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        <title>Westchester County NY Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.ragette.com/blog/author/ralph-ragette-jr/</link>
        <description>Westchester County NY Real Estate Blog featuring Westchester Real Estate News, Market Trends, Community Information, and more. #blog-headings#</description>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.ragette.com/blog/westchester-real-estates-largest-price-reductions.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.ragette.com/blog/westchester-real-estates-largest-price-reductions.html</link>
        <author>ralph@ragette.com (Ralph Ragette Jr)</author>
        <title>Westchester Real Estate’s Largest Price Reductions</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Westchester Real Estate’s Largest Price Reductions


These Westchester properties have had some of the steepest drops from their original list prices to today’s asking numbers. As market conditions shift and buyer feedback rolls in, sellers often need to adjust to stay competitive. The homes highlighted below represent the largest of those resets, just in time for Black Friday





49 Indian Hill Road, Pound Ridge


$7,500,000 → $4,300,000













4 Woodland Place, White Plains






$1,999,995 → $1,400,000



















14 Hamilton Avenue, New Rochelle






$1,400,000 → $999,000

















1430 Riverview Avenue, Peekskill






$1,229,000 → $890,000





















1 Scarsdale Road, 209, Tuckahoe






$699,000 → $525,000

















85 Euclid Avenue, Ardsley






$1,100,000 → $850,000










Ralph’s Take






Okay, it’s not exactly a Black Friday sale, but in the seller’s eyes, it’s definitely a discount. In this market, some sellers start off overly aggressive, and a price reduction usually signals a strategic pivot as they become more focused on generating interest and attracting serious buyers. It doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with the home, it just means the seller is motivated and ready to make a deal. And buyers take notice of these shifts, so if a price-improved home has caught your eye, I’ll be happy to show it to you.










 











 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 05:35:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.ragette.com/blog/baby-rave-open-houses.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.ragette.com/blog/baby-rave-open-houses.html</link>
        <author>ralph@ragette.com (Ralph Ragette Jr)</author>
        <title>“Baby Rave” Open Houses?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


Now “Baby Rave” Open Houses?













A $4.5 million Los Angeles home sat stagnant on the market for months, despite its prime location, pool, and school district appeal. Traditional marketing methods failed until the seller’s agents staged a bold, family-centered event: a BABY RAVE. With bubbles, toy instruments, and a live DJ energizing the space, prospective buyers could envision real life unfolding inside the home. The event not only transformed the open house but also generated buzz online, leading to increased interest and a quick transition into escrow.






Ralph’s Take






We’re always on the hunt for unique and compelling real estate marketing ideas, especially when they go beyond just showcasing a property and instead sell the lifestyle. I’ve covered strategies like the $1 asking price and sleepover showings, but the Baby Rave Open House feels like something homeowners might actually get behind. What’s next? Pet Playdates, Backyard Movie Nights, or Wellness Walkthroughs? I’m still a fan of what one creative house hunter offered to win a house last year… ????






P.S. Am I the only one who’s never heard of a baby rave? ????‍♂️










 












 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 24 Nov 2025 06:30:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.ragette.com/blog/nars-forecast-home-sales-headed-for-a-14-increase.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.ragette.com/blog/nars-forecast-home-sales-headed-for-a-14-increase.html</link>
        <author>ralph@ragette.com (Ralph Ragette Jr)</author>
        <title>NAR’s Forecast: Home Sales Headed for a 14 Increase</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


NAR’s Forecast: Home Sales Headed for a 14 Increase













The latest forecast from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) predicts existing home sales in the U.S. will increase by about 14 in 2026, driven by improving economic fundamentals and a slight easing of mortgage rates. Home prices are expected to continue rising nationally around 4 next year, after an estimated 3 rise by the end of this year. Additional predictions:












14 increase in existing home sales.










5 increase in new home sales.










Mortgage rates to drop gradually to 6.












Ralph’s Take






I’ll be putting together a full list of forecasts as we get closer to the end of the year, but here’s my early read: Much of NAR’s outlook for a stronger 2026 seems tied to the same theme we’ve been talking about all year: inventory challenges aren’t going away. Supply remains tight, and demand continues to build. You can see it clearly in the 31 year-over-year jump in mortgage applications. The market itself is still pretty split, with luxury sales showing more strength, while the affordable home market struggles under heavy inventory shortages.








 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:24:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.ragette.com/blog/luxury-home-prices-jump-3x-faster-than-average.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.ragette.com/blog/luxury-home-prices-jump-3x-faster-than-average.html</link>
        <author>ralph@ragette.com (Ralph Ragette Jr)</author>
        <title>Luxury Home Prices Jump 3x Faster Than Average</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


Luxury Home Prices Jump 3x Faster Than Average













Luxury housing continued to outperform the broader market in October, with prices up 5.5 — nearly triple the growth of non-luxury homes, according to Redfin. Strong equity markets and cash-heavy buyers are keeping high-end demand resilient, even as typical buyers remain constrained by current mortgage rates. Additional findings:












Number of sales: Luxury up 2.9. Non-luxury sales at 0.7.












Both markets are still near decade-low October levels.
















Inventory: Luxury up 6.4. Non-luxury up 9.5












Highest October levels in 5 years, but still below pre-pandemic norms.
















Days on Market: Luxury up to 58 days. Non-luxury up to 45 days.












Signaling a slower, more cautious market overall.


















Ralph’s Take






The data in the report points to a market that’s cooling in pace but not in price. Luxury buyers, who often pay cash, are keeping high-end demand stable even as overall activity slows. The slightly higher inventory is giving buyers more options, but supply is still well below pre-pandemic levels, which continues to support upward pricing across the board.








 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 07:43:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.ragette.com/blog/mamdani-migration-to-westchester-county.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.ragette.com/blog/mamdani-migration-to-westchester-county.html</link>
        <author>ralph@ragette.com (Ralph Ragette Jr)</author>
        <title>‘Mamdani Migration’ to Westchester County?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


A ‘Mamdani Migration’ to Westchester County?













There’s been a surge of media hype around the idea that residents of New York City might flee following Zohran Mamdani’s victory. The speculation hasn’t just pointed to far-away destinations like Florida or the Carolinas, but also to nearby suburban hubs such as Westchester County, which could become an appealing landing zone for households looking to exit the city while remaining in the broader metro area. I looked into the polls that the media has been citing, and here’s what I found:












Victory Insights Poll (10/22 - 10/23)






500 very likely NYC voters:












26.5 would consider leaving NYC if Mamdani won.










68.4 would stay.










5.2 were undecided.
















J.L. Partners / Daily Mail Poll (10/23-10/26)






500 registered voters:












25 would consider leaving NYC if Mamdani won.










9 would definitely leave.


















Ralph’s Take






New York City has weathered plenty of “exodus scares” before, and history shows that far fewer people actually leave than say they will. Still, Westchester is a much smaller housing market than the city, so even a modest outflow of high-income households over the next year could have an impact here: pushing prices higher, fueling bidding wars in the $800K–$2.5M range, and tightening inventory further in communities with quick Metro-North access. 






However, for brokers claiming a surge in demand in October: much of that likely stems from lower mortgage rates compared to last year (6.32 vs. 6.98) and tighter inventory (805 single-family homes for sale, down from 925 in Westchester County a year ago).








 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2025 08:35:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.ragette.com/blog/new-listing-comfort-space-and-a-lease-that-fits.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.ragette.com/blog/new-listing-comfort-space-and-a-lease-that-fits.html</link>
        <author>ralph@ragette.com (Ralph Ragette Jr)</author>
        <title>New Listing: Comfort, Space, and a Lease That Fits</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


New Listing: Comfort, Space, and a Lease That Fits













Welcome to 64 Furnace Woods Road, a stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5 bath contemporary that perfectly balances comfort, style, and space. The sun-filled living room features a wood-burning fireplace and sliding doors leading to the deck and patio, creating an ideal setting for relaxing or entertaining. hardwood floors throughout, a two-car garage, and a private backyard. Available for a 1 or 2 year lease.


 


Click Here for Property Information


 







 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:51:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.ragette.com/blog/the-shutdown-is-a-speed-bump-not-a-real-estate-deal-breaker.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.ragette.com/blog/the-shutdown-is-a-speed-bump-not-a-real-estate-deal-breaker.html</link>
        <author>ralph@ragette.com (Ralph Ragette Jr)</author>
        <title>The Shutdown Is a Speed Bump, Not a Real Estate Deal Breaker</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


The Shutdown Is a Speed Bump, Not a Real Estate Deal Breaker













As the federal government shutdown drags on, there are some ripple effects in the housing market. Programs like FHA, VA, and USDA loans are severely delayed or halted altogether, leaving thousands of home transactions in limbo because crucial paperwork is stuck in bureaucratic gridlock. The complete suspension of USDA loans and the shutdown of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are exacerbating the issue, impacting an estimated 3,600 home closings daily, valued at $1.6 billion. 






Here’s what you need to know:












FHA, VA, and USDA loans may encounter significant processing delays.










The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is offline.












What to do:












Buyers: Gather all documents early, ask your lender for a backup option (like a conventional loan), and confirm how your rate lock works.










Sellers: Favor offers with solid financing and an active rate lock, add language that allows extra time if agencies reopen late, and keep backup offers ready.










Flood-zone homes: Check right away if you need flood insurance; if NFIP is paused, get quotes for private flood insurance.












Ralph’s Take






Most real estate transactions are still expected to close, just on a slightly slower timeline. My advice, as usual, is to have proactive communication. When brokers, attorneys, and lenders stay aligned, most deals make it to the finish line. Expect delays, but not derailments.










 











 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 05:41:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.ragette.com/blog/for-sale-by-fewer-fsbo-sales-plunge-to-historic-low.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.ragette.com/blog/for-sale-by-fewer-fsbo-sales-plunge-to-historic-low.html</link>
        <author>ralph@ragette.com (Ralph Ragette Jr)</author>
        <title>For Sale By Fewer: FSBO Sales Plunge to Historic Low</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


For Sale By Fewer: FSBO Sales Plunge to Historic Low













The latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reveals that For Sale By Owner (FSBO) sales have plummeted to just 5 of all transactions — an all-time low. Back in the 1980s, FSBOs made up 21 of the market. Here’s what changed according to the report:












Lower Returns: FSBO homes typically sell for nearly $100K less.










Limited Reach: No MLS means fewer eyes on your home.










Off-Market Deals: Most FSBOs are sold to friends or family.










Online Gap: FSBO listings rarely show up where buyers are searching.










Legal Risk: One wrong form can turn into a costly mistake.












Ralph’s Take






I understand the thought process. Selling your home unrepresented might seem like a way to save, but in reality, it can cost you significantly more. According to report last year’, sellers who work with an agent net an average of $79,000 more than FSBO sellers. Why? Because visibility, negotiation, and accurate pricing aren’t DIY tasks. The smartest sellers know you don’t cut corners on your biggest asset.







 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:46:00 -0500</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.ragette.com/blog/would-you-buy-a-haunted-house-if-the-price-is-right.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.ragette.com/blog/would-you-buy-a-haunted-house-if-the-price-is-right.html</link>
        <author>ralph@ragette.com (Ralph Ragette Jr)</author>
        <title>Would You Buy a Haunted House if The Price is Right? </title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 


Would You Buy a Haunted House if The Price is Right? 













A recent survey by Real Estate Witch (yes, seriously) reveals that 52 of U.S. homebuyers would consider purchasing a haunted house — if the price was right. Financial concerns outweigh supernatural fears in today’s market, with most buyers more afraid of costly repairs than ghosts. While a majority would accept living with spirits, many draw the line at serious property defects or stigmas like murder or meth lab histories. Gen Z and millennials are more open to haunted homes compared to older generations, though stigma still affects resale expectations. The survey also found:












19 believe they've lived in a haunted house.










22 say a rumored haunting is a dealbreaker when buying a home.










57 say they would feel uncomfortable living in one.










92 believe people who claim their house is haunted are telling the truth.










Gen Z is more worried about ghosts than radon (75) or asbestos (64).












Ralph’s Take






With low inventory and soaring prices, even ghosts are up for negotiation. It’s not the creaks or cold drafts that haunt buyers — it’s the fear of missing out. A full 25 of those who knowingly moved into a haunted house said they’d do it again, more than double last year’s 11. Paranormal activity might give some pause, but in today’s market, losing a deal is the real nightmare.


 







 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2025 08:51:00 -0400</pubDate>
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<item>
    <guid>https://www.ragette.com/blog/tarrytowns-halloween-parade-was-spooky-fun-last-weekend.html</guid>
    <link>https://www.ragette.com/blog/tarrytowns-halloween-parade-was-spooky-fun-last-weekend.html</link>
        <author>ralph@ragette.com (Ralph Ragette Jr)</author>
        <title>Tarrytown’s Halloween Parade was spooky fun last weekend</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Tarrytown’s Halloween Parade was spooky fun last weekend




If you missed it, don’t worry. I put together a quick highlight video for you below. Hope to see you there next year


 













 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 27 Oct 2025 09:28:00 -0400</pubDate>
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