Ruthmarie Hicks

It's not a matter of better - its what you like. One thing you should do is check out the immediate area. For example, Bryant Gardens is near a very upscale neighborhood and a golf course which is nice for walking. If that is something that means a lot to you, you should let that guide you. If being near the center of things is important to you - let that guide you. Both areas have distinct positives. It's more a matter of personal preference. - Sat Oct 25 2008, 14:58

Guys! Give it rest...you are making yourselves look like the ultimate Realtor cliche. Riley has already moved...let him enjoy his new home. - Tue Sep 9 2008, 20:08

I don't think too many agents would laugh at working below the $900k range. If you are analytical, you might like my blog site. I personally feel that location is key with respect to transportation issues. You might enjoy this entry from my blog sight for starters and stay tuned for the next installments.

No one has a crystal ball, but I believe that being near a train station and I-287 will be key for values in the near future.

I can not comment as to school systems nor can any other agent. We can only send you in the right direction to do the research yourself. To do so is a violation of fair housing laws and could result in a massive fine and loss of license. Clients need to understand that this is our livelihood and we can not afford to violate the law in this matter. For openers, there are testers who test agents and the law is genuinely for the public good. It dates back to the days in which certain ethnic groups were deliberately steered to specific neighborhoods - sustaining a segregated society. The laws a very clear and the penalties harsh - for good reason. - Fri Jul 4 2008, 01:02

My last blog on housing prices for White Plains gives you a realistic idea of where this market is right now. It shows prices generally flat for cooperatives over last year and sales volume down significantly. In early July there was about 4.9 months of inventory in the White Plains cooperative market. Not a buyers market. Still a sellers...but not a strong sellers market. The pricing depends on your complex. Some have risen in value such as the Broadlawn and others have remained flat or are declining slightly.

I would call this a SOLID market for a seller but I define a "booming market" as one where volume is up over the previous year and overall prices are up over the rate of core inflation. That is not the case here, but some people use different definitions. Calling something "booming" when volume is down and prices are somewhat flat can set the seller up for disappointment and unrealistic expectations. It is essential in a slower market, no matter what the inventory, to price the property in a realistic way. It's not a bad market, but it isn't 2005. - Wed Aug 27 2008, 00:44

A great deal depends on the complex...Also , in your zip code, parking is very key. If you are in a complex that has parking for new residents - it is very helpful. As pointed out in the previous comments, the price range and differences between each complex make answering this question on-line very difficult.

However, if you are moving up into a house - you may be in luck. Single Family homes are showing more weakness then coops - putting you in a potentially excellent position.

The link below is to my blog site - to an entry about pricing and inventory in White Plains. the numbers are about 1 month old. - Fri Jul 4 2008, 00:15

Westchester is a region where the market is hyper-local. Just a few blocks spells the difference. It's ALL ABOUT LOCATION. I don't have a crystal ball but I do look at the trends. For example, the exurbs are no longer popular. Being near public transportation - being in a location that has easy access to shopping (preferably walkable) are key and will continue to be so into the future.

The foreclosure hype is just that in some case - hype. 89% of the increase in foreclosures has occurred in 4 states - and NY isn't one of them. the foreclosure rate in these states is driving the numbers quoted by economists and skewing the data to be far more grim than it is for most of the country.

From the Mortgage Bankers Association on June 5,
"The problems in California and Florida are extraordinary and they are the main drivers of the national trend. The quarterly rate of foreclosure starts on subprime ARM loans in California was 9.24 percent. This rate, combined with Florida's rate of 8.25 percent, drove up the national average foreclosure start rate to the point where 43 states were below the national average of 6.32 percent."
That's a HUGE issue. Most states have not experienced a huge increase at all. 43 states are below 6.32%.

As prices being down or up - that depends on the location. I don't look much at county stats. I look at each town, village, city individually. Some are up, some are down and some are flat. Here are some stats I posted from White Plains. This can be done for any area in the county - Fri Jul 4 2008, 01:56

Lorne,
Bigotry is just ugly. We would never work together because that's what you are. Bigots don't like the law because it protects minorities against their prejudice.
Politically incorrect enough for you? Hope so. - Fri Jun 20 2008, 00:58

Lorne,
You obviously know nothing about the LAWS that govern the conduct of real estate agents. BY LAW - I can not STEER a client towards or away from a given location. That is called STEERING and any agent who answers a question like that could face a steep fine or risk losing their license. If asked whether I would move my family to Port Chester or any other location I would have to say that BY LAW I can not answer that question.

The laws on steering date back to the 1960s- and 70s when it was commonplace to "steer" certain ethnic groups towards certain parts of town. African Americans found themselves unable to get access to homes in "white" areas even if they could afford the price. Another practice - of sending out mailings suggesting that values are decreasing because certain "undesirables" were moving into the area - in order to drum up business were also addressed by these regulations.

Get a grip and stop being so hostile. We must work within the constraints of the LAW - and if you think we don't get "caught" think again. Testers are regularly sent out to check to see if agents are in compliance.

In general, I have issues with new construction, which is why I answered the question the way I did. Sometimes its worth it, but often its not. When too much is built too quickly, values either remain flat or decrease and in the meantime the buyer paid a premium for all the eye candy an lush finishes. - Sun Jun 15 2008, 01:02

Hello,

I am also a local real estate agent situated in White Plains. Port Chester is undergoing considerable development at this time and as it happens, I took a customer to Wellington Greene a few days ago. As stated by a previous poster, there are certain issues that by law weI can not address. Having said that, I will state that there are certain risks that can not be poo-pooed when it comes to new construction. Many buyers overlook those risks because they are wowed by the shiny new nature of the construction and it is indeed hard not to be taken in and carried away by the thrill of owning something that requires no work. You just move in. No muss, no fuss. You are wise to be cautious about any new construction. There is a chance with any new construction that they will have trouble selling all the units. If too many complexes go up at the same time, there is the potential for a glut.

My suggestion is that you find an agent that will do some of the leg work for you and can guide you through the maze. Going to these complexes directly puts you in the hands of agents who are agents for the seller and represent the seller alone. They will indeed try to "close the deal" because that is their job and indeed their obligation to the seller. This isn't dishonest. They can not represent the buyer AND the seller. So you are working with a seller's agent.

You can contact me if you are looking for a buyers agent.
Email RGHicks02@aol.com
Cell Phone: 914-374-5529 - Sun Jul 15 2007, 09:32