I wanted to take an opportunity to tell you something that might be of interest to you regarding a set of unprecedented circumstances that are taking place in Orange County and throughout the Hudson Valley region regarding housing.
Right now, there are three changes that dominate the market. In the last 17 years in my own successful real estate practice, I have never seen better circumstances for homebuyers because of the following:
What does this mean to a new homebuyer? In 2006 an Orange County home that cost $300,000 is now likely to sell for $250,000. The interest rate on a fixed 30-year mortgage was (about) 7% and is now about 5.5%. The table below shows what savings a homebuyer may enjoy:
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30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage 2006 and 2009 |
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|
YEAR |
Cost |
Interest Rate |
Monthly Principal and Interest |
Change |
|
2006 |
$300,000 |
7%* |
$1,995.91 |
|
|
2009 |
$250,000 |
5.50%* |
$1,419.47 |
$576.44 |
|
Percent Change 2006-2009 for Principal & Interest |
28.88% |
*Not an offering: these rates are illustrative only of what was a common apr rate at the time.
On top of that, the president signed the new American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on February 17, 2009. In that law, there are provisions for a TAX CREDIT of $8,000 to homebuyers who qualify. $8,000 is typically close to the amount needed for most closings.
If you are interested in exploring the market, or if you know someone who is interested (a friend or family member) please call me and I will guide you through the process of finding your dream home and taking advantage of this wonderful moment for homebuyers. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Healthy Aging Programs. First Monday of each month in Ellenville (at the Trudy Resnick Farber Center). Info from Ulster County Office for the Aging. Call (845) 340-3456.
Knimble Knitters. 10am-Noon. Bring your knitting or crochet Saturday mornings. Beginners are welcome. Ellenville public library, 40 Center Street, Ellenville. Call (845) 647-5530.
Senior Luncheon. Noon. Tues. Kerhonkson Synagogue. 26 Minnewaska Trail. Call 845-626-0185.
Learn to Line Dance. Beginner lessons 6:30-7:30 PM. High beginner/Intermediate lessons 7:30-9PM. All proceeds go to Catholic War Vets for charitable use. Pine Bush Catholic War Vets Hall, 161 Center Street, Pine Bush, New York, Call 361-2339 for more info.
Sunday-Beginning Fly-Tying and Fly-Casting Classes. 2PM. First class on Jan. 18. Pine Bush Equipment Co., Route 302, Pine Bush, New York. Reservations required, equipment will be provided. Call Bob at 744-5608. Runs through March.
Sam's Point Preserve - Kids Rock. Saturday, 2/14. 9AM-Noon. Children between the ages of 6 and 13 are invited to immerse themselves in the geology of Sam's Point with educator Linda Richards. Participants will hike to Sam's Point and beyond with rocks as the focus. Activities include hiking, rock exploration, rock tests, rock sculpture and maybe even a little rock and roll-through songwriting! To register, call Heidi Wagner at 845-647-7989, x101, email hwagner@tnc.org. Meet at Sam's Point Conservation Center.
Valentines Day Dinner Dance. Saturday, February 14th. 6-11PM. Hosted by the Walker Valley Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary. Music of Ken Henry. Advance tickets $25/couple, $15/single, $30/$17 at the door. RSVP to Debbie King. 744-5531.
Free Budgeting and Credit Card Management Workshop. Tues, Feb 17th., 6:30 PM. Cornell Cooperative Extension of ULster County hosts a workshop teaching how to develop a spending plan, budgeting and saving skills, identify opportunities to reduce expenses, how to manage credit card debt and more. Free and open to the public, registration required. 340-3990 to sign up. Highland Public Library, 30 Church Street in Highland.
The Hudson Valley area is full of exciting things to do. So, take advantage of what is offered and have a great time.
If you are thinking about making the Hudson Valley your home, I would be happy to assist you. Please call me at (845) 744-6589 or email me at suej@rjsmithrealty.com.
SAMPLE CPS 3 NEWSLETTER ARTICLE:
We all want to know we have made a difference in the life of another. This year our community has a unique opportunity to make an impact on the lives of many.
The 3rd Cancer Prevention Study of the American Cancer Society will be enrolling participants at the Pine Bush Relay for Life on June 13, 2009 during the hours of 4:30-8:30pm. The relay is held at the Pine Bush Town Park. Individuals who choose to participate will complete a brief survey, give a waist measurement and a small blood sample. After enrollment study participants will be followed over time to update information via mailed questionnaires every few years. Your involvement in CPS3 will help American Cancer Society researchers understand the causes of and ultimately determine ways to prevent cancer.
If you are between the ages of 30 and 65 and never been diagnosed with cancer, then you will want to participate in this study. If you don't meet the eligibility requirements, your significant participation comes from telling everyone you know about the opportunity to help prevent cancer.
Visit www.cancer.org/CPS3 or call 1-888-604-5888 or email cps3@cancer.org to learn more about the difference you can personally make in the fight against cancer. Locally contact Donna Henke at bhenke@hvc.rr.com or 845-744-8017. We want you....research today for a Cancer Free tomorrow.
Anyone who would like to be involved in a great cause email Donna Henke at bhenke@hvc.rr.com and let her know you would like to be involved, she will find a position for you.
2009 Committee
On-line George Varianides info@pbeinc.com
Kick Off Elaine Gaynor rgaynor@frontiernet.net
Tricky Tray Barbara & Eunice handsdown@frontiernet.net and babs194903@yahoo.com
Paint the Town Sheri Herbert sheri.herbert@waldensavings bank.com
Logistics
Media Donna Henke bhenke@hvc.rr.com
Survivor Denise Harrison dharrison@hvc.rr.com
Relay Central Stephani Berchtold stephanib@frontiernet.net
Luminary Cathy Corti amore100@frontiernet.net
Food Eileen & Bob Cole ecole@hvc.rr.com
Bank
Program Stacey Varianides Stacey@russinlumber.com
Sponsor Barbara Hentschel babs194903@yahoo.com
Entertainment Kathy Montimurro kathy845@earthlink.net
J. Schwacke jschwacke@hvc.rr.com
Clean Up
Activities
CPS 3 Coordinator Donna Henke bhenke@hvc.rr.com
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Working with a Team of professionals. I don't try doing it all... Serving the Orange, Ulster & Sullivan Counties. Please go to our website @ www.teamrjsmith.com & see what way our Team can help.
I have over twenty-one years of real estate and related construction experience with sixteen years as a Licensed Sales Associate and Associate Broker. I have been at R.J. Smith Realty in Pine Bush, New York for 17years. For the past 15 years, I have been a member of Team RJ which is a Team of 13 highly qualified and diversified professionals. The Team approach offers multiple advantages for clients including expertise in all types, styles and sizes of properties. I am the listing specialist for the residential and land listings of TEAM R.J. I also also coordinate the new home construction, residential re-sales and land sales from inception to close for Team R.J. and work directly with each seller.
I recently obtained my Accredited Staging Professional (ASPTM) designation. I enjoyed learning about how to help Sellers make their house look as presentable as possible and in turn, attract more Buyers and Sell their home faster. I am happy to be able to offer this exciting new service to my clients.
I am a member of the Orange County Assoication of Realtors, the New York State Assocaition of Realtors, the Orange County Chapter of Certified Residential Specialists, the National Assocation of Realtors, the Greater Hudson Valley Multiple Listing Services, the Graduate Realtors Institute, the Residential Sales Council and the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council.
I am a graduate of Pine Bush High School in Pine Bush, New York and I love to be able to work in the community where I grew up. I am involved in the Town of Crawford with many different organizations including Orange County Meals on Wheels, the semi-annual Street Clean-up and most recently, the Walden Road and Gun Club.
I have received various awards for my sales over the years including several Excellence in Sales Gold Awards from the Orange County Assocation of Realtors.
When I am not working or volunteering, I enjoy softball, volleyball, water skiing, snowmobiling, gardening and scrapbooking.
Please visit our website at http://www.teamrjsmith.com/ for more information
My home town, located in the Hudson Valley in Northern Orange County. Watch this video you will learn about a community you will want to call home.
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We would like to thank you and the RJ Smith Realty team for all that you did towards the sale of the family property. Deciding to sell was a difficult decision for my parents. They felt that they could ask your opinion, and they valued your judgment. In the beginning they resisted your suggestions of a "For Sale" sign, but as soon as one appeared, we began to see a high rate of traffic. In a short time the right person fell in love with the property, and the closng process began. eaving everything in our hands gave them a feeling of confidence. Once againk, thank you and R.J. Smith for your excellent service to our family.
The Comfort Family
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At 83 years old I was faced with selling my home in Sullivan County. This was a very emotional time for me. My husband and I purchased our home in 1950 and had many memories in this home. Now I found myself being alone and not being able to take care of the home and didn't want to be a burden on anyone for help.
At the urging of a friend, I contacted RJ Smith Realty and worked with Sue J.. Sue J. helped me out from start to finish. She is a very compassionate and honest realtor. She made this transition a very smooth one. She was able to find the perfect buyer that would appreciate the home like I had. From the start of the sale to the final day she showed great responsibility, knowledge and integrity. I would hope that you are as lucky to find her and work with her. The sale of your home will be the smoothest possible.
Olga Kistakos
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I haven't worked with Sue J. on a sale of any real estate, but she has been very instrumental in helping the senior citizens with their housing needs. She has worked hard promoting Schulyer Crossing Senior Complex and is now working on additional senior housing needs with builders, the town and seniors. If you have any questions the seniors know that Sue J. has time to answer or find out the answer - you can call on her.
Sue J. also delivers meals on wheels to myself and other seniors. It is great to see her face weekly just to say hello or ask her questions. She is a great asset to the community. Mrs. Babby
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