The following are a few suggestions that                     will make a home inspection go smoother: 1. Make sure the inspector has access – not only to the house but also furnaces, water heaters and air conditioning units. (especially in closets, attics and crawl spaces) 2. Remove items blocking access to HVAC equipment, electric service, panels, water heaters, etc... 3. Check to see the garage is open and that any water heaters, utility panels or shutoffs and resets for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) within are accessible. 4. Unlock areas the inspector must access - attic doors or hatches, electric service panels, closets, fence gates, sheds and crawl spaces. 5. Ensure all utility services are on, with gas pilot lights burning. 6. Be s... 05/12/2010

This Month in Real EstateMay 2010 ...............................................................................................................................................   The economic recovery continues gaining traction slowly but steadily. First quarter GDP, the key measure of the economy, came in at a positive 3.2 percent - an indicator that we have arrived, at last, at a sustainable recovery. However, this recovery is subdued compared to previous recessions. Without a higher upswing in GDP, businesses will continue to add jobs slowly. The positive news of sustainable economic growth is tempered by the longer-than-normal time frame it will take to recoup job losses. High unemployment and elevated levels of foreclosure and distressed homeowners continue to be two of the bigge... 05/12/2010

Yesterday I had to go to the dentist (EEEEECK!) because I had an abscess and had to have a tooth pulled.  I hadn't been happy with my regular dentist and anyone who knows me, knows I am a big baby when it comes to the dentist.   I chose to go to someone new and that is a biggie for me, especially when you need to have something like this done.   I picked Cornerstone Dental on Academy Avenue in Middletown because I have been driving by the place for ages and I was always impressed by the various signage they had posted outside.  The different sayings they posted always caught my eye.    The office is neat, the staff was so pleasant and I was taken right on time.  That is something that hadn't happened in my old office in a long time.  That shows me that my time is just as important as th... 05/11/2010

Darn Dandelions messing up my picture!  LOL   Photos by Debra Walsh, Copyright © 2010 Debra Walsh. All Rights Reserved.  This photo may not be reproduced, used or transmitted without the express, written permission of Debra Walsh of Keller Williams Realty in Goshen, New York.  Thank you for not plagiarizing! 05/09/2010

If you want to change the look of your home and think you have to spend a lot of money, think again. Here are some decorating ideas that will help you fall back in love with your home without emptying out your wallet.   Paint: A fresh coat of paint can revitalize a space. Whether you go bold or play it safe with neutrals, color can evoke a mood, create a warm, cozy environment or just update the look of your home.   Color without commitment: Let's say you live for constant change and don't want to be stuck with one color. An option would be to go neutral on your walls and enliven your space with colorful accent pieces. Look for inspiration in the current season or artwork. Introduce those colors through accessories, lamp shades, pillows, window treatments. Area rugs can visually break u... 05/07/2010

I went to walk my dog the other day and this beautiful rainbow was right outside my door and I almost missed it!  I ran for my camera and by the time I returned (10 seconds later) I could see it was already fading.   I think this is the first time I have ever seen a rainbow fade away as I watched it.  Usually they (the ones I have seen) outlast the watcher.   I snapped off a few shots and thought this would be perfect for today.  So much to be thankful for.  I am thankful for beautiful rainbows like this that I almost never get to see.  I am thankful that my husband and I still hold jobs in this ever changing economy.  And I am OH SO THANKFUL that Active Rain is up and running again!!  How good to see everyone back and "milling about!"  Enjoy the photos!           Photos by Debra Walsh,... 05/06/2010

Minisink Valley   April 2010 Total Average List Price Average Sold Price High Sold Price Low Sold Price Average Days on Market Total List Dollars New Listings 24 $272,581         $6,541,950 Sold 7 $238,373 $237,800 270,000 $192,300 74 $1,664,600 Under Contract 22 $267,079       96 $5,875,739 Expired 30 $503,277       231 $15,098,307       05/05/2010

For those who have missed my blogs these past few months, I have missed you too!  Active Rain has had a few blips on the radar and hopefully they are on the path to getting that fixed.  With any luck we will be back on track this week or in the very near future.  In the meantime I have been extremely busy with Real Estate what with the tax credit coming to a close.  As of right now I haven't heard anything about any type of renewal or extension of that but one can always hope.  For those on the fence about whether or not to buy; if you have the funds and you have found the home you love it is always the right time to buy so don't let that house get away! 05/05/2010

Appliance Buying Guide: Clothes Dryers When deciding on a new clothes dryer, here’s what you’ll need to know about features, style, price, and performance. Read Appliance Buying Guide: Ranges When deciding on a new range, here’s what you’ll need to know about features, style, price, and performance. Read Appliance Buying Guide: Dishwashers When you buy a dishwasher, hone in on the model that’s right for you by considering your needs: size, fit, features, and performance. Read Appliance Buying Guide: Refrigerators When you buy a new refrigerator, arm yourself with the facts, so you’ll be sure to make the right decision for your budget and space needs. Read Appliance Buying Guide: Washing Machines Confidently purchase a new washing machine that makes sense for your particular budget and ... 05/05/2010

I got this in my email and when I started to watch it I thought I had already seen it but I was wrong.  This one is totally different from the other one I had seen.  It has different music and different dancing etc...It brought a smile to my face.  I hope it brings one to yours too!  The work it must take to get this many people together all doing the same thing in a rather confining area.  What great fun though!     Here is the video on how they got all this together.  Enjoy!   04/28/2010

This Month in Real EstateApril 2010 ...............................................................................................................................................   The economic recovery continues to slowly but steadily deepen its roots.  Consumer sentiment ticked up in March and it appears businesses are feeling more positive as well. According to a CEO Economic Outlook Survey, America's top CEOs are expecting an increase in sales, along with increased or stabilized capital spending and employment.  Over the past several months, the hot topic of health care reform took much of Congress's attention.  Now, with the bill passed into law, the government is turning its attention to other matters to help bolster the economy including the job bill and financial reform.High u... 04/27/2010

Zorbing is the sport of rolling down a hill or any other type of terrain that is gaining popularity for parties, at the beach or anywhere you choose to gather with your friends.  Originating in New Zealand, Zorb Balls can now be seen all over the world.  They can be used on any soft surface such as grass, sand, dirt or snow.   Great for conversation starters, party entertainment and more! Rent one for your next party!   04/23/2010

So today as usual these days I am running around like a chicken without a head when I realize it is time to change vehicles and head off to meet the "sign guy."  Now as most of you know I have made an affiliation change and I am now with Keller Williams so I am in the process of getting all of my signs changed over to Keller Williams colors and logo.  I still have more signs to hand over and he has some re-done to hand back to me.  I head into town to meet with the "sign guy" to make our swap and as we finish swapping he looks in the back of his rather large pick up truck and says "Aw man I think I lost my rabbit."  I look in the back of the "empty" pick up truck and say "what??"  I am totally convinced he is yanking my chain.  He says "there is a rabbit back here somewhere!"  So again ... 04/22/2010

Understanding Foundation Problems Foundation problems may mean expensive repairs. Here’s what to look for and what you need to know to keep small concerns from becoming big headaches. Read Fast Fixes for Common Gutter Problems Maintaining gutters is the most important thing you can do to prevent water from damaging your house, and keeping them in shape is an easy homeowner task. Read Protect Yourself and Your Home from Flooding Few places in the country are considered free from flooding, so protect your home and family. Read 7 Signs You May Have a Drainage Problem Finding and addressing drainage problems when they’re smaller and easier to fix can save you thousands of dollars and plenty of headaches down the line. Read 8 Solutions to Common Wet-Basement Problems Solving wet-basement pr... 04/21/2010

INGREDIENTS: 1 pkg. (2 layer) yellow cake mix 1 pkg. (4 serving size) Jell-O Brand Orange Flavor Gelatin 1 can (20 oz) Dole pineapple rings, drained 10 maraschino cherries 3/4 cup thawed Cool Whip topping DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare cake batter as directed and set aside.  Spray 13x9 baking dish with cooking spray. Sprinkle dry Gelatin mix onto bottom of dish.  Top with pineapple rings, place a cherry into center of each ring. Pour batter evenly over fruit. Bake 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack 5 minutes.  Loosen cake from sides of pan and invert onto platter.  Cool completely. Serve with whipped topping. ENJOY!! (Recipe is from Kraft) 04/19/2010

Photos by Debra Walsh, Copyright © 2010 Debra Walsh. All Rights Reserved.  These photos may not be reproduced, used or transmitted without the express, written permission of Debra Walsh of Keller Williams Realty in Goshen, New York.  Thank you for not plagiarizing! In these pictures you see a stop sign because I was coming home from an appointment on a highway and there was such an amazing sky that I wanted to photograph it.  However this is the type of highway that you don't pull over to take pictures if you have any common sense at all so I watched as I drove and the closer I got to home the less pretty sky there was to see and as I came off the exit ramp it was literally fading with only seconds to spare so I pulled over in the only space on the exit ramp (hence the exit sign) and s... 04/18/2010

  This magnificent 3700 square foot colonial sits elegantly on a 2 acre lot in the Minsink Valley School District.  With central air, custom kitchen, sunken family room, workshop, heated garage and so much more you will be unable to resist this temptation.   Perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city yet still be only minutes away.   Less than 60 minutes to Manhattan and just minutes to Routes 84 and 17.   Make your appointment and make this your home today!   $429,900  MLS #485313     04/17/2010

Minisink Valley   March 2010 Total Average List Price Average Sold Price High Sold Price Low Sold Price Average Days on Market Total List Dollars New Listings 41 $382,729         $15,691,876 Sold 8 $281,971 $267,081 $425,000 $41,500 153 $2,136,649 Under Contract 12 $267,022       105 $3,204,259 Expired 15 $346,060       188 $5,190,895            04/10/2010

When I got to the office today there was a memo posted and I thought it important enough to post.  This is something that could affect any big office not just Realtors.  There are suspects moving from Real Estate Office to Real Estate Office-blending in and stealing items.  On April 5th they entered an office in Dutchess County, New York in the Town of Poughkeepsie and then in the town of Beacon.  It appears they might also have been in an office in Rhinebeck.    They have allegedly taken at least a digital camera and a HP laptop. The female is white, 5' 5", medium to heavy build, dark curly hair that is shoulder length.  The male is white, 5' 8", short dark hair, receding hair line, possible golf hat and now possibly with a mustache.  Both were about 40 years old.  Stay vigilant and re... 04/08/2010

Yes gadget girl has found another cool gadget!   The Zune is shaped like an iPod but is the first MP3 player with a tuner for HD radio.  It will stream the clear sound of FM radio as well as the digital only stations.  When docked it will send HD video to your HD TV!  Listen to crystal clear sound while downloading music and using the 3.3 inch touch screen to surf the internet.  Pick from different apps, connect with friends and personalize with logos and colors.  Check it out!                         04/05/2010