Details

Category: Real Estate

Published: 09 February 2010

A young couple and their extended family had a surprise encounter with two Scarsdale realtors on Superbowl Sunday, causing the couple to quickly realize they were the victims of a sinister scheme.

Realtors Anne Moretti and Janice Rothman had scheduled an open house at 956 Post Road on Sunday to give potential buyers a look at the home. Armed with balloons and open house signs, they pulled up to the house to find a Penske moving truck and a large group of people unloading possessions into the home. Perplexed, Ms. Moretti, the listing agent for the house, asked the family why they were on the premises. To her surprise they claimed that they had rented the home from the owner and were now moving in.

Moretti immediately got on the phone to the homeowner, Mr. Johannes Elsevier, who confirmed that the house was not for rent and that he had not entered into a rental agreement with anyone. She summoned the police who arrived to intervene. David Arena, who was in the process of moving into the home explained that he had found the listing for the home on Craig’s List and emailed Thomas Peter who identified himself as the owner. Arena was instructed to wire $3,000, which was the first month’s rent and a security deposit, to Mr. Peter in Logos, Nigeria. When the monies were received he received the house key in the mail.

But how did this so called “Mr. Peter” get access to a key? Police questioned Elsevier, who now lives in a nursing home in Mt. Vernon. Elsevier told them that he leaves a house key in the shed on a string so that the cleaning lady and handymen can get in. Sure enough, when Moretti checked the shed she found a string, but no key!

Arena’s wife showed police copies of the emails and Western Union wire transfer receipts and the Scarsdale Police instructed them to file a report with the Stamford, Ct. police where they currently live with Arena’s parents. Police will investigate in the hope of recovering the couple’s $3,000 deposit. Moretti has changed the locks on the house and turned on the alarm to prevent any further mishaps.

When contacted, Arena explained that he was deeply embarrassed by the incident. His parents, cousins and wife’s family and friends had all assembled to help with the move, and it was a big shock and disappointment to all that they had been scammed. When contacted, Arena said, “thank God for our family … if it wasn’t for them we would be living in our car.”

If anyone knows of a reasonably-priced rental available in Scarsdale, please contact the site at scarsdalecomments@gmail.com. Perhaps this heart-broken young couple can move here after all.

Details

Category: Real Estate

Published: 19 February 2010

Recent Sales:  48 Bradford Road: 1930's stone Colonial in the heart of Quaker Ridge. 5 bedrooms, 5 and 1/2 bath home features a gourmet kitchen, granite island, new appliances, and breakfast room overlooking large bi-level deck. Huge 26 foot family room, home office, guest bedroom and full bath on first floor. Hardwood floors, two fireplaces, central air. Gorgeous private .43 acre property on very quiet street backing golf course.
List Price: $1,799,000
Sale PriceL $1,605,000
Estimated Taxes: $37,400

10 Seneca: Gracious center hall colonial on a large professionally landscaped property with Sylvan pool and jacuzzi. This spacious, pristine home is perfect for entertaining and outdoor living. Wonderful space and privacy make this an ideal home for all seasons.
List Price: $1,725,000
Sale Price: $1,576,666
Estimate Taxes: $38,506

93 Sprague Road: First floor with open layout kitchen and dining area, generous living room, denor extra bedroom, and half bath. Second floor: master bedroom with full bath, three additional bedrooms and a full hall bath. Hardwood and tile floors and upgraded windows.
List Price: $575,000
Sale Price: $557,500
Estimated Taxes: $14,800

On the Market

32 Graham Road: Warm Tudor with lovely architectural details and character. Versatile floor plan. Living room with beamed, vaulted, ceilings and stone fireplace. Builder to install kitchen per buyer's selections. Freshly painted. Beautiful oak hardwood floors.

Asking Price: $974,900

14 Hillview Drive; Custom built home with elegant two story entry. 25 foot formal living room with fireplace and French doors to the deck. Large dining room opens to a stunning, kitchen with vaulted ceilings, Viking appliances, center island, granite counters andhardwood floors. First floor master suite. Ample closets, Marvin windows, high ceilings throughout and an elevator.

Asking Price: $2,399,000

38 Park Road: Elegant stone and stucco Tudor with stunning property views from every room. Custom built family room with seating area, soaring ceiling, wrap around sliding glass doors, wet bar, sub zero refrigerator. Modern kitchen with center island and top of the line appliances. Stone terrace. Graceful brass and wrought iron banister flanking staircase. Beautiful master suite, lovely oak floors, arched doorways. Gorgeous 1.36 acres of private and useable property. Wonderful location in the Greenacres estate section.

Asking Price: $3,795,000

9 Huntington Avenue: Wonderful Greenacres home with classic appeal and modern amenities. Completely renovated to preserve its classic architectural integrity. Fabulous family room with fireplace, French doors and vaulted ceiling overlooking a beautifully landscaped yard. Hardwood floors and central air. Gourmet eat-in-kitchen with top of the line appliances, granite counters. Large, private master suite with bath. Private backyard, slate patio, specimen plantings.

Asking Price: $1,595,000

Details

Category: Real Estate

Published: 03 February 2010

Sold: 46 Montrose Road: Timeless stone side-hall Colonial on a quiet tree-lined street in Greenacres. Hardwood floors, French doors, wood-burning fireplace, Pella windows and more. Wonderful flow as entry hall leads to living room large enough for a grand piano. Modern eat-in-kitchen with radiant heat floors. Huge attic and ample storage. Lower level playroom/exercise space. Private patio and fully-fenced, flat backyard.
List Price: $799,900
Sale Price: $780,000

119 Carthage Road: Spacious five bedroom, 3.5 bath home on a quiet street. Featuring an updated kitchen, hardwood floors, a flexible layout, and a lovely family room leading to a brick patio. Deck overlooks a private level property.
List Price: $1,395,000
Sale Price: $1,300,000
Estimated Taxes: $28,501

172 Clarence Road: Stunning sun-filled colonial with vaulted entry foyer and family room with fireplace and sliders to deck. Spacious modern eat-in kitchen with door to deck. Enjoy a private park like setting of .25 acres of manicured lawns. 9 foot ceilings on 1st floor, and 11 foot tray ceiling in master bedroom. Large master bath with double sink and jacuzzi. 3 additional bedrooms. Full basement and attic storage
List Price: $995,000
Sale Price: $970,000
Estimated Tax: $22,356

On the Market: 15 Cooper Road: Unique Victorian Colonial located in the Grange has large rooms: six bedrooms, 3.1 baths, 2 fireplaces and charming center hall with lead windows. Private front patio, set among magnificent trees.
List Price: $1,970,000

10 Kent Road: Kitchen, renovated in 2005 includes granite countertops, Viking and Bosch appliances and limestone floors opening to a huge family room with fireplace and dining area. Bathrooms renovated with natural stone and new fixtures, new 2-zone hydro-air heat and central a/c, hot water heater, wireless alarm system and underground sprinkler. New roof installed in 2002. 1,300 square feet of legal finished famly space in basement and 3rd floor make this a 4500+ square foot house
List Price: $1,775,000