At the outset – I would like to stress that this is unusual for downtown White Plains.  It may be a  sign of the times.  Certainly many cities have reported an uptick in crime although White Plains  NY has not really had any spikes in the crime rate that I am aware of .  Desperation makes people do desperate things. Sunday started out as a day that is somewhat typical of my weekend.  I had two sets of showings with two  buyer clients.  My last client was a referral from someone I had sold a home to a few years ago and we were combining business with pleasure as I found myself enjoying a lovely party in his unit after the showings.   At about  4 PM I left the party and started to head towards my car. I was thinking of what I needed to do next.  Lost in thought – I was unaware that I was ... 03/07/2011

For years, co ops have been considered the starter home of Westchester, with plenty of inventory in great areas for under $200,000. This 1 bedroom apartment is no exception. It is in a pet friendly building with an updated itchen, huge living room, lots of closet space, hardwoods, and 1 block away from Mamaroneck Avenue and all the conveniences of downtown White Plains. We just closed on it this past week, and as you can see, $162,000 not only gets a conveniently located home, it buys a beautiful one.    If you'd like to find a nice place for yourself in White Plains or the surrounding area, register yourself for a free ListingBook account and search the MLS like an agent.  03/05/2011

I have a lot of evening appointments.  After all, that's when many people are home from work and so it naturally makes sense when couples have busy schedules. Well here's what I hate...when I'm driving and it's dark...and, I can't find the stupid #'s on the mailbox.  I use GPS but it's only so accurate.  When the number isn't on the mailbox (or if it's only on one side of it, it's very hard to find.  I squint to try to find it on the house...sometimes successfully and other times not.  This often slows me down, makes me feel like an idiot if a car is behind me and often causes me to go round in circles. Now, here's what I really hate...when I can't see the numbers and it's dark and it's cold and it's snowing or raining...and I have to get out of the car and start looking for your house.... 03/03/2011

Are you looking for laminate flooring for your home in White Plains, NY? We know it can be challenging to figure out which flooring is right for your space and whether a laminate floor is right for you.  Which wood species and color will look best? Which ones work with your budget? Who should you have install the laminate floors? What is a floating floor? Well here's where we can help. We make finding laminate flooring simple. We "bring the store to your door." That way, you can see the samples in your own lighting - the way it will look in real life. We'll help you color coordinate with your paint and furniture colors.  We'll explain what a floating floor is and, we'll help you figure out whether laminate flooring makes sense for you and your budget.   If you want, we can even show you... 03/03/2011

Are you looking for tiles for your bathroom in Westchester NY or Stamford CT?  We know it sometimes feels a bit overwhelming but hopefully this video will help give you a quick overview and get your creative juices flowing. There are many options for bathrooms - from simple to decorative. I usually first try to scope out how large the bathroom is.  If it's small, I generaly like to use lighter colors as this makes the space look larger.  I then try to understand the overall look a customer wants - do they want a natural stone look (which is very stylish nowadays especially in Westchester NY) or more of a shiny/glossy look.  Both looks can be achieved via natural stone or ceramic/porcelain, so then it comes down to budget (natural stone costs more) and maintenance (porcelain/ceramic are ... 02/27/2011

We held my listing at 8 Harwood Ave White Plains open yesterday, and I thought I'd take the opportunity to create a walking tour of the home, a marketing strategy which has been getting good feedback for me lately. I have blogged recently about the better results I have been getting at open houses; this was no different. I was greeted by a cooperating agent who presented an offer to me at the open house, which I have never had happen in 15 years in this industry.  As it stands now, we have three offers on the property.  The tour is one take and very informal; the point is to give you a feel for what it is like to walk through the house, not have high production values or be overproduced. That said, I think future tours will be steadier and easier to watch- the project is a work in progr... 02/27/2011

My business is fairly seasonal - slower in the winter and busier in the spring/fall.  I'm guessing yours may be the same way.  This year, it's been a lot more challenging than usual with the snow. But, this week things are really starting to turn.  Finally, the snow is starting to melt and the weather is bearable and the days are longer, and all of a sudden there is a lot of hope and anticipation.  We have closed a lot of sales this week - both from customers that we have just met with as well as from customers who we met with last year. We have a lot of people in a rush... they are planning to put their house on the market or they are about to move in, or they had water damage (due to all this snow) or they are now just finally ready and want to get moving on their home improvement pro... 02/26/2011

Which type of flooring is better for your kitchen - hardwood or tile?   There are so many options for kitchen flooring - hardwood, tile/natural stone, cork, laminate, vinyl, linoleum (and yes, I have even seen commercial carpeting in there - yuck!).  But which one is best for you and your kitchen?  This of course depends on which factors are most important to you as well as your budget (and the budget is sometimes influenced by the condition of your floors (e.g. are they level? Do you have plywood or cement underneath?) I'm going to focus on the 2 most popular choices (esp for when someone is redoing their kitchen): Hardwood Flooring vs. Tile Flooring. Advantages of Hardwood Flooring for a kitchen: 1.  Hardwood Flooring is easier on your feet.  This is especially important if you spend... 02/18/2011

Yes, we are hiring!!!! Rapidly growing company looking for goal oriented salesperson who can take advantage of this commission based opportunity.   Selling skill and flooring experience a must!!!  Are you stirred by style? Intrigued by texture? Have a talent for transforming average into awesome? Floor Coverings International Design Associates work with customers in their homes to help them fulfill their dreams.  By listening to our customers' needs and desires, a Design Associate guides customers through the flooring selection process by bringing flooring samples to their homes.  The Design Associate also measures the space to ensure accurate ordering and installation of the customer's selection. Expected compensation $50,000-70,000 (assuming strong flooring experience).  Could be high... 02/17/2011

When searching for Westchester NY homes for sale, it can be difficult to sort out the individual municipalities, their characteristics and even their location within the county.  For many buyers they seem to meld into one large mass of confusion.  This series of posts are designed to  alleviate some of this confusing for the Westchester NY homebuyer. Getting from here to there – White Plains NY is centrally located: White Plains NY is one of the most centrally located municipalities in Westchester NY.  As such, it is land-locked  with no direct access to either the Hudson River or Long Island Sound.  However, its central location means that you are never far from anything when you are in White Plains.   The map below shows just how central that location is. White Plains borders Scarsda... 02/16/2011

The aftermath of the tax credit caused a slowdown in the housing market generally in Q4 2010.  White Plains NY homes for sale were no exception.   Particularly hard-hit were the entry-level condo and coop markets.  However, the ability to get jumbo loans again has bolstered the upper end markets which flagged badly during the early part of what I call “the great recession.” Since the market is decidedly mixed, one has to be careful not to draw broad conclusions from the gross data without some thought to details. Also it is good to see that as  the new year enters it second month, that White Plains NY homes are starting to move. Single Family Homes White Plains NY: The median price for  SF homes went up in White Plains from the Q4 2009 from $543,000 to $571,000.  However, this increase... 01/26/2011

If you have hardwood floors underneath your carpet, is it better to refinish the hardwood or to recarpet? Which is less expensive?  I get this question often from my customers and it is such a lucky find when you have hardwood flooring underneath the carpet. Most customers prefer hardwood flooring - it looks nicer, it improves your home's value and it's easier to clean.  And, any realtor will tell you that homes with hardwood floors will sell faster and at a higher price. What seems to be a pleasant surprise to a lot of people is that it usually costs less to refinish your hardwood floors than to recarpet them.  Refinishing hardwood is often less expensive than most people think and also, you are working with an asset you already have  - hardwood floors.  Contrast that to buying new car... 01/26/2011

The Accredited Staging Professional (ASP) Course from Stagedhomes.com (www.Stagedhomes.com) - the industry leader in Home Staging Training - is coming to WHITE PLAINS, NY Feb 1-3, 2011. This class is being offered for both Realtors and Home Stagers that would like to earn both a professional Accreditation and Designation for Home Staging.  Realtors attend the first 2 days and learn about Home Staging as a listing and marketing tool, as well as things they can do to help their own clients prepare their houses for sale.  They become members of the International Association of Home Staging Professioanls (IAHSP) - the only professional association that serves only Home Stagers and the Home Staging industry, and has standards of membership that begin with education.  No other association has... 01/25/2011

Are you looking for carpeting for your home in White Plains NY? Whether you're looking for carpeting for your bedroom, living room, family room or basement or even the whole house, we know it can be challenging to find the right carpet. How do you know which type of carpet is best for each setting? Which is right for your home and your budget? Which types are better for steps and high traffic areas? Which colors work best?  Which ones last longer and which hide or repel dirt the best? Who should you have install your carpet? There's really a lot to consider and sometimes it gets overwhelming and more confusing when you go to a store.  Well here's where we can help. We make finding carpeting simple. We "bring the store to your door." That way, you can see the samples in your own lighting... 01/24/2011

When you are refinishing your hardwood floors, picking a stain color doesn't have to be difficult.  First, you need to generally understand what direction you want to go...do you want light floors, dark floors or midtones?  Lighter will make the space look larger and brighter and often more contemporary.  Dark floors will look more formal and traditional.  Mid tones are generally cozy.  No right or wrong answers here...just depends on what you like and what tone and mood you want to set. Usually, the color does not affect the price...unless you want to go natural w/ no stain which usually costs a little bit less. Another important consideration is whether you like red tones or brown tones.  Customers seem to be split on this.  Again, no right or wrong answer, but look at the samples to ... 01/22/2011

The Broadlawn is a one-of-a-kind complex  and this unit is also truly one-of-a-kind as well.  The 2 BR  duplex unit with unique paneling, balcony and a fire place is offered at $349,000.  The listing has just been updated   with the generous offer of $5000 to the buyer to go towards a flat-screen TV and towards closing costs. For the details – please see the updated post on the Broadlawn #C313 under “My Listings.” For more information about the unique complex known as “The Broadlawn” in downtown White Plains click here. The Broadlawn is quiet oasis in the heart of White of downtown White Plains, close to all but a world away once you enter the peaceful courtyard. ©2011 – Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved. For Sale at the Broadlawn of White Plains ... 01/18/2011

Here's the 8th installment of some of my older flooring posts. At the end of this post I've added links to Parts 1-7 , in case you missed them. This is in case you've missed any of my older posts or as a way to bookmark them for future reference for your clients. In a week or so I'll get back to more original posts.   1. Light Colored Hardwood Flooring  For those that like the light colored woods, check out these options 2.  Should you replace you hardwood or just refinish it? 3.  Hardwood floors improve your home's value  Realtors already know this...but also, in the long run, they save you money, too. 4.  Kempas hardwood flooring.  Have you ever seen it?  One of my favorite hardwoods - it's so pretty 5.  Black hardwood - a stylish look  Yes, you heard me right - black hardwood (not da... 01/15/2011

Are you looking for hardwood flooring for your home in White Plains NY? Or, if you already have hardwood flooring, we can stain and refinish it for you. We know it can be challenging to find the right hardwood. How do you know which type of hardwood is right for you and your home? Which wood species and color will look best and last longest? Which ones work with your budget? Who should you have install the hardwood floors? Well here's where we can help. We make finding hardwood flooring simple. We "bring the store to your door." That way, you can see the samples in your own lighting - the way it will look in real life. We'll help you color coordinate with your paint and furniture colors. We'll help you find hardwoods that stand up well to pets or work well in kitchens. Just let us know ... 01/15/2011

This has been on my "to do" list for 4 months, and I finally did it! I created a Facebook Business page - finally!  It can still be improved, but at least it's up and running. So, now I need to get a few fans...at least 25 so I can get rid of those #'s in my title and rename the page.  From there, I can start sending links to some of my customers.  I'll prob. include in this month's email newsletter. So, if you like me, pls give Flooring Store to Your Door a thumbs up.  And, if you really like me, feel free to leave a comment which apparently helps your rankings (as I leaned in ReBar camp this week). Thank you for your support. Oh, adn suggestions are welcome.  I'm very new to this. 01/14/2011

Are you looking for hardwood flooring in White Plains, but you're just not sure where to start?  Well here's an easy way.  Check out this quick hardwood flooring video (less than 2 minutes).  You can see some of the breadth of hardwood flooring species and styles. Begin to by picking out what you like.  Do you prefer light color hardwood or darK? Or maybe you prefer mid-tones or cherry tones in your hardwood?  Do you like wide planks or narrow? Do you want  more rustic sort of style?  This White Plains Hardwood flooring video will give you a good starting point. White Plains Hardwood Flooring Video A lot of my customer don't even know the options that are out there, and they're not sure where to start.  This video gives  good quick overview.  If you'd like some more help, give us a call... 01/13/2011