Durst Home on the Market and First Quarter Sales Report

The real estate sales numbers are out for the first quarter of 2015 and show that in Scarsdale only 30 homes sold from January 1- March 31, versus 42 in 2014, a 29% drop. In Edgemont the news was better, with 23 closings compared to 16 in the first quarter of 2014, a 44% increase. However, realtors report that the Scarsdale numbers may be a function of low inventory after a long winter that does not seem to want to end. In Scarsdale, the median sale price rose 5% from $1,500,0005 in the first quarter of 2014 to $1,567,500 for the same period this year and in Edgemont the median price increased a dramatic 29% from $892,500 to $1,150,000.

Discussing homes in the $1.5mm range, Laura Sheppe Miller and Elise Flagg of Houlihan Lawrence said, "It has been a busy first quarter in the Scarsdale/Edgemont market. Well-priced listings are selling quickly with multiple bids in the $1.5 and under range. Sellers are getting over asking by $50-100k in many instances and they are not accepting any contingencies other than an inspection. The two brokers are "expecting a big inventory boost after the holidays and the school break next week when the temperatures will hopefully hit 50 degrees." For homes priced above $2 million, Miller and Flagg say "buyers are sparse" and they advise sellers of higher end homes to "be patient" or "price their homes to show value to attract the few buyers in this category."

Angela Retelny of Julia B. Fee Sotheby's says "There was robust contract activity with 57 contracts signed in the Scarsdale school district through the first quarter, a significant increase from last year." She is "bullish on what the market will yield for Scarsdale in 2015" and says, "There is continued pent demand for properties and contract activity continues at a vigorous level during the first week of April indicating a healthy market for sellers and the possibility of exciting new inventory for new buyers still on the sidelines."

In other real estate developments, Scarsdale was in the national news this week when the childhood home of Robert Durst at 27 Hampton Road in Fox Meadow went on the market on the heels of his arrest after the airing of a six-part documentary about him called "The Jinx." The home was reported to be the scene of his mother Bernice's death when she either fell or jumped off the roof.

The seven-bedroom home, on almost a half acre, has 6.5 baths, a 3-car garage and a sweeping marble circular staircase that was salvaged from the original Waldorf Astoria. It is currently assessed at $3,405,000 and listed by Coldwell Banker with an asking price of $3,800,000. Real estate taxes are $62,272. We called the listing broker for comments but she declined to answer any questions about the house.

Sales:

51 Lawrence Road, Scarsdale: Fabulous home in Heathcote set on a beautifully landscaped level property. Perfect home for everyday living and entertaining. 5 bedrooms , 5.1 baths. Beautiful moldings, custom millwork and fine details throughout. Large eat in kitchen with Viking wall oven, Viking stove, Bosch dishwasher, Subzero refrigerator. Kitchen opens to a fabulous family room w/ doors to yard , creating a dramatic entertaining space. 2 car garage leads directly to mudroom off kitchen. Four family bedrooms plus a large family room on the second floor. Finished basement with gym, play area and full bath.

Sale Price: $2,595,000
Real Estate Taxes: $47,212

1 Mercer Court, Scarsdale: Young Colonial on private cul de-sac steps from school and park. The 4 second level bedrooms includes a Master suite with vaulted ceiling, 2 walk-in-closets and a marble Master bath with separate tub and shower. The first level family room is adjacent to the updated kitchen with breakfast area. Ideally located steps from elementary school, walk to high school, walk to train and village, or take the bus for convenience and ease. Enjoy relaxing in private landscaped yard.

Sale Price: $1,390,000
Real Estate Taxes: $29,788

25 Robin Hill Road, Edgemont: Beautiful 1930 Tudor with plenty of curb appeal. This sunny house offers over 3,800 interior square feet of living on .32 acres of private property with a 2-car garage. Wonderful layout: Entrance foyer, updated powder room, large living room with fireplace, large formal dining room, sun-room, large kitchen with breakfast room and family room. Plus an office with a full bath all on the first floor. Second Floor: Master suite: bedroom, updated bathroom, vanity area and 2 walk in closets, 3 additional bedrooms and a hall bathroom w/double sinks. Lower level has updated laundry room and abundant unfinished storage areas.

Sale Price: $1,285,000
Real Estate Taxes: $28,563

145 Clayton Road, Edgemont: Bright, spacious Edgemont home with beautiful hardwood floors, high ceilings, mostly new windows, and central air. Located on a level .27 acre property within walking distance to elementary school and commuter bus to train. This fabulous home has been beautifully maintained and has lots of potential.

Sale Price: $807,500
Real Estate Taxes: $17,803

220 Ferndale Road, Edgemont: 4 bedroom 3.5 bath expanded ranch in Edgemont school district. The living room has a fireplace and hardwood floors, the expanded kitchen / dining room has vaulted ceilings, skylights, tons of lighting, cabinets and storage space, and French doors to a private patio and back yard. There are 3 bedrooms on the first level with 2 1/2 baths so there is no competition for the kids and the large master suite with new bath on the second floor has lots of custom closet space and extra attic storage.

Sale Price: $615,000
Real Estate Taxes: $22,744

Featured Listings:

11 Reimer Road, Scarsdale: Live the ultimate luxury lifestyle in this spectacular residence. Situated on 1.35 acres of lush manicured property with specimen plantings, this 2009 custom home is filled with sunlight, high ceilings, five fireplaces, rich hardwood floors, exquisite millwork and magnificent architectural details. Main highlights include a breathtaking double-story entry foyer with radiant heat floors, a high functioning chef's kitchen with oversized center island, family room with windows galore and soaring coffered/tray ceiling. Upstairs is a serene master suite with sitting room, two walk-in closets and luxurious master bath. Five additional bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. The incredible 3,264 square feet lower level (not included in house square footage) includes a home theatre area, versatile recreation space, temp/humidity controlled wine cellar (approx. 2000 bottles), home gym, bedroom, pool bath and dressing room. A 25'x 50' heated pool and spa plus expansive veranda complete this perfection. Learn more here:

List Price: $8,200,000

25 Kent Road, Scarsdale: Lovely spacious, sunny home located on a pretty street that is only a few minutes' walk to Scarsdale Village shopping and train station. Also only minutes to the high school, elementary school, library and parks. This great home is on amazing property .50 acres with a beautiful heated pool and spa very set back from the home. The entire property is fenced in. The house has an easy layout for today's living: entry hall, living room with fireplace, formal dining room, large modern eat-in kitchen with center island and separate breakfast area with door to yard plus a den and powder room-all on the first floor. Second level: master bedroom with updated bathroom and two bedrooms with updated hall bathroom. Third Level: two additional bedrooms with another updated hall bathroom. There is a 2-car tandem garage that holds 4 cars plus additional storage. Laundry room and unfinished lower level with more storage. This home is very private. Move right in. Learn more here:

List Price: $1,495,000