning After

Wed, 09 Nov 2016 02:34:11 -0800

I know many of you are reeling from the results of the election. Here is my advice for us all.A letter to my children, my friends, my country, and my world,Please don’t be afraid. No matter what you may believe as a result of being inundated with rhetoric during this very difficult election campaign we will wake up this morning and we will still have our family, our friends and our lives. This morning we will all get up (some might not get up too early after watching the results late into the night) and we will go on. We will live through this change and given a chance we will prosper. Please don’t give up hope.I have lived long enough to know that one of the techniques used during any election to sway our opinions is fear. Unfortunately this particular election cycle seemed to be more based on negativity and it aroused more fears in more people because of it. I assure you all that whatever you believe based on this negativity, the election our new President Elect will not be the beginning of the end. This man was elected by people of every gender, race, religion, economic status, and age group. People saw in him the change they want to see in the way this country has been run or they saw in him what they could not see in her. I am hopeful it will be the beginning of a new chapter which will make our country stronger.This morning I woke up and listened to President Elect Trump’s speech. He started out congratulating Secretary Clinton on her service and hard fought campaign. Then he said the following words… “Now it’s time for America to bind the wounds of division; have to get together. To all Republicans and Democrats and independents across this nation, I say it is time for us to come together as one united people. It’s time. I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all Americans, and this is so important to me. . . . I’m reaching out to you for your guidance and your help so that we can work together and unify our great country.” He went on to speak of his plans and hopes for this country and ended with “and I love this country” He sounded very presidential.He now has his four years to prove that he has the plan that will help all Americans. If he doesn’t we will let him know in the next election. Let’s move on from the negativity and celebrate that we still live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.Sending out hugs to all of you.I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

WHAT??? You No Longer Own The House But You Still Owe The Debt.

Wed, 02 Nov 2016 03:06:30 -0700

I am not a lawyer and can not offer legal advise to you but I can offer practical knowledge about a common misconception about "turning the house over" to your ex spouse. Over the course of my 15 year career as a Realtor I have seen far too many people who believe that signing a quit claim deed over to your ex will relieve you of the obligation you have to pay the mortgage. As you walk away from the house don't forget to have your ex refinance in their own name or you are in for a big surprise down the road.The problem will become evident if you try to buy another home and apply for a mortgage. It will show up on your credit report as outstanding debt or worse, if the ex stopped paying the mortgage, you will have collections after you. This a a serious consideration to speak with your divorce attorney about.I am here to help with any real estate related questions you may have on this or any other subject. , I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

Smokers Are Not A Protected Class - Often Asked Rental Question

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 02:20:16 -0800

Many landlords are saying NO to smokers in their buildings these days. Some municipalities have banned smoking in common areas and even in individual units but it is the right of the landlord to protect his property from smoke damage and to protect his other tenants from second hand smoke. These bans include both cigarette and electronic cigarette smoking. Recently I have been contacted by tenants who want to know why they are being discriminated against. I simply tell them that it is not discrimination but decision the landlord has made to improve the quality of life for their tenants and to make renting their properties easier. The carcinogens present in smoke do travel through walls and venting systems to infiltrate other apartments in multi family dwellings. In the interest of the health of all tenants it is best to take your smoking habit out and away from of the rental. Clean up after a smoker moves out of an apartment is more time consuming and expensive than that of a non smoker. The walls and flooring all become coated with smoke residue which must be cleaned away before the rental will be ready to show and rent to new tenants. In conclusion, it is your right to smoke if you choose to do it but a landlord has every right to tell you that you can’t smoke in or on his property. Please understand and respect that right.I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

Raising From The Ashes - Lessons In Recovery

Sat, 31 Oct 2015 10:54:40 -0700

Last January I started a journey that I never expected to take. I recieved a call from my tenant in New Paltz, NY saying that the house was on fire. The shock I felt when I saw the house after racing from my home to see it can not fully be described. My tenant had lost everything and the insurance company determined that the electrical fire had caused a total loss. The first lesson I learned was to be thankful that my rental property was insured properly as a rental property. Without a landlord policy the rented status at the time of the fire would have caused the claim to be denied. If you are renting a property you need to make sure it is insured as a rental. Don't take chances. The second lesson learned was to put my trust in a recommended Licensed Public Adjuster. I thank my PA David Catanzaro of Dalan Adjustment for all of his help in working through the insurance claim process. If you are ever faced with a fire or flood please do yourself a favor and find a good public adjuster to help you. They are paid out of your claim but I believe using our adjuster resulted in less stress and a higher selttlement amount then we would have gotten if we had tried to settle on our own.Many lessons were learned during the renovation process but we have finally come to the end of the road and have out new Certificate of Occupancy from the town of New Paltz. I am really proud of results of our labors. Now the house is ready for a new owner.I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

Like New Ranch Home For Sale In New Paltz NY

Fri, 30 Oct 2015 12:51:05 -0700

Search Current Inventory of Homes For Sale In New Paltz NYListing Details122 North Putt Corners Road New Paltz, NY 1261Price: $249,000MLS# 4547700Bedrooms: 3Bathrooms:2Square Footage: 1120Call Agent Paddy Pizappi for availablity and to schedule a showing 845-800-7086This is the house you have been waiting for. Close to commuter routes and less than 2 miles to the village of New Paltz. Energy efficient log siding that adds a lot of R value. Completely renovated with shiny new hardwood floors. New kitchen has stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a subway tile backsplash with glass tile accent, and hardwood flooring. There's a nice dining space that is open to the kitchen and living room. Brand new hall bathroom with a shower stall, marble top vanity, and ceramic tile floors. In the master bedroom you'll find hardwood floors and a master bath with double sinks and subway tile surrounding the bathtub. The two other bedrooms have hardwood flooring as well. There is a full unfinished basement with bilco door walkout and over 2 acres of land. For additional pictures of this renovated ranch home click hereLocated in the Town of New Paltz this home is just minutes from the New York Thruway and less than 2 hours to New York City. The Village of New Paltz with it's elcectic mix of shops and restaurants is a short distance away and the State University of New York at New Paltz is just 2 miles away. I look forward to helping you to see this or other New Palz NY area homes. Call me today to set up a showing. I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

Join Me To Learn All About Buying A Home In The Hudson Valley Of NY

Sat, 11 Apr 2015 01:00:01 -0700

Are you or is someone you know thinking about buying a home in this part of New York State? I am excited to announce a wonderful seminar that will provide a potential homebuyer with an overview of the home buying process in our area of New York. Set asside Wednesday April 22This seminar is being sposored by Walden Savings Bank but you don't have to be a customer of the bank to attend. You will her from a mortgage lender, a real estate attorney, a home inspector, and a Buyer's Real Estate Associate Broker about the home buying process in the Hudson Valley of New York. I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

Do You Have A Vacant House For Sale This Winter?

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 05:07:53 -0800

Do you have a house on the market during this cold and snowy winter? If you do and it is vacant you should be prepared to pay for snow removal. It is absolutely essential you keep your driveway and sidewalks cleared of snow. As a Real Estate Buyer’s Agent I have been surprised at many listings over the years that have not been cleared. In some cases my buyer clients and I have lumbered over the snow piles to view the home and in others there was literally no place safe to park near to the house and we have had to skip it. Having buyers miss seeing your listing is throwing away a possible sale. Even if we do get into the house the impression of this property is marred by the problem snow filled entrance and will make the buyers feel the house is worth less. When you are selling you want the property to feel inviting and warm not cold and uncared for. If you absolutely cannot afford to pay for snow removal perhaps you should take the home off the market until Spring when you won’t have to deal with it. One note you should be aware of is that if a property has a fire and the fire department cannot get to the house to fight the fire your insurance company may not cover your loss. You should speak to your insurance agent about this especially if the house is vacant for an extended period of time. I wish you luck with the sale of your house and hope the pathway is clear for me or another agent to bring a buyer in to see it. I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

So You Have Decided To Rent Your Home

Mon, 16 Feb 2015 00:54:30 -0800

There have been many people who can’t or don’t want to sell their current property but want to move on. Becoming a landlord can be a great move for many but you must take care to do things the right way or trouble can follow. First, if you have a mortgage on your current home , you will need to check your mortgage documents. There are mortgages that require owner occupancy. They may require you to live in the home for a certain number of years after purchase. It is possible that they will not allow you to move away from the home without refinancing. It is important to look into this to avoid a headache later on. Next, you will need to obtain a landlord insurance policy for the property. Many homeowners turned landlord think that their current homeowner’s policy will cover them but it will not. Landlord policies may run a bit higher than homeowner’s policies but it is extremely important to have the right coverage. You don’t want to have a fire or other damage in your rental and have your claim denied because you were not the occupant of the property. My recent experience with a major fire in my rental property proves that the correct coverage is vital to protect your investment in the property. Now you will need to determine the amount to charge for your rental. It would be nice if we could just charge our expenses (mortgage, insurance, taxes) plus some income and find a tenant willing to pay that but you really need to check the current market values in your area. The best way to determine this value is through a Realtor. Realtors have access to information on recently rented properties and can compare your property to others that have rented. Most Realtors will provide you with a market value if you consider hiring them to find your tenant. Of course you can do this on your own but with a Realtor you will get many more advantages beyond pricing. In my area Real Estate Agents can list a property on the MLS. In some locations there are specific Real Estate Agents that handle only rentals. Whatever the situation where you live agents will usually expect a fee to be split between the listing agent and the agent that brings in the tenant. The fee can be paid fully by you as the landlord, split between you and your new tenant, or paid fully by the tenant. Your agent will explain the fee and each of these options to you. Your agent will arrange for showings of the rental, will run and/or review credit checks and applications on the prospective tenants, and can help with checking references if you want them to. This will hopefully give you a degree of confidence that you are finding a tenant that will respect your property. Of course there are never any guarantees but using a professional to find a tenant is better than going it alone. There are many scam artists out there and you could end up in a dangerous situation if you are not careful. I hope you find this information helpful and makes your decision about whether to rent your property or not a bit easier. Please contact me for more information on representation for your rental needs as a prospective landlord or tenant. I can also help you with finding your next property to buy.I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

"Not So Good. The House Is On Fire"

Mon, 09 Feb 2015 00:47:43 -0800

It has been a few weeks since the fire and now I am finally able to talk about it. There is so much to learn from having a major fire in a house you own. When that property is a rental house there is even more. I am thankful that my tenant and his young daughter were not home at the time of the fire but I am so sorry that their dog perished due to the smoke and heat from the fire. This will be the first in a series of several blogs to help others who have fires or other damage to their own home or a rental property. Today is the story of the fire. I was driving home from my office when my tenant called. I greeted him with my normal cheerful hello and how are you? His answer… “Not so good. The house is on fire.” My heart sank as he went on to say that the fire department was on the way but he could not get in to get his dog out. I was still hoping the fire would not be so bad but his description started to bash that hope. I went home and pulled out my insurance policy on the house and headed for the house. It was the longest half hour of my life driving there. I got there as they were cleaning up and was immediately ushered into the Arson Van. “Oh my goodness, could someone actually believe this was arson?” Luckly the investigator was great and after filling out forms and providing insurance and mortgage information I was able to go inside the house with the fire chief to see the damage. The fire department had done an excellent job of containing the fire but the damage was still extensive inside. The fire had originated in or near the electrical panel and burnt that up completely. The fire burned up through the floor into the living room and dining room. The actual burn stopped there but the smoke and traffic through the rest of the house ended up being a total loss. There is nothing worse than the feeling you get when a major fire occurs in your house. For weeks after I have experienced fear as I leave my own home and worry over other rental properties I have. I will leave off today with a few pictures of the fire. I future blogs I will discuss insurance, working with an adjuster, and other related lessons learned in my journey so far. There is still a full rebuild to go through as well so stay tuned. I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

I Hear Interest Rates Are Down This Week

Thu, 08 Jan 2015 01:05:00 -0800

I hear Mortgage Rates are down this week. Are you thinking of buying a home in 2015? One of the best things you can do to get your house search on track is find a great buyer’s agent. Sure you can spend your time calling up the listing agent on each individual listing you find as you search but when you look at a home through a listing agent that agent cannot possibly give you undivided loyalty. They are working for the seller first and cannot provide you with all of the information needed to make an informed decision about value, assistance with your offer amount, and other terms up for negotiation. By finding a buyer’s agent first you will be able to get from them lists of professionals who will help with other aspects of your home search. Your real estate buyer’s agent can assist you with finding a lender who can tell you how much house you can qualify to buy and who can offer information on how to clear up any issues you may face when applying for a mortgage loan. It is extremely important to know how much you can afford. The lender should not only tell you how much you qualify for but also the monthly payment that will include taxes and insurance payments. I have worked with many buyers who found out too late that the price range they were looking in was too high for their own comfort. The real estate buyer’s agent will help you with finding potential homes to view, setting up viewings, and walking through the houses with you to point out things that might influence your decision that you might otherwise miss. They will help you sort through your choices and determine what to offer on the house you wish to buy. They are experienced in representing buyers in negotiations to press for your best interests. Once you have an accepted offer they will help you find inspectors, attorneys, and other professionals who will be needed to bring you home to your new place. If you or someone you know is looking to purchase real estate in the Greater Hudson Valley or Lower Catskill region of New York in Orange, Ulster, or Sullivan Counties please give me a call and let me be your Real Estate Buyer's Agent. If you are looking anywhere else on earth, give me a call and I will find them a great Real Estate Buyer's Agent where ever they are looking.I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

New York's Colorful Fall

Fri, 03 Oct 2014 02:38:02 -0700

Fall Colors in the Hudson Valley and lower Catskill region of New York are at thier peek. Don't miss the display. I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

New York Home Owners Don't Let You STAR Tax Exemption Lapse

Sun, 15 Dec 2013 09:45:41 -0800

Warning NY Home Owners Must Reregister For The STAR Tax Exemption By Dec 31st! This is just a reminder to all of you who have put off the STAR registration process for another time. Well time is running out and if you don't complete the registration process by the last day of this month you will be paying more for your school taxes next year. The basic STAR program exempts the first $30000 of value from school taxes for homeowners in owner occupied properities with a combined income of less than $500000 a year. In the past homeowners applied for this exemption during the first year they owned their home. To try to combat abuse of the system the legislature passed a law that requires a reregistration by December 31, 2013. That is only a few days away! It is simple to register at the New York Deptartment of Taxation and Finance website. I urge you to do it right now. Don't put it off or you will be paying more school tax next year and who needs that? I hope you found this helpful. If you have any questions about this or any real estate matter don't hesitate to ask me. If I don't know the answer I will find someone who does and get you the information you need. I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

Come Visit The Hudson Valley and see if it is the place for your new place.

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:39:52 -0700

Every day the signs of Spring in the Hudson Valley of New York are revealing themselves. I see the tender buds on the trees in pretty shades of red and light bright green. Flowers are starting to open and spread color across the landscape. It is a great time to come visit my neck of the woods and see if it might be the place for your new home. We have year round full time homes in great commuting distance to New York City. We have many options for weekend and vacation home too. Why not come out for a visit? If you like what you see I would love to help you find your new place. Call me for suggestions on accommodations and places to see that will match your wants and needs. I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

Who Is This "Guy I Know" Anyway?

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 07:01:04 -0700

It always surprizes me to learn that the musings of "some guy" mean more than pricing information that is backed by current sold information with an eye on current condition. I have been a Realtor for more than a decade and I have yet to meet the guy. This is the guy who knows all about real estate and told my buyer or seller what the property was worth. Oh he knows all about the area, the current value of the houses, and just about everything else about real estate. Wait that's my job, isn't it? As your agent I am working for you and have done all the research to give you what my education and experience tell me is the best pricing information. The banks are going to use the same information that I do to appraise the property when a mortgage is applied for. Even a cash buyers is most likely going to have the property appraised so that they can insure they are getting value for thier money. Appraisers don't listen to "some guy" either. Do yourself a favor and find a Real Estate professional to help you decide what a property is worth. The "Guy you know" might stear you in the wrong direction. I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

Spring is about to bust out all over the Hudson Valley

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:23:38 -0700

I am waiting patiently to see these buds on the trees turn into tender leaves and usher Spring into our area. If you are waiting for the Spring Market in real estate to get started let me tell you it is already here! The interest rates are still really low and the prices on homes are still great so... what are you waiting for? I would love to speak with you about making this Spring the season for change for you. Are you interested in finding out the value of your house in todays market? Would you like to start the search for your first house or spring into a new home this year? Give me a call or drop me a note and I will be happy to help you with your needs. I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

New York Homeowner's Do You Have Your STAR - Save On School Taxes

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 09:44:01 -0800

New York Residents..... Have you filed for a STAR exemption on your primary residence? I have been doing a little research in my neighborhood and found that there are quite a few houses that are not claiming a STAR exemption. If you are the owner of a home that is your primary residence and the combined yearly income of the owners and spouse(s) who live there does not exceed $500,000 you should be claiming some relief on your School Tax Bill. Some people it seems are unaware of the savings which can range from around $700 to $900 per year depending on the tax rate in your town. Savings for Senior Citizens under the Enhanced STAR Program are even higher Information on STAR as quoted from NYState form RP-425 "The New York State School Tax Relief (STAR) Program provides an exemption from school taxes for owner-occupied, primary residences where the combined 2010 income of the owners and spouses who reside on the property does not exceed $500,000. Senior citizens with combined 2010 incomes that do not exceed $79,050 may qualify for a larger “Enhanced” exemption. Senior citizens who wish to continue receiving Enhanced STAR in future years without having to reapply and submit copies of their tax returns to their assessor every year are invited to sign up for the STAR Income Verification Program. Please see Form RP-425-IVP for more information. Seniors who do not choose to enroll in the income verification program must reapply each year to keep the Enhanced exemption in effect. If you are receiving the “Basic” exemption, you usually do not need to reapply in subsequent years, but you must notify the assessor if your primary residence changes and must provide income documentation when requested." In most areas the deadline for application is March 1st so don't hesitate. How do you know if you have your STAR? Check on your last school tax bill, with your local tax assessor, or you can give me a call and I will check it out for you. I can also give you an idea of the current market value of your home, help you list and sell it, or help you or someone you know search for a new home. I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

Why Would You Go It Alone?

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:51:29 -0800

Are you searching for a house "on your own"? Today we have so much information available on line it is possible for you to find all the listings in your area of choice, call the listing office for each listing that interests you, arrange for a showing by the listing agent, and put in your offer directly with the agent who listed the property. Do you think you will save money and time by doing this? Well in most cases this won't save you a penny and actually cost you time and money. Did you know that when you look at a house with the listing agent they are looking out for the seller's best interests? It would be so much better for you to have your own agent, a Reat Estate Buyer's Agent, to help you through. Your Real Estate Buyer's Agent will help you to sort through all of the listings that meet your basic criteria and help you to narrow down your list of potential homes to those most likely to fit your needs (and hopefully some of your wishes as well). The Real Estate Buyer's Agent will then check for availability on the houses on your list and arrange for you to view them together. The Real Estate Buyer's Agent has an experienced eye and will help you to see more in the houses than you might otherwise see on your own. Once you have decided on a house you want to buy, your Real Estate Buyer's Agent will find you comparable homes that have sold in the area that will help you determine what the range for your initial offer should be and then help you to negotiate with the Seller and the Seller's Agent to get the best price possible for the house. After you have an accepted offer your Real Estate Buyer's Agent will help you with names of home inspectors and scheduling the home inspection. If there are any unforeseen issues that come up in inspection the Real Estate Buyer's Agent will help you make sense of them and if indicated help to renegotiate for repairs or a price reduction. The Real Estate Buyer's Agent will then work with your attorney, bank, and any other parties needed to get you to the closing table and into your new home. Here's the best part... most often the Real Estate Buyer's Agent fee is already provided for in the listing contract. The Seller and Seller's Agent will have offered out a certain percentage of the total commission to a Real Estate Buyer's Agent. Occasionally the Real Estate Buyer's Agent will ask for some additional fee if the Seller has offered a low compensation but usually that can be negotiated through the offer or financed in with the full purchase price. So why are you going it on your own? Would you trust the attorney representing the opposing party in a lawsuit to represent you as well? Here you are contemplating spending more money than you have probably every spent before and you are letting someone else's best interests be represented above your own. If you or someone you know is looking to purchase real estate in the Greater Hudson Valley or Lower Catskill region of New York in Orange, Ulster, or Sullivan Counties please give me a call and let me be your Real Estate Buyer's Agent. If you are looking anywhere else on earth, give me a call and I will find them a great Real Estate Buyer's Agent where ever they are looking. I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

Houses Under $200,000 Are Easy To Find In The Pine Bush Area

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:37:55 -0800

Are you thinking about buying a new home? There are some great homes for sale out there at very reasonable prices. There are 82 homes available in the Pine Bush School District listed at $200,000 or less. As a matter of fact there are 33 houses priced at less than $150,000. Interest rates are lower than they have been in years but there are rumblings that that won't last much longer. Here are just a few examples. This 2 bedroom home on an acre is listed for just $158,000. It comes with a great back yard, a detached single car garage, and it was completely renovated just 6 years ago. This home offers a great opportunity for someone who wants a move in ready starter home or something to downsize into. Check out the full listing here or view on Realtor.com GHVMLS #518668 Another great opportunity priced at only $130,000 is this 2 bedroom country place also an acre. It has a nice wood stove to keep you warm on winter nights, a separate dining room, and new carpeting throughout. The full listing is here or you can view it on Realtor.com GHVMLS #519128. There are many more homes to see in the Pine Bush School District. Give me a call or send me a text or email and I will set up a special web page for you to organize your own search. I can also help with other areas in Orange, Ulster, or Sullivan Counties of New York. I will be happy to find you a great agent in any other location should you be searching elsewhere.I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

Have You Resolved To Buy A House In 2012? Keep Your Resolution Now

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 02:45:10 -0800

Happy New Year! Today is January 4, 2012. How are those New Year's resolutions going? Mine are going fairly well... a few bumps in getting the routine adjusted but I think I am on the road to success. My goals include taking care of me with exercise and good nutrition, taking care of my family with more focused scheduling, and finding and helping many more home buyers this year. Working with home buyers is my passion and any one of my clients will tell you that I will go the extra mile. So is one of your goals for this year to buy a new house? Do you have a friend or two who might be thinking about it? With the low prices and unbelievably low interest rates available right now is the perfect time to get started or renew your search. Get yourself moving before the Spring Market kicks in and you might just find house sellers to be more accommodating to offers. If they have the house on the market through the Winter they are probably very motivated to sell so get out there and start looking while the looking is good! If you are looking for a new home in Orange, Ulster, or Sullivan Counties of New York State I would love to help you get on the road to success in your search for the perfect place. As a Buyer's Agent I can set up a search web page for you, arrange for tours of homes you would like to see, and look at the homes with an experienced eye while looking out for your best interests. Please let me know what you are looking for in terms of housing and budget and I will send you your personal web-based search organizer today. If you are looking anywhere else give me a call or send an email and I will help you to find a great Real Estate Agent to assist you where you want to be. Looking forward to hearing from you and good luck with your search.I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

"All By Yourself" Is Not The Best Way To Look For A New House

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 07:13:36 -0800

Are you looking for a new home in New York? Like many of your fellow house hunters you are starting your search on line and that's a very good place to start. I encourage all my clients to spend time looking at information about the areas they are considering moving to and to look at the on line listings of houses to get a basic idea of the housing costs in the area. But have you ever bought a house before? If so, and you are thinking about moving again, I will bet it was a while ago. So when I suggest there are a lot of things you might not know about searching for and buying a house I don't think you will argue with me. Sure you can go from viewing those on line listings and call the listing agent to view the houses you like but there is a problem with that strategy, the listing agents job is to get the best possible offer for the sellers. They will not be looking out for your best interests. They won't be able to help you out with evaluating the house, comparing it to others on the market currently, or negotiating with the sellers to get they house for the lowest price with with best terms for you. What you need is a Buyer's Agent. In New York the Buyer's Agent is described on the the Agency Disclosure as " A buyer’s agent is an agent who is engaged by a buyer to represent the buyer’s interests. The buyer’s agent does this by negotiating the purchase of a home at a price and on terms acceptable to the buyer." If you are looking for a house in the Greater Hudson Valley or Lower Catskill region of New York I would love to help you in your search. As a Buyer's Agent I can set up a search web page for you, arrange for tours of homes you would like to see, and look at the homes with an experienced eye while looking out for your best interests. Please let me know what you are looking for in terms of housing and budget and I will send you your personal web-based search organizer today. Looking forward to hearing from you and good luck with your search. I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

Knowing Who's Who In The Real Estate World Part I

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:43:02 -0800

Happy New Year! What was your New Year's resolution? I have a few but one I intend to start working on right now is to make sure people who want to buy, sell, or rent a residential property understand what Agency is and how it can affect the home buying process. In New York every person who has contact with a Real Estate Salesperson or Broker regarding buying, selling, or renting property must be informed of the various ways Licensed Real Estate Professionals can work with them. In fact the Real Estate Salesperson or Broker is required by law to provide a written disclosure which explains all of the types of Agency and to have the customer or client sign this form at the first contact. There are separate forms for real estate sales and real estate rentals. I have been shocked this past year by the number of people who have either never seen the disclosure, let alone signed one or may have signed one but did not understand what they were signing. So when you meet with that Real Estate Agent for the first time make sure they explain who they are or hope to be working for and get the signed copy of that disclosure to hold along with your other paperwork. It is vital that each and every person understand that they have the right to have their own agent who is looking out for their best interests. The first thing that you need to understand is the meaning of Agency. An Agent enters into a fiduciary relationship with the Client and owes that Client reasonable care, undivided loyalty, confidentiality,full disclosure,obedience and duty to account. The Agent must do everything that they legally and ethically can to promote the Client's cause. An Agent can also work with a person as a Customer. To a Customer the Agent owes the following: (a) exercise reasonable skill and care in per-formance of the agent’s duties; (b) deal honestly, fairly and in good faith; and (c) disclose all facts known to the agent materially affecting the value or desirability of property, except as otherwise provided by law. As you can see as a person with little or no Real Estate experience you should be looking for an Agent to work with you as a Client. In New York State the options available to you when you work with Real Estate Professionals are to work with them as a Seller's or Landlord's Agent, as a Buyer's or Tenant's Agent, or in a Dual Agency relationship. I will review each of these types of Agency and how they effect the buyers and sellers or tenants and landlords in the world of NY Real Estate in a future post. If you are looking for a house in the Greater Hudson Valley or Lower Catskill region of New York I would love to help you in your search. As a buyer's agent I can set up a search web page for you, arrange for tours of homes you would like to see, and look at the homes with an experienced eye while looking out for your best interests. Please let me know what you are looking for in terms of housing and budget and I will send you your personal web-based search organizer today. Looking forward to hearing from you and good luck with your search. I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

Did You Say Short Sale????

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 02:28:38 -0800

Short Sales are on my mind these days. I have a great one listed here in Pine Bush and have had many requests to go out and look for short sale properties from buyers I have been working with too. Let's talk the reality of value on a short sale property. Many of the buyers that I work with are under the mistaken impression that they are going to get a fantastic bargain on short sales. Some, in fact, have told me that they only want to look at short sales or foreclosures so they can get the best possible value. Well the plain truth is that most short sales will sell at market value and the process can be long and frustrating for the buyer. WHAT??? Yes the term "short sale" is used when the current homeowners owe more on the property than they can sell it for in the current market. It means that the sellers are trying to get the bank to take less for the house than the remaining mortgage. Many people have heard that banks will take 20% - 30% less for short sale home as a rule of thumb. That does not mean 20% - 30% less than the current value of the home it means they might agree to settle with the sellers for 20% - 30 % less than the sellers currently owe the bank on the property. The bank is not inclined to give away property. They operate with the belief that they can complete the foreclosure process with all it's tax advantages for the bank and end up with as much or more value than if they let the short sale go through at a low price. I know it sounds crazy but it seems to be true. That being said you can get some great homes that are being offered as short sales. They are often better cared for than homes that have gone through the whole foreclosure process. They may even be as "perfect" as or even better than those houses offered on the market without the short sale contingency. You just need to have patience, the ability to wait longer to take possession, and the emotional fortitude to withstand possible failure even after months of waiting. Yes they have changed laws to make the process easier but it still may be a difficult road to travel. If you are interested in finding a perfect home for yourself in the Greater Hudson Valley of New York I would love to help you. If you are looking anywhere else in the world give me a call or send me an email so I can refer you to a great agent where you want to be. I'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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

Calling In All Favors Now - We Need Your Help - Help Clint Miller Have A Beer With Lance Armstrong

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:00:32 -0800

Please help our freind Clint get his wish. He and his family have been so inspirational to so many. Let's help him get his wish! I have shared some amazing real estate training tips and have changed many real estate agents businesses and careers. Right here on the rain, I've shared, coached and given away training as if I were wealthy..its just the way that I am but now I need to call some favors in...not for me.. I have my health, my free will and an incredible group of family and friends that support me. So if you read my blog, utilized the free listing presentation or gained anything from me, I am really asking you to pay it forward @TheREALClint @LanceArmstrong @livestrong When I first joined twitter, @therealclint was one of my first friends, we chatted about his kids, the love of Montana and all of the things that make him such a beautiful human being. I found him to be funny, sarcastic, cool I think u get it...I became a fan... Clint Miller needs our help! We have always talked about community here and pride ourselves of helping our own. Yeah sometimes it feels like we have the weight of the world on our shoulders but nothing you can go through can compare to what Clint Miller is facing today. He is facing his mortality and fights everyday. His wife Angela is amazing as as she faces being a single mother her strength, courage and inspiration have touched many. I can't help but cry for them..stand by them and...pray for them. I don't think I have to go into it too much as most know Clint Miller. Yes he has the C word and everyday I think of him, his wife Angela and his beautiful children. He is one of those that fight the good fights and is so inspiring and I am asking the community to help us out...help Clint 2 have a beer with Lance Armstrong. He longs to have a beer with Lance Armstrong and while Lance has sent Clint two videos its not the same as a face to face...we've tweeted, we've Facebooked..we've called in personal favors to friends and family who might have the pull to fulfill one of Clint's dreams... Lance fired back with a a video but imagine what having a beer with Lance might do for Clint's spirit, Angela's spirit and their sweet sweet children. This is big...big for this family. Big for those who support and root for Clint and Family! Why should we give up? Please if you can do one thing send a tweet out or add a message to livestrong through facebook. If you have pull with Mr. Armstrong, please help and spread the word. We can make this happen but time is of the essence. To follow Clints progress go to the prayer group for Clint, its much more than a prayer group, its an amazing group of people pulling together to make life a little better for the Millers, a group that embraces the harsh reality that the Millers are facing today! Please feel free to repost, reblog, copy I don't care..please help to get the message out but more importantly help Clint to have that Beer! And Yes I am openly asking for a feature! Need traffic..to spread the word! Here is what happened when we orchestrated this a few weeks back! Lance Armstrong on twitter Livestrong on twitter use hash tags #weloveclint #helpclintmeetlanceI'm Paddy Pizappi - Work with Me and You'll be Happy! Click Here To Search For Properties In The Greater Hudson Valley Paddy Pizappi, Real Estate Associate Broker Better Homes and Gardens Rand RealtyServing 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