Photos by Debra Walsh, Copyright © 2010 Debra Walsh. All Rights Reserved.  These photos may not be reproduced, used or transmitted without the express, written permission of Debra Walsh of Keller Williams Realty in Goshen, New York.  If you would like to use an image please contact me directly.  Thank you for not plagiarizing! 09/03/2010

The WorlDocScan 400 is small enough to fit right into your briefcase.  This is the first 600 dpi high resolution portable color scanner that will interface with a standard USB port.  It is a 12 oz scanner that requires no power adapter that can be used for something as small as a business card right on up to legal size.  It is an easy one cable hook up to your computer or laptop; you hit the launch button and you are good to go.  You can scan pictures, documents, anything you choose.  This is the perfect item for those with mobile offices in their car.  Priced at a reasonable $149.99 this is something all real estate agents should consider purchasing for their mobile office.    09/02/2010

On August 31, 2010 Governor Paterson signed the "Advanced Consent to Dual Agency" bill which is New York State Associate of Realtors (NYSAR) supported.   This new law will go into effect on January 1, 2011.   It will provide consumers with agency relationship choices by allowing buyers/tenants and sellers/landlords the ability to approve dual agency prior to the start of the relationship. This law will also amend the Real Property Law by requiring Real Estate licensees to disclose their agency relationship with clients in cooperative apartment and condominium transactions.   This law should provide members with flexibility and additional protections when working with their clients. To view this bill in full please click here.     09/01/2010

   Photos by Debra Walsh, Copyright © 2010 Debra Walsh. All Rights Reserved.  These photos may not be reproduced, used or transmitted without the express, written permission of Debra Walsh of Keller Williams Realty in Goshen, New York.  If you would like to use an image please contact me directly.  Thank you for not plagiarizing!   08/25/2010

So last night after it raining all day my husband is perusing the paper and spur of the moment says "want to hit the movies?"  I am no fool so of course I said sure! and off we went.   We decided to see The Other Guys because it looked so funny.  After a little bit of a stressed month this is exactly what we needed.  This movie has to be the funniest movie we have seen in ages.  Will Ferrell is hilarious!  I definitely think he made the movie.  It was definitely different seeing Mark Wahlberg in a comedy role. There are so many familiar faces in this movie.  Samuel Jackson, Dwayne Johnson, Eva Mendes, Michael Keaton, Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg and more.  There are car chases, shoot outs, something for everyone.  Definitely not something for the children as the language is NOT censored.... 08/23/2010

Now that the closing is over and you have the keys to your new home you are able to move your personal items in.  You can start personalizing the space and making it your own with furniture, paint and so on.  Have you allowed in your budget for the purchase of new furniture?  Items needed to make your new house a home?  A good portion of the time people buying a house for the first time don't think about what they need AFTER the closing to function on a day to day basis.  Things like appliances, the necessary furniture, dishware, cleaning supplies, vacuum and mops etc..  With just a little advance budgeting and planning you can make sure you are ready for anything that comes your way when you are trying to settle in.  A typical homeowner will spend $7,400 as an average on their home wit... 08/22/2010

Last month I received a referral from Lori Cofer out in Washington State for someone right here in my own back yard.  It was for a consultation with someone who is looking to move out west but had quite a few issues to take care of before they would be able to do this.  We have been talking back and forth since then and I am very impressed with her.  She is extremely professional and very caring of her fellow Realtors.  In a time when we are feeling aggravated by agents who don't give feedback, steal clients, don't lock doors when they are showing an empty home or don't even ask to enter the home it is nice to deal with someone who holds herself to high standards.  For everyone else here on Active Rain who also holds themselves to these standards I salute you as well.  May 2010 be a ver... 08/20/2010

I have a client looking at property that has silos (pictured) and he is thinking about possibly using the silos as an observatory type space.  I thought this was a really neat idea.  He would put a spiral staircase to the top in both and both would have clear glass tops.  How neat is that? These are from the early 1900's.         Photos by Debra Walsh, Copyright © 2010 Debra Walsh. All Rights Reserved.  These photos may not be reproduced, used or transmitted without the express, written permission of Debra Walsh of Keller Williams Realty in Goshen, New York.  Thank you for not plagiarizing! 08/19/2010

Anyone who knows me knows how I feel about bees.   I heard a buzzing and saw these bees making a nest I guess.  If the pictures are blurry at all it is because I couldn't stop my hands from shaking long enough to take a picture since there were alot more bees buzzing around my head and I was using the zoom!  I am definitely not a bee person.  There was a blurb on the news today about a sheriff who got stuck in his car for 3 hours yesterday because his car was surrounded by thousands of honey bees.   I would have had a heart attack!                      Photos by Debra Walsh, Copyright © 2010 Debra Walsh. All Rights Reserved.  These photos may not be reproduced, used or transmitted without the express, written permission of Debra Walsh of Keller Williams Realty in Goshen, New York.  Than... 08/18/2010

So today I stopped by the post office as I often do between appointments and had a nice surprise.  I had a package waiting from Canada!  So while I waited for them to scan it at the post office etc...I tried to figure out what it was.     For a moment I was puzzled - who was sending me goodies from another country??  Al and Peg? Jenny?  Not that I knew of.  See what happens when you have too much stuff on your mind.  I forgot I won a contest!  I haven't been on here much because I have been so busy so I haven't been back to see Sergio, so Sergio I apologize!  So I opened it up to find a great cookie cook book!  There was also a card and Sergio's business card.           Sergio's business card is really neat because it is just like a credit card.  If you had it in your hand and were not ... 08/17/2010

This Month in Real EstateAugust 2010 ............................................................................................................................................... Market Update Housing activity continues to remain above year-ago levels despite some setbacks resulting from the now-expired tax credit. Improved stability in home prices with similar levels of distressed properties seen last year offers a hopeful sign the market is holding its ground. However, the economy still has a considerable way to go to achieve its full recovery.  Consumers are saving more and being picky about how they spend their money. While a higher savings rate means less spending in the near term, this is a positive sign that households are taking control of their finances to build some cushion... 08/15/2010

The other day I was walking property with a potential seller in weather that was almost 95 degrees or more as it has been lately and I came across a dog chained to a tree.  Now at first I didn't even notice the dog as he/she didn't move, didn't bark, didn't even raise their head.   Now for anyone who knows dogs, they are barkers.  When they see a stranger it is bark! bark! bark! for at least the first minute or two.  Especially when you are on their property (which I was), walking in their space (which I was) and paying them no attention (which I wasn't) since I wasn't aware the dog was even there.  The people I was with noticed the dog and I realized I had passed within probably 5 feet of a chow which was on a chain at least 10 feet long.  Now as an animal lover I have no issues with a... 08/14/2010

A friend had sent me this picture through email and I had kept it because I thought it was just so darn cute.   I am not sure if it is for real or not but it certainly looks real.  It seems to be mom and dad standing right there.  Imagine being that pony in the crowd!  So what would you call that?  I am almost afraid of what everyone is going to say because it is too close to my name!!  LOL               08/10/2010

These looked like if there was a breath of wind they would all be totally empty.....   Photos by Debra Walsh, Copyright © 2010 Debra Walsh. All Rights Reserved.  These photos may not be reproduced, used or transmitted without the express, written permission of Debra Walsh of Keller Williams Realty in Goshen, New York.  Thank you for not plagiarizing!   08/08/2010

INGREDIENTS: 1 Bag POPPED Orville Redenbacher Gourmet Microwave Popcorn 4 Tbls Butter, melted (1/2 stick) 1 Tsp Cinnamon 1/4 Tsp Nutmeg 1/3 Cup 10X Confectioners powdered sugar  DIRECTIONS: Remove all unpopped kernels. Stir cinnamon and nutmeg into melted butter. Pour over popcorn in large bowl. Top with 10X sugar and toss to coat. ENJOY!! (Recipe is from Family Circle) 08/07/2010

So I have already fallen off track with my Bon Jovi postings since I have been so crazy busy with my Real Estate business.  So this one will be a little different.  How many of you have seen Ally McBeal?  Boy do I miss that show!  I happened to come across a montage that someone made of the show starring my favorite person!  That used to be one of my favorite shows.  I never missed an episode.  Than when my favorite became a regular for a very short while it made the show that much better.   I also included a small clip that I found that I really liked.  It is not the best quality but the Bon Jovi lovers will like it and see the significance.  Enjoy! 08/07/2010

Tonight I sit with a client's offer to buy a building in my folder untouched.  This offer was completed a little after 1 pm today.  (It is now 9 pm)  There seems to be a problem with out going calls in the county because when I completed writing the offer at a meeting place with my client and went to fax the offer to the listing agent I couldn't get through.  So after trying for about 15 minutes I went to another location and didn't have any better luck.  So I sat in my car and was able to reach the listing office on my cell phone.  I explained I had an offer on one of their properties, was having difficulty faxing it could I have the agent?  She was not in so I was sent to her voice mail. After about 2 hours I called again since it was Friday and she had never returned my call and agai... 08/06/2010

Most Clients would admit that buying a house is one of life’s most stressful experiences.  Surprisingly, however, some home buyers skip the professional home inspection and take their chances.  Here are the top 10 reasons to have your clients get a home inspection:  1.  Its their biggest investment. 2.  Radon: Radon is a gas that rises from the ground and sometimes seeps into houses, causing health problems. Home inspectors perform advanced radon testing. 3.  Mold: Is there a water leak in the basement, bathroom or kitchen? The right combination of moisture, warmth and wood can produce mold in as little as 48 hours.  Allergies and respiratory issues may follow. 4.  Termites: Need we say more? 5.  Septic System: If you buy a house with a faulty septic system, it can cost upwards of $20,... 08/06/2010

Stunning Home! Built in 2008! Over 2400 Sq ft! Why Settle For Less? Overview Maps Photos Description $274,900 Single Family HomeFor Sale Main Features 3 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 Partial Bathroom1 UnitInterior: 2427 sqft Location 24 Woodside Knolls DriveMiddletown, NY 10940 To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Marty Remo ReMax Benchmark Realty(845) 476-8115Info@RemoRealty.comhttp://www.RemoRealtyGroup.com Listed by: Marty Remo Our recent listings Stunning Home! Built in 2008! Over 2400 Sq ft! Why Settle For Less?Vintage Village Colonial w/Monroe-Woodbury Schools!Just Listed in Amber Fields-Newburgh!Beautiful Penthouse Unit!Estate Sale! Legal 2 Family w/M-W Schools! Subscribe to our listing feed See more Middletown, NY real estate... 08/04/2010

Keller Williams Realty Named Highest Ranked in Home Buyer Satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates for Third Straight Year! AUSTIN, TEXAS (July 30, 2010) —According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Home Buyer/Seller StudySM, Keller Williams Realty, Inc., the third largest real estate company in the United States, has received the highest overall satisfaction ratings from home buyers among the largest full-service real estate firms for the third year in a row. The company also ranked second among home sellers in the study for the second year in a row.   “We are incredibly proud of our associates for earning this distinction and want to thank them for their commitment to their clients and communities," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty. “We see this honor as demonstrat... 08/02/2010