When I stepped into the Danny Kaye Theatre on May 1st I knew very little about seaweed. The seaweed that was discussed is Korean and is known as GIM. Since Korea is the largest producer of seaweed, they were the best source for my education on GIM.So what was the purpose of this event? It was the launch of a new cookbook by the Culinary Institute of American, a collaboration with the Korean Agro-Fisheries Trade Center, otherwise called the AT Center. The aim of these two organizations is to take GIM beyond Sushi.There were several speakers: Mr. Hyougwan Oh of the AT Center expressed his gratitude for the collaboration, and welcomed everyone to the event.           Yongja Kim, a journalist and author of Korean Cuisine took us through the process of getting GIM ready for the market. I lea... 05/08/2012

It was my intention to write about a book launch on seaweed but I just ran out of time.   Today I will just show you a photo from the event but will follow up with my take on seaweed, otherwise known in Korean as GIM.  You will be surprise at all the things you can do with this product.   You are looking at a variety of GIM (seaweed) 05/06/2012

The Bikers are out!Today on my way to my open house, I couldn't help noticing the many Bikers travelling north on the Route 9 corridor. The first group passed me just before the Culinary Institute, then there were a few cars and then another group, you could say they owned the road and with the accompanying noise I sure took notice. There were bikes of all kinds. I wonder where they were heading? Today the weather was great and it sure was an awesome day for a bike ride.The Bikers are out!     04/29/2012

In Hyde Park NY 25 single family detached homes came on the market, with a price range of $74,000-$535,500. The least expensive was a small house (691 sq. ft.).During the month 7 Hyde Park homes sold and they were all sold for under $300,000.At the end of March there were 7 homes in contract and 2 with offersThe question you might be asking is: How does this March compare to last March? Actually, last March there were 2 more sales than this March and one house sold for over $300,000. Because the weather has been much warmer I was expecting this March sales to be higher. However, only 2 were in contract last year versus 7 this year, so that could lead to a better April this year.                                                  Hyde Park Kayak Shop Hyde Park Single Family Home Sale for M... 04/11/2012

I do love the beautiful flowers of spring, the green grass, the birds singing and the warmer weather.  Spring does have some drawbacks, mosquitoes, Lyme tick and of course that creepy garden snake. As a gardener I should love the garden snake since it gets rid of bugs, mice, slug, voles, Japaneses beetles, so you could say a garden snake is really good for the garden.  If I could just get beyond the creepiness. 04/04/2012

A couple of days ago I posted a photo of the fountain at the Culinary institute of America and promised to follow up with a video.  In the process of making the video, I suddenly remembered that this was one of the last places I toured with my dad before he passed away a few years ago.  This brought back so many memories and I suspect the Culinary Institute of America will always be special to me. Students make Hyde Park NY their home for a few years while they hone their culinary skills.  You can't help liking the property it is on; the banks of the majestic Hudson River with views of the Catskill Mountains. So sit back and enjoy the virtual 3 minute tour. 04/02/2012

If you look closely in the background  you will spot the Culinary institute of  America in Hyde Park.   I was down near the Hudson River taking a few shots when I noticed these pillars.  I never did find out the story behind them but I will be asking.  Anyway after I took the shot I saw my shadow was included so that is how I came up with the title for this post 04/01/2012

The Hudson Valley restaurant week came to an end and I decided on The American Bounty restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America to say so long until next year.  This was the only restaurant  at the CIA I had not visited before, and I am so glad I finally made it.  Both the food and service were exceptional, however what I enjoyed most was talking to the students about their plans for the future.  One young man who will be graduating in a few weeks already had several great job offers.  I love to see people so passionate about what they do, and that is reflected in the service given. This is a photo of the fountain I saw on my way to my car: ,Yes I ushered out restaurant week in style.   Stay tune for a wonderful video I will be doing about this wonderful Hudson Valley Attraction. ... 03/31/2012

Hyde Park NY Real Estate In Hyde Park during February  15 new listing came on the market. Break down of the 15 new listings in Hyde Park 8 under $200,000 5 in the $200,000's 1 in the $300,000's 1 over a Million These homes ranged in age from 1756-2005 with square footage from 1000-10,000. The oldest house was also the largest house and priced at $1,900,000.  7 homes had offers. and 6 were in contract therefore  we should  see more sales in the March or April.  This is also normal as activities picks up in the spring. The average list to sale price of the 6 homes sold was 83 percent.   How did this February compare to last year market? In  February 2011 there were also 6 sales however the average sales price was higher because in 2011 some homes sold at a higher price.   Hyde Park Single... 03/08/2012

Hyde Park NY Real Estate In Hyde Park during January  20 homes came on the market, just in time for the buyers  out looking due to the mild weather.  Looks like real estate will be having an early spring. Break down of the 20 new listings in Hyde Park 9 under $200,000 7 in the $200,000's 2 in the $300,000's 1 in the $400,000 1 in the $500,000's These homes ranged in age from 1825-2004 with square footage from 1362-3300. I have mentioned in many Hyde Park report that this is a market with great buys, and a good commuter location.   How did this January compare to last year market? In January 2011 28 new listings came on the market 8 more than this year.  Last year sales was also 1 less than this year.  The average sale price last year was $209,200 this January $246,100. Hyde Park Single ... 02/11/2012

There are no hospitals in Hyde Park NY, however there are two hospitals in nearby Poughkeepsie. Emergency One at Hyde Park does offer emergency care to the community. This faciltity offers a variety of services such as: emergency care for minor injuries or illnesses, injury prevention classes for companies to show employees how to prevent injuries; as well as an Employee assistance program. Location -  4250 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park NY 12538 Contact -  845-229-2602 Available -  Mon-Fri 8:00AM - 8:00 PM Sat-Sun 8:00 AM -4:00 PM         ** unavailable Christmas, New Years and Thanksgiving. Coverage - Accept most insurance For minor injuries and illnesses this might be a cheaper alternative than the emergency room and also free up the emergency room for more urgent care. ** This is info... 02/02/2012

Hyde Park NY market Report   In December in Hyde Park  8 single family homes sold  with a price range of $75,000 - $420,000 and an average sale price of $183,925. During  2011 88 single family homes sold in Hyde Park according to a report from the Mid Hudson Valley Listing Services.  The average selling price for the year was $217,446 and a median of $189,500.                                                      Bales of Hay in front of FDR Library in Hyde Park NY   Hyde Park Single Family Detached Homes Market Report December 2011 Active 8 Offer 1 Average List $587,416 Average List $174,900 Average DOM 33 Average DOM 183 Average SQFT 2409 Average SQFT 1516 Average$/SQFT $244 Average$/SQFT $115                   Offer CS 2 Contract 3 Average List $ 179,500 Average List $177,400 Average ... 01/13/2012

Hyde Park NY Real Estate Market Report   During November 13 single family homes came on the market in Hyde Park.  Of the 13 homes 10 were priced under $300,000 and the most expensive was listed at $3,750,000.  This home was built in 2008 and has over 6171 square feet. In addition to the new listings 6 homes received offers and 5 went into contract. Of the 10 homes sold during the month none was over $300,000.  When compared to November 2010 there were 2 more sales this year               Dinsmore Golf Course The Dinsmore public golf course is located in Staatsburg which is a hamlet of Hyde Park.  This area borders Rhinebeck.  Besides the golf course  you will also find  Mills Norrie Point State Park with Catskill and Hudson views, as well as the Mills Mansion, a historic site that is a ... 12/10/2011

Hyde Park NY Real Estate Report   In Hyde Park during October there were 6 sales, 2 less than in October 2010 and 12 less than in October 2009. In October 2010, 50 percent of the sales were bank owned, not the case this year, and you can see the contrast in the average sale price.  In October 2010 the average sale price was $136,087 and this October it is $214,150, a significant increase. The majority of the homes listed in October were in the $200,000-$300,000 range, and the most expensive home to come on the market was listed at $695,000. 8 homes had offers and 4 were in contract which could lead to a  terrific November or December. Hyde Park continues to be a market with good values even a writer at the NY Times found this to be true.    Car in front of  the FDR Library     Hyde Park... 11/12/2011

  In Hyde Park NY during the month of September 6 homes sold.  Hyde Park real estate is similar to the rest of Dutchess County; most of the sales are below $300,000. When compared to September 2010 there were 2 less sales. During the period 17 homes came on the market ranging from $149,900-$1,395,000 but only 4 of these were over $300,000.  The majority of these homes were built in the 50's and 60's with square footage under 2000. The charts below will provide you with more details.                           MAPLE TREE IN THE FALL    Hyde Park Single Family Detached Homes market report September 2011 Active 17 Offer 3 Average List $336,405 Average List $204,733 Average DOM 23 Average DOM 207 Average SQFT 2034 Average SQFT 1854 Average$/SQFT $165 Average$/SQFT $110                   Offe... 10/11/2011

I don’t drink tea, so, whatever The banks are re-inspecting homes that were in contract prior to hurricane Irene. So, this morning I had to meet a client because his bank wanted a letter stating that the house was in a similar condition as when contract was signed. We paid a physical visit to the home and agreed that there were no significant changes. I started to head back to my office but stopped for a cup of tea and to make a call. I ordered tea and was asked what I took with it. Just milk I replied. After paying almost $2.00 I was handed a teabag and a cup with what I assumed was hot water. I opened the cup and found hot milky water. Turning to the server I asked him how he usually makes a cup of tea. As an avid tea drinker, I told him you usually put the tea bag in and then pour th... 09/16/2011

On September 7th students will be heading back to school in Hyde Park NY.  I recently had the opportunity to help a family find a home in Hyde Park, and the daughter will be attending the Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School. Changing school when you are in high school is not easy, and I hope she will find many new friends.  We took a drive by the school just get her acquainted with the location, and of course it did not look anything like her old school.  Going from an urban to a rural setting does take some getting use to. My recommendation to parents especially those new to the area is to download a copy of the school calendar to keep track of the many events throughout the school year.  Take special note of the no school days so the appropriate arrangement can be made for supervisi... 09/01/2011

  In July 2011 there were 7 homes sold in Hyde Park NY.  The homes sold ranged from $165,000-$282,500. About 28 homes came on the market during the month all of them were priced below $400,000 with the exception of a 8039 square feet home priced at $1,495,000. Looking at the homes in contract or with an offer most of the homes were priced just under $200,000.  This seems like a good market for finding an affordable house. SEARCH FOR HOMES IN HYDE PARK   Below you will find the breakdown of the monthly activity.   Hyde Park Single Family Detached Homes Active 26 New 2 Average List $302,571 Average List $224,950 Average DOM 20 Average DOM 8 Average SQFT 2052 Average SQFT 1621 Average$/SQFT $147 Average$/SQFT $139                   Offer 1 Offer CS 5 Average List $185,000 Average List $171... 08/10/2011

  There were 5 single family detached homes sold in Hyde Park NY during June 2011.  When compared to the real estate market in Hyde Park in June 2010 there were 15 homes sold then.   This downward trend was noted in the other market reports in Dutchess County, and this should not be a surprise since the county sales report showed sales went down 40 percent. Homes for sale in Hyde Park during June ranged in price from $90,000-$3,950,000.  The million dollar property offered over 6000 square feet. The number of homes with offers, and in contract is a gauge for the upcoming months.  During June only 4 homes had offers. H Hudson River seen from Norrie Point in the Town of Hyde Park   Below you will find the breakdown of the monthly activity.  Hyde Park Single Family Detached Homes Active 31... 07/17/2011

Hyde Park is a very historic town; that is how I started my report for April.  At that time I mentioned the library, but did you know that FDR  even with his large estate  saw it fit to build a hide-away?  This cottage was designed by him and  was built in such a way to accomodated his wheel chair .  This cottage is known as Top Cottage,  and after years of being a private residence it is now a public space that can be toured. During May in Hyde Park 6 homes sold, ranging from $149,350 to $244,000. Below you will find the breakdown of the monthly activity. Hyde Park NY Real Estate Market Report May 2011 Single Family Detached  Active 25 Offer 3 Average List $324,944 Average List $284,933 Average DOM 20 Average DOM 93 Average SQFT 2369 Average SQFT 1997 Average $/SQFT $137 Average $/SQFT... 06/11/2011