Why Do Our Signs Keep Disappearing?

"There is a reason you are seeing so many signs around the area.

However, the thing that makes VantagePoint signs stand out 'head & shoulders' above the rest is their movement.

When you see another company's sign, it seems to remain in front of a house forever. Even in this slower market, Our Homes Sell Quicker, thus our signs actually come out!

Call us; join in our journey through these interesting times."

Stephanie W. Samuelsohn
Principal Broker
VantagePoint Realty
518-965-8484

Why Our Properties Sell All Year

People tend to think the Holiday Season is 'off-time' for buying or selling a home.


Nothing could be further from the truth. There is an honesty and warmth that animates both sellers and buyers alike during this season - the result is a greater willingness to share and to agree.


So, instead of 'putting off' until after the Holidays, call us. You may end up enjoying a very special New Year's celebration.

Do call us, join in our journey through these "interesting times."

Call VantagePoint Realty and ask for Stephanie 518-392-8484 or

E-Mail me at Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

You can also visit us at:  www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Create a Marketing Plan for Your Home

Selling can entail a variety of marketing strategies. Once listed, it's likely that the home will be quickly entered into the local MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and placed on VantagePoint.com. Much of an agent’s work will be quiet and unseen – yet important. The quiet telephone calls, the work with contacts, the follow-ups with visitors, conversations with ad respondents, web postings and other outreach efforts are all part of the process required to sell homes.

Your agent will create a marketing plan for your home that will help distinguish it in your local marketplace and attract buyers to your property. This will include posting your listing on the Internet, too many different websites to name. Your VantagePoint Realty agent often uses a Customized Marketing System to create a personalized selling program for clients. Its purpose is to sell a home at the best price possible in the shortest amount of time.

Brand Awareness

In a very difficult and competitive environment,

Century21 VantagePoint Realty remains strong and resilient.

We are lst in the county for sales of our listings

in the 1st quarter of 2010.

For 2 years running we have been the recipient for the Realtor.com Marketing Award.

This year 3 of our agents were recognized.

According to the Wall Street Journal's 2009 Residential Real Estate Study, the Century21 brand ranks first in the industry with 99.3 percent brand awareness among customers. As for consumer preference, the WSJ survey results also showed that more than 84 percent of consumers would consider using Century21 in the future.

If you are looking for an aggressive marketing company - look no further.

Call Stephanie W. Samuelsohn at 518-392-8484 or

e-mail at Stephanie.Samuelsohn@Century21.com

Great Opportunity Ends April 30th

Between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, homebuyers that have a signed binding contract to purchase a home by April 30, 2010 may be eligible for the tax credit. The transaction must close by June 30, 2010.

For First-Time Homebuyers, a tax credit up to $8,000 ($4000 for married filing separate), homebuyers may receive a credit of 10 percent of the purchase price up to the $8,000 tax credit amount. If you have never owned a home before or have not owned a principle residence in the last three years, you are considered a First-Time Homebuyer.

For the "Move Up" consumer, a tax credit of up to $6,500 ($3250 married filing separate) is available for Homeowners who have lived in their current residence for at least five consecutive years out of the past eight years. The homebuyers can receive a credit up to $6,500 when they contract to purchase a home by April 30, 2010, and close by June 30, 2010.

$6,500 Tax Credit is the Ticket

If you want to sell your house, NOW is the time to get it on the market.

If you want to purchase a home, NOW is the moment.

"$6,500 tax credit is the ticket:The Congress has expanded the tax credit to include existing homeowners.To qualify for the program, you must have a binding contract by April 30th.So we encourage buyers and sellers alike not to wait: it is our opinion that the credit will not be extended, and that interest rates will be on the rise. Here at Century 21 VantagePoint Realty we are ready to walk you through the entire process, with a complete understanding of the law. Since it takes about 2 months to close, now is the time to think 'Real Estate'. If you are thinking of buying or selling, call us, there isn't much time, the property must be closed by June 30th. We stand ready, with the track record to prove it! Join us in these interesting times"

Call me at 518-392-8484 or e-mail me: Stephanie.Samuelsohn@Century21.com

Stephanie W. Samuelsohn, Principal Broker

Winter: A Good Time To Sell Your House?

Contrary to popular opinion, smart sellers sometimes wait until winter to list their homes. And for good reasons. There's less competition then, so their homes will stand out better. More importantly, only truly serious buyers are looking at this time - no "tire-kickers".

By hiring a aggressive Realtor who can give you the widest exposure and the largest network of prospective buyers, chances of selling your home are greatly increased.

Century21 VantagePoint Realty is the GOLD STANDARD of marketing. We are licensed in NY and MA, belong to three multiple listing services, have 25 web site connections and over 20 years of experience.

If you are a serious seller please call Stephanie Samuelsohn, Principal Broker @ 518-392-8484 or e-mail me @ Stephanie.Samuelsohn@Century21.com

A few minutes of conversation could put thousands of dollars in your pocket!

Join Us On Our Journey

Join Us on Our Journey

* 'Markets are improving but anxiety remains.'*

Sometimes fear is the biggest challenge to overcome. Everyone is hearing that the market will be in recovery mode for a while. The truth isn't all that gloomy right now: Prices are becoming more realistic & mortgages rates are low.

Let's put all our cards face up on the table! Century 21 VantagePoint Realty sold 3 Homes over the Thanksgiving Holiday week-end. Mostly because we understand about that anxiety, once again proving that we are The Gold Standard for these Sellers & Buyers.
We understand all the ins & outs of a successful transaction. Maybe our next success will be yours! Call us; join in our journey through these interesting times."

Our association with Century21 - the most recognized name in Real Estate - gives us unique world wide capabilities, by letting us(and you) tap into the marketing know-how, power and professionalism of a firm with some 7,800 offices and 140,000 agents. All this, while doing business as always.

So,come on by the next time you open the door at Century21 VantagePoint Realty, whether you're are buyer or a seller, you'll be opening up a world of new and wonderful possibilities.
We specialized in personalized service, whether you're looking for a Vacation Home here or in the Berkshires, or a primary residence anywhere throughout Columbia County, Berkshire County, or the Capital Region.

Stephanie W. Samuelsohn
Principal Broker

Is Now the Right Time for Your New Home

What is the first step?

The best way to start is to work with a professional - someone who can guide you and can be your champion - A Century21 VantagePoint Realtor. Our realtors can help you understand the opportunities in our local real estate market as you take that first step.

I can help whether you're buyer or selling a home.

When Buying a Home....

There are a few general rules of thumb that our Century21 Agents can guide you through. Eliminating your fear, uncertainty and doubt is clearly one of our primary goals.

• Search for a Century21 Sales Professional that you are comfortable with and who is knowledgeable of the area that you wish to buy in - like Stephanie Samuelsohn.
• Begin your home search process by eliminating what types of homes you do not want. Look at all styles and sizes of homes. Shopping online is a great way to help determine what your 'ideal" home is.
• Figure out how much home you can afford. Determine whether this purchase will be for a 'starter' or 'long-term' ? This will help us determine what type of mortgage is best suited for you needs.

Stephanie will provide you with the information you need to make an educated decision. And interest rates are low right now, indicating it is truly a great time to buy!!

Call Stephanie Samuelsohn at 518-392-8484
or e-mail her at: Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Rensselaer County Stephentown New York Real Estate

Home for Sale in Rensselaer County

This Mint condition 1800's farmhouse sits gracefully on a quiet back road. Wood paneling and exposed beams, very wide pine floors, and an open floorplan. Also, a Master BR on the first floor. Besides the amazing seclusion, you have over 33 acres that includes barns, fenced pastures, a pond & care-taker's cottage. Totally beautiful and move-in condition.

Is Timing Everything?

In today's market, potential buyers may be holding out until the market hits bottom. However, as any stock market professional knows, trying to buy a security as it drops is like catching a falling knife. The same is true of real estate. Instead of trying to get the absolutely lowest price that you hope might come to pass, focus on the present buying opportunity that you now have. With interest rates at low levels, housing inventories up, and home prices generally more affordable than they were two years ago, the present looks quite good. Take advantage of this historic moment to find the house of your dreams, and make it yours. You might not get the chance if you wait.

Owning property is one of the most exciting investments one can make, and it should be a fun and rewarding experience. At my office you will find everything you'll need to buy or sell a home. My office is conveniently located, where it is my goal to provide you with superior service at all times, so please tell me more about you! If you have questions, or would like to make an appointment, you can call or e-mail me. I am dedicated to home, community and business in Columbia County.

518 - 392 - 8484 or Stephanie.Samuelsohn@Century21.com

Stephanie W. Samuelsohn

Principal Broker

Tune Out All the Negative Voices

Tune out all the negative voices today! Refuse to take part in the recession. Turn to the only sure-fire investment - Real Estate. Interest rates will never be lower. If you have a job, we can get you a mortgage!

You will have a wonderful home at a reasonable price with less stress.

If you are a first-time homebuyer(which only means that you haven't owned a home in the last 3 years) you have available an $8,000 tax credit.

The catch? You must close on the house in 2009.

Hurry up! Don't wait! Now is the moment. We are here to help you.

Call Stephanie W. Samuelsohn, Principal Broker

Century21 VantagePoint Realty, 518-392-8484

Visit our website: http://www.columbiacountyhomes.com/

This Is New Territory

Let me tell you my own personal actions during this difficult economic time we are experiencing. We are all frightened. This is new territory - and new opportunity.

If I were you - and I am - I would buy Real Estate immediately. Mortgages are available at great rates. Interest rates can only go up. The motivation of realistic sellers leads to realistic negotiations.

Our association with Century21 - the most recognized name in Real Estate - gives us unique worldwide capabilities, by letting us (and you) tap into the marketing know-how, power and professionalism of a firm with some 7,800 offices and 140,000 agents. We offer "one-stop shopping". We will walk you through the buying, selling and mortgage process - all at our office. We are here to help you make the decision that is right for you.

By the way - because I believe so strongly in what I am telling you - I have just personally bought more Real Estate. I put my money where my mouth is! Don't miss this opportunity.

Stephanie W. Samuelsohn
Principal Broker

Seeking Approval

Even before banks and other financial institutions became more restrictive in their lending practices, it was a good idea for buyers to get pre-approved for a loan; now, it is imperative. In this respect, an experienced real estate agent may be as helpful in securing financing as in helping to find a desirable property. One thing is for sure -- without the money to purchase a home, there will be no sale. With this in mind, buyers will want to get all the necessary paperwork done prior to making an offer on a home. They will also want to check their credit scores and have a clear picture of all the costs associated with owning the home of their dreams.

You can boost your purchasing power when looking to buy a home by making sure you are prequalified or pre-approved by a mortgage lender. I help buyers pre-quality for mortgages every day. My office is conveniently located, where full-service is not only the expectation -- it's my guarantee! I am dedicated to provide personalized service: whether you're looking for a vacation home in the Berkshires, or a primary residence anywhere throughout Columbia County, Berkshire County or the Capital Region.

For further information on all of the services available to you, contact the office or visit my website today.

Hint: In this era of high energy costs, sellers should be aware that buyers want to most energy-efficient homes they can afford.

Call me at 518-382-8484

or e-mail me at Stephanie.Samuelsohn@Century21.com

See our website at: http://www.columbiacountyhomes.com/

Paying To Advertise

A recent survey shows that real estate agents who have been in the business longer tend to spend more money advertising their listings. According to the survey of more than 1,300 agents and brokers, the more experienced among them spent an average of $864 per listing for marketing while agents with less than five years' experience spent $675 per listing. Although the dollar amounts can certainly vary from area to area, the survey does reveal that experienced real estate professionals strongly believe that getting the word out about a listing through advertising is an effective sales tool. Beyond that, it takes knowledge and experience to divvy up dollars among the various media, including newspapers, signs, brochures and the Internet.

When you sell a home through my office you have made the right decision. Selling a home through the largest Brand Name known in real estate can make a potentially intimidating, complicated process much easier.

When you list with me you have found the right source for all of your real estate needs. I have a proven track record for exceptional results. For further information on all of the services available to you, contact the office or visit my web-site today.

"I can offer complete services to all my clients and customers, including marketing and listing homes, representing buyers, offering information on homes in the area, and referrals to the best Mortgage Brokers, Inspectors, Appraisers and Builders."

Check out our presence on the Internet including Trulia, Zillow, Craig'sList, Backpage, Point2, plus many more websites.

Call Century21 VantagePoint Realty at: 518-392-8484

E-mail me at: Stephanie.Samuelsohn@Century21.com

Visit our website at: http://www.columbiacountyhomes.com/

Visit our Century21 Website: http://www.c21vantagepointrealty.com/

Visit our Newsletter for the latest real estate trends at: http://www.columbiacountyhomes.com/

The Woman of the House

If you are in the process of selling your home, don't be surprised if a single woman turns out to be the buyer. According to the National Association of Realtors, single women purchased about one of every five homes sold, which is twice as many as single men purchase. This is a significant statistic in that the number of single men and women buyers was viturally the same a little over 25 years ago. Since then, the number of single women who are buyers has nearly doubled while the percentage of single men buyers has slipped one percentage point. With this in mind, sellers and their agents are increasingly gearing their marketing to women's needs, desires, and concerns.

Hint: Prior to 1974, when Congress amended the Fair Housing Act to top sex discrimination, it was difficult for single women to get mortgages om their own names.

Record numbers of single woman are buying homes. If you are a single woman who wants to buy a home, the good news is the market is wide open for you. I specialize in finding you the right location for your future home purchase. I offer complete services to my clients and customers, including marketing and listing homes, representing buyers(buyer's broker), offering information on homes in the area(comps), and referrals to the best Mortgage Brokers, Inspectors, Appraisers, and Builders. I am fully licensed in both NY and MA.

Call Stephanie Samuelsohn at 518-392-8484

or e-mail me at: Stephanie.Samuelsohn@Century21.com

Take a look at my website: http://www.columbiacountyhomes.com/

A Clause of Your Own

If you are selling a home in today's market, you will likely be presented with offers that have contingencies. One contingency typically tacked on by buyers is the one that makes the sale contingent on their selling their own home. There is also a financing contingency, which allows buyers a certain amount of time to get a loan commitment. During this time, the seller has to take his or her home off the market. While these contingencies are perfectly proper, seller's agents may suggest strategies for protecting their clients' best interests. For instance, experienced agents know that sellers may counter with a kick-out clause, which allows them to continue showing the home and consider other offers.

Hint: If a kick-out clause is in effect and a seller is presented with a better price, he or she can notify the first buyers that they have a prescribed period of time to back out and get their deposit back or drop their contingencies and get on with the sale.

Contingencies are an essential part of most home buying contracts. They are written clauses in your contract that give you time to evaluate some aspect of the property before you proceed to closing. I will help you protect your best interest with regards to nay contingencies and will confirm that all contingencies on sales contracts are met. Contract are complicated and intimidating. You don't want to go to a closing with doubts. You will have the full benefit of my Old Chatham real estate experience and knowledge for a smooth closing. My goal is to always put my clients needs first.

Call Stephanie W. Samuelsohn at 518-392-8484

or e-mail me at: Stephanie.Samuelsohn@Century21.com

Visit our website at: http://www.columbiacountyhomes.com/

Gaining A Competitive Edge

Sellers can no longer stick a "FOR SALE" sign in their front lawns and open their doors to the highest bidder. Today's market conditions require that sellers work to gain a competitive edge over the competition. To best accomplish this, sellers should enlist the services of a knowledgeable agent, who knows how to price and market a home aggressively. Experienced agents recognize that this means leaving nothing to chance that may compromise a sale, even if this requires the seller to paint walls, eliminate clutter, improve the landscaping, and fix leaks. Once prospective buyers are presented with a realistic price that gets them in the door, a home that stands out from the rest helps seal the deal.

A good real estate agent knows the local market and provides open and ongoing communication with you, the client. They will give you a fair evaluation of what your home is worth, based on recent comparable home sales in your area. My office can market your property. Conveniently located, I will tell you exactly what you need to do to make your home saleable.

I am fully licensed in NY and MA. I offer complete services to my clients and customers, including marketing and listing homes, representing buyers, offering information on homes in the area and referrals to the best Mortgage Brokers, Inspectors, Appraisers, and Builders.

Hint: To price your home correctly, it is important that a real estate agent review the most recent sales prices of properties in your area, as well as take into account the asking prices of competing properties in the surrounding area.

Call Stephanie W. Samuelsohn at 518-392-8484 or my cell phone: 518-965-8484

Visit our website at: http://www.columbiacountyhomes.com/

Features That Homebuyers Want

Sellers should know what prospective buyers want so that they may optimize their homes; potential. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), many buyers who purchased a home without a feature they desired indicated that they would have been willing to pay more for a home with that feature. According to the 2004 NAP Profile of Buyer's Home Feature Preferences, two home buyers in three indicated that they wold be willing to pay a median $825 extra for a home with a walk-in closet in the master bedroom. What else do buyers want? Nearly three-quarters of recent home buyers said that central air conditioning tops the list of most desirable features they want in a home.

Hint: If the absence of a desirable feature hinders the sale of a home, the seller should consider adding it. A minor investment in a home improvement could bring big dividends at the time of sale.

When selling property, the assistance of an experienced real estate professional is critical to realizing the best return for your investment. At Century21 VantagePoint Realty, I have extensive experience helping prospective sellers to properly market their homes. I can provide you with a complimentary market analysis, indicating the value of your property in the current market. You can benefit from my knowledge!

Call Stephanie W. Samuelsohn, Principal Broker

518 - 392 - 8484

or e-mail me at Stephanie.Samuelsohn@Century21.com

Taking The Heat

A fireplace is one of the most desirable features among prospective home buyers, and a recent survey by the Hearth Patio and Barbecue Association bears out this notion. Fully half of those surveyed indicated they have some sort of "hearth appliance", which includes fireplaces and woodstoves, in their homes. Sellers should take note of this fact because fireplaces add value to homes. The survey went on to point out that the average estimated value of homes without fireplaces was $147,600 while the average estimated value of homes with fireplaces was $260,600. The average estimated value of homes with woodstoves was $212,800. If your home does not have a fireplace, zero-clearance models can be added to any room with an exterior wall.

Hint: Wood remains the most commonly used fuel in hearth appliances in the U.S. according to the HPBA.

Whether you live in an area where fireplaces are used for heat, or simply 'atmosphere', they do add a home touch and offer appeal. At Century21 VantagePoint Realty, I have a proven track record for helping sellers. Property that is marketed (and priced) properly will bring the seller the highest and best possible return for their real estate investment. I can assist you in achieving the ultimate results when marketing your home.

Call Stephanie W. Samuelsohn, Principal Broker

518 - 392 - 8484

or e-mail me at: Stephanie.Samuelsohn@Century21.com

Visit our website at: http://ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

See our Market Conditions Newsletter at: http://marketconditions.biz