It’s hard to believe that we are nearing the 10th anniversary of that fateful day that changed the world in 2001.  I think we all remember where we were on that fateful morning.  In the wake of this sad  anniversary  there is opportunity..an opportunity to give something to the community. The Westchester County Center is hosting an event to rally volunteers from all over the county… When:  Friday Sept. 9, 2011  2:00-7:00 PM Where:  Westchester County Center  – Central Ave -  White Plains NY Connect with over 100 non-profit organizations that need volunteers. Give blood and help save lives. Support our men and women in uniform. Bring  non-perishable canned food for the Montrose VA Food Pantry. Some of the non-profits that will be present include: American Cancer Society Arts Westcheste... 09/08/2011

Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty announced that its White Plains office has collected close to $1,000 for the Back-to-School Clothes for Kids Project, a program that provides new school clothing to needy children in Westchester and the Bronx with the help of donations from local corporations, their employees, clubs, individuals and schools. Rand Realty’s White Plains office raised the funds through a variety of efforts, including a “snack box” with all of the profits donated to the clothing drive. With the money raised, the office was able to purchase clothing for seven children from southern Westchester, with each child receiving at least three outfits in addition to a coat or sneakers and a toy. “As part of the corporate culture at Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, we feel it’... 09/05/2011

Right now I’m experimenting with a new video/slide show format for my still photos…. I had a recent debacle with Animoto and they canceled my account and turned off my video feed.  After having so many compatibility problems I’m hesitating to commit to a new vendor.  Interestingly, I found Pro-Show Web – when trolling the web for customer service issues with Animoto.  Apparently, I was not alone and several professional photographers suggested them.  I want to create more local videos making them a staple of my blog.  Any feedback – positive or negative will be most welcome!   If anyone has trouble viewing the video – I would love to know about it.  Be sure to let me know what browser you are using.   So this very short video  is a slide show of  downtown White Plains in the late summer... 09/03/2011

Yes, it's true, I crossed the threshold today to 400,000 points and reduced my rainmaker monthly costs down to $9/month.  Woo hoo.  I'm now 80% of the way to getting free membership for life, and I've earned it "the old fashioned way" with lots of blogging. Okay, so what have I achieved since my last milestone 3 months ago? 2 TV shots on a popular TV show on A&E where they fix and help sell your house I will be blogging for the local Patch A new wordpress blog called The Flooring Girl  I've learned how to add the Google +1 buttons and installed on both my sites (plus they are now on AR) 17 more features...yes, that's almost the same amount that I had received during my 1st 300,000 pts...so I guess you do get better (or lucky) 51 more subscribers/friends...I need 1 more to hit an even 20... 08/23/2011

Good news - I've had my strongest sales week ever.  Wow, what a whirl wind of activity.  So many people are upgrading their floors - adding hardwood floors, replacing carpet and refinishing their hardwood floors (tons fo these lately).  Everyone seems to be in a rush. What is so especially interesting to me is that so many of these people are in a huge rush BECAUSE they just bought new homes are are about to move in.  Yes, the market seems to be reaching a turning point.  This is real estate recovery in action. We've gotten a bunch of referrals from Angies List (a trusted website where customers review contractors), real estate agents/inspectors, website leads, repeat customers and referrals from our past customers.  Our business is on fire now and yes, it seems that success breeds succ... 08/16/2011

The Flooring Girl - Introducing my new website. The Flooring Girl... Yes, I bought TheFlooringGirl.com and just launched this site last week Check it out when you get a chance - it's a wordpress.org website with a blog.  I still have a few areas to work out over the next week or two, but it's in pretty good shape and hopefully will be indexed by google soon. So, let me explain the idea behind this.  I meet a lot of people during the day, especially at networking events - local networking, BNI (and I sub in many mtgs), Women's Council of Realtors, etc.  We all meet so many people, but it's hard to remember everyone and/or find their card when you need them.  So many people lose those cards.  My company name is challenging to remember (and even spell correctly) and there are plenty they I... 08/01/2011

Thru November, Wednesdays, 8 AM-4 PM, White Plains Visit the International Open Air Market selling fresh baked goods, cheeses, fruits vegetables, pickles, olives, nuts, jewelry, clothing, etc. Located at City Hall Court Yard, 255 Main Street.  (914) 422-1411 www.localharvest.org Anthony Stokes Pereira, Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty I can help you with every aspect of buying or selling your home because I'm experienced, because I am a Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty Real Estate Professional . . .and because I care. As your Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty Sales Professional, I will provide you with the information you need to make an educated decision. The relationship between a home buyer or seller and their agent is based on trust, shared goals and understanding. I stri... 07/29/2011

White Plains NY has often been referred to as “the city in the park”.  It has a long tradition of trying to maintain green spaces even when pressure from developers would turn the entire downtown into a solid block  of concrete, brick, mortar, steel and glass.  Thanks to activist citizens, the green “feel” has been maintained.  Not without many a fight and not without a great deal of help from several organizations.     The White Plains Beautification Foundation was founded 46 years ago in 1965.  Brian Wallach – was one of the founding members – and one of the leaders in making White Plains a “green” place to live. Mr.  Wallach  still resides in the city  and can be  seen to this day walking with his seeing-eye dog to work in the downtown area.   Brian Wallach  always had “vision” even... 07/12/2011

July 10, 10 AM-4 PM, White Plains, New York: NY Metro Reptile Show - Thousands of live pet reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates on display and for sale.  Books, supplies, cages and more. No personal pets allowed. All children must be accompanied by an adult over 21. Adults $10, Children 7-12 $4, under 7 free. Westchester County Center. (845) 526-4845  www.reptileexpo.com If you would like us to include your event, email me your event and contact information at anthony.stokespereira@randrealty.com or Fax (845) 624-7137 Anthony Stokes Pereira, Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty I can help you with every aspect of buying or selling your home because I'm experienced, because I am a Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty Real Estate Professional . . .and because I care. As your Better Home... 07/09/2011

Finding the focal point in any room is like getting to the pot of gold.  Defined as the center of activity or interest in my thesaurus, the focal point is the design feature that grabs my attention as I enter a room, inviting me in and encouraging me to look further.  The focal point anchors a space -without one I feel chaos and distress. My mission is often like that book,  “Where’s Waldo”,  parting the waters and sifting through the distraction to locate or create a unique focal point, restoring balance and harmony to the space.   Sometimes it’s really easy.  If a room has an architectural element -a fireplace, a picture window, a well crafted built-in or extraordinary ceiling –I can really zero in.  Highlighting a fireplace with color and anchoring the mantle with a mirror or clock d... 07/07/2011

It's happened again...I've met/spoken w/ 3 people in the last week with closings mid week and planning to move in over the weekend and would like new flooring and refinishing work before they move.  This is next to impossible. Don't forget the following when it comes to flooring (or refinishing hardwood floors). If you are installing new materials such as hardwood or carpet, don't forget about delivery time.  I usually allow 2 weeks.  Sometimes it comes sooner; sometimes it takes longer.  With unfinished hardwood, we can usually deliver within 2 days, but most other products take at least 1 week and usually 2 is a safe bet. If you are installing hardwood or laminate, it needs to be dropped off and acclimate for at least 2 days.  Most customers don't realize this. Don't forget that you h... 07/06/2011

Zoning – Schomning!  That’s what a lot of developers and buyers with deep pockets are saying these days…. In a world increasingly divided between the have mores and the have nots, and municipalities struggling to make ends meet – those with deep pockets feel that minor incidentals such as “zoning” and a “city planning”  are small obstacles to be pushed aside with relative ease.   All they have to do is purchase a property – zoning not withstanding – plant their flag and impose their “vision” for the future of the land on the community. Zoning – Who cares? We’ll just threaten litigation if the city refuses us. Declining Property Values? Change is inevitable -  so if a few people get “hurt” in the name of progress – that’s life. City Planning? – We bought the land – the city will just ha... 07/05/2011

I can't believe it's been 1 year since I first blogged on Active Rain (July 3rd 2010).  Wow, what a whirlwind and what a learning experience.  And, yes, this site can work for you even if you are not a real estate agent!!!!   A year ago, I had no idea what the following even meant: SEO...yes, believe it or not, everything I ever learned about SEO I learned in kindergarten on Active Rain!  And, my oh my have I learned a lot! (but still have a lot more to learn/do) Rainmaker or Rain Camp or ReBar Camp...now I've been to Rain Camp in Atlantic City and 2 ReBar camps (and crossing my finger that there will be another one in September at the Rye Town Hilton...pray for me Wordpress...and in a week or two I'll be launching my 1st real wordpress site - can't wait to update you on thee really coo... 07/03/2011

I thought it would be interesting to track my top posts over time.  I started "tracking" on Jan 1st 2011 (I started Active Rain 6 months before on 7/3/10). Unfortunately, I only recorded the VIEWS for most posts at that time, and I think CLICKS are more important - that means someone found your post interesting and relevant enough to click on it and read it.  (BTW, you can view your own stats by going to your home page and then selecting statistics on the left side). It's nice to see these grow over time and the ones that are more relevant/key word rich, float to the top.  Now, what's not captured here is hits from reblogs - most have been reblogged many times (which is good and is giving my website and AR blog more google juice) nor hits from my outside blog. Plus a few of these have b... 06/24/2011

2011 Summer Events Guide Summer Events Anthony Stokes Pereira and Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty is proud to continue its seasonal tradition of compiling community events and celebrations throughout Westchester County, Rockland County, Orange County and the Hudson Valley, including this year's collection of Summer events. We are particularly delighted to present you with our comprehensive list of Fourth of July firework displays throughout the region, and wish you the best for a great holiday season. July 22 thru August 20, White Plains, New York: The White Plains Performing Arts Center proudly presents the following performances: July 22 & 23, 8 PM, Camp Rock The Musical August 19, 20, 8 PM, 13, A New Musical White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Place. For more informatio... 06/18/2011

06/15/2011

The White Plains Outdoor Art Festival which started today will be continuing tomorrow at Tibbets Park along the median of North Broadway in White Plains. It’s a wonderful Festival with artisans coming from far and wide.  The variety is really quite amazing.  I made this video in 2009 and while I was there bought a wonderful  lithograph of Yankee Stadium complete with all the famous ball players in their uniforms with their numbers  for my father.   There was pottery, photography on canvas, oil painting, jewelery, incredible pastels – you name it – it was there.   This is no amateur hour.  Artisans come from all over for this event… A truly unique experience.  The photo below was taken in the festival in 2009.   For some more photos and a video of the 2009 arts festival – click here.   A... 06/04/2011

June 4, 5, 2011, 10-5 PM, White Plains, NY: Annual Outdoor Art Festival, featuring arts and crafts from over 80 artists. All proceeds to support art scholarships for local public school students. Tibbits Park, 1 North Broadway. Free. www.whiteplainsoutdoorartsfestival.com If you would like us to include your event, email me your event and contact information at anthony.stokespereira@randrealty.com or Fax (845) 624-7137 Anthony Stokes Pereira, Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty I can help you with every aspect of buying or selling your home because I'm experienced, because I am a Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty Real Estate Professional . . .and because I care. As your Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty Sales Professional, I will provide you with the information you need to make ... 05/26/2011

All buyers looking at Westchester condos for sale know about the Ritz Carlton of White Plains NY.   Among White Plains NY Condos for sale  the Ritz Carlton is at the pinnacle on the luxury scale.  Just a block from City Center  (1-5 Renaissance Square)  the Ritz Carlton is at the center of everything.   Getting much closer to the center of town would be difficult.  You can easily leave the car behind and walk to shopping, fine dining, entertainment and the train.  With the likes of New York transplants such as BLT Steakhouse , the newly opened Serafina and Level 42 a top the  Ritz Carlton itself.  The White Plains Performing Arts Center is also just a short walk away. As for shopping the Westchester mall as well as the City Center mall  along with  major supermarkets including  Whole Fo... 05/18/2011

What can you buy in White Plains, New York for $400,000? I'll tell you.  $400,000 could get you a great 2 bedroom 2 bath ranch on a quiet street with a stucco/tudor exterior, beautiful pre-war appointments inside, such as a gorgeous woodburning fireplace, hardwoods, wood trim, and glass doorknobs like the one we just closed on last week.  The home sits on a lot with a flat rear yard, deck, front patio, and manicured landscaping. It has a finished walkout basement, a formal dining room, den, updated baths, and a solid kitchen with lots of storage and a skylight. It also boasts central air, sprinkler and security systems, and a new roof. The owner took meticulous care of the property over the years and it showed in the home going for full price in a multiple bid situation. We wish our sel... 05/17/2011