July 2008 Single Family Home Sales for Grand Island

Grand Island

Single family homes:

• There are currently 108 active listings on Grand Island. The average list price of a Grand Island Single Family home is $257,863 with the highest $899,000 and lowest listed for $77,900.
• There are 3 pending and 9 under contract listings on Grand Island.
• in the past 30 days there has been 15 closed sales averaging $195,500 after an average of 58 days on the market. Highest sold in this time period sold for $255,000 (272 DOM) and lowest sold for $52,000 (0 DOM)

Grand Island Single Family Market Report May 2008

Grand Island Single-family home Market Report March 2008

Thinking of selling your Grand Island home? Interested in finding out the current market value of your WNY home? Then call Colleen Kulikowski at (716) 743-5297 to discuss what is happening in today's Western New York Real Estate Market. We would be happy to give you a personalized Comparative Market Analysis for your home, just call View additional WNY Market Area Statistics here and check out the Erie County Market Report July 2008.

All Statistics are gathered from the Buffalo Niagara Association of REALTORS®.

Cheektowaga Market Report for July 2008:

Single Family Homes

• There are currently 269 active single-family homes in Cheektowaga with an average list price of $94,609. Highest list priced home in Cheektowaga is $289,500 and lowest is $9,900.
• There are currently 5 pending and 15 under contract sales in Cheektowaga
• In the past 30 days there has been a totalof 80 closed sales in Cheektowaga with an average sold price of $84,326 and an average of 58 days on the market.
• Year to date there has been a total of 330 closed sales with an average sold price of $87,997 and spent an average of 66 days ont he maket. The highest sold home sold for $330,000 (343 DOM) and lowest sold for $6,500 (0 DOM)
• Last year (January 1 - December 31, 2007) there were a total of 750 closed sales with an average sold price of $85,990 after an average of 57 days on the market. Highest sold in 2007 sold for $232,500 (377 DOM) and lowest sold for $5,500 (0 DOM)
• In the past twenty-four months there has been a total of 1,465 closed sales in Cheektowaga with an average sold price of $86,776 after an average of 57 days on the market. Highest sold for $330,000 (382 DOM) and lowest sold for $5,500 (0 DOM)

Real Estate Market Report for Cheektowaga Single-family homes for sale June 2008

Cheektowaga Single-family homes Market Report May 2008

Cheektowaga NY Single-family home Market Report - March 2008

Cheektowaga NY Single Family Homes Market Report 2007

Thinking of selling your Western New York home? Interested in finding out the current market value of your Cheektowaga single family home? Then call Colleen Kulikowski at (716) 743-5297 to discuss what is happening in today's Western New York Real Estate Market.

We would be happy to give you a personalized Comparative Market Analysis for your home, just call. View additional WNY Market Area Statistics here and check out the Erie County Market Report July 2008.

A sales tax is a tax on consumption and is normally a certain percentage that is added onto the price of goods or services that are purchased. Sales tax is usually the responsibility of the merchant to collect and remand to the state, and stated separately (or implicitly added at the time of sale) to consumers. Usually only consumers are charged the tax; resellers are exempt if they do not make use of the goods.

New York has a 4% state sales tax. All counties and some cities add local taxes ranging from 3% to 5.5%. The combined sales tax in Utica, New York, for example, is 9%. In New York City, total sales tax is 8.375%, which includes 0.375% charged for the benefit of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (New York).There is no New York City sales tax imposed on the purchase of clothing and footwear regardless of the amount.

As of September 1, 2007, New York State has eliminated sales tax on all clothing and shoes if the single item is priced under $110. Most counties and cities have not eliminated their local sales taxes on clothing and shoes. There are however, 11 counties and 5 cities (most notably New York City) that have done so. The counties where the year-round exemption will apply include: Chautauqua, Chenango, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Greene, Hamilton, Madison (outside the City of Oneida), Rensselaer, Tioga, Broome, and Wayne. The cities where the year-round exemption will apply include: Gloversville, New York City, Norwich, Olean, Binghamton, and Sherrill.When products are sold and shipped within New York State, the retailer must charge the tax amount appropriate to the locality where the goods are shipped, and in addition, must also charge the appropriate tax on the cost of shipping and handling.

As a New Yorker, currently living in New York, people often ask me, why I invest in the Pittsburgh real estate market? Of course, the answer always comes down to money. The simple fact is your cash travels a lot further in Pittsburgh than in other places. I've invested in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and nowhere, with 1-4 family homes is the cash flow as great as the properties I've bought in Pittsburgh. Also, it's worth noting that while other areas may have low prices in certain areas, chances are you'll be in the war zone! Been there, done that and I've had the sleepless night and stomach ulcers that go with it! Not so with Pittsburgh. Whereas else can you buy a house for $50K and make $500 positive cash flow/month and still be in a decent neighborhood? The numbers speak for themselves.

In this current real estate down turn, Pittsburgh is still the best deal around and with prestigious Universities, sports franchises, medical centers and hi-tech industries it's no wonder that msn.com called it 'the best small city in America' and one of the safest places to invest in real estate.

Of course, other investor friends of mine in the Big Apple have caught on and are investing heavily which is why I've teamed up with some of Pittsburgh's main movers and shakers to offer awesome cash flowing deals that will appeal to the out of town investor. Ie. a great management company that will take all the headaches out of your investing career. If you want to see what we have to offer please shoot me an e-mail at: <vsvproperties@gmail.com> and I'll send you over some of our hottest deals.

Happy investing,

Jeff Vasishta

Well, I am back from vacation and my first order of business was to write this column! After one week of lounging on the crystal blue waters of the Bahamas, you might find it hard to believe that I was actually looking forward to coming home, but despite the relaxation and sun, there is something to be said about the familiarity of home and being around people from your own community. I ran into Shoprite for some much needed groceries, and it was so great share a quick hello with Kellie Benoist. It's during simple moments like those, which may seem trivial at the time, that you realize how good it is to see a familiar smiling face and know that you are truly home...where your heart is.

Too many new things to share with you and I am hoping that you all receive the information in a timely manner. So where do I begin? Let's start with a great event that Mayor Dennis Leahy has planned for our village this Friday, July 25^th. On that evening, the Village will sponsor it's first of two planned Family Movie Night events! At 8:00pm, there will be music and games for the entire family and then at 9:00pm, you and your family are invited to come and watch The Bee Movie. The action takes place at Veteran's Memorial Park. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and come and enjoy a great movie for both kids and adults with the entire Village! A second event is tentatively scheduled for a Friday evening in August and that event will take place on the lawn of the soccer fields in Country Club.

As if our Village didn't offer enough in the way of sports activities for the kids, a new program is being introduced this fall. Back in November, I made mention of a Flag Football League called I9 Sports that my son, EJ, had the opportunity to play in. We made the trip to Goshen every Saturday and I have to say that the League was wonderful. The program director, Ed Killenberger, and his wife Michelle run an excellent program that is focused on fun, inclusivity, good sportsmanship and safe play. Every child is made to feel that they are an instrumental part of the team. Well, I am happy to say that this year, I will only have to step outside my front door and walk to Veteran's Memorial Park where starting in September , I9 sports will be bringing Flag Football to Maybrook every Sunday! The program is for both boys and girls ages 4 - 14. All skill levels are welcome. The cost of the program is $125 and you can register online by going to www.i9sports.com. If you register by July 31^st and use promotional code 99EA-153A, you will receive a $10 of discount. You can also register by calling the program director, Ed Killenberger, at (845) 355-9990. The program will also be looking for parent volunteers to help as coaches and assistant coaches for the league. I had the pleasure of being a volunteer for the pee-wee league last year and it was great fun to watch the kids develop over the course of the season. You can get information about volunteering by calling Ed or visiting the website. If you have questions that you need answered by someone who has already participated in the program, don't hesitate to call or email me!

Another upcoming event is the Maybrook Bike Rodeo which will be taking place on Saturday, August 2^nd at 2:00pm at Veteran's Memorial Park. This is a great event for the whole family where kids will learn bike safety and have the opportunity to win some great prizes.

The Village is also currently seeking vendors for Celebrate Maybrook Day, which takes place on October 4, 2008. The time for vendors to begin is 2PM. They may begin setting up at 12 noon. For more information on either the Bike Rodeo or on becoming a vendor for celebrate Maybrook Day, contact Tina Johnson at the Village Hall at 427-2717.

Nettie Thompson tells me that the Maybrook United Methodist Church will be holding their end of the summer rummage sale on Friday and Saturday Aug 29-30 and Sep 5-6 from 9AM - 3PM. Additional items will be added the second week. Donations are welcome. Please call 427-2778 for arrangements.

Joan Jones has shared that the Embroiderer's Guild will meet Wednesday, August 13 at 7pm. The Guild's purpose is to foster the needle arts; embroidery, needlepoint, knitting, quilting; etc. All levels of skill are welcome. There is a new program every month. The meeting place is the Hamptonburgh Town Hall, Bull Road, Campbell Hall. For info (or a ride) call Joan Jones at 427-2659.

The George C Bullis Library Manager, Greg Syrianos, tells me that as part of the National Endowment for the Arts, 16 audio guides, books and guides are available at the library. This is part of the National Endowment of the Arts "The Big Read" program which is a national program designed to encourage literary reading by helping communities come together to read and discuss a single book. It is designed to revitalize the role of literary reading in American popular culture. This leads into another great program that Greg hopes to launch. This fall, Greg is hoping to start a book discussion group. If anyone is interested in more information about "The Big Read" or the upcoming book club, please contact Greg at 427-2914. Also, don't forget to stop into The George C. Bullis Memorial Library during the weeks of July 14th - August 8th and answer the question of the week to win a prize! Remember, the Library Summer hours are Monday/ Wednesday/ Friday: 9am-5pm, Tuesday/ Thursday: 10am-7pm. The Library is closed on the weekends.

On Sunday, August 3rd, the Maybrook VFW will have its monthly Pancake Breakfast from 8:00am - 12:00pm. Please note the change in pricing! Prices are $6 for adults and $4.50 for children under the age of 8. Breakfast will consist of Orange or Apple Juice, Pancakes, Eggs, Hash Browns, Bacon, Sausage & Toast, Coffee, Tea & Hot Chocolate. Take out orders are welcome. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and a bake sale conducted by the Ladies Auxiliary.

The VFW will be holding an Indoor/Outdoor Yard Sale this coming Saturday, July 26^th, from 8:00am - 3:00pm. The cost for participation in this event is $10 for an indoor round table, $15 for an 8 foot long indoor table or $8 to bring your own table for outdoor setup. Indoor setup will take place on Friday the 25^th from 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Please call (845) 427-5881 to reserve your spot.

In more news from the VFW, the Post will be holding its First Annual Golf Outing at Stony Ford Golf Course on Friday, August 29^th at 8:30am. The cost will be $95 per person. Checks should be made payable to Maybrook VFW Post 2064. Please register no later than August 8^th. If you have any questions, call Daryl Capozzoli at 234-7276 or contact the Post at 427-5881.

Here is some news from the Boy Scouts Troop 236. On Sunday, June 8^th, Troop 236 had over 90 people at its 23^rd Annual Awards Dinner. The dinner was held at the Maybrook Senior Community Center. Many were recognized that evening including the following: Advancement Trophies were awarded to scouts Mike Johnson, Tommy Beebe, Matt Beebe & B.J. Beebe. The Honor Recruit for the Year was Owen Custer. The Band Awards were presented to Andy Watson, Andy Swantek, Tommy Beebe, Matt Beebe, Ethan Boyd, Nicole Cardish, Terrence Davis & Steven O'Brien. The top 13 Honor Scouts for the year were: 13^th Place - Andy Swantek, 12^th Place - Ryan Sheafe, 11^th Place - Andy Watson, 10^th Place - Steven O'Brien, 9^th Place - Andy Kohol, 8^th Place - Mike Johnson, 7^th Place - Joey Costa, 6^th Place - Ryan Bolster, 5^th Place - Terrence Davis, 4^th Place - Liam Maguire, 3^rd Place - Ed Hagerty, 2^nd Place - Nick Babcock, and for the first time in the 23 year history of the troop, there was a tie for First Place Honor Scout of the Year. Not just a two way tie, but a three way tie! Congratulations to the three young men who were awarded First Place Honor Scout of the Year - Matt Amanti, Matt Beebe & Tommy Beebe.

The Troop also made special presentations to the their sponsoring organization, Maybrook, V.F.W. Post 2046, as well as to the governing board of the Village of Maybrook, Mayor Leahy, Deputy Mayor Reynolds, Trustees Greany, Bradshaw and Budrow, for their continuous support of scouting in the Village.

The Troop Band is just about ready for their next adventure. On August 11^th, they will be performing at the Galaxy Theater in Tomorrow Land at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. This is the first time that the band will be giving a concert style performance and they are very excited about this unique opportunity. We wish them all the best. I've no doubt that they will make the Village proud!

Just another friendly reminder about the Universal Pre-Kindergarten Program. Eligible children for this program include those who live within the school district and are 4 years old on or before December 1^st, 2008. To receive an application, visit www.vcsd.k12.ny.us and download the application by accessing the tab labeled Departments and going to Student Intervention Services or you can call 457-2400 ext 1015. Keep in mind that a local pre-school has been accepted to participate in this Pre-Kindergarten program. The Hamptonburgh Area Nursery School is currently accepting applications for the 2008/2009 school year. Call Helice at 427-2711 for more information.

The Maybrook Golden Links Seniors are now located at the new Senior Center across from the Danny Meyers playground. The doors open @ 10am on Wednesdays. Anyone interested in joining should stop by before 11:30am to speak with the President and Vice President Marge and Marvin Evans about joining our club, or just to observe and be a guest for a day before you join. The official time for the meeting is 12 noon.

The Starr Library in Rhinebeck was founded in 1862 and underwent renovation and added a wing a few years ago. A library is an anchor in the community and caters to all age groups.

The mission of the Starr Library in Rhinebeck is to provide the community with the best service, the most updated information, but most of all, helping children to develop a lifelong love for reading.

Even today there are still household without computers and therefore rely on internet service at the library. The Starr Library has a bank of computers for use by the public. There is also free WIFI available if you bring your laptop.

So what are some of the programs available at the Starr Library?

Children Programs

• Story time - This is on Tuesday. There are two sessions, at 10:15 AM is the story time for 2-3 year olds and then at 11:15 it is the 4-5 year olds turn.
• Summer Reading Program - This is the official NY Statewide Reading Program, providing reading list. games and puzzles.
• Teens - This is a comprehensive list of information to help teenagers with all aspects of their lives.

FOR ADULTS

• On Tuesday and Thursday with appointment you can get informtion on Rhinebeck buildings, history and genealogy from an expert.
• Resources have been put together to help consumers make better buying decisions, Health information, employment and exams.

I know that in the age of internet, we conduct most of our information search online, however keep the library in mind as a valuable resource. I have found that there are times I can't find something online but will find an old book in the library that provides the needed information.

Yes the library is a resource not to be overlooked, some of the other services include books on tape, you can take out movies and CD's. The neat thing to remember is that if your local library does not have a particular item they can get it from another library and you can pick up the item at your local library.

TIME OF OPERATION AND LOCATION

TELEPHONE: 845.876.4030

DIRECTIONS

Author: Jennifer Fivelsdal - Associate Broker - Keller Williams Realty Team - www.jfivehomes.com jennifer@jfivehomes.com 845-758-6842 or 845-594-9947

The house of Versace is designing interiors for a Manhattan landmark currently undergoing renovations and a condo conversion.

One Madison Avenue, the former Met Life Clocktower building near Madison Square Park, will be converted to residential condominiums

The Italian design house has been hired to do interior design work on the Clock Tower in the Flatiron District.

Erected as the tallest building in the world in 1909, a title it kept for four years until the Woolworth Building at 233 Broadway was completed.

The renovations include 55 condominium apartments, common areas and a spa. Donatella Versace will personally design a luxury club in the building. Versace designed the interiors of The Plaza last year.

The area is now being called Madison Park. A 60 story luxury building One Madison Park is is being constructed at 23 East 22nd St. Those apartments will have incredible views of the Clock Tower. The building is mostly sold although the building's penthouse top three floors 7500SF and a 580+SF wrap-around terrace is available for $45 million.

A New York Feng Shui Consultant Makes Newsday

Or I should say WILL make the paper. Feng Shui Long Island & New York City had an interview the other evening with Newsday, our Long Island paper. Whew...I wasn't sure if I would ever make it! Although I've had mentions in several papers including the New York Times (who contacted me from a COMMENT I'd made on someone's post right here on Activerain), this time it won't be just a mention.

Newsday is a wonderful newspaper to get in and it's been on Long Island forever....well, a very long time. I had been fortunate enough to have a good friend that works there and he was kind enough to give me a personal tour of the place and it's history and origins, It was fascinating, so much so that when my daughter Laura came home from college I asked if she could get a tour as well.

It is fascinating being "inside" the paper. Parts of the "old" Newsday have been preserved while still moving forward as technology evolved. I wrote a post about it a log time ago and it shows some wonderful pictures: An inside look at NEWSDAY, Long Island's Newspaper since 1940

Newsday runs an article every Friday on Makeovers. Many are DIY but this time they wanted a Feng Shui Makeover. I have done many in New York City recently but not many on Long Island. Although I have given many, many Feng Shui Consultations here on Long Island recently, most did not require what I would consider a "makeover." Several clients declined that was a true makeovers (for privacy reasons) and I had another client I had done just one month ago.

In that time, however, she's taken a trip AND had a prescheduled surgery. We only made over one room and she didn't want to have to purchase anything-using only the items that she had. She agreed to do the interview and I was thrilled. It is just one room and I sure with I could post the pictures now but can't. The article will come out in August and I'm thrilled...more for the fact that my daughter, Laura Cerrano-Feng Shui Consultant had done the redesign with me and will be in the paper as well.

What do they say about hard work....and persistence? I have always believed when you follow your heart, nothing but good things will come back to you if you truly have the determination to stick it out. "Don't Quit": One of my favorite poems that I found just at a time that I needed it : )

As if that wasn't good enough news to share, here's the best: I just got a call from my client, she landed the job that she wanted. Five minutes from her house and making more money then she ever expected. Even BETTER? I was the FIRST call on her list. I love this "job" of Feng Shui!

http://www.FengShuiLI.com

**Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island. Along with Feng Shui Consultant Laura Cerrano, on site Feng Shui Consultations provided for New York City (Manhattan) and all of Long Island for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations and New Construction. Workshops and lectures are also provided for small and large groups and companies.

I signed up with a company called the Kluger Agency that has contracts with a bunch of major record labels and they helped me get my "for sale by owner" sign in a Alan Jackson music video! It was the first time i was genuinly excited about investing the money..and it wasn't cheap! Everytime the video plays on CMT i get excited...it's certainly spreading the word about my company. Hopfully soon i wont need Google anymore.