Red Hook, NY

Today I drove by Rockefeller Lane in Red Hook and it suddenly struck me that the soccer nets were up, yes a sure sign that spring is here.

I grew up with soccer all around me although to us it was "football". At that time, this sport was not readily embraced in America but when it was you could say the participants were more into it than people who grew up with it.

Many families relocating to the Red Hook area often ask about sport activities for their children, and I am happy to tell them there are many soccer opportunities available in the area.

This is not an activity just for teenagers but you can also find leagues for the pre-teens. The participation by the parents is also very high. Whenever there is a game in progress you will find a large group of parents at the soccer field.

For someone moving to the area and who has a child wishing to be part of a soccer team, this is a great way for both parent and child to get acquainted with people in town because you will certainly find parents from every neighborhood at the game.

Author- Jennifer Fivelsdal - Keller Williams Realty Team

There is nothing more depressing than driving through a village or town and seeing many storefronts boarded up. Thankfully that is not a problem in Red Hook. Yes a business might go under for various reasons however in Red Hook there always seems to be another small business to take the space.

In the last two weeks I had the opportunity to stop by some of the stores in town for a friendly chat and to welcome the newcomers to town.

I stopped by One Cut Better a new hair salon, I was really impressed by how tastefully the space was put together. This shop is located next to Village Pizza restaurant and Sipperley's Grog Shop at 7508 North Broadway and can be reached at 845-758-8627.

On Monday I stopped in at the new Allstate Insurance office and met John Squillante, he was very excited to be in Red Hook and can't wait to assist members of the community with their insurance needs. The office is located at: 6 East Market St right next to the Merritt Bookstore and can be reached by phone at 845-758-8400.

So if you get a chance stop in and say hello.

Author: Jennifer Fivelsdal - Keller Williams Realty Team -845-758-6842

Only once every 4 years will I get the opportunity to issue a market report on February 29th. So Red Hook residents:

Did You Know? - There are presently 67 listings on the market. That's like having an entire year of inventory in February since the total sales last year was 66 units.

Town of Red Hook

AVG. list price DOM AVG Sq. Ft. AVG. $ per sq. ft.

53 Active $535,360 125 2560 $211

1 New $350,000 5 2600 $135

6 0ffers $411,167 196 2186 $188

7 Price change $428,829 117 2905 $148

1 in contract $119,000 69 1456 $182

3 Sold $439,333 375 3104 $142

Average sale price $407,667 with an average $ per sq. ft. of $131

Village of Red Hook

Each year during July and August Bard college hosts 7 weeks of delighful performances of film, music, opera, dance, theater in conjunction with the Bard music festival and film festival. This truly culturally rich period known as Bard Summerscape is eagerly anticipated by many.

There are so many summer activities in the area such as; sailing on the Hudson River, biking, hiking, picnics, fairs, and antiquing but at the same time it is great knowing that your evening could be filled with culturally enriching performances.

Ticket for these events go on sale February 24th. To reserve your seat go to www.fishercenter.bard.edu or call 845-758-7900. A discount is available for a group purchase of 10 or more seats.

It is impossible to drive through most streets in Red Hook without noticing a House for sale sign. This is a typical scene in most towns - And the Spring rush has not yet occurred. As spring approaches this is a time when most owners typically put their property on the market so I thought it would be a good time to see what the numbers show so far .

In the month of January 6 properties were listed ranging from $229,000 to $524,900

During the same time 3 properties were sold ranging from $239,900-$369,900 and the days on the market range from 132-211.

At Present there are 77 active listings on the market, which is already a large inventory brought forward from 2007. Price ranged from $43,500 to $4,018,900.

It is obvious that homes priced under $300,000 are moving faster because of a much higher demand. At the same time the Dutchess County market report showed a significant drop in sales during January and a higher number of days on the market.

What can sellers do to ensure a sale?

• Price is key. More than ever you need a real estate professional to help with this. Don't even try to look for the same price your neighbor got 6 months ago. Market analysis now covers a much shorter period.
• Make sure all repairs are done prior to putting the property on the market. A pre-inspection will aid in the discovery of issues to be addressed.
• Be prepared to make a price adjustment or offer incentives if you really have to sell.
• The Selling price is in no way related to what you feel you have to net but is more closely related to what a buyer is willing to pay.
• Will the property appraise? I am noticing more cases of houses appraising for less than assessed value, so a pre-appraisal might be a good idea.
• Have you considered staging? It is a proven fact that a staged property sells quicker and for more money.
• Home warranty is a plus. Potential buyers like to know they won't have to worry if something breaks shortly after the closing.

Red Hook Drug Store

In the Village of Tivoli only 1 property was listed in January and there are only 2 properties for sale at the moment.

Santa Fe - Tivoli

Check here for real estate buyers and sellers information.

Jennifer Fivelsdal -845-758-6842