Great Kitchens Sell Homes!! This is so true. Here are a few tips from my company that I thought are great. Take a look and take away some pointers

Great Kitchens Sell Homes

The kitchen is the most important room to stage in your home. Potential home buyers will want to view it void of unnecessary countertop appliances and clutter. By showcasing your kitchen in the best possible light, you can potentially sell your home faster and increase the closing price.  Even in a slow real estate market, making your kitchen attractive to a buyer could make the difference.

Clean up the kitchen

Studies have shown that one of the dirtiest places in the home is the kitchen. Before you list, pull out those rubber gloves and give everything a good scrub so that the kitchen sparkles. Replace unsightly floor tiles, or in a worst-case scenario, consider a complete floor makeover. Pay special attention to the cabinetry; in older homes, it is common to see cracks in the beaded caulking between the ceiling and the trim above the cupboards. For less than $10, you can buy a pre-mixed tube of crack filler and make it look like new. Also, to give the kitchen an inexpensive facelift, consider replacing the fixturing – an affordable way to give doors and drawers a second wind.

Clutter is a kitchen killer

Kitchens are the focal point of almost every home. A great rule of thumb for the staging of a kitchen is to leave no more than two appliances on your counter. After you have uncluttered the kitchen counter, brighten and soften the space by adding some fresh fruit, new dishtowels, a cookbook, and plants or flowers.

Modernizing today will help you sell tomorrow

Modernizing your kitchen can help you sell your home for years to come. Renovating your kitchen now will let you enjoy new appliances while boosting the value of your home for the future. While you may want to take specific appliances with you, stainless steel can make almost any kitchen sing. Another way to add value to your kitchen is to install concealed appliances – hiding the dishwasher and fridge, for example, can really spice up your kitchen for buyers. Also popular are dual microwave/convection oven (prices can vary between $200 – $900 for higher-end stainless built-ins) – another appliance quickly becoming a staple in most modern kitchens.

If you can’t replace appliances, be sure to have them repaired and cleaned. It’s also a good idea to clean your fridge and stove, as buyers will almost always open oven and fridge doors.

Lighting

Take the time to make sure all the existing light fixtures have working light bulbs. Make sure the blinds are open on all the windows and, if required, add a small table lamp or two to accent a dark corner.

… And the kitchen sink

Another kitchen remodeling idea is to upgrade your “sinkware.” New faucets, soap dispensers and sinks (whether you are reglazing or replacing altogether) are affordable ways to give the kitchen an immediate facelift. Don’t forget, buyers love to turn on the kitchen faucet when touring a home.

The kitchen is the most important room and biggest selling feature in your house. Staging it properly can make every potential buyer say, “this could be my kitchen.”

Want more information on selling your home?  Shoot me an email…

I specialize in working with  Homebuyers & Sellers. You can contact me for information on  selling or purchasing property for sale in all of Rockland and Orange County.

Contact Information

Marilyn Malave
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty

50 S. Liberty Dr. Stony Point, NY 10980
Direct: (845)300-1741
Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com
Website: www.RandRealtor.com
Blog: www.RocklandBuzz.com

Here are some community events for this week. Why don’t you go and check them out

ROCKLAND, ORANGE & SULLIVAN COUNTIES:

May 13, 5:30 PM, Middletown – The Middletown Business & Professional Women’s Club presents “Fashion through the Decades,” its annual fashion show to raise scholarship money for local young women. Fashions from Gert Walker Fashions, Style Council, Fashion Bug, and Foellers Men’s Shop. At the Kuhl’s Highland House. $45. (845) 342-3962. (845) 343-2665 www.bpwmiddletownny.org

May 13, 6 PM, Congers – Annual Benefit for American Red Cross – Enjoy a fine meal at Restaurant X and Bully Boy Bar while helping to support the Rockland County Chapter of the American Red Cross. (845) 358-0833. rocklandevents@nyredcross.org

May 15, 7:30 PM, Sugar Loaf – Air Pirates Radio Theater Presents Herb Marks Freelance “It Ain’t Over ‘till The Fat Lady Swings” – Old time radio melodramas with a modern twist, follow Herb Marks and his side kick smokestack as they crack another caper. Audience invited to participate by creating sound effects. $15 (845)258-5299. www.airpiratesradiotheater.com , www.lyciancentre.com

May 16, 1:30 PM, Warwick – Duck Derby – Join in the fun with this great community event! At 1:30 PM the plastic ducks will race in the Wawayanda Creek. This coincides with the opening of Warwick’s Farmers Market! Benefit the Center and local clubs and charities. (845) 986-6686. www.winslow.org

May 16, June 13, 10-5 PM, Suffern – Street Fair – Peruse the booths of more than 100 vendors while you enjoy wonderful food, live music and activities for the entire family. Free (845) 357-8424 www.wehealtogether.com/SuffernStFairs.html

May 16, 10-5 PM, Nyack – Nyack’s Famous Street Fair presented by: The Arts, Crafts & Antique Dealers Association featuring over 300 vendors and dealers showing fine crafts, jewelry, art, photography and ceramics. The fair includes live entertainment and more. Main Street & Broadway. Free. (201) 66-6-1340. www.pjspromotions.com

Thru May 16, Nyack – Stage Left Children’s Theater presents A Year with Frog and Toad The musical follows the woodland adventures of two amphibious friends, a worrywart toad and a perky frog, with their assorted colorful hopping, crawling and flying companions. Performances: Friday, May 7, 14, 7 PM, Saturday, May 8, 15, 1 PM & 7 PM, Sunday, May 9, 16, 1 PM. Adults $15, seniors and Kids $12. (845) 365-9000. Purchase tickets: www.Tix4u.com , www.stageleftchildrenstheater.org

Thru May 26, Spring Valley and throughout Rockland – The JCC Rockland presents the 7th Annual Rockland Jewish Film Festival, featuring over a dozen films at various venues in Rockland County, along with guest speakers and panel discussions. Full Schedule TBD (845)362-4400. www.jccyofrockland.org

May thru December, Live Jazz Friday Nights at Windsor Grille Restaurant & Lounge. Featuring a variety of jazz, funk, blues and ballads. Enjoy dinner before or during the show by our Culinary Institute trained chef. Daily Prix Fixe Menu for under $20. (845) 623-6000.

Hi Everybody,

Here are today’s mortgage rates.  Still very low, but creeping up slowly.

See You Next Time

You can contact me to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in all of Rockland County.

Marilyn Malave Licensed Agent, Realtor®

Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty

(845) 300-1741

I am accepting referrals.

My real estate website is Marilyn Malave Rockland County NY Real Estate Website

Contact Information

Marilyn Malave
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty

Direct: (845)300-1741
Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com
Website: www.RandRealtor.com
Blog: www.RocklandBuzz.com

Don’t Just Walk on Your Floors Make Them Over | Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate

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I specialize in working with First Time Homebuyers & Sellers. You can contact me for information on  selling or purchasing property for sale in all of Rockland and Orange County.

Contact Information

Marilyn Malave
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty

50 S. Liberty Dr. Stony Point, NY 10980
Direct: (845)300-1741
Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com
Website: www.RandRealtor.com
Blog: www.RocklandBuzz.com

There are the record low interest rates, the huge inventory of competitively priced homes, and the $8,000 you get from the government as a first time home buyer. Two out of three of these reasons are not going to last for very long and that’s the low interest rates and the $8000 credit.
Now, I know that buying your first home can be a little intimidating, so I’ve put together a few web links to help you search for your dream home and help you get it, here they are… 

Researching Your Future Neighborhood  (one of my previous blog posts)
 
Home Search       (search for homes in Rockland County & Orange)

First-Time Homebuyer Credit Information 

This is the time to act, so take a deep breath, do your research, and grab hold of that good ‘ol American Dream before it slips through your fingers. You don’t want to end up waiting to long and then wishing you had acted sooner. 

Happy Hunting

I specialize in working with First Time Homebuyers. You can contact me for information on  purchasing property for sale in all of Rockland and Orange County.

Contact Information

Marilyn Malave
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty

50 S. Liberty Dr. Stony Point, NY 10980
Direct: (845)300-1741
Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com
Website: www.RandRealtor.com
Blog: www.RocklandBuzz.com

Prudential Rand Realty Is Now Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty…GO GREEN!!

Yes it true, our company has changed from Prudential Rand Realty to Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty. The news was as much of a surprise to me as it probably is to you. You cannot believe how excited I am about this change. It feels like a breath of fresh air in a market that certainy needs a positive change.

For 12 years the top real estate company in Rockland County was Prudential Rand Realty, and now guess what?…  Now that Prudential Rand Realty is Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty, Rockland County is still RAND COUNTRY!  It’s still us. We’re the same people giving you the same great service, except now the service we provide will be much much better. The new internet technology alone is going to set us apart from everyone else.

I must admit that changing from Prudential Rand Realty to Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty had me a little worried, I had a lot of questions, but my main concern when I heard about the change was, How will this impact my clients?… How is this better for them?  Oh Boy did I get my answer. I’m a firm believer in using the internet’s full potential for my clients and this is exactly what Better Homes and Gardens Rand Real Estate is all about. I was shown all the new programs to market my Home seller’s properties and get them sold, and all the new programs that help my Home buyers find the home of their dreams, and all in an easy and stress-free way. I am not easily impressed, but I must say I was blown away. 

There are only good things in our future and I have no doubt that my clients will be completely satisfied with all we have to offer.  I’ve earned  your trust in the past and this change will help me keep your trust now and into the future.

Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty…GO GREEN!!!!

See you all next time

You can contact me to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in all of Rockland County

Marilyn Malave
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, Agent REALTOR®
Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty

Direct: (845)300-1741
Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com
Website: www.RandRealtor.com
Blog: www.RocklandBuzz.com

See you next time

You can contact me to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in all of Rockland County.

Marilyn Malave Licensed Agent, Realtor®

Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty

(845) 300-1741

I am accepting referrals.

My real estate website is Marilyn Malave Rockland County NY Real Estate Website

Contact Information

Marilyn Malave
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty

Direct: (845)300-1741
Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com
Website: www.RandRealtor.com
Blog: www.RocklandBuzz.com

If you’re thinking of moving to Rockland County or if you currently reside here you don’t want to miss the Living in Rockland Expo being held at the Joseph T. St. Lawrence Community Center in Hillburn, NY on May 24th. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I think it’s so great that they’re doing this Expo, prospective and current residents can learn about different services that Rockland has to offer, and for the children there will be balloons, face painting, and toys. There will also be local bands that have agreed to play at the event.

I will be taking a few of my client homebuyers to the event so that they can get informed about the community and see how great it is to live in Rockland County. If you’re interested in buying a home in Rockland County and would like to go to the event give me a call and we’ll make a day of it

For more information about the event click HERE

See you all there!  

You can contact me to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in all of Rockland County.

Here are the mortgage rates for Monday, March 23rd.

The spring market is here and mortgage rates are super low. If you’re currently looking or are thinking of buying a home now is definitely the time.

If you want to search for listings click on this link  

Rockland & Orange County Listings.

See you next time

You can contact me to purchase a property or to list your property for sale in all of Rockland County.

Marilyn Malave Licensed Agent, Realtor® Prudential Rand Realty at (845) 300-1741 email: malavemarilyn@aol.com

I hope to see you all there, just  follow this for this link more information about the parade.

Here are the current mortgage rates as of March 17, 2009…

See you next time

You can contact me to purchase a property or to list your property for sale in all of Rockland County.

Marilyn Malave Licensed Agent, Realtor® Prudential Rand Realty at (845) 300-1741

 Contact Information

Marilyn Malave
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Prudential Rand Realty
Direct: (845)300-1741
Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com
Website: www.RandRealtor.com
Blog: www.RocklandBuzz.com

I am so proud of being a Rocklander and I’m sure all of you are as well. The beauty of Rockland County is just breathtaking, so lets keep it that way, take a look at the information below to see how you can help, and…

Lets Keep Rockland Beautiful!!!

See you next time

What’s your plan for Earth Day? Pass it on!   Quick Links Register a Cleanup Crew  Map of Sites and List of Who’s In You Tube of Trash Cans Can U Help? Raise $$$ for supplies (trash bags, shirts, ads, banners, litter grabbers) – please consider a donation! Current Sponsors and sponsor info     Bossy Frog donates tune to cleanup kids! A fun giveaway for your hardworking, litter-grabbing kids – listen to the tune on on KRB’s homepage, and request your copy via Email.   Stop Pollution Storm drains run to streams, carrying trash, lawn chemicals, grass clippings, dirt and other pollutants into our local water bodies, the sources of our drinking water.   Help the Earth   Clean a stream    Build community   Pick up trash   Meet a neighbor   Plant a flower     Invite a friend…  Alert your group…  Call KRB! 845-708-9159 krbexdir@aol.com Mark your calendars — spread the word! Keep Rockland Beautiful, a local nonprofit organization, coordinates the Great American Cleanup in Rockland. Somebody in your area is organizing a cleanup, and he or she needs your help. Can you commit a few hours to work on helping clean a park or stream, or plant flowers? Can you invite friends or put up a poster? KRB supplies trash bags, tools, and treats for volunteers, plus any organizational support you need. Wondering where to go and who to talk with? Check out our map of cleanup sites from last year, or just give us a call and we’ll help you to connect you to your local cleanup crew or start your own. Reach Andy at 845-708-9159, email krbexdir@aol.com, or drop by the office at 10 Maple Ave, New City (Clarkstown Town Hall).   Register Online and Win a Free Lawn Machine!  Your online registration automatically enters your name in a raffle to win either a gas powered weed wacker or leaf blower, courtesy of Troy-Bilt and Keep America Beautiful! See www.KeepRocklandBeautiful.org for more info.

As a realtor in Rockland County NY I’ve seen my fair share of homeowners and renters  who end up with lots of unwanted items that they need to get rid of fast. Of course you could always throw it out but why not give it away and keep it out of our landfills.

If the item is still in decent shape you could always give it away at  an online recycling network such as www.freecycle.org. This website is kind of like craigslist except no buying or selling is allowed, the things have to be given or taken away for free. The local Rockland County freecycle site is at Freecycle.org in Rockland County.

This is a great way to clear up some space and do something great for the environment, so please check it out and make sure you read all the rules of  participation.

See you next time

You can contact me to purchase a property or to list your property for sale in all of Rockland County.

Marilyn Malave Licensed Agent, Realtor® Prudential Rand Realty at (845) 300-1741

 Contact Information

Marilyn Malave
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Prudential Rand Realty
Direct: (845)300-1741
Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com
Website: www.RandRealtor.com
Blog: www.RocklandBuzz.com

Here are the mortgage rates as of February 17, 2009. The Spring market is right around the corner and the interest rates are still super low, so go out and start your home search today!

You can contact me to purchase a property or to list your property for sale in all of Rockland County.

Marilyn Malave Licensed Agent, Realtor® Prudential Rand Realty at (845) 300-1741

 Contact Information

Marilyn Malave
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Prudential Rand Realty
Direct: (845)300-1741
Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com
Website: www.RandRealtor.com
Blog: www.RocklandBuzz.com

Hi everybody, here are the current mortgage rates as of January 30, 2009.

		TODAY		LAST WEEK
30 yr fixed		5.33%		5.41%
15 yr fixed		5.06%		5.11%
5/1 ARM		5.59%		5.77%
30 yr fixed jumbo		6.84%		7.01%
5/1 jumbo ARM		5.97%		5.98%

 See you next time

You can contact me to purchase a property or to list your property for sale in all of Rockland County.

Marilyn Malave Licensed Agent, Realtor® Prudential Rand Realty at (845) 300-1741

Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com

 I am accepting referrals.

 My real estate website is Marilyn Malave Rockland County NY Real Estate Website

Blog: My Rockland County NY Real Estate Blog

 Contact Information

Marilyn Malave
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Prudential Rand Realty
Direct: (845)300-1741
Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com
Website: www.RandRealtor.com
Blog: www.RocklandBuzz.com

Those numbers are impressive. Look it over and let me know what you think.

Financing                 #Homes Sold                        Average Sale Price 

ARM                           20                                            $453,975

CASH                        119                                           $406,824

FHA                            57                                            $369,703

FIXED                       986                                          $435,810

FMHA                        4                                               $460,125

SONYMA                  13                                             $221,192

SRMK                        250                                          $490,057

VA LOAN                  5                                              $309,900

TOTALS                   1454                                         $438,139

See you next time

You can contact me to purchase a property or to list your property for sale in all of Rockland County. Marilyn Malave Licensed Agent, Realtor® Prudential Rand Realty at

(845) 300-1741

Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com

 I am accepting referrals.

My real estate website is Marilyn Malave Rockland County NY Real Estate Website

Blog: My Rockland County NY Real Estate Blog

Contact Information

Marilyn Malave
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Prudential Rand Realty
Direct: (845)300-1741
Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com
Website: www.RandRealtor.com
Blog: www.RocklandBuzz.com

Hi everybody, here are the current mortgage rates as of January 13, 2009.

They are still very low and prices of homes have come down significantly,

this is definitely the time to buy.

		TODAY		LAST WEEK
30 yr fixed		5.08%		5.33%
15 yr fixed		4.75%		4.97%
5/1 ARM		5.75%		5.86%
30 yr fixed jumbo		6.92%		7.05%
5/1 jumbo ARM		6.04%		5.96%

 See you next time

You can contact me to purchase a property or to list your property for sale in all of Rockland County. Marilyn Malave Licensed Agent, Realtor® Prudential Rand Realty at (845) 300-1741

Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com

 I am accepting referrals.

 My real estate website is Marilyn Malave Rockland County NY Real Estate Website

Blog: My Rockland County NY Real Estate Blog

 Contact Information

Marilyn Malave
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Prudential Rand Realty
Direct: (845)300-1741
Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com
Website: www.RandRealtor.com
Blog: www.RocklandBuzz.com

Lets make it a great 2009!!!!!!

See you next time

You can contact me to purchase a property or to list your property for sale in all of Rockland County. Marilyn Malave Licensed Agent, Realtor® Prudential Rand Realty at (845) 300-1741

Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com

 I am accepting referrals.

My real estate website is Marilyn Malave Rockland County NY Real Estate Website

Blog: My Rockland County NY Real Estate Blog

Contact Information

Marilyn Malave
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Prudential Rand Realty
Direct: (845)300-1741
Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com
Website: www.RandRealtor.com
Blog: www.RocklandBuzz.com

30 yr fixed mortgage                 5.26%              5.29%

15 yr fixed mortgage                 5.07%              5.23%

5/1 ARM                                 5.86%              5.83%

30 yr fixed jumbo mtg               6.96%              6.85%

5/1 jumbo ARM                       5.91%              5.87%

See you next time

You can contact me to purchase a property or to list your property for sale in all of Rockland County. Marilyn Malave Licensed Agent, Realtor® Prudential Rand Realty at

(845) 300-1741

Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com

 I am accepting referrals.

My real estate website is Marilyn Malave Rockland County NY Real Estate Website

Blog: My Rockland County NY Real Estate Blog

Contact Information

Marilyn Malave
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Prudential Rand Realty
Direct: (845)300-1741
Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com
Website: www.RandRealtor.com
Blog: www.RocklandBuzz.com

30 Year Conforming Fixed Rate    5.250% 0 Points

15 Year Conforming Fixed Rate    5.125% 0 Points

5/1 ARM Conforming                     5.375% .5 Points

30 Year Jumbo Fixed Rate            5.625% 0 Points

See you next time

You can contact me to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in all of Rockland County. Marilyn Malave Licensed Agent, Realtor® Prudential Rand Realty at (845) 300-1741

I am accepting referrals.

My real estate website is Marilyn Malave Rockland County NY Real Estate Website

Marilyn Malave Licensed Real Estate Agent, REALTOR® Prudential Rand Realty Direct: (845)300-1741 Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com Website: Marilyn Malave Rockland County NY Real Estate Website

Blog: My Rockland County NY Real Estate

Contact Information

Marilyn Malave
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Prudential Rand Realty
Direct: (845)300-1741
Email: malavemarilyn@aol.com
Website: www.RandRealtor.com
Blog: www.RocklandBuzz.com