kaulat

The trees are all in bloom here, the tulips and lilacs coming and going, peonies popping out all over! A grand time of year for the Finger Lakes! Wait until the weekend when it will get into the high 70s and beyond! There are currently 117 active listings in Skaneateles of which 21 are in the Village. Five new ones came on in the past week. Two are re-lists, one of them with a price increase of $10,000. I have a friend who tells me that if you raise the price, the house automatically sells. I'll watch this one. There are three brand new homes (sort of) that were just listed. Two of them are close to the village and in the $200 - $300,000 range. The third has directions: "Take rowboat to property. No joke!" Also a price tag under $200,000 for waterfront. And presumably the rowboat. Nothing new was marked contingent or pending. There was a house I know of that sold with multiple offers, but that is still marked active. It was "Grand Central Station...

Hey y'all, sorry for the lack of posts. I've been on the road since last week and this is the first opportunity I've had to check in. Sold on 04/22/10 - $283,000 Without knowing what the interior looks like, it's tough to say how much the new owner overpaid. But even if he did overpay, who cares? He now has a place to call his own and can furnish it with the free government money. He's probably feeling pretty good right now and I'm not going to be the one to piss in his punchbowl. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1728 East 3RD St #3, 90802 Asking Price: $289,000 Purchase Price: $132,500 (10/1999) Beds: 2 Baths: 1 Sq. Ft.: 910 $/Sq. Ft.: $318 Year Built: 1928 MLS #: P703419 On Redfin : 130 days Income Requirement: $72,250 Down Payment: $10,115 (FHA) Monthly Nut: $2,000 (yikes!) Description: WOW!!! This fabulous historical Rose Toweers condo is three blocks from beach, trendy shops and dining and public transportation. This unit is downstairs and has wonderful...

Last week I heard a blurb on the average price of a home in the United States as a whole. The price was $214,000. I just went back to verify where it came from via the internet and ran into a piece on the average price being $264,000 - in October 2004! Oh my! I wanted to see what the current $214,000 price would buy in this area. I surmised (much loftier than assuming) that buyers could get a better quality home in Syracuse than Skaneateles, for example, with Manlius being comparable to Skaneateles. Auburn I thought would have a grand Victorian for that price - actually they do, but for a lot less. What I found in some ways surprised me. Syracuse: You can get a 3 BR, 2.5 bath contemporary home with a one car garage on the east side - almost 2000 square feet, built in 1959. Geddes (as in Solvay): Very similar, but this time a colonial with a two car detached garage. Manlius: There is a 4 BR, 2.5 bath home, colonial, with a 2 car attached garage built in 1978 with 2500 sf for abo...

We are back from vacation, and yes, true to form, I sold a house! This year being what it is, it was only one house but it gave one of our newer agents, Sara Collins, the chance to practice writing a contract. The new buyer is in the midst of the home inspection as I write! I hope it all works out - he's a first time buyer and he will get the tax credit if all is well by April 30th! Currently there are 112 listings in the Skaneateles Town area of the multiple listing service. Six are new this past week. Two are "to be builts" ranging from almost $400,000 to almost $600,000. Another is pretty waterfront in the low $500,000s while there's a re-list in the mid-$300,000 (with an outhouse that could be converted to a holding tank, I believe). Two more are town re-lists. In the village two are re-listed (one with a sizeable reduction) and one is new in the mid-$300,000, bringing the village-only total to 20. The good news is that there are 10 properties listed as un...

How did I miss this sale? One of the most hideous freaking houses in Long Beach actually sold last year! In September 2009, I said: Whatever the reason for his steadfast refusal to accept reality, assuming he hasn't refinanced to the high heavens, every single day that goes by without an offer represents another stack of bills he's leaving on the table. It's over, pal. Cut the price, take the money and count your blessings. Otherwise, this fickle, ruthless market will brick your heart. I'm happy to report that after nearly two fruitless years begging on the market, this seller finally took my advice. Last December he accepted a lowball offer of $865,000 for his four-bedroom chimney. Considering the original pig-faced wishing price was an astounding $1,095,000 , that represents a $230,000 realty-check. Not to mention commissions, which ran another $50,000. But don't shed a tear for this long-term owner. You see, during the last housing bottom they paid a paltry $350...

After 250+ days on the market and $200,000 in price reductions, Ted Kaczynski's toppled cabin finally sold for $985,000 . Interestingly, the sales price was just a shade ($50,000) higher than the 2005 sales price. Considering most properties selling in Long Beach are well into 2003 pricing, being able to sell for an '05 price speaks volumes to the stickiness of Naples. Congratulations, Naples, you really are different! Oh, wait. It turns out the 2003 price was $925,000 , meaning this dump in fact did sell for a 2003 price. So much for stickiness. Anyhow, the bigger point is that after commissions this seller pretty much broke even. Wow! That's such a rarity these days that I think it's worth congratulating. Although five years of ownership without one red cent of appreciation is nothing to crow about, at least this guy, unlike most Long Beach sellers, was realistic enough to accept a lowball offer. And because of that, he didn't lose a dime and is now able to move ...

Asking Price: $1,599,000 1390 LOS ALTOS Ave, Long Beach, 90815 Beds: 4 Baths: 3.5 Sq. Ft.: 3,400 $/Sq. Ft.: $470 Lot Size: 0.33 Acres Year Built: 1956 Community: Park Estates MLS #: P704104 On Redfin : 210 days Down Payment (30%): $480,000 Income Requirement (total mortgage/3.5): $320,000/yr Monthly Nut: $8,000 Description: Totally remodeled showcase home with top of the line amenities throughout. This Kenneth Wing modern style home is practically brand new and features 4 bedrooms + additional office, 4 baths, and approx. 3,400 sq. ft of living space. Gourmet kitchen, granite counters, top of the line appliances & fixtures, bamboo flooring, remodeled baths, new windows, 2 fireplaces, central heat and AC, plus more! All rooms look outside to the beautifully landscaped yard with swimming pool making this home perfect for indoor/outdoor living. Perfect for entertaining with light/open floorplan and French doors stepping outside from most rooms. Rare, upgraded style in exclusive Park ...

Via Denninger's blog, I just had to share this. If you thought Southern California's bubble was insane, it's nothing like Canada's massive, yet-to-implode real estate bubble. And so I present to you: Crack Shack or Mansion ? The basic premise is: Can you tell the difference between a crack shack and a Vancouver, BC mansion, listed for one or two million dollars? Find out!

As quick as can be, these are the highlights: There are 2,171 active listings in Onondaga County 112 listings are in the Town of Skaneateles 27 listings are in the Village New listings include: a Village ranch for under $300,000, 3 re-lists New Town listings include: 2 "to be builts" on County Line Road (my lot listings, now ready for building @ $400,000 and $479,000 by Kevin McCormick!); a Butters Farm "to be built" - under $600,000; 2 re-lists; and a lovely waterfront for 1.6M 20 homes llisted as contingent (shown or not shown) or pended 4 new contingent sales including a waterfront and 3 under $200,000 Still only 9 closed sales but 1 that will be posted next week - stay tuned!

I used to be in the camp that believed a "tsunami" of foreclosures was about to hit the market, creating an influx of supply and thereby putting significant downward pressure on prices. But that tsunami never came. And despite month after month of extremely limited (and declining) supply of bank-owned properties, anecdotal evidence would continue to emerge, typically from "a cousin's friend's fiancee's vacuum-repairman's niece," insisting they had it on good authority that banks would start stepping up foreclosures any day now . And once one bank starts dumping properties on the market, other banks in the cartel will have to follow suit to get ahead of the rapidly declining prices. It'll be a bloodbath! Yeah. Whatever. Long ago I gave up on the idea of free markets in this country, and wrote the foreclosure tsunami off as more wishful thinking from buyers (like me) who simply wanted to buy a reasonable house for a reasonable price. A flood of new...

1747 East 2ND St, Long Beach, 90802 Wishing Price: $999,000 Beds: 4 Baths: 2.75 Sq. Ft.: 2,550 $/Sq. Ft.: $392 Lot Size: 4,620 Sq. Ft. Year Built: 1914 MLS#: F1822956 On Redfin: 184 days Income Requirement: $250,000 Down Payment: $200,000 Monthly Nut: $5,500 Description: Amazing location!! Alamitos Beach south of Broadway just a quick walk to beach and Bixby Park. The home was substantially remodeled and expanded over the last several years and offers unparalleled charm and location. All new copper plumbing and newer dual zone a/c and heating system. Beautiful 4 bedroom 3 bath home in great beach location!! This has to be one of the ugliest million-dollar houses in Long Beach. It took me a few minutes to figure out this asking price wasn't a typo. That's because despite claims to the contrary, this is not an "Amazing location!!" Sure, it's just blocks from the sand, but it's down past Esperanza. Even if you wanted to park your car on the street here, you coul...

I had wanted to see the movie for a while, so I bought Bob dinner at El Canelo out on the Boulevard and we went to Shoppingtown to see it. Despite the film literally burning up and the ensuing 45 minute wait to get it right again, then the superimposition of the previews an hour later for a bit, it was great. We also got 4 vouchers for future movies - they didn't quibble in the least! One of the features of the film was this great house out on Nantucket, I think. They never actually said, but the ferry and Massachusetts plates, etc.... The house was a character in itself, at least for me. My first comment was that it looked like the mall that is sitting on Hiawatha Boulevard, waiting for....Godot? Bob suggested Frank Lloyd Wright. But once they were inside - oh my! The wind and rain tried their best to get in, but the poured concrete walls and huge windows kept them out. The view of the beaches and sand dunes beyond - wow! I know a builder here who uses poured concrete as ...

Negativity is a nasty thing. I once worked for someone who said all Realtors were by nature negative. I disagreed, but could hardly get a word in edgewise, the man was so certain! There is a lot to be negative about at times. I've heard just today from an agent who told me a long story about one of her experiences that made her question why she continued in the business. It was truly a very sad tale of woe! We all have these sad tales, and there are more and more issues these days. A friend says that when times are tough economically, the anger and greed in people comes to the fore. I think it all comes from fear, that when the basics are threatened the normal response is to lash out at the world. I saw that a lot with the kids I worked with for years. But what I did with the kids I think in some ways can be translated into the world of adults. Every day I taught I asked them, "What did you learn today?" It was a chance for them to reiterate a fact or process, th...

Well! Things have picked up over the last week - must be all this warm weather! Currently in Onondaga County there are 2,111 homes for sale. Last year 595 homes had closed by this time as compared with 610 the prior year. Going back to 2008, the worst year for Skaneateles' sales, there were 813 closed properties. But still properties are on the market with more coming on. There are currently 107 town listings and 24 village listings. Four new village listings came on this week but all are re-lists, and like last week have new agencies representing the houses. The really new listings came on in the town - four of them! Two are in Marcellus school district and are in the low $100,000 range. Another came on closer in, but is still unable to be shown. The last is a "to be built" - price over $500,000. When I just checked this to be sure, I discovered that 45 of the active listings are priced over $400,000 in Skaneateles. The good news comes from what has sold -sold,...

The price was "$439,900" and changed to "$415,000" The price was "$415,000" and changed to "$439,900" Dude, what is this realtor smoking? Until the listing price starts with a "3", this dermoid cyst is just going to rot and rot and rot. And now the interior photos have been removed?! This used home salesman is on a roll! With marketing skills like that, I'm sure you'll have it sold in no time! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I'm back from Park City, trying to regain my bearings. Have your Long Beach Housing Blog withdrawals subsided? I'd like to thank Yikesboy for sending in today's property. Address: 1384 QUINCY Ave, 90804 Asking Price: $439,900 Purchase Price: $540,000 (11/2005) Beds: 2 Baths: 1 Sq. Ft.: 672 (!) $/Sq. Ft.: $655 Lot Size: 3,526 Sq. Ft. Year Built: 1938 MLS#: S10019372 On Redfin: 2 days Down Payment: $88,000 (20%)/$18,000 (FHA) Income Requirement: $126,000 Monthly Nut: $2,400 (20%)/$2,800 (FHA) D...

I hope this heading caught your attention! I just want to tell you about a few people and their entrepreneurial projects. These are people I've met through real estate and I want to give them plugs, and also give you, dear Readers, the chance to know what's happening before others do! Rick McIntyre is opening Natural Solutions for Your Health in Marcellus at 6 West Main Street on Tuesday. His hours will be 10:00 to 5:00, Tuesdays through Fridays. That first evening, 6:30 to 8:00, he is offering for FREE an informational class on osteoporosis, and will repeat it on Wednesday morning from 10:00 to 11:30. Rick is a certified nutritionist and holistic nutritionist. He has previously worked at Natur-Tyme in Dewitt. For information about his shop and the classes, please call 673-3949 - or just drop in and say I sent you! Summer DiFraia is now giving pedicures and manicures at Bijou just a couple doors down from the office on Jordan Street. I can testify that she chooses color brill...

Asking Price: $499,000 640 ORIZABA Ave, Long Beach, CA 90814 Beds: 3 Baths: 1.75 Sq. Ft.: 1,564 $/Sq. Ft.: $319 Lot Size: 4,350 Sq. Ft. Year Built: 1912 MLS#: 12136163 On Redfin: 19 days Income Requirement: $114,000 (mortgage/3.5) Down Payment: $100,000 Monthly Nut: $2,700 Description: STANDARD SALE. ABSOLUTE MOVE-IN CONDITION 3 BED. /2 BATH. THE PROPERTY FEATURES FIREPLACE IN LARGE LIVING ROOM, NEWER MAPLE KITCHEN AND GRANITE COUNTER TOPS, NEWER WINDOWS, NEW INTERIOR PAINT, TRAVERTINE FLOOR IN FOYER, AND HARDWOOD FLOOR THROUGHOUT LIVING, DINING AND BEDROOMS. INSIDE LAUNDRY AREA AND FAU/CENTRAL AIR. PLEASE STOP YELLING AT ME! This place was purchased in 2003 for $437,500 , and the loanowner made it EXACTLY five years (hmmm...five-year Option ARM, anyone?) before trouble started. Knowing he couldn't afford the full payment anymore (or ever), he desperately tried to get out from under his obligation in February 2008. After two years and 11 days of extend and pretend can-kicking and g...

March 31, 2010 - Price Changed $349,500 Including commissions, we're now looking at a $137,000 loss . That's a 30% drop from the peak. And this is still not a short sale, meaning this potato chip enthusiast will eat that loss IN CASH. The good news is, I think he's finally (mercifully) competitive at this price. Especially given the small window for buyers to double-dip on the state and federal tax credits, a sale at this price (although still too high as far as I'm concerned) wouldn't surprise me. Then again, this Spring could see an increase in the number of recently thawed hibernators coming out of their caves and also throwing their apartments on the market to take advantage of the "Spring Bounce." That means tougher competition. And with a kitchen this hideous, he better prepare to slash the price even further to get ahead of those soon-to-be sellers vying for the same shallow pool of qualified buyers. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Mar 13, 2010 ...

I started this weekly update over two years ago, March of 2008 to be exact. Since I haven't missed a week, I guess I've written 108 or so blogs about the market in Skaneateles. Although I can access the archives of the multiple listing service, it was fun to go back and see what was happening back then. Actually, not much was! It's time to turn this trend around! There are currently 2,290 active listings in Onondaga County. So far 543 properties have closed this year, suggesting that there is a four month inventory out there. In Skaneateles - the town - there are 106 active listings. Three are sort of new - one re-list and two new properties, both around $200,000. In the village there are 28 active listings. The three that came on this past week are all re-lists and in each case the agency has changed. Two homes also were marked contingent. One only came on a couple weeks ago. When it sold before, it never even made it to the multiple listing service - and the pric...