Deeds and Leases

If you have been following the first time home buyer tax credit you know by now that in order to get it you have to be in contract by April 30 and close by the end of June. The good news is that there is still plenty of time!
The even BETTER news is that if [...]

 
Headline got your attention? It should! How does up to $555 in free money from cash strapped New York State sound? Well its true! From February 12th until the 21st, or until the money runs out, NYSERDA is offering rebates for qualifying refrigerators, freezers and clothes washers. Enhanced rebates are available for people who recycle [...]

 
 
 
 
2009 was dismal, but we have turned the corner.
That is the crux of the market report issued this week by the Westchester Putnam MLS. I generally let this document speak for itself because I frankly am not in love with it. Not because anything in it is wrong - not at all. it just is [...]

Today Houlihan Lawrence launched its new state-of-the-art website http://www.houlihanlawrence.com This has been a long time coming, and it is very web 2.0! Sporting a new soothing color scheme, it is chock full of new features, including larger pictures, map searches, YELP! integration, school information, enhanced client access and so much more. Combined with our new in-house [...]

Tax Credits for Solar Water Heaters
A federal tax credit makes energy-efficient solar water heaters a more affordable and sustainable option for many homeowners. Read

Tax Credits for Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems
Upgrading to an energy-efficient heating and cooling system can save hundreds on your utility bills and up [...]

I admit it: Agency Law is a pain in the neck.  But it IS the law, and all Realtors are responsible for understanding and following it. The Law of Agency in its basic form really is not terribly complicated. However, once Dual or Designated Agency comes up, as in the following situation, it can get [...]

After a wonderful relaxing Cape Cod vacation I am back, and there is a lot to blog about. From the passing of the great Lion of the Senate, Bronxville native Sen Ted Kennedy, to the increasing virulent battle against the HVCC (Home Valuation Code of Conduct), and the apparent hitting bottom and possible stabilization of [...]

The controversy over the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) which applies to all Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans (which is basically all loans) continues to cause problems and fear among buyers, sellers & Realtors. Low priced appraisals due to the Appraisal Management Firms (AMC’s) cutting payments to appraisers has caused sloppy work and [...]

This is progress! There have been increasing reports of poor quality appraisals due to the new regulations, and this is a step in the right direction to address the issue. The HVCC (Home Valuation Code of Conduct) is still problematic and pressure must continue to modify it to recognize reality.
 
RISMEDIA, July 14, 2009-The Appraisal Institute, [...]

The City of Yonkers 2009-2010 budget which was late this year and further delayed due to the mess in Albany has been approved by the State Comptroller. This means that tax bills can be issued, and we will know hopefully in the near future what the basic STAR benefit will be. My sources tell me [...]