"Fire Up That Pick-up Truck and Let the Horses Run......."

Check out this site. It has a whole breakdown of various cost of repairing, updating, etc. of rooms within a house. Its great. I have yet to come across something as comprehensive.....tell me what you think?

I found this website that does pseudo video tours. I took some pics of a property and uploaded them and wala! I have a video tour of a listing I am trying to sell. As you can see, it needs a bit of work. But it is great! It sits on top of a hill surrounded by hundreds of acres. Located at the end of a dead end, the road leading up to it is dirt and rugged. I am trying to focus on selling it to someone who is interested in a summer project, or something.

Real Estate and Christmas-time

Funny how you'd think that the end-of-year holiday season would settle home buyers down a bit. Not really. Right before I am scheduled to leave, I get a rush of activity from clients. Some are suddenly re-interested, others are are making more of an effort to see properties. I think that the holiday has two effects on people buying or selling; 1. They have a vacation and the last thing they want to do is be poked and prodded to buy property. Or, 2, they have a vacation and they finally have the time to be poked and prodded to purchase property.
It's comical.
I guess the Ithaca real estate market is like that. We don't conform to other "market norms". Just look at the article written in the NY Times last month regarding Ithaca's standing as having the lowest sub-prime mortgage foreclosure rate in the country.

I have attached a link to a great resource for you as you consider
whether/how/when, etc. to remodel your home.

Pricing House renovations

I have been toying with the idea of renovating a house. I am completely enthralled by the idea. It is sexy, exciting and I love the idea that I create all the designs, plans etc.
However, to date, I have been a total puss and haven't pulled the trigger. It is scary as hell. What if I f-it up? it doesn't sell, whatever?!?!?

I have begun the process of pricing out what it could cost.

The house in question is a 1930's Palladian Style house that is very well kept and remains unsold in a very nice neighborhood. I am baffled that it is not sold yet. What could be wrong? It is crappy on the outside, vacant and dated on the inside and very, very spacious.

Is my thinking so far off on this?

It is an all brick house that is huge, burley, and imposing. Its character is undeniable.

I need to consider some more......................................