The Migliorelli Farm recently opened a farmstand on the outskirts of the village of Red Hook, located just accross from the Rhinebeck Savings Bank on Broadway. For years I went by this little building and thought it was ideal for a farmstand, over twenty years later it has happened. The Migliorelli Farm is one of the local farms and presently operates another farmstand near the Kingston/Rhinecliff Bridge.  This new stand on Route 9 could not have opened at a better time. You see, it is within walking distance from the new senior complex, Red Hook Commons.  I was happy to find out that every day seniors will be entitled to a 10% discount. Besides the senior complex, there are townhouses going up across the street and the Red Hook Estates neighborhood is near by.  Are we not fortunate to ... 08/04/2008

The Recreational Park of Red Hook is enjoyed by both young and old.  It is very common to see people taking walks, children going down a slide,  others playing tennis or taking a swim.  Many people when deciding to move to an area ask about the schools and then about the parks and recreational activities.  This facility does enhance the quality of life in Red Hook. The park is located on Linden Ave and it is possible to walk to the park from the village. I also notice that many will ride their bikes. Also, keep in mind the rules of the park, by observing these rules the experience for everyone will be good. So sit back and enjoy a short virtual tour.             Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomeval... 07/15/2008

Even Realtors need to take a break now and then.  So recently my son asked me to go blueberry picking.  This is something I have done for years with my family.  So we got in the car and headed to one of the nearby farms. Greig Farm has long been a favorite day trip destination for those in the NYC area. Adjacent to the farm are the Gigi Market, Allison Vinyards and Grandiflora Nursery. Check the picking schedule below for what is in season now.   Greig Farm(845) 758-1234227 Pitcher LaneRed Hook, NY Directions Schedule. If you picked berries last year try and find your bucket and bring it with you. This will save you $2.00       Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com |subscribe to Blog Copyright... 07/11/2008

 Flowers from a Red Hook NY garden  It is hard to believe we are already half way through 2008, so this was a good time to look back to see how the real estate market has done so far. When this report was pulled on June 30th there were over 70 listings on the market.    So far, between the town of Red Hook and the village about 25 homes have sold over the last six months.  How does this compare to 2007?  In 2007 for the entire year 63 properties sold therefore 2008 sales is not lagging too much behind. Very often I am asked;  how is the market? is anything selling? yes properties are selling it is just taking a little longer. If you are planning to put your property on the market you will have stiff competition so it is important to start out with a realistic price in order to achieve ... 07/02/2008

  Village of Red Hook  Homes for Sale - June 2008 Market Analysis There are currently 7 homes for sale in the Village of Red Hook. The homes range in price from $229,000 to $539,000.   The average asking price of the homes currenlty for sale in the village of Red Hook is $329,000.   During the month of June 3 homes closed with an average selling price of $251,000.  There are currenlty 3 pending sales in the Village of Red Hook.We continue to see price reductions as homes sit on the market and buyers can be very choosy with such a large amount of inventory.  Sellers should seriously consider having a professional home staging consultation to help make their home stand out from the rest.  Curb appeal is extremely important as it is the first impression buyers will have of your home. The V... 07/02/2008

Today in the village of Red Hook it was more crowded than usual, and with good reason.  Yes today was the Red Hook High School class of 2008 graduation. I can just imagine how proud your parents, grandparents, relatives and friends were to see you get to this point.  Soon those many hours spent doing homework will be a distant memory, but was well worth it because now you have a foundation on which to build. I could not help thinking that it was only a few years ago that I was one of those proud parents.  At my daughter's graduation I remembered how wet everyone was, but we were happy to be in attendance.  Today's graduation was similar to my son's, a very humid day but the show does go on. So congratulations to Red Hook High School class of 2008.  Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REAL... 06/28/2008

  I just had to capture the dew drops-------- Today with so much pressure facing most of us, high gas price, soaring heating fuel, illness, loss of job it is very easy to get down and just dwell on negative thoughts. Yet if you stop for a moment and observe your surrounding you will find many things that can bring you some joy, a reason to be optimistic. With that in mind I hope you will enjoy these shots from my personal garden.         Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com |subscribe to Blog Copyright © by Jennifer Fivelsdal, all rights reserved-Take A Moment To Appreciate The Little Things           06/14/2008

Red Hook Real Estate Red Hook continues to have a large amount of homes for sale.  From the report below there is an indication that next month's unit sales could triple based on listings now in contract. It is important to have your property priced right to be competitive.  I have also noticed that more incentives are being offered to buyers; some are sellers paying down mortgage points for buyers, a free tank of heating oil, and holding part of the mortgage to name a few.                                                 TOWN OF RED HOOK REAL ESTATE REPORT FOR MAY 2008 Categories Avg Listing Price DOM AVG SQFT AVG $/SQFT 56 Active $538,213 126 2529 $213 3 New $398,000    3 2320 $172 2 Offers Still Showing $408,450  176  2032 $201 3 Price Change $301,000   44 2068 $146 4 Contract $487,4... 06/06/2008

Relocating To Red Hook? Let Me Introduce You to Red Hook Central School This is the time of year  if you are considering relocating and you have school age children  that you start checking out schools.  The Red Hook Central School Distict covers areas in Northern Dutchess and parts of Columbia County. There are three schools , the high school, the middle shool and the elementary school.  Red Hook Central schools afford many opportunities to explore sports, music and academics.  Both sports and music departments participate in many competitions yearly.  Students also have choices in AP (Advance Placement) subjects and over the last few years, the IB - International Baccalaureate program was instituted which gives students opportunities to earn college credits while in high school. One o... 06/02/2008

This was a question asked of me by a consumer who subscribed to my blog.  Yes it has been almost two weeks since I last submitted a post.  It was not because I had writer's block, I sure had lots of subjects and photos. I simply needed some time for me.  I especially wanted to get my yard in shape.  I have written previously about the importance of curb appeal. Several years ago my doctor said I needed a hobby, I had to slow down; so after careful consideration I decided that I would take up gardening.  I did, and the garden kept getting bigger and bigger.  This year I also created a vegetable garden which required some creativity because of all the critters around.  The jury is still out - I will let you know who wins, me or the critters. As much as I love gardening I never take the ti... 05/27/2008

Time once again for the annual Old Dutch Village Garden Club plant sale. Many local residents look forward to this event to kick start their garden.  I know this for a fact because people are usually waiting to buy plants before the sale starts.  I have also received several requests  to provide a reminder. Where do these plants come from?  These plants come from the gardens of the members of the club. In addition to the plant sale there will also be a bake sale. The club members are instrumental in keeping the parks in town beautified and they also provide a scholarship to a  Red Hook High School graduate annually. WHERE:    Memorial Park, across from the IGA in  the village of Red Hook  Time:           9:00 AM  **** most plants are gone within the first couple of hours! WHEN:        F... 05/12/2008

The day was  sunny, there was the smell of kettle popcorn in the air and children skipped about with painted faces carrying balloons. Yes I could really say Apple blossom 2008 was a great hit.    LIVE MUSIC AND SINGING   RED HOOK RESCUE UNITS HANDED OUT VALUABLE INFORMATION.  AND HANDED OUT HELMETS TO THE CHILDREN KETTLE CORN WAS A BIG HIT.  IT WAS A DELIGHT WATCHING THIS FAMILY WORKING TOGETHER AS ONE UNIT TO ACHEIVE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. THERE WERE DOGS OF ALL SHAPES AND SIZES, SOME ON LEASHES OTHER IN STROLLERS .   The day was more than just about fun for me.  I manned a table where I provided information on the local real estate market, tips for buyers, sellers and those who might be facing foreclosure.  I received requests for market analysis and other networking opportunities.  Y... 05/11/2008

  Tivoli, NY located in Northern Dutchess County in the Mid Hudson Valley of  New York has an affordable condominium complex named Tivoli Gardens.  The complex consists of 6 buildings, all built approximately 1989. There are one bedroom, 2 bedroom and loft units available.  Each unit has a single car detached garage.   The units range in size from studio size of about 530 square feet to approximately 1000 square feet for the two bedroom and loft units.  There are first floor units which no steps and second floor units which are accessed via covered outdoor stairways.  All units are all electric with heat pumps for forced hot air heating and cooling.  A stacking washer/dryer combo is located in each unit.  Each condo has either a cement patio or a balcony. Tivoli Gardens is a quiet comm... 05/06/2008

Red Hook Auto an example of good customer service in Red Hook NY The key to any successful business is having good customer service.  As a real estate agent I know how important this is to clients. When I first moved to Northern Dutchess it was important to me to find an auto repair shop I could be comfortable with.  Having a car that was in good repair was extremely important to me since my commute one way was one and a half hours.  I can't tell you how many times they have gone the extra mile for me.  Times when I needed something done ASAP and they would fit my repair in somehow.  As a satisfied customer it is alway easy to tell people new to the area where they can get their repairs done. So, Pete and Joe, I just wanted to thank you and your staff for taking care of me and family ov... 05/05/2008

Red Hook NY Real Estate I love this time of year. Seeing the Dogwood in bloom is a sure indication that spring is in full swing.  This is also the time of year that many homeowners decide to sell their home and/or make plans for relocation.  On my blog, I offer many valuable tips to achieve these goals successfully. It is also important to pay attention to what is happening in the local real estate market.  Below, I have provided you with the data for the month of April as well as the complete list of closed sales in Red Hook.  Please contact me by phone or email if you have any questions.                                                                       TOWN OF RED HOOK REAL ESTATE REPORT  ForAPRIL20 08 Categories Avg Listing Price DOM AVG SQFT AVG $/SQFT 56 Active 544,589 118 226... 05/03/2008

Now that spring is here there is so much to do.  This coming weekend is full of choices- the question is which one to attend. Here are my three picks for this Saturday:   Chancellor's Sheep and wool festival at Clermont State Park.  This was a well advertised event via the internet, radio, print and strategicly placed signs.  Click the above link for directions and more information. You can't beat this venue, it is the perfect spot to appreciate the beauty of the Hudson Valley. The Dutchess County Green Fair to be held at the Dutchess County Fairground in Rhinebeck New York.  If you are concerned about the environment or want to learn about energy saving tips this will be an event for you.  The Dutchess Board of Realtors will have a booth so make sure to stop by.                        ... 04/22/2008

Red Hook Real Estate  During the period 3/1/08-3/31/08 there were: 55 Active Listing  Here is the breakdown:  0-99,000  - 2 200,000-299,000 - 17 300,000-399,000 - 11 400,000-499,000 - 9 500,000-599,0 00 -3 600,000-699,000 - 2 700,000-799,000 - 4 800,000-899,000 - 2 900,000-999,000 - 2 1 million+ - 3 6 New 0-99 ,000- 1     300,000-399,000 - 3   400,000-499,000 - 1   900,000-999,000 - 1 5 Accepted offers 200,000-299,000 - 3     300,000-399,000 - 1    500,000-599,000 - 1  2 Extended 400,000-499,000 - 1    700,000-799,000 - 1 4 Sold 100,000-199,000 - 2   400,000-499,000 - 1    500.000-599,000 - 1 The highest listed property was listed at $4,018,900 The lowest listed property was listed at $43,500 The average listing price was $501,451 The highest DOM was 392 days while the Average DOM was 1... 03/31/2008

The Columbia and Dutchess Dog Pointing Breed Association has announced the Dog Matches for 2008.What is a dog match? it is a judging competition where dogs get familiar with the routine of a competition but do not get show points.  I would consider it the training ground for dog shows where champion points are awarded.According to Jacquie Cookingham, the match show chairperson, this is the 15th year that these matches have been held at her property in Red Hook.The match is open to all breeds and obedience training is also offered.  Money raised at these events goes to support the rescue of (mainly) Short Hair German Pointers.So make plans now to catch one of these matches or to include your dog in the match.All shows are held on Sundays with judging begininig at 10:30 AM                ... 03/31/2008

As a Red Hook NY real estate agent I get questions on the Red Hook Transfer Tax.  So, I have decided to address the issue using information provided to me by the town and county. Red Hook adopted this law in 2007 to provide funding for the preservation of open space and restoration of historical sites in the town. FACT:  The law went into effect on August 1st 2007.  The 2 percent tax on home sales would be assessed on the amount of the sale that is over the Dutchess County Median Price, which was $330,000 at that time. FACT:  Median Price is computed by the New York Department of Taxation using  sales data from the previous year.  The new Median price will go into effect on June 1st using sales data from 2007 FACT:  Exemption from the tax is given under specific circumstances----(***see... 03/29/2008

Seniors new to Red Hook, you might be wondering:  How can I meet other seniors? The Town of Red Hook takes into consideration all citizens and for seniors, there is a seniors committee to address their needs. The town of Red Hook has even allowed its facilities to be used as an exercise room for seniors on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00AM to 12:00 PM.  This a a terrific opportunity to meet other seniors in an informal setting and after exercising you might be invited to lunch or you could invite someone else to lunch. This Senior Exercise Program is organised by the Dutchess County Office for the Aging with some funding from the New York State Office of the Aging as well as the US Administration for the Aging. There are about 56 exercise sites throughout Dutchess County and admission ... 03/28/2008