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Showing posts from May, 2009

Elephantine Greed and Vanity: UPDATE

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Eagle-eyed Anonymous noticed that our Failure on Florida is back on the market. For those of you counting at home, we've finally hit 404 days on market. Since the original listing in April of 2008, the asking price has been reduced a whopping $15,000 . That's right. A measly 4%. That's 1% per 101 days rotting on the MLS. The funniest part is, this schmuck paid $281,000 way back in 2003 but has somehow convinced himself that he is entitled to emerge from the housing bubble implosion with a profit of $60,000 after commissions (but before upgrade costs). What he fails to realize is that judging by the Sold price per square foot in this neighborhood ($225), the most he could hope to get in this horrific market is $220,000 . He's actually going to LOSE $60,000, plus commissions, plus costs of upgrades (I think the fierce competition in this neighborhood will guarantee much bigger losses, but 60k is the bare minimum loss). And that, of course, is assuming this seller suddenl...

Faith Restored!

Every once in a while, my faith in humanity and my own abilities falters. Between the e-mail problems and the rain, a sudden lull in activity, a friend's serious illness, by last Friday afternoon I wanted to go home and put my head under the covers. Maybe if I slept a week things would work out better.... Bob would have none of it. We had planned to go to Burritt's Cafe that evening and we were going to go. I had looked forward to it and I knew that once there I would be fine. The rain let up and we traveled the few miles over to Weedsport. It was well worth it! Israel Hagan was playing and that's what drew Bob. I didn't know the man, but he's been around Syracuse music for years with the band Stroke. That night it was just him and his guitar, great songs (oldies, as befit the audience) and a winning, friendly demeanor. He played for two hours - mostly covers, some invitations to sing and clap - and he dragged me from my doldrums to feeling fine. Sherry an...

A Question of Taste

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Address: 1514 E Appleton St, 90802 Asking Price: $499,900 Year Built: 1907 Size: 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,148 sq. ft. $/Sq. Ft.: $435 Purchase price: $245,000 Purchase date: 7/2001 MLS#: P688269 On Redfin: 9 days Down Payment: $100,000 Monthly Payment: $2,600 Income Requirement: $143,000 Description: ***A TRULY EXQUISITE 1907 REMODELED VICTORIAN PERIOD HOME **** WITH LOTS OF CHARACTER THIS HOME FEATURES, BEAUTIFUL HARDWOOD FLOORS, CUSTOM PAINTING THROUGHOUT, ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS REMODELED KITCHEN, NEWER REMODELED BATHROOMS, INSIDE LAUNDRY, TANKLESS WATER HEATER, REMODELED BATHROOMS....WITH A GREAT LOCATION...CLOSE TO BEACH,PARKS,ART MUSEUM,SHOPS & RESTAURANTS. DRIVEWAY FOR 2 CARS, STORAGE UNIT IN REAR YARD.....A TRUE GEM*** A MUST SEE **** ****THESE PEOPLE ARE OUT OF THEIR MINDS IF THEY THINK THEY CAN GET HALF A MILLION FOR THIS THING**** ****IT’S SO CLOSE TO “BEACH,PARKS,ART MUSEUM,SHOPS” THAT THERE WAS NO ROOM FOR A SPACE AFTER EACH COMMA**** ****WHY PERFORM ALL THAT REMODELING WORK ONL...

Loco "Loft" on Locust

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Address: 835 Locust Ave #118, 90813 Asking Price: $555,000 Year Built: 2005 Size: 1 beds, 1 bath, 1,578 sq. ft. $/Sq. Ft.: $352 HOA Fee: $380 Purchase price: $524,500 Purchase date: 6/2006 (nice timing!) MLS#: P659722 On Redfin: 229 days Down Payment: $111,000 Monthly Payment: $3,200 Income Requirement: $160,000 Description: WOW! One of only 4 lofts off of the amazing Lobby at The Temple Lofts. Enter this thoroughly modern space and enter the pages of Dwell magazine! Some of the custom features include: hi-end track and pendant lighting, custom bookshelves in living room and library, custom hardwood floor platforms in bedroom and den area, custom kitchen island with Carrerra marble top and storage, upgraded spa bathroom using Hans- Grohe fixtures and glass tiles, huge walk in shower with 4 shower heads and an extra large custom built medicine cabinet. Kitchen upgrades include: Viking fridge, range and microwave, hi-end added cabinetry, custom built pantry for additional storage space. ...

Skaneateles Real Estate - The Weekly Update

Nothing but good news! I've sworn off anything bad. It's been a rough few days dealing with the nasty e-mail that drove so many people to concern for me or feelings that somehow it was all a scam. Always positive, always moving forward. It's the only way! Currently there are 139 active listings in the Skaneateles area of the multiple listing service. Seven new ones came on this week - 3 are re-lists with slight reductions, and therefore 4 are new. There is the beautiful waterfront for 1.1 million, the 2 bedroom priced well under $100,000 and sure to go quickly, and a lovely B&B opportunity for half a million. Of course 175 acres at a price tag of 4.25 million scoops them all - two houses, no waterfront. There is very little new, if any, in the pending or contingent department. These generally show up past the date they actually are sold so it's always difficult to discover what is news. But the best news is that we have reached 33 closed properties so far t...

When is a Price Reduction Not a Price Reduction?

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Address: 383 Obispo Ave #4, 90814 Asking Price: $1,195,000 Year Built: 1919 Size: ? beds, ? baths, 3,500 sq. ft. $/Sq. Ft.: $341 MLS#: P663215 On Redfin: 205 days Down Payment: $120,000 Monthly Payment: $3,200 Income Requirement: $171,000 Description: Just Reduced by $200,000 Seller wants it sold. Seller Willing to Carry up to 20%. Beautiful 4-Plex in the desirable Bluff Heights Historic District. There are three detached building on the property, a craftsman Bungalow, and two spanish style duplexes. All four units are great condition and are all leased a market rents. Major renvoations completed in 2007. Cooper plumbing, earthquake retrofits made to all foundations. There is a large two car garage and laundry room on site. "Just Reduced by $200,000" Mar 12, 2009 - $999,000 May 22, 2009 - Price Changed $1,195,000 Uh, no, dumbass, you just INCREASED the price by $200,000. "Seller wants it sold." Liar. He most assuredly does not want it sold. Sellers who actually want...

Lofty Goals and Expectations

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Address: 115 W 4th St #405, 90802 Asking Price: $390,000 Year Built: 1929 Size: 1 beds, 1 baths, 1,226 sq. ft. $/Sq. Ft.: $317 HOA Fee: $351 Purchase price: $359,500 Purchase date: 5/2002 MLS#: S563294 On Redfin: 45 days Down Payment: $78,000 Monthly Payment: $2,300 Income Requirement: $111,000 Description: SHORT SALE APPROVED 5/18/09 BRING OFFER OVER $370K - This contemporary loft space opens up onto stunning city and downtown views with its five south-facing windows: keep them open for ocean breezes and sounds of the city. Abundant natural light is there if you desire if not, the blinds will keep your home a private sanctuary. The Walker building is arguably the finest loft conversion in the city and it is steps away from the Pine Ave Entertainment District, a short walk to the Pike, the Harbor, the East Village Arts District, the Aquarium and of course, the beach. The rooftop common area of the Walker Building features an outdoor fireplace, a built in BBQ grill, a kitchenette and a ...

I've Been Phished!

Send no money - I am doing fine in Skaneateles, selling and listing homes! Thanks to all of you who have expressed concern! 6:30 pm After a very long day of showing homes, answering the phone, and replying to e-mail concerns, I am actually thrilled that everyone called me or checked with Linda here at the office. We are calling the attorney general, as requested, to report international internet fraud. I am sorry for any inconvenience or discomfort this caused you. There is a website - thank you Karen - that purports to "protect me" from this particular fraud. All I have to do is pay them some $$$. I did not click on the "click here" for a multitude of reasons. I feel like the small storeowner who is being threatened by thugs! It's been interesting to hear reactions. Several people brought up the lack of grammar in the letter, the misspelling of my e-mail address, and the surprise that I would ask poverty-stricken people to send money. One lovely recipient...

Have a Great Holiday Weekend, Y'all!

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Flush with Equity, Bursting with Hubris

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Address: 4315 Broadway, 90803 Asking Price: $599,000 Year Built: 1922 Size: 2 beds, 1 bath, 1,254 sq. ft. $/Sq. Ft.: $478 Purchase price: $375,000 Purchase date: 8/2001 MLS#: P641302 On Redfin: 345 days Down Payment: $120,000 Monthly Payment: $3,200 Income Requirement: $171,000 Description: Rare affordable Spanish Belmont Heights single story home with nice rear yard. Close to Belmont Shore shopping, dining, beach with easy parking. Beautiful living-dining room area with hardwood floors, some newer double pane windows in living and bedroom, laundry room off kitchen, remodeled kitchen and bathroom. This is worth seeing. "affordable"? Guess that depends on your definition of "affordable." A monthly payment of $3,200 requires an annual income of at least $171,000 to realistically afford this lil' buddy. Hmm...the median income in this zip is (a healthy) $78,405. Wow, you need to make 2.2 times more than the already pretty high median income to afford an average med...

Skaneateles Real Estate - The Weekly Update

We drove out tonight in Bob's Honda Del Sol to Sylvan Beach on Oneida Lake for food and just to drive in the warmth. On the way home we stopped at Gannon's for ice cream in the Valley. It was teeming. just like on a hot summer night. I had a 'Cuse Trax single scoop with peanut butter, nuts and whipped cream. We leaned against the car and watched the world go by. So the blog is late, but the breeze is warm and I don't mind writing with the peepers out there and the windows open. I spoke with a friend today who stated that "maybe this year isn't the best year to sell waterfront." I told him I'd check it out and see if the facts agree with his assertion. So please consider this the special Waterfront Edition of The Weekly Update. Currently there are 138 single family residences listed in the Skaneateles area of the multiple listing service. Of these, 41 are considered waterfront. Whether they are actually on the water, shared lake frontage or lak...

Early Morning in the Village

I decided to become more pro-active towards my sleep patterns. That's a long way around to say that when Koko wakes up with the sun, I have been getting up with her, too. Bob and Boo sleep on for another hour, but Koko and I get in the car and drive to the Village for an early morning walk. We've only gone three times so far, but it's becoming addicting already. I wake up on the way - farm equipment beware! - and by the time I park behind Doug's I am ready to go. With Koko on a leash and plastic bags in my pocket, we move as quickly as her need to smell everything will allow. Yesterday we walked up West Lake Street to inspect the new slate roof being installed on that grand old home under re-construction. People were out and about, despite the cold - I wore a jacket, turtleneck and Cuddle-duds. I could only find one glove in the car, so I put that on and pocketed the other hand. By the time we turned around at the top of the rise Koko was ready to go back lickety...

A Collection of Listing Photos Featuring Animals

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Why not? Ha! I just noticed that little buddy on the left is peeing on the chair! Nice!

Failed Flip in the Ranchos

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Address: 7131 E Mezzanine Way, 90808 Asking Price: $645,000 Year Built: 1953 Size: 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,130 sq. ft. $/Sq. Ft.: $571 Purchase price: $599,000 Purchase date: 4/2007 MLS#: P686990 On Redfin: 8 days Down Payment: $129,000 Monthly Payment: $3,400 Income Requirement: $184,000 Description: This immaculate, authentic Cliff May Rancho has been extensively refurbished by its owners, and represents the bright, open, indoor-outdoor lifestyle that Cliff May intended in his residential designs. The numerous upgrades to this home include: a custom kitchen with hand built birch cabinetry, full extension glide drawers, and GE profile appliances; new birch paneling throughout the interior and new interior birch doors, all built to original specs; remodeled bathrooms with stainless steel fixtures; an upgraded electrical system with 200 amp panel; and, newer furnace and water heater. This home sits in a quiet interior location within the tract, set back from the street for privacy and sereni...