And the Fuel Trucks Come Forth

Here's a seasonal tip for all you home owners with paved driveways. I hope this information helps you preserve the value of your property and save you costly repairs.

It's now December and the fuel trucks are delivering. Over the years I've noticed several paved driveways have sunken trough-like tracks up to the point where the fuel trucks park for delivery. In fact, when I purchased my office building almost 10years ago I noticed the same thing, especially when I was out shoveling snow. It's not a secret that a fuel oil or propane truck can be very heavy when loaded with fuel. When they're moving very slowly the damage they do is even worse. Next time you're at a red light waiting for the signal to change look at the road in front of you, you'll see the sunken pavement.

So, here's my tip. Ask the fuel company that delivers to your home to deliver from the road. If your driveway is not paved or the fuel fill for your house is to far from the road(I think the hose reaches 250 feet) then this may not apply to you. Also, if road delivery is not safe, there may be nothing you can do to prevent such damage to your driveway.

I re-paved my driveway here at my office building 8 years ago and it looks fine. Every time I order fuel I remind the delivery people to not park in the driveway. They seem more concerned these days about selling the stuff then having the driver walk a little father with the hose.

Enjoy the holidays.

Brad

Smithfield - Millerton Area - 50 mile views!

Located on the edge of the Smithfield area in Millerton is this secluded home featuring 50 mile views. There is about 22 acres being offered with the contemporary style home. The views are far reaching, and there is a mix of open, tillable farm land and woods. Thee is more land available. $920,000 The house is not visible from the road. You can access more info at my web site at http://www.dutchesscountry.com/propertyDetailsall.cfm?&ListingID=424&proprow=14

Don't Miss Out!

Just listed in Millerton, NY - 5.2 acres with 360 degree views of the beautiful Taconic Range and valley farms. This open parcel is close to golf, Catamount Ski Area, and the Village of Millerton. Only 20 minutes to the Metro-North Train.
$135,000 --

What to believe.

Every day, no matter where you look or who you ask, we are bombarded with information regarding the current real estate market conditions. I've read some very positive, encouraging accounts of a market turn-a-round and in the next article a very gloomy account of the current market. One thing I believe is that the market is constantly changing and that the rate of change seems to have increased to a daily basis. For now, I think that looking backward for a very short time and forward with a optimist's view is the way to go. Look for the honest answer when you ask a Realtor for their opinion. You can recognize the honest answer by not so much what one is saying but by your gut reaction.

For now. Hang in there!

Brad Rebillard, Broker

The mad rush for the tax credit

In Millerton and the surrounding area we've been fortunate enough to have had buyers take advantange of the first time home buyers credit program. Now, with the program coming to an end on December 1st, buyers are thinking hard about offering on a home that they can afford. Yesterday, September 28th, I closed on a home listed for $215,000. The selling price was $200,000. The sellers were very inspired to list the house for the current market and, therefore, we were able to sell the home. Over the last several months I've interviewed with several prospective home sellers who, for one reason or another, want to sell. After performing a free market analysis of the local comparable "solds" and the current "for sale" listings the indicator was for a much lower listing and selling price than the home owner expected or needed. My advice to them was to not list their home unless they really needed to sell it. In most cases that's ok, but in some cases I'm finding that some of these home owners really need to sell. If you have to sell, you have to be realistic and you have to understand that this is a buyer's market. Remember also that your property will have to be appraised by the buyers mortgage lender and that right now if your home doesn't appraise, it doesn't sell. My office is here to help. If you have to sell, call us and we'll talk with you about the different options for selling in a difficult market.

Featuring one of the best views in Dutchess County. This private cape/contemporary home has 50 miles of views from one of the highest points in the county. Located 1000' off a lightly travelled county road you are surrounded by nature. Unique to this home are underground utilities, an entire southern wall of glass with sliding glass doors, a wrap-around deck and a living room that looks out to the picturesque views. Master bdrm & bath w/whirlpool tub and small office space. Second floor balcony overlooks the living area and the great views. There are a lot of exceptional features to this home that are too many to list. Located near Millbrook Hunt Country, Metro North commuter railroad, fine dining, theater and so much more. More land is available. $925,000 Dutchess Country Realty Inc. Millerton, NY www.dutchesscountry.com