Rye Housing Data

One theme we kept coming back to in between course assignments was, naturally, the state of the local housing market. And in Westchester and Fairfield Counties, he was saying, It just isn’t as bad as it seems. In fact, I may go as far as to say, it may be better than you think. National statistics may have our head spinning with foreclosures and short sales, and although we have seen that increase in our area since the recession, it is not even remotely close to the national numbers you hear on TV, especially when the numbers include Florida and California.

My current advice: If there is a home you are interested in right now, make an offer.

Spring is Here and there are some great housing options to choose from

Or give your real estate agent an indication of where you would consider making an offer. If the seller rejects your proposal, you will at least have a guideline of how to proceed, and you may find that your prospects for buying that home are not as out of reach as you may have thought. At the very least, your feedback will provide an indication to the seller of current market value from an active buyer’s perspective.

I met an appraiser at a home in Rye Tuesday afternoon, and she told me that Rye City, in her opinion, has held up better than ANY area in Westchester County in the past year. She said that we must have some secret formula that attracts people here (and we do, I think ).

RHS Football games under the lights are some of my favorite local events

Of course, that is far from a scientific survey, but I think you would be hard pressed to find another community where property values have held as well.  No,  it is not 2005 again ANYWHERE. And school district ratings are a primary factor in driving the market, now more than ever.

But there are a lot of challenging school districts, so I believe it is more than that:  the small community feel with big city sports, ongoing community events, an active downtown shopping area and city owned Rye Golf Club, access to plenty green space at Rye Town Park and Beach , the Marshlands and Nature Center. All in a compact six square miles.

With plenty of private school options as well and new inventory throughout the Sound Shore Area, there is opportunity everywhere.  Let’s take a look at some recent stats:

Market Update:

Rye City:

• 93 Homes on the market ranging from a low of $485,000 to a high of $12,5000.00 list price.
• 48 Homes currently in contract.
  
• 50 Homes have sold in the past 6 months for a median sales price of $1,321,250.
• 62 Homes sold during the same time period last year* for a median sales price of $1, 150,000.

Rye P.O./Harrison:

• 23 Homes on the market ranging from a low of $999,000 to a high of $4,795,000.
• 8 Homes currently in contract.
• 7 Homes have sold in the past 6 months for a median sales price of $1,500,000.
• 7 Homes sold in the same time period last year for a median sales price of $2,250,000.

Harrison/Purchase:

• 172 Homes are on the market ranging from $299,000 to $8,995,000 list price.
• 32 Homes currently in contract.
• 45 Homes have sold in the past 6 months for a median sales price of $1,065,000.
• 55 sold during the same time period the previous year for a median sales price of  $1,440,000.

*Rye City all 10580 zip code, RCSD & RNSD schools districts. 6 month time period 11/4/10- 5/4/11 compared with same time period the previous year. Rye/Harrison zip 10580, HCSD. Harrison/Purchase encompass all homes in HCSD. Homes in contract include conditional contract( awaiting mortgage commitment) as well as pending sales. All information per Empire Access MLS, formerly WPMLS.

If you live in Rye, or are thinking of visiting, take advantage of the sunny weather forecast and check out the scene in town. With the spring market in full gear, there are a lot of new homes on the market to check out .

Save the Date! Rye High School Parent’s Organization is mixing it up this year and hosting a Rye Garnet Casino Night at the Apawamis Club on Friday, April 1st as an alternative to the Rye House Tour as the annual (and only) school fundraiser.

The festivities kick off at 7:00 p.m. and a Poker Tournament will be separate from the other Casino games- blackjack, roulette and craps. Tickets are $75.00 per person in advance, $90.00 at the door. Click here to purchase a ticket and support the school- see you there!

Feel free to check out the attendee list here.

Woodrow Jewelers in Rye

I was reminded of that this past week when I brought a very special piece of jewelry to R & M Woodrow Jewelers at 21 Purchase Street in Rye. A family owned business since 1985*, I have always enjoyed stopping in this store. Wendy gave me very helpful, straight forward recommendations on what to do with this piece, and her brother Michael was extremely patient with me as it was difficult for me to hand over this sentimental item, even though I knew it was the right time to do so. I am thrilled beyond my expectations with the transformation and was so impressed with their kindness and exemplary customer service.

I also stopped by La Coquette (27 Purchase St) as I heading out and picked up a gift for my nieces. Specializing in Sterling Silver jewelry and other adornment pieces, this store is unfortunately going out of business in this location and offering sales of up to 70%. Husband and wife team Daniel and Yon have been in the jewelry business for 18 years and carry some unique and beautiful costume jewelry. Visit them today while they are still here!

*Information and photograph courtesy of Westchester Magazine article online.

MLS #3029836

feel much more spacious than the square footage suggests.  Must see inside to fully appreciate! The sale includes an additional lot in the back and the yard is complete with a children’s tree house hideaway and  access to a walking path in back of the property.

Living Room with Wood Burning Fireplace

We lived in this neighborhood when my children were younger, and have wonderful memories of Halloween parades and trick or treating on this street or strolling over to Osborn for their annual Fall Carnival every October. If you or anyone you know may be interested in this home, please contact me for further details.

* video by Tom Nycz- Courtesy of ryepatch.com.

Five homes will be featured on this year’s tour, including a “Certified LEED” (green) house with a boutique and Art Gallery, and lunch is available at Manursing Island Club for those viewing the tour. The tour runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 21st. For full details on ticket options and prices, as well as a video “sneak peek”, visit the website at www.ryehousetour.com.

Tickets are available at most local real estate offices, including William Raveis Real Estate at 78 Purchase Street.

Purchase Street in Rye has some great shops that I visit time and again. For a special gift, visit Woodrow Jewelers, a longtime family business that specializes in quality jewelry with a focus on service.  Blush Beauty Bar, Oliviers or Wish are three great stores for hostess gifts for Holiday parties as well as fun treats for yourself (great candles at Blush!) Although not located on Purchase Street, Rye Beach Pharmacy at 464 Forest Avenue is so much more than a pharmacy and a great source for holiday gifts- Charlotte and all the lovely ladies behind the counter are more than happy to

There is a local Kohls, Modells, and other chains, but if you are looking for something special and would like some individualized attention, come see our local merchants.  If you are visiting for the first time, please let them know you first read about their store here! Happy Holidays to all of you!