Natural gas drilling is an issue here in Sullivan County, NY-- perhaps a big one. The Marcellus Shale Formation may significantly impact just about everything in our little piece of God's Green Earth. Keeping current is prudent.
Supporters claim economic benefits while enviromentalists predict degradation. Leasing activity has slowed probably based on the slide in natural gas prices over the past nine or so months. Gas firms have, for the moment, packed up--but they may be back when the economy heats up.
The implications for real estate here are considerable. The debate will most likely continue for years to come. Check here from time to time to follow the thread. Here's a link to a brief article discussing one particular aspect of the drilling issue.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Catskill Real Estate Market April-May 2009
So what’s going on here in Catskills of Sullivan County, NY? The short answer is—not much. Across the board, recent sales indicate buyers still favor the sidelines, not the playing field.
I believe there is still a relevant disconnect on the selling side of the equation. Sellers seem unwilling to make peace with the current bottom fishing aspect of today’s market. With that being said----
The home buying atmosphere should be robust and flush with exuberant activity. Lower than low interest rates, good inventory, and the first time homebuyer’s credit which may be used as a down payment are among factors that support and should buoy the market. Yet these favorable circumstances are not bringing buyers to the closing table.
Warren Blumenthal, Owner/Broker of Catskill Sales Associates, Inc located in Jeffersonville, NY, attributes the lethargic conditions to two primary elements.
The buying community believes the market still has not bottomed. Potential buyers are concerned their jobs may disappear.
What bothers me is the fact that savvy buyers, in general, know they cannot call the exact bottom of any market. The macro economic prevailing winds certainly indicate a buy now signal. Why aren’t they at the table in droves?
Perhaps it is the second point Broker Blumenthal makes that is more telling. All the conditions may be favorable to buy now, but if the buyer fears losing his or her job, buying doesn’t make sense.
My crystal ball in the attic predicts the buyer’s market will remain. I suspect that if the economic doldrums persist, sellers will have to get more realistic pricing points on their listings or they’ll be paying taxes for another year.
Even if we are close or at a pricing bottom, buyers will simply kick the tires if they fear for their jobs. Stay tuned for the next post when I bring the ball out of my Victorian attic.
I believe there is still a relevant disconnect on the selling side of the equation. Sellers seem unwilling to make peace with the current bottom fishing aspect of today’s market. With that being said----
The home buying atmosphere should be robust and flush with exuberant activity. Lower than low interest rates, good inventory, and the first time homebuyer’s credit which may be used as a down payment are among factors that support and should buoy the market. Yet these favorable circumstances are not bringing buyers to the closing table.
Warren Blumenthal, Owner/Broker of Catskill Sales Associates, Inc located in Jeffersonville, NY, attributes the lethargic conditions to two primary elements.
The buying community believes the market still has not bottomed. Potential buyers are concerned their jobs may disappear.
What bothers me is the fact that savvy buyers, in general, know they cannot call the exact bottom of any market. The macro economic prevailing winds certainly indicate a buy now signal. Why aren’t they at the table in droves?
Perhaps it is the second point Broker Blumenthal makes that is more telling. All the conditions may be favorable to buy now, but if the buyer fears losing his or her job, buying doesn’t make sense.
My crystal ball in the attic predicts the buyer’s market will remain. I suspect that if the economic doldrums persist, sellers will have to get more realistic pricing points on their listings or they’ll be paying taxes for another year.
Even if we are close or at a pricing bottom, buyers will simply kick the tires if they fear for their jobs. Stay tuned for the next post when I bring the ball out of my Victorian attic.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Good news for Sullivan County Real Estate
Welcome to the Catskills. Pull up a chair, relax, and participate. This blog is not moderated and solicits all opinions. Although primarily aimed at real estate issues within the greater Catskill Region of Sullivan County, New York, I welcome all input and comment relative to our area.
NYRI or New York Regional Interconnect project is dead. This means no major electrical infrastructure will mar the natural beauty of our region. This is no small victory for all property owners in Sullivan County, NY.
The proposed 190-mile grid plan could have taken one of several routes if approved, each one presenting substantial difficulty to those owners “in the way”. No one wants a 10 story monolithic tower placed in his or her back yard.
The NYRI threat is over. Come on up and see what the Catskill Mountains of Sullivan County, NY have to offer you. You won’t be disappointed.
Welcome Home.
NYRI or New York Regional Interconnect project is dead. This means no major electrical infrastructure will mar the natural beauty of our region. This is no small victory for all property owners in Sullivan County, NY.
The proposed 190-mile grid plan could have taken one of several routes if approved, each one presenting substantial difficulty to those owners “in the way”. No one wants a 10 story monolithic tower placed in his or her back yard.
The NYRI threat is over. Come on up and see what the Catskill Mountains of Sullivan County, NY have to offer you. You won’t be disappointed.
Welcome Home.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Real Estate is Like Playing Poker
Want to make a real estate deal? Then, you must be ready to play poker. So let’s shuffle the cards and get ready to play, shall we?
Before we sit down at the table, you MUST know the stakes and players involved. Playing blindly spells a losing strategy. I suggest you do a little homework prior to game night.
Jack and Jean Simpson are selling. They’ve owned several homes and know the real estate game quite well. Joe Johnson, the Seller’s Agent, is a veteran bringing years of experience to the table.
The Simpsons have listed their prize home for $399,000. It’s been on the market for 8 months. You’ve toured the home with your Buyer’s agent twice already and are ready to make an offer. You’ve noticed that your dream home, owned by the Simpsons, needs some minor repair work and could use some kitchen and bathroom renovations as well.
Furthermore, you-- Mr. and Mrs. Buyer, are excited about the prospects of owning this home. It isn’t your first home, but the jump up from your starter digs to the Simpson situation, is a big leap.
Your own agent has run comparable properties. Comps are: Similar in type and size to the subject property-Sold in the past year-Within a prescribed radius from the subject.
The most recent 3 comps have an average actual sale price of about $350,000. Your buyer’s agent suggests making an offer 15% below asking or $339,000.
What other information should Mr. And Mrs. Buyer have before sitting at the poker (read negotiation) table? If you can’t think of any other information you need prior to playing, call me. The information noted above is not enough to get the best deal.
As your buyer’s agent, I’ll save you a bundle be being fully prepared to engage the Simpsons and their representative at the table. If you’re going to play for high stakes, why not hire Paladin?
Before we sit down at the table, you MUST know the stakes and players involved. Playing blindly spells a losing strategy. I suggest you do a little homework prior to game night.
Jack and Jean Simpson are selling. They’ve owned several homes and know the real estate game quite well. Joe Johnson, the Seller’s Agent, is a veteran bringing years of experience to the table.
The Simpsons have listed their prize home for $399,000. It’s been on the market for 8 months. You’ve toured the home with your Buyer’s agent twice already and are ready to make an offer. You’ve noticed that your dream home, owned by the Simpsons, needs some minor repair work and could use some kitchen and bathroom renovations as well.
Furthermore, you-- Mr. and Mrs. Buyer, are excited about the prospects of owning this home. It isn’t your first home, but the jump up from your starter digs to the Simpson situation, is a big leap.
Your own agent has run comparable properties. Comps are: Similar in type and size to the subject property-Sold in the past year-Within a prescribed radius from the subject.
The most recent 3 comps have an average actual sale price of about $350,000. Your buyer’s agent suggests making an offer 15% below asking or $339,000.
What other information should Mr. And Mrs. Buyer have before sitting at the poker (read negotiation) table? If you can’t think of any other information you need prior to playing, call me. The information noted above is not enough to get the best deal.
As your buyer’s agent, I’ll save you a bundle be being fully prepared to engage the Simpsons and their representative at the table. If you’re going to play for high stakes, why not hire Paladin?
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
So You Want A Place in the Catskills?
There’s a lot to think about. For instance:
Do you really want to drive a little over 100 miles and take a swim before dinner?
Are your children ready for the fresh air, cool breeze, and sunshine?
Will Mom and Dad fit into the double bed at the farmhouse?
Do you really feel like taking a 3 or 4-day weekend to relax and enjoy life?
Peter-Paul-and Mary are playing Bethel Woods July 31st, should we buy tickets?
Should we do some horseback riding or maybe tube at Skinner’s Falls?
Sure there is a lot to think about. But why wouldn’t you want to come on up to the mountains?
It’s just around the corner. You can be up in the same time it takes to creep down Madison Avenue or the LIE.
Making Sullivan County your second home choice makes good sense—especially in today’s market. Super properties featuring views, water, and pastures are available at very advantageous price points.
Interest rates, the new home buyer’s $8000 credit, and excellent inventory have created the perfect storm. So you want a place in the Catskills? Welcome Home.
Do you really want to drive a little over 100 miles and take a swim before dinner?
Are your children ready for the fresh air, cool breeze, and sunshine?
Will Mom and Dad fit into the double bed at the farmhouse?
Do you really feel like taking a 3 or 4-day weekend to relax and enjoy life?
Peter-Paul-and Mary are playing Bethel Woods July 31st, should we buy tickets?
Should we do some horseback riding or maybe tube at Skinner’s Falls?
Sure there is a lot to think about. But why wouldn’t you want to come on up to the mountains?
It’s just around the corner. You can be up in the same time it takes to creep down Madison Avenue or the LIE.
Making Sullivan County your second home choice makes good sense—especially in today’s market. Super properties featuring views, water, and pastures are available at very advantageous price points.
Interest rates, the new home buyer’s $8000 credit, and excellent inventory have created the perfect storm. So you want a place in the Catskills? Welcome Home.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Yeah Woodstock!
Boomer One: Man, it was something. Were you there?
Boomer Two: No, I but could have been.
Boomer One: Well, where was this massive get together?
Boomer Two: What get together?
Boomer One: Are you high?
Boomer Two: High—like no, but just about everyone at Woodstock was partying ya know.
Boomer One: Bout ½ million folks jammed into a hay field way out in the country man.
Boomer Two: Really.
Boomer One: Yeah really.
Boomer Two: I’m confused man.
Boomer One: How come?
Boomer Two: Woodstock wasn’t in Woodstock
Boomer One: No sh-t!
Boomer Two: Where was it?
Boomer One: All this time, you never bothered to find out?
Boomer Two: I was busy making lots of money.
Boomer One: Were you a hippie?
Boomer Two: I never wore underwear back then, so yeah-I was a flower child-sort of.
Boomer One: Anyway-you asked about Woodstock.
Boomer Two: Yeah.
Boomer One: Woodstock NY was where the party was supposed to happen but didn’t.
Boomer Two: Knew it was something like that—so where did it really happen?
Boomer One: Place called Yasgur’s farm in Bethel, NY.
Boomer Two: Bethel, NY? Doesn’t sound like Woodstock to me.
Boomer One: You must still be smoking that wacky stuff.
Boomer Two: Naw, had to settle down and wear a suit.
Boomer One: Bethel NY became Woodstock even though it’s 75 miles away on the other side of the Hudson.
Boomer Two: Hudson?
Boomer One: Hudson River man.
Boomer Two: Oh.
Boomer One: East side of the Hudson -- that’s where the Town of Woodstock is. West side of the Hudson—you know—the Jersey side is where Bethel, NY is and where the Rock n Roll blast went down.
Boomer Two: Wow—I needed that!
Boomer One: Man, it was something. Were you there?
Boomer Two: No, I but could have been.
Boomer One: Well, where was this massive get together?
Boomer Two: What get together?
Boomer One: Are you high?
Boomer Two: High—like no, but just about everyone at Woodstock was partying ya know.
Boomer One: Bout ½ million folks jammed into a hay field way out in the country man.
Boomer Two: Really.
Boomer One: Yeah really.
Boomer Two: I’m confused man.
Boomer One: How come?
Boomer Two: Woodstock wasn’t in Woodstock
Boomer One: No sh-t!
Boomer Two: Where was it?
Boomer One: All this time, you never bothered to find out?
Boomer Two: I was busy making lots of money.
Boomer One: Were you a hippie?
Boomer Two: I never wore underwear back then, so yeah-I was a flower child-sort of.
Boomer One: Anyway-you asked about Woodstock.
Boomer Two: Yeah.
Boomer One: Woodstock NY was where the party was supposed to happen but didn’t.
Boomer Two: Knew it was something like that—so where did it really happen?
Boomer One: Place called Yasgur’s farm in Bethel, NY.
Boomer Two: Bethel, NY? Doesn’t sound like Woodstock to me.
Boomer One: You must still be smoking that wacky stuff.
Boomer Two: Naw, had to settle down and wear a suit.
Boomer One: Bethel NY became Woodstock even though it’s 75 miles away on the other side of the Hudson.
Boomer Two: Hudson?
Boomer One: Hudson River man.
Boomer Two: Oh.
Boomer One: East side of the Hudson -- that’s where the Town of Woodstock is. West side of the Hudson—you know—the Jersey side is where Bethel, NY is and where the Rock n Roll blast went down.
Boomer Two: Wow—I needed that!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Welcome to the Catskills. Pull up a chair, relax, and participate. This blog is not moderated and solicits all opinions. Although primarily aimed at real estate issues within the greater Catskill Region of Sullivan County, New York, I welcome all input and comment relative to our area.
Why a Waterfront Property?
What is it about water? What internal human instinct instills the love of that life giving substance? The draw to water is visceral. Like the warm smell of a 3-week-old puppy, water comforts the human soul.
Our human urge to get on the water, look over the water, ride the water, fly over water, bathe in water, drink in the water, devour the water, relax in water, hold our babies in water, swim in water, make love in water, seems to speak of our ancestry and kinship with life.
We mark our own birth with the breaking water--that nine month ride in water, so gloriously harmonized, connecting the unborn and yet to be, with mother, the source. I suppose the water worship is justifiably poignant for those of us wise enough, well heeled enough to live by, or on the water.
Translating the transcendental water front property into business is not so esoteric. Here in the Catskills, we thrive on natural waterfronts of a diverse nature.
The Rio (pronounced rye-o), Toronto, Neversink, Pepacton Reservoirs, the Delaware and Mongaup rivers, Swinging Bridge, Tennanah, White, Kauneonga Lakes, and so much more, provide ample opportunity for those heeding the inner call to the water front.
Be it by salty sea or fresh water estuary, water commands a premium. The collection of qualities surrounding water front properties is mysterious yet completely understood by that inner personal compass. No exact definition can be rendered. It is a personal relationship.
The streams, rivulets, ephemerals of spring flow here. Your spirit reaches out to be renewed, refreshed, and re-vitalized. I’ll be here waiting at the water’s edge. Welcome home.
Why a Waterfront Property?
What is it about water? What internal human instinct instills the love of that life giving substance? The draw to water is visceral. Like the warm smell of a 3-week-old puppy, water comforts the human soul.
Our human urge to get on the water, look over the water, ride the water, fly over water, bathe in water, drink in the water, devour the water, relax in water, hold our babies in water, swim in water, make love in water, seems to speak of our ancestry and kinship with life.
We mark our own birth with the breaking water--that nine month ride in water, so gloriously harmonized, connecting the unborn and yet to be, with mother, the source. I suppose the water worship is justifiably poignant for those of us wise enough, well heeled enough to live by, or on the water.
Translating the transcendental water front property into business is not so esoteric. Here in the Catskills, we thrive on natural waterfronts of a diverse nature.
The Rio (pronounced rye-o), Toronto, Neversink, Pepacton Reservoirs, the Delaware and Mongaup rivers, Swinging Bridge, Tennanah, White, Kauneonga Lakes, and so much more, provide ample opportunity for those heeding the inner call to the water front.
Be it by salty sea or fresh water estuary, water commands a premium. The collection of qualities surrounding water front properties is mysterious yet completely understood by that inner personal compass. No exact definition can be rendered. It is a personal relationship.
The streams, rivulets, ephemerals of spring flow here. Your spirit reaches out to be renewed, refreshed, and re-vitalized. I’ll be here waiting at the water’s edge. Welcome home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)