Jennifer Fivelsdal, Fishkill NY

Trees make such a difference to the environment; they are especially appreciated in a village where the homes are closer together.

In 2002, the Red Hook Village Green Committee was formed with the co-operation of the Village Board of Trustees and community residents. Since its inception the organization has been involved with cataloging the trees in the village, marking the ones needing replacement and finding spots for new trees.

Money, for the purchase of trees, was obtained by contribution, a budget from the village, fund-raising activities, as well as grants. Once the committee knew how much they had to spend they would go about selecting the trees. This process involved choosing trees that were very hardy. The committee would then select days for the actual planting which occurs in spring and fall. Since the trees would be in the front yard of the villagers a signed pledge that they would care for the tree after it was planted was required . Many villagers were very happy to be the recipient of a tree.

To date, this organization has been responsible for planting 181 trees in the village. The organization has done so well that for the past 5 years the town received the prestigious award of being a Tree City USA.

The Village Green Committee is always happy to have more volunteers and donations are appreciated.

Jennifer Fivelsdal

I am sure you are eagerly awaiting the Dutchess County Real Estate Market Report for January 2008. With the present market conditions more people are really paying attention to the numbers. The month of January started out on a down note. There were only 88 sales, a drop of almost over 35% over same time last year and there is almost 22 months worth of inventory. Yes, the days on market has gone up to 151 days. Although sales are down both average and median selling price are on the rise. So below I have provided the breakdown.

Breakdown of the numbers for single family Detached

Median Selling Price - $330,000 an increase of 4.8% over January 2007

Average Selling Price - $ 371,000a an increase of 6.7 % over January 2007

Closed sales - 88 a decrease of 34.8% from January 2007

Inventory at beginning of month - 1904 an increase of 16.5% over January 2007

Days on market - 151 an increase of 19.8% over January 2007

Absorption rate for January 2008 1904/88= 21.63 months to clear inventory

The single family attached homes which consisted of condos, Co-op and townhouses saw increases in number of sales, median and average sale price.

Breakdown of the numbers for single family attached

Median Selling Price - $ 198,000 an increase of 5.6% over January 2007

Average Selling Price - $ 221,615 an increase of 7.3% over January 2007

Closed sales - 31 a 24.0% increase overJanuary 2007

Inventory at beginning of month - 315 a decrease of 4.0% from January 2007

Days on market - 124 an increase of 14.8% over January 2007

Absorption rate for January 2008 315/31= 10.16 months to clear inventory

****Data used to compile report obtained from Mid-Hudson Multiple listing Service.

This is truly a buyer's market, don't sit on the fence there are still many good mortgage products and sellers waiting for offers.

If you would like more specific data on your location please call or email me. Jennifer Fivelsdal 845-758-6842 or jfivelsdal@hvc.rr.com

Many consumers from the New York City area looking for a second home in the country usually want to find an older home from the 1700s-1900s. The wish list includes: clapboard siding, wide board flooring, period details, fireplace, 2 bathrooms, large rooms, pond or stream and a private lot.

Trying to satisfy such a wish list is not always easy and here is why.

• Many older homes are not very private and are located close to the road or in a village. This is not a surprise because when you think of the time period in which the houses were built modern transportation was not available and I suspect no one wanted to also spend hours cleaning a long driveway.

• Some people tend to equate the age of the house with the presence of wide board flooring. Although this is somewhat true, it is also important to note that many of the houses you might come across with very narow boards are as old as the ones with wide boards; and the narrow board is an indication that the homeowner was actually wealthier.

• Finding clapboard siding is not alway easy and might involve digging a little deeper. Because the boards had to be maintained many owners opted for siding that was easier to maintain, so you will find many homes covered by unslightly tiles because these tiles were maintenace free. These tiles were placed directly over the clapboard and I have known of many homes where these tiles were taken off and the beautiful clapboard was revealed.

• Privacy can also present a challenge, many of the homes were constructed close together and this was done so neighbors could look out for each other. Another issue that happens alot is that the land was divided up and sold in a manner that does not make much sense to us today. For example, you might find that you will need an easement across several neighbors properties to get to your home. If this is the case you might have to chip in to pay for the maintenace of a private road.

• I Know we all want to have more than one bathroom but in most older homes there is usually one bathroom and sometimes you will find an outhouse, therefore, you would have to add a second bathroom if you so desire. This brings me to the subject of the septic. Many times during an inspection a septic cannot be located and many times there is just a cesspool. This will mean you will be putting in a septic system.

• Buying an older home in the country can be rewarding but keep in mind it will be a labor of love and could require deep pockets. I have seen some finished product and I can say going through the restoration was well worth it. It is wonderful to see a home restored to it former state.

If you are looking to purchase a country home old or new I would be delighted to assist you; so call or email Jennifer Fivelsdal - 845-758-6842 or jfivelsdal@hvc.rr.com

I recently wrote a post about the relevance of the library system even in this Internet age. Many public libraries are underfunded and the computer equipment outdated. There are still many people in some communities who don't have access to a personal computer and depends on the library for Internet access.

Bill and Melinda Gates foundation has been investing money in the library system and here is an opportunity for libraries to benefit from one such grant. This money will be available through the Department of Education division of Library Service. This is call Opportunity Online Hardware Grant Program and is aimed at updating computer equipment. To receive the grant the library will have to apply prior to the deadline of April 1st 2008.

Jennifer Fivelsdal - 845-758-6842

Recently the parking garage in uptown Kingston partially collapsed. Since the collapse, the garage has remained closed which in effect closed off 317 parking spots in a city that already has a parking problem.

It was not uncommon for me to spend time driving around looking for a parking spot when I was trying to get to the motor vehicle department, a closing, or the hairdresser.

Back several years ago The Teicher Group had planned a major development for the area which would have brought more foot traffic to the area as well as improvement to the parking situation; however 4 years later the project did not get off the ground due to various opposition.

Today in the Daily Freeman government officials outline how they intend to deal with the parking issue.

Jennifer Fivelsdal - 845 -758-6842