Mamaroneck NY Homes for Sale: Living Green in Westchester County

Westchester County’s government is committed to clean, green living. If you have begun your search for Mamaroneck NY homes for sale, you can feel good about your new community’s environmental conscience. The county recently opened a new state-of-the-art Household Materials Recovery Facility in Valhalla. Located at 15 Woods Road (on the Grasslands Reservation), the facility is about 20 minutes from Mamaroneck.

Mamaroneck NY homes for sale are popular in part because Westchester County is a national leader in recycling, according to an official statement published by county officials. The county enjoyed a 52 percent recycling rate for 2011. The national average reported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is 35 percent.

The new recovery facility will take recycling one step further by making it easier to dispose of some household items that can be otherwise difficult to dispose of. The facility will accept:

• pesticides
• flammable liquids
• pool chemicals
• cleaning products
• tires
• re-chargeable batteries
• Freon-containing items
• appliances
• electronic waste
• propane tanks
• expired medications

A county-wide household recycling program is already underway and residents can put traditional recyclables such as paper, bottles, and aluminum cans in containers designated by local municipalities.

Recyclables collected curbside by municipal and private carters – including newspapers, office paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and metal food and beverage containers are sorted, marketed and sold to recycling companies that use them in the manufacturing processes to produce new consumer goods. Last year the manufacturing and recycling facility processed more than 76,000 tons of recyclable material, generating more than $7.4 million in recycling revenue for the county. In addition, the county saves more than $85 in transportation and disposal costs for each ton it recycles.

If green-living is important to you, we definitely recommend shopping for Mamaroneck NY homes for sale. Prudential Centennial licensed real estate professionals work hard to maintain a solid network of home buyers and sellers. Take a moment to learn all about Mamaroneck online and while you’re there, check out our great inventory of Mamaroneck NY homes for sale.

New Rochelle NY Homes for Sale Amidst Delicate Gardens

Located on the Long Island Sound, New Rochelle NY homes for sale are surrounded by fabulous gardens managed by Mother Nature. The habitat in New Rochelle helps make this area particularly special to residents here.

Long Island Sound is an “estuary of national significance,” according to Long Island Sound Study, a Partnership to Protect and Restore the sound. The area surrounding New Rochelle NY homes for sale includes beautiful marshes that are important breeding and feeding areas for wildlife.

Moving to New Rochelle affords homebuyers a perfect opportunity to enhance the natural environment with an intricate network of streams and waterways that eventually feed large rivers and ultimately the ocean. Home owners on the Long Island Sound have a responsibility to protect these areas known as estuaries.

As you shop for New Rochelle NY homes for sale, imagine how you can enhance your immediate environment and help protect this famous estuary through clean, environmental living.

The Long Island Sound Study emphasizes the need for organic land care. There are many ways to manage a home’s landscape to ensure minimal impact by nitrogen and other toxins destined to leave yards and join crucial waterways. For example, homeowners can learn to use alternatives to herbicides and pesticides in their yards.

Good soil: Good soil is that with a healthy balance of organic material, minerals and “a complex and diverse insect and microscopic plant and animal community . . .” Learn about additives that are healthy for the environment to build your soil. Also learn to avoid additives that could destroy the delicate balance in your own back yard.

Compost and compost tea: The Long Island Sound study recommends using organic, decomposed matter intended as fertilizer to make soil rich with foods plants and animals love. Compost can help regulate the soil temperature and moisture content. Compost tea can be made from rich compost and water. When fed to plants, good compost tea can help vegetation grow and ward off disease.

Fertilizers: Try to use time released, organic fertilizers. Have your soil analyzed to determine exactly what it needs. When inorganic fertilizers are used, plants soak up what they can and the rest becomes runoff harmful to bodies of water.

Lawns: Try to reduce the amount of lawn in your landscaping. Treat existing lawn with caution keeping in mind organic lawn practices in order to protect local bodies of water from harmful runoff. Conserve water. Consult with a local botanist to determine what kinds of grasses are best suited to the area in which your home is located.

Prudential Centennial licensed real estate professionals are good neighbors. We love Westchester County and want to help keep it healthy. If you are shopping for New Rochelle NY homes for sale, please visit www.prudentialcentennial.com. Learn more about fabulous New Rochelle in our community section.

Larchmont NY Homes for Sale:

Westchester County Unemployment Rate One of State’s Lowest

Westchester County’s February 2012 unemployment rate ranked as one of the lowest in the state, according to New York State Labor Department statistics. This confirms what we already knew: Larchmont NY is a great place to buy a home!

If you’re shopping for Larchmont NY homes for sale, you’ll be glad to know Westchester County’s rate is at 7.4 percent compared to the United States’ average rate of 8.7 percent in February 2012 (down slightly from the country’s rate of 9.5 percent in February 2011).

In March the State Labor Department announced the addition of 21,300 private sector jobs added to New York’s job pool. This was great news considering the fact that New York saw a slight increase in the entire state’s unemployment rate from 8.6 percent in 2011 to 9.2 percent in 2012. (These rates are not seasonally adjusted.)

Westchester County’s low unemployment rate means you can be confident in our local economy when shopping for Larchmont NY homes for sale. 

According to a Larchmont economic report published by Sperling’s Best Places, www.bestplaces.net, Larchmont enjoys a per capita income of $75,598 compared to the United States’ average of $27,067. The median household income in Larchmont is reported at $152,601 compared to the United States’ average of $52,954.

Larchmont is a great place to live if you are thinking of commuting to New York City to work. However, keep in mind there are many great jobs right here in Larchmont. Consider this very viable option while shopping for Larchmont NY homes for sale. The majority of employed individuals work in professional and related occupations, according to a Sperling’s Best Places report (39.29 percent). About 28.27 percent work in management, business, and financial operations.

At Prudential Centennial Realty we have licensed real estate professionals who specialize in helping people buy and sell real estate in Larchmont. If you’re ready to shop for Larchmont NY homes for sale, we’ll be right beside you all the way! 

Shop for White Plains NY Homes for Sale Now, Housing Affordability at Record High

Housing affordability conditions are the best they’ve been since 1970, accoding to the National Association of Realtors. Record keeping began in 1970, so the historic conditions may be even further reaching than that. If you are shopping for White Plains NY homes for sale, now is the time to buy.

The Housing Affordability Index rose to 206.1 in January, according to an NAR report filed in March. NAR’s index is based on “the relationship between median home price, median family income and average mortgage interest rate. The higher the index, the greater the household purchasing power.”

Sound complicated? It’s not at all. The formula is important, but not as important as the message: shop for White Plains NY homes for sale while conditions are at their 40-year best.

If the index were just 100, it would mean the median-income household would have exactly enough income to buy a median-priced existing single-family home (with a 20 percent down payment and 25 percent of gross income devoted to mortgage principal and interest payments.

“For first-time buyers making small down payments, the affordability levels are relatively lower,” the NAR report said.

NAR President Moe Veissi said, “This is the first time the housing affordability index has broken the 200 mark, meaning the typical family has roughly double the income needed to purchase a median-priced home. For buyers who can qualify for a mortgage, now is a very good time to become a homeowner.”

Prudential Centennial Realty licensed real estate professionals want to help you find the perfect home. Our listings feature many White Plains NY homes for sale.

The affordability index is expected to stay high throughout 2012. No significant change is expected in interest rates or in home prices this year. Isn’t it time you landed your dream home? Contact Prudential Centennial Realty today.

Scarsdale NY Homes for Sale: Westchester County, How Does Your Garden Grow?

Westchester recently launched a campaign to promote the county as “fertile ground for small businesses.” An April 3 press release issued by the Westchester County Office of Economic Development announced the county’s intention to cultivate and nurture small to mid-sized businesses.

 The campaign is based on testimonials from existing businesses in targeted industries including:

•       finance
•       healthcare
•      IT
•      biotech
•     green technology
•     food and beverage

Check out the April issue of Westchester Magazine to see the ads that debuted this month. You’ll find the ads in a supplemental section there called, Grow. Another colorful campaign is planted in the second quarter issue of 914 Inc.

Shopping for Scarsdale NY homes for sale is a lot more fun when you can actually see progress sprouting right before your very eyes!

Watch for print and digital campaigns throughout the region. You’ll even hear radio ads in this convergence marketing master plan.

Prudential Centennial Realty licensed real estate professionals are proud of our county’s efforts to increase business and the administration’s attitude toward cultivating a healthy economic environment. We specialize in helping families find Scarsdale NY homes for sale to fit their lifestyles. Contact us today.

Library Improvements Enhance Attraction to Scarsdale, NY Homes for Sale

Education, culture and fine arts are all important elements of the Scarsdale community. If you are shopping for Scarsdale NY homes for sale, note the changes taking place at the Scarsdale Public Library.

The library recently released its five year plan; it includes more open spaces, updated technology, targeted programing and even a café.

The library’s mission is “to serve a central role in the cultural and intellectual life of the community . . .” Library board trustees take this mission to heart and have spent the past two years deciding exactly how to meet the community’s needs.

Many who buy Scarsdale NY homes for sale seek the acclaimed high quality of education in Westchester County. The public library’s upgrades will make better use of indoor and outdoor spaces. Enhanced technology is a key in planning the library’s five-year plan.

In an article published Jan. 28 in The Daily Scarsdale, Mark Chapman reported, “The traditional role of the library is changing, according to the plan, as new technology creeps into every facet of people’s lives.”

In addition to responding to a cry for upgraded technology, board members also heard residents’ complaints that technology leaves them hungry for more face time with real humans. The new plan takes into account the need for human interaction.

The plan also encourages the Scarsdale Public Library Board to explore new revenue sources including the addition of revenue-generating services. Board members could also call on individuals, businesses and foundations to bolster its budget.

If you are looking for Scarsdale NY homes for sale, now is a great time to buy. Take advantage of our online listings available for viewing 24/7. Contact Prudential Centennial for assistance in finding the right home for you and your family.

 Prudential Centennial Realty announced its 2011 award winners at its company-wide meetings held in their Scarsdale, NY and Larchmont, NY offices. During the event, Prudential Centennial Realty owner/broker, Mark Nadler presented 11 awards.

 “2011 was a year of growth and development for our company,” said Mark Nadler.  “I am honored to work with such talented and dedicated individuals who truly care about their clients and their businesses.”

 Awards were presented to Prudential Centennial Realty’s top eleven sales executives.  Prudential’s top sales executive in 2011 was Iris Kalt, winner of the Chairman’s Circle–Diamond Award. The complete list of the award winners are:

 Chairman’s Circle – Diamond (Awarded to the Top 1/2 percent of the Network’s 50,000 sales professionals)
Iris Kalt

Chairman’s Circle –Gold  (Awarded to the top 1percent of the Network’s 50,000 sales professionals)
Shelley Grafstein

President’s Circle  (Awarded to the top 3 percent of the Network’s 50,000 sales professionals)
Maria Belmonte
Mindy Gerstein

 Leading Edge 
Andrea Markowitz
Carol Marrone
Janey Varvara

Honor Society
Pat Cassese
Pamela Heldman
Natasa Ivetic
Karen Kretschmann

Click here to view our Award Winners!  Prudential Centennial Realty 2011 Award Winners in Westchester NY

Mamaroneck NY Homes for Sale:

Town Learns Being Green Can be Lucrative

It may not be easy being green; but, it certainly was lucrative for the Town of Mamaroneck Housing Authority when it collected a $23,000 rebate for purchasing energy efficient equipment in town-owned residential buildings. People shopping for Mamaroneck NY homes for sale will surely appreciate the community leaders’ fiscal responsibility. Town tenants will appreciate a break in their heat budgets.

An online article entitled, “Town of Mamaroneck Receives $23K Green Rebate,” author Stefani Kim reported the Feb. 27 delivery of a $23,000 check to the housing authority as a rebate for installing nine energy efficient boilers in town-owned buildings. The rebate came from the Con Edison Green Team, an organization that has distributed more than $1 million in incentives to multi-family building owners participating in a Gas Efficiency program.

Town leaders maintain the boilers are cost efficient, and energy efficient. The new equipment will save 1500 therms every year. Many town building tenants pay their own heating costs. The tenants are likely to get some relief from high heating costs.

The Town of Mamaroneck Housing Authority administers apartments at the Hommocks Park Apartment Complex. Leaders hope lower energy costs will make it easier for tenants to buy the food and other items they need.

Installation of the efficient boilers is just one way the housing authority plans to “go green.” More efficient vehicle fleets and a modernized Hommocks Ice Rink are projects on the horizon.

If you’re shopping for Mamaroneck NY homes for sale, be sure to ask about green energy and home energy efficiency.

Prudential Centennial Realty licensed real estate professionals specialize in helping people buy and sell Mamaroneck NY homes for sale. Let us help you find your energy efficient dream home today! Learn more about the town of Mamaroneck on our community Mamaroneck NY pages.

White Plains NY Homes for Sale on the Move

January Pending U.S. Home Sales Show Upward Trend

If you’re shopping for White Plains NY homes for sale, now is the time to buy. The pending home sales market throughout the United States is showing signs of an upward trend, according to a late February report issued by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

The last few years have definitely taken home buyers and sellers on a roller coaster ride. The upward trend is a little uneven over a period of several months, but shows signs of great improvement none the less.

NAR’s optimism comes from the Pending Home Sales Index for January 2012. The index is based on contract signings, not closings. The index registered at 95.1 in December 2011. It shot up 2 percent in January (at 97).

The December to January increase is encouraging, but not nearly as encouraging as the year-to-year comparison. In January 2011, the Pending Home Sales Index was at 89.8 (8 percent lower than it was in January 2012).

This year’s January index is at its highest since April 2010 when it was 111.3. Economists attribute the April 2010 high to the federal home buyer tax credit.

White Plains NY homes for sale are likely to fall under a spring home-buying season predicted by NAR economists for the entire United States.

Increasing jobs, more affordable homes, and the high cost of rent could be factors in the upward trend.

At Prudential Centennial Realty we have licensed real estate professionals who specialize in helping people buy and sell White Plains NY homes for sale. Contact Prudential Centennial Realty today. Want to learn more about White Plains NY? Visit our White Plains community page online.

Scarsdale NY Homes for Sale: A Delicious Community

Hudson Valley Restaurant Week is Here!

If you’re shopping for Scarsdale NY homes for sale, you can get a taste of what this and surrounding communities are all about during Hudson Valley Restaurant Week 2012.

While you’re out touring the many fabulous Scarsdale NY homes for sale March 18-31, plan to dine in one of the many restaurants here at a great discount. Hudson Valley Restaurant Week gives residents and visitors a chance to sample menus at some of the region’s finest restaurants.

Great Taste at a Ridiculous Price

More than 170 participating restaurants will serve three-course (appetizer, entree and dessert), prix-fixe meals for $20.95 for lunch and $29.95 for dinner. The price per person does not include beverages, tax or a gratuity.

Restaurants are located in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Columbia and Ulster counties. You can find a full list of participating restaurants online.

We recommend you make reservations in advance. Also, call ahead to inquire about the prix-fixe menus available on the day you plan to go.

There are so many delicious things about the Hudson Valley. You’re just going to love it here!

Prudential Centennial Realty licensed professionals can help you find the perfect Scarsdale NY homes for sale. We’ll leave the cooking up to our world-renowned chefs.