Are you looking for a great place to buy cosmetics, get advice on what shades suit you the best and receive personalized, top notch customer service?  Look no more!  The Sugar Plum Boutique located at 71 E. Market in Rhinebeck, NY is such a place.  Sugar Plum Boutique is owned and run by Diana Brind a licensed cosmetologist who manufactures her own line of mineral based cosmetics.  Diana's slogan is "Life is chaotic, you might as well look good."  I walked into Diana's shop about 6 years ago to give my make up an updated look.  I was immediately sold on her products, her shop and her easy going manner.  I purchased several items from her line of mineral based products and from the very first day I began to use them the compliments began.  "Wow, you look great!" "Your skin looks just be... 04/02/2009

We are approaching the time of year when typically many buying decision will be made.  For parents one of the consideration will be the school district; for seniors it might be downsizing to a more manageable home.  The inventory in Rhinebeck offers homes from $79,000 to $4,500,000.  There are about 18 homes under $400,000 which is the price range that is most active and the range in which most first time buyers will be looking.  For first time buyers keep in mind that you can make use of the $8000 tax credit if you purchase a home by December 1st 2009.  MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT- VILLAGE OF RHINEBECK    TOWN OF RHINEBECK REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT - SINGLE FAMILY HOMES  FEBRUARY 2009   *****************                      CATEGORIES AVG LISTING PRICE DOM AVG SQ  FT    AVG $/SQ FT       36... 03/11/2009

This is short notice but CNN will be in Rhinebeck today at the Terrapin, one of Rhinebeck's finest restaurant. CNN will be interviewing Josh Kroner the chef and owner of Terrapin restaurant about his Hudson Valley's premier burgers and pairing with local craft brews. The public is invited to attend the filming however seating will be based on a first come first serve basis.  So stop by and try a terrific burger. WHEN:  Friday, February 27th TIME:     11:30-1:00 PM LOCATION:  6426 Montgomery Street, Rhinebeck, NY 12495 - You can't miss it, one of those landmark building right in the middle of the village of Rhinebeck TELEPHONE: 845-876-3330 Jennifer Fivelsdal - Keller William Realty Team - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com Click here to start your Mid-Hudson Valley Home Search 02/27/2009

General Information Rhinebeck, New York, is a beautiful town located in Northern Dutchess County, New York, in the Hudson River Valley. The whole town of Rhinebeck is like stepping into a museum, with 437 historic locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In fact, the village of Rhinebeck itself has been on the National Register since 1979. The town of Rhinebeck was founded in 1686 by four Dutch settlers who acquired the land from Indians and named it Kipsbergen. It was first called "Ryn Beck" in 1713 by Judge Henry Beekman; the Beekman Arms Inn was opened in 1766 and is widely considered to be the oldest inn in America. The population of Rhinebeck is approximately 10,000. The town of Rhinebeck consists of the Village of Rhinebeck, The Town of Rhinebeck and the haml... 02/26/2009

The January real estate market report for the Town of Rhinebeck revealed one sale.  This sale however was over $800,000 not the county wide trend since most of the sales seems to be in the 200,000-300,000 range.  It is also note worthy that 8 properties on the market has price ranging from 1 million to over 6 million dollars.    TOWN OF RHINEBECK REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT - SINGLE FAMILY HOMES  JANUARY 2009   *****************                      CATEGORIES AVG LISTING PRICE DOM AVG SQ  FT    AVG $/SQ FT       45 Active  $      868,916.00  152 2500 $348 2 New  $      622,450.00      4 3344 $186 1 Contingent  $      450,000.00  653 2200 $205 Price Chng.  $      385,000.00    84 2288 $168 2 Pending  $      444,950.00    54 2250 $198 1 Sold  $      879,900.00    67 2500 $352              ... 02/05/2009

  Jennifer Fivelsdal Licensed Real Estate Broker  JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-758-6842- jennifer@jfivehomes.com www.jfivehomes.com or www.midhudsonhomevalue.com |subscribe to Blog  Copyright © by Jennifer Fivelsdal, all rights reserved     02/04/2009

 Rhinebeck NY Real Estate Market Report December 2008    HISTORIC MARKER NEAR RHINEBECK POST OFFICE   Rhinebeck like many other towns experienced a slow down in the real estate market in 2008.  There was certainly enough inventory just fewer buyers not a big surprise considering the global economic turmoil. Real estate will continue to be a big factor in the economy because people will need to buy and sell for various reason.  Look at it this way, things go in cycles so there is bound to be a recovery.  Did things come to a standstill this year? No! there were just fewer sales. So think positive, and if you need to engage in a real estate transaction in 2009, yes you can achieve your goal.  Just remember to price it right and seek professional advice of a Realtor who knows what is happe... 01/03/2009

    We are fast approaching the end of  2008 and many homeowners are still hoping to get their home sold.  The number of sales is still small in comparison to listings; however just last week interest rate dipped below 6% so this might entice more buyers into the market..  Like other communities, this area too has had to confront foreclosure; this recent blog by E. Jeffrey Dolfinger shows no one is immune to being foreclosed on. Here is the real estate activities for the month of November compiled from data from the Mid Hudson Multiple Listing services on December 1st.     Active listing  48                Average List Price:  $853,415 - It is this high because of 8 properties price over 1 million.              Days on Market: 143              Average Square Feet: 2969              Aver... 12/01/2008

I recently attended a class on Defensive Driving Course in Rhinebeck, NY. at my local insurance company.  True- it was a win/win venture; saving me money on my car insurance while making the roads safer in Rhinebeck NY for myself and others. I would like to pass along this message to you-- Is the time you save worth the Risk and the Money? In Germany they tested speed and time in two experiments, both demonstrating the same outcome.  One driver was told to make the best time he could on a 1000 mile journey; the second driver was told to avoid risk and move as the traffic flow permitted.  The fast driver finished 31 minutes ahead of the slow driver after nearly 1000 miles. After all the braking and passing the same conclusion came from the second test of 800 miles only a time of 21 minut... 11/25/2008

The Hudson River is a integral part of the history of the Hudson Valley, and the area is blessed with many historic sites along the river. Cynthia Phillip Owen's new book Rhinecliff: The Tangled tale of Rhinebeck's Waterfront is a great addition to the collection of books related to the Hudson River. It is also exciting that the talk and book signing will take place at the newly renovated Rhinecliff Hotel which has a truly magnificent view of the river. Purchasing this book will also benefit the local Morton Library. When:  Sunday November 23rd Time:    4:00 - 6:00 PM Where: Rhinecliff Hotel 4 Ginnell St Contact: 845-876-2903 Additional postings Rhinecliff Hotel Rhinecliff Train Station Rhinebeck's Real Estate Market Report for October Jennifer Fivelsdal - JFIVE HOMES REALTY LLC - 845-7... 11/21/2008

In the spirit of the holiday season and all good things, I would like to share an email with you from my friend Brenda who lives in Rhinebeck NY.    When doing your Christmas/holiday cards this year, take one  card and send it to this address. Holiday cards should be mailed toHoliday Mail for HeroesP.O. Box 5456Capitol Heights, MD. 20791-5456 All cards must be postmarked no later than Dec. 10. Cards should not be mailed or delivered to Walter Reed Army Medical Center.  TO:   If we pass this on and everyone sends  one card, think of how many cards these wonderful soldiers, who have   sacrificed so much, would get. Don't worry about what to write.  Something simple as "Thinking of you at the holidays and wishing you a speedy recovery or Thank you for your sacrifices." will suffice. (I wri... 11/21/2008

How is Dutchess County NY priciest real estate doing? Back in June I gave an update on real estate listings $5,000,000 and up.  At that time there was just one sale for the year which occured in February in the township of Pawling.  This 5000 square foot home went for a whopping $12,225,000.  This is still the only sale in this price range although there is an accepted offer on a property in Amenia listed for $8,500,000. So here is the break down. 12 Active    Avg. Price $8,365,400   Avg. SQFT 5403   AVG DOM 184  Avg.$/SQFT $1,548     1 New       Avg. Price $6,900,000   Avg. SQFT 4500  AVG DOM 2  Avg.$/SQFT $1,533     1 Offer    Avg. Price $8,500,000   Avg. SQFT 7300   AVG DOM 359  Avg.$/SQFT $1,164       1 Sold    Avg. Price $12,225,000  Avg. SQFT 5000   AVG DOM 784  Avg.$/SQFT $2,445 ... 11/20/2008

Awareness that food plays a role in our life either too much or not enough is especially apparent this time of the year. The Battle of the Bulge may be a huge concern for you in this Holiday Season between Thanksgiving and New Years.  There are many individuals close by who are facing the opposite situation especially the elderly and children.  You can take charge of both your battle with the bulge and the hunger of others.  It is simple and something you can control. The Starr Library,Rhinebeck,NY is joining other local libraries in a food fight. Yes a food fight to see who can collect the most canned goods to help restock the local food pantries before the holidays. Please help your local library win the battle by dropping off your donation at the Starr Library,Rhinebeck NY. The colle... 11/15/2008

Based on Data from the Mid Hudson MLS the real estate market in Rhinebeck was very quiet. Examining the data it looks like most of the properties have had price reductions but might require even further cuts to attract a buyer. Buyers keep in mind further price reduction could be offset by higher interest rates, yes mortgage rates are trending higher.  Timing the market like many have found out is not an easy thing to do. If you are thinking of buying a home consult with your mortgage professional and Realtor.   RHINEBECK Real ESTATE MARKET REPORT - SINGLE FAMILY HOMES  OCTOBER 2008                      CATEGORIES AVG LISTING PRICE DOM AVG SQ FT     AVG $/SQ FT 47 Active  $      953,972.00 149 3152 $303 1 Offer  $      450,000.00 562 2200 $205 1 Price change  $      450,000.00 529 2200 ... 11/06/2008

This morning I made a reservation for dinner at the restaurant at the Rhinecliff Hotel.  Let me back up a bit; for our  25th wedding anniversary in 2006 our children gave us a gift certificate to this restaurant.  The opening of the hotel had been delayed and today was the first time since it opened that we could make it. The trip to the restaurant should have been rather short however there was a lot going on in Rhinebeck this weekend.  The largest event was the Sheep and Wool Festival at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds.  I had a couple of routes I could have taken but decided to go down Route 9 which was a mistake.  Since it was such a beautiful fall day the attendance at the fairgrounds was heavy resulting in a traffic jam.  I suspect the traffic will also be heavy tomorrow since the... 10/18/2008

Rhinebeck NY Real Estate Market Report for September 2008- What the numbers reveal There is just one quarter left in the year and many sellers are hoping that their property will get sold by year end.   In 2007  37 homes sold in the town of Rhinebeck; so far this year 23 have sold, therefore in this quarter 14 houses would have to be sold to match the 2007 numbers.  In the village there were 22 sold in 2007 and to date 13 have sold which also meant 9 sales would be necessary to match last year. As can be seen from the report below there are about 56 homes available in the town for sale and 29 in the village.  Based on an analysis of prior years it is safe to say many of these will not close by the end of the year. The existing properties ranged from $159,900 - $6,900,000 So what should ... 10/03/2008

There are currently 56 homes for sale in the Town of Rhinebeck, NY.  The prices range from $229,900 to $6,900,000.  Of the 56 homes for sale 13 are listed at more than $1,000,000.  In my opinion, this represents an increase in the number of homes in that price range than we would normally see.  I will present the market analysis two ways.  One analysis will include all the homes for sale in Rhinebeck and the other will include only homes listed at less than $1,000,000.I like to report the statistics eliminating the homes that are priced over $1,000,000 as they can skew the prices of what a "typical family home" would cost.  Eliminating the homes with asking prices over $1,000,000 the statistics show the following: Average listing price is $508,483 Average Days on Market (DOM) is 142 Ave... 10/02/2008

There is still a large selection of homes for sale in the Village of Rhinebeck. As of September 30, 2008 there are 30 homes for sale in Rhinebeck Village.  The homes range in price from $159,900 to $2,195.000. That is quite a range!  Of the 30 homes for sale 3 are priced at more than $1,000,000. Using all the homes currently for sale in the Village of Rhinebeck the statistics show the following: Average listing price is $558,371 Average Days on Market (DOM) is 173 Average square footage of homes on the market is 2,374 Average asking price is $235 per square foot 1 home Closed during the month of September for $245,000 1 house currently has an Accepted Offer When doing these market reports I also like to report the statistics eliminating the homes that are priced over $1,000,000 as they... 10/01/2008

Is Your Rhinebeck, NY Home for Sale?  Don't Forget to do your Fall Clean Up!Fall in the Hudson Valley is a beautiful time of year but for home sellers it brings curb appeal issues that must be addressed in today's highly competitive market. I suggest you take a look at your lawn, flower beds and potted plants and be sure they are looking their best.   Here are some suggestions that will go a long way to enhancing your homes curb appeal to potential buyers: The flowers that bloomed so beautifully all summer may now be brown and scraggly.  Be sure to trim back perennials and remove all dead annuals Now that the flowers are not filling the beds as much add mulch where necessary to give the beds a fresh, well cared for appearance If you have large areas with no color plant some seasonal mum... 09/28/2008

I am in a state of denial; I just don't want to admit to myself that the summer is winding down and the cold weather is just around the corner.  I suppose like many consumers in the area the cost of heating oil is never too far away from my thoughts. Yes, we are hoping for a really, really mild winter but being realistic I know it probably won't be the case.   Recently, I read a post by my friend Monika McGillcuddy about fall in New Hampshire and I was forced once again to face the fact that the fall is upon us.  The truth is, I really love the fall, all those vibrant colors really get my attention.  When I was growing up on a Caribbean island I never saw such dramatic changes in the colors of the leaves. So, when as a child I saw the fall colors in a book I thought the photo was doctor... 09/19/2008