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        <title>Ulster County Real Estate Blog</title>
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    <guid>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/internet-marketing-specialists-for-saugerties-ny-real-estate.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/internet-marketing-specialists-for-saugerties-ny-real-estate.html</link>
        <author>dylan@taftstreetrealty.com (Dylan Taft)</author>
        <title>Internet Marketing Specialists For Saugerties NY Real Estate</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Today’s real estate transaction has changed drastically in recent years. What used to be a slam dunk during the good ol' days of 2004-2007, now almost takes a miracle worker The rise of the Internet has altered the way we search for homes, with most of the legwork being done online. If you’re planning on selling your Saugerties NY property and/or home these days, more needs to be done than simply putting a sign out front and waiting for offers. Homes for sale in Saugerties NY need to be properly marketed online so that they get maximum exposure on the web and attract buyers. Taft Street Realty is made up of Internet marketing specialists who understand the online real estate market and know how to get our homes for sale viewed online (repeatedly) by ready, willing, and qualified buyers


Ulster County NY Real Estate Online | Cutting Edge Systems, Top Notch Service


In today’s real estate market, the first time a home buyer views a property is typically online. It is in some ways a blessing and a curse for home sellers. Though the Internet has certainly made it easier to see a home by cutting out the driving to take a look, it has also made it easier for a home to slip through the virtual cracks and get lost in the overload of inventory. Therefore it is essential first to get your home seen, and second, to ensure that that first virtual impression is a good one At Taft Street Realty, we’ve immersed ourselves in the online Ulster County NY real estate market so that we’re always current and on top of the most cutting edge technology and the hottest online trends. The result is a multi-faceted approach to marketing a home for sale using the Internet, social media, and helpful tips and entertainment through our real estate blogs and free online tools. Therefore no matter how buyers like to browse the Internet for homes for sale, our clients’ properties will be there Taft Street Realty also has similar systems to cultivate buyer leads, determining their timing and motivation, and nurturing them. We pride ourselves for working with buyers in a low pressure, high service type of way, never pushing for a sale. Instead we simply provide good service and great advice so that our buyers find the home that is absolutely right for them. Even after a deal has come together, endless outside factors can derail the process, more so nowadays than in the past. To get to the closing table requires a new breed of agent with the organization and initiative to manage such a complicated and intricate transaction. Taft Street Realty has systems in place so that no ball is dropped during the critical days after a deal is signed and the sale has been closed and completed.


Homes For Sale In Saugerties NY | Internet Marketing Specialists








Working with a competent agent is especially critical in the Saugerties real estate market, which is active and competitive due to the popularity and appeal of Saugerties. This beautiful Hudson River town is picturesque and lively, with a charming and bustling main street and a reputation for hosting amazing Ulster County NY festivals and activities. Saugerties is easy to get to, either by car, train, or bus and close to Woodstock NY and Kingston, which adds to its appeal. Saugerties real estate offers Village life, water-front properties, and secluded mountain retreats. One of Taft Street Realty’s listings 12 Waldfrieden Lane Saugerties NY is a rustic yet modern A-frame home for sale in Saugerties that is an ideal weekend retreat, and recently reduced So if you’re interested in buying or selling a home in Saugerties or elsewhere, check out Taft Street Realty, Internet marketing specialists for Ulster County NY real estate


 
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    <pubDate>Wed, 01 May 2013 15:40:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/real-estate-for-sale-in-12472-rosendale-home-search.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/real-estate-for-sale-in-12472-rosendale-home-search.html</link>
        <author>dylan@taftstreetrealty.com (Dylan Taft)</author>
        <title>Real Estate For Sale In 12472 | Rosendale Home Search</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Rosendale NY is becoming more and more popular every year. One of the smaller towns in Ulster County, this hot spot is slowly turning into a go-to real estate location that can suit both full time families as well as weekend home buyers. Rosendale NY is where the Gunks begin, and few know that there are some really cool options for hikers and climbers who maybe can't afford the more pricey locales like New Paltz and Gardiner NY. Rosendale's Springtown Road is the back road short cut to New Paltz and more well-known climbing &amp; hiking areas such as the Mohonk Preserve &amp; Lake Minnewaska. Springtown Road also offers mountain views as well as farmland flats where the organic grower can live and thrive. Basically, Rosendale NY real estate has all that New Paltz has, minus the higher prices and taxes So whether it is that foresty &quot;Gunks&quot; feel you seek, the flowing Rondout Creek vibe, or the village lifestyle you desire, the small town of Rosendale NY will surely please


Homes For Sale In Rosendale Have It All


Personally, I think Rosendale has it all There's a super cool village with all sorts of shops and places to eat, including a few popular bars on Main Street. There is even a small, single-screen movie theatre; owned and operated by a local non-profit that screens new &amp; classic films weekly Main Street Rosendale NY is the perfect mix of businesses and residential homes, offering that &quot;in-town&quot; feel if that's what you desire. But the town also offers more private homes that are convenient to other desirable places like High Falls and Stone Ridge NY. Homes for sale in Rosendale are very convenient to both Kingston and New Paltz, and all of the additional shopping and dining options offered there. The Rondout Creek and the Wallkill River support the kayakers of the Hudson Valley - and there is even some good fishing to be had


Rosendale NY Real Estate Experts


The supply of homes for sale in Rosendale NY is often low so buyers searching in this area need to be on top of the local market. Or better yet they should link up with a real estate agent who really knows Rosendale (and the surrounding areas) very well so that when a good deal pops up they can beat other home buyers to the punch. Rosendale real estate experts are out there - just be sure to find someone who has the online reviews and other social proof, so that you can trust that person to represent you to the fullest So remember, one does not have to reside in New Paltz to get the benefits Reach out to a Taft Street Realty local area expert to learn more or to get that Rosendale home search off to the right start  Your search is our search - PS - Take your kayak down to the Rondout Creek or just relax water-side at Taft Street's latest home for sale 935 Creek Locks Road, Rosendale NY 12472
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    <pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:20:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/real-estate-for-sale-in-12477-saugerties-blue-mountain-area-homes.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/real-estate-for-sale-in-12477-saugerties-blue-mountain-area-homes.html</link>
        <author>dylan@taftstreetrealty.com (Dylan Taft)</author>
        <title>Real Estate for Sale in 12477 | Saugerties Blue Mountain Area Homes</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Saugerties NY homes on the market range from the entry level price points of under $100K all the way up to and over $1 Million in the luxury home category. Whether it's the bustling village life you desire or the solitude of mountainous type living around the Blue Mountain area, real estate for sale in the 12477 zip code covers pretty much any kind of lifestyle. Bordered on the east by the majestic Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains to the north and west, buyers looking for that special location close to the Hudson but also close to popular areas in Ulster County like Woodstock should not overlook the Saugerties NY market. Ulster County, and Saugerties specifically, is very accessible. Located right off exit 20 of the NYS Thruway, anyone looking to escape NYC can make it up here in less than 2 hours easily.


Real Estate in the Blue Mountain Hamlet of Western Saugerties


Getting back down to the city on a Sunday afternoon is a different story but getting here, for many, is more or less just a quick car ride upstate. If you want to get away from the city that never sleeps, and want some peace and quiet, then perhaps the Blue Mountain area of Saugerties is for you. Conveniently located about 10-15 minutes from Woodstock NY and just 5 minutes from the village proper and NYS Thruway, there are some nice little pockets of privacy in the Hamlet of Blue Mountain that are not to be missed. If you like to ski or just want that cozy weekend getaway then Taft Street Realty suggests taking a peak at Ulster County MLS 20130468.  Probably one of the more affordable private retreats we've seen so far in 2013, this home is sure to please


Best Places to Live in the Hudson Valley Region


Ulster County has many of the best places to live in the Hudson Valley, with Saugerties being no exception Saugerties is a wonderful place to raise a family; great for weekenders, inspiring for artists, perfect for horse lovers, garlic lovers, chocolate lovers, skiers, and everyone in between Taft Street Realty's websites are updated daily so that our visitors have access to all the homes listed for sale in Ulster County NY. We know all of the hot zip codes like the back of our hands, such as 12498 (Woodstock) 12561 (New Paltz), 12484 (Stone Ridge), 12472 (Rosendale), 12528 (Highland), &amp; 12526 (Gardiner). So whether you're interested in Saugerties Blue Mountain area homes for sale or elsewhere in Ulster County, talk to Taft Street, the local real estate experts
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    <pubDate>Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:08:00 -0400</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-10-dos-and-donts.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/ulster-county-real-estate-10-dos-and-donts.html</link>
        <author>dylan@taftstreetrealty.com (Dylan Taft)</author>
        <title>Ulster County Real Estate | 10 Do's and Don'ts</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Ulster County Real Estate |10 Do's and Don'ts

 

When looking at Ulster County real estate there are certain things you should do to get a clearer picture of a property's condition. Asking the right questions is key, but don't forget to look throughout the property for indications of what parts of the home are in great shape, and what areas may need improvements or updates upon purchasing. As part of Taft Street Realty's ongoing series about the 15 things to look for when viewing homes for sale, here are a few more helpful do's and don'ts for Ulster County real estate buyers. 

Buried Oil Tank Evidence

Ah, the infamous buried oil tank We all fear it So what are the signs? Which homes commonly have buried tanks? How does a buyer know if there was one or not? Could it be you have an old one buried in your yard and you don’t even know it? Not to worry, most good inspectors can smell a buried tank a mile away (not literally of course) But there are signs you can spot; you just need to know what to look for. Is the house you like very old but the oil tank is new? Always ask questions. &quot;Where was the old tank?&quot; you might want to ask the seller’s agent. Do you see old copper oil lines leading to nowhere? Are there fill and vent pipes out in the yard? Maybe there is electric heat now but you find an old boiler in the basement. The bottom line on buried oil tanks: look for the signs and ask questions... 




Condition of Appliances (washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove/range, dishwasher, etc.) 

First, make sure the appliances are even part of the sale. If they are, then take a good look at them and determine if they are worth saving after you buy the home. If the price you pay includes appliances, make sure they work. Also make sure you know what the bank requires with respect to appliances in order for you to get your loan. Knowing which appliances work and which don’t will help you bargain with the seller, especially if the seller offered the appliances in working order. If you know you will be doing lots of laundry then make sure the inspector doesn’t forget to check the washer and dryer Inspect what you expect

Size, Flow, and Condition of the Kitchen 

The bigger the kitchen and the more cabinets there are, the more costly the remodel or renovation. The condition of the kitchen is very important, as for many this is the heart of the home. I bring this up as something to pay attention to, so that when your negotiating an offer this is factored in. Kitchen renovations can range from the $10k spruce up all the way up to $100k and beyond depending on the house and location. Remember, all your renovations must be in line and be supported by the neighborhood the house is in. Don’t over-improve or you could get hurt come re-sale time…

Number of Bathrooms and Their Condition

Bathrooms, like kitchens, are a significant portion of a home’s value. Look for the signs (cracked tiles, leaks, old toilets, old or ultra-small shower or tub stalls, out dated vanities, etc.) and determine if you could live with the existing bathroom or if you feel it will need immediate attention before moving in. Factor all of this into your offer and negotiations. 

Windows &amp; Doors - Their Number and Condition

Knowing the condition of the windows and doors is very important so that if they need to be replaced you can also factor that in. The good news about doors and windows is that you could do one window (or door) at a time and space things to fit your schedule and budget. Point being, if the house has a lot of windows make sure you are aware of the cost to replace, especially if they are old. New windows add value but can be a costly expense, and so it’s important to be aware of that and budget accordingly. 

Helpful Ulster County Real Estate Tips &amp; Advice... 


At Taft Street Realty, we focus on providing helpful advice that could make a big difference. Our third installment covers the last 5 Important Things Affecting Ulster County Home Values and what to keep in mind when looking at homes for sale in Ulster County.
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    <pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:45:34 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/highland-ny-home-values-ulster-county-sold-market-update.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/highland-ny-home-values-ulster-county-sold-market-update.html</link>
        <author>dylan@taftstreetrealty.com (Dylan Taft)</author>
        <title>Highland NY Home Values - Ulster County SOLD Market Update</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
 Highland NY Home Values - Ulster County SOLD Market Update

 

Taft Street Realty is happy to announce the latest home to be SOLD to one of our clients, 160 Sterling Place in Highland NY. This 1,396 square foot 3BDR / 2.5BTH closed on September 21, 2012 for 
$158,000. This 3 bedroom townhome offers plenty of features and an ideal location 

Convenience and comfortable living are some of the benefits of this Highland NY townhouse. An open and spacious dining area is perfect for entertaining, and a wood fireplace provides both warmth and ambiance A private backyard overlooking beautiful rock outcroppings provides a nice outdoor space to enjoy Updates include new carpeting, a fresh new paint job and new windows. This Highland NY home was purchased way below the bank appraisal value 

Highland NY real estate has the charm and beauty of the Hudson Valley combined with convenience and ease of travel for commuters. Similar in style to nearby New Paltz NY but closer to the legendary Hudson River, One of America's &quot;Great Waters&quot;, Highland NY is a commuter's dream with a close proximity to Dutchess County, the NYS Thruway and many forms of public / mass transportation.

Highland NY Home Values - Ulster County SOLD Market Update 

2012 SOLD Home Stats For Highland NY


So far 38 single family homes have sold ranging from $40,000 all the way up to $460,000

List Price Sold Ratio - Approximately 90 - Sellers on average are getting roughly 90 of their last asking price

Average List Price - $229,068 / Average Sold Price - $205,719

Median List Price - $205,450 / Median Sold Price $187,500

Average Days On Market - 186 

On average, 4 homes per month have sold in Highland so far in 2012

There are currently 72 active and available single family homes on the 
market. - With about 4 homes selling per month, we currently have an 18 month supply of homes on the market, assuming no other 
homes come on the market going forward. With this type of supply we are in what's considered a
 buyer's market.


2011 SOLD Home Stats for Highland NY


A total of 32 single family homes sold in Highland NY in all of 2011 - We're experiencing an increase in 2012

Average List Price - $256,627 / Average Sold Price - $249,362

Median List Price - $252,950 / Median Sold Price - $245,140

Average Days On Market In 2011 - 177

Based on the data so far, 2012 prices are down compared to 2011. The 4th quarter of 2012 could 
change that, but we'll have to 
wait and see.


Contact Dylan Taft directly at 845-380-3394 to get specific SOLD data and other local market reporting for your neighborhood  
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    <pubDate>Mon, 24 Sep 2012 15:46:07 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/ulster-county-ny-homes-for-sale-shawangunk-sold-update-2449-bruynswick-road.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/ulster-county-ny-homes-for-sale-shawangunk-sold-update-2449-bruynswick-road.html</link>
        <author>dylan@taftstreetrealty.com (Dylan Taft)</author>
        <title>Ulster County NY Homes For Sale, Shawangunk SOLD Update, 2449 Bruynswick Road</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Ulster County NY Homes For Sale, Shawangunk SOLD Update, 2449 Bruynswick Road. Taft Street Realty is happy to announce the latest home to be SOLD to one of our clients, 2449 Bruynswick Rd in Wallkill NY. This 1,806 square foot 5BDR / 3.5BTH closed on June 22, 2012 for $159,000. A large and spacious cape cod on 3.5 acres, 2449 Bruynswick Rd. offered plenty of home for a great price A quiet and peaceful location in the beautiful area of Wallkill NY made this the ideal Upstate NY weekend retreat

Space, privacy, &amp; the great outdoors are the name of the game for recently SOLD 2449 Bruynswick Rd. A finished basement, sun room, and 3.5 bathrooms make this home perfect for entertaining and/or a family Enjoy the outdoors on 3.5 acres; plenty of room to garden, exercise or simply wander around. Interested in a large spacious home like this one? Search for more 5 + Bedroom homes for sale in Ulster County NY. Is Wallkill NY your target area? Search for more Wallkill NY homes for sale. 

Located just a little further south of Shawangunk &amp; Gardiner NY, the town of Wallkill NY has the beautiful landscapes of the nearby Shawangunk mountain range. The world class climbing and outdoor activities offered by Gardiner and nearby New Paltz NY, NatGeo &quot;Adventure Town&quot; adds to the outdoor appeal of 2449 Bruynswick Rd. Taft Street Realty wishes nothing but the best for our latest satisfied customer and newest resident of Wallkill NY  

Like what you see? Contact Dylan Taft directly at 845-380-3394 to get specific SOLD data and other local market reporting for your neighborhood  
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    <pubDate>Wed, 11 Jul 2012 14:58:47 -0400</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/winter-driving-tips-for-the-hudson-valley-region.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/winter-driving-tips-for-the-hudson-valley-region.html</link>
        <author>dylan@taftstreetrealty.com (Dylan Taft)</author>
        <title>Winter Driving Tips for the Hudson Valley Region</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
With the temperatures dropping and snow flurries falling, it's time to offer up some winter driving tips for the Hudson Valley Region. No such thing as cabin fever around here The winter season full of fun activities and gorgeous sights in Ulster County, New York. The local housing market remains steady with serious buyers viewing homes for sale in the Hudson Valley in spite of the weather. So whether you're a Buyer, Seller or a Local, with a little preparation and some heads up driving, you'll have no problem reaching your desired destination this winter. Here are some basic tips and advice for those of us who love living in Ulster County, NY during the wintertime

Strategic Driving Tips for Curvy, Ulster County Country Roads...

If you plan on buying a home in the Hudson Valley and you're viewing properties in the winter months, the driving may require some extra attention if the conditions are snowy. Don't worry, a little extra awareness is all you need for a pleasant winter's drive. Here are some actual driving tips for Ulster County, NY winters.

Keep At Least 1/2 Tank of Gas in Your Car - This prevents your fuel lines from freezing and gives you better gas mileage while your cranking that heat and defrost. Don't Warm Up Your Car in the Garage - Or any enclosed area due to risk of carbon monoxide exposure. Clean Out Your Tailpipe - Make sure snow isn't clogging your tail pipe so exhaust flows outside and not inside your car's interior. Clean Off ALL of Your Car Windows - Sure you may be tired or in a hurry, but don't cut corners and scrape off little bits here and there. You need full visibility especially when driving in winter conditions. Leave Plenty of Room to Stop and Brake Gently - experts say you should leave up to 3 times the normal amount of space between cars when driving in the winter time. Do your best to brake gently when coming to a stop to prevent skidding and sliding. Get Momentum Up Hills &amp; Steer Where You Want to Go - Try and build up some momentum as you approach a hill. This will help prevent against getting stuck in the middle with your wheels spinning If you do end up sliding, Steer your wheel in the direction you want to go, even if you're heading in another direction. This will help your car right itself.

Stuck? - No worries, it happens to the best of us Move the Steering Wheel Back and Forth -  Take advantage of your power steering The moving tires will clear snow away from your wheel wells. Don't Spin Your Wheels - Like most things done out of frustration, it won't get you anywhere. Try and Rock it Out - By gently tapping the gas over and over (or quickly going from Drive to Reverse in a fluid motion if you're able) you can get your car rocking, giving you some momentum so punch it when the time is right

Simple Supplies - The Basic Essentials for Winter Cruising in the Catskills

Ah, the old saying &quot;be prepared&quot;. It rings true, especially when driving in winter conditions. By keeping a few items in your car, you're giving your future self a hand should something go wrong. Few phrases are more relieving to say than &quot;Boy, I'm glad I had that (insert helpful object here)&quot; Here are some basics items you should have in your car, they don't take up much room and can make a world of difference 

A Blanket - An extra layer of warmth for you or a passenger, and in a pinch can be used under your tires for traction should your car get stuck in the ice. (in which case kiss the blanket good-bye). Small, Quality Shovel - Just a small size is needed to dig out wheels, but it's a must that the shovel is sturdy and well-made to deal with ice (no gas-station specials, they break when you need them most) Gravel, Kitty Litter, or Salt - For traction, sprinkle under your tires if you're stuck in ice. Gravel tends to be heaviest, and Kitty Litter has a very particular odor. Salt melts the ice, but has been known to irritate the feet of animals and pets, what you use is purely a matter of preference. Spare Set of Winter Clothes - Ever scrape off a car with no gloves on? If you're going out for a nice evening in the Hudson Valley, you may not wear a scarf, hat, and gloves. That's because you never dreamed you'd be digging out your car after a fresh snowfall while you were at dinner. With an extra set of winter gear in the trunk, you'll always be ready. Sunglasses - Some folks don't like wearing sunglasses but they can be a lifesaver in winter months. The snow tends to reflect sunlight with great intensity and sunglasses can cut down that painful glare on a bright morning. At the end of the day, the winter sun sets a little earlier and usually lines right up with our afternoon / evening commute. A late afternoon sun can be just as blinding as the morning, so keep some sunglasses on hand, you'll be glad you did. A Flashlight - For any number of reasons, you should have a reliable flashlight in your car (Smartphone apps don't count) Better to Have and Not Need - You may never use these items, but I guarantee that if you end up needing them, you'll be very glad you had them around

The winter time is a great time to look at real estate for sale in Ulster County, NY  Stay in touch with Taft Street Realty, we've got the best blog for tips and advice in the Hudson Valley
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    <pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:08:20 -0500</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/cleaning-tips-to-help-your-house-sell.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.taftstreetrealty.com/blog/cleaning-tips-to-help-your-house-sell.html</link>
        <author>dylan@taftstreetrealty.com (Dylan Taft)</author>
        <title>Cleaning Tips To Help You Sell</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ The Spring / Summer season is a busy season in real estate Anxious buyers have passed the cold winter months surfing the internet, looking at the same old pictures of the same old listings. Sellers, if they were fortunate, may have had a few showings during the winter, but most likely the activity dropped with the temperature. As the sun comes out, the real estate industry revs up. Carloads of buyers and agents prowl the area, and many new listings hit the market. If you’re a seller, you want your home to stand out among this new inventory. Here are a few seller tips that you can work into your normal cleaning to really give your house that extra sparkle in the sun  
They Arrive: Fresh Curb Appeal






What’s that saying about 1st impressions? Your home may need a little waking up after some dreary days. Spring in Ulster County can get ugly You will want to clear away any soggy, black, dead leaves that may have set up camp on your property. If you can't, or don't want to plant flowers, no problem You can spend a few dollars for some colorful seasonal flowers, leave them potted, and arrange them nicely around your entryway. Lastly, a colorful new welcome mat is a simple but effective touch.    


Let There Be Light: Enhance The Sun  
Now that he’s finally decided to show himself, put the sun to use in selling your home A bright sunny home is inviting and refreshing, a dark home feels cold and closed-in. There are easy ways to exploit the sunrays, first you must clean your windows inside and out I guarantee that every buyer that enters your home will approach one of your windows and look outside, it’s a given. Having your windows crystal clear is an aesthetic must, but it also helps the sun creep in and warm things up Mirrors are fantastic at reflecting sunlight. Feng Shui 101, mirrors help expand a room and conveniently bounce sunlight all over the place and brightening the space. Take the time to clean any curtains, drapes or blinds you may have. Just like windows, they should be cleared of spider webs and dust and preferably opened to maximize sunlight.   


Cool Colors, Garage Tips &amp; Achoo 
If you’d like to get a little creative while giving your home a mini-makeover, utilize accent colors. Think light spring colors: pastels, yellows, pinks, pale blues and lavenders. Then consider everyday accessories like pillows, throws, &amp; towels. If you spend a little money and buy accessories in these colors you’ll be amazed at how they can brighten up your rooms If you have a garage, buyers will undoubtedly want to take a peek, so you should spend at least a little time in there. Your garage doesn’t have to be pristine, but it shouldn’t be scary either. The garage will most likely need a little cleaning and perhaps a sweep or two to clear some spider webs. New light bulbs in the garage can really help too. You’d probably love to put some fresh flowers in a vase on your table during an open house or showing right? Actually, we advise that you be very careful with seasonal floral arrangements indoors. Although beautiful, seasonal flowers have the potential to invoke some nasty allergies among some poor folks, particularly during this time of year. So be careful or you’ll unwittingly be driving some buyers away with a case of the sneezes. If you found these tips helpful, you can like my Facebook page where I constantly post new articles and tips   ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2011 12:26:38 -0400</pubDate>
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