Sould We Sell Our House this Time of 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: http://www.columbiacountyhomes.com/

Figures Lie

There is an old saying "Figures Lie & Liars Figure." I know, I know, this column is all about Real Estate, and Real Estate is alot about numbers. But when you see nothing but ads for this Realtor® or that Realtor® being the best in the business, you are being misled. Not only can statistics be 'massaged' for one's purpose, but for the good of the public, you should always rely on personal recomendations when you make a decision that is going to be one of the most important in your life.

Just give me a call, let me show you my personal referrals, probably your neighbors & friends! You deserve the professionalism that I bring to the table, and yes, I have had some success!


I am fully licensed in both NY & MA and bring with me the skills for service & dedication.

Your Hopes, Your Dreams...Our Vantage Point

HINT: From getting a property ready for market to negotiating with buyers, experienced real estate agents take the emotion out of the home-buying process and produce bottom-line results.



It's All Relative

There is an old saying that a "rising tide lifts all ships." In terms of real estate, rising home values in past years have benefited nearly all homeowners across the board. Now that the market has undergone a correction, homeowners may be reluctant to make a move. However, unless you are making a move to a vastly different market, you are still in the same boat as everyone else - even though you may be selling your home for less than you might have a year or so ago, you will be purchasing a home in the same market for less money than it would have taken a year or so ago.


I am fully licensed in both NY & MA and bring with me the skills for service & dedication.


Your Hopes, Your Dreams...Our VantagePoint

HINT: From getting a property ready for market to negotiating with buyers, experienced real estate agents take the emotion out of the home-buying process and produce bottom-line results.

Would You Remove Your Own Appendix...

Would You Remove Your Own Appendix...much less overhaul your vehicle's engine? The fact is that, whether a Doctor or a Car Mechanic, most people turn to those with professional experience to get the results they want. In the case of selling a home, there is too much riding on the outcome to hope that a homeowner can do the job himself or herself. While potential FSBO's (homes 'for sale by owner') nearly uniformly focus on saving money, experienced Real Estate agents usally pay for themselves by getting higher prices more quickly. They do this by setting a realistic asking price, advertising the property thoroughly, networking more effectively, qualifying buyers better, and negotiating a better selling price, circumventing potential problems.


I am fully licensed in both NY & MA and bring with me the skills for service & dedication.


Your Hopes, Your Dreams...Our VantagePoint

HINT: From getting a property ready for market to negotiating with buyers, experienced real estate agents take the emotion out of the home-buying process and produce bottom-line results.

Buying A Home?

Bewildered?  Overwhelmed?  You Are Not Alone!

Numerous people find the process of buying a home intimidating.  No two buying experiences are the same.  Working with me can help ensure that your home buying is a successful, enjoyable experience.

Conveniently located, where full-service is not only the expectation - it is my guarantee!   For further information on all of the services available to you, contact the office at 518-392-8484 or visit my website today.

http://www.ColumbiaCountyHomes.com/

Email:  Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

I am fully licensed in both New York and Massachusetts and bring with me skills for service and dedication. 

Your Hopes, Your Dreams...Our VantagePoint

Hint: 

While the rate of foreclosures in our area may provide us with an indicator of the health of the local real estate market, it is a lagging indicator.

Giving Sellers a Needed Assist

In areas where inventories are higher than average and sales have slowed, sellers should avail themselves of real estate professionals who have proven themselves able to get results. Experienced agents are readily familiar with the prices of comparable homes that have sold in the area (known as "comps") and use this knowledge to set the prices of homes coming onto the market. As a result, they are able to help homeowners sell their homes faster and for more money sellers could get on their own.


Buying or selling a house is one of the biggest investments of your life. It is vital to have a Realtor who is looking out for your best interest, managing each sale as if it were her own home. If you are in need of a Realtor who is always available and who will listen to your needs, then I urge you to call me. My experience, expertise and enthusiasm make buying or selling your home easier and a whole lot less stressful. Conveniently located, I offer my clients professional, personalized service. For further information on all of the services available to you, contact the office or visit my website today. "We should talk....I am here to help you." 

Call me 518-965-8484

ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

Hint: A seasoned real estate agent is skilled at separating out potential buyers with the best financial profiles, as well as smoothing over concerns on the way to the closing.

Your Local Forecast

The real estate market is somewhat similar to the weather. That is to say that it seldom, if ever, happens that one gigantic weather pattern engulfs the entire nation. While it may be raining on the other side of the country or in several isolated areas, you are not similarly affected if the sun is shining where you live. Similarly, while national media constantly discuss the national housing downturn, not all areas are affected similarly. The real estate climate on the coasts may be different from that of the nation’s interior, and there may also likely be differences between metropolitan, suburban, and rural areas. In short, all real estate is local. Ask a real estate professional about your local conditions.


The challenge in the housing market is for sellers to price their home to meet the local market, and for buyers to realize there is no phenomenon that will send prices to new lows. No matter what your real estate needs are I’ll be there for you. For further information on all of the services available to you, contact the office or visit my website today. I love what I do and it shows. Conveniently located, let me show you what the right realtor can do for you. Buying a home, or selling a home can be a challenging endeavor. Let me help you make it an exciting adventure.


Hint: All you need is one buyer to buy your home. If personal circumstances are forcing you to sell, it is just as likely that some potential buyer in your area needs to find a place to live for reasons of his or her own.

Call me at 518-392-8484
or
E-mail me at: Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com



It's All About the Search

 "With recent incidents around the world, it's pretty clear that the Internet is one of the most powerful tools ever created. We are sure that there are miles to go before it's potential is realized. Here at VantagePoint Realty, we are respectful of that potential.


We are expanding and monitoring our presence on a daily basis. We do all this in-house, with a clear understanding of how things work. It has produced the most productive 3 months in over 3 years. Call us; Join in our journey through these interesting times."

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

E-mail Stephanie@ColumbiaCountyHomes.com

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/