Here's How You Can Help! Please Donate Cleaning Supplies Local Drop Off Centers in Newburgh NY     In Newburgh NY the local Batallion #3 Fire Departments are looking to help with the clean up process from Hurricane Sandy. The firehouses are participating as drop off centers and asking you to join in the effort too. Many areas in New York and New Jersey are in major need of supplies. What do they need?... things to clean up with. Mops, shovels, buckets, brooms, rakes, goggles and masks are all in major demand. Bleach, Lysol, Ammonia rubbergloves and plastic bags would all be great to have. This is one way to help participate in the clean up process. ... and with the weather turning colder there is a need for warm clothing. The following items are on their wish list. Winter Coats, Gloves,... 11/06/2012

Does Your Home Have a WORKING Carbon Monoxide Detector?CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING CAN BE FATAL In the wake of Hurricane Sandy many people in the Newburgh area have been using all sorts of “creative ways” to stay warm.  Heavy blankets and lots of snuggling is one way, but there has been an increasing amount of people not listening to all the warnings. The improper use of generators has caused many problems along with using a charcoal grill for heat inside a home.  Many people don’t understand that is not just the actual fire that is worrisome, but the actual fumes from the flames. The outcome has been a number of emergencies related to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. There have been reports of Emergency Services called to over 20 locations in the area due to alarms and some ER visits. Carbon M... 11/05/2012

Winter Approaches Newburgh NY Speechless Sundays  Mr. Squirrel probably does not know that the clocks were set back today marking the end of day light savings time. Winter is on its way and time to get ready for snow. Although he does not wear a watch or have a calendar in his back pocket, he is right on schedule.  Gathering nuts and storing up for the winter he instinctively knows what to do and when. His internal clock works quite well. With another storm approaching the Newburgh NY area this week he will be ready.   Janis Borgueta is a Realtor in Newburgh NY. Her blog is about living, working and Real Estate in The Hudson Valley. If you would like more information about Real Estate in Newburgh NY and Living in the Hudson Valley, please subscribe to this blog. When you are looking to ... 11/04/2012

Newburgh NY was not the worst hit during Hurricane Sandy. It is hard to imagine from this photo that a Hurricane passed through the area only a few days ago. News reports still paint a very grim picture of the aftermath. Newburgh faired much better than NYC did and is well on the way to recovery. Many people still have power outages and were victim to fallen trees and extensive property damage. Althought a slow process, things continue getting back to normal in Newburgh NY. Trees are being cut down and removed from lying on top of houses and across public roads. Power lines are being detangled and rebuilt with new transformers and supplying much needed power to the anxiously awaiting community. Some neighborhoods are up and running while others remain in the dark. Sandy was selective wi... 11/03/2012

 Halloween 2012 A Quiet Night in Newburgh NY Halloween this year was definitely not the same. Our visit with Hurricane Sandy this week had shifted priorities for many in the community. Some of us are luckier than others since the Hurricane stormed through the region. Schools have been closed all week and power restoration is slow but steady. Halloween, Trick or Treat, and costumes have taken a back seat for many during the cleanup. Many locations have canceled Halloween and other locations postponed festivities until the weekend. I know that kids are very disappointed as it is always fun to run around the neighborhood and filling their buckets with candy.  This year is a bit different. Safety for many locations was an issue with downed trees and power lines still decorating the streets ... 10/31/2012

 Newburgh NY - Clean Up Begins Now! Hurricane Sandy has left Newburgh. The rains and wind have died down and the sun even came out for a brief moment or two today.   A storm of an unprecedented magnitude has now passed our area and moved on. I can’t say that I know anyone that is not happy to see this uninvited guest leave our region.  In her wake, Hurricane Sandy downed trees and cut off electricity to many areas. Many people are looking for answers as to when power will be restored to Newburgh, Cornwall and New Windsor. The cleanup crews were out in full force today cutting down trees and removing debris from all over the area.  Crews are out working nonstop to restore electricity to everyone as quickly as possible. Schools were closed today and we are all hoping that they will open a... 10/30/2012

A Pre-Frankenstorm Checklist for Newburgh NY  Speechless Sunday - Almost! If you are like me the last few days were focused on gathering necessary supplies while Hurricane Sandy continues to barrel up the Atlantic Coast. Flashlights, bottled water, candles, radio, batteries, extra ice, and nonperishable foods are all now awaiting their role, should the need arise. My husband secured outdoor furniture and other debris that could become a projectile if the winds pick up as expected.  Neighbors made provisions for their pets and I’m happy to say we are all as prepared as we can be.   Last but not least the pumpkin and flowers from my front porch are now hiding out inside... NOT forgotten.   Janis Borgueta is a Realtor in Newburgh NY. Her blog is about living, working and Real Estate in The... 10/28/2012

Three Open Houses on the Same Day Great Choices, but Not for Long Open Houses - Sunday October 28th 2012 New Homes in the Hudson Valley are Selling! Meadow Winds at Highland Manor Townhouses at 235 Orleans Road in the Town of Newburgh NY 12 to 4pm - Stop in  and say hello to Mike and he will be glad to show you around. Eight brand new beautiful townhouses are all new to the market. What could be better than a brand new townhouse with these spectacular views. Prices start at $239K for 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Own your own home and no mowing the grass! 6 Military Lane Cornwall on Hudson NY Visit this traditional looking colonial home on Sunday between 11 and 2pm and Rich will be happy to greet you. This home is brand new and has some really cool features. Master on both levels and a beau... 10/26/2012

Are You Prepared in Newburgh NY? Hurricane Sandy May Be Headed Our Way Hurricanes are not just in Florida! If you have been listening to the weather today you most likely have already heard about the potential for some rather horrific weather coming north from the Caribbean. Hurricane Sandy, better known as Frankenstorm is headed north over the weekend and the potential for some pretty terrible weather seems destined  for our area. Still a bit early to predict the path of this storm, but the reports are expecting that we will experience some heavy rain, flooding and electrical outages.The predicted path is not absolute, but Frankenstorm won’t send out a memo to each of us individually. It will pound on your door when it is good and ready. While nobody can stop the storm it is best to be... 10/25/2012

 What to Expect in Newburgh NY... Will Prices Go Much Lower? New Construction Homes in Newburgh NY are selling. Sales are increasing and more buyers are getting off the fence. Interest rates are amazingly low. Monthly payments are at a more reasonable number. Affordability and value is important for buyers today, and they see a brand new home as the answer. Buyers search all options and come up with a very similar answer… New Construction has Real Value! Builders are including so many features, therefore making the decision to purchase new, an easy one. Simply comparing the new home to an existing home of similar size and features, doesn’t always work in favor of the older homes right now. Builders have lowered their prices to reflect the market and the new home buyers are the winners. ... 10/25/2012

New Construction Model Home is Open for Touring this Sunday October 28th 2012 ~ 1 to 4pm Balmville Estates in the Town of Newburgh NY Three Bedroom Three Bath New Construction Home at $312,500 Come visit me this weekend at Balmville Estates in the Town of Newburgh NY. Only 60 miles north of New York City this home is almost complete. Our builders are asking to show off this beauty while we wait for the bank to get ready for the closing.  In our seven lot subdivision we now have one sold, two more under contract, and maybe a third. That leaves only TWO lots to choose from. Ask to see plans for a ranch, a cape, a bilevel or a colonial. Your dream home can be located in this beautiful Hamlet of Balmville.  View the Model Home Sunday October 28th from 1 to 4pm From exit 10 head North on 9W ... 10/23/2012

Get Ready for Winter in Newburgh NY The days and nights are getting cooler in Newburgh NY and soon snowflakes will be falling. Dipping temperatures and colder weather bring out thoughts of hibernation. It is easy to stay home rather than venture out when cold. A night in front of the fireplace all warm and cozy a major plus in my book. New Construction Homes frequently come equipped with a fireplaces. A wood burning fireplace is a bit more maintenance, but is preferred by many for a more authentic look and smell. A call to a chimney sweep can put your fireplace in order in no time.  It has been recommended to clean your chimney approximately every 75 fires to avoid buildup.  Cleaning out the hearth of ashes after each fire is important too. If you have an older home and you have never u... 10/22/2012

Speechless Sundays Vibrant Colors All Around the Hudson Valley! The fall brings many colors to the Hudson Valley. Over the last few weeks I have watched the leaves as they have changed from green to yellow, orange and red. The transition of the changing colors is always a magnificent event. Today the sun was bright and the leaves were happy to dance in the sunshine.   I believe it was their last hurrah as we are at the peak of color for the season. In the next few days the colors will fade and the trees will shed their leaves in time for the winter snow. The Hudson Valley is a beautiful place to live. Janis Borgueta is a Realtor in Newburgh NY. Her blog is about living, working and Real Estate in The Hudson Valley. If you would like more information about Real Estate in Newburgh NY and ... 10/21/2012

- New Homes Newburgh NY – Stainless Steel Appliances Are So Last Year!  Or Maybe Not…. Watch any of the HGTV shows lately? If you have you may be hearing about what is “current” when choosing appliances. Have you redone your kitchen lately? Maybe you know what I’m talking about. The new trend is color for appliances and stainless steel is not always at the top anymore? Are you seeing this trend? Maybe you are looking for something a bit different.  White Ice is being featured by Whirlpool. An upscale European trend is showing bright colors, for a new and exciting look. Think twice before jumping to the most trendy colors and styles though. Impulsive buying can be costly and hard when it comes time to resell your home. Some things that are too trendy get old quickly.  Stainless steel sti... 10/15/2012

 My Top Five Hudson Valley Favorites The Hudson Valley is known to have a plethora of restaurants. After all, we are home to the CIA - Culinary Institute of America, in Hyde Park NY. Many CIA grads have remained in the Hudson Valley and opened some rather amazing restaurants in our area. While my favorite chefs are not all CIA grads, I think that my choices are pretty delicious places to eat. My choices reflect a variety of restaurants from Thai to Pancakes on the Farm. Good food and great ambiance a favorite and an occasional upscale special treat is always a plus. My husband and I don’t always agree on where to go, but we do enjoy eating out often and do take turns with our favorites. I am a vegetarian, so all are “veggie friendly”. It is always great to see new restaurants open with ... 10/13/2012

Halloween Safety in Newburgh NY Keeping Our Furry Friends Safe on Halloween Halloween is just another day of the year to our pets. While it is fun to include them in the festivities, knowing some safety tips would be a great idea. A few common sense rules can keep your pets happy and healthy on the spookiest night of the year. The number one problem is CANDY! That bowl of treats can be DEADLY to pets. Lulu and Fluffy may love a sweet treat, but candy is toxic to pets… especially chocolate and artificial sweeteners. Watch out for carved pumpkins and candles. A waggy tail can cause a fire and a pup or kitten could get hurt.  Nibbling on pumpkin may not be toxic, but that decoration could cause problems. A tummy upset from too much of something new in Rovers diet can add stress. Make sure ... 10/11/2012

 Some Things Are Better with Age Wordless Wednesday Shiny and Not So New  A vintage truck crossed my path this weekend in the Hudson Valley.  Not a drop of sunshine to reflect off the hood, this truck had without a doubt the most exquisite paint job I’d ever seen.  The driver looked pretty happy sitting behind the wheel and drove through town not just once, but twice to show off this beauty. I am sure he gets a lot of attention in his little red truck! My choice? I would prefer a little vintage convertible Jag. Baby Blue Please! Janis Borgueta is a Realtor in Newburgh NY. Her blog is about living, working and Real Estate in The Hudson Valley. If you would like more information about Real Estate in Newburgh NY and Living in the Hudson Valley, please subscribe to this blog. When you are l... 10/09/2012

Is Your Dream Home in the Town of Newburgh NY?  Check Out the Top Ten Here The Town of Newburgh NY has a wide variety of homes. Prices vary depending on neighborhood and style. Many homes are located on the Hudson River with some pretty amazing river-views. Have you ever wondered what it would take to be at the top of the market? Maybe you know and would like to purchase a home in Balmville. Take a look to see what the current Real Estate Market has to offer. Maybe these homes are something you can afford? or maybe just a dream. Selling your home? It is always good to know what is on the market, and when you are ready… contact me. Search for luxury and waterfront properties. Homes are not just on the Hudson River but on lakes in the region. Let me know what you are looking for and I can... 10/09/2012

Why Purchase New? The Verdict is In! I frequently get asked about the prices on New Construction Homes vs. Resale Properties in Newburgh NY. “Why buy new?” My answer is always the same - VALUE! A price on any home reflects not only size, but condition and age. A 25 year old home will need remodeling and repairs. Add up the cost of fixing the home up after closing and now the two homes vary greatly in the actual cost and value afforded new buyers. Interest rates are now at an all-time low. The numbers make sense as New Construction Homes in Newburgh start as low as $269,000. An active lifestyle seems to encourage my buyers to find a home that is easier to take care of. Maintenance is something to be expected, but remodeling and repairing can frazzle anyone’s nerves and deplete a budget v... 10/07/2012

Selling Your Newburgh NY Home? What About Those Furry Friends?     If it's time to sell your home you have already figured out that the task to get it ready is enormous. If you are like me then you know how pets rule the home. Quinn was the best, but he did give our house a few "lived in" upgrades. When selling your home think about what a potential buyer may see and smell when they walk through the front door. Does the house have increased wear and tear? You may not be so objective, and Fluffy has left a few carpet stains that may be problem for new owners. Fido scratched the paint off the backdoor. Maybe not a huge problem, but it could cost you more money if not fixed prior to listing. Examine your home for fur, dirt and scratches on the floors, woodwork and walls. Make the effort to... 10/03/2012