Excerpts from Hudson Gateway Multiple Listing Service, Inc. 1st Quarter 2013 Report:

The fast pace of the region’s recovering real estate market continued into the first quarter of 2013 as Realtors participating in the Hudson Gateway Multiple Listing Service, Inc., a subsidiary of HGAR,  reported significantly more closings of residential transactions throughout the four-county region served by the MLS. There were 2,263 closed transactions during the recent first quarter, constituting a large 8% increase over the 2,090 transactions reported in the first three months of 2012. The closed transactions were largely of properties that had been listed and marketed during the winter and early spring months.

The factors that support the release of pent-up demand have also attracted first-time buyers as well as others who see an unparalleled opportunity to acquire affordably priced housing in whatis well known to be an expensive region. The bulk of the market has strongly shifted to the moderate and lower priced properties; there are more such sales relative to the high end, and that has the effect of pulling down the averages. In Westchester, for example, the proportion of first-quarter single family transactions for $1 million or more was about 16%, the same as last year at this time, but well below the level of 20% or higher that prevailed in prior years.

Some interesting facts from the Hudson Gateway First Quarter Report on comparison of 1st quarter 2012 to first quarter 2013 include:

Median Sales Prices:

Single Family Homes     +1.9%

Condos                                +3.8%

2-4 Family                         + 4.5%

End of Quarter Inventory:

Single Family Homes      -20%

Condos                             -29.5%

Coops                             -10.7%

2-4 Family                     -18.4%

Barbara’s comment:  If selling a home, and it is priced fairly and in good condition, this is a great market for you to list your home. Open houses draw numerous couples who we’ve seen multiple bids on one weekend.  For buyers, this is why its important to have a real estate agent you trust keeping their eyes open for new listings as they come out on the MLS before that open house occurs!

Spring is prime time for house buyers wanting to get situated and closed in the summer before the school season begins. You should also have a solid pre-approval letter and necessary financial paperwork ready in case you run into a multi-bid situation. The early bird catches the worm!

Scarsdale Medical Group, that originally had offices both on Healthcote Road and diagnostics in Harrison now has the whole second floor of 600 Mamaroneck Avenue, Harrison, with additional diagnostic offices at 550 Mamaroneck Ave. Their phone # is 914-723-8100.

Not only have they moved, but have tripled the amount of specialists they offer and have extended their hours to also include weekends for emergencies, even on a walk in basis.

When you walk in the doors, you feel like you may be in a hospital clinic! But, they still seem to be well organized in terms of checking in;  and I’ve always been seen within 10 minutes of my appointment date.  Where we all used to go to separate addresses for each specialist, you can now have everyone from your internist, to your gastroenterologist, cardiologist, to even a podiatrist all under one roof! This seems to be the direction of more and more doctors who pool their real estate resources.

Most of the physicians, you will find, come from the top schools within their specialties and are all affiliated with White Plains Hospital.

Are you technologically savvy?  Scarsdale Medical Group has a Patient Portal.  You can schedule appointments, order test results and even communicate with your doctor! And, they  can also give you results online as well.

Weekday hours are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 pm. but they do have extended hours on weekends for emergencies. Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm and Sunday from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 pm where they have doctors on staff to see you.

                                                                                                                                                                                                      There are  “Doctors who Truly Care” and I am now convinced that there are “Doctors who care about Money more than you”.      

How can you tell the difference. I am sharing my experience that has occurred over the last several months.  I thought both of these doctors cared, but was surprised by what occurred recently.

I have been seeing a Cardiologist in the city for the last  15 years for my yearly Echocardiograms.  He was always the one to conduct them, discuss what he saw and sit with me afterwards.  He was “in my plan”.  Then, I called this year to schedule an appointment and was told by the nurse that he no longer was going to accept my insurance plan.  Perhaps I’d like to change doctors and she could recommend someone down the hall!  I asked to speak with him. He got on the phone and without further ado said, perhaps I’d like to find a doctor closer to my where I lived, since he went off plan and he would mail my records!  I was in shock.  What happened to those 15 years I saw him and his answering the phone when I called with a question? Dismissed for a bigger paycheck!

Reason I was in shock?  A few months ago I developed an ENT issue.  I went to several ENT’s and was referred by one ENT to another who was not in my insurance plan.  HOWEVER, since I was a referral, he said that he would accept whatever my plan would pay him, knowing it would be based upon standard and customary for non-network providers.  I’ve seen him several times and he has honored this.  Now, this is one of the top ENT’s in NYC and top 1% in country, and yet he was not caught up on the $$ signs, but on truly trying to remedy my issue.

You also, I’ve learned, have to really ask the right questions if you are moving to a new town/city and researching new physicians or specialists for the first time. Some doctors and hospitals will say, yes we accept insurance. Be careful of that saying!  They may accept it BUT, they may not be “In Network”. They may accept and be “out of network” and you will end up paying much more.  ALWAYS ask “Are you a “In Network” provider for whatever plan you have.  Another thing you may come across is emergency room visits.  If you need to go to an emergency room and call to ask if they take your insurance, BE SURE to ask if the doctors in the emergency room take insurance!

My husband went to emergency room last year nearby that said it took insurance, and then we started getting bills from the doctors When I called the hospital they said, we take insurance for your ER visit, but not all of our doctors do!

So, if you are moving to a new city and need to find a new doctor or specialist, be sure to ask the right questions.  Do not ask, do you take insurance. Ask do you participate In Network for my insurance plan.

If you do happen to find a doctor that you like, I’d also ask if they plan to not accept insurance in the future, and if so, would they continue to have you as a patient and honor your insurance, or will you have to change doctors at that time.

I am the type person that likes to establish long term relationships with anyone from my physicians to my lawyer and my accountant (who I’ve had for 25 years). It is disappointing that my loyalty to that physician was overrridden by his desire to earn more money.  Can’t guarantee yours won’t do the same thing in the future with healthcare reimbursements going the way they do, but at least you can ask the questions up front!

Looking for a doctor in Westchester County? A good place to start is at a hospital near your town. Down here in lower Westchester County, White Plains Hospital and Westchester Medical Center both have referral departments.

I will be writing a blog soon about one medical group in lower Westchester  that started rather small and now is like a mini-hospital with all specialties under one roof! Unlike some, it is well run and automation has taken over in communication with patients.

Remember, always research Doctors Who Care about YOU.

Is Hudson Valley Restaurant week really a value?  The spring Hudson Valley Restaurant Week has already ended, but they are already advertising for Fall Hudson Valley Restaurant Week November 4-17th. But, before you get excited about the Fall Restaurant week, read on. Restaurant week is a bargain totally dependent on which restaurant you choose. Many people think its an opportunity to try more upscale restaurants they have not gone to before.  All of the ads read that you can dine at over 150 restaurants for $20.95 for lunch or $29.95 for dinner excluding drinks, tip and taxes.

There are many restaurants on the list that, if you don’t usually order dessert, you can spend the same amount if you order off the regular menu any night of the week and choose from the regular menu. So, these restaurants participate to draw their usual customers.

There are others, that are more upscale that have a really good choice of food on their prix fixe menus, like The Ironhorse Grill in Pleasantville. They usually have three to four great selections, wonderful desserts and choice of appetizers or salads. And, the prix fixe states its $29.95.

Then, there are others that use Hudson Valley Restaurant week to draw new customers who may not visit their restaurants due to high prices they charge.  These are the ones you really have to research before thinking you will get out of the restaurant for under $100 for two.  Our friends wanted to go to 42 at The Ritz in White Plains.  This is a very upscale restaurant with amazing views from river to river and as far as the city lodged on top of The Ritz Hotel in downtown White Plains.  We usually save these places for special occasions.  But, being there were 4 other people in our group, we joined them.  We had not read the menu.  Let me start by saying, the corner table on the 42nd floor was truly amazing.  They ask if want a drink (which of course starts your meter ticking for over $29.95 dinner since drinks, tip and taxes are not included.) So, we then got our so called “prix fixed” menus.  You had to really read past all of the extra charges in parentheses to see what was “really prix fixed”. If wanted a hot appetizer plate for two, it was $22 in parentheses. Did have a choice of two salads and a beet appetizer and pasta dish included. The main course is where I had the issue. The three included choices were either a) chicken fried drumsticks b) spicey skirt steak marinated c) salmon. If you wanted Rib Steak there was a $22 in parentheses. If you wanted another fish dish listed it was $19 in parentheses.  Each came with some garnish, but then you have a list of “side dishes” each $8, or 3 for $20.  Three desserts were included. One was actually okay.

Why not just have a true prix fixed menu, no matter how limited, and then have people order off the regular menu if they don’t like it?

Needless to say, since two of us don’t eat fish, and I can’t eat anything spicey we opted for the rather “dry” Rib Steak for

$22 extra. Then, others order side dishes, drinks, coffee. Bill per couple $160! Far cry from $29.95 a person.!

So, if you are wise to the fact that $29.95 in some of the upscale restaurants is just your excuse to go, and you go online first to read their menu and realize what the “true” costs will be, enjoy yourself! Otherwise, buyer beware! I am just suggesting that everyone read the online menus. You can discover some wonderful restaurants you may not have gone to who are truly a Hudson Valley Restaurant Week value.

Is First Class for real on major Airlines? I had to ask myself that very question after our recent trip to Hawaii.My husband won a trip, all expenses paid, by his company to 5 days in Hawaii, including First Class tickets from New York.

This was my first, first class and I was looking forward to it. Just because I was wondering what the big deal was besides the big seats! And, that was about it. Due to the snowstorm event a few weeks ago, our flight was delayed by about 2 hours. They kept us in the loop, so I had no gripes with the “ground” personnel. When we got onboard and sat down, we were met with two “unsmiling” attendants who said “do you want something to drink”? Afraid to say no! Seemed like we were intruding on their space! Delivered in the same dour manner.

But, here is where I really had my shock about being “treated” to First Class. There were only 16 seats in first class. They had a menu that included choice of chilled appetizer or green salad. Then, your three choices of meal were a spicey chicken tamale dish, short ribs or tomato ravioli. Now we were in 4th row..which were 13 and 14 seats. By time he got to us, he said he was out of both the pasta and short ribs and only had a spicey chicken tamale dish. I said I cannot eat spices but noticed in coach they had a salad with chicken on it. He said if I wanted that I would have to pay $7.50 like people in coach. So, let me get this right. If we had paid for these airline tickets they would have been $1300 each (I checked), but because the food was from coach I had to pay $7.50. Just on principal I had their green salad and chilled appetizer.

I guess we should have considered ourselves lucky that the peanuts, chips and soda were free for the whole ride!

Ron Altman Insurance Broker Westchester Cnty

I sat with my own insurance broker, who  I’ve used for over 15 years, to discuss the advantages of using an insurance broker rather than researching and using online information or direct insurance companies. I also wanted to discuss how different policies differ and if cost is always reflection of what you actually get.

Barbara: What is the value of using an insurance agent vs. buying online? Does it cost more to do so?

Ron: There are 3 main ways of buying coverage; online or through a 800#, through a local agent who represents only one product, or through an independent agent, who has access to many carriers. The perception is that if you cut out the middle man you will obtain a lower price, but that is not always the case.  Since the premiums/rates are filed with the State, each carrier may be more competitive in one market than another, depending on who they decide to service. For example, a company like Chubb may be more competitive for their target market of high value homes, where another carrier may not want to write a policy of over a million or their premiums would be too high.  You need to evaluate each company to see how they compare. That is where an insurance agent can be helpful.

Barbara: Is price a direct reflection of coverage?

Ron:  Price is relative. You can take two policies and put them side by side. A company may be less than the premium of company B, but A many not be better choice. You need to really review what is included in the coverage form. If B is a much broader coverage for your needs, it may be a better choice.
An example of this is:  A includes “named perils”, while B is broader and says “all risk subject to exclusions and limitations form,” or if A includes just $5000 of sewer and drain backup versus full limits for B, or if B provides “non-owned auto liability” within the homeowners contract (which may be relevant to people who don’t own a car but rent one when needed), you may opt for B.

Barbara: Should you combine homeowners with car insurance always? Is it more cost effective, or should you evaluate separately?

Ron: Again, combining auto insurance with homeowners is not always the best choice.  Companies encourage that because they want to retain that client and will offer an account discount. However, even with discount, if you can separate the coverage and do better in terms of cost and coverage, then it makes more sense to separate it. Can’t assume if put together get a good deal.

Barbara: Deductibles: Should you always go for minimal deductibles?

Ron: Each company has different credits for a higher deductible, so again, it goes back to individual evaluation. Say Company A gives you a credit of $150 to go from $1000 to $2500 deductible, but Company B gives you an $800 credit, you’d go for B.

Barbara: With recent Hurricane Sandy, can people not in a flood zone get flood insurance?

Ron: When not in a flood zone, flood insurance is very inexpensive. But, need to determine why you want it. If thinking to cover your basement, insurance is very limited in covering contents besides equipment such as the furnace. In flood zones, its much more expensive and need to obtain an elevation certificate to write flood insurance in high flood zones. Max limits under a flood policy are $250,000 for dwelling and $100,000 for contents.

Barbara: Besides cost, can you tell my readers the other value of hiring an insurance broker. I know personally what it is after how you helped us through Hurricane Sandy damage, but could you give another example.

Ron: Insurance brokers should be there for you through the life of your policy, not just when you purchase it. If there is a claim, they should be able to be the interface between you and the company and your advocate if you are having issues collecting.  I recently had a client after Hurricane Sandy where medicines were spoiled when power was lost. The spoilage was several thousand dollars. Company declined the claim. I believed they misinterpreted the policy, called the adjuster and they reversed their decision and paid.

Barbara: Thanks Ron.

A. Zeeman Company, Inc. the insurance agency Ron Altman is part of was started in 1940 by Abe Zeeman (Ron’s grandfather on his mothers side). So, Ron is third generation. They write all forms of insurance including personal, commercial, life, health and disability, long term care. Licensed in 13 states and represent the top companies in the market. They are located in Mt. Kisco, NY.

Want a personal referral to Ron. Call/txt me at 914-523-5087.

Wyndhurst Dining at Cranwell Resort

The Cranwell Resort and Spa in Lenox is especially popular in the summer, due to its proximity to Tanglewood and its 18 hole beautiful golf course.  It has 117 rooms that are spread between the Mansion with 13 rooms, (the original 100 year old Tudor building) and several outlaying buildings. The Olsted and the Carriage House are ideally connected to the Spa.

The winter months also draw both couples (like us), and families because of the indoor glass domed heated olympic size pool as well as proximity to the several ski slopes in the area including Butternut Ski Resort in Great Barrington.

This weekend was particularly cold, wind chills near zero, so we found that the families were all at the pool!  Advantage of traveling to a resort with an alternate activity.

The Spa is a highlight for those who enjoy being pampered,but you need to book in advance. It does get busy. They have steam and suana as well as whirlpool. My favorite room is their “Quiet Room” where no cell phones or talking. Nice fireplace, low lighting, where can just read or wait for spa treatment.

Breakfast is served for all in The Music Room. There is a combination of a buffet (which is really worth it based upon the ala carte prices) as well as a la carte menu. Buffet has both hold and cold as well as an omelet station manned by the chef who has been there for years.

Dinner is served either in Wyndhurst Room (picture above) or in The Music Room. What my husband and I appreciate it is that they keep couples (like ourselves) in the The Wyndhurst Room so we can enjoy the fine dining, while they put folks with boisterous families in The Music Room. Both rooms are equally nice and serve same menu, but it is nice to enjoy the quiet and scenary and relax during dinner. There is a fireplace in the main lobby with bar that goes between Music Room and lobby.

If looking for a good lunch place, go into downtown Lenox. There are several restaurants, but for the best healthy lunch, try Thats a Wrap located on Franklin Street (a small street between Main and Church Street. They just opened last August, its small with a big blackboard menu from salads, paninis, make your own sandwiches, to individual pizza. I had a great chicken and provolone with honey mustard panini style sandwich. Not fancy, but really good.

The Cranwell Resort and Spa is a good place for both couples or families. You can find your quiet space, or have the pool to entertain the children.

Snowstorm 2011

So this was the picture out  for the storm in October 2011 taken out my front door (which is 16 steps down to the driveway!).

As we listen to the weather forecast yesterday where blizzard conditions were forecast with up to 2 feet of snow, with 50-60 mph winds,  we all hustled out to buy water, food, and fill our cars up with gas and get that necessary salt, which doesn’t do much good when its 2 feet deep!

Yes, its snowing and right now there is about 3 inches on the ground, but the weather forecast just said that because it will turn to rain and then back to snow we will probably be getting about  6-10 inches instead with 20-30 mph winds!

Gee, I had this picture from 2011 all ready to be added to my facebook page instead of taking another one!  Guess will have to wait and see to upload an “accurate” photo!

Wherever you are in Westchester County, NY, lets hope this latest forecast is accurate, we keep our lights and heat on, all trees remain standing,  and it all melts on Monday when it turns back to the 40’s again!

Highlands 1926 House

What does $470,000 buy in a Single Family House in The Highlands section of White Plains?  I just sold my second house in The Highlands within the last three months and both within 2 blocks of eachother to friends! How fun that was. Both couples with small children, moved up from the city living in apartments. Both wanted a house, but did not want to be in an isolated suburb where a car was mandatory.

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, many people who are moving up from New York City, who want a house, but want to be walking distance to a city for shopping, restaurants, movies, like to look at The Highlands section of White Plains.  Most of The Highlands are within a few blocks to max ¾ mile away from Mamaroneck Avenue where you can find the Showcase Cineplex 15, and numerous pubs and restaurants. Even walking distance to a ShopRite housed in City Center!

There is very little turnover in houses in The Highlands. Many of the people have lived there for over 40 years.  Generally speaking, people move to retire, or as a result of a Estate sale.  Over the last few years, young couples are buying these older homes (many built in the 1920”s) and renovating them. This is the case with this $470,000 home.  This is a rocking chair porch home, 1852 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, eat in kitchen, with a walk up attic that can be made into two more cozy rooms (or hiding places for the kids!). It has a one car garage and a tiny backyard.( Most properties are less than .115 acres.)  Although it has nice hardwood floors, and “solid bones”, it needs a total renovation to restore to its original elegance. It was owned for 55 years, and not much was done.   But, for this buyer, who has family in construction and is personally handy, the convenience of being in The Highlands, the friendly nature of the neighborhood, and ability to buy a home for under $500,000 and make it his own was worth it.

The other house, just around the corner sold for $497,000, which reflected more of the condition of the house more than the size.  Looking up “solds” for the last six months within a ½ mile radius, the average price was around $510,000, taking out the lowest one (that was small and on main road), and the highest one that sold for $735,000, but a new house that was built on property.

If you are interested in seeing what comes up in White Plains in the 10605 zip code, feel free to sign  up for your personal ListingBook Account on the right side of this page! It is only available through real estate agents. You can sign up yourself, and put in your home parameters including location, and home details and see what is coming up in the market. Feel free to call/txt me at any time with your real estate questions. No question is too small!  914-523-5087.

My husband and I have been going to B&B’s for many years whenever we travel and have been going up to the Berkshires   a few times a year since then!  We usually stay more towards Egremont and Great Barrington and go up to Lenox for Tanglewood or outlets. Since we found that Weathervane Inn in Egremont closed recently, we decided to venture out and try somewhere new!

Finding the Gateways Inn in Lenox was a perfect choice. Not only is it an Inn, but it is walking distance to Lenox main street and had a Piano Bar with music Saturday night so that we didn’t have to do our normal winter activity..movies at the Triplex!

This Inn was originally the summer home of Hector Proctor (of Proctor and Gamble). It has had many Innskeepers since then, but the quarter million dollar renovation (indicated in Fodors) by the current Innskeepers Eiran and Michelle Gazit has paid off. Unlike most Inns, the rooms are updated with flat screen TV’s and some with cozy gas fireplaces. There are various sizes in the 12 rooms to fit different price ranges. When you first enter the Inn you feel welcome. Within a few minutes after taking our belongings up to our room, my husband was talking to Eiran about his extensive Scotch collection! Both Eiran’s and Michelle’s energy and enthusiasm for not only running the Inn but actually enjoy having guests is evident by their visibility.  As many of you know who are frequent Inn or B&B visitors, many Innskeepers hand you a key and then just sign you out at the end. Not here!

With limited entertainment in the winter in Lenox area, having the Piano Bar and bar is a big attraction. The night we went there was a singer and two accompaniests, singing soleful lounge type music. They have an interesting late night (8:00 to 10:00 pm) Menu in addition to their early evening full menu from 6:00-8:00 pm, both excellent and have great reviews. To equal their evening fare, Michelle is up early and preparing the really thought out buffet breakfast. The morning we were there was a fresh fruit salad, home made granola, bagels, lox, fishes, tomatoes, different cheeses and of course fresh coffee and tea.                                      

Spring/summer is their busy season and we were told they are already being booked for those summer weekends and some full weeks when Tanglewood is in full swing. Since they are only a few miles down the road, its the ideal place to spend your time. Gateways Inn is definitely a good place to check out if you are planning a weekend up in Lenox.