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Becky Cook Ulster County, NY- New Paltz, Highland, Marlboro, NY Real Estate

Where does the time go???

I can't believe it's been more than 2 weeks since I've posted a blog here on ActiveRain. I have thought about sitting down to write a blog several times- but sometimes life just gets in the way!!!

My in-laws came to visit for nearly 2 weeks. They live in Florida and when they come they like to spend as much time as possible with my kids. We all had a really good time. They were happy that fall seemed to come a little early this year. They loved seeing the fall foliage, eating the apples (not just fresh ones- we made applesaue, baked apples and bought fresh apple cider donuts!!!), and picked out pumpkins to take back with them for my neices, Julia and Kelsey.

The weather was perfect for their visit- cool at night and in the early mornings and mild during the day. We spent a lot of time outside with the kids. I lived in Florida for several years before I had kids, and this was always the time of year when I got the most homesick. I had so much fun enjoying fall in the Mid-Hudson Valley through a visitor's eyes.

If you're thinking of a fall getaway- the Hudson Valley has so much to offer. And don't forget to make your reservations for the Headless Horseman Hayride in Ulster Park. The annual freight fest has been named #1 Hayride in America by American Airlines Magazine, as well as #1 Haunted Attraction in the country by Haunt World Magazine. CNBC and AOL put Headless Horseman in their 10 ten list of haunted attractions.

Barbara Carter and Becky Cook

Mother/Daughter Team Real Estate Two Together For You

ExiT Realty Services 10 Main Street Suite 424 New Paltz, NY 12561

Barbara (845) 505-3160 Becky (845) 853-4210 Office (845) 255-HOME

On the web: www.UlsterNYHomes.com e-mail: UlsterHomes@yahoo.

Highland, NY Market Report

Highland, NY

If you've been thinking of buying a house, maybe this is the time to stop thinking and put in an offer. Prices are down and many owners are anxious to sell. Highland, New York is a great community to look in. Highland is centrally located between Poughkeepsie, Kingston, New Paltz and Newburgh. There are currently dozens of houses to choose from- from handy-man specials to large estates and from condos to new construction.

Here's a look at the market conditions for single family homes in Highland:

total listings Average DOM* Lowest Highest Average Median
72 119 $119,000 $3,300,000 $417,830 $339,000

These are all the listings in Highland that have sold since August 1. As you can see, homes that are priced correctly, sell the quickest. Several houses were re-listed several times, and the prices dropped repeatedly when the houses failed to sell.

Sold Listings DOM* Original price List Price Sold Price Concession Re-listed? Original list date First price Total DOM*
408 South St. 333 $175,000 $175,000 $107,000 $0 N
6 Christopher Ave 170 $179,000 $159,000 $167,410 $0 Y 11/15/2007 $189,900 260
241 Chapel Hill Road 173 $324,900 $220,000 $220,000 $0 Y 8/17/2006 $495,000 532
114 Half Moon Road 240 $249,000 $234,000 $231,000 $0 Y 8/19/2006 $319,000 609
58 Ose Road 131 $249,000 $249,000 $237,113 $7,113 Y 8/9/2007 $275,000 311
2 Reservoir Road 118 $269,900 $260,000 $240,000 $0 N
3 South Gate Road 211 $275,000 $269,000 $250,000 $0 Y 2/1/2007 $287,500 578
166 Lily Lake Road 240 $339,954 $329,954 $320,000 $0 Y 3/1/2007 $399,000 461
10 Carmella Road 64 $332,954 $332,954 $330,000 $0 Y 11/7/2007 $359,900 247
228 Martin Ave 153 $399,000 $399,000 $396,000 $0 N
114 Station Road 388 $449,900 $449,900 $449,900 $0 N

*DOM- Days on the Market

Many of the houses currently for sale in Highland qualify for a money down low interest loan through the USDA Rural Development Program. If you'd like to take a look at homes in Highland or if you'd like more information about loan program, give me a call today.

Barbara Carter and Becky Cook

Mother/Daughter Team Real Estate Two Together For You

ExiT Realty Services 10 Main Street Suite 424 New Paltz, NY 12561

Barbara (845) 505-3160 Becky (845) 853-4210 Office (845) 255-HOME

On the web: www.UlsterNYHomes.com e-mail: UlsterHomes@yahoo.com

Fine Food, Fine Wine and Fine Homes

Where can you sample pizza, sushi, and lamb chops all in one place? This Sunday at Taste of New Paltz. The 18th annual celebration is being held from 11am-5pm at the Ulster County Fairgrounds.

You can sample food from 30 area restaurants as well as wineries, breweries and farms. Admission is $5 for people 12 and over- and each sample is $2 or $3. Last year, I tried a mini pulled pork sandwich from Biggies Barbecue, the short ribs from Mohonk Mountain House, and cheesecake from The Bakery. I also brought home a caramel apple, a gallon of fresh cider and a pint of concord grapes for my family. We were not disappointed.

Once you've tried the best food our area has to offer, come see me. From new construction to antique homes and from large estates to small cottages, Ulster County has it all. Visit the EXiT Realty Services booth in the Youth Building for a taste of what makes us different. Whether you're interested in buying or selling, EXiT is cooking up a recipe for success.

Taste of New Paltz is held rain or shine- so I'll see there!!!

Barbara Carter and Becky Cook

Mother/Daughter Team Real Estate Two Together For You

ExiT Realty Services 10 Main Street Suite 424 New Paltz, NY 12561

Barbara (845) 505-3160 Becky (845) 853-4210 Office (845) 255-HOME

On the web: www.UlsterNYHomes.com e-mail: UlsterHomes@yahoo.com

Major Tax Hike- OUCH!!!

The tax man cometh to Marlboro. If you live in the Marlboro Central School District like I do, you'll soon be getting some bad news in your mailbox. The district is raising school taxes an average of 37%.

This couldn't come at a worse time for me and many of my neighbors. Many homes are in foreclosure, the unemployment rate is high and the price of everything from gas to groceries is out of control. Now this.

The school district was sued by Dynergy, a power company that owns 2 power plants in the Town of Newburgh. A court found that the school district had over assessed the power plants by $565 million, now the other property owners in the school district are left picking up the difference. Homeowners who live in the Town of Newburgh and the Marlboro School District are getting hit twice as hard, because the town also over assessed the power plants.

I've been thinking of putting my house on the market. I know it's an awful time to sell, but my 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 1200 square foot house is just too small for a family of 4 and 2 dogs. But this is going to make homes in Marlboro tougher to sell, the low school taxes have always been a major selling point. I think for now, I'll try to sell more houses and my husband will continue working 2 jobs and looking for another- to help make ends meet!!! And of course we'll keep the faith that God will take care of us.

If you have questions for the school district about the tax hike, you can submit them through the district's website. Residents' questions will be answered at district wide meetings scheduled for this fall.

Barbara Carter and Becky Cook

Mother/Daughter Team Real Estate Two Together For You

ExiT Realty Services 10 Main Street Suite 424 New Paltz, NY 12561

Barbara (845) 505-3160 Becky (845) 853-4210 Office (845) 255-HOME

On the web: www.UlsterNYHomes.com e-mail: UlsterHomes@yahoo.com