Author Archives: GioHomes

5 Affordable Home Improvement Projects to Start this Year

Improving some parts of your home doesn’t have to cost a huge dent on your future. Check out these affordable home improvement projects you can do without breaking the bank.

Increase your home’s curb appeal. Spending some time in your home’s front yard is highly recommended even if you’re not planning on selling your home sometime in the future. Consider planting perennials that look lush and lively all year round, and invest on quality gardening tools. Basic curb appeal projects usually cost less than $500 – just dedicate some of your time to make your yard bloom.
Repaint your walls. Repairing and applying a fresh coat of paint to your home’s interior walls make for a subtle update to your home’s overall look. Simple repairs such as patching holes or sanding don’t cost much, while paint and primer usually start around $30 per gallon. Consult a professional to avoid overspending.
Install smart-home devices that monitor energy usage. Such devices initially cost more, but these gadgets will ultimately help you save some bucks on your utility and energy bills. The Iris Comfort and Control kit helps regulate home temperature and costs around $80, while add-on devices like the Utilitech Water Leak system will make sure there are zero water leaks in your home.
Fix your front door. Sprucing up your front door and entryway will not only add to your home’s curb appeal – it will also make you and your guests feel welcome in your home. A fresh coat of paint and some new hardware can do wonders for your home, while a new doorbell and lighting also add inexpensive yet welcome touches. Add a clean doormat and a fresh pot of flowers and voila, you’ve updated your front door for less than $500.
Update your home’s light fixtures. You can give your home a fresh look without spending too much by changing your light fixtures. Wall sconces usually cost around $100 or less, while bigger fixtures can cost around $200. If you really want to add value, invest in energy efficient bulbs like LEDs or CFLs.

These simple fixes can help you update your home’s look (and even add some value) without spending a fortune. For more tips, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Bronxville

Bronxville School

View of Midland Ave and The Reformed Church of Bronxville

Pondfield Rd.

Bronxville NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

The small village of Bronxville occupies justone square mile portion of land in the town of Eastchester. Despite its close proximity to Midtown Manhattan, much of Bronxville has retained its Old World charm – it still looks pretty much the same as it did almost a century ago, which is one of the things that make it so dear to its residents.It is home to a little over 6,500 residents, who work hard to preserve the historic beauty and charm of this little village.

Molded after an English-style village, Bronxville is one of the most affluent places to live in the country and gracious Tudor, Victorian, and Shingle-style homes are plentiful here. Its development was started by pharmaceutical and real estate mogul William Van Duzer Lawrence (who also built the top-tier Sarah Lawrence College in honor of his wife.)

A Tight-Knit Community

Due to its size, this hamlet in Eastchester has plenty of small-town and independent business that are within walking distance from each other. The lack of major chain stores (with a few exceptions) helps it retain its identity and encourages its residents to set up businesses of their own. You can find designer clothing boutiques, art galleries, and various shops that will meet your needs in Bronxville’s compact central business district.The village is also home to several churches such asthe Reformed Church of Bronxville, which was the first church to be constructed here.

Bronxville features 70 acres of parkland that extends to a small portion of the Bronx River Parkway Reservation. There is plenty of room for residents to indulge in their favorite outdoor activities such as running and bicycling. Various athletic fields are located all throughout the community.

Education

The village is served by the Bronxville Union Free School District. An institution of higher learning, Concordia College, was established here in 1909 by the Lutheran Church. Concordia College is known for its various academic and music programs.

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Westchester is Hollywood on the East Coast

Photo courtesy of The Picture House website http://www.thepicturehouse.org/about-us/

On the northwest corner of Wolf’s lane and Brookside Avenue lies this unassuming movie house. It blends with the string of single-story brick-and-mortar storefronts and the little gas station beside it.

The theater’s name is spelled in an arching neon sign that shines bright red when turned on. “Pelham Picture House” it reads, with today’s line-up of films on the bottom.

You probably wouldn’t guess it with just a passing glance, but there’s deep history to this structure.

Nearly a century of movie magic

Built in 1921, the theater then been operating continuously since it opened.
It has retained its simple yet elegant Spanish revival style, so unlike high-tech cineplexes that have come to dominate our more modern movie experience.

In fact, it narrowly escaped being demolished in 2001-2002, when the theater was set to become a retail bank.

Part of Westchester history

A group of citizens wished to protect its rich history and established the Pelham Picture House Preservation, a non-profit organization which aimed to purchase and look-after the theater.
From 2002-2004 it successfully raised just under $1,000,000 which was enough to buy the theater and keep it open.

By that action, the nonprofit also saved a piece of Westchester history.

Revival

The theater launched its own two original film series in 2009: the preview series “Reel Insider,”which featured discussions with film talent and critics, and the classic series “Sunday Essentials.”

In 2010 The Picture House was added to the National Register of Historic Places, thus cementing its historical importance.

Since then it has attracted major movie stars like Tom Cruise, Sean Penn, Michael Douglas, Ryan Reynolds, and more to its guest list.

The future

In 2015, The Picture House was also set to present the Future Filmmaker’s Festival, featuring students from Westchester County High School showcasing their short films in narrative, documentary, comedy, drama, and musical categories.

All will vie for the prestigious “Chester”–Westchester’s Oscar.

Whatever the future holds, the contributions of The Pelham Picture House has already earned Westchester the title “Hollywood on the East Coast.”

Get to know the Rockefeller State Park Preserve

One of the Rockefellers’ many philanthropic contributions to the great state they call their home is the Rockefeller State Park Preserve in Westchester County.

Donated by Laurance S. Rockefeller to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in 1983, the park is part of the family estate in Pocantico Hills.

Subsequent donations have seen the park expand from around 1,200 acres to its current size of more than 1,400 acres.
It has been open year-round since 1999, from 7 a.m. until sunset.

How to get there

Rockefeller State Park Preserve is located in the village of Sleepy Hollow, around 30 miles from New York City on Route 117, one mile east of Route 9.

To get there, visitors from NYC can take the Metro North Hudson Line to the Tarrytown Station.

From the station, a quick taxi ride will take you to the Preserve Office in Pleasantville, where you can get a map and some guides.

Amenities and activities

Photo courtesy of Rockefeller State Park Preserve https://www.facebook.com/RockefellerSPP/

A multitude of outdoor activities can be enjoyed at the Preserve.
The park is home to various natural habitats and is considered an important bird sanctuary.It’s got meadows, wetlands, rivers, forests, and the beautiful (and beautifully named) Swan Lake for visitors to enjoy.

In fact, guests who walk along a system of carriage roads built by Dr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. himself are treated to scenic vistas of woodlands, fields, streams, and stone bridges.

Outdoor enthusiasts can also take part in many activities such as:

Fishing
Hiking
FSledding
Cross-country skiing
Horseback riding and carriage driving
Snowboarding

The Rockefeller State Park Preserve abides by a strict set of rules to make sure the place remains enjoyable for everyone.

Before you plan a trip to the park, be advised that anglers need a Preserve fishing permit from the park’s office and a New York State fishing license. Equestrian activities also require a permit.

Home improvement ideas for winter

Are you ready to battle the long, cold nights of winter? Don’t worry — you can prepare for the months ahead by using these simple yet highly effective home improvement ideas:

Gutters and roof

Installing heated cables under the first few rows of your shingles will help melt the snow and prevent ice from accumulating on your roof.
Gutter guards can also be very effective in preventing clogs and ice dams.

Windows

One of the most fundamental parts of your heating/cooling system are your windows. To prepare them for the winter, you can consider changing a few of your window components. For example, replacing the glass with insulated glass can affect both your home’s temperature and electric bill.

Newer homes usually have super-triple-pane windows that have been treated with low-emittance (or low-E) coating. This type of coatingassists in controlling the amount and direction of light and heat reflected by the windows.
You can also consider upgrading to super windows, which have a mix of krypton/argon/air/gas between its panes. These are energy-efficient windows that can significantly reduce your energy bill.
Simpler remedies include cellular shades or insulating blinds. Adding caulk, a long-lasting seal, helps in locking in the window frame and setting up the shades.

Thermostat

During winter, it can be quite convenient to have a programmable thermostat (also called “t-stat”) installed in your house. These devices improve energy efficiency, and can be controlled wirelessly using your smart phone or computer..
With this kind of technology, you can schedule when to turn the heat up or down depending on which hours require higher temperatures.

Walls, plumbing, and pipes

There are many ways to seal every corner in your home. You should watch out for leaks and gaps where air can come in. To seal any potential leaks, you can use a variety of sealants like caulk, expanding foam, waterproof sealant, or weather-stripping.

10 great tips to spruce up curb appeal and attract more buyers

The attractiveness of your home’s exterior plays a key role in attracting interested buyers. An eye-catching exterior serves as an excellent introduction, and will create a good first impression for buyers.

The great thing about sprucing up your home’s curb appeal is you don’t necessarily need to break the bank – you’ll be surprised at how simple upgrades create a dramatic difference.

Here are 10 great tips that can boost your home’s curb appeal:

1. Plant flowers

Plant some flowers along the sidewalk, in front of your house, in plant boxes, or in hanging baskets. Planting flowers is one of the most budget-friendly ways to increase curb appeal.

2. Paint or change your garage doors

Most garage doors dominate a home’s front – giving your garage door a vibrant color or installing a new one with a more stylish design can create a huge impact.

3. Even small details make a big difference

It might not seem like much, but replacing simple things such as your old lock and handle, tarnished house numbers, or rusty light fixtures is a great way to add a touch of elegance to your home.

4. Clear the view

Trees, branches, or shrubs can obscure some of your home’s features, and make it look a bit gloomy and uninviting. If you find it too difficult to clear any of them, at least make sure they look tidy and well-manicured.

5. Conceal dead spots

Stately trees are beautiful; the only problem is their roots tend to draw water and nutrients around the soil, leaving your lawn with unsightly dead spots. Instead of trying to fight against it, look for plants or flowers that can thrive in the shade, and plant them near the base of the tree.

6. Edge your driveway

Using edging materials like stone, pavers, or bricks will give an otherwise drab-looking driveway more color and texture, creating a crisp, polished appearance.

7. Illuminate your sidewalk

Installing lights along your sidewalk is not only safer for potential buyers after dusk; it will also make your entrance look friendlier and more inviting as well.

8. Install a stylized mailbox

Maybe it’s time you replaced your old, boring mailbox. Consider installing a mailbox with personality, one that sits atop a sturdy post, or maybe even an elegant brick or stone column. Make sure your new mailbox complements your home’s style and color.

9. Repaint your front door

Remove your front door and sand it using fine-grit sandpaper prior to painting. The best tool to use are foam rollers as these do a great job of minimizing runs or lap marks (but you’ll still need a brush just to paint into remaining gaps and crevices).

10. Add a pathway

A brick or stone pathway is not only useful, it adds plenty of style and character to your front lawn as well.

What’s it like to be a Realtor?

At first glance, becoming a professional Realtor seems exciting – you get to present stylish and luxurious properties, helping buyers and their families find the ideal home.

Many don’t realize being in real estate can also be very stressful – you’re entrusted with one of the biggest transactions in someone else’s life, so there’s often very little room for error.

In case you’re thinking about a career in real estate or simply curious about how it’s like to work as a Realtor, here’s a look at some facts about the profession you may or may not know about:

The degree of difficulty and how long it takes to get a real estate license varies in each state. Every state has different licensing laws and requirements, which can also change over the years. Knowing what each state requires will give aspiring Realtors a good idea of what to expect, and will also save them plenty of time.
You may be your own boss, but that doesn’t exactly mean freedom. A Realtor may be in charge of his or her own hours, allowing them to work from home most of the time, but don’t forget: most of their customers have regular nine-to-five jobs. That means Realtors often have no choice but to work in the evening and during the weekends for open house tours.
Being a Realtor means playing multiple roles. There are a lot of emotions involved with buying or selling properties, so you’re responsible for counseling your clients and helping navigate them towards the right direction. At times, you’ll need to serve as their educator, counselor, life coach, financial advisor, and maybe even their babysitter.
Success depends on a variety of factors. The housing market is affected by many different factors, such as the time of the year, employment outlook, and the stock market. Slow seasons are the worst – competition is difficult, with different agents going after the same clients. On the other hand, a booming market can also be very challenging with too many buyers going after few properties and too many agents chasing after few prospective home sellers. Perhaps success in real estate sales only comes with excellent service, knowledge, consistency and the commitment to always serve the client’s best interest.

Must-visit coffeehouses in Westchester

A steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee in the morning is enjoyable for many reasons – the invigorating aroma, the strong and rich taste, and simply the warm, cozy feeling it brings as you sip from the cup.

What complements the experience is heading to your neighborhood coffeehouse, where the barista already knows your name, as well as your regular order.

When you’re a resident of Westchester, you’ll have no shortage of exceptional local coffeehouses to visit. Here are a few of them:

The Black Cow Coffee Company

4 Old Post Rd South, Croton-On-Hudson • 914-271-7544
7 Wheeler Ave, Pleasantville • 914-495-3726

The Black Cow Coffee Company, simply called “The Cow” by locals, is a neighborhood café with a very cozy atmosphere. Their coffee is roasted on-site, and customers can enjoy different varieties that come from all over the world, from Brazil to Costa Rica.

One interesting quirk about the café – regulars bring their own mugs, and the staff washes and stores them at the establishment.

Aroma Coffee Roast

1932 Palmer Ave, Larchmont • 914-834-0989

Aroma Coffee Roast has been in the business for over 20 years, and is a favorite among many locals. One of the biggest reasons for their longevity is their coffee’s superior quality. Coffee beans at Aroma are freshly roasted the second after each customer places his or her order. Six different coffee varieties are available daily, and customers get a discount by bringing their own mug.

Coffee Labs Roasters

7 Main St, Tarrytown • 914-332-1479

Friendly baristas, a cozy setting, and the best-tasting coffee blends all combine to make Coffee Labs Roasters one of the top coffeehouses in Westchester. Their baristas are experts when it comes to brewing a fresh cup of joe, and are skilled latte foam artists as well. The coffeehouse uses eight different methods to brew coffee, and seven different varieties are available daily.

To ensure that the coffeehouse always has a fresh selection of high-quality coffee, owner Mike Love scours the globe each year to look for the best blends.

Revisit your favorite fairy tales at Lyndhurst this Christmas

Photo courtesy of Lynhurst website.

Located in Tarrytown, New York, Lyndhurst is a Gothic Revival mansion overlooking the Hudson River. The sprawling estate was designed in 1838 by Alexander Jackson Davis, and is perfectly complemented by beautiful park-like gardens and grounds and an extensive collection of original art.

The mansion once served as the home to several noteworthy personalities who include railroad magnate Jay Gould, merchant George Merritt, and New York City mayor William Paulding.

Today, Lyndhurst is open to the public for guided tours, and is available as a venue for weddings, celebrations, and other private events.

A Christmas fairy tale at Lyndhurst

A trip to Lyndhurst is great during any time of the year, but the gorgeous estate is especially enchanting during the Christmas season, when each of its rooms is given different fairy tale themes.

A few sights you may see at Lyndhurst during Christmas include:

A Beauty & the Beast-inspired baronial dining room illuminated by an elegant golden chandelier, along with a feast fit for a king
A Rumpelstiltskin-inspired room with a glowing golden mantel display and a straw-covered floor
Sleeping Beauty surrounded by white poinsettias as she sleeps peacefully on a canopied bed
The apple tree bearing Snow White’s apple, as seen through a magic mirror on the wall

These are but a few of the interesting fairy tale rooms and displays visitors can find throughout Lyndhurst. If you’re searching for the perfect holiday destination for the entire family, you won’t find a more magical place than this fairy tale castle.

Tour schedule

Starting November 27 up to December, guests can enjoy tours every hour from Friday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, and Sundays from 10am to 2pm (tour schedules are subject to change).

Tickets may be purchased online or at the Carriage House Visitor’s Center and Gift Shop located at the venue.

To find out more about Lyndhurst, visit their official website at http://www.lyndhurst.org/

Featured Property: 200 Diplomat Drive #5H, Mount Kisco, NY 10549 for sale at $209,000

It’s not every day that you come across a home that will make you fall in love with it in a snap. Listed at $209,000, this property at the Diplomat Towers in New York has an excellent location, convenient amenities, and delightful features that you won’t be able to resist.

The home

This corner unit at 200 Diplomat Drive, Mount Kisco boasts:

1,200 square feet of space
12 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
1Brazilian cherry hardwood floors
1Gorgeous crown moldings and skim-coated ceilings
1Easy access to Diplomat Towers’ many fine amenities

This apartment is ideal for a small family, or shared with a roommate looking for grand opportunities in the nearby Big Apple.

Diplomat Towers

Diplomat Towers is a residential tower located in a wonderful New York neighborhood. Its residents can enjoy access to many useful amenities and areas including:

Laundry rooms
Storage rooms
Bicycle rooms
Playground
Swimming pools
Recreation room
Community garden
Fitness room
Basketball court/gym

Owning a condo unit at Diplomat Towers means living a short distance away from Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island.

Living in Mount Kisco, NY

Mount Kisco is a town and village in Westchester County, an hour’s train ride north of New York City. Here, you’ll find attractions such as:

Grand Prix New York– Located at 333 North Bedford Road, this entertainment center is a town favorite for karting fun. It’s also a popular venue for parties, corporate events, and other celebrations.With its friendly staff, Grand Prix New York is a hit with both kids and adults.
Little Kabab Station – Craving for some ethnic fare? Locals head straight to Little Kabab Station to satisfy their appetite for delicious Indian cuisine. The restaurant is known for using fresh, high-quality ingredients. With an exciting menu and generous servings, Little Kabab Station can’t be beat when it comes to authentic Indian food.