By J. Philip Faranda - What can you buy in Ardsley for $250,000? How about a nice condo at Ashford Court? The building was once a school that was converted to condominiums in the 80's with splendid results- the old school yard is now a huge parking lot with 2 spaces per unit, and the structure has mad character and charm. The units enjoy high ceilings, individual heating and central cooling, LOTS of windows and natural light, and it goes without saying that they are in the Ardsley School District.

The Question of "When is a good time to buy real estate?"  Uncle Sam lowered rates = (residential home loan interest rate will remain low through 2012 and 2013). 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are less than 5 percent, yes less than five percent. During November, 2011, 30 year home loan interest rates dipped below four percent, these are unheard of rates. It's almost like free money, not to mention if you equate current low home prices or short sale opportunities.

Everyone wants the real estate market to get better: Real estate agents are selling less homes than they once were, taking a huge decrease in take home pay. Builders are selling about one-tenth as many homes as they were selling in 2005. Appraisers have recently taken blame for the housing crisis, for either over-appraising residential property or under-appraising homes. Consumer markets are also waiting impatiently for a rebound of their local real estate markets.

3Q 2011 Westchester Putnam Home Real Estate Sales

The Westchester Putnam Association of Realtors, Inc. reports that the Westchester-Putnam real estate market enjoyed a welcome uptick in sales volume in the third quarter of 2011.

Real estate firms participating in the Empire Access Multiple Listing Service reported a total of 1,944 closed transactions in Westchester in July through September, an increase of 148 transactions or 8% from the same period last year.  Among the various property types in Westchester County, co-op sales posted the largest percentage increase, 18%.  The 160 Putnam County transactions constituted a 13% increase. These Westchester and Putnam County closings largely resulted from market activity during the late spring and early summer months.

Las Ventajas para Propietarios de Casa - ¿Por qué es una ventaja ser propietario de casa? Mientras que tener una casa conlleva muchas responsabilidades que usted debe tomar en cuenta, la mayoría de los asesores financieros afirman que también tiene muchas ventajas.