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Westchester County, NY Real Estate News

By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Should we keep our home on the market through the holidays?  Keeping your home on the market through the holidays can actually be a strategic move, depending on your goals and local market conditions. Here are a few reasons why it might be beneficial: Less Competition: Many sellers take their homes off the market during the holidays, so if yours stays up, it’ll stand out more to active buyers. Fewer listings can increase your home’s visibility and attract serious buyers who need to purchase soon. Serious Buyers: The buyers who are house-hunting in November and December are usually motivated—whether due to relocation, tax purposes, or personal deadlines. They’re likely to be more ready to make a decision, potentially shortening the time to close. Holiday Appeal: If you stage your home wi...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
How does Halloween affect realestate? Or does it?Halloween actually does have some fun effects on real estate! Here’s how it tends to play out: Buyer Behavior: Many buyers slow down their home search around Halloween, especially families with young children, as they're preoccupied with festivities. This can cause a small dip in activity that continues through early November. Market Appeal and “Haunted” Properties: Homes that carry “haunted” reputations or have unique, historic, or even Gothic-style architecture can actually see a spike in interest around Halloween. Certain buyers are drawn to these types of properties, and some agents even capitalize on this by marketing a house as mysterious or “historic.” Holiday Competition: Halloween kicks off the holiday season, so from here throug...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Do you need more reasons to buy before the end of the year? With the right timing, buying a home before year-end has a unique set of advantages that make it appealing from every angle. If you have clients or potential buyers on the fence, highlighting benefits like seasonal tax perks, builder incentives, less competition, and potential rate hikes can underscore the value of making a move now. Are you seeing a lot of buyers considering holding off until next year, or is there interest in end-of-year deals in your market?    
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
12 more reasons to buy a home before the end of the year! Here are 12 reasons why buying a home before the end of the year can be a savvy decision: Tax Benefits: You may qualify for deductions on mortgage interest, property taxes, and more if you close before year-end, reducing your taxable income. Year-End Deals: Some sellers want to offload their properties before the new year to avoid carrying them into tax season, which can result in lower prices or seller concessions. Potential Mortgage Rate Fluctuations: Mortgage rates might increase, but buying now secures today's rates, potentially saving thousands in the long run. Moving During the Holidays: It may be easier to find availability with moving companies, contractors, and others during the less competitive holiday season. Less Buy...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Yorktown Heights, Westchester County Real Estate. WHERE IS IT HEADED THIS YEAR??Yorktown Heights, like much of Westchester County, has been experiencing a dynamic real estate market over the past few years. Here's where the market seems to be heading based on current trends: Strong Buyer Demand, Limited Inventory: As with other areas in Westchester, Yorktown Heights has been seeing a surge in buyer demand, but inventory remains low. This trend is putting pressure on prices, leading to multiple bidding situations, especially for well-priced homes. Limited inventory is a key factor keeping the market competitive. Rising Property Values: Home values in Yorktown Heights have been rising steadily, reflecting the demand-supply imbalance. The town’s appeal, including good schools, proximity to...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Navigating High Demand: Insights on Today's 3 BR Home   Navigating High Demand: Insights on Today's 3-Bedroom Home MarketIn today’s fast-moving real estate landscape, 3-bedroom homes have become one of the hottest commodities. Whether it's first-time homebuyers, growing families, or downsizers, this versatile property type appeals to a broad range of buyers. As demand continues to outpace supply in many regions, understanding the market dynamics behind these properties is essential for both buyers and sellers.In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the factors driving the demand for 3-bedroom homes, what buyers need to know to secure one, and how sellers can maximize their opportunities in today’s competitive environment.1. Why 3-Bedroom Homes Are in High Demand The popularity of 3-b...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
"Navigating High Demand: Insights on Today's Vacant Land Market"  Navigating High Demand: Insights on Today's Vacant Land Market The vacant land market is experiencing a significant surge in demand, and as someone deeply embedded in this niche, I’ve witnessed firsthand the shifting dynamics shaping the current real estate landscape. Whether you're a buyer looking for the perfect plot or a seller trying to make the most of your property, understanding these trends is crucial. In this blog, I’ll break down key insights into today’s vacant land market and offer guidance on how to navigate this competitive environment. 1. High Demand, Low Supply: The New Normal Across many areas, especially in sought-after regions like Westchester and Putnam counties, the demand for vacant land is skyrocket...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
When is the best time to sell your home? I think it is when you are ready!!!! You’re absolutely right—when you're ready is always a key factor in deciding to sell your home! Personal timing is just as important as market conditions. However, some market-based factors can make selling at certain times of the year more advantageous, depending on your goals. Typically: Spring (March to May) is often considered the best time to sell, as many buyers are actively looking, and homes tend to show better with longer daylight and improved weather. Summer (June to August) is also a busy time, especially for families wanting to settle in before the school year starts. Fall (September to November) can still be a strong season, though activity may slow down after school begins. Winter (December to F...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
6 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Home this Year  Here are six reasons why you should consider buying a home this year: 1. Interest Rates Are Still Relatively Low While mortgage rates have risen from historical lows, they are still favorable compared to the long-term average. Locking in a lower rate now can save you thousands over the life of the loan. 2. Build Equity Over Time Owning a home allows you to build equity as you pay down your mortgage and your property value appreciates. This equity can serve as a financial cushion or help fund future investments. 3. Hedge Against Inflation Real estate is often seen as a hedge against inflation. As the cost of living rises, so does the value of your home, helping you maintain or increase your purchasing power over time. 4. Stability and Predic...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Adsorption Rates for Yorktown and the town of Cortlandt in NYThe absorption rate is a key metric used in real estate to measure the pace at which homes are sold in a particular market. It helps indicate how long it would take for the current inventory to be sold if no new listings were added.To calculate the absorption rate, you divide the number of homes sold during a certain period by the total number of homes available in the market. Here’s the formula:\text{Absorption Rate (%) per month} = \frac{\text{Number of homes sold in a month}}{\text{Total number of active homes for sale}} \times 100For Yorktown and Cortlandt: Yorktown: If there’s a strong demand for homes but limited inventory (which seems to be the case, per our previous discussions), the absorption rate could be relatively...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
How to Sell a Home Near a Busy Road  Selling a home near a busy road can be challenging, but with the right strategy, you can still attract buyers and secure a good price. Here are some tips on how to market and sell a home in this situation: 1. Highlight Soundproofing and Privacy Solutions If the home is near a busy road, potential buyers may be concerned about noise and privacy. Address these concerns by highlighting any soundproofing features: Double-pane or triple-pane windows: These can significantly reduce noise. Insulated walls or specialized soundproofing materials: Point out if any additional soundproofing has been installed. Fencing, hedges, or trees: Emphasize any privacy solutions that create a natural sound barrier or provide visual shielding from the road. Landscaping: Fea...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
What to Know About Selling a Home with a WellSelling a home with a well involves addressing key factors that buyers will want to know about the well’s condition, water quality, and maintenance. Here’s what to consider:1. Well Inspection and Certification Get the well inspected before listing the property to ensure it’s in good working condition. A professional well inspection typically checks the pump, water flow rate, pressure, and structural integrity of the well. Many buyers will request an inspection, so having a recent report available can expedite the sale and build trust. 2. Water Quality Testing Water quality testing is critical for homes with private wells. Most buyers will expect recent water tests that confirm the water is safe for consumption. Test for common contaminants, i...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
How to Sell a Home in a Flood Zone  Selling a home in a flood zone requires addressing specific challenges and complying with certain regulations, but it can be done successfully with the right approach. Here's how to sell a home in a flood zone: 1. Understand the Flood Zone Designation Flood zones are classified by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) based on flood risk levels (e.g., Zone A, Zone AE, Zone V). It’s important to know exactly what flood zone the property is in, as this will determine insurance requirements, risk levels, and how buyers may perceive the property. 2. Disclose the Property’s Flood Zone Status Full disclosure is legally required. Sellers must inform potential buyers that the home is located in a flood zone and provide any relevant details, such as prior...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
What to Know About Selling a Home with Lead PaintSelling a home with lead paint requires careful attention to legal requirements and health considerations. Here’s what you should know:1. Federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Homes built before 1978 are likely to contain lead-based paint, which poses health risks, especially to children and pregnant women. Federal law mandates that sellers of homes built before 1978 must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards to buyers. Sellers must provide buyers with the EPA’s pamphlet titled Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home, detailing the risks of lead paint. 2. Disclosure Obligations Even if you are unaware of any lead hazards, you must still inform buyers that the house may contain lead-based paint. Prov...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
The Impact of Bankruptcy on Home Sales  Bankruptcy can significantly affect home sales, whether you're a seller, buyer, or dealing with the property of someone who has declared bankruptcy. Here’s a breakdown of how it influences the process: 1. For Homeowners Declaring Bankruptcy: Automatic Stay: When a homeowner files for bankruptcy, an automatic stay is placed on their assets. This means creditors, including mortgage lenders, cannot collect debts, foreclose, or sell the home without court approval. It temporarily halts foreclosure and gives the homeowner some breathing room. Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: In Chapter 7, the debtor’s assets may be liquidated to pay off creditors. If the home has significant equity, the bankruptcy trustee may sell it to pay off debts. However, homeowners are ofte...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Understanding Short SalesA short sale in real estate occurs when a homeowner sells their property for less than the amount owed on the mortgage, with the lender's approval. It's an alternative to foreclosure for struggling homeowners who can’t keep up with mortgage payments but want to avoid the significant credit impact of foreclosure.Here’s how a short sale typically works: Homeowner Hardship: The seller must prove they can no longer afford the mortgage payments. This could be due to a job loss, medical bills, divorce, or other financial difficulties. Lender Approval: The lender must agree to accept a lesser amount than what's owed on the mortgage. Since the lender takes a loss, this process requires thorough documentation and negotiation. Selling the Property: The home is listed on t...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
The Importance of a Home Inspection, DO I or Don't I do ONE?Getting a home inspection is one of the most important steps in the home-buying process. Here’s why you should do one:1. Uncover Hidden IssuesA home inspection provides a thorough evaluation of the property’s condition, revealing problems that may not be visible to the untrained eye. Issues like structural damage, faulty wiring, plumbing leaks, or mold could be deal-breakers if left unchecked.2. Negotiation PowerIf an inspection uncovers issues, you can use the findings to renegotiate the purchase price or request that the seller make repairs before closing. It gives you leverage and helps ensure you're getting the best value for your money.3. Plan for Future CostsEven if the issues aren’t major enough to break the deal, a home...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
The Impact of Seasonality on Home Sales  Seasonality plays a significant role in the real estate market, influencing home sales, prices, and buyer demand throughout the year. Understanding these patterns can help both buyers and sellers make better decisions. Here’s how seasonality affects home sales: 1. Spring: Peak Home-Buying Season High Demand: Spring is typically the busiest time for real estate. As the weather improves, more buyers enter the market, hoping to move before summer. Families with children often aim to relocate before the new school year begins. Higher Prices: Due to increased demand, home prices tend to rise in spring, and sellers often receive multiple offers, sometimes driving up the final sale price. More Listings: Sellers are more likely to list their homes in spr...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Why should you list your land to sell with Thomas Santore!  Listing your land with Thomas Santore offers a unique advantage because of his specialized knowledge and deep experience in the vacant land real estate market. Here are several reasons why you should trust him to sell your land: 1. Vacant Land Expert Thomas has years of expertise specifically in vacant land sales, a niche that requires far more specialized knowledge than selling homes. From understanding zoning laws to identifying the development potential of a property, he knows how to market your land for the highest possible return. 2. Deep Market Knowledge Thomas is well-versed in the real estate markets of Westchester and Putnam counties, where land sales often involve complex local regulations and specific buyer demands. ...
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By Thomas Santore Lic Associate Real Estate Broker, Realtor®-ABR-Land, Residential & Commercial Sa
(Coldwell Banker Realty/Coldwell Banker Commercial NRT)
Are there better ways to Prepare Your Home for Sale?Absolutely, there are several effective strategies to prepare your home for sale and attract the best possible offers. The goal is to make your property appealing, highlight its strengths, and minimize any flaws that might turn buyers away. Here are some top methods to ensure your home is market-ready:1. Enhance Curb Appeal First Impressions Matter: The exterior is the first thing buyers see. Keep the lawn mowed, gardens tidy, and walkways clear. Consider planting fresh flowers, repainting the front door, and updating house numbers or the mailbox. Power Wash: Clean driveways, sidewalks, and siding to give your home a fresh look without major renovations. 2. Declutter and Depersonalize Minimalism Works: Clear out unnecessary items, furn...
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