If you’re purchasing a home in the Hudson Valley, you should be aware that there are a handful of towns that charge a one-time tax at the closing table, called a “community preservation” tax. The rates vary between towns, range between 1-2%, and are levied on the amount over the median sale price in that county. This new tax aims to fund critical projects like open space preservation, affordable housing, and historic preservation.
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For all the buzz and popularity of our charming Catskills and Hudson Valley towns on weekends, a surprising number of eateries are closed Monday through Wednesday. But fear not! Country House has compiled a list of great spots for grabbing a bite and a beverage on the quieter days of the week.
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In our latest Country Ed, we’re looking at a selection of perennials that both the new and seasoned gardener in The Catskills and Hudson Valley can look to for impressive blooms and, importantly, for deer’s reluctance to decimate. Starting a garden as a newbie can be overwhelming. The garden centers have SO many irresistible offerings. But we’re here to tell you that unless you have a fenced garden (and you do not need to), choose wisely and you can have a thrilling, dramatic garden that offers color and satisfaction for months. To strike a balance between beauty and resilience, consider our (very subjective) Top Ten Blooming Perennials that are generally deer-resistant.
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2024 has launched as a tale of two counties. While this time of year is notorious for low inventory, Sullivan Co. seems to be particularly affected by it, while Ulster Co. sees more buyers taking off the gloves and battling hard for the listings that hit the market. Here the Country House Team shares its experiences in selling homes throughout The Catskills and Hudson Valley
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Narrowsburg is a dynamic riverside town with an active business and arts community. Whether you're a local, first-time or repeat visitor, there's always something new to discover, from eateries with enchanting waterfront views, to fun shops that will tickle your retail urges. Here's a guide to some of the town's must-visit spots and hidden gems.
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Getting the keys to your dream home involves more than just coming up with the down payment. Here are the most common costs home buyers in The Catskills and Hudson Valley will encounter, including specific dollar amounts. These reflect actual expenses from recent transactions, but please note, each deal is different and your experience may vary. I’ve excluded mortgage-related fees which we’ll cover in a separate post.
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Straddling Sullivan and Ulster Counties, Claryville is a bit of a unicorn with its rare combination of stunning natural scenery and minimal development. For those seeking a peaceful setting with an emphasis on outdoor activities who don’t mind having to leave town for more practical amenities, Claryville is a piece of heaven.
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The doom and gloom of national headlines on the topic of real estate justify the expectation that the real estate market should be tanking. But so far prices have largely held in, thanks to fundamental underpinnings to The Catskills and Hudson Valley economy that have shifted in recent years, most obviously during the pandemic. It’s worth exploring these factors because buyer expectations of a bubble burst may be misplaced or over-estimated.
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Responses to our recent buyers’ poll were not unexpected, with the word “waiting” dominating. But others referenced looking forward to property prices dropping and seem to be anticipating reentry when that happens. Is that a good strategy? National media refers to the state of the housing market using doomsday language, but our area does not always operate in lockstep with the rest of the country. So what are we seeing in terms of price movements, buyer behavior, and what can we expect over the coming months?
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While the panic buying of the first heady months of Covid are thankfully long behind us, the real estate market in The Catskills and Hudson Valley remains exceedingly competitive for the most desirable properties. As prices continue to push the envelope, bank appraisals often lag, creating nearly a requirement that buyers looking to snap up their dream home pony up more cash, sometimes substantially more, than the standard 20% downpayment. We explain the workings behind the strategy and share our recent experiences.
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