Chirping Birds in my backyardI couldn’t help listening to the chirping birds. It was another reminded of how entertaining wildlife can be.I did not see the birds however their presence was felt.The best part I did not have to leave my backyard for this concert. If you like the idea of country life; and would like to live here permanently, or you would like to find a second home give me a call 845-758-6842 06/23/2012

Are you looking for a Red Hook homes with acreage? Let me tell you about 237 Rockefeller Lane also known as Strawberry Meadows.“Strawberry Meadows” consists of almost 10 acres (9.86 acres) with protected view sheds of wide open fields and stunning vistas of the Catskill Mountains. At the end of a tree lined driveway you will find a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, Ranch. From the large bay window in the living room you will gaze at peaceful views of the mountains. There is an open floor plan between kitchen and family room and here you will find custom cabinets, a granite top island, and 3 skylights to bring in the natural light along with a large built-in book case, and a pellet stove. There is a master suite with office space that makes working from home easy. This Red Hook home is really designe... 06/22/2012

On Tuesday June 12, 2012 the Montgomery Place Farmstand located on Route 9G in the town of Red Hook NY opened for the season. Check the Montgomery Place Orchard Website regularly to see what will be available next. The Fincke family have operated the orchard for over a quarter century, and the farmstand was first opened back in the 1930's when car owners started to take rides in the country. Once you stop by and try some of the fruits you will return for more.   orginally posted at www.jfivehomes.com/blog 06/20/2012

Reviewing the real estate market data for Red Hook during May 2012 there were 4 sales in the town and 2 in the village. One of the property was listed at over 2 million dollars but showed a sale price of $480,000, after checking with the listing agent I was satisfied it was not an arms length transaction. I was also delighted that one of the home sold in Red Hook in May was one of my listing. Town of Red Hook real estate report for single family detached homes Active Listings 15 Avg list $ 345,893 Avg DOM 27 Avg sqft 2,098 Avg $/sqft $ 168   ___________________________________________________ Offers 3 Avg list $204,667 Avg DOM 61 Avg sqft 1966 Avg $/sqft $ 104 ___________________________________________________ Contracts 1 – Avg list $ 429,000 Avg DOM 17 Avg sqft 1664 Avg $/sqft $258 __... 06/18/2012

                                            Kerley Homstead Farm| Tracy and Sabatino Salvatico Red Hook Village Farmers’ Market opened on June 9th and the participation level was very good. This is all new for the village, a winter market has beeen in operation for several years so it made sense to have a summer market. Having a market in the Village of Red Hook will bring foot traffic which could also lead to more support for the other businesses in the village. When: Saturday Time: 10am – 2pm Manager: Louise Rose of Table & Talent | tableandtalent@gmail,com Market will run from June 9th – September 15, 2012 Now lets take a look at some of the scenes from the first day of operation.   Fresh organic vegetable                    Some of the vendors Red Hook Community garden and Rusty’s o... 06/15/2012

 Today was the Red Hook Chamber meeting and the venue was at one of the Hudson Valley historical site.   This blog is just showing photos of the grounds and the visitor's center.  An upcoming blog will highlight the lovely masion with Hudson River Views.   06/06/2012

When I put a garden in, my aim is to have colors all season; right now purple reign in my garden.  Next comes the pink peonies and the white feverfew. For now purple can reign in my garden, and I love the fact I have several shades. The plants are so lush this year and I am lovely it, if only my nose could too.       05/23/2012

In April 2012 2 single family detached homes closed in Red Hook; that was 2 less than in 2011.   In 2011 the homes sold where all under $200,000 and this year the 2 homes sold were in the $300,000 price range. During the month there were 12 new listings ranging in price from $179,900 to $1,895,000. with the smallest house coming in at 864 square feet and the largest at 4838 square feet. It was also noted that both homes sold had several price reduction before selling.  A reminder to sellers to keep an eye on the market data and to make price adjustment when necessary to get their home sold. I was listening to CNN this weekend and I heard a quote I had to repeat "life can't wait for the housing marketing to improve"  This was in reference to couple  making the adjustment in their home pr... 05/20/2012

The Old Dutch Village Garden Club is having their annual plant sale  in Red Hook this Friday May 18th.This is always a popular event, and the plants really go quickly.  To get the most out of this event you need to get there early.The plants are priced reasonable, and you know you are getting some really nice plants since they come from the gardens of the Old Dutch Village Garden Club members.There is also a bake sale in conjunction with the plant sale, these are both fundraisers for the club and the money is used to help beautify the Red Hook parks, and for an annual scholarship given to a Red Hook High School Senior.When:  May 18, 2012Where:  Memorial Park Red Hook NYTime:      8:30 AM 05/15/2012

There is a lot happening in Red Hook this weekend.  The weather is suppose to be lovely too. So what really is going on in Red Hook this weekend?    Expect to hear music, see paintings and vendors with all sorts of wares.  There will be a scavenger hunt, parade and so much more. It is also the kickoff of the Red Hook Bicentennial, and you can expect to see some wonderful events over the next six months. In the past I have met visitors from as far as Westchester, so come by and enjoy some Northern Dutchess fun,     05/11/2012

This is a spacious furnished one bedroom apartment for rent; conveniently located to the Villages of Red Hook and Rhinebeck.Comes with a large living room. dining area, kitchen, bedroom, laundry room and  a bathroom with an extra wide door.You will love this apartment, as it is surrounded by flowers, owner is an avid gardener.Square feet: 964Monthly rental : $975 and includes utilities  | you are responsible for your phone serviceDeposit:  First and last monthNo smoking or pets Also available as a summer rental, call for details. Virtual tour for 217 Route 199 04/27/2012

During March in Red Hook NY 11 new listings came on the market, 2 of the listings were bank owned and 2 were in an area that has remained stable for some time. The price range on these listings was $84,500-$519,900. At the end of March one listing in Red Hook went under contract. This home went quickly because it was priced well. How many homes sold in Red Hook in March? 4 homes sold ranging from $190,000-$610,000, age ranged from 1850-2011, and the average price of the homes sold was $393,750. How did this March compare to March 2011? Last year there were 2 sales, this year 4. I hope that trend continues.    Single Family detached inventory for Red Hook NY in March 2012 Active 11 Contract 1 Average List $331,555 Average List $299,900 Average DOM 23 Average DOM 43 Average SQFT 2111 Aver... 04/12/2012

Could this be green fencing in Red Hook.  I went passed this farm several times, and I noticed the bales of hays at the edge of the farmland.  On my last trip I also noticed that they were stacked between post, and then it struck me could this be a form of green fencing in Red Hook?   I am sure those bales would remain intact until the crop was harvested.       04/08/2012

Sonando Latin music returns to Red Hook.  Sonando  is a premier Hudson Valley Latin band and performed here in Red Hook on April 6th last year and was well received, so the band is back.  This was a fundraiser for the Red Hook Library. The band plays a variety of latin music which should keep the attendees entertained as well as up and moving. Like last year the event will be held again at the Red Hook Firehouse. When: April 14th Time: 7PM Where: 42 Firehouse Lane Cost $20 Adult   12 and under $10 Contact: Sandy  845-757-3031       03/24/2012

There are always many events taking place in the Hudson Valley, one upcoming events that will make knitters, weavers and anyone working with yarn happy, is the Hudson Valley Crawler.  This year Spring Crawler will be held March 24 -25.  The Crawler  brings like minded people together to check out the variety of yarns  available as well as visits to some of the farms where the sheep can be found as well as the shops. On the Yarn Crawler website you will find a list of the shops participating in the event.   03/17/2012

How I spent the extra hour of daylight I decided to get an early start on the garden beds so I did some raking and  added  compost to the Iris beds. It fell really good to be working outside and I can't wait to see what will pop up out of the soil. If you are looking to sell your home this spring getting an early start on the flower beds will certainly make the outside of the home more attractive. Happy gardening.   03/11/2012

Red Hook NY real estate During February 2012 in Red Hook 6 new single family listings came on the market.  Of the 6 homes 3 were under $300,000 and the other 3 over $400,000.  The age of the homes ranged from 1900-2006 with square footage from 1400-4454.  The most expensive house was also the largest and newest home; a beautiful executive home minutes from the Village of Red Hook. It is worth noting that the 2 homes under contract were both listed over $300,000 which is a good indication there is more activity in the more expensive homes. This was was also true of the home sold, 3 of the 4 homes sold in Red Hook sold for more than $300,000, 1 for just over a half a million dollars.  The average list to sale price ratio came in at 73 percent. In February 2011 there was just 1 home sold i... 03/09/2012

The Source for homes sold in Red Hook NY is the Mid–Hudson Multiple Listing Service Inc (MHMLS). These figures are for single family detached homes sold in Red Hook NY and do not represent the total Red Hook real estate sales in Dutchess County. These figures for homes sold in Red Hook NY reflect the sales activity of the MHMLS, which comprises the largest sales volume sampling. The homes that were sold in Red Hook NY were a composite of those homes in the Red Hook Central School District. The homes sold in Red Hook NY that are privately or For Sale by Owner are not included in the sales volume sampling. I would like to briefly explain the MHMLS. The real estate brokers in the MHMLS have agreed to share their listings– information on properties features. All the homes on the MHMLS are ... 03/06/2012

    What you can expect from The Old Dutch Village Garden Club in 2012   The Old Dutch Village Garden Club located in Red Hook grew in 2011 and the trend is expected to continue during 2012. The group consisted mostly of women but recently a couple men joined this fun group. So what can be expected from the garden club in 2012?   Garden Club calendar of up coming events March 8th Importance of organic gardening. Fitting that the event will be held at one of our local garden center The Phantom Gardener April 12thn Anniversary Luncheon - at Flatiron in Red Hook NY May 10th Planning for the May Plant Sale- Member contribute plants from their garden, this session instruction will be given on the best time to transplant the plants into pots as well as tagging. May 18th Plant and Bake Sale - ... 03/05/2012

Taking the long way home   I don't know about you but  sometimes I am just drawn to a path or a road I had never gone down before.  Yes I am curious and love discovering new places and things.  This can get me into trouble at times.  Taking one of these path are street meant taking the long way home at time. I often would get lost, a 10 minute trip would turn into an hour. These days I make sure I have a GPS handy just in case I end up lost, yes these days I don't worry so much about taking the long way home.     02/19/2012