Chinese Feng Shui has been practiced for over 5000 years. It has emerged in its present form through Grand Master Lin Yun. Modern technology, lifestyles, ecology, psychology, spirituality and western customs have been taken into account.
Feng Shui is now used by architects, real estate developers, designers and corporate executives, who have seen the benefits. Through proper siting of your building or site corrections, placement of walls, windows, furnishings, plants and other items or minor adjustments to existing problem areas, stresses can be relieved, human relations improved, productivity increased and customers attracted to your business. Your home can become a place of serene, soul nourishing sanctuary.
Everything is interconnected. Energy or Chi (life force) runs through your dwelling and workspace the same way it runs through your body. External environments affect internal states of being. Issues such as poor health, limited finances or relationship difficulties can be traced to corresponding structural and energy imbalances in your surroundings.
Feng Shui has become an integral part of the real estate market and is used in staging properties, homes and businesses. I have been working to bring balance to my back yard pool setting and am feeling pretty good about it. The area is more aesthetically pleasing and relaxation is more easily achieved.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Somers AYSO Soccer Teams Compete at the Nationals in Florida
Three Soccer Teams from our little town were invited to compete in the AYSO Soccer National Tournament in Florida last week. Aside from being an honor to be selected, it must be noted that it takes a tremendous effort to bring these young athletes to the event.
Parents and coaches coordinated numerous fundraising events leading up the day of departure, enabling the team including coaches to travel and provided room and board for them as well. These folks that have given their time and resources need to be recognized and given THANKS.
The opening ceremony took place at Palm Beach Central High School on July 6, 2010. The games were played at the International Polo Club in Wellington, Florida.
Our U-16 Boys Team named the Blazers competed and were coached by Ed Heller and Harold Aryee. Lou Chiraboga handled the training. The U-16 Boys played 3 teams from California out of Glendale, Valencia and Chino Hills and also a team from Phoenix Arizona. The Blazers goal Keeper Harold Aryee, Jr. was named Blazer Team MVP.
The Somers U-14 Boys team, Somers United played teams from Trinidad & Tobago, South Los Angeles, CA, Clearwater, Florida, Kansas and Flushing Michigan. Coaches for the Somers United are Said Reda and Bill Bennett.
The U-10 Girls Team, the Somers Tuskers also competed in the tournament. Unfortunately, our teams did not advance to the finals, but had a great sports experience and will be back in 2012 to compete again when the AYSO Nationals take place in Knoxville Tennesee.
Once again, THANKS to the coaches and parents who work very hard to make this all happen for these kids. Without their efforts it would be hard to see this all come together.
Parents and coaches coordinated numerous fundraising events leading up the day of departure, enabling the team including coaches to travel and provided room and board for them as well. These folks that have given their time and resources need to be recognized and given THANKS.
The opening ceremony took place at Palm Beach Central High School on July 6, 2010. The games were played at the International Polo Club in Wellington, Florida.
Our U-16 Boys Team named the Blazers competed and were coached by Ed Heller and Harold Aryee. Lou Chiraboga handled the training. The U-16 Boys played 3 teams from California out of Glendale, Valencia and Chino Hills and also a team from Phoenix Arizona. The Blazers goal Keeper Harold Aryee, Jr. was named Blazer Team MVP.
The Somers U-14 Boys team, Somers United played teams from Trinidad & Tobago, South Los Angeles, CA, Clearwater, Florida, Kansas and Flushing Michigan. Coaches for the Somers United are Said Reda and Bill Bennett.
The U-10 Girls Team, the Somers Tuskers also competed in the tournament. Unfortunately, our teams did not advance to the finals, but had a great sports experience and will be back in 2012 to compete again when the AYSO Nationals take place in Knoxville Tennesee.
Once again, THANKS to the coaches and parents who work very hard to make this all happen for these kids. Without their efforts it would be hard to see this all come together.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Home Improvements - Value & Cost
Home Remodeling:
Cost & Value
In today’s real estate market, whether you are a Buyer, Seller or Holder, the most valuable tool is information. And YES, you are one of those three or thinking about becoming one. In either case, the “Home Remodeling” question comes into play - Do I or Don’t I remodel this house and flip it for profit? Do I want to buy this house and put the work in myself, then live there? Do I want to build a new home? Do I want to remodel my existing home? We can go on and on about the questions alone.
Realtors deal with these vexing scenarios daily. Today’s economy has proved to be a challenge for the real estate market in a number of ways. Yes believe it or not, the prices of real estate have fallen significantly. If you are not aware of that, you are now. Each client possesses a unique scenario that applies to the sale or purchase of a property.
In this post we will be dealing with – Do I want to remodel my existing home?
Proper remodeling of an existing home in effect turns back the clock. My son Matthew has often said to me, “Dad don’t worry, 50 is the new 40”. Well, that didn’t really make me feel better, but I can equate that to remodeling an existing home. Updating a kitchen or bathroom can take years off a homes perceived value. In other words, homes with updated kitchens and bathrooms do garner a better market value than homes that have original fixtures in place. Naturally we are talking about homes that have some age on them. My home was built in 1967 and needs bathroom updating. In 1967 my brother Mitch had this really cool GTO (pictured above with me in July 1967). I bet that car was maintained and restored by someone, somewhere. I think Mitch sold that car in the early 80's. You see where I'm going with this. Right! Homes are the same way. Good maintenance and solid improvements add value to your home. First in the form of comfort and security while you live there and then in the form of $$$ when you decide to sell. How much $$$ is what we are exploring here.
The fact is that home remodeling is a huge part of the real estate industry and there are rankings given to each type of remodeling based on Cost vs. Value returned. I will attempt to give some examples keeping to our region, the Mid-Atlantic, and comparing to national averages. Our figures will come from an article by G.M. Filisko written for Realtor Magazine.
The three categories are Additions, Remodelings and Replacements. Our Region averages are used for job cost, resale value and value recouped upon sale. Our region is the Mid-Atlantic. Highlighted values represent highest value recouped in category.
Additions
Each lines shows the Job Cost, Resale Value & Recouped Value upon sale
Attic Bedroom $53,780, $39,292, 73.1%
Back-Up Gen. $15,290, $8,206, 53.7%
Bathroom $42,441, $22,272, 52.5%
Deck Comp. $15,890, $10,404, 65.5%
Deck Wooden $11,260, $7,917, 70.3%
Family Rm $88,704, $51,991, 58.6%
Garage $62,431, $34,847, 55.8%
Master Suite $111,857, $67,612, 60.4%
Sunroom $76,580, $38,661, 50.5%
2nd Story $165,708, $107,770, 65.0%
Remodeling
Each line shows Job Cost, Resale Value & Recouped value upon sale.
Basement $67,455, $41,127, 61.0%
Bathroom $17,383, $11,817, 68.0%
Home Office $29,525, $13,841, 46.9%
Major Kitchen $59,505, $39,860, 66.5%
Minor Kitchen $22,130, $15,973, 72.2%
Replacements
Each line shows Job Cost, Resale Value & Recouped value upon sale.
Entry Door $1,248, $1,217, 97.5%
Roofing $22,292, $14,508, 65.1%
Siding Vinyl $10,980, $8,920, 81.2%
Window Vinyl $11,408, $8,766, 76.8%
Window Wooden $12,410, $9,248, 74.5%
There are Up-scale values for some of the types of remodeling shown above. For instance, an upscale Bathroom addition can cost $81,266 and resale for $42,240 rendering a 52.0% recouped value. Whereas, an up-scale bathroom remodeling may cost $55,766 and resale for $31,862 and a recouped value of 57.1%.
These figures are regional averages and costs may differ in your particular area. Always get more than one quote for a job that you want done. Comparing price and job quality are important factors in any home remodeling. Check for references whenever you have work done on your home.
In today’s real estate market, whether you are a Buyer, Seller or Holder, the most valuable tool is information. And YES, you are one of those three or thinking about becoming one. In either case, the “Home Remodeling” question comes into play - Do I or Don’t I remodel this house and flip it for profit? Do I want to buy this house and put the work in myself, then live there? Do I want to build a new home? Do I want to remodel my existing home? We can go on and on about the questions alone.
Realtors deal with these vexing scenarios daily. Today’s economy has proved to be a challenge for the real estate market in a number of ways. Yes believe it or not, the prices of real estate have fallen significantly. If you are not aware of that, you are now. Each client possesses a unique scenario that applies to the sale or purchase of a property.
In this post we will be dealing with – Do I want to remodel my existing home?
Proper remodeling of an existing home in effect turns back the clock. My son Matthew has often said to me, “Dad don’t worry, 50 is the new 40”. Well, that didn’t really make me feel better, but I can equate that to remodeling an existing home. Updating a kitchen or bathroom can take years off a homes perceived value. In other words, homes with updated kitchens and bathrooms do garner a better market value than homes that have original fixtures in place. Naturally we are talking about homes that have some age on them. My home was built in 1967 and needs bathroom updating. In 1967 my brother Mitch had this really cool GTO (pictured above with me in July 1967). I bet that car was maintained and restored by someone, somewhere. I think Mitch sold that car in the early 80's. You see where I'm going with this. Right! Homes are the same way. Good maintenance and solid improvements add value to your home. First in the form of comfort and security while you live there and then in the form of $$$ when you decide to sell. How much $$$ is what we are exploring here.
The fact is that home remodeling is a huge part of the real estate industry and there are rankings given to each type of remodeling based on Cost vs. Value returned. I will attempt to give some examples keeping to our region, the Mid-Atlantic, and comparing to national averages. Our figures will come from an article by G.M. Filisko written for Realtor Magazine.
The three categories are Additions, Remodelings and Replacements. Our Region averages are used for job cost, resale value and value recouped upon sale. Our region is the Mid-Atlantic. Highlighted values represent highest value recouped in category.
Additions
Each lines shows the Job Cost, Resale Value & Recouped Value upon sale
Attic Bedroom $53,780, $39,292, 73.1%
Back-Up Gen. $15,290, $8,206, 53.7%
Bathroom $42,441, $22,272, 52.5%
Deck Comp. $15,890, $10,404, 65.5%
Deck Wooden $11,260, $7,917, 70.3%
Family Rm $88,704, $51,991, 58.6%
Garage $62,431, $34,847, 55.8%
Master Suite $111,857, $67,612, 60.4%
Sunroom $76,580, $38,661, 50.5%
2nd Story $165,708, $107,770, 65.0%
Remodeling
Each line shows Job Cost, Resale Value & Recouped value upon sale.
Basement $67,455, $41,127, 61.0%
Bathroom $17,383, $11,817, 68.0%
Home Office $29,525, $13,841, 46.9%
Major Kitchen $59,505, $39,860, 66.5%
Minor Kitchen $22,130, $15,973, 72.2%
Replacements
Each line shows Job Cost, Resale Value & Recouped value upon sale.
Entry Door $1,248, $1,217, 97.5%
Roofing $22,292, $14,508, 65.1%
Siding Vinyl $10,980, $8,920, 81.2%
Window Vinyl $11,408, $8,766, 76.8%
Window Wooden $12,410, $9,248, 74.5%
There are Up-scale values for some of the types of remodeling shown above. For instance, an upscale Bathroom addition can cost $81,266 and resale for $42,240 rendering a 52.0% recouped value. Whereas, an up-scale bathroom remodeling may cost $55,766 and resale for $31,862 and a recouped value of 57.1%.
These figures are regional averages and costs may differ in your particular area. Always get more than one quote for a job that you want done. Comparing price and job quality are important factors in any home remodeling. Check for references whenever you have work done on your home.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Get Outdoors - Westchester County Parks Provide Something For Everyone
With winter coming to an end, many people want or need to get outdoors. Westchester County has a wide variety of choices to suit just about anyone. Boating, horseback riding, bike riding, fishing, camping and so much more are easily accessible. Check this link to get a jump start on this years outdoor activities.
http://www.fcwc.org/directory/wcoppnc.htm
http://www.fcwc.org/directory/wcoppnc.htm
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Somers Wrestling takes 3rd at Super 16 Tournament
Somers High School has a rich history in High School wrestling circles. The following is taken from the Coaches Notes....
•Somers takes 3rd at Super 16. 1st- Brian Realbuto-MOW, 2nd- Dylan Realbuto, Rino DeVita, 3rd- Kyle Turchick, Brett Emanuel, 5th- Josh Zimmerman, Ryan Englert. 6th- Jason DeBenedetto, Mark Lasar, Rich Radi
Check the following link for more information about the Wrestling Teams upcoming events. http://somerswrestling.vnsports.com/
•Somers takes 3rd at Super 16. 1st- Brian Realbuto-MOW, 2nd- Dylan Realbuto, Rino DeVita, 3rd- Kyle Turchick, Brett Emanuel, 5th- Josh Zimmerman, Ryan Englert. 6th- Jason DeBenedetto, Mark Lasar, Rich Radi
Check the following link for more information about the Wrestling Teams upcoming events. http://somerswrestling.vnsports.com/
CARBON MONOXIDE DANGERS ADDRESSED
Amanda’s Law, named for 16-year-old Amanda Hansen, who died last year from carbon monoxide poisoning , is set to take effect on Monday, February 22, 2010.
This law requires carbon monoxide detectors in every one and two family property, apartments in a multiple dwelling, as well as all condominium and cooperative apartments. Questions concerning the new law may be directed to the NYSAR Legal Hotline.
The hotline is available Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 518-436-9727
This law requires carbon monoxide detectors in every one and two family property, apartments in a multiple dwelling, as well as all condominium and cooperative apartments. Questions concerning the new law may be directed to the NYSAR Legal Hotline.
The hotline is available Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 518-436-9727
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
ELDER LAW FAQS
A few weeks ago I attended a Somers Lions Club meeting. It was my first meeting and I had a chance to meet many Somers residents, entrepreneurs and community builders.
A guest speaker, Tracy Christen Reimann, Esq. gave a very interesting and informative presentation regarding Elder Law and it's impact on the family. Ms. Reimann persented this information using common scenarios and giving easy to understand solutions. The following is taken from that presentation. I hope you find this information as helpful as I did.
Go to www.elderlawfaqs.blogspot.com for the facts!
A guest speaker, Tracy Christen Reimann, Esq. gave a very interesting and informative presentation regarding Elder Law and it's impact on the family. Ms. Reimann persented this information using common scenarios and giving easy to understand solutions. The following is taken from that presentation. I hope you find this information as helpful as I did.
Go to www.elderlawfaqs.blogspot.com for the facts!
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