So it's been a while. But as you will see not a whole lot has happened. I am sitting at my desk looking out on the deck and yard. The sun is brilliant - I wouldn't venture out without sunglasses! But the wind is howling, the birdfeeders are swaying, and the temperature has dropped from a 7:00 AM high of 30 to 19. I think that's why there has been very little happening.
We are starting the year with an extremely low amount of listings - only 65 (total!) in the Skaneateles area of the multiple listing service. Of these, 12 are in the Village - so many were sold last year! Eighteen are considered waterfront. It's becoming - dare I say it - a sellers' market. We may be back to the old days of showing everything that exists that remotely fits the buyers' criteria. Ah, but they have to buy, then, don't they?
There have been 9 "new" listings during this time period. Of these, 5 were re-lists....properties that hadn't sold and needed refreshing, or a change in agency or price rather than a mere reduction. The four really new ones range in price from $225,000 to $550,000. Three are in the town portion and only one in the Village.
Properties under contract have only 11 remaining, waiting to close or clear contingencies. Not a lot, but then ... (see paragraph 1).
Only four houses have been brought under contract in the past month. Despite the weather, one is waterfront. Another is Village and the remaining two therefore come from outside the Village.
Two properties have sold and closed! One was in the Village and the other outside - and both sold for under $200,000. An agent remarked to me the other day that "here we go again....starting over, building up our sales. It seems like such a long way to go!" The same can be said of the sale of Skaneateles properties...we have a lot of work ahead of us in the new year!
Monday, January 27, 2014
Year-end Review - 2013
It was a great year once again! Not record-breaking like 2013, but a continuation of sales of all sorts of homes. Why? Need to buy and sell, low, low mortgage rates, homes coming on the market for less than owners paid for them a few years ago. We also have great houses of course!
According to the multiple listing service, there were 116 homes sold and closed in the Skaneateles area. Of course some were in different towns, but because of either the lake frontage or school district were listed in the Skaneateles area. In 2013 there were 129 homes closed. Truly a banner year!
Of these 116, 46 were in the Village and 20 were considered waterfront. This is a break from the usual percentages....generally Village and waterfront are closer. For example, in 2012 there were 41 Village properties and 24 waterfront, not as great a discrepancy. Going back to 2011 - when there were only 71 sold and closed houses (imagine!) - the numbers were 21 Village and 15 waterfront.
Why Village? As the school district will confirm, people are aging out and moving on. Homes are being sold and people are buying....and yet the population continues to age. The people coming in - in part - are looking for a quiet Village experience, and despite what has been written about New York State taxes our home prices are good and Skaneateles has the lowest rate in Onondaga County.
More numbers: the lowest priced home was listed at $39,000 and closed for $30,000. The highest priced home sold for 2.8M (plus). Nine homes listed over a million dollars sold, while three under $100,000 also closed.
The median price was $300,000, staying steady from the year before.
As I predicted, I doubt we will have the same numbers this year. Fewer houses are on the market, the rates have gone up, and this winter weather hasn't helped in the least! I only hope it will be an early spring, a brilliant summer, and the houses that are on the market will all be sold by the end of the year!
According to the multiple listing service, there were 116 homes sold and closed in the Skaneateles area. Of course some were in different towns, but because of either the lake frontage or school district were listed in the Skaneateles area. In 2013 there were 129 homes closed. Truly a banner year!
Of these 116, 46 were in the Village and 20 were considered waterfront. This is a break from the usual percentages....generally Village and waterfront are closer. For example, in 2012 there were 41 Village properties and 24 waterfront, not as great a discrepancy. Going back to 2011 - when there were only 71 sold and closed houses (imagine!) - the numbers were 21 Village and 15 waterfront.
Why Village? As the school district will confirm, people are aging out and moving on. Homes are being sold and people are buying....and yet the population continues to age. The people coming in - in part - are looking for a quiet Village experience, and despite what has been written about New York State taxes our home prices are good and Skaneateles has the lowest rate in Onondaga County.
More numbers: the lowest priced home was listed at $39,000 and closed for $30,000. The highest priced home sold for 2.8M (plus). Nine homes listed over a million dollars sold, while three under $100,000 also closed.
The median price was $300,000, staying steady from the year before.
As I predicted, I doubt we will have the same numbers this year. Fewer houses are on the market, the rates have gone up, and this winter weather hasn't helped in the least! I only hope it will be an early spring, a brilliant summer, and the houses that are on the market will all be sold by the end of the year!
Monday, January 20, 2014
Two Open House Alerts! Skaneateles Village
Next Sunday, January 26th, I will hold two of my Skaneateles Village homes open. Mid-winter, snow festivals - why not an open house festival?
I will start with 54 Onondaga Street between 11:00 and 1:00, then move on to 50 West Genesee between 2:00 and 4:00. Then go home and collapse! Actually not, because I love holding homes open and meeting people who are also interested in the houses.
The home on Onondaga is essentially a large cape with a mostly finished basement that adds another 600 square feet of living space. The first floor - ground level with the street - contains a bedroom, full bath, kitchen, family, living, and dining rooms. Sliders open to a deck that overlooks the back yard. It is a house intended for entertaining - two fireplaces, an extra bar sink, peninsula with stools...the overflow in the summer can spill out onto the deck.
Upstairs there are another three bedrooms and another full bath. Sweet dormers bring in light and really make the bedrooms adorable. The ML# is S299999, price is $315,000. The house is at the corner of Teasel...Onondaga branches off Genesee Street when you go east from the center. I'll have signs out to show the way!
The 2:00 to 4:00 open house is at 50 West Genesee, just a short walk from the Sherwood. It's again four bedrooms but has three full baths. Built in 1904 it's been remodeled and updated several times but retains its beautiful woodwork and Victorian character. It's a joy to show - the last time I went through a gentleman remarked that Harry Potter must live in the closet under the stairs! It captures your imagination.
Instead of a finished basement, it has a finished third story. Not a bedroom, it could be a play room, media room or someone's getaway office. These days you can can see the lake from the ornate window in the front. ML#S280791, and currently priced at $390,000.
As always, please tell me you read about these opens here....I love knowing that I am reaching people.
I will start with 54 Onondaga Street between 11:00 and 1:00, then move on to 50 West Genesee between 2:00 and 4:00. Then go home and collapse! Actually not, because I love holding homes open and meeting people who are also interested in the houses.
The home on Onondaga is essentially a large cape with a mostly finished basement that adds another 600 square feet of living space. The first floor - ground level with the street - contains a bedroom, full bath, kitchen, family, living, and dining rooms. Sliders open to a deck that overlooks the back yard. It is a house intended for entertaining - two fireplaces, an extra bar sink, peninsula with stools...the overflow in the summer can spill out onto the deck.
Upstairs there are another three bedrooms and another full bath. Sweet dormers bring in light and really make the bedrooms adorable. The ML# is S299999, price is $315,000. The house is at the corner of Teasel...Onondaga branches off Genesee Street when you go east from the center. I'll have signs out to show the way!
The 2:00 to 4:00 open house is at 50 West Genesee, just a short walk from the Sherwood. It's again four bedrooms but has three full baths. Built in 1904 it's been remodeled and updated several times but retains its beautiful woodwork and Victorian character. It's a joy to show - the last time I went through a gentleman remarked that Harry Potter must live in the closet under the stairs! It captures your imagination.
Instead of a finished basement, it has a finished third story. Not a bedroom, it could be a play room, media room or someone's getaway office. These days you can can see the lake from the ornate window in the front. ML#S280791, and currently priced at $390,000.
As always, please tell me you read about these opens here....I love knowing that I am reaching people.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Open House Alert! Amidon Drive
I held this Marcellus home open before the holidays and was thrilled with the number of people who came to see it. Holidays being what they are, several said they had to put thoughts of moving forward on hold. Hopefully they did so until now!
You will notice that I didn't put the number of the house - no need! Once you get onto Amidon, from either Bishop Hill or South Street, you climb the hill and look towards the Village of Marcellus - the house sits on the edge of the hill and the 2.6 acres actually encompasses part of the cul-de-sac. Think evergreens...views...privacy!
The house itself has three bedrooms and a full bath on the "west" wing. On the "east" wing is another bedroom, another full bath, and a sitting room or sunroom or it could even be an office overlooking the yard.
Yes, the pool is gone, but the flat yard is larger for it. And that 2-car garage you see on the right side of the photo? Huge!
The price is $199,900...the open is from noon to 2:00...and there will be plenty of time to get home for the Broncos-Patriots game...we could even write an offer before the Seahawks blitz the 49-ers (I hope!) ML#S302817 for more photos.
Come and see - and as always, please tell me you saw this on my blog or Facebook page!
You will notice that I didn't put the number of the house - no need! Once you get onto Amidon, from either Bishop Hill or South Street, you climb the hill and look towards the Village of Marcellus - the house sits on the edge of the hill and the 2.6 acres actually encompasses part of the cul-de-sac. Think evergreens...views...privacy!
The house itself has three bedrooms and a full bath on the "west" wing. On the "east" wing is another bedroom, another full bath, and a sitting room or sunroom or it could even be an office overlooking the yard.
Yes, the pool is gone, but the flat yard is larger for it. And that 2-car garage you see on the right side of the photo? Huge!
The price is $199,900...the open is from noon to 2:00...and there will be plenty of time to get home for the Broncos-Patriots game...we could even write an offer before the Seahawks blitz the 49-ers (I hope!) ML#S302817 for more photos.
Come and see - and as always, please tell me you saw this on my blog or Facebook page!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Open House Alert! 51 Calemad
What a great house and a wonderful opportunity to move into (or around in) the Skaneateles School District!
The house is located in Parcell Woods, a small community in the Town of Sennett, just west of Skaneateles. It's on a cul-de-sac, and has over two acres. The house sits back from the road, making it quite private. The backyard opens to woods.
Built by Kevin McCormick (Colin Homes) in 2007, it has four bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a two-car garage, and well and septic. These are the second owners, and they've added a huge Trex deck, new water system, paved (long) driveway, and their own touches. Granite is in the kitchen and baths with cherry cabinets. Special features include the second floor laundry (with laundry sink and cabinets), two walk-in closets in the master, and a walk-in pantry with natural light from a window. The basement is unfinished, but it has a bank of windows on the south side as well as a second walk-up stairway into the garage. Like most of Colin Homes' houses, the mud room allows for the removal of boots and coats before entering the house.
Come see it - Sunday the 12th (as in this Sunday) between 12:00 and 2:00. It's an earlier than usual open house to allow everyone to see the football games. I suppose we could turn on the TV there, bask in the warmth of the fireplace in the family room...but I think the owners would rather do that in privacy!
For more photos, please see ML#S302817 - and when you come, please tell me you read about it in this blog or on my Facebook page: http://Facebook.com/MegBrooksRealtor
Directions: From the Village, go north on Route 321 (State Street) about a mile to Old Seneca Turnpike - turn left, towards Auburn. That becomes Franklin Street Road...After County Line Road crosses it, the next right hand turn is onto Parcell Road - then left into the community and left again to #51...but drive around the circle and see the homes there, and the woods, the ponds. It's a great place to live!
The house is located in Parcell Woods, a small community in the Town of Sennett, just west of Skaneateles. It's on a cul-de-sac, and has over two acres. The house sits back from the road, making it quite private. The backyard opens to woods.
Built by Kevin McCormick (Colin Homes) in 2007, it has four bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a two-car garage, and well and septic. These are the second owners, and they've added a huge Trex deck, new water system, paved (long) driveway, and their own touches. Granite is in the kitchen and baths with cherry cabinets. Special features include the second floor laundry (with laundry sink and cabinets), two walk-in closets in the master, and a walk-in pantry with natural light from a window. The basement is unfinished, but it has a bank of windows on the south side as well as a second walk-up stairway into the garage. Like most of Colin Homes' houses, the mud room allows for the removal of boots and coats before entering the house.
Come see it - Sunday the 12th (as in this Sunday) between 12:00 and 2:00. It's an earlier than usual open house to allow everyone to see the football games. I suppose we could turn on the TV there, bask in the warmth of the fireplace in the family room...but I think the owners would rather do that in privacy!
For more photos, please see ML#S302817 - and when you come, please tell me you read about it in this blog or on my Facebook page: http://Facebook.com/MegBrooksRealtor
Directions: From the Village, go north on Route 321 (State Street) about a mile to Old Seneca Turnpike - turn left, towards Auburn. That becomes Franklin Street Road...After County Line Road crosses it, the next right hand turn is onto Parcell Road - then left into the community and left again to #51...but drive around the circle and see the homes there, and the woods, the ponds. It's a great place to live!
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Predictions and Resolutions
I love doing resolutions, and then looking back to see if I accomplished them all...monitor and adjust, what works and what doesn't, reflections...all so important to always moving upwards.
Last year I resolved to go to more brokers' opens. I am not the most social person, and getting out and meeting people is surprisingly difficult for me. I like having a purpose - then I am fine! Show a house, sell a home...yes, definitely. But mix in a crowd...not me... I went to more broker opens (Tuesdays for the west side of Onondaga County) and took a friend usually. But then I sold her house and she moved! I still went, but I will do more this year.
Open houses on Sundays are easy and I love to do them! Last year I devoted 20 Sundays (and a Saturday) to holding houses open to the public. I believe in them, and like anything you truly believe in, it works. The houses are advertised, there is an opportunity for people to come through casually, and the house is shown more. This year I want to combine opens...I have listings in the Village, and they can be done two in a day. Not easily, but I want my listings open, so I will do the work. Watch for them, starting January 11th!
I wrote to a friend this morning who was lamenting the fact that she still had three more years until she could retire from teaching. I told her that I never regretted leaving education early, and that real estate has been absolutely wonderful even though it was a great leap of faith when I started. I still feel that way, and the resolution that comes out of this declaration is to appreciate it every day. Getting Christmas cards this year from past clients was so wonderful - they update me on their kids, their lives....and yes, I am a part of their lives. I want to enhance that, cherish it, never take it for granted.
Predictions...the market will slow with the increased mortgage rates, the lack of inventory. We simply can't have over 100 houses selling in Skaneateles when there are so few on the market. Buyers have been coming in and picking up the houses that are there because they waited for years for the economy to change, for prices to come down. We may be entering another phase of slow-down, of waiting for prices to increase again. I wish I were a brilliant soothsayer...but under 100 homes sold and closed in 2014 is my educated guess...
One last resolution: I resolve not to resolve for 2015 to lose those nagging 15 pounds because they will be gone!
Happy New Year!
Last year I resolved to go to more brokers' opens. I am not the most social person, and getting out and meeting people is surprisingly difficult for me. I like having a purpose - then I am fine! Show a house, sell a home...yes, definitely. But mix in a crowd...not me... I went to more broker opens (Tuesdays for the west side of Onondaga County) and took a friend usually. But then I sold her house and she moved! I still went, but I will do more this year.
Open houses on Sundays are easy and I love to do them! Last year I devoted 20 Sundays (and a Saturday) to holding houses open to the public. I believe in them, and like anything you truly believe in, it works. The houses are advertised, there is an opportunity for people to come through casually, and the house is shown more. This year I want to combine opens...I have listings in the Village, and they can be done two in a day. Not easily, but I want my listings open, so I will do the work. Watch for them, starting January 11th!
I wrote to a friend this morning who was lamenting the fact that she still had three more years until she could retire from teaching. I told her that I never regretted leaving education early, and that real estate has been absolutely wonderful even though it was a great leap of faith when I started. I still feel that way, and the resolution that comes out of this declaration is to appreciate it every day. Getting Christmas cards this year from past clients was so wonderful - they update me on their kids, their lives....and yes, I am a part of their lives. I want to enhance that, cherish it, never take it for granted.
Predictions...the market will slow with the increased mortgage rates, the lack of inventory. We simply can't have over 100 houses selling in Skaneateles when there are so few on the market. Buyers have been coming in and picking up the houses that are there because they waited for years for the economy to change, for prices to come down. We may be entering another phase of slow-down, of waiting for prices to increase again. I wish I were a brilliant soothsayer...but under 100 homes sold and closed in 2014 is my educated guess...
One last resolution: I resolve not to resolve for 2015 to lose those nagging 15 pounds because they will be gone!
Happy New Year!
Monday, December 30, 2013
The Holiday Update - Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas
So not much happens this time of year....it's been almost seven weeks since I wrote last,
and while there have been a few listings and a few contracts, only closings have taken off...more on that later. I hope your holidays were merry and bright - ours were certainly characterized by chaos. Wonderful chaos, with the two babies here plus Alex and Rachel. Who knew it could be this much fun!
Currently there are only a few listings (67!) in the Skaneateles area of the multiple listing service. Of these, 13 are in the Village and 18 are considered waterfront. Six new ones came on in the past seven weeks...they range in price from just under $300,000 to just over $400,000. The latter (see photo above) is my new listing at 51 Calemad in the Town of Sennett but Skaneateles Schools. It will get its own "new listing" blog, deservedly so, if it hasn't sold before I get to it!
In the "just waiting to close" category there are 11 homes. I've been there at the end of the year, trying to get something closed either right before Christmas or the new year....it can be hard! So who knows how many of these will make it. Six are new to this category, one Village, 2 waterfront, and 3 in the town.
As promised, the "sold and closed" area of the MLS was busy. Thirteen homes closed in the past 7 weeks - 13! We now have 114 closed sales this year....I am looking forward to analyzing trends in mid-January once all the closings have been reported.
A last minute reminder! If you haven't re-registered for your STAR tax exemption, you must do it by December 31st - as in TOMORROW! It took virtually less than 5 minutes...and we will save a bundle on school taxes.
Happy New Year to all!
and while there have been a few listings and a few contracts, only closings have taken off...more on that later. I hope your holidays were merry and bright - ours were certainly characterized by chaos. Wonderful chaos, with the two babies here plus Alex and Rachel. Who knew it could be this much fun!
Currently there are only a few listings (67!) in the Skaneateles area of the multiple listing service. Of these, 13 are in the Village and 18 are considered waterfront. Six new ones came on in the past seven weeks...they range in price from just under $300,000 to just over $400,000. The latter (see photo above) is my new listing at 51 Calemad in the Town of Sennett but Skaneateles Schools. It will get its own "new listing" blog, deservedly so, if it hasn't sold before I get to it!
In the "just waiting to close" category there are 11 homes. I've been there at the end of the year, trying to get something closed either right before Christmas or the new year....it can be hard! So who knows how many of these will make it. Six are new to this category, one Village, 2 waterfront, and 3 in the town.
As promised, the "sold and closed" area of the MLS was busy. Thirteen homes closed in the past 7 weeks - 13! We now have 114 closed sales this year....I am looking forward to analyzing trends in mid-January once all the closings have been reported.
A last minute reminder! If you haven't re-registered for your STAR tax exemption, you must do it by December 31st - as in TOMORROW! It took virtually less than 5 minutes...and we will save a bundle on school taxes.
Happy New Year to all!
Friday, December 6, 2013
New Listing! 2415 Amidon Drive in the Town of Marcellus
When I first listed this house in 2002, I described it as a "House for All Seasons." As a ranch, it is perfect for "boomers" and anyone who needs one floor living. Not even a basement to mess with - but a good-sized crawl space exists under the main part of the house. The previous owners had changed the garage into an apartment, sort of. One bedroom with a full bath and large walk-in closet, plus a living room with gas fireplace overlooking a deck and yard. Private entrance, too! They used it for an in-home beauty salon - could be any home office.
Because it has four bedrooms and two full and one half baths, a family could easily move in with several children. Three of the bedrooms are on the west wing, as I called it then. They share a deep family room, with a wood fireplace and lots of windows looking out on the yard and view.
I sold the house then to the present owners. They upgraded appliances, removed the old and unworkable inground pool, painted and put in a new fan in the "radon contraption" as they call it - a very apt name! (And yes, it already has radon mitigation...)
The house was built in 1965 but the garage was added more recently and is huge! Plenty of room for a work area and it already has shelving and closets.
The land is what makes it so remarkable, though. Just outside the Village of Marcellus (no village taxes but you do have public water) it sits above South Street on 2.6 acres of mostly wooded land. It's encompasses the northern and eastern part of the cul-de-sac - huge pines line the road. You have privacy, but access to the Village and all the amenities, as well as neighbors within reach.
The price is $199,900....the ML# is S302448....take a spin up there - you will love the land. Then call me please!
Because it has four bedrooms and two full and one half baths, a family could easily move in with several children. Three of the bedrooms are on the west wing, as I called it then. They share a deep family room, with a wood fireplace and lots of windows looking out on the yard and view.
I sold the house then to the present owners. They upgraded appliances, removed the old and unworkable inground pool, painted and put in a new fan in the "radon contraption" as they call it - a very apt name! (And yes, it already has radon mitigation...)
The house was built in 1965 but the garage was added more recently and is huge! Plenty of room for a work area and it already has shelving and closets.
The land is what makes it so remarkable, though. Just outside the Village of Marcellus (no village taxes but you do have public water) it sits above South Street on 2.6 acres of mostly wooded land. It's encompasses the northern and eastern part of the cul-de-sac - huge pines line the road. You have privacy, but access to the Village and all the amenities, as well as neighbors within reach.
The price is $199,900....the ML# is S302448....take a spin up there - you will love the land. Then call me please!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Skaneateles Real Estate - The Fifth Twenty
What a great year this has been! We were all working hard during the summer and the closings show that. The question remains - will it be a record year like last year with 129 closings or will we come close, and still have had a banner year....only time will tell, as they say. for now, in no particular order, here are the closings of single family homes in the Skaneateles area of the multiple listing service. These closed between October 1st and November 15th.
45 West Genesee Street - Village of Skaneateles - $440,000
1965 Pine Grove Road South - Town of Spafford - $585,000
4089 East Genesee Street Road - Town of Sennett - $185,000
1137 Hencoop Road - Town of Skaneateles - $432,000
34 Onondaga Street - Village of Skaneateles - $145,000
2008 East Lake Road - Town of Skaneateles - $1,700,000
28 East Austin Street - Village of Skaneateles - $291,500
20 Academy Street - Village of Skaneateles - $455,000
2210 West Lake Road - Town of Skaneateles - $202,000
1698 Amerman Road - Town of Skaneateles - $314,000
5 Hawthorne Woods Court - Village of Skaneateles - $319,000
60 East Elizabeth Street - Village of Skaneateles - $210,000
2405 Wave Way - Town of Skaneateles - $328,000
9 Sachem Drive - Village of Skaneateles - $280,000
5798 North Road - Town of Skaneateles - $375,000
28 Onondaga Street - Village of Skaneateles - $189,500
882 Franklin Street - Town of Skaneateles - $223,800
1264 Minnow Cove - Town of Skaneateles - $895,000
104 East Lake Road - Village of Skaneateles - $492,000
11 Orchard Road - Village of Skaneateles - $290,000
45 West Genesee Street - Village of Skaneateles - $440,000
1965 Pine Grove Road South - Town of Spafford - $585,000
4089 East Genesee Street Road - Town of Sennett - $185,000
1137 Hencoop Road - Town of Skaneateles - $432,000
34 Onondaga Street - Village of Skaneateles - $145,000
2008 East Lake Road - Town of Skaneateles - $1,700,000
28 East Austin Street - Village of Skaneateles - $291,500
20 Academy Street - Village of Skaneateles - $455,000
2210 West Lake Road - Town of Skaneateles - $202,000
1698 Amerman Road - Town of Skaneateles - $314,000
5 Hawthorne Woods Court - Village of Skaneateles - $319,000
60 East Elizabeth Street - Village of Skaneateles - $210,000
2405 Wave Way - Town of Skaneateles - $328,000
9 Sachem Drive - Village of Skaneateles - $280,000
5798 North Road - Town of Skaneateles - $375,000
28 Onondaga Street - Village of Skaneateles - $189,500
882 Franklin Street - Town of Skaneateles - $223,800
1264 Minnow Cove - Town of Skaneateles - $895,000
104 East Lake Road - Village of Skaneateles - $492,000
11 Orchard Road - Village of Skaneateles - $290,000
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
"The Days Grow Short" Real Estate Update - November 1st - 20th
November....a wild month always in Central New York! I started the month sitting in the sun and actually getting a tan, waiting for the call from Alex announcing his new job - hooray! He will be staying in the City and not taking a position with RE/MAX down there, as he was poised to do. Still, if you want to do business there, please contact me and I can give you the name of a wonderful broker!
I visited a friend in Florida last week. Just briefly, but I got a taste of "The Villages" which I had heard of and to which she and her husband have retired. What a place! As per usual, I brought an arctic cold front down with me - temperatures in the 50s with winds gusting to 30 mph...and as is not usual, nothing sold up here! But what a great few days of getaway time...
Currently there are ONLY 77 active listings in the Skaneateles area of the multiple listing service. Of these, ONLY 11 are in the Village. There are 23 waterfront properties - a disproportionate amount, because generally they are close to the same number as the Village listings. Also, I would expect to find about a quarter are waterfront, not this high a percentage. Just a bit askew, as it were...
Over the course of the last three weeks only two new listings came on, contributing to the low number.
Three others were re-listed. There are 18 under contract, four of them new in November. Two are within the Village boundaries and two are just outside.
This emphasis on the Village continues...9 closed since the last update! Seven were in the Village, one was waterfront, and the last was in the town. This brings to 101 the number of single family homes closed this year, making this another banner year! Amazing...low rates, well-priced homes, pent-up need to buy and sell, an improving economy...and there's still room for more sales and closings before the end of the year.
So bring it on!
I visited a friend in Florida last week. Just briefly, but I got a taste of "The Villages" which I had heard of and to which she and her husband have retired. What a place! As per usual, I brought an arctic cold front down with me - temperatures in the 50s with winds gusting to 30 mph...and as is not usual, nothing sold up here! But what a great few days of getaway time...
Currently there are ONLY 77 active listings in the Skaneateles area of the multiple listing service. Of these, ONLY 11 are in the Village. There are 23 waterfront properties - a disproportionate amount, because generally they are close to the same number as the Village listings. Also, I would expect to find about a quarter are waterfront, not this high a percentage. Just a bit askew, as it were...
Over the course of the last three weeks only two new listings came on, contributing to the low number.
Three others were re-listed. There are 18 under contract, four of them new in November. Two are within the Village boundaries and two are just outside.
This emphasis on the Village continues...9 closed since the last update! Seven were in the Village, one was waterfront, and the last was in the town. This brings to 101 the number of single family homes closed this year, making this another banner year! Amazing...low rates, well-priced homes, pent-up need to buy and sell, an improving economy...and there's still room for more sales and closings before the end of the year.
So bring it on!
Friday, November 1, 2013
The Halloween Update - October 16th - October 31st
Spooky times here! The wind came up last night and swirled the leaves. Our new door makes faint howling sounds, I've discovered. Lovely, lovely evening! I was reminded of other Halloweens when Alex was little - our famous Garfield costume and subsequent news item on the Albany local news when he was 7 in Saratoga. Another warm night there, the last time he went trick or treating. And last year when Super Storm Sandy hit, but the Upper East Side where he lives now was spared, and he could take Liam out in his own Garfield costume.
And the beat goes on....There are currently 82 active listings in the Skaneateles area of the multiple listing service. Of these, only 13 are in the Village, and 24 are waterfront. This is one of the lowest numbers we've had in a very long time, almost half as many as a few years ago! Nothing new came on, just the re-listing of a very lovely waterfront property in the $600,000 range.
There are 22 houses in the contracted categories. Six new ones came under contract - two each in my self-described three areas.
Gloriously, there are 92 sold and closed single family homes as of Halloween. This shows that we have less than a year of inventory out there, so buy now! Seven new ones closed in the two week period. They spread out almost evenly - two Village, two waterfront, and three in the town. Of these, 3 had been on the market for over a year.
As a side note, there are times when the "over a year" listing does not accurately reflect the process. Some owners, recognizing that the market is either overly stocked with homes like theirs, or having the means to wait a bit, will rent out their homes and bring in enough money to pay the mortgage, insurance and taxes plus make a small profit. Houses simply do not sell as well with a tenant in place. Real listing time should be marked from when the home is ready to be sold and can be easily shown and quickly closed.
So as we move into November the time will change this weekend - fall back! Showing times will decrease with this, and ease of movement (as in the arrival of snow). Please come out to my open on Sunday at 149 North Main Street in Jordan - you might see the first flakes of the year falling into the creek!
And the beat goes on....There are currently 82 active listings in the Skaneateles area of the multiple listing service. Of these, only 13 are in the Village, and 24 are waterfront. This is one of the lowest numbers we've had in a very long time, almost half as many as a few years ago! Nothing new came on, just the re-listing of a very lovely waterfront property in the $600,000 range.
There are 22 houses in the contracted categories. Six new ones came under contract - two each in my self-described three areas.
Gloriously, there are 92 sold and closed single family homes as of Halloween. This shows that we have less than a year of inventory out there, so buy now! Seven new ones closed in the two week period. They spread out almost evenly - two Village, two waterfront, and three in the town. Of these, 3 had been on the market for over a year.
As a side note, there are times when the "over a year" listing does not accurately reflect the process. Some owners, recognizing that the market is either overly stocked with homes like theirs, or having the means to wait a bit, will rent out their homes and bring in enough money to pay the mortgage, insurance and taxes plus make a small profit. Houses simply do not sell as well with a tenant in place. Real listing time should be marked from when the home is ready to be sold and can be easily shown and quickly closed.
So as we move into November the time will change this weekend - fall back! Showing times will decrease with this, and ease of movement (as in the arrival of snow). Please come out to my open on Sunday at 149 North Main Street in Jordan - you might see the first flakes of the year falling into the creek!
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Open House Alert! 149 North Main Street
Such a great place with such a good price....$239,000. Think of it, well under 100 per square foot - can't build any more for that price. And such a building! Built to last centuries - and it will!
OPEN SUNDAY 12:00 to 2:00 Village of Jordan - Main Street north to Route 31 - turn right.
And then there's the added attraction of Skaneateles Creek meandering through the five acres of property. The bridge has been rebuilt so the two or so acres on the other side are now accessible. Go explore! Imagine having your own private - very private - campground over there. Or the place where kids go to be Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer...or Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy!
Inside the house is wonderful - a large enough kitchen with walk-in pantry, separate dining room for Thanksgiving and celebrations, a front parlor but also a living room with small office (or another bedroom) off it on the first floor. There's also a new full bath on the same level.
Upstairs are the four very good-sized and interesting bedrooms. I like nooks and crannies - and there are dormers and sloped ceilings. And what I wish we had - an upstairs laundry!
I did have a walk-up attic while I was growing up in Syracuse. We didn't use it except for storage, but there was a good feel about it. This one can be used - the flooring is quite thick. More square footage? It has over 3,000 now!
So come and see it on Sunday, noon to 2:00. ML#S296384 will show you more photos. It's one of those houses people dream about owning.
OPEN SUNDAY 12:00 to 2:00 Village of Jordan - Main Street north to Route 31 - turn right.
And then there's the added attraction of Skaneateles Creek meandering through the five acres of property. The bridge has been rebuilt so the two or so acres on the other side are now accessible. Go explore! Imagine having your own private - very private - campground over there. Or the place where kids go to be Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer...or Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy!
Inside the house is wonderful - a large enough kitchen with walk-in pantry, separate dining room for Thanksgiving and celebrations, a front parlor but also a living room with small office (or another bedroom) off it on the first floor. There's also a new full bath on the same level.
Upstairs are the four very good-sized and interesting bedrooms. I like nooks and crannies - and there are dormers and sloped ceilings. And what I wish we had - an upstairs laundry!
I did have a walk-up attic while I was growing up in Syracuse. We didn't use it except for storage, but there was a good feel about it. This one can be used - the flooring is quite thick. More square footage? It has over 3,000 now!
So come and see it on Sunday, noon to 2:00. ML#S296384 will show you more photos. It's one of those houses people dream about owning.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Open Houses Alert! Saturday and Sunday
The time has come to do a few open houses, and since I have several listings some will be done on Saturdays - at least this Saturday!
Lovely 50 West Genesee will be open noon to 2:00 on Saturday, October 26th. It's perfect for the rare Saturday open house - right down the street from the Sherwood Inn and on Route 20. Visitors to the area who love Skaneateles or have just discovered it will be taken by this turn-of the-century home and its gorgeous woodwork. The fact that it's been updated isn't readily apparent from the street. That's why I want to draw people in, to see the granite in the kitchen and three full baths, the cherry cabinets and stainless steel appliances. They can pick up a copy of the the updates, then go shopping in the Village Center just a short block away. Hopefully the weather will allow them to go on the pier, or sit by the water...Once they own the house, they can sit on their own porch! But I'm getting ahead of myself.....
50 West Genesee - $400,000
4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths
Over 3,000sf
ML# S280791
On Sunday I will be out in Borodino holding that remarkable home at the corner of East Lake Road and Nunnery open for the first time. It's taken so long because the owner insisted on putting in a brand new furnace as long as he already was putting in a brand new well! All the big ticket items have been taken care of - the roof, the porch, the deck, paint and reconfiguring of the rooms, and of course the mechanicals. It is lovely and unique, and worth several looks. My favorite part is the dance hall on the second floor. I can hear the music, imagine what it must have been like years ago in softer times. Open Sunday, 1:00 to 3:00....and actually there will be other listings in Spafford held open as well! For photos and more, please go to ML# S298847
Lovely 50 West Genesee will be open noon to 2:00 on Saturday, October 26th. It's perfect for the rare Saturday open house - right down the street from the Sherwood Inn and on Route 20. Visitors to the area who love Skaneateles or have just discovered it will be taken by this turn-of the-century home and its gorgeous woodwork. The fact that it's been updated isn't readily apparent from the street. That's why I want to draw people in, to see the granite in the kitchen and three full baths, the cherry cabinets and stainless steel appliances. They can pick up a copy of the the updates, then go shopping in the Village Center just a short block away. Hopefully the weather will allow them to go on the pier, or sit by the water...Once they own the house, they can sit on their own porch! But I'm getting ahead of myself.....
50 West Genesee - $400,000
4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths
Over 3,000sf
ML# S280791
On Sunday I will be out in Borodino holding that remarkable home at the corner of East Lake Road and Nunnery open for the first time. It's taken so long because the owner insisted on putting in a brand new furnace as long as he already was putting in a brand new well! All the big ticket items have been taken care of - the roof, the porch, the deck, paint and reconfiguring of the rooms, and of course the mechanicals. It is lovely and unique, and worth several looks. My favorite part is the dance hall on the second floor. I can hear the music, imagine what it must have been like years ago in softer times. Open Sunday, 1:00 to 3:00....and actually there will be other listings in Spafford held open as well! For photos and more, please go to ML# S298847
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Words with Friends - The Bigger Picture
When I started this blog years ago I said I would write about my life as a Realtor in Skaneateles. As part of that life, I manage my time and make sure I am on-time for appointments. A couple years ago I said I would never rush again (a New Year's resolution) which meant I would always leave early enough to allow some time for whatever came up. Coincidentally Alex got me started on Words with Friends and I was hooked. Now I get places early to play if there are no e-mails or texts to write.
Generally I play with Alex and a couple local friends. But over the course of time I have found - or they found me - a couple women who enjoy playing as I do. In each case they thought I was someone else - Margaret Brooks being a very common name, it turns out. The first woman, Kathy, lives in Manila! The second, Lozza, is in Australia.
Over the course of about a year we've traded information on our areas. She's told me about the Wyangala Waters where she vacationed in a caravan, and I have told her about the Finger Lakes. She has spent more time in the states than I have in Australia (as in no time at all).
Yesterday as I pulled into the M&T branch in Elbridge I heard on NPR about the fires in Australia. I knew she lived in New South Wales, but I never imagined that the fires were in her area. To me, Australia is vast and the states huge. Whenever I worry about my old friend in Colorado - floods, fires, blizzards - he tells me he is well out of the way. But NPR said "The Blue Mountains" and my attention was assured.
I looked up our games, and there was a message from her. Over 200 homes had already burned, but she felt they were safe. Today I got this:
There is an emergency alert out for the whole of the Blue Mountains area for tomorrow. My
daughter-in-law and grandchildren are evacuating but my son will stay with their house. My husband is working at the relief centre but I will try to stay with our house. We have a community fire box at the end of our street where the fire hose can be connected to the main. They can use that to protect the houses from embers if that happens. It is comforting to know that people all over the world are thinking and praying for us.
She sent that 12 hours ago - I wrote back this morning but have heard nothing.
We are so lucky here in Central New York. Last year was SuperStorm Sandy that totally missed us. No threat of fires will ever erupt here - and yes, there may be flooding in the Southern Tier (no small problem for those affected) or an ice storm or blizzard or two in the winter. Yes, the Labor Day Storm of 1998 is still recent enough - but I can't imagine a circumstance where our homes would be totally destroyed, as well as our neighborhoods. Maybe as the climate changes and the years go by we will have our own Super Storm - but for now I feel safe. I certainly hope Lozza and her family get through this...
So as we go about our lives this week, please take a moment to think of her half a world away. I will, of course, keep you posted through this blog, or write to me: MBrooks@remax.net.
Generally I play with Alex and a couple local friends. But over the course of time I have found - or they found me - a couple women who enjoy playing as I do. In each case they thought I was someone else - Margaret Brooks being a very common name, it turns out. The first woman, Kathy, lives in Manila! The second, Lozza, is in Australia.
Over the course of about a year we've traded information on our areas. She's told me about the Wyangala Waters where she vacationed in a caravan, and I have told her about the Finger Lakes. She has spent more time in the states than I have in Australia (as in no time at all).
Yesterday as I pulled into the M&T branch in Elbridge I heard on NPR about the fires in Australia. I knew she lived in New South Wales, but I never imagined that the fires were in her area. To me, Australia is vast and the states huge. Whenever I worry about my old friend in Colorado - floods, fires, blizzards - he tells me he is well out of the way. But NPR said "The Blue Mountains" and my attention was assured.
I looked up our games, and there was a message from her. Over 200 homes had already burned, but she felt they were safe. Today I got this:
There is an emergency alert out for the whole of the Blue Mountains area for tomorrow. My
daughter-in-law and grandchildren are evacuating but my son will stay with their house. My husband is working at the relief centre but I will try to stay with our house. We have a community fire box at the end of our street where the fire hose can be connected to the main. They can use that to protect the houses from embers if that happens. It is comforting to know that people all over the world are thinking and praying for us.
She sent that 12 hours ago - I wrote back this morning but have heard nothing.
We are so lucky here in Central New York. Last year was SuperStorm Sandy that totally missed us. No threat of fires will ever erupt here - and yes, there may be flooding in the Southern Tier (no small problem for those affected) or an ice storm or blizzard or two in the winter. Yes, the Labor Day Storm of 1998 is still recent enough - but I can't imagine a circumstance where our homes would be totally destroyed, as well as our neighborhoods. Maybe as the climate changes and the years go by we will have our own Super Storm - but for now I feel safe. I certainly hope Lozza and her family get through this...
So as we go about our lives this week, please take a moment to think of her half a world away. I will, of course, keep you posted through this blog, or write to me: MBrooks@remax.net.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
The Fourth Twenty
Below are the fourth set of 20 sold and closed single family homes as they appear in the Skaneateles area of the multiple listing service. They are in no particular order, and closed between August 15th and October 1st.
29 Onondaga Street - Village of Skaneateles - $180,000
4662 State Route 41A - Town of Niles - $240,000
1624 Coon Hill Road - Town of Skaneateles - $160,000
3140 West Lake Road - Town of Skaneateles - $465,000
4380 Jordan Road - Town of Skaneaeles - $158,000
22 Onondaga Street - Village of Skaneateles - $300,000
2148 Singing Woods Drive - Town of Spafford - $530,000
30 Hannum Street - Village of Skaneateles - $295,000
2598 Nunnery Road - Town of Spafford - $590,000
2637 East Lake Road - Town of Skaneateles - $1,900,000
3415 East Lake Road - Town of Skaneateles - $255,000
70 West Elizabeth Street - Village of Skaneateles - $165,000
3862 Highland Avenue - Town of Skaneateles - $258,500
25 East Elizabeth Street - Village of Skaneateles - $650,000
3542 County Line Road - Town of Skaneateles - $270,000
106 Sinclair Street - Village of Skaneateles - $424,325
3092 County Line Road - Town of Skaneateles - $297,500
2632 Giles Road - Town of Skaneateles - $355,000
6 West Lake Street - Village of Skaneateles - $480,000
3067 East Lake Road - Town of Skaneateles - $1,925,000
29 Onondaga Street - Village of Skaneateles - $180,000
4662 State Route 41A - Town of Niles - $240,000
1624 Coon Hill Road - Town of Skaneateles - $160,000
3140 West Lake Road - Town of Skaneateles - $465,000
4380 Jordan Road - Town of Skaneaeles - $158,000
22 Onondaga Street - Village of Skaneateles - $300,000
2148 Singing Woods Drive - Town of Spafford - $530,000
30 Hannum Street - Village of Skaneateles - $295,000
2598 Nunnery Road - Town of Spafford - $590,000
2637 East Lake Road - Town of Skaneateles - $1,900,000
3415 East Lake Road - Town of Skaneateles - $255,000
70 West Elizabeth Street - Village of Skaneateles - $165,000
3862 Highland Avenue - Town of Skaneateles - $258,500
25 East Elizabeth Street - Village of Skaneateles - $650,000
3542 County Line Road - Town of Skaneateles - $270,000
106 Sinclair Street - Village of Skaneateles - $424,325
3092 County Line Road - Town of Skaneateles - $297,500
2632 Giles Road - Town of Skaneateles - $355,000
6 West Lake Street - Village of Skaneateles - $480,000
3067 East Lake Road - Town of Skaneateles - $1,925,000
Friday, October 18, 2013
Skaneateles Real Estate - The October Update
Ah, October! One of my very favorite months...I went out to the lake today and going down East Lake Road the trees positively glowed. And today really wasn't the most beautiful of days - we had those last week! I told Bob what I loved about this time of year was the light - that painter's gray with sunshine topping the trees. It all foreshadows the winter months to come, but I find myself thinking more and more about cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing....but there are houses to sell...and deals to make before I ski.
50 West Genesee
There are currently (as of the 15th) 92 active listings in the Skaneateles area of the multiple listing service. Of these, ONLY 17 are in the Village and 26 are waterfront. I stress the the "only" because that is a low number, and usually about the same as waterfront properties...but the Village is selling!
This period covers the days between September 18th and October 15th. During that time only four - four! - single family homes came on the market. Two were in the Village and the two others were in the town, none waterfront. Nothing was re-listed, which is a hopeful sign that things are moving without having to re-list.
There are 23 properties listed in the under contract category. "Surprise" - 8 are Village homes, and one each for waterfront and the town. The median list price of these homes is $244,000. Just drive up Onondaga Street - they all seem to have sold within weeks of each other, and I am sure account for the slightly lower price.
And now my favorite paragraph - the SOLD paragraph. We have (drum roll please) 85 homes that have closed year-to-October 15th. Eleven are new - and oddly 3 in the Village and 8 in the town. But think of that - in the same time frame 11 closed while only 4 came on the market - a reversal of trends? Time to buy? Of course! And the median price of the sold listings is $297,000...more like it!
Last year at this time there were 95 sold and closed homes. But let's remember that last year was a record year, and not reflective of the previous decade. In fact, in 2011 there were only 55 closings by mid-October, but with the (almost) same median price. That's a huge difference! I am glad we are on the up side of it!
So if you are out there wondering what to do this weekend, please stop by my open house at 54 Onondaga Street between 12:00 and 2:00 on Sunday. I know we just had the first open a couple weeks ago, but the sellers took to heart the comments made at the brokers' open and have worked feverishly to make a few recommended changes. One of the changes is the price - $325,000.
50 West Genesee
There are currently (as of the 15th) 92 active listings in the Skaneateles area of the multiple listing service. Of these, ONLY 17 are in the Village and 26 are waterfront. I stress the the "only" because that is a low number, and usually about the same as waterfront properties...but the Village is selling!
This period covers the days between September 18th and October 15th. During that time only four - four! - single family homes came on the market. Two were in the Village and the two others were in the town, none waterfront. Nothing was re-listed, which is a hopeful sign that things are moving without having to re-list.
There are 23 properties listed in the under contract category. "Surprise" - 8 are Village homes, and one each for waterfront and the town. The median list price of these homes is $244,000. Just drive up Onondaga Street - they all seem to have sold within weeks of each other, and I am sure account for the slightly lower price.
And now my favorite paragraph - the SOLD paragraph. We have (drum roll please) 85 homes that have closed year-to-October 15th. Eleven are new - and oddly 3 in the Village and 8 in the town. But think of that - in the same time frame 11 closed while only 4 came on the market - a reversal of trends? Time to buy? Of course! And the median price of the sold listings is $297,000...more like it!
Last year at this time there were 95 sold and closed homes. But let's remember that last year was a record year, and not reflective of the previous decade. In fact, in 2011 there were only 55 closings by mid-October, but with the (almost) same median price. That's a huge difference! I am glad we are on the up side of it!
So if you are out there wondering what to do this weekend, please stop by my open house at 54 Onondaga Street between 12:00 and 2:00 on Sunday. I know we just had the first open a couple weeks ago, but the sellers took to heart the comments made at the brokers' open and have worked feverishly to make a few recommended changes. One of the changes is the price - $325,000.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Open House Alert! 54 Onondaga Street - Skaneateles
Have you ever wanted a four bedroom, two full bath home in the Village? Do you need (or want) a first floor bedroom? How about a two-car garage...private yard. Kitchen with granite open to the family room, warmed by a wood-burning fireplace? Southern-facing deck that runs the length of the back of the house?
You have it here, in 54 Onondaga on the corner of Teasel. Open Sunday, October 6th, 1:00 to 3:00 - with hopefully abundant sunshine so you can lounge on the deck. If it's chilly we can use the fireplaces (two of them) - I always like the look of flames reflecting off gleaming hardwoods.
The house is unassuming from the outside, reminiscent of a Cape Cod-type home with shake shingles on the side and garage. The sellers have added usable square footage in the lower level...yes, "basement" is the correct term, but I love how the door opens to the brick patio under the deck. It feels quite like a garden apartment down there.
The price is $345,000...you get over 2,000sf on the first and second floors, and another 600sf in the lower. That's hard to find in the Village for this price. Two of the three upstairs bedrooms are fairly large with window seats and skylights.
Please tell me you saw this blog when you come - it always makes my day!
You have it here, in 54 Onondaga on the corner of Teasel. Open Sunday, October 6th, 1:00 to 3:00 - with hopefully abundant sunshine so you can lounge on the deck. If it's chilly we can use the fireplaces (two of them) - I always like the look of flames reflecting off gleaming hardwoods.
The house is unassuming from the outside, reminiscent of a Cape Cod-type home with shake shingles on the side and garage. The sellers have added usable square footage in the lower level...yes, "basement" is the correct term, but I love how the door opens to the brick patio under the deck. It feels quite like a garden apartment down there.
The price is $345,000...you get over 2,000sf on the first and second floors, and another 600sf in the lower. That's hard to find in the Village for this price. Two of the three upstairs bedrooms are fairly large with window seats and skylights.
Please tell me you saw this blog when you come - it always makes my day!
Friday, September 27, 2013
Open House Alert! 50 West Genesee Street
See it again...for the first time! 1:00 to 3:00 Sunday, September 29th ML#S280791
($400,000...4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths - over 3,000sf includes the third story)
I hadn't seen it like this....totally vacant, devoid of furniture, people and dogs. I was afraid after the tenant left that it would seem "old" or somehow there would be flaws that weren't noticeable when it was filled with the previous people's things. But no - as a matter of fact what shows up more are the graceful features that make it so lovely, such a treasure.
So much is included in this photo! You can see the stained glass on the landing, the marvelous spindles on the oak staircase. Up on the wall to the right of the window is one of two sconces. The floors are all hardwood, upstairs and down. Under the staircase is a closet - excellent use of all space. The walls were painted (no more wallpaper) and embellished by Chuck Gridley. The doorway you are looking through leads to the dining room and to the right of that is a small parlor with a wood burning fireplace and bay window. There are four sets of pocket doors, and they move very easily so they are actually useful. Beyond the dining room is the kitchen (granite and cherry) and beyond that is a family room/office-type of space. It's so well-lit because of the sliding glass doors that lead out to a deck, then the yard and garage.
It's a home that gets "visited." I've had two brokers' opens there (two separate listings) and agents return even though they've seen it before, simply because they like the feel of the place. Past occupants/owners come to the open houses. Even though they've moved on they want to return, and the house welcomes them back.
Come on Sunday between 1:00 and 3:00 to see if the home has the same impact on you! As usual there will be refreshments of some kind, and possibly a fall surprise and/or incentive to buy it soon.
($400,000...4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths - over 3,000sf includes the third story)
I hadn't seen it like this....totally vacant, devoid of furniture, people and dogs. I was afraid after the tenant left that it would seem "old" or somehow there would be flaws that weren't noticeable when it was filled with the previous people's things. But no - as a matter of fact what shows up more are the graceful features that make it so lovely, such a treasure.
So much is included in this photo! You can see the stained glass on the landing, the marvelous spindles on the oak staircase. Up on the wall to the right of the window is one of two sconces. The floors are all hardwood, upstairs and down. Under the staircase is a closet - excellent use of all space. The walls were painted (no more wallpaper) and embellished by Chuck Gridley. The doorway you are looking through leads to the dining room and to the right of that is a small parlor with a wood burning fireplace and bay window. There are four sets of pocket doors, and they move very easily so they are actually useful. Beyond the dining room is the kitchen (granite and cherry) and beyond that is a family room/office-type of space. It's so well-lit because of the sliding glass doors that lead out to a deck, then the yard and garage.
It's a home that gets "visited." I've had two brokers' opens there (two separate listings) and agents return even though they've seen it before, simply because they like the feel of the place. Past occupants/owners come to the open houses. Even though they've moved on they want to return, and the house welcomes them back.
Come on Sunday between 1:00 and 3:00 to see if the home has the same impact on you! As usual there will be refreshments of some kind, and possibly a fall surprise and/or incentive to buy it soon.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Skaneateles Real Estate - The Occasional Update (September 18th)
I was already to go with the update, but then realized I had to get in the open house alert for last Sunday at 149 N. Main Street in Jordan. And I am glad I did! I was busy all the time - just lovely, and everyone really liked the house too which is always important. From that moment on I was swamped with work and did not get back to the update....so this one uses September 18th statistics.
There are currently 102 single family homes on the market in the Skaneateles area of the multiple listing service. Of these, 25 are in the Village and 27 are considered waterfront. Eight of the nine "new" listings in the past week or so are actually re-listings.
There are 24 properties waiting to close, or to have contingencies removed. Two new Village properties came under contract.
As of the 18th, 74 single family homes had closed, year-to-date. Two were in the town, and the third is in the Village. We are getting closer to the Fourth Twenty! I can almost see 100 sales this year for the second year in a row....
Speaking of 100 sales.....I attended very sadly the funeral of Mary Toman from Realty USA's Camillus office last week. The church was filled; her calling hours on Wednesday night lasted 5 hours.
Mary was a fixture in the real estate world I joined over ten years ago. We did several sales together, and there always seemed time for her to talk a bit. She was a legend - she did over 100 sales a year, every year, for the past 15 years. She - personally - without a huge team.
But what was more poignant for me was her beginning, lovingly described by Mark Re. She had lost both parents by the age of 14, so she lived alone on Shonnard Street and attended St. Pat's School on Tipp Hill. The powers that be felt this was not appropriate, and wanted to put her in an orphanage. At the court date a woman who cleaned the school stepped forward and agreed to take Mary - whom she didn't really know - into her home. Such love and compassion Mary paid back over the years in her own attention to the family she eventually had. And what I thought was also fascinating....she only started her remarkable real estate career at the age of 47.
I will miss her.
There are currently 102 single family homes on the market in the Skaneateles area of the multiple listing service. Of these, 25 are in the Village and 27 are considered waterfront. Eight of the nine "new" listings in the past week or so are actually re-listings.
There are 24 properties waiting to close, or to have contingencies removed. Two new Village properties came under contract.
As of the 18th, 74 single family homes had closed, year-to-date. Two were in the town, and the third is in the Village. We are getting closer to the Fourth Twenty! I can almost see 100 sales this year for the second year in a row....
Speaking of 100 sales.....I attended very sadly the funeral of Mary Toman from Realty USA's Camillus office last week. The church was filled; her calling hours on Wednesday night lasted 5 hours.
Mary was a fixture in the real estate world I joined over ten years ago. We did several sales together, and there always seemed time for her to talk a bit. She was a legend - she did over 100 sales a year, every year, for the past 15 years. She - personally - without a huge team.
But what was more poignant for me was her beginning, lovingly described by Mark Re. She had lost both parents by the age of 14, so she lived alone on Shonnard Street and attended St. Pat's School on Tipp Hill. The powers that be felt this was not appropriate, and wanted to put her in an orphanage. At the court date a woman who cleaned the school stepped forward and agreed to take Mary - whom she didn't really know - into her home. Such love and compassion Mary paid back over the years in her own attention to the family she eventually had. And what I thought was also fascinating....she only started her remarkable real estate career at the age of 47.
I will miss her.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Open House Alert! 149 North Main Street - Jordan
What a gorgeous weekend this is going to be! The Jordan Fall Festival will be ongoing from Friday to Sunday with all sorts of fun events. Check it out at jordanfallfestival.com.
Meanwhile, a short distance away in the Village of Jordan, I will have the beautiful home at 149 North Main Street (ML#S296384) open on Sunday, from 1:00 to 3:00. It was built in the mid-1800s and they certainly knew how to erect homes that lasted back then. The walls are thick, and the owners are amazed at how little the utilities cost for over 3,000sf of living space. The bedrooms are large - something that is usually only seen in master bedrooms these days. The kitchen has a walk-in (and around) pantry, plus there's a small office just off the living room.
I love the porch and deck...Just sit on the front porch (accessed only from the house) and watch the world go by! In the rear the decks overlook Skaneateles Creek. Buy this house, and you own 5 acres plus have the pleasure of fishing from your own back yard.
I look around at the old homes on my way to the house and try to imagine what it must have been like when the house was new, and surrounded only by other homes as glorious (or almost!) as this one on the far NW side of the Village.
So come to see it please - you will be pleasantly surprised by all the updates. My personal favorite is the second floor laundry - but then again, the walk-up attic has even more potential. Remember - 1:00 to 3:00 this Sunday!
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| 149 North Main Street Village of Jordan 13080 |
I love the porch and deck...Just sit on the front porch (accessed only from the house) and watch the world go by! In the rear the decks overlook Skaneateles Creek. Buy this house, and you own 5 acres plus have the pleasure of fishing from your own back yard.
I look around at the old homes on my way to the house and try to imagine what it must have been like when the house was new, and surrounded only by other homes as glorious (or almost!) as this one on the far NW side of the Village.
So come to see it please - you will be pleasantly surprised by all the updates. My personal favorite is the second floor laundry - but then again, the walk-up attic has even more potential. Remember - 1:00 to 3:00 this Sunday!
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