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        <title>Ulster County Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/2013-02/</link>
        <description></description>
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    <guid>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/local-real-estate-experts-in-saugerties-ny.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/local-real-estate-experts-in-saugerties-ny.html</link>
        <author>dylan@taftstreetrealty.com (Dylan Taft)</author>
        <title>Local Real Estate Experts In Saugerties NY</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Homes for sale in Saugerties NY are becoming some of the most sought after in all of Ulster County
 As the town of Saugerties grows in popularity, so too does the local 
housing market and things are heating up  But not all real estate in Saugerties is created equal; and neither are the real estate brokerages. In order to find the best properties in Saugerties, be sure to work with a local Saugerties real estate expert who not only knows the area, but also knows an amazing value when one presents itself As lifelong residents of the Hudson Valley region, we here at Taft Street Realty are local Saugerties real estate experts and we specialize in finding that perfect Saugerties home for our clients 

Tech-Savvy Real Estate Agents

At Taft Street Realty, we pride ourselves on being local experts and having an acute understanding of technology and how it is changing real estate every day. These days, buyers and sellers need a tech-savvy Ulster County real estate agent who can get them the right information as quickly as possible. Taft Street's response time is second to none because we understand that quick &amp; clear communication can at times be a Realtor's best asset to their client. Yet with all of this new technology, we also focus on providing a positive and personal user experience and building long-term client relationships the old fashioned way 

Local Saugerties Experts

Most importantly Taft Street Realty knows the area that we serve inside and out We've travelled to every corner of Saugerties and have seen &amp; viewed much of the Saugerties real estate already We serve as the eyes &amp; ears of our clients who come from all over the country (and the world) to provide a 1st person perspective of the Saugerties NY real estate market. But you don't have to take our word for it Dylan Taft is the most reviewed real estate agent in Saugerties, noted for going above &amp; beyond for his clients. Interested in Saugerties NY? We've got a brand new listing located at 12 Waldfrieden Lane 
 that is a rustic yet modern 3BDR A-Frame. It's the ideal weekend home (or perfect for full-time use): move-in ready, stylish, &amp; affordable. View Taft Street's 
latest offering with specs and pics of Ulster County MLS  20130468 on our website
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 09:51:09 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/best-ways-to-increase-home-values-in-ulster-county-ny.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/best-ways-to-increase-home-values-in-ulster-county-ny.html</link>
        <author>dylan@taftstreetrealty.com (Dylan Taft)</author>
        <title>3 Ways to Add Value to Your Home in Ulster County NY</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Say you're thinking of selling a home in Ulster County and want to boost its value, or perhaps you'd simply like to do some improvements that would be worthwhile. Where does one start? When doing home improvements, you always want to be sure that you're increasing the overall value of your home, while not over-spending and/or putting too much money into an unworthy investment. As Realtors, we here at Taft Street Realty have some tips and advice that can help you prioritize your home improvements based on value and ROI, which stands for &quot;return on investment&quot;. So get your imagination flowing because without further ado, here are the best ways to increase home values in Ulster County NY

1) The Kitchen Is Still King

We've all heard the saying, &quot;the kitchen is the heart of the home&quot;. That still holds true with regards to Ulster County real estate and home values. The style and condition of a kitchen can make or break a sale, so if you're selling your home or just doing some home improvements, the kitchen is a very logical place to start. What changes can be made? Whether you have a modern home for sale or an elegant restored farmhouse, appliances are a crucial part of the kitchen. When buyers walk into a kitchen, one of the first things they tend to ask themselves is, &quot;Will I need to replace these appliances?&quot; If the answer is &quot;Yes&quot; they will factor in those costs while negotiating.

Appliances 

 Think you need to replace your appliances? Taft Street Realty recommends spending the extra money to get either top-of-the-line, or big brand name kitchen appliances. Stainless steel appliances are very popular among today's buyers so if you can afford them, go for it Another big concern among buyers these days is energy efficiency. This is another case where Taft Street recommends investing a little more money in order to get that High Efficiency washer for instance - as you will likely see a return on this investment Remember not to overspend however A starter home or investment property will likely not need a gourmet kitchen or Wolf Range wouldn't fit in a $150K ranch for example. Get the appropriate kitchen for the style and price point of the home, but within these parameters Taft Street recommends spending a little extra to get quality appliances 

Cabinets

Already have new and/or updated appliances? There are other things homeowners can do to spruce up their kitchen aside from upgrading the stove or refrigerator. New cabinetry can completely change the look of a kitchen and give it a second life. Not to say that new cabinets are cheaper than new appliances, in fact it can be quite the opposite. But upgraded cabinetry is been proven to show big returns. A less expensive way to revive your cabinets is to re-paint existing cabinetry; provided the original cabinets are in good shape and the paint color accentuates the existing kitchen. Changing the hardware (knobs &amp; handles) on cabinets along with fresh paint can give a kitchen a whole new look while at the same time saving money 

Countertops 

Another way to transform a kitchen's look is through new countertops. Again Taft Street Realty recommends going the extra mile for quality materials. Beautiful granite countertops can make buyers just fall in love with your kitchen (and your home) There are less expensive alternatives to granite as well Engineered stone can be made to resemble a variety if natural stones and other materials such as corian, soap stone are &quot;granite-like&quot; and becoming very popular. We're also seeing poured concrete used as a beautiful (and affordable) surface for countertops So if you want to increase your home's value but don't know where to begin, you can't go wrong with the kitchen 

2) Think Fixtures &amp; Lighting and Buy Into Green Energy

Lighting fixtures and creative lighting are another area where Ulster County home owners can upgrade and make a big difference There are many new, unique, and stylish forms of lighting hitting the market these days; homeowners should really look into this relatively affordable upgrade. Want to draw attention to some custom shelves or show off your kitchen? Creative lighting fixtures, track lighting, etc. are great upgrades that can have a big impact. You can also use lighting techniques outside to enhance your home (see below) 

As we mentioned earlier, buyers today are concerned with energy efficiency and environmentally friendly building &amp; home products. Sellers should take note and cater to these preferences. The bottom line is energy efficiency is the way of the future so investing in environmentally friendly materials and appliances will definitely be a return on investment; either in the form of an eager buyer who loves your home or the long-term savings associated with an energy efficient appliance for instance. So for a relatively inexpensive upgrade, look into new lighting fixtures; and from now on when purchasing anything from appliances to materials, think green because that's what buyers prefer 

3) Curb Appeal Is Priceless

We can't stress it enough, good curb appeal is priceless and therefore a good investment First impressions are crucial, so sellers want to make the most of that first impression. There are a number of things you can do to improve the curb appeal of your home, from more expensive changes to quick fixes for relatively cheap No matter what you do decide to do, you can rest assured it will be a good investment. Need some ideas? The front door is sometimes looked at as the centerpiece of the home's exterior. Is yours in good condition or should you replace it? Perhaps a fresh coat of paint is needed? (Consider colors that &quot;pop&quot; for your door). Do you have shutters or trim on your windows that are an accent color? A fresh paint job on any trim can also work wonders on a home's exterior.

Don't forget landscaping Flowers or shrubs around your door or lining a walkway are a nice way to add color. A fresh layer of mulch around shrubs and the base of trees will give the home a fresh and clean look. Stonework, be it a pathway or wall(s), is very popular in Upstate NY real estate. Exterior lights are becoming popular as well, so that your front door, a pathway, or that beautiful tree on your property glows elegantly in the evening. 

If you don't have any money to invest in curb appeal, don't worry This is one area where your own elbow grease can go a long way. Maintaining your property over the long-term is always a good investment. Particularly if your home is on the market, do your best to always keep your lawn trimmed and your steps/walkway/ front porch swept clean. Remember that a potential buyer could drive by and any time So if you're planning on selling your home, or want to invest and add value, focus on curb appeal and you can't go wrong 

Solid Advice on How to Add More Value to Your Home

You can increase your home's value in a number of ways. Updating the kitchen is always a safe bet, or invest in good curb appeal When purchasing appliances and materials, think green from now on and go that extra mile for good quality Better yet, contact an Ulster County real estate expert who can give you solid advice on how to add more value to your home. 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:47:36 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/homes-for-sale-in-rosendale-ny.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/homes-for-sale-in-rosendale-ny.html</link>
        <author>dylan@taftstreetrealty.com (Dylan Taft)</author>
        <title>Homes For Sale In Rosendale NY</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
 Homes for sale in Rosendale NY are as unique and diverse as Rosendale itself This quirky &amp; hip Ulster County town is a perfect example of the &quot;live &amp; let live&quot; atmosphere that permeates throughout the Hudson Valley region. Full of great restaurants, small businesses, and charming shops, Rosendale is a great meeting place for friends; either for a meal or drink, or to spend the afternoon Real estate in Rosendale offers everything from affordable starter homes, to private and secluded luxury homes. Rosendale's increasing popularity, thanks in part to exposure from the New York Times and other publications, have turned the area into a hotspot of sorts on the Ulster County real estate market. Great deals can still be found in Rosendale area however, you just need to know where to look So take a drive with Taft Street Realty as we profile homes for sale in Rosendale NY

A Trendy Town That Maintains Its Roots 

Rosendale NY is a trendy and current Upstate NY town that hasn't lost its roots or sense of history. Located just a few miles outside of New Paltz NY, Rosendale offers a small-town experience without feeling like you're in the middle of nowhere. Main Street Rosendale looks something like a movie set, with classic storefronts, a flowing creek along the edge of town, and an ancient train trestle that looms in the mountains overhead. Gone are the saloons and blacksmiths; Rosendale is now bustling with cafes &amp; bars, gourmet food artisans, art galleries, small businesses, and much more Community involvment and core values are strong in Rosendale, and a fun local event or celebration (like the legendary Rosendale Street Festival for example) seems to be kicking off nearly every weekend So whether you're seeking a fancy meal and a cocktail, or a cold beer and a burger; gourmet cheeses, or one-of-a-kind pieces of artwork, you'll find it in this up-and-coming Ulster County NY town 

Real Estate In Rosendale 

Buyers who are looking for less of a college-town feel but still want to be close to the action and the NYS Thruway should consider real estate in Rosendale NY. A more quiet, yet sill-hip alternative to New Paltz, Rosendale is very appealing to New Yorkers due to the bus stop right in town that runs to the Port Authority, and the ease in which one can jump onto the NYS Thruway right from New Paltz. There are all kinds of home styles available in Rosendale - and prices range from the affordable, entry level $100k range all the way up to $1 million and more. Rosendale, geographically speaking, is relatively small in size compared with other towns in Ulster County, but Rosendale is big on character, history, and charm Since Rosendale is so close to New Paltz, High Falls, &amp; Stone Ridge, many home buyers choose Rosendale because the property taxes tend to not be as high as those more popular towns. Between the Rondout Creek and the beginnings of the Shawangunk Mountain Range, outdoor enthusiasts love the kayaking, climbing, hiking, and other fun things to do locally. In fact, Rosendale has a brand new listing located at 935 Creeklocks Road that has Rondout Creek views and direct access It's Taft Street's latest offering and you can find out more and view the pics of Ulster County MLS  20130550 on our website. Check us out on Facebook too
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:42:45 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/5-must-know-things-before-looking-at-homes-for-sale-in-ulster-county-real-estate-tips-for-buyers.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/5-must-know-things-before-looking-at-homes-for-sale-in-ulster-county-real-estate-tips-for-buyers.html</link>
        <author>dylan@taftstreetrealty.com (Dylan Taft)</author>
        <title>5 Must Know Things Before Looking at Homes for Sale in Ulster County | Real Estate Tips for Buyers</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


Once you have made the decision to begin looking for homes on the Ulster County real estate market there are certain things you should definitely know first to avoid added stress and complications down the road. At Taft Street Realty, we protect our buyers and make every effort to give them all the tools and resources they need as they begin their house hunting journey, wherever it may be in the Hudson Valley region of Upstate New York. Although we focus primarily on the Ulster County NY home search, we know our tips and advice will help buyers pretty much anywhere So without any further delay, here are 5 MUST KNOW tips for homebuyers and yet another Ulster County real state blog post authored by Taft Street Realty Enjoy 

Loan Programs 101 | Pros and Cons

It’s very important early on to know where you stand as a buyer and what your purchasing power is. Getting in touch with a mortgage or loan specialist in Ulster County NY will help you figure out what different loan programs may be available to you. There are pros and cons that come with each loan program so knowing your options and narrowing down the best program for you will set you apart from many other buyers in the market. Getting pre-qualified before house hunting will have you ready to go should a good deal present itself. Not all loan programs are created equal. Knowing upfront which program is best for you allows for better planning between offer and closing.

Translate Price Into Monthly Payment

Another important thing that Ulster County NY mortgage professionals can help with is translating a home’s price into a monthly payment. Of course there are many online “mortgage calculators” but they won’t give you the most accurate picture of what your monthly payment would look like. The calculators on most websites won’t calculate precise insurance and tax numbers, specific closing costs, as well as other variables affecting the monthly payment. Ask for a loan scenario worksheet or good faith estimate so that you have the clearest representation of the numbers. Start with a local bank or credit union; buyers will find comfort in the good service they will receive. 

Interest Rate Options

In addition to loan programs and monthly payment information, knowing your interest rate saves you from having to guess. Rates being advertised may not be what you qualify for. Using too low or too high of an interest rate when you crunch numbers could drastically impact what’s comfortable and affordable for you in terms of price range or monthly payment. And as rates inch up in 2013, qualifying early on allows buyers to lock in a rate when the time is right. You can’t lock a rate until you have been qualified and if a hot property comes on the market and you are not ready you could potentially lose out on the dream home. Knowledge is power and the more a buyer knows the better off they are. The more prepared a buyer is the better the deal they will likely get. At Taft Street, we don’t “sell” buyers; we prepare, help, and guide them. 

Estimated Closing Costs | Assistance Programs

Along the same lines as interest rate and loan programs are closing costs. They can vary from state to state, county to county, but buyers should clearly understand what will be required of them in order to complete the purchase. Closing costs may include, but are not limited to, insurance costs, title and other filing fees, appraisal and attorney expenses, pre-paid taxes, real estate commissions, loan down payment, deed recording fees, rate buy down costs, and other bank fees, etc. Not knowing what you’re responsible for as a buyer will only have you frustrated and stressed when the time comes to make an offer. If a buyer gets this info early on and they can’t afford the closing costs, then perhaps the mortgage pro can offer special down payment or closing cost assistance programs that may be available.

Ways to Fix and Repair Your Credit

This is one obstacle that buyers may need to face should they not qualify for a mortgage. Just another reason to see an Ulster County home loan specialist (before serious house hunting) because they can help show buyers the best ways to repair their credit and pay off any debt that might be required. When home buyers start searching on real estate websites too early or seeing homes in person with an agent before they even know if they’re qualified, doing so could cause unnecessary frustration or heartbreak. The best real estate agents and mortgage pros can be a very helpful resource that buyers should utilize early and often when looking for ways to fix credit issues so that qualifying for a home loan is easier.

Real Estate Tools &amp; Resources for Ulster County Buyers

Taft Street Realty makes every attempt to give buyers the tools and resources they need to better manage the purchase process. We know a prepared buyer is a strong and happy buyer Homes for sale in Ulster County are easy to find, but what’s not always easy to find are the tips and tricks and other important things for buyers to remember along the way. We cover all the important real estate FAQ’s and it’s easy to find the Taft Street Realty blog, just search Google for the Best Real Estate Blog in Ulster County We look forward to connecting with you soon
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    <pubDate>Tue, 12 Feb 2013 10:02:28 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/ulster-county-real-estate-new-listings-for-sale-in-and-around-rosendale-ny.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/ulster-county-real-estate-new-listings-for-sale-in-and-around-rosendale-ny.html</link>
        <author>dylan@taftstreetrealty.com (Dylan Taft)</author>
        <title>Ulster County Real Estate - New Listings For Sale In and Around Rosendale NY</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ Rosendale is one of the coolest, up &amp; coming towns in Ulster County NY Full of unique restaurants &amp; eateries, bars, and small businesses &amp; shops, Rosendale has a small but fun nightlife and a bustling main street That's 
why Taft Street Realty is pleased to present our latest home for sale 935 Creek Locks Rd. Rosendale NY 12472
 This absolutely stunning, beautifully restored, 3 BDR / 2.5 BTH, 2,264 Sq. ft. farmhouse has been artfully updated with top-notch craftsmanship and attention to detail
Painstakingly restored with a focus on efficiency and a beautiful sense of style, this spacious cedar-sided beauty blends country charm and state-of-the-art amenities. Just some of the endless features of the home are wide board hardwood floors, a wrap-around porch with amazing wood and stone work, a fireplace, and master suite complete with walk-in closet and luxurious claw foot tub. The 1 acre lot is just as stunning, with waterfront property (attention all kayakers &amp; fishermen) and views of the Rondout Creek. This home must be seen to truly appreciate the pride of ownership throughout 

 Homes for sale around Rosendale NY
 are growing in popularity just like the town itself. A quirky mixture of weekenders and locals share a common love for this classic Upstate NY town. Fun, local events like the rockin' Rosendale Street Festival or the International Pickle Festival present a constant flow of visitors to Rosendale NY. As a result, this relatively tiny town has a great selection of dining options, places to go for a drink with friends, and a number of charming &amp; unique small businesses. So if you'd like to be in a trendy but quintessentially Upstate NY town, then check out Rosendale NY. For a beautiful and stylish home to match Rosendale's vibe, Taft Street Realty presents 935 Creek Locks Road.
View the complete listing details for Ulster County NY MLS 20130550 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:30:58 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/ulster-county-real-estate-new-listings-for-sale-in-saugerties-ny.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/ulster-county-real-estate-new-listings-for-sale-in-saugerties-ny.html</link>
        <author>dylan@taftstreetrealty.com (Dylan Taft)</author>
        <title>Ulster County Real Estate - New Listings For Sale In and Around Saugerties NY</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Saugerties is the quintessential Upstate NY town. Located on the banks of the Hudson River, it has that small-town charm &amp; feel, yet is far from a &quot;sleepy&quot; little village At less than 2 hours from New York City, Saugerties is bursting with culture; full of charming shops, great restaurants, and fun things to do. That's 
why Taft Street Realty is happy to present our latest home for sale 12 Waldfrieden Lane Saugerties NY 12477 This charming 3 BDR / 2 BTH, 1,140 Sq. Ft. A-Frame home for sale features modern amenities and conveniences while maintaining a rustic, country feel.

This beautiful, semi-secluded A-Frame is a weekender's dream home A mountain cabin aesthetic blends seamlessly with modern features and appliances - making it move-in ready and just waiting to be enjoyed at any time of year An open and spacious living room flows to a beautifully modern kitchen, making this an ideal home for entertaining The finished basement with pellet stove provides even more room for guests Large windows, new skylights, and a beautiful deck will help to enjoy the outdoors and bring in light and warmth 

 Homes for sale around Saugerties NY are extremely popular among buyers (particularly weekenders) because of all that this area has to offer. Restaurants range from the affordable to the luxurious, and Main Street Saugerties is full of charming shops and a great little movie theatre. Fun events like the H.I.T.S. on the Hudson horse shows, the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival, and the 4th of July Fireworks (just to name a few) provide something fun for visitors and residents in Saugerties to do nearly every week

View the complete listing details for Ulster County NY MLS 20130468 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 04 Feb 2013 13:48:34 -0500</pubDate>
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