HARVEY BROWN

The May average home price in Dutchess County was flat compared to the month of April average home price. The average home price for homes in Dutchess County are reported as the current average selling price for home for sale in Dutchess County by the Mid-Hudson Multiple Listing Service Inc (MHMLS). These figures do not represent the total real estate sales in Dutchess County. However, they do reflect the sales activity of the MHMLS, which comprises the largest sales volume sampling. In April 2009 for the average home price of a home for sale was $312,484 and in May 2009 the average home price of a home for sale was $312,489. Of Note the average home price of a home for sale in March 2009 in Dutchess County was $290,916. This is a slightly over a seven per cent increase in the average home price for a home from March to April 2009. There was no real change from April to May in average home price in Dutchess County.

Home Prices Rise Across U.S. By NICK TIMIRAOS and KELLY EVANS written in the Wall Street Journal on July 29,2009. Home prices in major U.S. cities registered the first monthly gain in nearly three years, according to a new report that provided fresh evidence that the severe U.S. housing downturn could be easing. Home prices were flat in the New York and Tampa, Fla., areas. The survey doesn't track condominium or cooperative apartment sales, so it doesn't take into account the majority of housing stock in New York City.

Economic insight and analysis from The Wall Street Journal The S&P/Case-Shiller home-price indexes, a closely watched gauge of U.S. home prices, posted their first month-to-month increase in nearly three years in May, but annual weakness continued. Ian Shepherdson of High Frequency Economics notes that the nose-dive in home prices that followed the collapse of Lehman Brothers and the intensifying credit crisis has begun to stabilize. "The plunge in prices reflected the freezing of credit and all-round panic, which generated a step decline in home sales. Activity is now recovering, and with inventory falling, prices are dropping much less quickly and could even rise a bit over the next few months." But Shepherdson says that while the plunge has stopped, sustained increases in home prices aren't likely in the cards. "We would not expect any gains to last, because prices are still high relative to incomes and rents, and also because the uptick in sales will, we think, prompt a new wave of supply," he said. "But this is still very welcome news today."

Dollars & Sense Blog comments on WSJ article. For the first time in almost three years. This may prompt more purchases in months ahead, as buyers seek to secure rock-bottom prices, and with the Federal $8,000 rebate set to expire in November. But delinquencies and foreclosures are still sky-high, as are unsold inventories, and job losses are expected by many to top 10% soon, and remain north of 8% through 2011. And the findings show important regional and price-level divergences. So, while relatively big news, the future is far from rosy, as even stockmarkets seem to have accepted (for the time being).

The Homes sold in Dutchess County under $500,000 out ways the number of homes sold over $500,000 by an astonishing amount. As I previously reported the number of homes sold in Hyde Park NY,Millbrook NY, Red Hook NY, and Rhinebeck NY indicated the same trend. Could this be a Local Mortgage issue?

Residential Homes Sold in Dutchess County
1/01/2009 to 5/31/2009
Price Range Homes Sold

0-$500,000	535
$500,000 +	53

This information is based on data reported from the Mid Hudson Multiple Listing System. The residential homes listed in the above chart represent single family homes sold in Dutchess County.

Rhinebeckataglance is proud to announce a new enhanced web site designed to bring Rhinebeck NY area of Red Hook, Millbrook, and Tivoli to you; where ever you might be. Rhinebeck at a Glance is just that connection; imagine connected to your community, municipalities, publications and the surrounding tourism sites of Dutchess County and Hudson Valley all in one bookmark click. www.rhinebeckataglance.com

Now more then ever Rhinebeck area/vicinity needs a communication vehicle for information after the closing of the Taconic Press, specifically the Gazzette. The Calendar of Events section allows you to link a specific event for more details. There is a large Concierge section which is growing daily including a category Local Shopping Events. No commercial endorsements are made or implied and the lack of mention isn't a criticism.

Power of Information and Knowledge Series from the Desk of Harvey Brown at Dirt Road Realty,Rhinebeck,NY.

New York state law requires real estate licensees who are acting as agents of buyers or sellers of property to advise the potential buyers or sellers with whom they work of the nature of their agency relationship and rights and obligations it creates.

What does this mean to you if you are the buying real estate in the Rhinebeck, NY vicinity? Why am I bringing this to your attention as an exclusive Buyers Broker? I believe in the Power of Information and Knowledge .

The role of the real estate sales person has different legal and fiduciary ramifications and responsibilities for the buyer and the seller respectively.

National Realtors Association (NAR) did a national survey in 2008 to critique the usage of the real Estate Disclosure Form.

The national survey revealed that that only 29% of Home buyers received a disclosure statement at the first meeting;25% when the contract was written; 10% at some other time and 19% did not receive at all leaving . 17% were uncertain if they received one.

Real Estate Agency Disclosure Statement is governed by the individual states. This disclosure will help you make informed choices about your relationship with real estate and its sales associates. If you are the home or property buyer- know who is truly working for you. Have this discussion with your real estate sales person. You have the choice to work with whom ever you choose; this is not dependent on whose listing the property.

I recently attended a class on Defensive Driving Course in Rhinebeck, NY. at my local insurance company. True- it was a win/win venture; saving me money on my car insurance while making the roads safer in Rhinebeck NY for myself and others.

I would like to pass along this message to you-- Is the time you save worth the Risk and the Money?

In Germany they tested speed and time in two experiments, both demonstrating the same outcome. One driver was told to make the best time he could on a 1000 mile journey; the second driver was told to avoid risk and move as the traffic flow permitted. The fast driver finished 31 minutes ahead of the slow driver after nearly 1000 miles. After all the braking and passing the same conclusion came from the second test of 800 miles only a time of 21 minutes was saved. The fast driver used ten more gallons of gas on this 800 mile trip. What was gained and what was lost?

" Perhaps an elderly gentleman who had just completed a 50 mile ride to Des Moines with his grandson said it best years ago. The youngster, out to show grandpa how a car ought to be driven, kept the speed limit most of the way, passing frequently , and occasionally dangerously , until he finally pulled up in front of the hotel. Quite a trip, huh, grandpa said the grandson? Yep, said grandpa gravely I figure we saved all of one-tenth of a second. Now what do you suppose we should do with it?"