It's Official - First Time Home Buyers Now Is Your Moment! With the stroke of a pen President Obama has opened the door to many of you for your first home.  Yes, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 included an $8,000 incentive package for most first time home buyers.   Your Bright And Shining Moment Won't Last Forever, Act Now!!! This incentive allows for a full tax credit of up to $8000 (or 10% of the purchase price of homes with a purchase price of less than $80,000 (not a reality in most cases here in the Greater Hudson Valley) for first time home buyers (or those that have not owned a primary residence in over 3 years) who have a maximum income of $75000 for a single taxpayer or up to $150,000 for a couple.  Buyers with higher income levels may qualify for a reduced i... 02/20/2009

I admit it, I love to help people.  There are few things more satisfying to me than to help with a project, talk someone through a problem, or to work with a buyer to find and obtain the perfect property for their needs.  Because of my passion for helping I find myself in difficult spots sometimes.  You see in becoming a real estate professional I went to classes and took tests to be licensed that I paid for.  I pay yearly licensing and Realtor fees.  I pay for my vehicle, my gas, my computer hardware and software, and many other expenses associated with being an independent contractor.  I work almost every day, at odd hours, and sometimes have to make major sacrifices to be available to serve my customers and clients at the times they are available to search for that perfect place.  I ... 02/14/2009

Healthy Aging Programs.  First Monday of each month in Ellenville (at the Trudy Resnick Farber Center).  Info from Ulster County Office for the Aging.  Call (845) 340-3456. Knimble Knitters.  10am-Noon.  Bring your knitting or crochet Saturday mornings.  Beginners are welcome.  Ellenville public library, 40 Center Street, Ellenville.  Call (845) 647-5530. Senior Luncheon.  Noon.  Tues.  Kerhonkson Synagogue.  26 Minnewaska Trail.  Call 845-626-0185. Learn to Line Dance.  Beginner lessons 6:30-7:30 PM.  High beginner/Intermediate lessons 7:30-9PM.  All proceeds go to Catholic War Vets for charitable use.  Pine Bush Catholic War Vets Hall, 161 Center Street, Pine Bush, New York,  Call 361-2339 for more info. Sunday-Beginning Fly-Tying and Fly-Casting Classes.  2PM.  First class on Jan. 18... 02/13/2009

The Senate and House are still working on a compromise for the bills that passed last week and they have not yet resolved a few differences but it is becoming obvious that they will be including a huge incentive to buy a primary residence in the next year.  Will it change the interest free loan of $7500.00 which is currently available to first time home buyers to a grant? Will it be for first time buyers only? Will it be increased to the $15000 grant for all home buyers that passed in the Senate?  We will be watching closely this week but if you are thinking about getting out there to look at houses you should be on the phone calling a good buyer's agent to get your search going now.Whatever the final package is that President Obama signs into law, it will bring out a lot of buyers.  Th... 02/08/2009

Local veteran's groups in Pine Bush the Veterans of Foreign Wars Pine Bush Memorial Post 5492 (VRW), the G. Paul Bettinger American Legion Post #1308 and the Catholic War Veterans of the U.S.A. Eugene L. Kelley Post 1937, have all recently been unable to recruit many new members to there organizations. The group would like veterans involved to allow for comradeship, sense of patriotism and for members to always be aware of things going on for veterans.  The catholic War Veterans of the U.S.A. Eugene L. Kelley Post 1937 meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7pm at the Catholic War Hall and can be reached at 845-744-4766 For the G. Paul Bettinger American Legion Post #1306 call 845-744-3991 meetings are the first Thursday at 1pm and the third Thursday at 7:30pom of each month at the Leg... 02/05/2009

I have been working with several buyer clients in the past few weeks and am in the process of preparing offers on properties for some of them.  In this buyer's market it is more important than ever to find the right value of the real estate you are interested in and to make an initial offer that is reasonable in this market condition.   When trying to determine your initial offer on a property there are many things to consider. One of the things to determine is what is this house or land is worth based on recent sales of similar properties in the same general area.  This can be tricky when sales in the past six months have been slow and there are so many distressed properties on the market. When looking at comparables as a buyer's agent I try to provide my clients with not only the pric... 02/03/2009

Many people delay purchasing a house because they can't afford the dream house, the house they will live happily ever after in, but in truth they are throwing away years of rent payments that could be going towards equity and years of tax deductions from the mortgage interest you get with a starter home.  Are you going to continue wasting your money on a place to live until your dreams come true or are you ready to take advantage of the wonderful buyer's market?   Do You Really Need A Castle or Would a Condo Do For Now? One important thing to think about as you consider home ownership is what do you need now to be comfortable?  Sure some day you might have three children, a large dog, and need for a large living space but right now what is your need?  Can you make it comfortably in a on... 02/02/2009

Sunday February 1, 2009 in Orange County NY Sunday's Weather - We're Havin' A Heat Wave at 38 Degrees!  (click here for the latest NOAA Information.)Special Events The Super Bowl - Everywhere Of course many of my readers will be getting ready for the Super Bowl tonight.  Some will be going to parties and others, like the Pizappi's, will be gathering at home in our own special family tradition.  There are a few other events happening today so for those non-football fans and those who want something to do with their time during the day here's your Sunday events.... Pancake Breakfast - Maybrook, NY Come to the Maybrook VFW, 209 Main St, Maybrook beginning at 8:00 AM for a great breakfast, 50/50 raffle, and bake sale. For Further Information Call 845-427-5881 Celebrate Chinese New Year - Pi... 01/31/2009

Things are really starting to pick up here in the Greater Hudson Valley Real Estate Market.  I am working with new buyers every week and some of my buyers who put things on hold are starting to get active again.  Now instead of telling people I am available any time, I am working around other scheduled appointments and obligations.  It is nice to be busy.  If you are a buyer waiting for the market to bottom out I think you better get a move on. A word of advice on your search for a new home, if you don't mind.  When you are looking for a house, especially if you are in the resale market, you need to set up your appointment with your buyer's agent at least 24 to 48 hours prior to the time you wish to go out.  It is often difficult to schedule showings in occupied housing at the last minu... 01/30/2009

Beautiful Colonial with In-Law Suite! 135 Dubois Street, Pine Bush, NY 12566 View Map This unique colonial has room for all. Large eat-in kitchen with wood floors & lots of cabinets open to the family room with marble fireplace,formal dining and living room.Large master bedroom with huge walk in closet, master bath with jetted tub. In-law apartment with own entrance is bright and open with large kitchen & wood floors. Apartment has its own laundry and attic. This home has loads of storage with full attic, basement & 3 car garage.Close to Town. Details Asking Price: $469,000 MLS: 456341 Sq. Feet: 3450 Lot Size: 2.2 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3.5 # of Floors: 2 Garage Size: 3 Year Built: 2001 Contact InfoMarty Remo Broker/Owner Main 845-738-8115 Cell 845-656-2527 Dir 845-738-8115 ext 222 Ema... 01/25/2009

Yes I know it is cold here in the northeast and definitely does not seem like spring is just around the corner but the real estate market is picking up earlier this year due to the current expiration date of the federally sponsored $7500 interest free tax credit loan being offered to qualifying first time home buyers, the lower interest rates that are available to many buyers right now whether they are first time buyers or not, and the high inventory of homes on the market.  You may be thinking you have plenty of time to start your search but you may be wrong. There are quite a few buyers out looking at the available inventory and many of the homes which are now priced for sale in this market are moving.  I have been hearing a lot of "Sorry, that one has an accepted offer" when I call ... 01/24/2009

The perfect storm is happening first time home buyers.  You are in the right place at the right time right NOW.  Inventory of available homes for sale is very high, interest rates are very low, and you can find a great starter home that you can afford if you have your credit and debt under control.  Just like a weather forecast, there is no one who can accurately predict how long this "storm" will last and if you are not actively searching for a home now you might miss this opportunity. Let's look at the situation as we wake up at the end of January 2009.  We have just witnessed a new administration take charge in Washington.  We can not say for sure what they will do to stimulate the housing market but interest rates probably won't go much lower than they are right now. If you are not ... 01/21/2009

It's all about big brand names for some people.  We can't get away from the influence of the media and social pressure to have the "ITEM" of the moment.  My daughter was speaking about how many of her friends are trying to get a bag from Prada or a pair of Jimmy Choos and she wasn't having any of it.  This girl, that many admire for a wonderful sense of fashion and who is always put together when she leaves the front door, buys good quality items without all the brand name madness. It is the look and quality of the service she gets from her clothes that matter.  And as she says, she can get a whole lot more for the same money if she steers clear of the "Labels". I choose to work at an independent medium sized real estate brokerage for similar reasons. My company has two offices and abou... 01/18/2009

Beautiful Colonial with In-Law Suite! 135 Dubois Street, Pine Bush, NY 12566 View Map This unique colonial has room for all. Large eat-in kitchen with wood floors & lots of cabinets open to the family room with marble fireplace,formal dining and living room.Large master bedroom with huge walk in closet, master bath with jetted tub. In-law apartment with own entrance is bright and open with large kitchen & wood floors. Apartment has its own laundry and attic. This home has loads of storage with full attic, basement & 3 car garage.Close to Town. Marty Remo | Broker/Owner Main 845-738-8115 | Cell 845-656-2527 | Dir 845-738-8115 ext 222 | Email | Website 12/30/2008

Beautiful Colonial with In-Law Suite! 135 Dubois Street, Pine Bush, NY 12566 View Map This unique colonial has room for all. Large eat-in kitchen with wood floors & lots of cabinets open to the family room with marble fireplace,formal dining and living room.Large master bedroom with huge walk in closet, master bath with jetted tub. In-law apartment with own entrance is bright and open with large kitchen & wood floors. Apartment has its own laundry and attic. This home has loads of storage with full attic, basement & 3 car garage.Close to Town. Marty Remo | Broker/Owner Main 845-738-8115 | Cell 845-656-2527 | Dir 845-738-8115 ext 222 | Email | Website 12/29/2008

I love Pine Bush all year round, but it is particularly beautiful this time of year.  Many local shops and homes are decorated for Christmas and with the recent snowfall, it really looks magical.  Here are some photos that I thought that I would share with everyone: There are many more beautiful homes in Pine Bush.  Also, the businesses did such a wonderful job with their windows.  Happy Holidays to everyone!  Enjoy the time off with your families!   12/24/2008

Beautiful Colonial with In-Law Suite! 135 Dubois Street, Pine Bush, NY 12566 View Map This unique colonial has room for all. Large eat-in kitchen with wood floors & lots of cabinets open to the family room with marble fireplace,formal dining and living room.Large master bedroom with huge walk in closet, master bath with jetted tub. In-law apartment with own entrance is bright and open with large kitchen & wood floors. Apartment has its own laundry and attic. This home has loads of storage with full attic, basement & 3 car garage.Close to Town. Details Asking Price: $479,999 MLS: 456341 Sq. Feet: 3450 Lot Size: 2.2 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3.5 # of Floors: 2 Garage Size: 3 Year Built: 2001 Contact InfoMarty Remo Broker/Owner Main 845-738-8115 Cell 845-656-2527 Dir 845-738-8115 ext 222 Ema... 12/15/2008

  This past Saturday from 2-6PM, I participated in wrapping holiday gifts to raise money for our Relay for Life Team, which benefits the American Cancer Society.  We were stationed at the Galleria at Crystal Run in Middletown, New York.  There were 6 of us all together, all agents from our office here in Pine Bush.  Sue Jackson, Barbara Howland, Renee DeGroat, Ray Zwart and Sarah Berger all helped out.  I am not the best "wrapper" so I ran for supplies and also tried to recruit more customers.  We had one person bring us about 5 or 6 gifts and tell us that he would be back with more.  We ended up wrapping about 16 gifts for him all together.  He was our best customer.  We had some other very generous people who paid more than necessary and asked us to donate it.  We also had several can... 12/15/2008

Saturday December 13, 2008 in Orange County NY Saturday's Weather Calls for a Chance of Snow (click here for the latest NOAA Information.) Special Events Holiday Fairs, Sales, and Bazaars Pine Bush NY - Annual Craft, Cookie, and Bake Sale at Pine Bush United Methodist Church's Memorial Hall on Church St Pine Bush, NY Starts at 9:00 AM For Further Information Call 845-744-8243 Maybrook, NY - Mini Christmas Fair and Luncheon at Maybrook United Methodist Church, 313 Homestead Ave, Maybrook, NY Starts 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Luncheon served from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM) For Further Information Call 570-852-7166 Sloatsburg, NY - Christmas Boutique at St. Joan of Arc Church Hall, 32 Eagle Valley Road, Sloatsburg, NY Starts at 9:00 AM For Further Information Call 845-753-5239 Goshen NY - Cookie Sale, L... 12/12/2008

Saturday December 13, 2008 in Orange County NY Saturday's Weather Calls for a Chance of Snow (click here for the latest NOAA Information.) Special Events Holiday Fairs, Sales, and Bazaars Pine Bush NY - Annual Craft, Cookie, and Bake Sale at Pine Bush United Methodist Church's Memorial Hall on Church St Pine Bush, NY Starts at 9:00 AM For Further Information Call 845-744-8243 Maybrook, NY - Mini Christmas Fair and Luncheon at Maybrook United Methodist Church, 313 Homestead Ave, Maybrook, NY Starts 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Luncheon served from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM) For Further Information Call 570-852-7166 Sloatsburg, NY - Christmas Boutique at St. Joan of Arc Church Hall, 32 Eagle Valley Road, Sloatsburg, NY Starts at 9:00 AM For Further Information Call 845-753-5239 Goshen NY - Cookie Sale, L... 12/12/2008