40.5% of U.S. Properties May be Over-Assessed

40.5% of U.S. Properties May be Over-Assessed

For many Westchester County homeowners, spring doesn’t just bring blooming magnolias, it also brings the annual property tax assessment. If you’ve looked at yours and thought, “This can’t be right,” — you might be right. An article from Realtor.com suggests that approximately 40.5% of U.S. properties may be over-assessed. With home prices up more than 30% since 2020 in Westchester​, it’s no surprise that some assessments feel inflated. But municipalities don’t always get it right.

Here’s how we review property taxes and what to do if you're over-assessed:

1. Find Your Assessment: Check your tax bill for Total Assessment or Taxable Value.

2. Check the Residential…

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Thoughts on the Westchester County real estate market - 4/24/25

Two weeks ago, I launched a three-family listing, and the turnout blew us away.

Over 100 people showed up to the open house. Anticipating a strong turnout, I brought backup: my father (our broker), a sales agent, and a mortgage pro — and we could still barely keep up.

We received 4 offers on the first day, and by Thursday's "Highest and Best" deadline, that number had grown to 16.

The seller accepted an above-asking offer with exceptional terms. ????

An open house visitor asked: Which markets get the highest bids over asking?

What a great Question! We’ll dive into that tomorrow.

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House Flipping in 2025: Margins Under Pressure

House Flipping in 2025: Margins Under Pressure

The LendingOne-ResiClub Q1 2025 Fix and Flip Survey highlights the cautious but ongoing activity in the home flipping market following the end of the pandemic-driven boom. While most flippers still plan to operate in 2025, they face increased regional challenges such as tight inventory, higher costs, looming tariffs, and financing hurdles. The Northeast remains competitive due to limited inventory and strong demand, whereas other regions cite different leading concerns such as borrowing costs and labor shortages.

• 89% plan at least one flip in 2025; 64% will use fix-to-rent strategies.

• 32% predict strong spring 2025 demand nationally

• Top ROI renovation: kitchen…

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Locked-In & Loaded: Homeowners Sitting on a Mountain of Equity

Locked-In & Loaded: Homeowners Sitting on a Mountain of Equity

According to new numbers from FHFA and BatchService via ResiClub, the national average loan-to-value ratio (LTV) sits at just 62.2%. That means the typical homeowner today owns nearly 40% of their home outright — a powerful financial position. 

For reference: If a home is worth $400,000, and the mortgage balance is $320,000, the LTV is 80% (20% equity). A lower LTV = stronger footing. Nationally, that figure has plummeted, with some states far below average.

Ralph’s Take

This aligns perfectly with what we’re seeing in Westchester. Many sellers aren’t under pressure — they’ve built up significant equity and are comfortably locked into ultra-low…

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Real Estate vs. Stock Market: Where’s the Smart Money Going?

Real Estate vs. Stock Market: Where’s the Smart Money Going?

Both have made millionaires, both come with risks, and both can be incredibly rewarding if approached with strategy and patience. In the wake of recent market volatility, many investors are reevaluating their portfolios, particularly weighing the merits of real estate versus stock market investments. A recent article from Realtor.com asks the question, “which is the better investment?” Let’s take a look:

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Thoughts on the Westchester County real estate market - 4/11/25

The financial markets were all over the place this week.

Stocks dropped early on, and bonds weren’t spared either. As bond prices fell, yields jumped — pushing mortgage rates higher. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate now sits at 7.1%, the highest level since February 19th.

But here’s the silver lining: Volatility works both ways.

Last Friday, the average rate had dipped to 6.55% — the lowest point so far this year. That drop sparked a surge in activity: mortgage applications jumped 20%, hitting their highest level since September 2024, while refinance demand soared 35% in just one week.

Savvy buyers should be ready to lock in lower rates during the dips as they move through the homebuying process.

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Allan Houston's Home Back on The Market

Allan Houston's Home Back on The Market

This stunning French Manor on 10+ acres in exclusive Conyers Farm offers 100+ feet of lakefront and exceptional privacy. Custom designed by James Davis, the home features 8 bedrooms, 11 baths, and elegant entertaining spaces including a great room, music room, and formal dining with a double-sided fireplace.

Highlights include a luxe primary suite with a private balcony, gym, indoor half basketball court, home theater, and spa amenities. Outdoor features: heated pool, golf green, playground, and full pool kitchen with dining and changing rooms.

View the Full Listing Here

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Thank You M&T Bank

Thank you to everyone who joined us at our homebuyer seminar at M&T Bank this week — it was a pleasure connecting with so many future homeowners.

And a special thank you to my friend, whom I first met 16 years ago while he was searching for his first home to buy. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of helping him twice — and this week, the honor of being invited by him to speak. I’m grateful for the full-circle moment! Thank you, Alex. ✌️

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Tariffs, Rates, and What It Means for Spring Buyers

Tariffs, Rates, and What It Means for Spring Buyers

President Donald Trump's recent "Liberation Day" tariffs are expected to impact the U.S. housing market by increasing construction costs and influencing mortgage rates. Following the announcement, mortgage rates fell sharply, with the average 30-year fixed rate dropping 12 basis points to 6.63%—the lowest since October. This decline reflects a market shift as investors moved from equities into U.S. Treasury bonds, which typically guide mortgage rates. At the same time, the tariffs are projected to raise new housing costs, with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimating a $9,200 increase per new single-family home due to higher prices on imported materials like lumber,…

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Thoughts on the Westchester County real estate market - 4/4/25

We're all closely watching how markets are reacting to the Trump administration’s newly imposed tariffs — but first, a few thoughts on March’s real estate activity.

Nationally, the market is moving — but prices aren’t surging.

For the first time this year, weekly home sales topped 2024 levels. Inventory is up 30% year over year. And the median home price? Just 1% higher than this time last year.*  

Locally, inventory levels remain nearly identical to last year.

Last month, 883 new listings came on the market in Westchester County — a slight uptick from the 878 in March 2024. That represents a modest 3.6% increase. But the median home price is up 9.47%.**

More homes will hit the market as the season…

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