When people think about putting their home on the market their primary focus is on the inside, when it should begin with the outside. As outlined in a previous post about first impressions you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. That impression starts with the drive up to the house, not when they open the front door.

Start creating the impression you want buyers to feel by paying attention to the front and back yard, making sure the lawn is well manicured, add flowers to provide a focal point, and keep the weeds pulled. You can also create a good impression by taking care of the trees and shrubs.

It is important to provide an inviting atmosphere by paying attention to first impressions, or curb appeal, because it will indicate the house has been well maintained and taken care of. Pride of ownership goes a long way with buyers. If your yard and home are messy and uncared for prospective buyers will conclude the entire house has been neglected and has other hidden defects. That kind of negative impression will result in a less-than-generous offer, or possibly no offer at all. In today’s market with the beautiful photography available on the internet, if you don’t have curb appeal you may not even get any showings.

The key is to view your home through a potential buyer’s eyes. I recommend sellers drive by all the homes on the market that are in competition with theirs before they put their house on the market. When arriving back at their home, they need to honestly evaluate whether their home creates a good impression and more importantly, if you were the buyer, would you buy your own home?

I would be happy to offer more comprehensive suggestions and tips on how to best market your home so please don’t hesitate to call, email or post a comment.

Posted by:  Sonja Lovas

Short and Simple - a quick walk around Katonah on a Saturday has its special delights. I first stopped into the Katonah Village Library to see the endeavors of Bedford’s Hopp Garden Club and pick out a new Summer book having finished the Katonah Museum of Art Selection. I was astounded at the creativity and the work that was put into the installation - for only two days of exhibition time!

Then around the corner I found a sign attached to the venerable sign of Kelloggs & Lawrence Hardware Store which was quite techy for a hardware store that also features an old fashioned barrel of peanuts for your enjoyment!! “Visitor ‘i’ Information Center - The Katonah Chamber of Commerce” was the sign. I popped in and found proprietress Diana Tyler at the counter and she was pleased to show me a rack which holds the various brochures about Katonah and our local institutions such as The Katonah Museum, Caramoor and a historic village walking tour. The Katonah Chamber of Commerce has deemed it a central location for visitors and residents alike for info regarding new exhibits, locations and events.

So pop into Katonah, enjoy the sites, the Victorians that were moved into the green space created over one hundred years ago and have some fun, enjoy the unique shops and some great food at our many eating spots. The village is right at the train station so a ride from the City or other points is very easy! 

Posted by:  Karen Benvin Ransom

The award winning Hopp Garden Club of Bedford will have their show “It’s Written in The Stars” at The Katonah Village Library on Friday, July 23 from 2-4 pm and Saturday, July 24 from noon until 5.

With a zodiac theme, the members have undoubtedly planned very original pieces representing the signs of the zodiac with the use of both fresh and dried flowers.

There will be classes offered and other activities.

It is open to the public and admission is free!

Posted by:  Karen Benvin Ransom

On one of the most classic Bedford Roads, this Perennial Paradise of eight acres was designed by Penelope Maynard, who was trained by the staff at The New York Botanical Gardens. It has been noted as one of the most outstanding gardens in the Northeast.

In order to further delight in Nature, the outdoor pool is nestled into the landscaping making it a veritable Garden of Eden. If Bedford is known for its stone walls - these are the premier example. Terraced stone steps and pathways lead you through the gardens.

There is also a heated barn on the property. It is a house of light. This home of 4,000+ sq. ft. has views from each room that provide a breathtaking serenity. With beamed high ceilings, warm woods and walls of glass there is a very open California feel to this lovely home. The gazebo-like Master Bedroom Suite extension is a delight for all seasons with its surround of windows and doors out to the gardens. The second floor is more traditional in design with two bedrooms and bath plus an additional Master Suite.
The most surprising delight is the non chlorine indoor pool with a vaulted greenhouse glass structure which is also landscaped with vines and potted and planted greenery. It is almost a reflecting pool in nature. One would feel they are swimming at the most exclusive spa.

In the prime estate area of Bedford, it is a neighbor to The Caramoor Center of the Arts and the Rosen House where the International Music Festival is held each Summer and through the winter. It is also close to The John Jay Homestead and The Katonah Museum of Art which is known as “The Jewel in The Woods” as described by the Journal News May 6th, 2010. The area is known as Museum Mile which I had discussed in an earlier article. 
In between the hamlets of Bedford Village and Katonah, it is accessible to all plus the Metro North Train, the Saw Mill Parkway and 684. Plus great restaurants and the classic Bedford Movie Night at the Bedford Playhouse! 

If you would like more information or to arrange for a showing of this property please contact me at or 914-232-1212 x342.

Posted by:  Karen Benvin Ransom

Larry Seegers, the very amiable proprietor of Jems in Katonah, has found the sweet spot of his life. A fixture in Katonah for many years, Larry Seegers has repositioned Jems on Katonah Avenue. He has also repositioned his jewelry lines as well. There is a freshness - a new start in a gallery of jewelry designers responding to today’s market. The new price point is the “gift price range” - 25.00-150.00 dollars.

He looks for other designers with vision and unusual abilities within the art of jewelry making that he has not seen before. He looks for handmade pieces with the use of beautiful materials. While he worked from home in order to enjoy his children while they were in school, he supplied boutiques nationwide. During this time he frequented craft fairs and met many fellow artists. He gives these artists a forum for their work in his store. He compared it to putting out a bird feeder. The birds depend on it, know the location and are nurtured by the continuing relationship. He looked for a variety of work, a unique skill, a talent and technique that would make you stop and wonder. The finish and technique must be polished. Clients do come back to certain artists to see additional pieces. There are many times a client will buy the same piece for several recipients. It was good to hear that his artists are still producing fresh work despite the economy. It is the sheer power of creativity that keeps their spirits in bloom despite any economy.

A graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, Larry is a full service jeweler. He covers watch repair, watch battery replacements, jewelry design and redesign. He carries items from baby gifts to baubles. There is a silver baby rattle on display that although similar to the Tiffany rattle in design has the most mesmerizing gentle sound.

He conducts a jewelry making class at The Katonah Art Center - a topic of mine from a previous article.

Larry also has a unique eye for display and from his hand carved deer leg tables to the simple cones for ring and necklace display one can only leave feeling inspired. At this price point I saw several pieces that would be a welcome treat for myself! Not just for gifts! He is a few steps from the Katonah Metro North Train and a minute from either 684 or the Saw Mill. Plus he is adjacent to the other great shops and restaurants of Katonah!

Jems - 27 Katonah Avenue, Katonah, New York 10536 | (914) 232-2900

Posted by:  Karen Benvin Ransom

Puppets simply bring stories to life. The word Puppet comes from the Latin “pupa” for doll and “pupula,” the pupil of the eye - our mirror of reflection. Puppets have reflected hopes, fears, dreams and the spiritual world. Puppets give form to the internal and the invisible. The scripts they follow are inspired by myths, legends, novels, poetry, history and philosophy. This exhibit takes us into the world of Puppet Theater. The installation is stunning and theatrical. One feels as though they are stepping into a black velvet shadow box.

This show is the world of Adult Puppet Theater. It is “Adult” in that the themes and intentions deal with such subjects as the nuclear attack of Hiroshima, marital abuse, suicide, the Holocaust, and sexuality. If you bring children just avoid the wonderful detailed docent tours and just enjoy the creativity on display in the galleries. The “Peter and Wendy” by Lee Breuer and “The Blue Fairy” from Sleeping Beauty are exhibits they can relate to easily. There are displays of puppets from around the world in the children’s wing, the famous hunt sheets and art projects for them to enjoy. Also check the website for Family Days and activities.

The 12 of the 13 artists are American with William Kentridge from South Africa. The others are Eric Bass/Sandglass Theater, Janie Geiser, Liz Goldberg, Chris Green, Dan Hurlin, Ralph Lee, Mabou Mines, Roman Paska, Brian Selznick, Julie Taymor and Hanne Tierney, with short films by Genevieve Anderson, Laura Heit and Scott Shoemaker. They are painters, sculptors, graphic, theater and film artists. They combine painting, sculpture, text, music, movement and live actors.

Why puppets and puppet theaters for these artists? As in the case of Brian Selznick, whose relative David O. Selznick created movie magic on the large screen, he simply did not have the space in his New York Apartment or the funds to hire actors! His toy theaters are encased in vintage suitcases. Other artists also claimed that it was more affordable and easier to manage than having to hire actors. I wonder how they managed these performances as perfectly as they did without getting tangled up!

Do come and get tangled up in the magic of Puppet Theater at the Katonah Museum of Art! For more information on puppetry and this exhibit, read my recent article on Bedford-KatonahPatch.com.

>www.KatonahMuseum.org

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

For a new home buyer, there are so many alternatives to evaluate… And one of the most important is Location. In my 25 years of experience, I can share with you the many reasons people choose the Katonah Area. As an aside, our point of reference is Katonah, but there are many small towns and hamlets in Northern Westchester that meet these similar criteria: desirable schools, natural beauty, recreation, proximity to trains and highways and small town charm.

The first remark often heard is surprise in regard to the beauty of the area and its country feel, all while being less than an hour from the city. Horse farms dot the countryside, old growth trees line our roads, farmers’ stone walls from days gone by meander through neighborhoods of all sorts. We still even have a few dirt roads. There are horse trails, biking trails, miles and miles of hiking trails, lakes and nature preserves. New York City reservoirs provide stunning view sheds, and act as a draw for fisherman, year round. Westchester County offers over 5,000 acres of park lands just minutes from Katonah: from an early 20th century gentleman’s farm (Muscoot Farm embracing nearly 800 acres), to an arboretum (Lasdon Park) to the extensive offerings of Wards Pound Ridge Reservation and the Sportsman’s Center at Blue Mountain. And within each of our towns are local parks which have swimming pools, tennis courts, ball fields and soccer fields, that host a wide variety of activities, teams, classes and camps.

Not into the outdoors? There is Caramoor, a center for summer music festivals, Jacob Burns, a state of the art film center in Pleasantville, the Katonah Art Museum, and the John Jay Homestead and more. And then there are our many fine restaurants. Among my favorites are those that are found in historic buildings with lots of charm and the innovative, artisanal food to match such as John Pratt’s Inn, Crab Tree Kittle House and John Michaels.

While the large malls are less than a half hour away, our towns focus on locally owned and operated businesses. You won’t find a Starbucks in Katonah, but you will find us at Perks or NOKA (North Katonah Ave) Joes. We are small and personal and like it that way! Be assured you can get what you want at competitive prices and with a high level of service, whether it be gifts at Weinstein’s pharmacy or hardware at the 100 year old Kellogg’s and Lawrence. And don’t worry one only need go as far as Mt. Kisco to hit the GAP, Banana Republic and the like.

Why Katonah? Because it feels like living in the country, yet we are convenient to all. Some move here to raise families and to have more living space, both indoors and out while others enjoy having easy access to a quiet weekend retreat. The point is, houses are for sale everywhere… They can be redecorated and updated to our tastes. What are special HERE are the settings and amenities that one can enjoy whether our houses are modest starters or mansions.

Behold the stately Bedford Oak (pictured). Over 500 years old, it has come to symbolize the town. Not only that but is a tree with a trust fund.

This beautiful photo is courtesy of Chris Primavera (see more of his work on FLICKR).

Jacqueline Dzaluk

I recently attended the first of three lectures given by the “Friends of John Jay” in the Ballroom of The John Jay Homestead. The lecture was given by Barnet Schecter, a New York based writer and Historian who is also a Fellow at The New York Academy of History.

Just when you think the Civil War is over, due to the conclusion of the Katonah Museum’s “Walt Whitman and American Art of the Civil War Era,” there was yet one more memorable event. The topic was “The Devil’s Own Work: The Civil War Draft Riots and the Fight to Reconstruct America” based on his research and the name of his book on the subject. Introduced by Melissa Vail, Chairman of The Scholars Committee, Mr. Schecter illuminated the era in yet another way to increase my understanding of the time.

It was just nine days after The Battle of Gettysburg when the riots took place on July 13 - 16, 1863.

One has Currier & Ives and Winslow Homer visions of men marching off to war proudly in their Union uniforms, yet the draft - unpopular as in any other period of History - tore New York apart at the seams. When Lincoln called for an Army of 75,000 at the start of the war, 8,000 New Yorkers signed up in the first 10 days, yet they became very War weary as it lagged on and Lee had several Victories for the South.

It was six months after the Emancipation Proclamation. The poor whites of the city were afraid that should they leave for battle that upon their return they would have been replaced by the newly freed slaves in their jobs. There was also a Commutation Fee which wealthier New Yorkers could afford to pay - 300 dollars - a tidy sum at the time, in order to avoid the draft. It was a time of great corruption in New York. There even was talk of secession so they could corner the cotton processing and export market with the South. It was a conflict over Race and Class. John Jay II informed Lincoln of the riot and pleaded with him to send a militia to stop the riots which he did. There were 175 people killed and over 2000 wounded.

The upcoming Lectures of “The 2010 John Jay Lecture Series - Through the Eyes of Three Generations of Jays” are:

• Thursday, March 18 - Cliff Sloan: “The Great Decision: Jefferson, Adams, Marshall and the Battle for The Supreme Court.”


• Thursday, April 15 - Graham Russell Gao Hodges: “David Ruggles: A Radical Black Abolitionist and the Underground Railroad in New York City.”

The lectures are $25.00 for non members and $15.00 for members. The Ballroom opens at 6:30; there is time to meet and greet fellow attendees and neighbors and the lecture begins at 7. At the end there may be a book signing but there are refreshments and discussions to enjoy!

Plus, take the time before or after the lecture to enjoy the exhibit “From Oppression to Freedom: John Jay and His Huguenot Heritage.”

For further information go to: JohnJayHomestead.org

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

Clients considering a move to Katonah-Lewisboro with young children always ask about the differences in the elementary schools. I strongly recommend a personal visit to the school to meet the principal, check the statistical reports (www.schoolmatters.com) and think it’s helpful to speak with parents whose children attend the school. I visited Increase Miller Elementary School and made a video of the school grounds and asked a client to share her experience as a parent with children attending Increase Miller Elementary. Here is what she said:

“With three children, the past 7 years at Increase Miller have been really great! The school has always been a welcoming place where the children can really enjoy the learning process and are encouraged to be their ‘best’ every step of the way. The kids and I have loved all of their teachers, and the administrative staff has always been especially supportive and helpful. As I see the children grow and mature I feel very confident that they are truly receiving a wonderful education. Their art and music programs are just fantastic and I am always amazed by their output. Overall, I’ve seen a very nurturing, caring environment where cooperation and mutual respect are what makes this a really special place!” – Susan McKeon

Be sure to check back for School Reports on other Katonah-Lewisboro and Bedford Central Elementary Schools! You can also connect with me on Facebook and meet other parents who have children in the district. If you have a student attending Increase Miller Elementary, please feel free to share your special experience.

Looking at a different school? Read my reports on Katonah Elementary School and Meadow Pond Elementary School. Stay tuned for more!

What do Real Estate and a crock-pot have in common? They are both on simmer. While preparing dinner in the morning for our evening meal, I couldn’t help but think of the current market as a crock-pot Real Estate market. Two years ago, when it was a hot market everything was quick and easy, just like 30-minute meals or less. It was definitely hurry-up Real Estate. Now it seems to be simmering. Buyers take longer to decide on a house to purchase, sellers have to wait longer for that right buyer, the mortgage company takes longer to process the loan and the sense of urgency has diminished. When the transaction finally closes, the process is the same, but everything just takes longer. My beef stew dinner simmered for more than 8 hours instead of a quick stir-fry. The meal was still delicious but took much longer. How do you like your Real Estate cooked?

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Traditionally, the Spring Real Estate Market has not waited for the daffodils or tulips to bloom. It was the Monday after Super Bowl Weekend!

This year, with tax incentives and lower interest rates, Buyers may be back in force before the thaw. Sellers, if you are thinking of marketing your home to enjoy the new level of home prices in a new locale or a downsizing/upsizing situation - perhaps it is your time!

For access to professional services from start to finish feel free to contact me: KBenvinRansom@HoulihanLawrence.com.

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

As a Realtor, when listing a property, the list of amenities regarding a property includes items such as: close to schools, close to shopping, close to Railroad. Close is a very vague term so I decided to see for myself and let you decide. Take a look at my video where I measure the distance to the school using my Omron Pedometer and stopwatch. I walk the walk and talk on my way to Katonah Elementary.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

According to Jaap Ketting in “Bedford Hills – a Brief History of Bedford Hills. Town of Bedford, NY” it took a train to make a Town.

Prior to the advent of the Train, Cherry Street was the hub of local activity in the area south of Katonah. There the needs of the residents were met by Squire Wood’s General Store. Squire Wood owned a mill, a saddling place and organized the local farmers to sell their produce to New York. He delivered it via two sloops on the Hudson from The Village of Singsing - now known as Ossining. He also served as Postmaster for many years. There was the Cherry Street School House and the older students went to Katonah for High School. School was part time so that the children could help on the family farms.

The arrival of the train in 1847 brought about the naming of the stop Bedford Station which was comprised of merely a platform for the waiting passengers and freight bound for New York City. Now farmers were able to ship produce directly from their local farms and include fresh milk. Eventually cattle cars were added to the freight trains en route to the New York City slaughter houses. The Post Office then moved to the Station in 1848. There was a stage coach that would run between Bedford Village and the Station to pick up and drop off passengers. The first station car?

The street was then known as New Street until after 1935 when it was renamed Adams Street after the “Adams Brothers General Store” the largest general store in the area. It stood along the tracks where we have the Post Office today. There also was a large Hotel run by Mrs. O’Brien where the large brick Depot Plaza Building now stands.

Bedford Station was renamed Bedford Hills in 1910.

The Bedford Hills Station area has had a renaissance over the past few years complete with stylish shops and restaurants.

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

If you are looking for a condominium in Katonah, NY, then Wildwood is the place for you! It is the only complex in the Village and there are only 21 units in the complex. A mix of 2 and 3 bedrooms units with 2 ½ baths also offer views as they are built on a hillside. Units without a view have a small patio that backs on the green space. There is ample parking for the residents and guests and it’s a 16-minute walk to the Katonah Metro North Train Station. First time home buyers should hurry, at $339,000 this 2 bedroom, 2 ½ bath unit won’t last: HoulihanLawrence.com/3001374.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Katonah is a very desirable town to live in because of its historic charm and close proximity to the Katonah Metro North Train. People who live in the City always take into consideration how far it is to the train, how long the train ride is to NYC, and the cost to park. I just listed a condominium at Wildwood and checked the box for “close to train” as an amenity. I began to wonder what the definition of “close” was and decided the only way to determine that was to find out for myself and provide more information. That’s when I decided to walk the walk and talk.

Here’s what I discovered…

Time to walk from the platform to Wildwood Condominiums was: 16.38 minutes, total number of steps: 2,163, distance by car: 0.7 mile

What I’d like to know is how far would you walk to the train?

Posted By: Sonja Lovas