Talk to anyone about the Hudson Valley and Kingston is sure to be one of the first destinations to be mentioned. Just two hours north of New York City, and with loads going on, it’s top on the list for both weekend visitors and Catskills residents alike. The city is made up of three main parts — the Stockade, the Rondout, and Midtown — and we recommend checking out all of it. To help you plan, we've rounded up our favorite restaurants, shops, spas, bars, and more.
Read MoreWhile the panic buying of the first heady months of Covid are thankfully long behind us, the real estate market in The Catskills and Hudson Valley remains exceedingly competitive for the most desirable properties. As prices continue to push the envelope, bank appraisals often lag, creating nearly a requirement that buyers looking to snap up their dream home pony up more cash, sometimes substantially more, than the standard 20% downpayment. We explain the workings behind the strategy and share our recent experiences.
Read MoreMargaretville and the scenic surrounding areas seem to play second fiddle to their better-known Catskills neighbors to the east, like Phoenicia and Woodstock, and to the south Livingston Manor and Callicoon. But we’re here to tell you that not only Margaretville, but especially nearby Roxbury, should be on your must-visit list for its eye-popping scenery, burgeoning businesses and myriad activities. The distinctly rural character coupled with a blossoming food and culture scene makes this a part of the Catskills that should be on your radar.
Read MoreIt’s been a seller’s market in The Catskills and Hudson Valley for several years now, with Covid pouring gasoline on an already white-hot market. So who are the the lucky ones winning those bidding wars? And how are they coming out on top? There are definitely strategies, and I’ll share my Top 7 here.
Read MoreWhy do listings show a “town” and a “city”? The answer affects your taxes. Think you know which areas have the highest and lowest taxes? You might not be looking at the right “town”. This post shines a light on the labels and on what’s behind property taxes.
Read MoreIn this upended world where every day is a month, my last post two-and-a-half weeks ago appears to have been more of a hunch, while now I have at least some stronger anecdotal evidence to cull from, regarding the coronavirus’s impact on the second home market in The Catskills and Hudson Valley.
Read MoreWhen we’re free in the world once again, will the feeding frenzy of recent years be even more frantic, or will the bottom drop out leaving only the sound of crickets? I do have a strong sense of optimism about the real estate market in The Catskills and Hudson Valley, however, borne out of anecdotal feedback from our second home buyers including what their current general frame of mind is, as reflected in emails and my little Instagram survey.
Read MoreI write this still giddy with excitement at my own real estate purchase a week ago, and am looking forward to using my upcoming experiences with the renovation and grounds improvement as a way to provide insight to prospective, or even current, homeowners about how stuff works…or doesn’t.
Read MoreAs with our neighbors the bears, spring also stirs increased activity from second home buyers. So if you’re emerging from hibernation and contemplating an Upstate house buy, here are some things we’d recommend you address to make your search the most pleasant and efficient.
Read MoreIt's a rite of spring: waiting for new inventory to hit the market. But this year feels like none in my memory as a real estate agent, which stretches ten years. My list of buyers (almost exclusively second home buyers) is extensive, with a lot of overlap, while the supply of quality, second home inventory is woefully thin. Other agents are in the same position. This means that the most responsive and prepared buyers will walk away with the most desirable properties.
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