Author Archives: GioHomes

Featured Property: 32 Elvis Blvd, Chester NY (Open House on Sunday, Sept 27th)

Located in the beautiful Town of Chester, this one-of-a-kind Colonial home offers residents a harmonious mix of privacy, convenience, and relaxation.

It’s roomy in this lovely home, which features:

4 bedrooms
1 partial and 2 full bathrooms
Over 2,300 square feet of living space

The residence is currently available for $385,000.

Features

Open House on Sunday, Sep 27, 2015 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

A beautifully manicured lawn and wrap-around front porch provides a warm welcome after a long day at work. Gorgeous interiors flow throughout this lovely home, with hardwood floors, wall-to-wall carpets, and bright and airy living spaces.

The home’s well-designed eat-in kitchen comes with high-quality stainless steel appliances, custom wood cabinetry, and solid surface countertops. The kitchen opens up to a large family room and a formal dining room, which are perfect for entertaining guests, hosting a dinner party, or spending quality time with your family.

The cozy master suite offers the perfect environment to get a good night’s rest, and is equipped with a gorgeous master bath complete with a tub and a shower enclosure.

The home comes with an unfinished basement that boasts 660 square feet of space, excellent for storage purposes. For homeowners who don’t really require that much extra space, the basement can also be turned into a home theater, a game room, reading room, or whatever else the owners have in mind.

Those who love spending time outdoors are sure to be delighted with the home’s many great outdoor features. The expansive backyard comes with an open-air patio area which is ideal for barbeques, get-togethers, and other occasions. There’s an above-ground pool with a sun deck, perfect for a cool, relaxing dip during the summer. For families with children, the backyard has more than enough space for a playground area.

If you’d like to learn more about this fantastic property, call GioHomes today at 914-946-1067, or send us an email at info@giohomes.com

How to avoid legal hassles when buying and selling a home

Buying or selling a home is clearly a milestone.

For one that’s buying a house, it can signify a step toward stability.

For one that’s selling, it closes a chapter in one’s life.

Either way, a real estate transaction marks both a beginning and an end. Because acquiring and letting go can be a trying and emotional time, it can be easy to overlook the practicalities of such transactions.

That is why it is important to seek professional help when you’re about to close the sale on your home or if you intend to sell it.
Real estate professionals will know how to avoid legal hassles arising from property transactions – sparing you bother and grief.

How a real estate agent can help you

Though researching on your ownis helpful, a qualified and expert real estate agent can take care of the following correctly and efficiently:

Help you with the paperwork on such things as disclosures and other liability issues
Oversee home inspections
Assist you in mortgage selections
Help secure the right buyer for your property

How a lawyer can help you

Getting the help of a lawyer familiar with local real estate laws is also a step in the right direction. For buyers and sellers, know that your lawyer can assist you in the following ways:

Meeting and dealing with the property broker
Managing tax consequencesand related issues
Looking for financing
Insuring the property title
Checking the property’s zoning and survey
Reviewing the property’s disclosure
Preparing the seller’s contract
Reviewing the title report ordered by the buyer
Preparing the closing documents which includes the deed and the transfer tax returns
Calculating the closing costs.
Representing you in closin

Getting a professional Realtor to help you takes the fuss out of buying or selling a home—and assures you that no legal trouble related to your transaction will hound you in the future.

Golfing in and around Westchester County

Golf enthusiasts won’t have a hard time searching for a place to practice their swings and their putts, thanks to plenty of public and private golf facilities in and around Westchester County.

Saxon Woods Golf Course

Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale

Open since 1931, this public golf facility is home to an 18-hole, 6,293-yard course for a par of 72. Golfing season is all year round, inviting enthusiasts to check out its fun course designed by Joe Williams and Tom Winton. A golf academy is situated within the grounds for beginners or those who seek to improve their skill level and tee shots.

Hudson Hills Golf Course

Croton Dam Road, Ossining

Dubbed as one of the best facilities in Westchester County, Hudson Hills offers golf lovers a challenging course and scenic views. The 7,000-yard, par-71, 18-hole championship golf course designed by Mark A. Mungeam offers an exceptional golf experience.

Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Course

Shore Road, Bronx

Going to Pelham Bay and Split Rock will require you to take a trip south of Westchester County, but it’s worth your while. Located in Pelham Bay Park, this is the only 36-hole golf facility in the Big Apple. Beginners and advanced players are welcome to try out the Pelham course, with its expansive fairways and links-style layout. The John Van Kleek-designed Split Rock course, on the other hand, is more challenging and, at the same time, rewarding.

Dunwoodie Golf Course

Wasylenko Ln, Yonkers

Located at the top of Dunwoodie Heights in Yonkers, this golf course is best known for its steep and dramatic topography. Adding to the challenge is the mix of wide landscapes and narrow fairways in this 18-hole golf course. Dunwoodie will definitely test an individual’s skills.

Sprain Lake Golf Course

Grassy Sprain Road, Yonkers

Sprain Lake’s 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Winton features challenging holes and a rolling terrain sure to excite skilled golfers. To add more thrills, areas requiring difficult shots and water hazards dot the course. Sprain Lake Golf Course is perfect for those who prefer a linear, back-and-forth style of play.

Dining out in Westchester County

Foodies and drink connoisseurs, listen up! We’ve compiled the best dining establishments in Westchester County. Check out the list below.

Aquario Restaurant

East Lake St., West Harrison

The authentic flavors of Brazilian and Portuguese dishes are captured in Aquario, located in East Lake Street, West Harrison. Whether you crave seafood, poultry, or the tenderest of steak cuts, Aquario knows how to deliver. Check out their superb wine selection as well.

La Panetière

Photo courtesy of La Panetiere website.

Milton Road, Rye

Transport yourself to Southern France as you step inside La Panetière, named Best French Restaurant in 2011 by Westchester Magazine. Quintessential French favorites include pot-au-feu or stew, foie gras confit, and baked escargot. All are made using only the freshest ingredients. Oenophiles will find something to accompany their meal with from La Panetière’s impressive wine cellar.

Alba’s Ristorante

North Main St., Port Chester

Fans of Northern Italian cooking will love Alba’s, where the food is as authentic as the land that inspired it. Named after Italy’s white truffle region, the ristorante is a family-run business that treats its food and wine collection with the respect it deserves.

Underhills Crossing

Pondfield Road, Bronxville

Photo courtesy of Underhills Crossing Facebook page.

Featuring American nouvelle cuisine with French elements, Underhills Crossing is beloved by patrons for its unique flair and SoHo vibe. Whether you drop by Underhills for lunch or dinner, this handsome establishment will not disappoint with its well-chosen seafood menu.

Sonora

Rectory St., Port Chester

With renowned chef and cookbook author Rafael Palomina at its helm, Sonora serves the best Nuevo Latino food in Port Chester. Make sure to reserve yourself a table as people flock to the restaurant for its lobster and mango ceviche, seafood paella, and dulce de leche cheesecake.

Mulino’s of Westchester

Court St., White Plains

A White Plains institution, Mulino’s traditional Italian fare and elegantlydecorated interiors continue to attract food and wine lovers from all over the country. Delicious, authentic food, a great ambiance, and an attentive waitstaff make the overall dining experience at Mulino’s truly one for the books.

X20 Xaviars on the Hudson

Water Grant St, Yonkers

Craving all-time American favorites infused with international flavors? Head over to X20 Xaviars, where the food is as great as its location. Situated on a Victorian pier on the Hudson River, X20 Xaviars offers diners a sophisticated and memorable dining experience.

Fun-filled events in Westchester County

Residents of Westchester County can look forward to a calendar filled with unforgettable local events perfect for visitors of all ages. This vibrant community makes every event an opportunity to add to the town’s collective memory and becomes a way for locals to meet their new neighbors.

In addition to the events mentioned on this page, the following are also worth checking out:

SOWE Music Festival

Image courtesy of SOWE website.

The Southern Westchester Music Festival, more popularly known as the SOWE Music Festival is a celebration filled with food, entertainment, family activities, and of course, music.

The festival features multiple stages where some of the country’s top artists perform, along with an endless flow of delicious food and drinks.

This year’s music festival takes place on Saturday, September 19th, at Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck, NY. Among this year’s performers are the legendary David Johansen, Grammy winning songwriter Marc Cohn, as well as a good mix of up-and-coming performers, veteran musicians, an international act from Iceland, among many others.

Jazz Fest

Organized by ArtsWestchester and the City of White Plains, the Jazz Fest is a four-day music festival culminating in an outdoor Jazz & Food Festival on Mamaroneck Avenue. Visitors can head to one of the many stages or live music venues to watch some of their favorite jazz artists perform.

This year’s Jazz Fest takes place on September 24-27, 2015.

Image courtesy of Artswestchester.org

 CORNucopia

Held in Sleepy Hollow’s Philipsburg Manor in Historic Hudson Valley, CORNucopia is a fun, corn-themed festival great for people of all ages.

Visitors will find no shortage of corn treats and goodies at the festival, which include everything from corn chili, sweet corn ice cream, cornbread, corn salsa and chips, and even corn whiskey.

Kids can navigate their way through the “Maize Maze” and partake in a corn-husking contest or lend a hand in creating a giant corn mural.

Living in Hawthorne, NY

Hawthorne Elementary School

Sherman Park

Metro North Train Station

Part of the town of Mount Pleasant, Hawthorne is at the heart of popular Westchester County, being actually very near its geographic center. This hamlet, with a population of around 5,000, is mostly made up of private homes and a few small businesses along Elwood Avenue. It’s ideally located for the commute into the city; the train from Hawthorne Station to Grand Central takes just around 40 minutes. The railroad came to this spot in 1847, and the area was first divided into lots to be developed as a suburb in the late 1880’s.

Living in Hawthorne

Hawthorne is an increasingly popular choice for young families, thanks to a well-regarded school district that boasts a 92% graduation rate. It offers a challenging curriculum at its 4 local schools, and excels in services to students with special needs. Local parks and the town of Mount Pleasant offer a great range of organized sports, camps, and activities to enrich the leisure time of the youngest residents, and the many outdoor activities available here are fun ways to spend time with the family.

White-collar occupations and high levels of education characterize the overall population of Hawthorne, and many here work in technology-related fields. A quieter lifestyle and relatively affordable housing draw people from the city looking for a convenient and comfortable hometown. Low crime and beautiful open spaces help to seal the deal, and provide a relaxing backdrop for leisure time. Hawthorne residents enjoy the services and convenience provided by the town of Mount Pleasant, as well as the option of visiting the city when the mood hits, to enjoy a visit to the museum or a performance by a favorite artist.

Hawthorne NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Much of the development in Hawthorne started in the 1950’s, and as a result most Hawthorne homes are Cape Cods, built around that time. Most are on quarter-acre lots, and Hawthorne’s population density is slightly higher than most of Westchester County. A few amenity-packed condominiums can be found, but the village is primarily comprised of single-family homes, and the median price for these sits at around $500,000. Prices tend to rise with increased lot size.

For more information on Hawthorne and its real estate, do not hesitate to contact our team at GioHomes today. We’re just a phone call away and look forward to introducing you to this exceptional area.

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Living in Montrose: A Quite Hamlet in Westchester County

Montrose is a quiet little river hamlet in the northwestern part of Westchester County, and is a part of the Town of Cortlandt. This nature lover’s dream is ideal for families and those who appreciate rural areas and lots of wilderness. It is a great combination of safe and peaceful small-town atmosphere with quick access to New York City.

As with many of the towns that make up Westchester County, Montrose makes its park system a priority. The largest recreation area is George’s Island. It is a haven for birdwatchers each year because of the large population of bald eagles that claim this as their territory. It is an especially popular destination for birders during the annual Hudson River EagleFest.

Montrose’s Recreation, Schools and More

George’s Island is a great spot for kayaking and canoeing and there is a boat launch conveniently located in the park. Slightly smaller, is the 100-acre Montrose State Park. Many of the miles of trails here lead to views of the Hudson River.

Though there is minimal shopping within Montrose itself, the greater community provides a full range of retail and dining options. Close by Montrose is the Cortlandt Town Center, the area’s most popular local destination for shopping. However, Montrose shouldn’t be counted out for having good restaurants. There are ethnic options here, such as a Mexican-Italian fusion bistro and a very well- reviewed Indian restaurant that brings people from neighboring communities to Montrose for dinner.

Montrose is part of the nationally recognized Hendrick Hudson School District. There are three elementary schools in the district with the Frank G. Lindsey Elementary serving the children of Montrose. When students reach Grade Six, they begin at Blue Mountain Middle. By high school they attend desirable Hendrick Hudson High School.

Montrose NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Montrose is one of the more affordable sections of Westchester County. Here homebuyers will be able to choose from condominiums and single-family homes. There are many traditional Colonials and Federal-style homes. The median home price in Montrose is $350,000. A limited number of new homes are also in progress. Montrose is a destination for those who are looking for a peaceful and pastoral location to call home.

Thinking about a move to Montrose? Let our team of real estate experts introduce you to Westchester County and its various communities. We look forward to hearing from you and to helping you find your dream home. Connect today to get started!

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Moving to Verplanck? Here’s What You Need to Know

Verplanck is a cozy riverfront community in upper Westchester County, one of the hamlets of Cortlandt. Once known as Verplanck’s Point, it juts out to the Hudson River and is home to just 300 households. Less than one square mile in size, this miniature Cape Cod is surrounded on three sides by water and artist-worthy scenery, yet it is within commuting distance to New York City. Many of the families who live in Verplanck have made this their home for generations.

Riverfront Properties in Verplanck

Each winter, the past comes alive in Verplanckas as the replica of Henry Hudson’s ship the Half Moon docks at King Marine. A crew of volunteers operates this floating museum, and welcomes visitors to its decks daily.

The beauty of the river and life on its banks draws people out of doors. Children can enjoy the playground at the recently renovated Old Pond Park, go fishing or crabbing, and then enjoy a picnic at the pavilion at the Steamboat Riverfront Park. While dining and shopping are limited in Verplanck, neighboring communities a short distance away pick up the slack. In Verplanck a popular stop for both dining and enjoying the local color is the Paradise Bar and Grille.

One of the many advantages to living in Verplanck is its educational system under the Hendrick Hudson School District. U.S. News and World Report ranked Hendrick Hudson High School 73rd out of 1,165 schools in New York State. Additionally, middle school students in the district have also been recognized for their academic excellence.

Verplanck NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Because of its geography, Verplanck has limited development potential, but the homes here are quite beautiful and many have spectacular river vistas.

When you’re ready to browse the available homes in Verplanck, use the website’s Search function. Should you have any questions or would like to schedule a private tour of this community, we are just a phone call or website inquiry away. Connect with our team today to learn more!

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Croton-on-Hudson: A Hudson River Gem

View of Half Moon Bay

Croton Landing Park

Croton Dam

The village of Croton-on-Hudson is situated along seven miles of the eastern bank of the majestic Hudson River. It is certainly hard to beat this location and its stunning views. In under an hour, commuters can be at Grand Central Station. The combination of its location on the Hudson River and the short ride to New York City make Croton-on-Hudson a popular place to live for many professionals who work in the city. Croton-On-Hudson is perfect for people who are seeking a lovely residential village. It’s the Best of Westchester magazine’s top pick for places to live in 2013.

Explore the Community of Croton-on-Hudson

Preservation of its natural resources has been made a priority in Croton-on-Hudson. Close to half of the town’s land area has been designated as open space and parkland. The entire shoreline is open to residents, which is an unusual feature in many Westchester communities. Croton Point Park, on the banks of the Hudson River is a pleasant destination for beachgoers, hikers, and campers. Visitors to this 500-acre natural playground have access to picnic areas, trails, watersports, fishing, a nature center, and the remains of Underhill wine cellars, one of the oldest in New York State.

In addition to its natural beauty, Croton-on-Hudson holds the Hudson River Valley’s most popular festivals. For two days each June, Clearwater’s Great Hudson River Revival celebrates the best of folk music by bringing artists and guests to Croton-on-Hudson. In February, the annual Hudson River EagleFest draws in birdwatching enthusiasts.

The Croton River Gorge flows into a park that’s a favorite for cross-country skiing in the winter.

Shop and Dine

The village is full of treasures, with its variety of shops, stores, markets, and restaurants. Unsurprisingly, there are no big-box chain retailers in this downtown district. For a small town, Croton-on-Hudson offers quite a few restaurants and eateries. Baked By Susan is a delightful spot for a breakfast treat and baked goods that pair well with a cup of locally roasted coffee from the Black Cow Coffee Company. Lunch and dinner are served in a boathouse seafood restaurant called The Ocean House. There are many options in town with menus that encompass Italian, Asian, Mexican, and Mediterranean cuisine as well as good old barbecue.

Schools

The local school district is made up of three separate schools for kindergarten all through Grade 12. Younger students attend Carrie E. Tomkins Elementary, middleschoolers attend Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School, and students continue on to Croton Harmon High School. Croton Harmon High was recently ranked in the top 2 percent nationally. There is a portion of the town that is located in the highly performing Hendrick Hudson School District.

Croton-on-Hudson NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

The homes in Croton-on-Hudson run the gamut:
Condominiums, perfect for a busy professional
Riverfront estates
Single-family homes with beautiful yards.

Home prices average $500,000 in this community. If the criteria for a new home includes a town with views of the Hudson River, a quality school system, and a reasonable commute to Manhattan wrapped in outdoorsy charm, Croton-on-Hudson should rise to number one on that list.

Browse this diverse and exciting community and its real estate offerings by connecting with our team of real estate professionals at Gio Homes today! We’re standing by to take your call and look forward to helping you find your Westchester County home. Let’s get started today!

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House Hunting in Buchanan: What You Need to Know

The village of Buchanan is perched on the banks of the Hudson River. This community is one of six separate areas that make up the Town of Cortlandt in Westchester County. With its spectacular views, Buchanan is an affordable option for anyone wishing to live and play in a river town. With its old-time feel, Buchanan offers a quiet, inviting atmosphere, highly regarded schools, and a commute of less than an hour to Grand Central Station. Buchanan is also the home of the Indian Point Power Plant that now goes by the name of Entergy. Entergy’s presence lowers both the tax rate and the housing prices in Buchanan compared to surrounding towns.

Those who are looking for a safe, little village in the Hudson Valley should think about purchasing a home in Buchanan.

 Buchanan Recreation, Schools and More

Village of Buchanan

Rotary at the entrance of the Village

St Christopher Parish

Buchanan is a small, quaintly charming commercial district. Taste Restaurant gas garnered fantastic reviews for its crab cakes. The Cortlandt Town Center is only 10 minutes from Buchanan. Peekskill is another exciting downtown area that Buchanan locals visit. The Buchanan Recreation Department supports the community with year-round programs and summer camp. Buchanan also maintains parks and hiking trails.

The highly regarded Hedrick Hudson School District looks after the schools in the neighborhood. Elementary school students from Buchanan attend Buchanan-Verplanck Elementary. When they reach sixth grade they begin classes at Blue Mountain Middle School, and continue on to Hendrick Hudson High School. Both schools have received national awards for academic excellence. The arts and theater departments have also been lauded.

Buchanan NY Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Most of the houses in Buchanan are single-family homes on spacious properties, including:

Historic residences with front porches
Elegant new constructions

Many of the homes in Buchanan boast of views of Lake Meahagh and the Hudson River. People bike and walk along the shoreline of the lake and ice-skate when the waters freeze at wintertime. Home prices here range from $300,000 to the $500,000s.

Explore more real estate options available to you in Buchanan by connecting with our team of real estate experts at Gio Homes. We can’t wait to introduce you to this exceptional community. Call now!

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