J. Philip's Westchester Real Estate Blog: New York: Briarcliff Manor

It is always interesting to shift gears from figuring out a way to get my listings on page 1 of Google for certain hyper local keywords frequented by consumers in 2012 to a question straight from 1995. Specifically, I was contacted by someone whose house recently expired unsold and we discussed their options. As they picked my brain about how I sell my listings, the question was posed "do you have an office?"

Now, this is not a dumb question. It is actually an understandable question. Having worked from home for some time and then opening up our brick and mortar office, I did see a difference in perception from colleagues and consumers alike. Office space can make a difference. That said, if your home is unique and appeals to a more uncommon, specific niche buyer, the real question for me is "what are you going to do that my last broker couldn't?" or "how will you market the home differently to make it stand out?" Those are the crucial questions, because when you've been with a fancy big name office with national advertising and gourmet coffee in the lobby and still failed to sell, you start to realize that walk ins (i.e., folks window shopping who literally "walk in" to the office intending to speak with an agent) aren't your bread and butter.

I'll repeat it here: When Ann and I started the firm in 2005, we had a desk in my parents' old bedroom. This was the same room where my crib was in 1967. It had a desk, a fax machine, a desktop computer, and a broker who planned world domination through an Internet presence that made the public percieve us to be larger and more more established than we were. That was the plan, and it worked well enough for us to open up on North State Road in 2007. We now have a small branch office in Upper Manhattan on Amsterdam Avenue as well. 

So yes, we have an office. It is at 522 North State Road in Brarcliff Manor in a brick professional building with a mansard-style roof and lots of parking. Italian food is walking distance in both directions (I wouldn't have it any other way).  And from this office we manage 25 licensed agents and sell homes all over Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and even the boroughs of New York City. From this office I sell condos in White Plains, homes with acreage in Dutchess County, REOs in Staten Island, co ops in the Bronx and Queens, stately colonials in Pelham and Armonk, ranches in Nyack, and tons of other property. 

And none of that closes because of our office or because we were "in the neighborhood." We get the job done because of how we ply our trade. We live in the question of how to market our listings better, how to help our buyers get better deals, and how to increase our stature online. And while we do get the occasional walk in, we don't depend on them to pay the bills. The plan to leverage consumer friendly technology from day 1 has been followed religiously, streamlined, and improved month after month, year after year. This is why we have grown, and this is why 2012 will be a breakthrough year for our client family. 

When you hear a name like "Briarcliff Classic and Imported Car Service" you might envision a garage filled with Porches and Fiats with a temperamental guy in a beret acting more like a chef than a mechanic. With BCI, however, you'd be wrong. I remember Briarcliff Classic from when I was a kid in the 1970s and through the years in their out of the way place on Woodside Avenue and knew that nobody wore a beret, but it wasn't until this past week that I experienced firsthand how down to Earth and committed they are. 

I have a BMW which has always run well, but was completely dead one morning. It seemed like a simple dead battery, and after calling the dealership and hearing there was a wait I thought of BCI. They did work for us about 10 years ago, and I did recall they were good. I forgot how good. 

Curveballs tell you how people run their business. It wasn't a simple battery replacement, it was far more complicated, and the explanation I was given made some prior issues with the electronics of the car make sense. A fluid leak caused a chain reaction that would make even a new battery drain in a matter of hours. Everything was not just fixed, but explained. Throughout the process, the owner, Bob Millstein, remained in close touch with me. Anyone whose car has been held "hostage" at a McMechanic can relate to how nice that is. Bob is a genuine, funny guy, and as a business owner myself I was impressed with how important it was to Bob that my experience with his business go well. He took nothing for granted. 

Next was Ann's Mazda, and an inspection, new brakes and servicing we all done in a day. In the process (I have to admit that Bob and I tended to kibitz on more than cars whenever we spoke) I found that he graduated from the same high school as Ann. The renowned Stuyvesant High school in Manhattan, the crown jewel of the NYC magnet school system has some notable graduates- James Cagney, Eric Holder, some Nobel Laureates, you get the picture- produced not only my wife, but now my mechanic. Good stuff.

One cool thing they do here is something I never see at any mechanic- the office has a huge glass wall where you can see the work being done. Talk about transparency! Believe me when I tell you that you could eat off the floor. 

Another cool thing we have discovered is that BCI gets social media and the web- their website is very sharp, and Bob has even recently started a blog. None of that helps if you have a bad experience, but it is clear to me that there is a reason they have been open since 1974- they get it, and they aren't resting on their laurels even a little. Since I spend a great deal of time in my car in my chosen field, a resource like is is crucial. If you have a classic or imported car and you truly want white glove service, this is the place to go. 

Briarcliff Classic and Imported Auto Service
90 Woodside Avenue
Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
(914) 762-1200
www.BriarcliffClassic.com 

48 powerless hours and two chilly nights where the temperature in our home hit the 40's can affect a guy. Like many people who lost power in the worst October snowstorm ever to hit Westchester County, we had to "camp" a little in our home, getting acclimated with flashlights, candles, sleeping bags and fireplaces. Two powerless nights were rough in different ways; the first night was out of routine for the children, especially Gregory, who is on the spectrum for autism. The second night was better for the kids, even a bit more fun, but virtually sleepless for me, because it was bloody cold and I was constantly feeding the fireplace every 90 minutes for some ambient heat. 

With the lights out in our neighborhood that long, we decided that even after power returned that the kids should trick or treat in the old neighborhood, Ossining's renowned Indian Village, where I grew up and where we spent the first 6 years of our marriage. Even though we were "carpet bagging," it was, I have to say, nothing short of awesome to have people I have known all my life pour affection (and candy) on my children. Some of these people were there way back when I was trick or treating!

It gave me get a deeper appreciation for two things I already held dear- the roof over my head and the community where I live. I am lucky to live in my home in Chilmark. I was lucky to be raised in the Indian Village in Ossining. And I love my neighbors in both places. 

The roof over my head has been an itch I couldn't scratch lately. I wanted to replace our bay window this past summer but we didn't. We need to paint the interior from the wear and tear of 4 crazy children. I had a leak in a bathroom that caused some sheet rock damage I haven't yet fixed in my kitchen. It ever ends. And I will either fix that stuff now or later but after experiencing what it's like to "squat" in my own place I'll never let it make me forget to be thankful for shelter. 

Earlier today I almost blew through a stop sign and ended up being pulled over by a police officer. There had been flag men there for weeks who just left, so I absent-mindedly "went" and then recalled, almost too late, that the stop sign remained. And who would be the officer to pull me over but one I knew, who once went to my home to make sure all was OK. And he didn't pull me over to ticket me- just to make sure I was OK. He knew our neighborhood was dark for two days and we were out of sorts. That's the community I live in. 

So, from the good folks who patted my children's head tonight who also patted their dad's 40 years ago, to the cops and my home's happily-returned heartbeat, I have to say that I am one lucky guy. I live in a wonderful place. And I'll never take my home or neighbors for granted. My home may not be 2011 fabulous, but it is mine, and it is warm again. And my neighbors? Never a cold moment there. 

Westchester County is a special place. And Briarcliff and Ossining are the special placiest of all! 

Milky Way
        Earth                                                                               
             USA                                                                        
                 New York                                                     
                      Westchester                                      
                               Briacliff Manor
                                          Chilmark
                                                The Faranda House

Seoul, Korea, to Rego Park, Queens, to Ossining, NY to Briarcliff

Ossining to 7 other places in 4 other states to Ossining again to Briarcliff

10 years, 4 kids, one moderately sovent business, a dog, and a million bajillion gajillion dollars in debt later, we still smile. 

Last week I wrote a blog post asking if the local media and politicians overdid the warnings about Tropical Storm Irene. My concern was that, in light of the area being relatively spared, future warnings might not be taken as seriously. It turns out that the answer to my question would be "no," as in they didn't overdo it. Much as I disliked the schoolgirl-like giddiness of some of the weather reporters (which is a trend that will probably never go away), the aftermath of the storm has revealed enormous damage right here in our own back yard. 

• President Obama was just in Paterson, New Jersey, less than an hour from me, because the flooding was so severe. 
• Power outages in Westchester were significant, and some were without electricity for days. 
• Westchester also had plenty of flooding, including a a home that is under contract with some clients of ours. The basement was so flooded that the laundry appliances were floating. 
• The flooding wasn't just in basements. Last Sunday I published photos of standing water in Thornwood, NY which turned a main road into a lake, and a garage that was almost washed away by a brook that overflowed. 
• Tannersville, New York in the nearby Catskills had its downtown literally washed out. The main street was a river. 

Law Memorial Park in Briarcliff Manor is, to my eyes, one of the most attractive downtown parks of any municipality in Westchester County. It is literally walking distance from downtown (perhaps 2 city blocks) and has the village library, a huge swimming pool, a small wading pool, a huge clubhouse pavilion, clay tennis courts, a pond, tree lined paths, and gorgeous vegetation. Summer days see lots of people swimming and recreating here, walking the paths and relaxing, all in sight of beautiful, massive trees that, if they could talk, tell generations of history. In all it is 7 acres large and not a square foot needs help. 

The library was recently enlarged and the whole setting is peaceful, cared for, and uncommonly pretty. It is one of the things that make Briarcliff Manor a special community, and we are thankful we can live and raise our family here. But don't take my word for it. Enjoy. And remember that what you see is 3 minutes on foot from downtown. 

Last year I did a blog post on the churches in Ossining. Today I'll share some of the very beautiful houses of worship in Briarcliff Manor.

This is St Mary's Episcopal Church of Scarborough on Albany Post Road (Route 9) right next to Sleepy Hollow Country Club. I love Gothic stone buildings like this.  

This is All Saints Episcopal, also in Scarborough at the Intersection of Scarborough Road and Old Briarcliff Road. This is moments from my home and is another gorgeous stone structure. 

This is Scarborough Presbyterian. If you're seeing a "Scarborough" theme here, it is with good reason: Scarborough is one of the older parts of Briarcliff Manor along the Albany Post Road corridor, and this would be the logical place to build a church in the area's earlier days. A quick story about the bell tower- back in college in the 1980's, my friend worked a summer for an electrician, and he had to go up there for a job. Whatever had to be fixed up at the top first had to be excavated out from decades of ancient bird droppings. He decided that his father's advice to stay in college and get a degree was good advice. 

Faith Lutheran is far more modern. As different as it is, it has always stood out pleasantly. 

Briarcliff Congregational Church is another striking old stone structure that is over a century old walking distance from downtown. A bigger building than a photo can do justice, I'll post two. 

Congregation Sons of Israel is walking distance from where I grew up, and I remember frommy youth how the building has grown over the decades. It is another place with a larger footprint that is very pretty framed against a blue sky. 

Saint Theresa's Roman Catholic is another stately, traditional stone building, but instead of slate the roof is tin! The front steps were just made for a wedding portrait, and I have driven past quite a few. 

I have left out Holy Innocents Episcopal, and I'll try and add that in the near future. I love these buildings, and they are one of the prettier pieces of scenery for me as I drive around no matter what the season might be. 

This is the market report for Briarcliff Manor, NY for the 2nd quarter of 2011. It covers single family homes in the Briarcliff from April 1, 2011 to June 30, 2011. All data is from the Empire Acess MLS. 

In the 2nd quarter  of 2011, Briarcliff Manor had 7 closings at a median sale price of $650,000.

In the 2nd quarter  of 2010, Briarcliff had 10 closings at a median sale price of $667,000.

Volume is down some from the same period last year, but prices are steady, actually up a tick.  

There are 15 homes currently under contract at a median asking price of $824,000. This bodes well for healthy property values going forward in the area.  

There are 40 active listings at a median asking price of $997,500. Higher end homes on the price scale are moving slower.  If you are looking in this sector, you might get yourself a deal. 

There is plenty of inventory in Briarcliff, and some of it is quite upscale. I live in Briarcliff, and I can tell you that the quality of life in this village is wonderful. This is where we choose to raise our family. 

Previous posts on Briarcliff Manor are here. 

Search Briarcliff homes like an agent with a free Listingbook account. 

At the risk of sounding like a stereotypical 40-something whining about the utility company, I have to ask who is at the wheel of these work crews Con Ed has working in my neighborhood. 

Obviously, some digging in the road is required this week, and that means the usual trucks, diversions, and jackhammers. No problem there. I can even deal with the typical sight of 3 guys standing doing absolutely nothing, hands on hips, watching one guy in the hole do whatever the guy in the hole does. What I disliked this go 'round was no flag man. This is a two-way street with one half closed for 30-40 yards. Help us out guys. Pretending the traffic doesn't exist could get you killed or injured, you know? It's more for you than me, and the inevitable lawsuit you'd win won't really compensate for that crushed pelvis and lifelong ostomy bag. Trust me. 

But even that is not unexpected. What we now have to put up with for the duration of the weekend is the crappy condition of the road until they come back Monday to (hopefully) finish the job this week. NO cones. NO temporary signs. Just the sound of gravel beneath my car buzzing like a UHF TV station on my 1977 rabbit eared Zenith TV when I was a kid. It makes me glad that the physics of those big metal plates they lay down over the holes can't be screwed up by the sloppy, careless jerks who think my neighborhood is OK to leave in a shambles. 

I recall about 4 years ago getting a push broom and sweeping the entrance to Orchard Road when a crew left copious gravel to lay and damage vehicles after another job. This instance is too big- it goes on for 4 or 6 houses.  

Consolidated Edison, or Con Ed as we've always known them, may not be the worst utility in the country but nobody cites them for corporate excellence either. It is galling that my bills go to those disingenuous public relations commercials they play ad nauseum on the radio while their real PR people, their workers in the field, do more damage. 

I don't have photos of the hands on hips guys, but here is some of their handiwork. 

NO cones in this direction, thanks Con Ed. That oncoming car is getting it's undercarriage pelted by gravel that wasn't swept aside or cordoned off. 

I love how the backhoe gets cones. Like we can't see the tractor. Look at all the crap on the ground because unsuspecting cars drove all over it. 

THis was the only spot to have cones, way down the hill from the main part of the job. You might note that the folks that live in this house and most other have manicured yards and take great care of the neighborhood. 

That is until, Con Ed comes along and treats the place like a gravel pit. 

Thanks for nothing Con Ed. 

I thought it might never come after the winter we endured, but Spring has arrived in Westchester County. As always, it is beautiful, with forsythia and cherry blossoms making their debut ahead of many other pieces of God's artistry. 

This is Gregory (who has stolen Mom's iPad) and his faithful Max in the shade of the cherry blossoms in our back yard. We have three huge trees that have been there since Mrs Hilpert planted them in the 60's. I think of her, and how much she'd adore seeing my kids underneath them, every spring. 

Our neighborhood is known as Chilmark, and was built in the early 1960's. It is very mature now and gorgeous in the spring. Many of my neighbors treat spring flowers the way others do lights at Christmas. I love it. 

That's me shooting the picture in the reflection!

I love this place and feel blessed to raise my family here. 

If you'd like to find a house in Briarcliff or anywhere else is beautiful Westchester County, get yourself a free Listingbook account and search homes like an agent.