The White Plains NY Real Estate Market hasen't shown any signs of slowing down like other Westchester County towns have.  White Plains single family home sales continued pace with 19 closings in October which is up from 15 this time last year.  Even the sale/list price ratio inched up from 96.7% to 97.3, not a significant jump but still upward movement.  The median price in October was $612,000 which is down a bit from $640,000 in October 2013.  Inventory levels are still very healthy with 101 homes currently on the market (at time of writing).  New listings of 29 were up modestly from 25 in September but down a little from 30 in October 2013.  The average days on market of 49 was down substantially from 65 in September and way down from 80 in October 2013.   White Plains Condo sales... 11/18/2014

          The White Plains NY Real Estate Market continued to see strong sales through Septmber with 16 single family homes closing.  Much of this is residual from the busy summer months and the numbers are down from 19 in September 2013.  The median home price was $542,000 which is down 4.3% from $566,750 this time last year.  Inventory levels of 92, a pretty healthy number but down from 95 in August and down considerabley from 130 in Sept 2013.  The average days on market was 65 down substantially from 133 last September.   White Plains condo sales of 15 were not far behind single family homes, hovering over coop sales, and down 25% from 20 in September 2013.  The median price was $380,000 which is also down from $420,000 in September 2013.  Inventory of 91 units is up 11% from 82 in... 10/22/2014

The White Plains Real Estate Market saw another blockbuster month with Single family, Condo, and coop closings.  Definite signs that the White Plains market is strong and not slowing down.White Plains Single Family HomesSales There were 31 unit sales in August. This is down 13.9% from 36 in August of 2013. Sales/list price ratio in August moved up to 98.1% from 96.4% in July.  Prices Median price in August was $610,000. This is up 9.8% from $555,500 in August of 2013. 3-month median price of $614,000 in August was down a little from $621,500 in July but up just slightly from $600,000 in August of 2013. Price per square foot in August was $293. This is up from $278 in July and up from $285 in August of 2013.  Inventory Inventory of 95 in August was down 12.8% from 109 in July and down 21... 09/19/2014

Like many towns in Westchester, White Plains saw a large number of single family closings in July.  there were 33 which is up 22.2% from July 2013.  This is the highest sales have been since August 2013.  The sales/list price ratio in July decreased to 96.4% from 98.6% in June.  Overall the single family sector has performed really well this spring.  The median price in July was $581,000 which is down 8.2% from $633,000 last July.  Homes sold a bit quicker this season with an average market time of 96 days from start to finish.  Last July the average days on market was 133.  I feel this was due to low inventory and the large buyer pool many areas saw this past spring.   The condo market performed well with 14 closings, up 40% from 10 in July 2013.  The sales/list price ratio moved down ... 08/20/2014

First, thanks to our hostest with the mostest, Debbie Gartner -- The Flooring Girl -- we had a marvelous August meetup.     Sitting outside with appetizers Al Fresco and a glass of Chard, it was heaven to watch the sunset with new Rainmaker friends.  I met Westchester's Realty star, "The Home Guru,"  Bill Primavera, along with two new Rainmakers:  Kathy Dagostino and René Alfano.  Kathy is a coach and a home stager and René is a home inspector.   We all look forward to following them and looking for their blogs.     (Right on bottom to left: Grace Borrani, Kathy Dagostino, René Alfani, Dagny Eason, Debbie Gartner, Bill Primavera, Grant Schneider.  Judy Medeiros took this super photo) THANKS to Grant Schnieder and Judy for this perfect picture, too.  It  was the best of the bunch!  Also,... 08/13/2014

I just came back from a fun meetup at UNO Pizzeria in White Plains.  The flooring girl, Debbie Gartner hosted.  We had a number of new people including two new bloggers, Kathy Dagostino and René Alfano.  Kathy is a coach and a home stager and René is a home inspector.  They are both still working on their profiles and we will be seeing their first blog soon. From left to left Grace Borrani, Kathy Dagostino, René Alfani, Dagny Eason, Debbie Gartner, Bill Primavera, Grant Schneider.  Taking the picture is Judy Medeiros.     08/06/2014

I work with many Woman and Minority Owned Businesses in Westchester County New York.   Tonight I would like to call your attention to a free informational session being held at the White Plains Library.  You will hear numerous speakers including Liz Kallen of PTAC (Procurement and Technical Assistence Corporation).  Hear how some have grown their businesses, hired employees, and have obtained the Federal, state, and county governments as customers.  The doors open at 5:30 Tuesday, July 29, 2014   6pm to 8pm White Plains Library Auditorium 100 Martine Ave White Plains, NY      For more information contact Mark McLean at 914-384-1895 RSVP with abridgetoabridge@gmail.com     I hope to see you there.    Contact me with questions about growing your business.   07/29/2014

Single Family Homes Sales There were 20 unit sales in June. This is down 9.1% from 22 in June of 2013. This is the highest unit sales have been since 26 in December, 2013. Sales/list price ratio in June moved up to 98.6% from 97.2% in May.   Prices Median price in June was $673,250. This is up 16.6% from $577,500 in June of 2013. This is the highest median price has been since August, 2012. 3-month median price of $625,000 in June was up marginally from $600,000 in May and up a little from $532,000 in June of 2013.   Inventory Inventory of 109 in June was down 10.7% from 122 in May and down 24.3% from 144 in June of 2013. New listings of 27 in June were down considerably from 52 in May and down substantially from 47 in June of 2013. Months of supply of 5.8 in June was down slightly from... 07/16/2014

Clock Tower – downtown White Plains NY One of a series of photos I took in downtown White Plains at dusk.  Some things just have a different look at twilight.  The clock tower looks quite dramatic all lit up with the vibrant sunset in the background.  Wish I could say it was more inspiring by the light of day.  I was somewhat lucky because I happened along at the right time of day and was able to park my car about a block away from the site that I wanted to shoot.  Since the sky changes rapidly at that time of day, being able to find a spot for the car that wasn’t far from the location was absolutely essential!  I was also fortunate that the new camera that  I have been breaking in has such a great sensor.  My previous camera would have required a tripod for this to work at all and I d... 05/28/2014

I'd like to share a tale, as it were, of two different salesmen I recently met in Westchester County, and of which won the dinner event business we were bringing to the table.  I was shocked at the differences. Our client was looking for a great venue in the White Plains, NY area to book an evening dinner event for a group of approximately 100 attendees.  Quite a nice little gig for most venues. The first stop on our site visit was the property of the first salesman.  Rather than show us around rooms himself, he had his younger counterpart show us the space. Thankfully she was knowledgeable and pleasant. When finished with the tour we were brought to the office where we could sit and chat with the salesperson...to talk about pricing, possible menus.  I, as a diligent and careful event p... 05/20/2014

Westchester County New York has some great entrepreneurs.  Eight of these entrepreneurs have just completed 12 weeks of the Academy for Entrepreneurial Excellence.  They are ready to take their businesses to the next level. The Academy is a joint program of The Business Council of Westchester and Westchester Community College’s Gateway to Entrepreneurship.  The participants attended 12 weekly sessions in all areas of business ownership with the goal toward taking each person’s business to the next level. Each session covered a different subject taught by an expert in that subject. Each person was also assigned a business coach for the 12 week period.  Finally, each participant had a private meeting with a panel in which they pitched their business plan and received questions and feedbac... 05/13/2014

Pets are such an important part of the family, and we recognize it.  We have many customers that ask us about what types of floors work best for dogs, cats, and pets in general.  Below is a collection of several articles that should come in handy for pet owners so that you can optimize your choices.  Sometimes, this may involve what type of flooring to use; other times, it may help in selecting colors that work best for your pets.   What types of hardwood flooring are best for dogs?   What types of carpet work best with cats?   Why are carpet runners important (esp for your pets)?   How to eliminate pet stains in hardwood floors   I hope these come in handy.   If you live in the Westchester NY/Fairfield CT area and need help with your flooring, give The Flooring Girl a call at 914-937-2... 03/31/2014

Feng Shui WestChester NY Feng Shui Consultations with Laura Cerrano Is the energy in your home, apartment or buisness feeling stagnant or stuck?  Or perhaps you are simply looking to renovate or redesign your space utilizing the principles of Feng Shui.  This beautiful ancient practice can help awaken your higher consciousness thus teaching you how to follow and listen to your intuition, which gives great  insight into life's challenging situations while at the same time offering resolutions. Approaching Feng Shui wholeheartedly allows you to be honest with yourself and see areas of your life that need to be addressed which allow you to see doors of opportunities with clearer eyes.  Feng Shui creates a unique "plan of action" for life and makes any redesign or renovation project that m... 12/23/2013

This is my latest installment of “Sights Of The Season” – even if it is a bit of a cheat….It was just the other day that I got a call  from a client requesting twilight photographs of a listed home.  This is the first time I’ve worked with twilight photography on a home that was decorated for the holidays.  But, I agree with the the saying  ”When you’ve got it, flaunt it!”    Certainly this house has “got it”.  It was tastefully decorated in a way that appeals to almost anyone.  They didn’t go over the top, but they didn’t do too little.  The home has wonderful large windows that offer a warm glow at dusk.   Twilight photography is generally done for higher-end homes and they offer a really great “pop” that home buyers notice when they are cruising through photos on the MLS.  It makes t... 12/21/2013

My latest and greats on my “Sights Of The Season” series – Previous installments can be accessed through my Holiday Season Archive of this blog which includes photos from Halloween onward. Some photos are just plain FUN to take.  Santa is visiting White Plains on his vintage tractor!  After all, getting out all those Reindeer can be a challenge so backup transportation is sometimes in order.  And his presence certainly breathes new life into this great vintage tractor! Love the imagination that went into this! © 2013 – RGHicks – http://fotosonthefly.biz – All rights reserved. - See more at: http://fotosonthefly.biz/969/sights-of-the-season-santa-visits-white-plains-on-his-flying-tractor/#sthash.a91S539D.dpuf 12/19/2013

    Would you like to grow your business and take it to the next level?  How have your employees performed under your leadership.  Are you a member of a great business organization that can help you grow your business? These topics will be discussed today when I sit down with Dr. Marsha Gordon, CEO of The Business Council of Westchester. Tune in today at 2pm on WVOX 1460 AM.  If you are out of the area or prefer listening over the Internet it is www.wvox.com   12/15/2013

This is the 3rd installment of my “Sights Of The Season” series.  You can see the first two installments by clicking the links:  A cozy corner by the fire  and Holiday lights. This was taken at H Carlson’s Florist a couple of weeks ago.  They decorate their trees like nobody’s business and its truly amazing how their creativity just makes shop so very unique.  Whatever the holiday or special occasion, you will always find something different at Carlson’s.   I love these cardinal ornaments because they are so pretty and so holiday -like that they really warm the heart.  I think they are quite simply  joyful! They also take me back to my childhood where my Grandparents had dozens of blown glass bird ornaments.  We had a big assortment in white, red and green. I don’t think they are very c... 12/14/2013

I went to a wonderful party on Sunday afternoon.  The home had a large number of happy people celebrating the holiday season.  As the party wound down, I became aware of the cutest cat that I’ve seen in a long time.  Apparently, she had been keeping a low profile while so many people had invaded her home.  But as the celebrations quieted down, she came out of hiding and made a beeline  for the warmth and comfort of the fireplace.   Happily content, she wasn’t the least concerned about the crazy person snapping her picture.  She knew a good thing when she saw it and that nice warm cozy spot in front the crackling fire was exactly what she needed after the excitement of the day.  I don’t have cats, I have dogs, but it truly is amazing how relaxed a lounging cat can look.  They are a study... 12/13/2013

Happy Holidays Everyone! For the next couple of weeks,  I will be trying to post a photo every day from that depicts the sites of the season.  They won’t necessarily be all about Christmas or any of the other holidays.  They will just be symbolic of this special time of year.   This first photo was taken of holiday lights.  This house  in White Plains NY did a nice understated job.  It is from the Gedney Farms neighborhood in the south end of White Plains.  An area noted for its large lots and pre-war homes.  But I really wanted to emphasize the red door which is so welcoming so I converted the photo to black and white while keep the red door – well – red.   Adding a shot of color to a black and white photos adds impact.  It can add a real “wow” factor to an otherwise ho-hum photo.  The... 12/12/2013

MEETUP - Westchester County with Debbie Gartner's great group!   I had missed a few in the past year, for conventions, one mini vacay and a minor surgery.  It seems that Debbie Gartner's great invites to our Westchester Rainmaker meetups just could not jive with my startups schedule and personal stuff this year.  It was so great to see everyone in White Plains!   So, at long last we met at Debbie Gartner's much anticipated Meetup today, at City Limits in downtown White Plains.  It was lovely to share breakfast with great Rainmakers friends...old and new!     I got to see and hug Grant Schneider, a Westchester biz insitution in human form. Also, Joanne was back from Peru with great stories and plans for a Morrocan trip -- be sure to check out her amazing pics on Wordless Wed's!  I met ou... 12/04/2013