When to Get Pre-Approved - Before or After You Find an Ulster County Home for Sale?

When buying real estate for sale in Ulster County, NY, one of the most crucial phases is securing the financing and getting pre-qualified. If a buyer is going to make a formal offer on a home, it is usually customary for the purchaser to submit a pre-approval letter, which is provided by a lender, and is an assurance to the seller that the buyer can afford the home; thus making it a stronger, more reliable offer. Sometimes buyers aren't aware that securing the financing is actually one of the first steps to take when starting a home search. I makes perfect sense however, that buyers should really know their budget before viewing properties; and it is only fair to the seller (and the buyer's agent for that matter!) that buyers view (and potentially make…

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Ulster County is for Lovers!

Love is in the air in Ulster County, NY this Valentine's Day! There's no shortage of romantic places to dine, breathtaking views to see, or relaxing activities for a couple to do. Ulster County, NY is known to inspire passion; from master artists in the 1800's to a new generation experiencing free love in the 60's. The beautiful surroundings set the backdrop and each unique town has a great place to eat or have a drink with someone special. It's no wonder so many people enjoy Ulster County Living. Visitors tend to fall head over heels, and not want to leave. Hey with so much to see and do, what's not to love?

Pick Your Pleasure at Mohonk Mountain in New Paltz, NY

Few places are as beautiful as Mohonk Mountain in New Paltz, NY. You could arrive here the…

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The Ashokan Reservoir: Ulster County's Gift to NYC?

Why call the Ashokan Reservoir, Ulster County's "Gift" to NYC? Like any gift freely given, the giver expects nothing in return, and that's precisely what some residents living near and around the reservoir have gotten from New York City: nothing. Well, at times nothing, other times a little something, and sometimes, much more than they bargained for. But we'll get back to that later. First, join Taft Street Realty as we explore the unique relationship between the Ashokan Reservoir and New York City...

The Birth of a Reservoir: A Prelude of Things to Come

At the turn of the 20th century, New York City was already a thriving metropolis that was rapidly growing. Basics like water were needed on a massive scale, and city officials soon looked north to the…

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It's Official - Rosendale Elementary School Set to Close - What Now?

Sadly, it’s official. The Rosendale Elementary School is set to close, but what now? As of now the schools doors will close at the end of the 2012 school year. We here at Taft Street have been following this story through past blogs about the debate on closing local area schools. In what has proven to be an emotional issue among residents here in the Rondout Valley Central School District, the closing of Rosendale Elementary raises new questions and concerns. A recent article in the Daily Freeman (January 15th) illustrated the ongoing debate over the future of this beloved local school.

Rondout Valley School Board Not Interested In Selling School

The Rondout Valley School Board states in the article that they’re not interested in selling the…

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Price Reduction! - Cedar Sided, Stone Ridge, NY Contemporary in a Private & Secluded Setting Now Only $350,000

Calling all Ulster County Real Estate buyers! Here's that private Stone Ridge contemporary home you have been waiting for!  Just reduced to $350,000 complete with open spaces, clean lines, and a great flow from room to room make this contemporary a must-see.  An entertainer's dream home for sure, with a great private location just minutes from the Historic Stone Ridge, NY center. This 3BR works very well for either full time or weekend use.  A long driveway leads you to this cedar sided gem set amongst 6 gorgeous park-like acres.  Pride of ownership is quite evident throughout the home. Both house and property are very well maintained, and only need a new owner's personal touches.

An Entertainer's Dream, Perfect for Full-Time or Weekend Use

Extensive…

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Best of 2011: Top Ulster County Real Estate Blog Posts

2011 was quite a year! Real estate in the Hudson Valley region has been recovering, albeit slowly, and we've kept our finger on the pulse. Events in New York State and around the world focused our attention on key issues and how they relate on a local level. All the while we've been blogging...

...so without further ado, here are the best Ulster County real estate blogs of 2011!

The Love Affair Continues - The New York Times & Ulster County Real Estate

Without a doubt our best and most popular post in 2011! With over 40,000 views, this post addressed the tight relationship the New York Times has with Ulster County, NY real estate. Whether it's Woodstock, New Paltz, Rosendale, Marbletown, or Saugerties, the New York Times has pretty much covered…

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Winter Driving Tips for the Hudson Valley Region

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 …

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Ringing in the New Year Around the Hudson Valley

Got New Year's Eve Plans? Everyone likes to celebrate the New Year in their own way. Some do it BIG, others prefer a quiet night, some like to dance the night away, others just want to party! No matter what your style, you can find a great time in Ulster County, NY this New Year's Eve. Just as real estate in Ulster County, NY varies from town to town, so do our bashes & celebrations! And you don't have to spend big bucks to have a great night. So get some friends and hop in, we'll show you some of the happenings around the Hudson Valley region this New Year's Eve 2012!

Start the Night Off Right With a Meal in Woodstock, NY

Woodstock, NY is known for great and unique restaurants, foremost among them the Bear Cafe, Streamside & Fireside Dining. Offering a…

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Holiday Fun In Ulster County, NY !

The Hudson Valley region is known for beautiful and pristine winters, with the countryside blanketed in white snow. This year has been slightly different thus far, with milder temperatures and the only snow arriving on, of all times, Halloween. And although Mother Nature hasn't gotten the memo yet, the holiday season in Ulster County, NY is in full swing! Sure, some of us are dreaming of a white Christmas, but the warmer temperatures give residents and visitors an opportunity to enjoy some holiday activities without worrying about the ice and snow (for now!)

Trains in Kingston, Hiking in New Paltz, & a Visit From Santa in Woodstock!

Children and grown kids alike will love what Kingston, NY has in store for the holidays. The Catskill Mountain Railroad…

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The 2011 Frozendale Festival - A Taft Street Guide

This year's 2011 Frozendale Festival is just another great reason to visit Rosendale, NY! As our last blog about Main Street Rosendale, NY described, this active and progressive former cement town is cholk-full of fun things to do, see and eat!

A Community-Run Event Offers the Best of Rosendale, NY

So what is the Frozendale Festival? It's a day-long event which celebrates the winter season and showcases the unique small businesses, eateries, and artists that make up this tiny town just 90 miles North of New York City. Diverse and affordable, Rosendale, NY real estate is very desirable, with a strong sense of community as this festival so clearly demonstrates. Taking place this Saturday, December 10th and beginning at 11 am, festival-goers can…

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