There are several markets in Westchester NY that tend to be bell weather signs for the rest of the market.  Single family homes in Scarsdale NY are always in high demand.  So like Manhattan - Scarsdale tends to be  a harbinger of markets to come. If Manhattan and Scarsdale are trending up  - the rest of the county should reasonably close behind.  It should be noted that the housing recession began with single family homes and the first signs of recovery are once again in those markets. While coop markets are  still declining, the single family home market is showing signs of life. Ok – So I admit it, I have been so busy revamping parts of my website and redoing my database that I am shockingly late on market reports for the area for Q2.  Being true to my pathetically geeky self -  I don... 08/17/2011

You may have seen my recent post I just had a customer ripped off by a mover.  First, thank you very much for all the helpful comments.  My customer has read these (and continues to) and so appreciates the input.  She said it made her day and everyone was so nice and helpful - what a wonderful community we have here. Secondly, thank you for reblogging and spreading the word and hopefully you have read the comments as there is lots of wonderful advice here - both for clients and agents.  I do hope that this helps reduce the prevalence of this and causes us all to step back and be a bit more careful. ............... Now, here's the update...a new twist. Apparently the moving company she thought she was working with was NOT the real company.  Rather, it is a scam of a few guys impersonatin... 07/19/2011

This really broke my heart.  These are the types of people that give contractors bad names. And, I can really use your advice here. I just met a super nice customer.  She closed on her home today and we are hoping to refinish her hardwood floors on Thurs or Friday.  She had movers moving her stuff this afternoon/evening. She apparently met w/ the owner who gave her a written contract for a certain # of hours of work - based on his estimate.  Then, 3 workers took care of the move and the owner was no where to be found.  It took them a lot longer than expected and when they got to her new place in Scarsdale, they demanded that she pay an additional $1,500...or else, they wouldn't give her any of her stuff...it was all locked in their truck. As I'm sure you can imagine, she was fuming mad.... 07/18/2011

Lately, we've had a lot of rain and floods in Westchester County NY.  Unfortunately, this has led to water damage in many homes, especially in basements - sometimes from water seeping in and sometimes due to failure of electrical equipment (e.g. water heater, sump pumps, etc).     If you or your friends have had a flood or water damage, here are some steps you should take: 1.  Call your insurance company/insurance broker to see what you are covered for.  Most insurance policies will cover you for failure on electrical equipment (e.g. water heaters, sump pumps) but not for floods. "Floods" (in insurance terms) are due to water seeping in from the outside...and unless you have flood insurance (which most people in our area don't), you aren't covered.  But, if the water seepage is due to s... 06/27/2011

Please join me in welcoming Hillary Sheperd of Servpro Scarsdale/Mt Vernon to Active Rain.  Servpro helps customers when they have a flood, fire or mold damage. They also do carpet cleaning...which comes in handy when people are about to list their homes. Hillary joined at the end of last year and her first post was featured.  From there, I helped her a bit and set up a footer and wrote a few posts for her (most of which she wrote and I then entered in here/added links/pictures.  She is now returning and I've given her homework assignments so that she can really utilize this place. Please stop by and comment on her post about Healthy homes sell faster in Scarsdale an help make her feel welcome. Thx you iguys.  You are the best.     06/20/2011

When we think about safety in our homes, our initial thoughts turn to smoke detectors or child-proof measures, such as safety locks on kitchen cabinets. Rarely, do we think about a disinfected, sanitized and mold free home as well as our indoor air quality. In recognition of Home Safety Month this June, Forrest and Hillary Sheperd want to explain why home and business owners should make healthy air quality homes" (and businesses) with good air quality, a top priority.  For example, mold is one potential air quality problem, according to these local owners of Servpro of Scarsdale / Mount Vernon. "Mold spores are everywhere in our environment and can easily enter homes," said Forrest Sheperd.  "Every year about 40 pounds of dust is generated per 1,500 square feet in a home. Most types of ... 06/20/2011

Some of you may recall my post from last week on " I may have lost a sale due to a strange turn of events.  In this post I described a customer that was about to buy some new laminate flooring (to replace a berber carpet) for her house that is on the market.  Sha heard about us from a past customer that recommended us, and she saw our work.  She liked our company our product and our price...and literally was about to buy...went to get the checkbook...and ring ring it was her realtor w/ a potential buyer. It sounded like doomsday for me.  She said that she may not need to buy at all so great day for her; sad day for moi.  She said that if she is going to buy, it would definitely be w/ me, but she didn't think she would buy, but she didn't know.... Since then, I had been in contact w/ her... 06/14/2011

Sometimes luck is on your side...and sometimes it's just plain bad luck.  This morning I was fortunate enough to have an appointment with a nice customer who wants to replace her old berber carpet w/ laminate.  (Given her specific situation this is the best option for her). She is a referral from one of my other customers, so she greeted me with welcome arms and rave reviews, and her realtor advised her to do this.  Sweet! Her house is on the market...and she is in a huge rush.  (Gotta love customers like this).  She wants it installed by next Friday.  She likes us, likes the laminate, agrees the price is very reasonable.  I check stock and it's available, and we can meet her timing.  She double checks with her husband and he agrees....she goes to get her check book.... .....and guess w... 06/07/2011

Kempas hardwood flooring. Have you ever seen it? Great hardwood for Westchester NY and Fairfield CT. Kempas hardwood is an exotic hardwood from Malaysia.  It looks a lot like Brazilian Cherry, but it's less expensive.  In it's natural form, it's a bit more orangy, but you can also get it in a cherry stained version which looks extremely similar to Brazilian Cherry. Kempas natural (left) ......................................  Kempas iwth cherry stain (right)   Some of my customers love the wide range of color variation you find in a Brazilian Cherry.  But, other customers want less color variation, and this is a great option for those customers.  Also, many of my customers love the savings they find on this item.  While prices are always fluctuating and you need to compare apples to app... 06/05/2011

Check out this amazing story of how Servpro restored Pinnacle Symphony Place in Nashville TN.  We are here to help with all sort of emergencies - we do what it takes to stand by our motto "Like it Never Even Happened." I hope you enjoy this video.  it makes me so proud to be part of the Servpro Family. If you live in Scarsdale NY and find you have an emergency on your hands - flooding, fire, mold - give the professionals at Servpro Scarsdale/Mt Vernon a call. 06/01/2011

Servpro - Like it never even happened - Fire Flood and Mold Clean up - Scarsdale NY 10583. We know it can be a frightening and emotional time if you, your family or your friends have had a disaster such as a fire or flood in your home in Scarsdale, NY 10583.  We, at Servpro of Scarsdale /Moutn Vernon are here to help you get your lives back, and make it "Like it never even happened." I think this video sums it up best. 05/29/2011

How long does it take to install hardwood flooring for your home in Westchester NY?  I get this question often from homeowners who are trying to understand the process, especially if deadlines are attached (e.g. a move in date) or a part of a larger project (e.g. kitchen remodel or new addition).   While all projects can vary in length, the largest factor is whether you are installing Prefinished Hardwood or Unfinished hardwood.  Generally, prefinished hardwood will takes longer to arrive, but less time to install, and unfinished hardwood will arrive quickly but will take longer to install.  Every situation is different and sometimes the focus is on meeting a specific deadline; other times the timing is flexible but the customer wants the least interruption time, especially if they are ... 05/25/2011

I visited a nice customer today in Scarsdale.  As soon as I walked in the house, I "recogized" it.  No, I hadn't actually been to this house, but I saw the exact same house shape/form (from the inside) as another customer from a year ago who lives in White Plains (also a nice customer). Ironically, they both found me on Service Magic, they both were redoing their kitchens, they both got their cabinets and silestone from Home Depot (similar color scheme.  They both wanted laminate flooring (on top of vinyl).  It was rather surreal for me. I found a laminate that looks like Brazilian Cherry and goes perfectly with their cabinets and countertops.  It looks great and really ties everything together.  I also seemed to connect well with my customer.  Crossing my fingers that they say "yes." I... 05/17/2011

Lately, we've been getting more and more requests to remodel bathrooms in Westchester NY.  This comes in all forms - from retiling the bathroom to knocking down a wall and expanding the master bathroom.  We are getting these requests both from new home ownwers - right as they are moving in - as well as from homeowners who have decided to stay put for another 5-10 yrs. The older bathrooms often looked small and dated.  The newer bathrooms usually use lighter color tile that either has natural stone or porcelain that looks like natural stone.  Adding in some design elements - like listello borders or mosoics or glass can go a long way to updating the look. Check out this video for design ideas and thought starters. It's amazing what a dffierence you can make. Westchester bathroom remodels... 05/15/2011

Are you looking for tile flooring and installation for your home in White Plains NY? Whether it’s a kitchen floor, bathroom floors and walls, an entry way or mudroom, or even a Kitchen tile backsplash,we can help you at Floor Coverings International.   We understand that it can be challenging to find the right type of tile for your floors, walls and backsplashes. What’s the right type of tile – ceramic, porcelain, tumbled natural stone, marble or granite? What’s the best style and color? What types are easiest to clean. Many customers seemed to get overwhelmed when they visit a tile store. Well here’s where we can help. Floor Coverings International makes it simple by “bringing the store to your door.” That way, you can see the samples in your own lighting and color coordinate with you... 05/08/2011

Okay, is spring ever going to arrive?! Usually by my late March birthday, the tulips are reaching up to early spring sunshine AND we’re putting our snow boots away. Didn’t we hear that Punxsutawney Phil predicted an “early spring.” You are my witnesses: Here’s the link to Groundhog Day 2011, with Phil’s video So, please don’t laugh because our basement flooded AGAIN in mid-March and all our equipment was out, drying our clients’ homes and businesses. Dozens of clients had wet basements, from Mount Vernon and The Bronx up to White Plains, with clients calling in desperation from as far West as Riverdale. March rains fell with serious intention one Sunday night, melting the snow, and then it rained again Wednesday. So the lower level in our rental house flooded TWICE. When you’re a small ... 05/07/2011

We had spring showers...now bring on the flowers, but please NO mold!        Last month, I mentioned that our basement had flooded and it did again in April, during all that spring rain.  We love seeing the new grass and tulips lifting out of sunny spring soil, right?  However, having driveway runoff and just icky (a technical term) groundwater coming up in our basements is no fun.  It can also be unhealthy, if the area is not dried properly, and can lead to mold growth.      Again, all our drying and dehumidifiying equipment was out in homes and businesses who'd called for help.  We had many clients who needed water extracted from their homes or business through April.  Those who didn't call us until that "mildew smell" started, have begun to schedule mold remediation in late April.  W... 05/05/2011

Scarsdale NY Carpet Cleaning 10583 - 10% for Spring Cleaning Are you in the process of Sring Cleaning your home in Scarsdale NY?  Well if cleaning your carpets is part of your annual routine, give us a call at Servpro Scarsdale/Mt Vernon.  We'll have your carpets cleaned in no time.  Not only does cleaning your carpet improve the look, smell and air quality of your home, but also prolongs the life of your capret.  We are running a spring cleaning special through June 3, 2011 - 10% off. Our guys are professional, trustworthy and do a super job - that's why our customers call us back routinely each year. So, if you're in need your carpets cleaned in Scarsdale, call the professionals at Servpro. 05/01/2011

Spring Cleaning = Carpet cleaning - 10% off - Scarsdale NY 10583 We know it's been a rough winter...and a rainy spring...but finally, it looks like the sun is out and spring is here.  Now, is the perfect time to do your spring cleaning and as part of that, you may want to consider having your carpets professionally cleaned.  It's a wonderful and affordable way to make your house look and smell nicer.  And, it will actually prolong the life of your carpets so it will help you out doubly. So, if you live in Scarsdale NY 10583, or nearby in Westchester NY, we'd be happy to help you clean your carpets.  Best of all, we are running a special through 6/3/11... Get 10% off your carpet cleaning. Just give the professionals at Servpro in Scarsdale/Mt Vernon a call (914-699-5181) and we'll take g... 04/30/2011

My favorite flooring blog posts for Westchester NY.  Over the past 9 months, I've written a lot of posts - over 500.  There's a lot of info in there, but I thought it might be helpful to prioritize some of my favorites, in case you missed them   Hopefully this will come in handy for you and your clients, regardless of whether you live in Westchester NY or anywhere else in the country.  Feel free to bookmark.  I will also provide a link in my profile page.     Hardwood Flooring What types of hardwood are best for pets? I have hardwood underneath my carpets.  Should I refinish the hardwood or recarpet? Should you replace your hardwood flooring or just refinish it? How hard is your hardwood? Brazilian Cherry Hardwood flooring.  Why do customer love it? Exotic hardwoods - what are they and ... 04/18/2011