Ulster County Real Estate Blog - Lou Lynch

Visions of the ValleyTM 2008/09 Photography Contest & Calendar

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:45:02 -0500

BENEFIT AUCTION Sunday, August 10th at the Rondout Valley Golf Club and Restaurant in Accord. Preview and Reception from 2pm to 4pm, Auction from 4pm to 6pm "Visions of the Valley 2008/09, Selected winning photos for the RVBA 2009 Calendar. click photo for larger image

Fields of Dawn by Rob Case (calendar back cover).	Frosted Fuel by Marilyn Horen (calendar month: January).	Frozendale by Chip Belmore (Calendar month: February).	Untitled by Matthew Pommerencke (Calendar front cover).
57 Visions of the Valley photographs, professionally matted and framed, including the 16 Visions selected for the RVBA 2009 Calendar, will be auctioned to benefit the RVBA Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $15 advance purchase, $20 at the door. Admission includes hors d'oeuvres and a glass of wine. Cash bar available. We are hoping for a terrific turnout from our membership (this is our only gathering in the month of August) but this event is open to the public so please bring friends and family! We would appreciate your RSVP so we may have an approximate head count for the Golf Club. Tickets are available for purchase at these RVBA member establishments: Rondout Valley Golf Club & Restaurant, A&M Hardware, High Falls Mercantile, Saunderskill Farm Market, Marbletown Hardware, Stone Ridge Wine & Spirits, White Wolf Restaurant.

Stone Ridge Library Vote

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:41:31 -0500

Stone Ridge residents will vote on Aug. 11 to select a pair of Stone Ridge Library trustees from among three candidates as well as deliberate on a proposed budget hike for the library.

A recent press release, reporting on the election, stated that library officials will propose an expenditure of 217,642, which is a 14.8 increase over the 189,567 budget passed in 2006 (the last year in which an increase was requested).

Suzanne Hauspurg, president of the library board, expressed that the library had no alternative but to ask for the extra money, citing increasing overhead in the operation of the library as well as dropping value in common stock held by the organization.

"Our oil bill will nearly double this winter, to more than 9,000," she said, "and other expenses are soaring as well."

Hauspurg said the popularity of borrowing Internet borrowing had increased vastly, requiring an additional circulation clerk. "On top of that," she said, "the troubled securities markets have hurt our endowment."

Town of Marbletown Assessor Barbara Galloway said the increase would bring a average household's library tax bill to between 50 and 60, up about 5 from 2006.

Candidates for the two four-year trustee seats are incumbents Hauspurg and Jim Hoover and challenger Alan Marker.

The election will be held from 2-8 p.m. Aug. 11 at the library. Absentee ballots are available at the library and must be returned by the close of business on Aug. 11.

For more information about the election or the budget, call Library Director Jody Ford at (845) 687-7023 or Hauspurg at (845) 687-0736.

Ulster County Board of REALTORS Golf Tournament

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:03:39 -0500

When: FRIDAY AUGUST 1st, 2008 Where: Apple Greens Golf Course Entry Fee: $95 (Full Event) $30 (Just Dinner) Call For Info: 845-338-5299 click here to download a flyer for your office or work place
The 17th Annual Ulster County Board of REALTORS DRIVE IT HOME Benefit Golf Tournament will be held FRIDAY AUGUST 1st, 2008 @ Apple Greens Golf Course. Proceeds benefit: ULSTER COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY. The tournament entry $95 per golfer and includes; Greens Fee, Cart, Continental Breakfast, Lunch, Beer & Soda and Dinner (Dinner Only $30). Registration Begins 9:15 AM with a shotgun Start 10:00 AM.
download an team application Foursomes will play a "Captain & Crew" scramble format with prizes for Low Gross scores in "Open" and "All Realtor" divisions. There will also be prizes for Longest Drive and Closest To The Pin. And, of course, brand new 2009 Ford Fusion donated by Johnson Ford for a Hole-In-One. 9:15 AM Registration Begins, Continental Breakfast served prior to play 10:00 AM Shotgun Start 11:30 AM Lunch is served at the Orchard Café (at the tee box of the 10th hole) 3:00 PM Following completion of play, scorecards are to be collected in the Pro Shop 3:30 PM Dinner & Awards Ceremony immediately following play

e-cards (TrueLogic) suspended me for the second time

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:42:10 -0500

Yeah, thats right, the e-card system kicked me off again. I posted the full blog over at REW. They tell me I am the only Prudential Affiliate that has been suspended, this can't be true especially under these circumstances.

I really look forward to hearing some of your opinions on the subject

Click here for the full blog (rant)

- Lou

Prudential Nutshell Realty

Stone Ridge Summer Events

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:03:57 -0500

Stone Ridge Community Fair August 16th

There will be a community fair and movie night held on the grounds of Christ the King Episcopal Church in Stone Ridge on August 16th. The fair will start at 5pm with food and activities and end with a movie on the back lawn at sundown. Food will be available for a nominal fee with free popcorn for the movie. It is a rain or shine event.

SUMMER'S END CHORAL WORKSHOP AND COMMUNITY EVENSONG
Open to all singers in the Hudson Valley
Held at The Episcopal Church of Christ the King, 3021 Route 213 East, Stone Ridge, NY
August 27, 28, 29 and 30

Led by James Ruff, Director of Music & Professional Tenor

Come join other singers from the Hudson Valley in short daily workshops to:

Learn valuable vocal techniques to help you develop your own voice - tone, range, stamina.
Explore the spiritual basis for your singing - help deepen your own sense of worship while singing in your choir.
Work on specific choral techniques to develop your sense of blend and group sound.
Foster your sense of community with other choral singers in the area.
Prepare your heart, mind and body for your choir's coming fall season.
Then, put what you've learned into practice by singing in a beautiful Community Evensong Service at the end of the week, followed by a group supper. Repertoire will include the Stanford Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in C. Choral rehearsals for this service will follow each daily workshop.
Schedule for the week:

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday:

6pm - 7pm - Choral workshop
7pm - 8:30pm - Evensong Choral rehearsal

Saturday:

5pm - 6pm - Choral warm-up
6pm - 7pm - Choral Evensong Service
7pm - community potluck supper

You must attend at least 2 of the 3 rehearsals (Friday rehearsal is mandatory!) to sing in the Evensong Saturday evening.

Registration Fee: $50, due 8/15/08. For more information, contact the church at (845) 687-9414 or email: church@ctkstoneridge.org. See our website at: www.ctkstoneridge.org

Living among Woodstock’s Black Bear Population

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:38:13 -0500

As a 35 year old, I have been living in the country all my life. Up until just a few years ago, I have never seen a Black Bear in a public area or close to my home. Now they are everywhere. Within the last few years, things have changed both in the population and the feeding habits of the Black Bear found in Woodstock and the Hudson Valley area. Bears are now more prevalent in public areas than ever and pose a small problem to those who are unfamiliar with exactly how to co-exist.

Read the Full Story on Woodstock Bears >>

Hudson Valley Web Design

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:06:52 -0500

I just wanted to pass on a blog I wrote on the importance of hiring a local company to design your website. My advice for the most part is to design it yourself (no one knows your market better than you). If you want to plunk down a few bucks and have a professional do it , make sure you hire a company that has experience in your market.

There are lots of reasons why . . .

Read my blog on Hudson Valley Web Design

Ulster County Real Estate Blog is Alive!

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 16:20:27 -0500

So this outside blog thing looks pretty decent. At first word of it, I ran (figuratively) to my ActiveRain account and fired up my outside blog to launch my Ulster County Real Estate Blog. The ActiveRain crew did a great job on the integration. One or two clicks, and my outside blog was cranked up. I uploaded two pictures and applied a domain name UlsterCountyRealEstateBlog.com (obviously) and bam! I was alive with a brand spanking new blog already filled up with all my posts from AR.

I am curious to see how the new outside blog will fare in the search engines. Yes blogs are syndicated by nature and aren't as susceptible to duplicate content penalties (which is a lot different than you might think) but now my posts made in AR live in three places, activerain.com/blogs/loudog, localism.com/agents/loudog and now UlsterCountyRealEstateBlog.com. In terms of SEO, having the custom domain name is definitely going to help, but if the domain name is new (UlsterCountyRealEstateBlog.com is about a year old), it won't carry the same authority as the AR blog you are currently using because of the age. We will have to wait and see how these new outside blogs rank.

If you need help setting up your outside blog, Brad Andersohn posted a real good how to blog over at Active Brad.

Finally, the Hudson Valley gets their very own Bigfoot

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:10:33 -0500

Just recently, the fascination of the popular Bigfoot legend has made itself known in the Catskill region of Upstate New York. Recent sightings of creatures believed to be members of the Bigfoot family have drawn the attention of Bigfoot hunter Tom Biscardi.

As a kid, I always wanted to believe in Bigfoots and there is still a small part of me that is dying to see some real proof but without my personal inspection of the evidence, I have to rank them up there with UFOs and Ghosts. I do have to admit though, some of what they say it very convincing.

"Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence". - Dr. Carl Sagan

Tom Biscardi, founder and chief executive officer of Searching for Bigfoot Inc., put together an eight man team and headed towards the Catskill Mountains as a result of a sighting reported by a local family that said they saw multiple creatures resembling that of a Bigfoot on their property located on Tool House Road in Catskill.

Taking into consideration our area and topography, the area where the Bigfoot was sighted (in my mind) is the perfect place for a Bigfoot to live. Based on my vast knowledge of the species acquired from science fiction books and late night television, the Catskill Mountain range holds all the physical characteristics fitting of the ideal "Bigfoot Haven"

Biscardi's Bigfoot busters arrived in the Hudson Valley last Thursday after some local experts substantiated the rumor. The evidence that brought the Bigfoot research team to our neck of the woods was the finding of a bedding area (referred to as POD) as well as the sounds of distinctive footfalls picked up by a bionic ear described as that unlike the sound of a common woodland creature.

The initial sighting was made by Hudson Valley local, Patty Williams. Williams told local newspapers that she first saw a Bigfoot at her Catskill home about four months ago near a tree line and in proximity to a pigpen.

Also in the local paper Williams was quoted as saying that "It had a juvenile with it about my height." She went on to describe how the Bigfoot went into the pigpen, ate the animal feed but did not seem to bother the animals at all.

Her most recent Bigfoot sighting occurred while leaving the home to visit a friend one evening. She spotted the creature standing alone in her driveway at a height of 7 feet.

Biscardi, who claims to be on an expedition to find America's first King Kong, has been tracking Bigfoots on and off for 35 years plans to stake out the 3.8 acre parcel using state of the art tracking equipment.

According to Biscardi his plans are to capture and transport a Bigfoot to an area where it can be studied by a team made up of a medical doctor, veterinarian and other Bigfoot experts. After the 90 day study period, the plan is to release the Bigfoot back where it was found only now with a tracking device.

Hudson Valley Quality Deer Management Association

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:13:49 -0500

What part time home owners can do with all that extra land

Here in the Hudson Valley, there is a very good second home market made up mostly of New York City residents looking to escape city life to a second home out in the country. One of the most sought-out property-type is the old farm house on a large land parcel. As a Hudson Valley real estate agent, one of the things I do is to prepare the city dweller for their new life in the "sticks". I dedicate a good amount of my due diligence process to explaining the differences between city life and country life so there aren't any unexpected discomforts after the purchase.

One of the biggest differences between city life and country farm house living is in the amount of property you need to care for. For part-time homeowners, keeping up with 100 acres is no easy task. If money is no object, it could be easy to hire a property management company to care for the land. This becomes especially important if your newly bought farm has a good amount of open fields and meadows. Open areas such as these can quickly turn into over-grown brush fields that seriously inhibit your enjoyment of the property. A property management company can have a landscaper or local farmer mow the fields a few times a year to keep them manageable.

Another big difference in country living vs. urban survival is the amount of wild life, more specifically, coyote, bears and deer. At first, the wild life is an attraction for the new country home owner, but after a few dumped over garbage cans and some chewed up landscaping, country home owners look to find alternatives to wildlife cooperative living.

A very good option for country homeowners is to have their property managed by a Quality Deer Management expert (QDM). The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) is a national association that brings together landowners and hunters for the good of the white-tail deer. Quality Deer Managers primary goal is to create biologically and socially balanced deer herds. While most quality deer managers are hunters, they are conservationists first and look to perpetuate the species by strengthening the deer herds.

The process by which they manage the herds is a complex system of habitat management, food supply and harvest selection. Each system is different based on the type of property you are attempting to manage. In most cases, food plots are strategically planted on the property to keeping wildlife away from areas where they can damage landscaping or run out in front of cars. Selective harvesting of the deer herds contribute to the genetics of the remaining deer while keeping the over all herd in control limiting the chance of disease usually associated with over population.

The benefit for the homeowner is astronomical. More times than not, the QDMA will do the management for free. The property gets maintained by a professional who really cares about the environment. Fields don't become overgrown and unmanageable. The deer, bear and coyotes will stay away from landscaping, roads and pets. Finally through the process of deer management, the homeowner can feel good that he/she contributed to the good of the species.

Here in the Hudson Valley, the Hudson Valley Quality Deer Management Association (HVQDMA) is very active and ready to talk to landowners of any kind who have a similar perspective on wildlife and conservation. While QDM is a great solution for second home buyers in the Hudson Valley, landowners everywhere can benefit from having local QDMA branch talk to you about managing your property.

D&H Canal Show, Stone Ridge New York

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:01:14 -0500

Local historian Charles William Cullen will be giving a slide show presentation in historic High Falls. The highlight of the presentation will be the now-defunct 135-foot-long suspension bridge/aqueduct that once spanned the Rondout at a location locally known as "The Ledges". The Suspension aqueduct was a fundamental component of the Delaware and Hudson Canal, more commonly known as the D&H Canal.

Ground, on the D&H Canal was officially broken on July 13th 1825. After three long years of construction by a team of over 2,500 men, the canal was opened for use in October 1828. The Canal began in High Falls, New York on the Rondout Creek at an area later referred to as Creeklocks, located between Kingston and Rosendale. From High Falls, the canal proceeded southwesterly along the Rondout Creek to Ellenville New York, continuing through the valley of the Sandburg Creek (about one mile south of Napanoch), Homowack Kill, Basher Kill and Neversink River to Port Jervis on the Delaware River. From the Deleware River the Canal moved there the Canal Moved northwest on the New York side of the Delaware River. Due to a flaw in Roebling's design, the aqueduct's wooden portion of the aqueduct's suspension cables burned in 1917. The remaining metal was taken for scrap shortly after.

The presentation will be 10 am directly after a 9:30 am coffee hour, Saturday June 14th at the Bevier House Museum, located at 2682 Route 209, Stone Ridge. Tickets are just $5. For more information: Contact Charles William Cullen at 845-687-4869 or ccullen@hvc.rr.com

Rondout Valley Growers Association's Orchard Dinner and Wine Tasting

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:16:58 -0500

Stone Ridge Orchard and Stone Ridge Wine & Spirits are hosting their 5th annual Rondout Valley Growers Association's Dinner and Wine Tasting. Accommodations will be rustic but elegant, so formal attire is not required. Hors d'oeuvre and champagne begin at 6PM and dinner will be served at 7PM. Music by The T Xiques Trio featuring T Xiques on drums, Matt Finck on guitar and Lou Pappas on bass.

The Orchard Dinner is the Rondout Valley Growers Association's first major fundraising event of 2008 and promises to be the event of the summer. The format is an open air "tented" seating arrangement under the Stone Ridge Orchard's stately old Oak tree. The menu is a delightful combination of signature culinary delights created by local Hudson Valley chefs. The foods used by the chefs are locally grown farm products paired with a premium selection of New York state and Hudson Valley wines. Proceeds from the event directly support Rondout Valley Growers Association's general marketing efforts for Rondout Valley farms and farmers.

Stone Ridge locals Tim and Laurel Sweeney, owners of Stone Ridge Wine and Spirits, have donated the New York state wines to pair with each food item. The following chefs/restaurants have contributed by preparing a selection of culinary excellence:

Salah Alygad of Friends and Family ll Hillside Restaurant
John Novi of the Depuy Canal House
Bart Greenbaum of Oscar Restaurant
Tim Celuch of the Northern Spy Cafe
Spenser Mass of The Country Inn of Krumville
Brian Gribbon of High Falls Café
Marcus Guiliano at Aroma Thyme Bistro
Essell Honeshel-Watson of Alternative Baker
Sprout Creek Farm
Events That Matter

	Purchase ticket: General Admission , $80.00
	Purchase ticket: RVGA Member, $60.00
	Purchase ticket: RVGA Grower Member , $50.00

Rondout Valley Growers Association's 5th Annual Orchard Dinner and Wine Tasting
Saturday, June 28
Time: 6-9 PM
Where: Stone Ridge Orchard, 3012 Rt 213, Stone Ridge, NY

Kingston NY, more than just real estate

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 17:11:05 -0500

Rich in heritage and nestled between the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains is Kingston NY. The Kingston NY real estate market offers a tremendous amount of value to home buyers looking for the perfect combination of historic atmosphere and everyday convenience.

Located just off of exit 19 of the New York State Thruway, Kingston real estate opportunities boast a serene alternative to big city living without sacrificing the amenities often associated with urban living. If you ever get the chance, I strongly encourage you to visit us so you too can enjoy the unique experience of deep rooted American history melded with modern day accessibility.

Early on in American history, Kingston NY, the first capital of New York State has attracted those interested in both short-term tourism to life long commitments. The attractions that most steadily withstood the sands of time are Kingston's stone houses, our magnificent Hudson River waterfront, and our growing economic vitality. Kingston is proud to be the home of some of the oldest buildings in the United States. The original New York State Senate House, the Old Dutch Church, the Rondout II Lighthouse and the Fred J. Johnston House are just a few of Kingston's historic places.

The Stockade District of Kingston NY is one of Kingston's biggest draws. Throughout the historic district, the buildings have been lovingly restored and landmarks have been clearly defined. Walking tours are often the best way to see the city providing history buffs with a firsthand look at some of the old-world architecture. The Rondout Waterfront allows you to travel the river or simply sit in West Strand Park where you can be part of an atmosphere that cannot be equaled.

Modern day Kingston is proud to have created a synergy between new development and its unchanging historic significance. Kingston's technologically advanced Business Park, provides prime industrial sites in an area that is absolutely perfect for commercial development. The complex is considered by many to be one of the most attractive of its kind.

The multi-faceted city of Kingston offers a great opportunity in real estate for both residential home buyers and commercial investors.

DEC Makes Woodstock NY Real Estate Purchase

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:44:43 -0500

One of Ulster County's most beautiful mountain destinations has had its' Forest Preserve lands near its southern terminus (boundary) on Woodstock's Overlook Mountain significantly increased. The newly acquired real estate parcels are contiguous to existing state lands within the Overlook Mountain unit

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has made a three lot real estate purchase on Overlook Mountain in Woodstock that will help protect the mountain, as well as make it an even more popular attraction for mountain bikers, hikers and nature enthusiasts.

In an announcement on Tuesday made by DEC commissioner, Peter Grannis, the Woodstock NY real estate purchase totaled 330 acres at a price of $784,000.

Peter Grannis went on to talk about the importance as one of the most recognizable escarpments on the Catskill Mountain range looking back from most areas within the Town of Woodstock New York. He also confirmed that the DEC will continue to help protect properties similar to Overlook Mountain throughout the Catskill Forest Preserve.

The acquisitions of these three real estate parcels equates to permanent protection for the lands and increases the Catskill Forest Preserve's Overlook Mountain Wild Forest Unit. The DEC has long been trying to acquire more land on Overlook Mountain indicated as one of the more important goals of the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan of 2006 (PDF).

About the Mountain

Overlook Mountain Wild Forest covers 590 acres, its rocky slopes make for a very interesting day hike. The summit is covered with red oaks (trees usually found on lower slopes and in valleys, not 3,100' above sea level), and some red spruce/balsam fir trees (those typical over 3,300'). In 1871, the Overlook Mountain House opened its doors to guests, joining numerous others in the Catskills. This hotel had the distinction of being the highest, at 2,920'. The Mountain House could house 300 guests and, despite burning down twice, prospered until around the time of the stock market crash. In the following years, it was rebuilt (but never opened to guests) and eventually looted and abandoned, leaving the ruins that can still be seen along the trail.

Also involved in the real estate deal was the Open Space Institute (OSI) and the Woodstock Land Conservancy.

The land acquisitions do enhance and protect the overall integrity of both the Overlook unit and the Overlook corridor.

Team Ulster Real Estate

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:34:22 -0500

When I first started here at Prudential Nutshell Realty (just Nutshell Realty before the Prudential affiliation) back in 2004 the company had 6 people, a fax machine and a company dog. Our market consisted of 142 companies all battling it out for a piece of the Ulster County Market share and we were the proverbial "low-man-on-the-totem-pole". The majority of the companies we were up against were seasoned veterans that guarded their territory like trained attack dogs. At the time, our small company was hardly a threat, especially to those that hovered in the top 10 spots of our market of 142 companies.

Just to give you a little background, before I joined Nutshell Realty (2002), I designed, developed and sold a real estate web application that had a website front-end with a backend app that was part CMS and part CRM. Within the first 6 months, I sold the product to about 30 of the top companies in the Ulster County Real Estate market (and a few outside Ulster County almost by accident). At the time, Nutshell Realty was just starting out and wasn't in the top 30 but was interested in adopting a web presence that would dominate the Ulster County Real Estate market. Now out of the 30-40 real estate clients I had acquired thus far, this was the first time I had ever heard the word dominate from any of the companies I was working with when it came to the web. In 2002, having a real estate website was something a real estate company did just to keep up with their competitors. With this type of focus on dominating the online market of Ulster County, it was clear to me then that Nutshell was about to change the way real estate was done in Ulster County.

Fast forward to 2004. The market is starting to climb and everyone around me is making a ton of money using the web application I created. It was time for me to sell my company and jump in. Out of the 45 real estate companies that were now my clients, I had to choose which of them I was going to jump in with. You would think the choice would be easy. I am a technology guy, I would just select the company that emphasized technology right? Not quite. What was more important to me was the environment in which I would be working. By this time, I have been in several real estate offices and have seen the office culture of most of them. In most cases the culture is made up of cut-throat money hungry agents that would step on their dying grandmother to collect a commission. At Nutshell it wasn't like that at all. The 6 people, the dog and the fax machine made up one of the best Ulster County real estate teams I have seen. Now when I say team I mean it. These 6 people worked together helping one another out whenever needed without asking for anything in return. This was the true definition of team real estate. Needless to say, I was going with Nutshell Realty.

Now in 2008, we are 4th in the market (Based on Volume) and dominate most of the available keyword terms in our market. Our company, now 25 agents 5 managers, a multi-tiered network, 2 in-house servers still work as a team. The cut-throat atmosphere common in many real estate companies doesn't happen here. So yes, technology is important but what is more important is the team of people that get behind it.

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Fri, 23 May 2008 10:40:42 -0500

Bethel Woods Center for the Arts located a quick 90 minutes from NYC is a state-of-the-art performing arts venue located at the site of the original 1969 Woodstock Festival in Bethel New York. The summer line-up at Bethel Woods is looking good. Some of the artists scheduled to perform are: Cyndi Lauper, The B-52s, Rosie O'Donnell, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band, Billy Squier, New York Philharmonic, Chicago, Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan, Donna Summer, Steve Miller Band, Joe Cocker, Tony Bennett, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, The Allman Brothers Band and much more.

Read My Latest Blog on this great Venue.

Ulster County Real Estate Listings for May 4 of 4 total

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:33:23 -0500

32 PRINCE, Kingston : MLS Number 20081752

Bathrooms: 0	Bedrooms: 6
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

This wonderful Victorian duplex is a terrific opportunity for an owner to live in one side with beautiful original woodwork and rent the other unit to help ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-multifamily-20081752.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

57 Cambridge Court, Highland : MLS Number 20080947

Bedrooms: 3	Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty
Listing status: Offer	Listing type: For Sale
Location: 57 Cambridge Court, Highland, NY, 12...	Posted May 4

Immaculately maintained, 4 years young, 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath townhome conveniently located for the commuter and priced for the 1st time home buyer or ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-residential-20080947.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

139 Mill Road, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20082160

Bedrooms: 4	Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty
Listing status: Active	Listing type: For Sale
Location: 139 Mill Road, Stone Ridge, NY, 1248...	Posted May 4

Come and see the many new upgrades in this mid-century modern split level on a quiet road in the €œVly€ of Stone Ridge. The bright kitchen boasts new ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-residential-20082160.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

Lot #3 Lower 27 Knolls Rd, High Falls : MLS Number 20076245

Bathrooms: 0	Bedrooms: 1
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

Wakan is the Lakota word for sacred. Let design/build team Rick Alfandre and Nicholas McCormick create your sacred living space on this private dead end ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-land-20076245.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

Ulster County Real Estate Listings for May 3 of 4 total

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:32:19 -0500

515 Mill Hook Road, Accord : MLS Number 20080903

Bathrooms: 0	Bedrooms: 1
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted 4:00am

Secluded wooded lot with stone walls. Located minutes from Accord, High Falls and Stone Ridge. Driveway area cleared and there is a potential pond site near ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-land-20080903.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

566 County Route 2, Accord : MLS Number 20081311

Bathrooms: 0	Bedrooms: 1
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

Beautiful Town of Marbletown property just minutes from Stone Ridge. At the end of the well maintained private drive, this land includes 9.4 very private ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-land-20081311.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

24 Leonardo Drive, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20081019

Bathrooms: 2	Bedrooms: 3
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

Privacy, convenience to town services and 5.6 acres of lovely meadowland can be yours. Enjoy the sight of deer grazing in the yard and sunsets behind the ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-residential-20081019.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

700 Mettacahonts Road, Accord : MLS Number 20080948

Bathrooms: 2	Bedrooms: 5
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

1800s Farmhouse with traditional country charm on 7 + acres. New windows, siding and furnace for fuel efficiency. New family room with cathedral ceiling ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-residential-20080948.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

815 Spruceton Road, Westkill : MLS Number 20081893

Bathrooms: 4	Bedrooms: 4
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

6500 square foot European style retreat with phenomenal mountain and valley views awaits your arrival. Located in highly desirable Spruceton Valley this ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-residential-20081893.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

269 East Chester Street, Kingston : MLS Number 20081860

Bathrooms: 1	Bedrooms: 2
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

Great starter or retirement home close to shopping and other city conveniences. Maintenance free vinyl windows, new kitchen cabinets, brick fireplace, ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-residential-20081860.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

188 Cedar Dr., Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080950

Bathrooms: 2	Bedrooms: 4
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

Nestled and hidden atop a wooded knoll, this home provides total privacy. This total renovation includes new heating, plumbing, electric, and well. ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-residential-20080950.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

24 Esopus Avenue, Kingston : MLS Number 20081922

Bathrooms: 1	Bedrooms: 2
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

Relax, entertain and enjoy the charm of this recently updated "old style" home in a great family neighborhood. Spacious fenced in yard with vegetable garden ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-residential-20081922.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

11 Skytop Drive, Kingston : MLS Number 20074389

Bathrooms: 0	Bedrooms: 1
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

LOCATION!!! RARE FIND. Great opportunity to develop and create a minor upscale subdivision in an extremely desired area. Builders, this parcel has been ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-land-20074389.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

75 Rest Plaus Road, Lot 2, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076331

Bathrooms: 0	Bedrooms: 1
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

BOH approved Shallow Absorption System. These exquisite, ready-to-go building lots, are in the 5 to 5.5 acre range and are absolutely beautiful. ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-land-20076331.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

Ulster County Real Estate Listings for May 2 of 4 total

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:30:37 -0500

240-244 Grand Terrace, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080946

Bathrooms: 1	Bedrooms: 2
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

Imagine living in your attractive artist's home with plenty of privacy and a separate 600 square foot artist's studio. Add to this a 900 square foot living ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-residential-20080946.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

274 Swartekill Road, Esopus : MLS Number 20080762

Bathrooms: 0	Bedrooms: 1
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

12.81 acres o peace and tranquility. Corner of property is adjacent to "Lower Esopus river Watch" organization which protect riparian lands and wetlands. ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-land-20080762.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

TBD Woodland Road, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20081237

Bathrooms: 0	Bedrooms: 1
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted 4:00am

Lovely wooded parcel near desirable Stone Ridge and High Falls. Great location for small subdivision or single home site. Call LR for more details.
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-land-20081237.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

Lot #3 Lower 27 Knolls Rd, High Falls : MLS Number 20080951

Bathrooms: 3	Bedrooms: 3
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted 4:00am

Wakan is the Lakota word for sacred. Let design/build team Rick Alfandre and Nicholas McCormick create your sacred living space on this private dead end rd. ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-residential-20080951.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

75 Rest Plaus Road Lot. 1, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076332

Bathrooms: 0	Bedrooms: 1
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted 4:00am

BOH approved raised system. These exquisite, ready-to-go building lots, are in the 5 to 5.5 acre range and are absolutely beautiful. ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-land-20076332.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

16 Fairview Ave, High Falls : MLS Number 20081518

Bathrooms: 1	Bedrooms: 4
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted 4:00am

Just minutes from High Falls and Stone Ridge, this lovely circa 1890 home has seasonal Rondout Creek and Mohonk views. Beautiful hardwood floors, modern ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-residential-20081518.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

32 Carlo Drive, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080935

Bathrooms: 2	Bedrooms: 2
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted 4:00am

Freshly painted home in convenient location. New parquet flooring, updated electrical wiring, new kitchen appliances, cathedral ceiling in living room with ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-residential-20080935.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

175 Boice Mill Road, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080262

Bathrooms: 2	Bedrooms: 3
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Offer
Listing type: For Sale	Posted 4:00am

Beautiful post and beam home on desirable Boice Mill Road. Enjoy romantic evenings by the fireplace gazing at soaring beams, cook with friends in the lovely ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-residential-20080262.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

0 Lucks Road, Greenfield Park : MLS Number 20081640

Bathrooms: 0	Bedrooms: 1
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted 4:00am

Part of an older subdivision of 5 acre lots, now being developed by individual owners. These won't last! Wooded, gently sloping site, great building lot.
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-land-20081640.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

815 Spruceton Road, Westkill : MLS Number 20081914

Bathrooms: 0	Bedrooms: 1
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted 4:00am

Create you dream weekend retreat or secluded year round home on this beautiful 19 acre Catskill parcel. With clearing this Spruceton Valley location ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-land-20081914.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

Ulster County Real Estate Listings for May 1 of 4 total

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:28:04 -0500

815 Spruceton Road, Westkill : MLS Number 20081915

Bathrooms: 0	Bedrooms: 1
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

Located in Spruceton Valley this classic 19 acre Catskill parcel adjoins state land and offers incredible views with clearing. Very secluded this parcel ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-land-20081915.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

108 O'Reilly Street, Kingston : MLS Number 20080942

Bathrooms: 2	Bedrooms: 3
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

This tastefully restored home is within walking distance of Kingston and Benedictine Hospitals. Recent upgrades include a totally renovated kitchen with new ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-residential-20080942.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

63 Cooper Street, Accord : MLS Number 20082101

Bathrooms: 2	Bedrooms: 4
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

Wonderful bright airy contemporary on almost 4 beautifully landscaped private acres. This fabulous home has an entertainment friendly open floor plan with ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-residential-20082101.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

10 Via Pioli Road, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080940

Bathrooms: 1	Bedrooms: 1
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

This charming cottage features an open floor plan with a gourmet kitchen, dining area, living room and brick fireplace nestled into one large room on the ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-residential-20080940.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

510 Pine Bush Road, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20081600

Bathrooms: 2	Bedrooms: 3
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

c. 1930 Dutch Colonial located in prestigious Kripplebush Historic District (Nationally Registered). This substantial, well-kept home is privately sited on ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-residential-20081600.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

75 Rest Plaus Road, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076330

Bathrooms: 0	Bedrooms: 1
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

Absolutely beautiful meadow and wooded land with views. Borders Rail Trail. Additional land available. See ML#20076331, 20076332, 20076333.
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-land-20076330.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

155 Route 213, High Falls : MLS Number 20075519

Bathrooms: 1	Bedrooms: 6
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

The Northern Spy Cafe is ready for new owners. Take advantage of a well established and loved local restaurant located in the heart of historic High Falls ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-commoninterest-20075519.p - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

815 Spruceton Road, Westkill : MLS Number 20081913

Bathrooms: 0	Bedrooms: 1
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

Beautiful 47 acre parcel located in desirable Spruceton Valley. Property includes two spring fed ponds, fabulous Catskill views and stream along property ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-land-20081913.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

16 Hardenburgh Road, Esopus : MLS Number 20082140

Bathrooms: 2	Bedrooms: 3
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

Classic, 3 year old 2400 square foot 3 bedroom colonial on very quiet Hardenburg Road. Great spot for commuters traveling to Poughkeepsie, Kingston, ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-residential-20082140.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

75 Rest Plaus Road Lot 3, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076333

Bathrooms: 0	Bedrooms: 1
Broker: Prudential Nutshell Realty	Listing status: Active
Listing type: For Sale	Posted May 4

BOH approved raised system. These exquisite, ready-to-go building lots, are in the 5 to 5.5 acre range and are absolutely beautiful. ...
www.nutshellrealty.com/mls-details-land-20076333.php - All results from Prudential Nutshell Realty

Be sure that the keywords that appear in the content

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:15:21 -0500

I am a litle hesitant to write on this topic. My advice is simple, if you are targeting a keyword with a webpage or blog post make sure the keyword appeard in the content just be careful not to over do it. In a lot of cases SEO beginers are often of the mind set more is better, not the case. Keywords should naturally roll out during the course of your writing (as I stated in my last post). This will be easy to do if you have selected a topic that is related to the targeted keywords and you have done enough research to properly write on the subject. If you try to forcefully inject keywords into the page or blog post, not only will it not flow naturally for the reader, you run the risk of Google nailing you for keyword stuffing. Check out my blog on keyword stuffing.

How many times should I include a targeted keyword(s) in my blog post or page?

It all depends. The amount of times a keyword appears in the content is referred to "keyword density" Keyword density is measured in percentage, the number of times a keyword or phrase appears in the content compared to the total number of words in a page or post. Google recommends that you use the keyword term 1 time in the title, 1 time in the meta description, use some form of the term in the heading, 5 times in link text. Again this all depends on how much content surrounds the keywords.

Using keywords in your pages and blogs and articles

Lou Lynch (Prudential Nutshell Realty) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:50:46 -0500

In response to my blog titled 10 Basic SEO tips for authors just starting out, I have decided to break each one of the 10 tips down individually. I hope this is helpful to all of you that commented on my other blog.

Today we will deal with keywords.

Keywords aren't as big a deal as they once used to be. The process of ranking web pages has moved away from putting a large amount of emphasis on Keywords and more on semantics. The process is called LSI or Latent Semantic Indexing. Although Google doesn't use LSI, the shift from keywords to semantic remains. Whoa . . . "easy with the propeller head stuff Lou". To put it more simply, Latent Semantic Indexing is a process that helps search engines like Google find out what the true topic of a web page really is (or to the best of its ability). Simpler yet, it means to you that you shouldn't focus on a single keyword when optimizing your web pages and when getting links rather you should concentrate on a theme and write about it intelligently worrying about keywords later. Instead of replicating the targeted keyword over and over, it is better to use different versions of the keyword which should be easy. The web pages or article on your web site should be related and focus mainly on a theme or topic while using different words that describe that topic. By using Variations of your keyword and synonyms, it makes it easier for search engines to determine the topic of your site and rank it accordingly.

Does this mean I shouldn't put keywords in my meta, links, title and ALT tags.

No, I am not saying that, just be careful in doing so. Remember keep your reader in mind. If it makes sense, do it, you will know when it isn't appropriate. Oh . . . you should always target a keyword in the title tag. More about that later. As a rule of thumb, I would say you can optimize one page or article with 3 keywords or keyword phrases. If you are just starting out, use one or two. Depending on the source, your percentage of keywords in your article or page should be between 2.5% and 4% of the total content on the site. I have seen site tops with percentages as high as ten.

That's great info Lou, but how do I know the percentage of keywords that are in my article?

There are tons of free tools out there that wily do the trick. I like this one: http://www.googlerankings.com/ultimate_seo_tool.php

Keyword No Nos

A big mistake I see more often than not is repeated keywords in the keyword tag. Here is an example: Hazard County Real Estate, Hazard County Real Estate Agent and Hazard County Real Estate Agency. There are a couple of things wrong with this type of strategy. First off, the word "and" is not needed. Search engines ignore these type of words. Other types could be: and, the, because, this, that and there. The other thing wrong with the keywords is the word "Hazard County". It is repeated three times. You do not need to repeat Hazard County Real Estate. The corrected keywords should read; Hazard County real estate, agents, agency, The search engine will know you are offering Hazard County Real Estate and will match the secondary words with the word Hazard County Real Estate. Repeating "Hazard County Real Estate" will just penalize your site. Notice I didn't use Ulster County Real Estate in the example (my market).

Lastly, as stated above, make sure you use your primary keywords in the TITLE tag of your page or article (ActiveRain does this for you) as well as in the description tag. Do not over load or stuff the title with keywords, rather naturally write to include them. In many cases, the description tag is displayed in the results page after search engine search was made by a user when relevant keywords are typed into it.