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Written by Lori Gertzog

Category: Real Estate

Published: 08 July 2015

Here's the real estate market report from associate brokers Elise Flagg and Laura Miller of Houlihan Lawrence in Scarsdale: As the second quarter comes to a close, the market seems to be slowing for the summer. There is ample inventory but, there appears to be only a small buyer pool, especially for homes priced $2MM and up.

Inventory is up approximately 15.7% over last year in Scarsdale and pending sales are up 3.1%. The biggest decline in sales is in the $3-5MM range, where sales have decreased by 45.5% and the number of listings is up 70.8%. The median sales price is up about 5.5% to $1,455,509 from $1,380,000 year-over-year from 2014.

In Edgemont, inventory is up about 11% with 60 properties on the market now vs. 54 in June 2014. Sales are up approximately 6%. The median sales price is up year-over-year from 2014 by 6.6 % to $1,150,000.

The key priorities for buyers continue to be value, condition and presentation. The increased competition among sellers is allowing buyers to be highly selective and focus on houses in top condition with updated systems, appliances and amenities. Today's buyers both tend to work or have young children and do not have the time nor the inclination to deal with renovation. The houses that are pristine, updated throughout, renovated nicely and staged sell the quickest and at the best prices. We expect this trend to continue.

Interest rates are creeping up and are currently at 4% for jumbo loans. While this is historically a very low rate, rates are trending up and buyers may feel more pressure to buy now. "

Sales:

69 Brookby Road

This renovated Heathcote colonial sits on a level .46 acre. Its features include: a welcoming entry hall, a living room with a fireplace and bay window, a formal dining room, a renovated eat-in-kitchen with a granite island and top of the line appliances that is open to a sunny family room with a fireplace, tray ceiling & french doors to a patio and fenced yard. There is a den and an oversized exercise room/playroom. A renovated powder room, a bedroom and renovated bath complete the main floor. Hardwood floors and dentil molding throughout. Upstairs, there is a spacious master bedroom with tray ceiling, Brazilian cherry wood floor, a large renovated bath and walk-in closet with built-ins. There are two bedrooms with custom closets, a renovated hall bath and another bedroom with a renovated bath. A laundry room completes the second floor. This lovely home has 4 zone heat/CAC, a 40 year roof, a new generator, whole house stereo system & a playroom in the basement.

Sale Price: $2,300,000
Taxes: $59,283

62 Tisdale Road

Stone and clapboard colonial with five bedrooms, 4.1 baths in Crane Berkeley on almost a half acre of lush flat property. Updates include country kitchen with high end appliances opening to breakfast room and double height family room. The home's original quality is evident with hardwood floors, crown and base moldings and three fireplaces. A walk out lower level playroom leads to the backyard, contiguous with a 6 acre park. The Crane Berkeley Neighborhood Association offers year round activities which include a neighborhood camp out and adult get togethers.

Sale Price: $2,280,000
Taxes: $40,031

404 Heathcote Road

Previously known as 16 Stratton Road; address can be changed back. This center hall colonial in Quaker Ridge was built in 2002 with a gourmet chef's kitchen, finished walkout basement wired for home theater, three bedrooms with en-suite baths, first floor laundry, separate guest/au pair suite, central vac, alarm, sprinkler, invisible fence and wiring for central sound system.

Sale Price: $2,050,000
Taxes: $45,387

48 Church Lane

Fox Meadow colonial with six bedrooms, 4.1 baths. Architectural details include a vestibule with built in bench, reception hall with curved staircase, oversized French windows, high ceilings, chair/crown moldings, and palladium window. The living room has a wood burning fireplace and built-ins. The modern eat in kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, center island and laundry room, and opens to a breakfast area and adjoining den. Located off the den is a flagstone patio and flat yard. There is a master suite with sitting room and updated bathroom. Two bedrooms and bath, plus storage room are located on the third level. The full basement has high ceilings.

Sale Price: $1,900,000
Taxes: $29,678

28 Stratton Road

Bright open layout in this ranch home on level .44 acres. The foyer opens to a recently renovated kitchen/family room with large skylight, living room that connects to the dining room and all three rooms open to the deck. To the right of the foyer is a master suite combining a library/home office and master bedroom with renovated bath and large outfitted walk-in closet. Additionally on the first level is a powder room, two bedrooms and a hall bath. Up a flight of stairs is a bedroom with renovated bath and a door to an attic with lots of expansion potential. The lower level has two large play areas, one with fireplace, a bright laundry room and a generous storage/utility room.

Sale Price: $1,736,000
Taxes: $34,500

52 Corell Road

Ranch style home with five bedrooms and three full bathrooms on corner lot. Renovated eat-in-kitchen with wood cabinets and granite counter tops open to dining area, formal living room and family room. Two wood burning fireplaces. Finished basement playroom is additional 401 square feet of space.

Sale Price: $1,395,000
Taxes: $26,784

15 Cornell Street

Property bordering Bonnie Briar golf course. Offers .65 acres situated on a large, level lot. This four bedroom, three bath home features a living room with fireplace and bay window, formal dining room and eat-in kitchen with golf course views. Lower level has 1677 square feet of finished space with a walk-out family room, laundry/mudroom and au pair bedroom and full bath.

Sale Price: $1,308,000
Taxes: $35,835

30 Donellan Road

This updated center hall colonial has four bedrooms, 3.2 baths, eat-in kitchen, a fireplace in the living room, a sunny playroom or family room off the living room, a formal dining room, a finished basement and an outdoor entertaining area

Sale Price: $1,305,000
Taxes: $20,997

22 Gorham Road

Greenacres colonial with living room (26x13) with inglenook fireplace setting, formal dining room with coffered ceiling, sunny family room with lots of windows, renovated eat-in kitchen with granite counters, office space and a renovated full bath. Upstairs past a leaded window that bathes the stairway with light to four corner bedrooms and hall bath. The basement is unfinished space with a workroom, laundry and utilities. New gas furnace and two Mitsubishi air conditioning units that separately cool the first and second floors, all installed in 2014. Level yard with patio.

Sale Price: $990,000
Taxes: $19,761

Edgemont:

48 Andrea Lane

Features include an open entrance foyer, living room and formal dining room with vaulted ceilings, new gourmet eat-in-kitchen with radiant heated floors and two family rooms, one with fireplace and doors to patio and a level yard. Home generator, two car garage.

Sale Price: $1,180,000
Taxes: $23,788

216 Ardsley Road

Older home with young additions and updates set on deep .53 acres. Family room on first floor with many windows and french doors to backyard, eat-in kitchen with new cabinets and appliances in 2013 and built-in seating, master bedroom suite with walk-in closet has marble-tiled bathroom and separate 15 foot x 17 foot sitting room with vaulted ceiling. Gas burner is five years old. Central air on second and third floors.

Sale Price: $985,000
Taxes: $27,205

72 Clarendon Road

This home has four bedrooms and an office which can serve as a nursery, new bathrooms, lots of storage including many built-ins in upstairs hall, basement office and family room, and a mudroom. Double lot that totals .52 acres in R 75 zoning with stone walls, mature landscaping and plantings and koi pond. This listing incorporates a separate lot which is identified as 8-460-324-10. Subdivision possibility. Taxes shown are for both lots. Window treatments in first floor bedrooms are excluded. Owners are obtaining a sub certificate of occupancy for the whole house, which will include the finished basement. Additional 476 square feet in basement is not included in the square footage for the house.

Sale Price: $860,000
Taxes: $22,445

Featured Listings:

8 Circle Road, Scarsdale

Just the perfect combination of old world charm and first class updates in this sun-filled 1910 Colonial in a fantastic location; a few blocks to town. As you approach the pebbled drive you come to the enclosed vestibule with inlaid brick floor leading to the entrance which opens the door to this delightfully charming home with highlights such as coffered ceiling dining room with original paneled walls and leaded glass windows, French doors from main floor rooms leading to fabulous outdoor patios. Architectural and special features include arched doorways, beautiful moldings, 3 fireplaces, gorgeous wood floors. Upgrades include: new roof, plumbing, updated HVAC and electrical, kitchen stainless steel appliances and cabinetry, many new Marvin windows, 2 Waterworks bathrooms. The property is an oasis of mature perennial gardens, specimen trees, a tiered stone flower garden and new landscaping. Enjoy the bus to Fox Meadow Elementary School which conveniently stops right in front of the house.  For more information, click here.

Sale Price: $1,885,000

41 Paret Lane, Hartsdale

This country estate harmoniously blends a stunning renovation with botanical splendor, featuring the finest finishes, architectural detail and rare two acre park-like private property. This exquisite home boasts generous proportions throughout, featuring a sophisticated and comfortable elegance with perfect flow for grand entertaining and casual living. Highlights include the richly appointed state of the art kitchen, inviting family room with custom cabinetry, and master suite with luxurious spa bath, dressing room, fireplace, sitting room and balcony overlooking the property. The idyllic setting captivates indoors and out, with interiors opening to terraces and balconies overlooking the professionally landscaped grounds with pool, cabana, hot tub, gazebo and specimen plantings. Nestled on a tranquil cul-de-sac close to parks, schools, shops, dining and train, this home offers resort style living with an easy 30 minute NYC commute --- it's a wow.  For more information, click here.

Sale Price: $1,695,000

Details

Written by Lori Gertzog

Category: Real Estate

Published: 15 July 2015

Is the Scarsdale building moratorium on homes that use gravel to meet lot coverage requirements causing a decrease in the number of building projects or demolitions? The Scarsdale Board of Trustees enacted the moratorium in February 2015 and recently extended it to October 2015 to give themselves time to study the issue.

At the hearing on the extension of the moratorium, a builder complained that the moratorium was impacting his business and a homeowner said that it prevented him from filing plans to construct a swimming pool.

In order to figure out if the moratorium is having an impact, we looked at the numbers and spoke to a few experts. From what we can see, the moratorium has not caused a decrease in building activity around Scarsdale.

First, we looked at the number of applications to the Committee for Historic Preservation for home demolitions. Here's the data for the last several years:

This chart shows that the number of applications is very steady.

Next we asked Village Planner Elizabeth Marrinan for her observations, and after looking at the data and the traffic at the building department she said, "As for your question as to whether the moratorium seems to have slowed permit applications, from what I see and hear, I think the answer is no."

Realtor and member of the Board of Architectural Review Jack Miller said, "I do not believe that the moratorium is meant as a punitive measure (as a few builders have expressed), but rather a way for the Village to gain some space to make a well informed decision about building codes, especially FAR, setbacks, and massing guidelines as they move forward.

I haven't seen a drop in applications for new homes or renovations, and judging by the CHP agenda they too haven't seen a drop in demolitions.

As far as "economics" go, it seems that the younger Millennials moving out from the city want NEW construction. They are a well-educated group of hard working young folks who don't want to be bothered with the day-to-day maintenance and continual upkeep of older homes. I heard a funny story about a young gentleman who just purchased a very expensive new home knocking on his neighbor's door to borrow a hammer. Who doesn't own a hammer?"

Last we got the following comments from Paul Fontana of the Cum Laude Group, popular contractors in Scarsdale:

"One important distinction to understand is the difference between the following requirements which are related, but not the same:

1) Lot coverage, which is the amount of space on a property that is covered with impermeable substances. This can be the actual house, driveways, patios, walls or anything else through which water does not pass.

2) FAR, which is the size of the living space of a house (on all floors, sometimes the basement, depending on the height of the first floor) relative to the size of the lot.

3) Building coverage, which is the size of the footprint of the house and accessory buildings.

The proposed new law about gravel really targets the lot coverage more than any of the other regulations. Developers and homeowners will still design and build houses that will be plenty big, they will just have smaller driveways, smaller patios and probably not have pools on anything smaller than 3/4 acre lots.

Some towns, like Rye and Harrison, have no provisions for lot coverage at all. Permeability of substances is not a criterion at all.

The smaller and middle size lots will be the most affected by this regulation if it passes. The large estates will be still be able to expand their houses and add pools.

This code change will also create a large number of non-conforming houses that will have difficulty renovating in the future.

I suspect that homeowners will design what they have to in order to conform to the new code, but that many will expand their driveways and patios after C.O.s are issued."

Sales:

15 Wheelock Road

2000 Heathcote colonial on .61 acre property. First floor: two story entrance foyer, nine foot ceilings throughout, library with French doors, living room with fireplace, dining room, mudroom, custom kitchen, granite counter tops, center island, opens to family room (20 x 31) with French doors to private yard. Second Floor: master suite with sitting room, bedroom, two walk in closets and bathroom w/ marble throughout, his and her sinks, three additional bedrooms with two baths and laundry. Lower Level: playroom, full bathroom, extra room. Hardwood floors throughout.

Sale Price: $2,995,000
Taxes: $44,224

45 Lockwood Road

This 1938 Colonial is in Crane Berkeley, a prime Fox Meadow location. Over 4600 interior sq. feet of living on .29 acres of private flat property with easy access to yard and patio from family room, dining room, breakfast/family room. First floor: entrance foyer, library with fireplace, large living room with fireplace, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen, breakfast/family room, butler's pantry, backstairs to second floor and lower level, mudroom off kitchen and garage, powder room, plus second family room with skylights. Second Floor: master bedroom with new bathroom (double sink, steam shower and whirlpool tub), two bedrooms with adjoining bath, bedroom with hall bath, and additional bedroom/bath. Lower Level: playroom with fireplace, gym, crafts room and laundry room.

Sale Price: $2,360,000
Taxes: $42,828

30 Greenacres Avenue

Brick center hall colonial on .45 acre with architectural details throughout including a green tile roof. Gracious entry hall, living room with fireplace, doors to sunroom with French doors to deck, formal dining room, updated eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counters, family room and powder room complete the first floor. Upstairs to master suite with two walk in closets and marble bath, two additional bedrooms with adjoining playroom and updated marble bath. The third floor has two bedrooms, hall bath and plenty of storage. There is a walk out finished lower level playroom, with powder room, laundry room and storage.

Sale Price: $1,860,000
Taxes: $35,718

25 Kent Road

This home is on .50 acres with a heated pool and spa set back from the home. The entire property is fenced in. The house has an entry hall, living room/fireplace, formal dining room, large modern eat-in kitchen with center island and separate breakfast area with door to yard plus a den and powder room, all on the first floor. Second level has a master bedroom with updated bathroom and two bedrooms with an updated hall bathroom. Third level has two additional bedrooms with another updated hall bathroom. There is a two-car tandem garage that holds four cars plus additional storage. Laundry room and unfinished lower level with more storage.

Sale Price: $1,600,000
Taxes: $31,111

11 Harcourt Road

Colonial in the heart of Fox Meadow with a new country kitchen with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, screened sun-porch with access to fenced-in play area and yard, living room/fireplace with access to library/office, hardwood floors, new windows, attic for work space/exercise and additional bedroom and bath, perfect for au-pair or guest room. Lower level has additional 500 square feet finished space with playroom, utility room, laundry and garage access.

Sale Price: $1,500,000
Taxes: $32,136

11 Ridgecrest East

Fully renovated Greenacres home on .22 acre has five bedrooms and three full and a half bath, and an eat-in kitchen/family room with patio overlooking yard.

Sale Price: $1,283,500
Taxes: $24,783

8 Prince Willows Lane

Completely renovated ranch home with open floor plan located in Quaker Ridge on .3+ acre level property. An inviting front porch leads to entryway, large living room/picture window/wood burning fireplace and dining room. The new eat in kitchen features a large center island with granite, wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances including French door & wine refrigerators, pendant lighting, desk area and side door to new wrap around paver patio overlooking the backyard. Eating area opens to the family room with wood burning fireplace and door leading to the patio. A private family bedroom wing is off the foyer leading to a master bedroom with new bathroom, two closets, two family bedrooms and updated hall bath with double sinks. New roof, alarm system, lawn sprinkler, air conditioning, washer/dryer, generator hook up, new driveway with Belgium Block curbing.

Sale Price: $1,255,000
Taxes: $23,419

106 Walworth Avenue

Center-hall colonial in walk-to-train Greenacres neighborhood. This home sits on a large, flat .34 acre of private property with four bedrooms, three full and one half baths. The master bedroom has a private updated bathroom. Other amenities include all new hardwood flooring, updated bathrooms and kitchen, central air, gas heat, newer windows, screened porch and a fenced rear yard.

Sale Price: $1,180,000
Taxes: $23,260

Edgemont:

7 Greenville Road

A Bauhaus style mid century contemporary on .70 of an acre with free form pond like in ground pool. New gourmet kitchen/granite/stainless steel top of the line appliances connects to a step down family room and French doors leading to slate patio. Star of $1,872 not included in the stated property taxes. New roof 2009, new hot water heater 2015.

Sale Price: $1,300,000
Taxes: $33,105

250 Beverly Road

Center hall colonial set on nearly half acre in the #1 rated Edgemont school district. Full of architectural details, such as hardwood floors, eat-in kitchen with granite counters, large center island, top of the line appliances, under cabinet and recessed lighting and sliding doors to lovely patio and large backyard. A sweeping staircase leads from the entry foyer to a second floor landing, with three bedrooms and a hall bath. Master bedroom suite with a walk in closet with built-ins and a private master bath. New Roof (2012) and HVAC (2013).

Sale Price: $1,195,000
Taxes: $33,441

136 Delhi Road

Colonial in prime Edgemont location on .17 acre property offers potential to expand or update. Features eat-in kitchen, gas fuel, hardwood floors, perennial gardens and a large, flat back yard.

Sale Price: $741,660
Taxes: $16,274

3 Skytop Road

Special features and updates include new siding, refinished hardwood floors throughout, outfitted closets, new boiler and water heater, updated alarm system, new appliances, and new bay window in living room. Lower level completely redone with new windows, hi hats, new flooring and built-ins. Fenced property with new landscaping.

Sale Price: $665,000
Taxes: $18,720

Details

Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Real Estate

Published: 30 June 2015

Lots of moving vans coming and going in town this week as school is officially out for the summer. See the long list of sales – with many in Edgemont.

Sales:

70 Secor Road: Traditional and inviting layout with welcoming foyer, large formal living room with fireplace, elegant dining room, large bright updated kitchen, custom family room with beautiful built ins and view of the back yard, jewel box powder room and spacious office, which could also be used as a first floor bedroom, complete the first floor. The stately curved staircase brings you upstairs where you'll find a surprisingly large master suite with dressing area and gorgeous marble bath, 3 more bedrooms, all with large closets and pretty views, and another bathroom. The lower level houses the large, functional laundry room and an open finished space that is perfect as a play area or exercise room.

Sale Price: $1,290,000
Real Estate Taxes: $28,719

1 MacDonald Place: Spacious split level in Heathcote with updated kitchen and baths, great layout, custom closets, and a beautifully landscaped, flat yard. First floor features eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, and a living room with built-ins and fireplace. The kitchen boasts a sub-zero refrigerator, 2 stainless steel ovens, custom cabinetry, built-in speakers, radiant heated floors and direct access to large outdoor wooden deck - perfect for grilling and entertaining. Second floor has 3 large bedrooms, one with en suite bath and a full hall bathroom. The renovated oversized master suite has 5 custom closets and built-ins galore, and a renovated master bath with steam shower and jacuzzi tub.

168 Johnson Road: Young Edgewood Colonial. Walking distance to elementary school and shops. Updated Granite counter kitchen opens to Family room with wood burning fireplace and French door to deck. Spacious master suite with skylit bath and 3 large closets. All Anderson windows, beautiful hardwood floors thru-out. Finished lower level boasts a playroom, multi-purpose room w/many closets and door to level back yard. 3-zone sprinkler, 5-yr old Timberline roof, freshly painted exterior and interior, refinished deck, newly fenced in yard,

Sale Price: $1,143,500
Real Estate Taxes: $22,706

224 Nelson Road: 1923 Dutch Colonial with large living room window overlooks the spacious level yard and red cedar deck with a retractable awning. A formal dining room, den, modern eat in kitchen with granite and year old stainless steel appliances enhance the first floor. There is also an additional guest room and full modern bath. Upstairs there is a lovely Master bedroom, two additional plus a tandem bedroom and a full modern bath.

Sale Price: $1,015,000
Real Estate Taxes: $18,758

24 Rodney Road: Charming English Tudor in a very desirable location. Entrance hall with powder room, large living room with built-ins and fireplace, sun-room, formal dining room, eat-in kitchen, family room or bedroom right off kitchen/ full bath. On second floor there is a master bedroom with alcove, full bath with both tub and separate shower, 3 additional bedrooms and hall bath. Lower level offers a huge full basement, laundry, utilities and storage with door to outside.

Sale Price: $915,000
Real Estate Taxes: $20,618

270 Beverly Road, Edgemont: Elegant and spacious Center Hall Colonial on .44 acres in top rated Edgemont school district. This 3,100 sq. ft. 5 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom residence features a generous entrance hall, a large well-proportioned living room with multiple window exposures, a formal dining room, and a spacious family room with fireplace and glass doors to the patio. The beautiful eat-in kitchen features modern appliances and cabinetry, granite countertops and an intimate breakfast room with glass doors to the patio and lovely private property. A few steps up from the first level is an easily accessible, ultra spacious guest suite/second master with full bath and walk in closet. The grand staircase leads to an open second floor landing and 4 bedrooms: 3 generous family bedrooms, a hall bathroom and the oversized master suite, elegantly appointed with a large walk in closet and an en-suite bathroom, offering generous space and privacy.

Sale Price: $1,295,000
Real Estate Taxes: $30,209

8 Club Way: Edgemont: Grand 1925 English Tudor on a half acre with traditional exterior Tudor elements including rich hand-finished wood, leaded and stained glass windows and hardwood floors. Complete with a grand foyer; bright formal dining room; airy living room with an antique sandstone mantle; a well-maintained eat-in kitchen with hand-painted Moroccan tile; Master bedroom with refinished hardwood floors, en suite and dressing room; 3 additional bedrooms; study; sunroom; 2 car attached garage; and huge basement with laundry room.
Sale Price: $1,242,500
Real Estate Taxes: $35,675

28 Byron Place: Spacious Colonial situated on a tranquil Edgemont street . This is an oft admired and well loved home. Nothing has been spared in renovations and quality. The chef's kitchen eating area overlooking the property and a beautiful adjacent family room with fireplace. the redone bathrooms, the classic living and dining , the lovely master suite w/ updated bath and the 2 delightful additional bedrooms and office, and the appealing LL FR & bath, create a home that welcomes you.. The outdoors w/ its large property and Ipe deck is perfect for relaxing, playing & entertaining. Many recent upgrades & installations include the roof, Hardie Plank siding, furnace, windows, interior painting & painting of exterior trim.

Sale Price: $1,121,000
Real Estate Taxes: $27,254

Featured Listings:

8 Sharon Lane, Scarsdale: Third largest undivided property in Fox Meadow. Complete with every modern amenity, A home of refined elegance, this 18th century treasure asserts its grandeur at the front door. Its many features include 6,000 square feet occupying four stories. The romantic wraparound porch and grand entry hall lead to all first floor rooms. Floor to ceiling raised paneling, arched doorways and dramatic 2nd floor landing are just a few of the remarkable architectural details. This versatile living space includes five bedrooms and gracious entertaining space. There is also a two-story carriage house with soaring ceilings and oversized windows. A perfect escape for tranquil solitude. This home is indisputably complete and enchanting to lovers of old and new. Learn more here:

List Price: $2,400,000

205 Madison Road, Scarsdale: Picture perfect, beautiful Colonial in the heart of Edgewood. Very convenient location and an easy walk to: elementary school, Carman Park, commuter bus to train or only a 4 minute drive to Scarsdale Village/train. This 3,000 square foot home on .23 acres has large rooms, lots of windows and the sun streams thru the home all day long. Ideal layout: vestibule, gracious entry foyer with bench and built-ins, large coat closet, updated powder room, living room with fireplace, formal dining room with a screened porch, updated eat-in kitchen/family room. Second floor: all large bedrooms-master bedroom with 2 closets, updated bath with Whirlpool tub and separate shower, three additional bedrooms and a hall bath. Lower level is full and unfinished with laundry and 2-car garage. Hardwood floors throughout, gas furnace 2011, hot water heater 2011, exterior painted 2014. A real gem. Learn more here:

List Price: $1,350,000