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Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Real Estate

Published: 04 March 2015

Houlihan Lawrence in Scarsdale has announced that three new agents will join their office: Bonnie Hut Yaseen as an Associate Real Estate Broker, and Grace Shemin Goldstein and Nina Mistry as real estate salespersons. "We are thrilled to welcome these three outstanding professionals to our Scarsdale office," said Lewis Arlt, Manager of the Houlihan Lawrence Scarsdale office. "Like all of our agents, each new member comes to us with a distinguished background and established skillsets that is the core of our firm."

Ms. Yaseen has over 13 years of experience selling real estate in the Westchester and New York City areas. Having been recognized as a top broker by the Westchester Multiple Listing Service and the Real Estate Board of New York, Ms. Yaseen is an expert in relocation and new construction. She is also a proven strategic marketer and skilled negotiator. Ms. Yaseen earned her bachelor's degree from Princeton University and her M.B.A from Harvard Business School. She currently lives in Scarsdale with her husband and two children and has been an active member of the community for more than a decade.

A Westchester native, Ms. Goldstein joins Houlihan Lawrence following a distinguished career having served as an executive recruiter at Nancy Zucker Associates, K. Russo Associates and Maximum Management. With extensive corporate experience, Ms. Goldstein brings a diverse skill set to the Houlihan Lawrence team, including a wealth of knowledge in house-maintenance and renovations. Ms. Goldstein also served as Assistant Marketing Manager at Nabisco, where she refined her marketing skills and was responsible for developing OREO's advertising and promotional programs, as well as managing the record volume-driving promotion for OREO's 75th anniversary. She received her bachelor's degree from St. Lawrence University and her M.B.A. in Marketing from Columbia University. Ms. Goldstein currently lives in the Fox Meadow neighborhood of Scarsdale with her husband and two children.

Ms. Mistry joins Houlihan Lawrence with extensive international expertise and corporate management experience. Ms. Mistry previously worked in Assurance and Advisory Services at Deloitte & Touche, LLP in Manhattan. This, coupled with her experience establishing companies in Mumbai, India, provide a seamless transition into real estate. Ms. Mistry also serves as a team member of the United Nations Non-Governmental Organizations Committee and is a key member of the Fundraising Committee for the $4.6 million new Zoroastrian Community Center in New York. Born and raised in India, she is fluent in Gujarati, Hindi and Portuguese and currently resides in Scarsdale.

Sales:

16 Montrose Road: New construction in Greenacres. Master bedroom suite with 11' tray ceiling, luxurious bath and two walk-in closets. Gourmet kitchen with separate breakfast area and adjacent family room with fireplace. Private Study. Amenities include: nine foot ceilings on first and second floor, oak floors, custom millwork, fully finished lower level, 4 zone heat and AC. Great yard.
Sale Price: $2,680,000
Real Estate Taxes: TBD

7 Beechwood Lane: Renovated center hall Colonial on cul-de-sac in Heathcote. Christopher Peacock kitchen, all Waterworks bathrooms and fittings, living room with stunning Eramosa stone fireplace, large family room with walls-of-glass and custom built-ins, fully outfitted mudroom, stunning bluestone patio and professionally landscaped private property, 2-car garage fitted with Flo Wall system, Elegant master retreat with luxurious walk-in closet, three additional bedrooms; 2 additional baths. Lower level playroom, new powder room, exercise room and laundry.

Sale Price: $2,450,000
Real Estate Taxes: $42,757

45 Corell Road: Charming stone and clapboard Colonial nestled in Secor Gardens with charming covered porches. This home features a generous sized living room with fireplace, family room with garden view, expansive dining room, new kitchen and new powder room. The master suite opens to a large upper terrace and the lower level playroom with fireplace opens to a stone and covered patio perfect for entertaining.

Sale Price: $999,999
Real Estate Taxes: $29,756

166 Clarence Road: Bright, Edgewood home on .25 acres with sun flooded living room with fireplace, formal dining room, fabulous great family room off the kitchen, large master suite with spacious walk in closet, 4 additional bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms. The wonderful, lush big private garden with large patio is perfect for entertaining.

Sale Price: $999,900
Real Estate Taxes: $24,891

88 Old Army Road: Edgemont: Downton Abbey in the heart of Edgemont. Stone English Tudor on manicured grounds with stone walls, private paths, patios and terraces. Stone and marble kitchen with high end appliances and granite counter tops. Sunken living room with wood burning fireplace for cozy gatherings and French doors leading to a library/family room, overlooking patio. Back staircase leads to separate bedroom and bath 1/2 flight up. Handsome landing on 2nd level features 4 generous sized bedrooms and two baths. Spacious 3rd level boasts 2 bedrooms, bath, and storage. Hardwood floors throughout--frieze moldings, decorated cornices, built-ins, leaded windows, Vermont slate roof.

Sale Price: $1,465,000
Real Estate Taxes: $21,350

Featured Listings:

6 Torrence Place, Scarsdale: Meticulously updated Colonial situated on 0.62 acres in a tranquil cul-de-sac just blocks from elementary school, high school and public library. Custom kitchen with Thermador oven, range and warming drawer, Sub-zero refrigerator and Miele dishwasher. French doors lead to slate patio and large, level, fenced backyard area with hot tub and outdoor shower and woods beyond. Master bedroom suite with vaulted ceiling and dramatic windows overlooking the backyard with Waterworks bathroom and custom-built cherry cabinetry in the oversized walk-in-closet. Four more large bedrooms on second floor (one currently used as an upstairs den). Large, bright, walk-out finished playroom/family room in lower level. Every modern convenience added in 2004 renovation (down to the plumbing and wiring) including 5-zone hydro-air heat and 5-zone central air while retaining all the gorgeous architectural features original to the house. Slate roof new over 2004 addition (fully restored elsewhere). The best of both worlds. Learn more here:

List Price: $2,599,000

141 Brite Avenue, Scarsdale: Fabulous sunlit home, perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Beautiful details and high quality finishes throughout. 9 foot ceilings on the first floor. Lovely entry with double height ceiling. Large kitchen with granite island and breakfast room which opens to an inviting family room. Living room and dining room with shared gas fireplace. Speakers in kitchen, family room, dining room and basement. One block from elementary school. Taxes will be reduced in 2015. Square footage does not include a beautifully finished lower level with playroom, bedroom/office and full bath. Finished lower level is approximately 1,100 square feet. Learn more here:

List Price: $2,295,000

Details

Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Real Estate

Published: 11 March 2015

The Village Board of Trustees held a speedy public hearing and passed a moratorium on building projects that include gravel surfaces where the use of gravel allows the project to meet lot coverage requirements on Tuesday March 10. The moratorium, that will remain in effect until June 30, exempts any projects that were already in the approval process before February 10, 2015.

Village Trustees are currently considering the Floor Area Ratio requirements that regulate the size of construction projects in the Village. Their study is in response to residents' concerns about the bulk of newly constructed homes and their effect on neighborhood character.

This brief moratorium is intended to halt the construction of oversized homes until Trustees can study the existing code and determine ways to better regulate building size, placement and lot coverage.

At a meeting on February 25,Geroge Jones of George Jones Associates who helped to formulate the original regulations was invited to meet with the trustees. He discussed his findings but agreed that the trustees first needed to identify and define the problems and then they can craft solutions. In addition to the floor area ratio method, the group discussed a volumetric approach which regulates the volume of a structure and contextual zoning which regulates homes sizes based on block or neighborhood. Each were found to be problematic.

Several trustees and community members thought that the current system of penalties and bonuses that allows builders to add extra space that does not count in the floor area calculation could be at the root of the problem.

The regulations offered rewards in terms of increased space for certain design features and penalties for others that were thought to increase the appearance of bulk.

For example, under the 2002 guidelines, underground garages were penalized while above ground garages earned the builder a bonus. At the time, there was a perception that an underground garage would result in a taller house and an increased appearance of bulk. Also penalized were basements that extend more than three feet above grade and floor to ceiling heights above 14 feet. Oversized dormers would cause attic space to be counted in the floor air ratio equation, while limiting the size of the dormers would allow attic space to be omitted from the equation. Dormered areas above garages were also omitted from the floor area equation as well as basements, explaining why so many new homes today have garages with dormers and fully finished basements extending the entire span of the house. Increasing the side yard setback could also yield a reward of increased square footage.

Though it appears that time is running out for the current Village Board to tackle the issues, the implementation of the moratorium will make this matter a priority for the incoming board and mayor to address in April.

Sales:

50 High Point Road, Edgemont: Custom designed home on private park-like acre in the heart of Edgemont. This renovated custom home features an elegant entry, private office/den, guest suite with private bath, powder room, step down to fabulous dining room and living room with fireplace and stunning views of magnificent property!! Steps away is the state of the art eat-in kitchen w/radiant heated floor, granite counters, custom backsplash & doors leading to wrap around deck. The first level also boasts a fabulous family room and luxurious master suite with doors leading to wrap around stone patio overlooking lush property. The master suite includes his and her walk in closets and spectacular master bath with radiant heated floors and custom skylight. Upstairs you will find two more large bedrooms with walk in closets, a hall bath and wall of closets providing incredible storage. The walk-out lower level provides a maid's room, full bath, laundry room, den/playroom and exercise room.

Sale Price: $1,797,000
Real Estate Taxes: $42,429

6 Theresa Lane, Edgemont: Inviting well maintained Edgemont home on private cul-de-sac on quarter acre lot.Entrance hall,home office/guest bedroom, large family room with brick walled fireplace, sliding glass doors to back property, full bath, steps down to laundry,storage,and door to HUGE 2 car garage with ample storage space. Large living room with cathedral ceiling and bowed window, formal dining room, modern eat-in kitchen with heated floors and door to back deck. Up a few steps,master bedroom and full bath plus additional 2 bedrooms and hall bath with double sinks.

Sale Price: $887,000
Real Estate Taxes: $23,074

61 Mount Joy Avenue: Gracious Tudor with stone turret in prestigious Edgemont School District. Hardwood Floors throughout. Beautiful Living room with wood beam ceiling and stone fireplace, formal dining room, huge eat-in kitchen with Corian counters and custom wood cabinetry, butler's pantry and laundry. Master bedroom with en suite bath, second bedroom and third bedroom share Jack and Jill bath. Central ac, in-ground sprinklers.

Sale Price: $833,900
Real Estate Taxes: $22,475

10 Dobbs Terrace: This charming Colonial beautifully located in much sought after Greenacres is a must see. Step into the inviting vestibule and entry hall leading to a sun-drenched spacious living room with adjacent sun room hosting many built-ins. It opens into the attractive dining room with window seat and lovely built-ins. Hardwood floors abound in this 4 bedroom 3.1 bath home. Features include many replacement windows, updated modern eat-in kit with door to yard, French Doors and recessed lighting. Extra bonus is the newer roof 5-6 years old. Finished 3rd floor includes bedroom, full bath, wonderful all purpose room that could be used as a playroom, office or even an artist's studio. Terraced backyard is a stunning welcome to the property with both levels being flat. 2 car garage with large storage room (16x18) behind it is an important addition.

Sale Price: $720,000
Real Estate Taxes: $17,364

Featured Listings:

270 Clayton Road, Scarsdale P.O., Edgemont: Fabulous updated classic on spectacular property in the Fort Hill Estates area of Edgemont. Each room is a gem. Terrific proportions, smart layout and gorgeous details including a year round sunroom, gracious living room with gas fireplace, elegant dining room with corner shell cabinets, stylish library with a gas fireplace, beautifully redone cook's kitchen and appealing breakfast room, large room with full bath currently used as an office but can serve as a family room (off the kitchen) or a first floor bedroom. Three beautiful bedrooms and two updated bathrooms grace the second floor. Features include a 2-car garage, circular gravel, English gardens with privacy and a wonderful fish pond, central air and generator. Learn more here:

List Price: $1,749,000

24 Rodney Road, Scarsdale: Charming English Tudor in a very desirable and convenient location. Easy walk to bus, schools and park and just a 15-minute walk to Scarsdale Village and train. Entrance hall with powder room, large living room with built-ins and fireplace, sunroom, 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, three additional bedrooms and hall bath. Lower level offers a huge full basement, laundry, utilities and storage with door to outside. New leaders and gutters and lovely hardwood floors throughout. Square footage field measured is 2200. List Price: $929,500. Learn more here:

70 Hampton Road, Scarsdale: Spectacular Colonial in ideal location in the heart of Fox Meadow set on a tranquil 0.25 flat acre. Walk to Fox Meadow Elementary School, Scarsdale High School, Public Library, train station and Hartsdale shops. Featuring a stunning recently renovated designer kitchen crafted for modern living open to

a spacious family room with skylights and walls of glass overlooking private level back yard with large deck. Laundry room and garage are conveniently located near the kitchen. Expansive sunny Living and Dining rooms with beautiful architectural details and large windows offer the perfect space for everyday family gatherings and formal entertaining. The fabulous master suite features a fireplace, sitting area, large walk in closet and spacious master bath. Wide sunny hallway leads to three additional spacious family bedrooms and hall bath. Third level features generous finished storage. Lower level offers a potential recreation area and abundant storage. Improvements include brand new roof and freshly painted exterior. Learn more here: 

List Price: $1,895,000

Details

Written by Joanne Wallenstein

Category: Real Estate

Published: 26 February 2015

There was a time when the Julia B. Fee agency ruled Scarsdale real estate. Before 2007, the agency led the market for years but all that changed in 2007 when twelve of their top agents left in quick succession and moved to Houlihan Lawrence. More followed and Houlihan grew from 70 agents to 90 today. With sales of $300 million, those agents caused Houlihan's business to surge, and seven years later they closed 2014 with a 46.4% share.

According to Lewis Arlt of Houlihan Lawrence their current market share "comes in large part from long-standing relationships of trust, integrity, passion and professionalism. In 2007, the company became attractive to those 12 agents, because as a 3-county, family-run company, it had a feeling more like the old Julia B. Fee they loved, than their new owner, the corporate entity, Cendant-owned Sotheby's. Those agents have seen their careers grow with partnered support from Houlihan Lawnrece, and joined agents from other companies, who likewise have come aboard to benefit from the hands-on management style, compassionate service to the community, unmatched online local and global marketing, and a website that other brokers send their own clients to."

However, Julia B. Fee could be on their way back. Twelve real estate agents have changed allegiances and joined Julia B. Fee Sotheby's since the beginning of the year. Ten come from Coldwell Banker and two from Houlihan Lawrence's New Rochelle office. This brings the total number of agents at Julia B. Fee to 88. In 2014 Coldwell Banker stood in third place with a 8.7% market share, behind Julia B. Fee who held 17% of the market. With these new additions to their team, Julia B. Fee should stand to increase their share.

What was behind the shift? According to Jason Wilson, who manages the Julia B. Fee office in Scarsdale, the long-time manager of the Coldwell Banker office Linda Roth retired in December. Wilson reached out to Coldwell's agents and convinced them to make the move. Wilson says that he partners with the agents and gives them the tools they need to be successful – especially in the technology area. The agents were attracted by the promise of support and the momentum at the agency whose share has increased in the last three years.

New at Julia B. Fee Sotheby's are Nancy Simon, Jennifer Baldinger, Tracy Isaacs, Rene Wolfer, Patti Lipman, Agnes Holzberg, Lori Calamari, Alisa Kaplan, Linda Mantis and Susan Field from Coldwell Banker in Scarsdale as well as Micki Valvano and Felice Wyloge from Houlihan Lawrence in New Rochelle.

What other companies share this $800 million market? Newcomer Platinum Drive Realty finished the year with 8.7%, Prudential Centennial at 4.3% with Real Living Five Corners, Douglas Elliman, BHG Rand and Claire D. Leone dividing the balance.

Sales:

53 Penn Boulevard: New Center Hall Colonial on almost a half acre. Room for a pool. 10' ceiling on first floor, 9'ceiling on second floor and 9' ceiling in finished playroom. Approx. 1500 square feet in the basement is included in the total square footage. Incredible craftmanship and the finest materials which include: Kitchen: Statuarietto Marble counter tops, Wolf/48' gas range, Bosch dishwasher, Wolf hood, Wolf microwave and 48' subzero. HVAC: 4 zones forced air heating system. Mahogany front door.

Sale Price: $3,500,000
Real Estate Taxes: TBD

172 Brewster Road: Stone and shingle Colonial on nearly half an acre of level landscaped grounds adjoining nature preserve in Greenacres. Large, sun-splashed rooms including living room with fireplace, formal dining room, large master bedroom suite with fireplace, generous built-in closets and new bathroom with radiant floor heat and over sized shower with multiple shower heads. Six bedrooms and three new full baths. Additional features include original hardwood floors throughout, slate roof, large slate balcony overlooking beautiful, private grounds, updated multi-zone heating and air conditioning systems and a three-car garage.

Sale Price: $1,413,018
Real Estate Taxes: $27,753

6 Black Birch Lane: Located on a scenic and quiet .30 acre corner property in Quaker Ridge, this beautifully renovated home offers 2,516 square feet of open and airy living space with loads of sunshine. Three bedrooms and two full baths on second level, possible fourth bedroom with third full bath is located in fully finished, walk-out lower level. All modern amenities including gourmet eat-in-kitchen with custom cabinetry, stainless appliances and marble countertops, large formal dining room, huge living room with dramatic vaulted ceilings and wood-burning fireplace, gas heat, central air-conditioning, sizable family room with French doors out to blue stone patio for entertaining, built-in sound system, 2-car garage. Gorgeous property showcases cherry trees, a large magnolia tree and other specimen flowering plantings.

Sale Price: $1,060,100
Real Estate Taxes: $20,218

Featured Listings:

7 Overlook Road, Scarsdale: Fabulous Colonial on .73 beautifully landscaped acres with room for a pool. Built by Chillmark builders and later renovated using the architects Allisberg Parker. Bright sunlit home perfect for entertaining both inside and out. Beautiful entry hall with circular stair. Large rooms include the living room with fireplace, library with custom cabinetry, paneled dining room, office, kitchen with Caesar stone countertops, island and banquette, family room with fireplace. Doors to backyard from the family room, library, kitchen and office. The second floor has a master suite with bath plus three additional bedrooms and two baths. The lower level has a guest or nanny's room with bath, playroom/gym, second family room, full bath and laundry. The two-car garage has been converted to an indoor basketball court with 25-foot high ceilings. 9-zone heat and AC. Radiant heat in garage and office. Walk to high school, elementary school, train, and village. August possession. Learn more here:

List Price: $3,775,000

28 Fenimore Road, Scarsdale: Grand 1920s solid brick Colonial on spectacular large and flat property right near train, shops and school. Over 5000 square feet of impeccable interior space including 4 fireplaces, expansive master suite with tray ceiling, his and her bathrooms and multiple closets including room size walk-in with high-end finishes; six-and-a-half renovated baths; a huge open concept kitchen/family room with 9' ceilings and double French doors opening to large deck, slate patio and private, fully fenced, park-like rear yard. The gourmet kitchen and breakfast room include amenities such as stainless steel appliances and granite counter-tops and though the entire house has been renovated the formal living room and dining rooms have their original wood burning fireplaces, one with an authentic 1923 Art Deco carved marble mantel. Other improvements include new flat roofs with low maintenance Azek balustrades and rails, 4-zone HVAC; new hot water heater; brick paver driveway with ample parking. Learn more here:

List Price: $2,495,000