Cat friendly carpeting - Carpets that work well with Cats Cats are a very important part of the household, and my customers know I love cats (as well as dogs). I “own” 2 cats…or maybe I should say, they own me and allow me to pay the mortgage. Cats are wonderful, but sometimes they can do number on carpets, so it’s ideal to select a carpet that will co-exist well with your cat. What types of carpets are best for cats?     The most common issue with cats are that the carpet pulls (especially if they have claws). But,, there can also be issues with hair balls, vomit, spraying and urine. Once you have spraying and/or urine in the carpet, it’s nearly impossible to solve short of removing the carpet. That’s because of 2 things. First, cats can smell much better than we can. Second, usually, ... 01/14/2013

Refinishing hardwood floors in Briarcliff NY - Everything you ever wanted to know about sanding your floors. Refinishing your hardwood floors can have a huge impact on your Briarcliff home. You will be amazed at how refreshed your home will look...and the floors will look good as new. Many don't realize that when you sand and refinish the floors, you have the option to change the color - you can go from dark to light or light to dark or anywhere in between.   If you have hardwood flooring underneath your carpet, you are in luck. Usually, refinishing and restoring the hardwood will cost LESS than recarpeting. And, most homeowners prefer the look and feel of hardwood. Not only will it improve your home's value, but they are much easier to clean and maintain. How does the hardwood refinish... 12/16/2012

If you're looking for a light colored hardwood floor, consider maple  flooring for your home in Briarcliff NY. Maple flooring is a light blond color with low graining. It’s a light, smooth look that can open up any room and give a modern, contemporary and northern European feel.     Maple flooring is harder than oak. On the Janka hardness scale, Maple is a 1450 vs. red oak which is 1290. Maple is lighter than oak flooring and its grain is smoother. While traditionally a light blond color, the shade of maple flooring can differ depending on its age and the area where it was grown. Maple’s appearance also differs based on how the trees are cultivated. Flame maple, quilted maple and bird’s eye maple are 3 different types grain patterns that will give your room 3 different looks.     Maple ... 11/17/2012

What are the advantages of Oak Hardwood Floors for your home in Briarcliff NY? Oak is the most popular species of hardwood flooring here in Briarcliff NY. If you see hardwood in a home, chances are it's oak. Why is oak hardwood flooring so popular? 1. Oak flooring is very affordable since it's grown in the US and is  abundant. Oak hardwood tends to be less expensive compared to the other species (such as maple, hickory, brazilian cherry, etc). And, in Briarcliff NY, it's very readily available to get unfinished oak hardwood flooring. Often, unfinished oak flooring (that is refinished and stained on-site) is a bit less expensive than prefinished oak, especially as you go wider in the plank size.     2. Oak flooring is the standard of hardness, and oak tends to hide scratches well. On the... 10/12/2012

Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Flooring is growing in popularity in Briarcliff NY.  Its brilliant red color and exquisite graining gives is breathtaking.   As the name implies, Brazilian Cherry hardwood grows in Brazil. Due to the climate and growing cycles, Brazilian Cherry is much harder than the typical oak you traditionally see here in the US. On the Janka hardness scale, Red Oak is a 1290 while Brazilian Cherry is 2350 - almost twice as hard.   But, the main reason customers love Brazilian Cherry is its beauty. The redness and depth of color is unparalleled, along with the richness of its smooth graining. Even if you stain oak to be red, you can't get same effect - it's impossible. Take a look.   Brazilian Cherry typically comes in wider planks which is more stylish and makes the space ... 10/11/2012

Everything you ever wanted to know about Carpet runners. In Briarcliff NY, carpet runners for the steps have become more and more popular. What are carpet runners? A carpet runner goes on top of your hardwood steps. Unlike wall to wall carpet, carpet runners cover most of the step, but still show the hardwood on either side. They are bound on the sides for a finished look. Why are carpet runners so popular in Briarcliff NY? Carpet runners serve 2 purposes: 1) they make the stairs safer - they help prevent slipping and 2) they add a decorative element. By having a some sort of carpet on the steps, it adds traction and friction so you are less likely to fall, especially if you are wearing socks in your home. Also, it makes it easier on your feet, knees and back when you are walking up and... 10/07/2012

It's the beginning of a new month...and do you know what that means?  Time to go back and review the top performing posts from the previous month.  These are sorted by number of clicks.  It's always good to go back and see what's working (and what's not).  And, by noting them on here, I give them a bit more of a google juice infusion. Here's a quick/easy way to do Google +   Are you using Google +? Are you helping your fellow Rainers?   Can you install hardwood in a basement?   Is this the Flooring Girl? Wow, you're "like" an internet celebrity!   Advice needed...One of my competitors just went out of business   I closed another sale thanks to the great reviews on Google Places   09/30/2012

Yes, it's amazing what a haircut can do for your spirits. I already closed another sale...and totally changed directions on stain color with a customer and she LOVES it.  Originally, she wanted us to match the color of the steps.  Everything was being driven by the steps - a mid toned brown.    It was like the tail wagging the dog.  So I suggested we test ebony stain...it would be sleek, stylish and reduce the graining that she didn't seem to like.  She loved it.  Now she is staining the steps, too so it all matches.  I can't wait to see the end result.   Oh, and we got 3 more very promising appts set up...all of them in a rush (which is good). I'm back! 08/24/2012

Spacious Well Maintained Briarcliff Manor Home 12 Plumwood Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510 View Map Location, Location, Location! Spacious, very well maintained Briarcliff Manor home located on quiet cul-de-sac overlooking Trump International Golf Course. 5 bedroom, 2.5 bath home on beautifully landscaped level lot with circular driveway, attached two car garage, formstone patios and walkway. The large entry hall opens up to a formal livingroom with stone fireplace, hardwood floors and lots of windows. Both formal dining room and eat in kitchen are looking out at the golf course. The family room comes with a fireplace, built ins and glass sliders leading out to a large patio & very private yard. The spacious first floor master bedroom suite has it's own bathroom, walk in closets, and ... 08/01/2012

Have you moved into your new home yet? by Feng Shui Li and New York State Many clients I have been working with these days say they are either to busy, not fully committed to living in their new home or are simply lazy about moving in.  When you do not move in or in Feng Shui terms "claim your space," you are not energetically grounded and supported. If that is the case, how do you expect to grow, develop and progress in other areas of your life? Where you live is home. Wheater you choose to move or had to, that new location is your home.  Let that be a studio apartment, dorm room, trailer, mansion, 2-3 level house, it does not matter.  You need to love and respect that space and it will do the same for you. Once you commit to that new home and move in, take the time to arrange your lay... 07/28/2012

In the early 1970s a study was conducted ranking the levels of stress 43 different life events produced, and if the amount, and type of stress induced illness.   Back then, a change of living conditions, or change of residence fell in the middle, somewhere between a loss of job and changes in social structure, like school and families. While I'd bet the ranking would be different today, the events causing stress are the same. Even under the best of circumstances, moving is burdensome. Besides the physical task, there are endless details, as well as emotional and financial issues to consider. But factor in having lived in a house for decades-there are the new realities of the real estate market, as well a myriad of tax laws and other rules about selling, and structuring any gains. And o... 05/30/2012

1st Thursdays... Night Lights... Briarcliff Manor NY 10510...   this is a monthly event in which businesses have extended hours (stay open until 8:00 PM) and host special events within the village of Briarcliff Manor NY 10510.  Each month has a new theme which your Briarcliff Manor business can incorporate into its promotions and activities... or bring the family, explore and enjoy... tell your friends, too. It will take place from May through September and one final event in December... and don't forget to stop by our William Raveis Legends Realty Group Office on Pleasantville Road in Briarcliff Manor for some treats. ​ 1 May 3rd - Spring FlingJune 7th - Texas Bar-B-Q (Chili Cook-off)July 12th - Americana (Apple Pie Contest)August 2nd - Artist in the VillageSeptember 1st - Kid’s Night... 04/24/2012

Selecting carpet for your home in Briarcliff NY has never been easier...now, you can Shop at Home for your carpeting in Westchester NY. Have you ever gone to a carpet store and just felt lost and overwhelmed?  Sometimes, there are so many options that you don't even know where to start.  Sometimes, you may go into a store and find so many choices that you leave more confused than you felt when you entered?  How do you know what's the best type of carpet for your home in Briarcliff NY?  What's the right one for your budget?  And, what's the right color? We make shopping for carpeting fun and easy. Everything starts with the area you are looking to carpet.  Is it for a bedroom or a lviing room or a family room or basement or the step?  Different rooms require different types of carpeting.... 03/19/2012

My Top 5 Blog Posts of all time - Westchester NY Hardwood flooring These are sorted based on clicks.  It's fun to see the numbers continue to grow each month and which ones really have staying power.  As I've learned which ones are most popular, I've also created some variations on my wordpress site on these topics and I continue to backlink to them on newer blog posts. I now have my first post with over 5,000 clicks.  I'm sure there are many here with much higher stats. 1. What types of Hardwood Flooring are best for pets - Westchester NY and Stamford CT (12/17/10) This was also reblogged 37 times (and I don't have a way to track those clicks.  5,030 clicks.  This is a topic a lot of customers wonder about.   2.  Hire a contractor you can trust - Hope this doesn't happen to you  (7/4/1... 03/13/2012

Are you looking to sand and refinish hardwood floors in Briarcliff NY?   It's amazing what a difference refinishing your hardwood flooring can make.  Your floors will look brand new and you even have the option to change the color.  You can go light, dark, mid tones, or red tones. It can really give your home (or room) a whole new look.   If you have hardwood underneath your carpets, we can restore the beauty of the hardwood underneath. It's amazing what a big difference this can make in your home.  And, believe it or not, it is usually less expensive to refinish your floors than to recarpet.  Refinishing your wood floors will also improve your home's value and it will be easier to clean and maintain.   At Floor Coverings International, we are a shop at home service.  We will bring the ... 02/06/2012

It is always interesting to shift gears from figuring out a way to get my listings on page 1 of Google for certain hyper local keywords frequented by consumers in 2012 to a question straight from 1995. Specifically, I was contacted by someone whose house recently expired unsold and we discussed their options. As they picked my brain about how I sell my listings, the question was posed "do you have an office?" Now, this is not a dumb question. It is actually an understandable question. Having worked from home for some time and then opening up our brick and mortar office, I did see a difference in perception from colleagues and consumers alike. Office space can make a difference. That said, if your home is unique and appeals to a more uncommon, specific niche buyer, the real question for ... 12/21/2011

Fabulously Elegant Briarcliff Manor Custom Home 14 Macy Circle, Briarcliff , 10591 View Map PRICE JUST REDUCED - Tastefully renovated & updated 5 bedroom, 3 bath home on quiet, bucolic cul-de-sac. No expense has been spared. Expansive front to back entry hall w. den has a new natural stone tile floor & glass sliders out to private patio & deck. Up a short staircase to an over sized living room featuring gleaming hardwood floors, custom woodwork, tray ceiling, recessed lighting & lots of windows, including a huge bay window. Charming dining room opens up to a study w. a beautiful stone fireplace. The gorgeous eat in kitchen boasts granite counter tops, a center island, stainless steel appliances, porcelain tile back splash, lots of cabinets, a large skylight & a back staircase to the de... 12/16/2011

When you hear a name like "Briarcliff Classic and Imported Car Service" you might envision a garage filled with Porches and Fiats with a temperamental guy in a beret acting more like a chef than a mechanic. With BCI, however, you'd be wrong. I remember Briarcliff Classic from when I was a kid in the 1970s and through the years in their out of the way place on Woodside Avenue and knew that nobody wore a beret, but it wasn't until this past week that I experienced firsthand how down to Earth and committed they are.  I have a BMW which has always run well, but was completely dead one morning. It seemed like a simple dead battery, and after calling the dealership and hearing there was a wait I thought of BCI. They did work for us about 10 years ago, and I did recall they were good. I forgot... 11/26/2011

48 powerless hours and two chilly nights where the temperature in our home hit the 40's can affect a guy. Like many people who lost power in the worst October snowstorm ever to hit Westchester County, we had to "camp" a little in our home, getting acclimated with flashlights, candles, sleeping bags and fireplaces. Two powerless nights were rough in different ways; the first night was out of routine for the children, especially Gregory, who is on the spectrum for autism. The second night was better for the kids, even a bit more fun, but virtually sleepless for me, because it was bloody cold and I was constantly feeding the fireplace every 90 minutes for some ambient heat.  With the lights out in our neighborhood that long, we decided that even after power returned that the kids should tr... 10/31/2011

Tile Flooring Trends - Westchester County - 3rd Quarter 2011 1.  Natural Stone or Natural Stone look. Customers in Westchester are moving away from shiny/glossy towards a more tumbled natural stone look.  Granite and marble are shiny and challenging to maintain as they show dirt and water spots more.  They also require more maintenance (including sealing).  A natural look, especially porcelains that look like natural stone are visually more appealing and practically hide more dirt with the color and texture variation.  They are easier to clean and easier to maintain as you don't need to seal them (nor reseal them) as you do with natural stone.   2.  Larger size tiles . Large sizes make the space look larger.  At a minimum, you should be using 12 x 12 tiles.  But, if your space is larger... 10/20/2011