5 Overlook Terrace, Larchmont, 10538, was built by William Randolph Hearst for Marion Davies. This home reflects a romantic moment in time yet updated to captivate today! Stunning front door beckons you to enter this 3 Bedroom 2500 sq. ft. Mediterranean with 2.5 baths, eat-in kitchen & breakfast nook, butler's pantry, Dining room/Family room, Living Room with a gorgeous Carrera marble fireplace, enclosed porch and a wonderful deck with an arbor perfect for entertaining. The Master bedroom offers a nursery, bath and a large walk-in closet, 2 Additional Bedrooms and a Hall Bath compliment the second floor. There is a one car garage, and is very close to the Larchmont village and just 35 minutes to New York City. The Public Open House will be held on Sunday, May 20^th, from 2:45 p.m.- 4:45 p.m. 

Larchmont is GREAT!

Posted by:  Gay Rosen

44 Dusk Drive, 10804, which is located in desirable Wykagyl Estates with its private tennis courts, you will really appreciate this 4 bedroom, 3.5 Bath extended Raised Ranch that just goes on and on! It is large! There is a ftiled entrance foyer, and tiled family room with a fireplace, second family room/guest room with a bath, a living room, dining room, music room and a large eat-in kitchen with access to the great deck - perfect for entertaining. There is a two car garage, and the taxes WILL BE grieved! All good! With its close proximity to Houses of worship, transportation & just 35 minutess to NYC. Perfect! Being offered at $649,000, there is a public open house on May 20th, 1-3 p.m. 

New Rochelle is GREAT!

Posted by:  Gay Rosen

The only Larchmont Woods Normandy Chateau with a drawbridge & 40' turret! This bespoke 3 bedroom 3047 square foot home with its Chef's kitchen, polished bluestone slate spiral staircase, limestone floors, mahogany trim, onyx and marble bathroom clearly reflects the designer home-owner's special touches. There is a patio, courtyard & fountain too! Originally built by a big game hunter for his wife in 1926. Yes, you can have it all. C/O being obtained for 3rd bathroom. Just 35 minutes from New York City. Public Open House 1-4 p.m., Sunday, May 20th, 2012. The home is being offered at $895,000.

New Rochelle is GREAT!

Posted by:  Gay Rosen

The glorious kitchen was designed by the Award Winning Team of Joan Schindler Interior Designs (House Beautiful's Kitchen of the Year '07 in Conn.), and it will not disappoint! This 4 bedroom, 2 bath 2467 sq. ft. Tudor won't either! Close to all Houses of Worship, you will appreciate the custom built-ins in the den, beamed living room with fireplace, Formal Dining Room, and above ground family room with Sliding French doors to the patio. Master Bedroom has a dressing room and en suite bath, and there are three additional bedrooms and a hall bath. Just 35 minutes to New York City . Being offered at $729,000. Public Open House Sunday, May 20^th, 2-4 p.m. 

New Rochelle is GREAT!

Posted by:  Gay Rosen

• There are 10 computers and a computer lab which can help you with a variety of internet tools.
• You can enroll in online courses in English,read and listen to stories, improve your vocabulary.
• You can borrow a kindle and e-book.
• You can reserve a popular book.
• There are many dvds and movies.
• There is a very helpful staff to guide you to your book needs.
• There is a series of musical events and lectures.
• Children's Room story telling, math challenges for middle schoolers,Yoga for kids, and more.
• If chess is your game, you can meet with the chess club.

The Warner is truly a community treasure providing information to meet recreational, educational, or professional needs.

Posted by:  Barbara Eisert

I heard something so nice the other day that I had to share... Clients (and now friends) purchased a lovely home on Victory Boulevard, New Rochelle, 10804. We obtained the three bedroom home for $550,000. It had been purchased by the previous (builder) owners for far less, and they had then totally transformed the kitchen, bathrooms, basement etc.. and my clients benefited from those renovations. I had negotiated lower on their behalf (of course), and also because the taxes were so high (we are going to grieve them at the end of this month).

So, I called to wish Kamu (a physician) a Happy Mother's Day, and to check in with regard to the tax grievance issue, and during our conversation, my clients mentioned how they were made to feel so welcome on their street and in their new abode. One neighbor had brought over a fruit bowl, another brought over a plant for their garden, and they had received nice cards from other neighbors. My friends are loving their new home, but more than that - the manner in which their neighbors have welcomed them..

My friends said "Gay, we were invited over to several of our neighbor's yards to see what they have done with their gardens." I was so impressed.... but perhaps not... for that is how New Rochelle is, warm, welcoming, diverse, and Queen of the Sound.

New Rochelle is GREAT!

Posted by:  Gay Rosen

What is the Process AFTER you Place your Bid?

I recently had a different experience. I shouldn't say different, as I am finding that younger people are well versed on real estate (in the written sense) and will be the first to inform you how they know so much more than you do. While I applaud their intelligence, their being savvy and well read, sometimes, it can also hinder the process.

SO, to set the record straight in Westchester, New York, what do buyers do once they have placed their bid, and have that accepted offer? This is also assuming that in order to obtain that accepted offer, the buyer has provided their pre-approval from a respected banking institution.

1) Order the inspection. Your agent should have already prepped you with regard to suggesting 2 or 3 well known inspectors in the area. YOU choose the one who is the best fit for you (bu do not choose on price... choose on credentials), or utilize an inspector that you wish to use.. perhaps someone who has been recommended to you by a friend...

2) Make sure your inspection is completed shortly after the accepted offer. Sellers's agents should and will be marketing the home until the contracts are fully executed by both buyer and sellers.. so if you take your time in having the inspection, then do not be surprised if another bid materializes.

3) You should have placed your bid on all of those obvious (visual) items/defects you saw when you viewed the home.. Perhaps older windows, an older hot water heater, etc. The inspector is there to inform you of the condition of the house, what needs to be fixed today and are of immediate importance (perhaps more negotiation), and items that need to be fixed in a few years as regular maintenance ( no need to negotiate on these items). He will also point out areas of environmental issues... Sellers must take care of mold, termites, radon.. and a leaking roof.. These are items that the buyer would not be expected to see during their visits - (they are latent issues). However, it should be noted, that if there are multiple bids, then certain issues like asbestos (if it is sealed and contained) might not be a negotiable item.

4) Once the inspection has been performed, the inspector will usually inform the buyer at that time of those points he needs to negotiate upon... Whenever a buyer states that he is waiting for the report that informs me he will be negotiating more.... I always advise my buyers to let me know of their concerns the day of the inspection, let me negotiate then.. for if we have to wait a few days to receive that report.. then we could lose the house to other buyers... Don't lose the momentum.

5) As a listing agent, my attorney sends out the contract the same day as an accepted offer... As a buyer's agent, we are beholden to the seller's attorney... If he drags his feet, he might lose my buyers.. or we might lose out.. At the end of the day, it is in everyone's best interests to move things along as quickly as possible to sign those contracts.

Always choose attorneys who will not be vacationing for the next few months, agents who will be there for throughout the process, and a mortgage brokers who is well qualified. also.

Lastly, listen to your agent! In the scenario I recently experienced, the buyers knew more than everyone else, did things in their own order, and it prolonged the contract signing by an additional two hair-raising weeks...

Westchester is GREAT!

Posted by:  Gay Rosen

Do you know the unique attractions of living in Tarrytown or Sleepy Hollow?

If you live in Philipse or Sleepy Hollow Manor,you can walk to the train station. Also it is a great place to jog with views of the Hudson River. Kingsland Point Park is also within walking distance.Recently it had a million dollar renovation and the former bath house can be rented for special occasions and is very attractive party place. Also, many groups have annual barbeques. There are many ball fields and also some swing equipment. The Light House is also an attraction, and has guided tours at times. The Rockefeller Preserve is off of Route 117. It has many trails for walking, jogging, and birding. Bring your camera for some wonderful photos. If you are an energetic hiker you can get up to the Stone Barns on one trail. On the way you will see Angus Cows, pigs and piglets, sheep, chickens and vegetable gardens.

I have heard they sell very fresh eggs at the shop. At the snack bar you can also buy lunch snacks and salads. Another shop has gifts and toys. It is a great place for a nature walk with your children or grandchildren and on weekends they are sometimes allowed to take the eggs from under the chicken,which is exciting for all.

Posted by:  Barbara Eisert

Happy Mother's Day! Pop by 2 Edna Place on Sunday, May 13^th, 1-5 p.m. and Mom will love this lovely 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath 2467 square foot Tudor home with an exquisite kitchen designed by the Award winning team of Joan Schindler Interior Designs. Ms. Schindler won the coveted House Beautiful's Kitchen of the Year Award in 2007 for designing a wonderful kitchen in Connecticut. Her team has surpassed itself in this kitchen also. There is a 6 burner Wolf stove, custom cabinetry (of course), and a concealed foot stool under one of the cabinets.

The beamed living room embodies charm and elegance as does the open floor plan. The family room has easy access to the laundry room, powder room (which will be legalized), and there are French Doors to the patio... great for family get togethers. The Master Bedroom features a dressing room, wonderful cabinet space, and the pristine home shows beautifully. Being offered at $729,000, taxes are currently $16,791.00 not including the STAR deduction of $1532. If you can't make it this Sunday - call for your private showing. You will not be disappointed! Close to all Houses of Worship, parks, transportation and fine dining, and just 35 minutes from New York City.

New Rochelle is GREAT!

Posted by:  Gay Rosen

Larchmont 10538 is very desirable! It is close to New York City (just 35 minutes by train), offers great recreation (boating, a beach, sports, a beautiful park), fine dining, a movie theater, and all easily accessible from the train station. The population (per the 2010 census) was over 5800 and growing. There is a French American School, and is well known as having a European flair with Brits and French residents. With Larchmont consistently being listed as one of the most popular places in which to live in the United States, it is no suprise that if an interesting property enters the market place, buyers must move forward quickly before it is gone.

Such was the case of 4 Hillside Road, Larchmont, 10538 just a few minutes away from the village and trains. It entered the market one day and was offered at $1,299,000, featured 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, and obtained an accepted offer that same weekend. So, as we sometimes say "You snooze you lose!"

Larchmont- a great place in which to live!

Posted by:  Gay Rosen

New Rochelle is a city of over 77,000 (as per 2010 stats), and growing.... Like any urban city, there are expensive properties, inexpensive properties, and properties priced in between! Having lived in New Rochelle for over 33 years, I am amazed at the ongoing (wonderful) transition of our great city, and I am always enthusiastic about representing any seller who wishes to sell their home here, or for that matter, any buyer who wishes to purchase here. Our school stats speak for themselves - as do our scholastic programs and high school courses. Every child has different needs, and so every potential school district should be interviewed by a new buyer of course, but if you were thinking of purchasing within our fair city, what would you get for $1,050,000?

35 Beachfront Lane, 10805 just sold for that amount, and it was a bargain! Over 3000 square feet, radiant heated floors in the kitchen and master and hall bathrooms, a finished tiled basement with a tray ceiling (perfect for that media room), and a lovely deck surrounding a goodly portion of the rear of the home. The breakfast room had wondrous water views, as did the second floor balcony which is accessed from the second bedroom. A second floor laundry room was also advantageous to the buyers, as well as the 4 bedrooms in totale, and the 3.5 baths. 2 Gas fireplaces, a one car garage, and a private beach shared by the other residents of Beachfront Estates, a private gated community. While it was in contract, I received several phone calls from frustrated agents whose clients had wanted to purchase the home. Where were they? They waited too long to purchase, and missed out on a beautiful home.

New Rochelle is GREAT!

Posted by:  Gay Rosen

I live in New Rochelle, 10804, Westchester... a wonderful city in which to reside.. and I have done so for over 33 years. However, sometimes, I have closings for those Westchester properties in New York City... just 30 minutes away (express train this evening), and throughout the three hours that I sat there at the closing, I was salivating thinking about the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station!

In 1913, the Grand Central Train Station first opened its doors -the same year as the Oyster Bar on a site that had been a run down train depot. Today, Grand Central Station is a vibrant place to visit, enjoy and applaud. In 1913, it was considered an engineering marvel. In 2012, with its food court, the restaurants, the food market, it is still grand... However, the Oyster Bar declined in the ensuing 64 years... and was actually bankrupt and empty for two years, until in 1974, Jerome Brody entered into a lease situation with the MTA, and the rest is simply history.

The Oyster Bar serves over 25 -30 different varieties of fresh oysters daily... (I chose the Malispina -the British Columbia Oyster above). It is a well known meeting and tourist destination as well as a great place to visit for great FRESH oysters.... all while on your way to New Rochelle and Larchmont of course.... so close to Manhattan... my express train ride took just 30 minutes...

Larchmont & New Rochelle...are great!

Posted by:  Gay Rosen

Now is the time to work on your gardens for a good result this summer.

First make sure your flowerbeds are weeded and nourished with compost. Next, feed your evergreens and shrubs. Don't forget the roses. Last, and most difficult, in our area is our lawn. Weed control and fertilizer are recommended. I find the Lawn Doctor is very helpful with problem lawns.

Good luck to all!

Posted by:  Barbara Eisert

Don't forget the New Rochelle's "Paw for a Heart" Celebration May 17, 2012, from 6:30 -9:30 p.m. to be held at the Pelham Country Club in Pelham Manor, N.Y. You could ask yourself why Pelham if it is the New Rochelle Humane Society? Well, the New Rochelle Humane Society services 17 communities in Westchester County including Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Eastchester, Elmsford, Greenburgh, Harrison, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington, Larchmont, Mamaroneck Village, New Rochelle, Pelham Manor, Rye, Rye Brook, Scarsdale and Tarrytown. 50% of its' funding comes from the animal control services provided to the local towns and villages, and the balance of its much needed revenue is derived from fund-raising activities such as the May 17^th celebration. The Human Society, now in its 101^st year is a no kill shelter, and the slogan "From our home to yours" is well deserved.

Tickets are just $100 each, and donations are always welcomed. For more information on donating tiems, please contact Toni Boelsen at (914) 632-2925 or email Toni@NewRochelleHumaneSociety.org. The evening promises delectable 'bites' a silent auction, live auctions, and an evening you will be licking your paws over!

New Rochelle is GREAT!

Posted by:  Gay Rosen

Cheers! Mamaroneck's 6^th Annual Wine Tasting Tour, Sunday, May 6^th 1-5 p.m.

Being organized by the Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce, this upcoming Sunday, May 6^th, Mamaroneck will have its 6^th Annual " A Taste of Mamaroneck" Wine Tasting Tour from 1-5 p.m. Tickets are just $50 per person, and the tour will commence at 1 p.m. when trolley (yes, a trolley!) will leave Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck, and make a delectable and delicious tour of the following restaurants : Lum Yen, Zitoune, Gusano Loco, Spicy Shallot 2, Turkish Meze, Vinefera, Piri-Q, Roasted Peppers, Café Mozart, Boiano Bakery, Chocolations, Westchester Sandbox Theatre, Sound Shore Liquor Pantry, Haiku, Hash O Nash & Enzo’s. Bring your appetites, have some fun and enjoy!

Visit their website or contact the Chamber office at 914-698-4400 or email for tickets before the event. If you wish to purchase on May 6^th, registration starts at 12:30 p.m. at Harbor Island Park.

Posted by:  Gay Rosen