Have a Fabulous 4th of July in Rochester NY with this Star Spangled Guide

Summer is officially here which means the 4th of July is just around the corner!   We’ve collected some great ideas to help you celebrate in style whether you’re going to be running, baking, miniature golfing or throwing your own party!   As we pause to remember what makes our country great, please know what an honor and a privilege it is to serve you every day!

Fireworks, Parades and More:

We’ve included a listing of all the events in the area.  Here’s a sneak peek at a few of them that are nearby:

Fireworks on Friday, July 4th

Henrietta

Town of Henrietta’s July 4th Celebration & Fireworks: Henrietta Senior Center will have their annual Craft and Garage Sale from 9am-2pm. Events will continue at the Veterans Memorial Park beginning at 4pm. Enjoy live bands, children’s games, activities and local food vendors! Top the night off with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:40pm.

 

Brighton’s Bicentennial 4th of July

5K Race and Pancake Breakfast at Twelve Corners and Brighton High School 8 am;

Meridian Centre Park festivities beginning at 2 pm including rides, food and entertainment featuring The Skycoasters, and fireworks display;

 

Food for the 4th!

Maybe you have been asked to bring a dessert or a dish to pass.  Fear not!  Here are some simple ideas and not so simple ideas depending on your skill set:

Try these Pretzel Sparklers from Pinterest which has a whole page ofred, white and blue desserts and snacks.

Clean up is a snap if you grill in foil!   Food Network has some great ideas that are sure to please, not to mention some great side dishes!

 

And, if you’re the one hosting, while everyone else brings the dish to pass, choose one of these easy ideas to decorate from Better Homes and Gardens!

4th of July on the Run!

Maybe you are one of those healthy people that like to run! There are plenty of opportunities in the area.  For a complete listing of races all summer, click here.  Here’s a few that are nearby:

Friday, 04 July, 2014, 7:30 a.m.

Fleet Feet Firecracker 5 mile (certified)

Location: Perinton Park, Fairport, NY
Entry fee: Pre-entry $20.00/$22.00 — post-entry $25.00

Contact: Yellowjacket Racing

•  585-732-1090

•  Email 

•  Official event web site 

•  Register for this event on line 

•  Download PDF entry form  

Friday, 04 July, 2014, 8:00 a.m.

Brighton Chamber of Commerce July 4th 5k

Location: Brighton High School, Brighton, NY
Entry fee: Pre-entry $20.00/$22.00 — post-entry $25.00

Contact: Yellowjacket Racing

•  585-732-1090

•  Email 

•  Official event web site 

•  Register for this event on line 

•  Download PDF entry form  

Friday, 04 July, 2014, 8:00 a.m.

If you would like to realize the American Dream of home ownership or just understand the market in your area, contact us today, we are happy to help!

Ice Cream is So Cool! Here’s 5 Reasons Why!

I scream! You scream!  We all scream for ice cream!  It’s true.   While I know it is probably more cost effective to go into the local grocery store and buy a half gallon, it doesn’t taste the same.  I’m serious.   There’s something about going out for ice cream that makes it taste better.   Some will say that ice cream isn’t healthy, but research says there are  some benefits.  ( I have also taken the liberty to add a few)

• Despite the cream and sugar, it has other good stuff like calcium, potassium and vitamin B.
• It might even help you lose weight!
• July is National Ice Cream Month  and July 20th is National Ice Cream Day.   It’s good to support some of these other national holidays. ( June is Fight the Filthy Fly month.  Just not sure I can get behind that one. )
• You haven’t really had a good season, until the coach takes you out for ice cream.
• When you buy ice cream at your local ice cream shop you are supporting small business!

Here’s 3 Places to Get a Unique Scoop near Pittsford:

 

 Pittsford Farms Dairy:

Located in the heart of Pittsford,  Pittsford Farms puts their heart into everything they do and they support other local businesses!   Here’s a great summary from RocWiki:

Pittsford Farms Dairy & Bakery is a little locally owned dairy, bakery, ice cream shop, and cafe. They are located behind Schoen Place in the Village of Pittsford. Their milk, which is produced by regional dairy cows, is vat-pasteurized, bottled on-site, and sold in old-fashioned glass bottles.

Using this milk they produce and sell ice cream, frozen custard, butter, buttermilk, chocolate milk, and eggnog. They also sell grocery items such as local baked goods from Baker Street Bakeryand Flour City Bread Co., pastas from Flour City Pasta and the Ravioli Shop, coffee from the Merchant of Coffee and Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters, and maple products from Merle Maple.

The ice cream parlor offers 30 flavors (there are even more flavors available to buy in packaged take home quarts). There is also frozen custard available in chocolate, vanilla and a rotating feature flavor. The Dairy also makes ice cream cakes, pies and chipwiches. All ice creams and custards are homemade, made from the dairy’s fresh cream. Their ice cream can also be found atCrossroads Ice Cream.

The on-site bakery makes authentic French breakfast pastries & quiche daily. They also make dessert pastries, pies and cookies. And for lunch (or dinner) they also make mini gourmet pizzas and sometimes soup or sandwiches.

The coffee bar serves fresh Java Joe’s coffee (hot or iced), and pastries.

Some of their products can also be found at Veritas Wine Bar.

Read’s Ice Cream:

It’s down the road a piece in Henrietta, and like Pittsford Farms, it’s homemade on site.  Hard ice cream, soft ice cream and a Doggie Delight option for your canine friends.   In addition, they offer non-fat and sugar free options.   Need to take the show on the road?  They cater too!

 

Phillips European:

If you want to take your dessert to the next level, add ice cream!   Well known for their award winning decadent confections, Phillips European also lays claim to fabulous sundaes with baklava, macaroons and more.  From their sundae menu:

Cookie Sundae
Warmed cookie of your choice with vanilla ice cream, chocolate
sauce and whipped cream

Coconut Macaroon Sundae
Warmed macaroon with ice cream, whipped cream, raspberry and chocolate sauce

Lemon Coconut Bar Sundae
Warmed with vanilla ice cream, raspberry sauce and whipped cream

Caramel Fudge Brownie Sundae
Warmed with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, caramel
sauce and whipped cream

Baklava Sundae
Warmed with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream

Don’t forget Cold Stone Creamery, Friendlys and Abbotts are options too.  If you would like to know more about the area ice cream shops, or if you would like to live in one of these areas, contact us today!  Not only do we love ice cream, we love real estate and supporting local businesses!

Cleaning Out the Garage!

Sundays with Susan Extra:

Great Houzz article on cleaning out the garage.  I’m really going to try this before Fall!

7-Day Plan: Get a Spotless, Beautifully Organized Garage

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Rochester NY: Enjoy Our Guide!

As we pause to honor those who have so valiantly served this weekend, we are truly grateful for our freedom.   We can choose where we live, what career we will pursue and what to do with those we love the most!  Please enjoy our guide of area activities and events this Memorial Day Weekend.  Since many will be out and about this Memorial Day Weekend (a record number of travellers are predicted) , it’s best to plan ahead!

 Parades

Click here for a list of parades in the area.   Nothing says Memorial Day like flying a flag and watching the local parade.   Many groups march in more than one parade!  How awesome that so many volunteer to serve the community in this way.  If you have been before, you know there comes a point in time, a special moment, when you realize freedom is not free, and how fortunate we are to live in this country.

Barbecues

Shout out to the Democrat and Chronicle for some great recipe ideas!   Ribs? Hots and hamburgs? Wings?  Yes, traditional fare.  But what about charcoaled turkey, rhubarb crisp and craft beer as a marinade?  Definitely food for thought!  However, if you’d like to watch  the masters at work, don’t forget the ROC City Rib Fest!  The competition is fierce, which makes the food for the rest of  us, just plain excellent!

Waterfront Dining

Many boaters will take to the water this weekend.   Lots of fun in the sun, and plenty of places to pull up and catch a quick bite!  Click here  for a listing of all of the waterfront dining available.   Come by land or by sea and enjoy a beautiful view.

Shopping

There will be plenty of sales to be had this weekend whether you are working on your yard, creating that outdoor living room or looking for a new car.  According to Deal News, Memorial Day Weekend has some of the best sales of the year.  Here’s a guide to what to buy and what not to buy in the month of  May!

Tis the season of garage sales!  Locate them by map!

There are also plenty of sales at the Waterloo Premium Outlet

Farm Markets are ready for family fun!  Fruits and Vegetables?  Yes, but check out how much more there is to do and see!  Visit today!

Weather

10 day forecast  is looking really good right now!   But even if it should slightly rain on our parade, we have so much to be thankful for!

One of the greatest freedoms we can pursue is home ownership!  If a move is in your future, we’d love to make it happen!  Contact us today for your free guide to buying and selling!

Fresh! Fun! Local! Enjoy the 2014 Market Guide!

Spring is finally here.  We knew it would come eventually!  So what to do?   At the top of the list is a visit to your local Farmer’s Market!    We are fortunate in Rochester to have a bushel full  to choose from.   Not only is it great fun and great exercise, it is an excellent opportunity to support local business and discover the spice of life! (Click here for 8 more reasons why you should go!)    Pick your day, pick a town and enjoy knowing where your food came from!

Brighton Farmers Market:  May 25 – October 26

Brighton High School parking lot

Sundays, 9am – 1pm

 

Brockport Farmers’ Market: June 15 – October 26

Market Street, Between Main St & Water St

Sundays 8:00 am to 1 pm

 

Chili Farmers’ Market:  May 3 – October 25

Chili Paul Plaza, 3240 Chili Ave

Saturdays, 8am – 1pm

 

Churchville Farmers’ Market:   June 3 – October 28

23 E. Buffalo Rd.  Churchville, NY, 14428

Tuesday 4pm – 7:30pm

 

Fairport Farmers Market:  May 3 – November 22

58 South Main Street, Pkg lot behind Bank of America

Saturdays, 7am – 12pm

(Except June 1 during Canal Days)

 

Greece Ridge Mall:

 Flower Market: May 10 – May 31

Farmers’ Market June 10- October 25

Ridge Rd West & Long Pond Rd (Near Sears)

Thurs & Saturdays, 9am – 3pm

 

Hamlin Farmers’ Market:  June 15 – October 28

Hamlin Town Hall parking lot

1658 Lake Road

Sundays, 9am – 1pm

 

Hilton Farmers’ Market:  May 18th to October 26th.

Hovey Square (Park and Ride Lot)

Sundays 9 AM – 2 PM.

 

Irondequoit Farmers’ Market May 29 – October 23

Irondequoit Town Hall parking lot

Thursdays, 4pm – 8pm (or dusk)

 

Mendon Farmers Market: June 3 – October 14

 Mendon Firemen’s Field 101 Mendon Ionia Rd (Rte. 64)

Tuesdays, 4pm – 7pm

 

North Chili Farmers Market:  June 14-October 25

United Methodist Church parking lot

2200 Westside Drive, Ogden, NY

Saturdays, 8am – 1pm

 

Palmyra Farmers Market:  May to October

Palmyra Village Park  144 East Main Street

Tuesday, 3 pm to 6 pm.

 

Penfield Farmers’ Market: May 4 – December 28

1801 Fairport Nine Mile Point Rd. Penfield, NY 14526

Sunday 9am – 1pm

 

Pittsford Farmers Market: May 6 – November 25

3400 Monroe Avenue Colony Plaza

Tuesdays & Saturdays 9am – 1pm

 

Rochester Public Market: Year-round

280 North Union Street, Rochester, NY

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6am – 1pm

Saturdays, 5am – 3pm

 

Rush Farmers Market:  June 10- -November 6

United Methodist Church,  6200 Rush-Lima Road

Thursdays, 3pm – 6:30pm

South Wedge Farmers Market:  June 12 – October 16

100 Alexander Str. lot at S. Clinton Ave (behind Boulder Coffee),

Thursdays, 4pm – 8pm

 

Victor Farmers’ Market: June 4 – October 29  

Village Hall Parking Lot 60 East Main Street

Wednesdays, 3pm to 7pm.

 

Walworth Farmers’ Market:  June 17

Ginegaw Park Farmers’ Market

3600 Lorraine Drive Walworth, NY 14568

Tuesdays 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Some of the markets hold special events or chances to win “market cash” so be sure to stay tuned and follow our blog!  If you are looking to live nearby, contact us, we are happy to help you find the perfect place to grow roots!

First Quarter Home Value Stats are In and Here’s What It Means to You!

Here’s what we know- comparing the 1st quarter of this year to last year:

1.  The average sale price has remained steady overall in the region;  with Monroe County showing an average sale price increase of  2.4%.   The news could be worse.  Despite a slower economic recovery, we are holding steady.  It’s Rochester.  It’s Upstate New York.    It’s what we do.    You won’t make a 100k on your home in 5 years, but you won’t lose it either.

2.  There was a decrease in homes listed (9%) and hence, a decrease in sales (8.3%)   Blame it on the Polar Vortex.   While we have heard of something called Global Warming, it’s not happening here.  The weather was frightful and downright nasty.   There were also new mortgage regulations that might have caused some to postpone their buying until they can get their ducks in a row.   Some sellers hesitated to put their home on the market, to be sure the lanscaping and such was seen in its greatest light.

3.  Within the last month, pending sales are up 19%.   Spring market has sprung.   We’re not only coming out of our houses again, we’re putting them for sale and we still need more inventory.

Here’s what it means to you:

1.  Buyers:   If you are thinking about buying a home, make sure you are qualified by a trusted mortgage professional.  Understand that inventory is just starting to pick up so you may find yourself in a multiple offer situation.  It’s okay.  We have been down this road before and we know how to represent you in the best way possible.  If a house fits your established criteria, buy it, even if it is one of the first houses you have seen.    There were homes listed on the market before you bought this one and there will be homes listed on the market the day after you close on this one.   “Do the best you can, with what you have, where you are.”  (Thanks Eleanor Roosevelt!)   Interest rates  are still low so grab them before they start to increase.

2. Sellers:  It’s time!  If you list it, they will come.   Lots of them.   You will get the best price for your home now.   We understand your landscaping will look better in full bloom, and that the sun will sparkle on the water of your pool once the cover is off.   Do you have any pictures from last summer?  Buyers will believe you and they are so excited, they might even buy your home for more than you are asking.

3.  Homeowners:  Now is the perfect time to understand what your home is worth, even if you have no intentions of moving.  A spring market shows us what consumers are willing to pay and what the current competition looks like.   Knowing the value of  your home will help you make decisions not only about selling, but about refinancing and home equity loans.    And, as an awesome reminder, take pictures of your home now, in all seasons to highlight its fabulous features.   That way, if another polar vortex comes our way, you’ll have the pictures to prove what’s under the snow!

Many people want to know when the best time is to buy or sell your home.  Because we study the market daily and keep up with how it changes, and what the advantages and incentives are, we can honestly say, that every day is a great day to buy and sell a home!

If you would like to make a move or know the value of your home, we can help!

The Rochester Real Estate Market is Blooming!

The weather was warm today!  And, if you live in Rochester, you know that we take the weather one day at a time.    This coming week will be a roller coaster of sorts with temperatures fluctuating almost 40 degrees in 24 hours!

The good news is, that our real estate market doesn’t follow the weather.   In fact, prices remain steady.   If we look back on the last 60 days in Monroe County, here’s what we’ll find:

1472 homes are for sale.   There’s something for everyone in every price range–you just need to find the price range you are comfortable with.  Click here for our list of trusted mortgage professionals.

438 homes have gone under contract.  It’s important to note, that inventory is still low in some price ranges.   As a buyer,  be prepared to take action.  It really is okay to buy a home with one showing—if it fits your criteria, act.  Sellers, if you are on the fence, it’s time to list as low inventory will drive the best price.

705 homes have sold at 97% of the asking price.   The average sale price was higher in March, than what has currently been reported, but remember we are only half way through the month of April.

Mortgage rates also remain steady so it’s a great market for both buyers and sellers.  Even if a move isn’t in your future, it’s still a great time to understand the value of your home.

And the value, of living in Rochester, NY.  The Lilac Festival is just around the corner, as are many other festivals that celebrate what makes Rochester unique.  If you would like a listing of Rochester Events, just register below and we will add you to our mailing list!

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March Market Madness: Monroe County Edition

The Elite 8 will soon be the Final Four, then on to  the Championship Game when the winner is declared.   Sometimes purchasing a home can feel like the NCAA Tournament.   You see what houses have to offer, you begin to rank them, you write your purchase offer and a winner is declared, with your team of real estate professionals, otherwise known as your greatest fans, cheering you on!

The good news is that while there are some bumps along the way and delays of the game, there aren’t as many fouls in house hunting and you have more control over who wins, and what winning means than you do from your couch when you are watching the tournament.

Whether you are buying or selling or both, it’s important to know the conditions when you play the game.  Let’s take a look at what the Monroe County Market is doing:

• In the last week, over 250 homes have been listed!  Hello Spring!  There is something for everyone in every price range. ( Although inventory is a little low in the 180k-200k price range.)

• Of homes that were listed on March 1st or later, over 70 have gone under contract.   All of them were sold in 5 days or less.

• Interest rates have gone up slightly, but still remain low.

If you are looking to find out more about the activity in your neighborhood, contact me today and I’ll send you the stats!  If you are looking for your credit score or to understand your property taxes, I work with a great team of professionals that can help you assess your ranking!

March Madness is here, with some great opportunities and Susan Hughes Real Estate is ready to assist you with each one!

 

Comparative Market Analysis: Why You Need to Have One Whether You are Buying, Selling, or Staying Put

The Spring Market is here!  What does that mean if you want to sell your home?  If you want to buy a home?  Inventory plays a big role.   In basic terms, if  there is a lot of inventory, then it’s a buyer’s market because there is a lot for buyers to choose from.   If there aren’t that many homes for sale, than it’s a seller’s market.

A key indicator, which is the foundation of pricing, is a Comparative Market Analysis.(CMA)  A great real estate agent will do the following:

1.  Pull your tax record.   We’d like to think that these are absolutely accurate and most of the time they are, but on the off chance that something isn’t right, we want to make sure we catch it.

2.  Look at Assessed Value Remember, this is determined by an assessor, pulling the tax record and making sure the house is still standing.  An assessor, unlike a bank appraiser, never goes inside.  This number is a basic number to serve more as a bottom line to determine your taxes.

3. Analyze properties that have sold in the area in the last 6 months.  We are looking for properties that are similar in style, square footage, age, and within a certain mile radius.  The closer the better!

4.  Research the properties that have recently gone under contract.  The reason why it is so crucial to use a Realtor is because of their  expertise in analyzing numbers and because of the access they possess to current information.  Third party sites like Zillow and Trulia pull their information from tax records that aren’t always accurate or that are updated only once a year.

5. Consider similar properties that are currently for sale.  While you don’t really know what a buyer is willing to pay until there is a contract on the home, researching other similar properties that are for sale will help determine what the competition is.

6. Determine the impact of upgrades.  Have the owners kept up with the maintenance of the home? (furnace, windows, roof)  Have they made any changes to the decor to reflect current trends? (painted, remodeled the kitchen or bathroom, updated the landscaping and exterior)  While it is next to impossible to get all your money back on renovations (depends on what type of the market it is) at the very least, upgrades add additional value to the property above and beyond the assessment.

7.  Understand the Motivation of the Seller.  Depending on the time frames, it is often best to price the home to sell rather than to test the market and hope.

Accurate pricing is essential for both the buyer and the seller.  Fair market value means just that, it’s fair and reflects current sales, the competition, upgrades, and assessments.  Those who are selling a home need to see the bigger picture.  Over priced homes stay on the market much longer.  Those who are buying a home need to understand that’s it’s okay to give a seller exactly what they are asking once you determine the price is fair.

Here’s one of our newest listings proudly offered by Susan Hughes Real Estate:

Even if a move is not in your future, it’s still a good idea to have a CMA done on your house at least once a year. After all, for most people, your home is your biggest investment, and knowing its value can be helpful in determining whether or not refinancing is a good idea or in applying for a home equity loan, understanding your property taxes and more.

If you have any questions or would like to help in determine what the best value is, click here, and we would be honored to help!

And the Oscar goes to…..George!

It’s time to roll out the Red Carpet and see who will capture the coveted Academy Awards.  The show airs on Sunday, March 2nd at 7 pm on ABC.   It’s in it’s 86th year and will pay tribute to the movie,  “The Wizard of Oz”. (Personally, I think all of us at one point or another have needed some courage, a heart, a brain and a reminder that there really is no place like home.)

But as long as we are paying tribute, why not consider a tribute to one of motion pictures finest in our area, our beloved, yet eccentric, George Eastman.   Over the holidays I had the pleasure of meeting a couple from North Carolina.  They shared how much they enjoy the cultural arts that Rochester offers.   We spoke at length about The Eastman House (since it is my daughter’s favorite place and she brings out-of-town friends there).

George Has An Open House Every Week!

I shared that  George Eastman was our city’s largest benefactor which is why we have the Eastman Theater (RPO), The Eastman School of Music, The Eastman Dental School, Durand-Eastman Park, etc.  As I provide area tours to people interviewing in Rochester— I love to give a little Eastman history—for example, how so much of our beautiful architecture came as a result of convincing his fellow industrialist safari friends that Rochester was a wonderful place to build a summer home; how he had the room with his pipe organ enlarged 9’ so the sound would be better (as it woke him to “Hail to the Chief” every morning and  that change cost him more than it did to build the original house) or that he lobbied for the 13-month calendar.    Say what you will about George, but he gave so much to our city and his legacy lives on in the George Eastman International Museum of Photography and Film.  Yes, that’s right, International, and people come from far and wide to learn of his contributions to this industry.  How fortunate that this place is in our own backyard.

I would love for you to experience it, so let’s have some Oscar fun!   Below are the nominations for best picture:

• American Hustle
• Captain Phillips
• Dallas Buyers Club
• Gravity
• Her
• Nebraska
• Philomena
• 12 Years a Slave
• The Wolf of Wall Street

Cast your vote for who you think will win and you’ll be entered into our George Eastman Giveaway (Tickets for two, to visit this legendary museum)!  All entries must be received by March 1st.

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Good luck.   I’m not sure if I will ever bump into you at the Oscars, but I will definitely bump into you at the George Eastman House.