Thinking of selling youir Dutchess County home this fall? The big question is whatis my home worth? Because this is truly a buyers market, to achieve a competitive edge a property must be priced right.  Gone are the days when a homeowner ignored the advice of the agent regarding list price.  There is almost no second chance; it has to be priced right from the start. So, how can you price it right the first time? Here are some factors to consider: Consult a real estate agent who will have access to current market data.  The agent will provide information on properties comparable to yours.  The market is changing quickly so if you had a market analysis done earlier in the year you need to have a new one done.  Besides resales, the market is affected by short sales and foreclosures which a... 09/12/2008

SENIOR EXPO 2008    The senior Committees of the Towns of Red Hook and Rhinebeck usually have separate expos but this year they have joined together to host the 2008 Senior EXPO at the well known Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck.    Date: Wednesday, September 24th    Time:  9:30AM - 2PM    Location:  Dutchess County Fairgrounds  **Use Mulberry Street Entrance   So what is on the agenda?    •·          Throughout the day Northern Dutchess Hospital will conduct free health screenings. •·        9:30 AM The Town Supervisors of Both Red Hook and Rhinebeck will welcome attendees. •·        10 AM Panel discussion on home care options. •·        10 AM Reverse Mortgages •·        11 AM Senior Banking •·        11 AM Dutchess County Office of the Aging: Public hearing •·        12 PM  Lu... 09/12/2008

If you are seeing Hot Rods all over the Hudson Valley this is no surprise.These cars are heading to the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck to the 17th Good Guys East Coast Nationals Hot Rod & Custom Car Show . This is an activity that the whole family can enjoy. It is always great fun to see how creative people can be in restoring and customizing these beauties. For some of us it may even bring us back to the days of our youth. So if classic cars are your thing, head over to the Fairground this weekend. Entrance fee  $17.00 and children 7-12 $6.00 Date September 12-14 Directions Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com |subscribe to Blog Copyright © by Jennifer Fivelsdal, all rights reserv... 09/11/2008

What I am about to say is not telling you to act now and that this is the bottom of the housing price decline. It is however a telling observance which alerts you to keep your eyes open to opportunities in a fiduciary manner.   Comparing Y-T-D Average Selling Price using the August 08 Mid-Hudson Multiple Listing System (MLS) with August 07, it is down 9%. Why is this a significant indication---- usually prices have increased in comparing year to year. Now instead of the usual double digit increase, it has turned into an almost double digit decrease. This swing is telling especially during 2008, it has been decreasing continuously over the months. To emphasize the point in the same Y-T-D Home Closings are down 20.5%. Ok so what does this mean to the buyer whom I represent in the real est... 09/09/2008

STREET SCENE IN RHINEBECK.  SHOWS LOCATION OF UPSTATE FILM It is hard to believe that the summer is winding down and the student will be starting a new school year. A quick check of real estate in the town of Rhinebeck and the village still shows a very high inventory. There are about 82active listings, so there is a lot of opportunity to find a home in Rhinebeck  Only 3 properties have closed so far this month, the most expensive was $ 1,235,000in Rhinecliff up the hill from the newly renovated Rhinecliff Hotel.  The lease expensive was $ 332,500 on Route 308. Out of the 82 active listings 16 properties are over $1,000,000, with price ranging from $1,000,000 -$6,900,000.  As fall approaches sellers need to carefully evaluate why the house is not selling.  Could it be that the price is... 08/30/2008

This week I attended the  Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck which I suspect will have record attendance.  While visiting the various booths, I came across a booth that was promoting the upcoming Hudson Valley Wine and Food Fest.  The fest will feature NY wines as well as wines from around the world.  Many local restaurants will also participate in the event including the Rhinecliff Hotel. So what can you expect to see at this event? Wine Seminars Food Technique demonstrations Live music And most of all food and wine tasting. Many opportunities to purchase all types of food and wine products. So mark your calendar we love to welcome you all to our part of the world. When- September 6th and 7th 2008 Location- The Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck NY Direction   Jennifer Fivelsdal -... 08/23/2008

Today was the second day of the Dutchess County Fair.  A friend and I decided to spend the afternoon checking it out.  We could not have asked for better weather, and since it was midweek we did not expect it to be so crowded but it was.      My friend and I wondered why it was so crowded and two reasons came to mind. With the present economic condition many could not afford to take a vacation and the fair provided an inexpensive way of getting some entertainment in the form of rides, talent show, musical acts, animal shows and competition, exhibitions etc.  This was like several vacations rolled up into one. The weather recently has been wet, but so far this week it has been perfect, so here was a chance to get in some last minute fun before heading back to school or saying good bye to... 08/20/2008

Rhinebeck, NY  located in Northern Dutchess County in the beautiful Mid Hudson Valley has several options for condominium living.  The Woods is a complex located on Astor Drive in the Village of Rhinebeck.  One of the best features of The Woods is that you have the ability to walk into the Village of Rhinebeck on sidewalks that start at The Woods and extend the entire distance into the Village which is just under a mile.  You can walk to great village shops, wonderful restaurants, The Farmer's Market on Sundays, the post office, the bank and even a movie theater called Upstate Films.   The complex has 167 units, consisting of one and two bedroom units.  There is a single level unit with two bedrooms and a two story unit with two bedrooms and an open den/office area. The one bedroom unit... 08/20/2008

Rhinecliff Hotel a new old gem in Rhinecliff NY . Yesterday I dropped in on Mr. Chapman at the Rhinecliff Hotel.  I did not have an appointment but he graciously had Emily show me around.  When I first moved to the area over 20 years ago, there was this old building in Rhinecliff that was badly in need of repair.  I was so thrilled to see someone take on the task of renovating this old hotel that had so much history and meaning for the community.  This was a very long process with requirements that had to be met to the town's satisfaction. Finally the hotel opened and of course I wanted to take a peek.  I was not disappointed. The place is spectacular, a beautiful remodeling job and an awesome view of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains. I told Mr. Chapman he had picked a winner, w... 08/14/2008

Yes there was a time way back when, when a homeowner could make changes to a structure and did not have to answer to the town.  Those days are long gone and today most towns have a zoning code  enforcement office. For many, the code enorcement officer is a person a homeowner would rather not see, but, if you own a home you will have to interface with the code enforcement office. You might ask why have such an office?  This became necessary because we became more safety conscious.  Here are just a few situations code enforcement could prevent. Enforcing codes can prevent electrical fires which could result in death. Enforcing codes could prevent structural collapse Enforcing codes could prevent carbon monoxide poisoning So, because of these situations whenever you intend to make changes ... 08/06/2008

  There were 52 properties available in Rhinebeck for sale, and the chart below gives the breakdown.   9 homes available for sale under - $300,000   5 homes available from $300,000- $399,999   11 homes available from $400,000-$499,999  18 homes available from $500,000-$999,999   9 homes available from $1,000,000-$4,999,999    In July there were 2 sales which indicates that at such a pace it will take a long time to work off the inventory. So what can a seller do? the key is to price the property competitively, forget about the prices people were getting a few years ago, this is a buyer's market. •·     The market does not care about what you think you should get. •·     Your house will sell for a price that a consumer is willing to pay. •·     A reality check might involve getting an a... 08/05/2008

The annual Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck NY will be held on August 19th-24th this year.  Now would be a great time to make your plans.  Why not turn this into a mini-vacation considering there are so many other things to see in the area. To save on admission cost you will need to buy your tickets ahead of time.  Right now if you buy the tickets at some of the local supermarkets or on the Ducthess County Fair Site you can get them for $9.00 a saving of $3 dollars which really adds up if you have a large family.  If you have young ones, admission is free for children under 12 years. To get you in the mood for the fair here is a slideshow from last year.         Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomeva... 08/03/2008

Today my son and I decided to spend some time together. We like all types of food so we decided to go to Aroi, a Thai Restaurant in Rhinebeck. This restaurant is one of the newest in the area and is rather popular, so on a couple of occasions I tried to get in but it was full. It is not a large restaurant - there is seating for about 49 people inside. The menu offers something for everyone . I especially liked the curries and the use of ginger and coconut milk. There are lunch specials served with soup for about the same price as some sandwiches elsewhere. Today my son and I both had curries. I had the red and he had the green. However, we did agree on the soup, Vegetable Tom Yum Soup. So, if you are in the Rhinebeck area and you love Thai food or you are just curious as to what it is ... 07/26/2008

The Starr Library in Rhinebeck  was founded in 1862 and underwent renovation and added a wing a few years ago.  A library is an anchor in the community and caters to all age groups. The mission of the Starr Library in Rhinebeck is to provide the community with the best service, the most updated information, but most of all, helping children to develop a lifelong love for reading. Even today there are still household without computers and therefore rely on internet service at the library.  The Starr Library has a bank of computers for use by the public.  There is also free WIFI available if you bring your laptop.   So what are some of the programs available at the Starr Library? Children Programs Story time - This is on Tuesday.  There are two sessions, at 10:15 AM is the story time for ... 07/24/2008

  If you are considering  relocating to the Rhinebeck area there are a variety of recreational activities available, one such is tennis. In Rhinebeck you can find the Rhinebeck Tennis Club which offers: Both indoor and outdoor tennis Tennis lessons Ability to choose court time online Special events    LOCATION Rhinebeck Tennis Club2 Salisbury CourtPO BOX 775Rhinebeck, New York 12572 DIRECTIONS A good landmark to use to find the tennis club is the Rhinebeck performing Arts Center the tennis club is located behind this building  View Larger Map PHONE: 845-876-8008  Get registration form and fee schedule     Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com |subscribe to Blog Copyright © by Jennifer Fivelsda... 07/23/2008

The Rhinebeck Central School consist of 3 schools namely: Chancellor Livingston School  - Elementary School  - Kindergarten to Grade 5 Bulkeley Middle School  - Grades 6-8  Rhinebeck High School - Grades 9-12        CHANCELLOR LIVINGSTON SCHOOL This school was named after Robert Livingston who was involved with Robert Fulton in the steamboat development. Located at: Knollwood Road, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Telephone# 845-871-5570 Click here for Directions       Rhinebeck High School,Bulkeley Middle School and Administrative Offices are co-located. Located at: 45 North Park Road, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 Telephone# 845-871-5500 Click here for Directions    Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com |subscribe... 07/17/2008

It is summer time and the Rhinebeck area gets many visitors.  The children are out of school and many are enjoying time in the country at their second home.  One of the challenge for parents is to keep themselves as well as the children entertained all summer.  This weekend The Center for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck offers events to please both adults and children. At The Center for Performing Arts Center at Rhinebeck you can catch a performance of  Evita  either on Friday 11th or Saturday 12th at 8:00 PM On Saturday the 12th at 11:00 AM there will be a reptile show.  Wildman Jack DiMuccio  will talk about various reptiles, their history  and survival and best of all there will be hands-on-opportunities.  Sounds like a fun event for the entire family Directions to Center     Jennifer F... 07/11/2008

  Rhinebeck Farmer's Market Adds Additional Day The Rhinebeck Farmer's Market is a Sunday routine for many local residents.  Fresh produce, fresh flowers, baked goods, wines and other wonderful local products are available Sundays 10AM-2PM from May to October.  I have often said to my husband it is a shame that by Wednesday or Thursday the wonderful products we purchased on Sunday are all gone and we have to wait several days to replenish.Good news!  The Farmer's Market will now be set up in the same place (the municipal parking lot) every Thursday from 3PM-7PM. This means you can stop by on your way home from work for fresh ingredients for dinner.  If you have never been to the market check it out.  If you are are already a fan of the market as I am you have now have a second shopping ... 07/08/2008

 Rhinebeck Real Estate It is time for the monthly market report.  Since it is also half way through the year I have also provided you with the figures for the period January - June 2008. I also looked back over the report for 2007 and during that year 37 properties were sold in the township of Rhinebeck. The data for this report was obtained on June 30th; at that time 18 properties had sold so far this year.  From this information I concluded that the number of sales by the end of the year should be around or better than last year. With approximately 60 active listings on the market in the town of Rhinebeck and 34 in the village there is opportunity for you to own a home in the Rhinebeck area. The summer is a very busy period in Rhinebeck, the restaurants are packed and many come to att... 07/07/2008

  As of July 1, 2008 there are 33 single family detached homes for sale in the village of  Rhinebeck, NY under $1,000,000. The homes range in price from $179,000 to $2,195,000.     The average asking price of the homes currently for sale in Rhinebeck with an asking price of less than $1,000,000 is $391,200.   There are 3 homes on the market in the Village of Rhinbeck with an asking price of more than $1,000,000.During the month of June 3 homes closed with an average selling price of $251,000.  There is currently one pending sale in the Village of Rhinebeck.  We continue to see price reductions as homes sit on the market and buyers can be very choosy with such a large amount of inventory.  Sellers should seriously consider having a professional home staging consultation to help make thei... 07/02/2008