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Written by Lori Gertzog

Category: Real Estate

Published: 14 October 2015

We've often been asked by readers how all the new construction in the Village is impacting taxes. If taxes on the new homes are far greater than the ones they replaced, shouldn't that ease the burden on existing homeowners?

We asked Village Assessor Nanette Albanese for her opinion and here is what she explained:

How has the amount of new construction in the Village impacted taxes for current homeowners? New construction always has the effect of offsetting increases in the subsequent year's combined tax rate, but by how much requires a special study that has not been undertaken;

Has the total assessed value of Village real estate for 2015 increased more than the tax rate increase? Since the 2015 assessment roll is still in the protest period, although final as of September 15, 2015, the final outcome can never be determined, or estimated until after the subsequent year's tax rates are issued and then some (some protests go on for years) ..... moreover, an assessment roll is set in advance of a tax roll, so the relationship between the two rolls, if studied, cannot be known, or estimated until after the school tax rate is finalized just before the bills go out in September 2016; at that time, I think most people will be more interested in what is, or has taken place with the 2016 reassessment .... Maybe not!

Without exception, the value of and, therefore, the taxes generated on all new homes constructed are ALWAYS much higher than the homes that they replace; however, I can't tell you if the percent increase in the tax rate overall is less than, greater than, or equal to the percent increase in assessed value as a result of that new construction. Again, that would require a special study, which quite frankly would not be easy, would not be quick and would serve only an anecdotal purpose.

We also asked the same question to Robert Berg, who served on the Board of Assessment Review following the tax revaluation and here is what he said:

"Remember the tax levy is increasing yearly so the increase in assessed values by the new construction (and the concomitant rise in taxes on those properties) may only partially offset the increase in the tax levy or even if it more than fully offsets it, the decrease in an older homeowner's property tax may be slight. Regardless, the reval has much more equitably distributed the tax burden"

Sales: Sales continued to be strong for homes priced at less that $1.5mm. Here's what sold this week:

25 Salem Drive

This four bedroom, four bath home is on .54 acre in Murdock Woods. Special features include gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite counter tops and commercial grade Wolf and Viking stainless steel appliances, custom millwork throughout, hardwood floors, marble baths, central air, sunken living room, cedar closet , architectural roof and a two-car garage.

Sale Price: $1,395,000
Taxes: $25,975

4 Meadow Road

This center hall colonial is on level .43 acre with hardwood floors and picture frame molding.

Sale Price: $869,000
Taxes: $23,072

 
Edgemont:

2 Doris Drive

This three bedroom, two bath split level offers hardwood floors, updated bathrooms, a gas fireplace, large picture windows, new furnace, new ducting for central air with controllers, and an attached two-car garage. There is a lower level family room with access to the outdoors, and a sub basement offering plenty of storage and potential. In back, there is a patio and a flat yard surrounded by mature trees.

Sale Price: $902,000
Taxes: $27,709

1 Barclay Road

This three bedroom, three bath split level home is located in the Edgemont school district. It has a finished top floor, open living room with formal dining room, and an eat-in kitchen. The lower level boasts a family room with a bathroom in addition to a home office/den. This home is on a corner property with a fenced back yard.

Sale Price: $806,000
Taxes: $23,000

Featured Listings:

15 Brookby Road, Scarsdale

Chic meets complete comfort in this six-bedroom, six-and-a-half bath Colonial featuring high ceilings, walls-of-windows, open layout and spectacular property. The flowing first floor impresses from the moment you step inside and see the majestic staircase spiraling upwards, the two-story family room beyond and views of the incredible property and pool. Stately in its curb appeal with a long tree-lined drive, the grounds transition to a private oasis in back with fabulous plantings, extensive masonry work and two oversized flagstone patios creating a stunning backdrop for the dazzling pool and spa. The built-in BBQ, pizza oven and refrigerator ensure easy outdoor entertaining. The cavernous lower level offers space for everyone including a giant recreation room with kitchenette, art room, exercise/gym area, wine cellar and more. Upstairs boasts a tranquil master suite with balcony, bath and office, four additional bedrooms and three more baths. Close to school, bus, shops and houses of worship. For more information, click here.

List Price: $4,750,000

2 Reimer Road, Scarsdale

This impressive Tudor revival in the estate section of Murray Hill accommodates today's active lifestyle. On over an acre of gorgeous flat property, your guests will enjoy the outdoor kitchen in the large covered backyard porch, complete with pizza oven and grill, overlooking the tennis court. The house has a fantastic flow with generously sized rooms, offering amenities such as radiant heated floors, new Norwood windows, enclosed veranda, walk-in pantry, cathedral ceiling and much more. This substantial house on such a distinguished street is the perfect combination. For more information, click here.

List Price: $3,795,000

Details

Written by Lori Gertzog

Category: Real Estate

Published: 21 October 2015

Following the resignation of the chair of the Committee for Historic Preservation, Paul Diamond, and committee member Bana Choura, of the Village Board of Trustees has announced a vacancy on the Committee. William Silverman has been appointed to replace Diamond as the Chair and the Board is seeking to fill one seat on the committee.

The Committee for Historic Preservation determines if a structure located in the Village for which a permit for demolition has been requested is a structure of substantial historical importance. A background in historic preservation, architecture or architectural design is preferred. The committee meets monthly, 11 of 12 months per year.

All interested residents may apply online at the Village website, www.scarsdale.com, under "Village News, Volunteers Needed for Boards and Councils" or submit their resume directly to the attention of the Personnel Committee Chair, Trustee Carl Finger, Scarsdale Village Hall, 1001 Post Road, Scarsdale, N.Y. 10583. For further information contact the Village Clerk's office at 914-722-1175.

Sales:

1 Richbell Road

This renovated Colonial is on 1.43 landscaped acres which includes a pool, pool house with a bath, patio with a built-in Lynx gas grill, two refrigerators and a pizza oven. There is a living room with an attached wet bar, a dining room, chef's kitchen with two dishwashers, two refrigerators, three ovens and a center island. The breakfast room has doors to the backyard. There are two family rooms on the first floor and a third family room on the second floor. The house is wired for sound in family room, kitchen, outdoors, master bed and bath. There is a full house underground propane generator and a Tesla charger in the garage, and an invisible fence. A major renovation of this home was done, which included kitchen, all bathrooms, an addition, new windows, a rebuilt pool, new patios, all outdoor lighting, major landscaping, a new lawn sprinkler and an alarm.

Sale Price: $3,925,000
Taxes: $71,054

30 Stonewall Lane

This almost new Colonial has a pool with cabana and recently repaved tennis court, separate cabana outside with water, 11 foot ceilings, radiant heat under all stone surfaced floors, chefs kitchen/commercial grade Blue Star oven, Miele Espresso/coffee built-in, gas powered BBQ with beverage center, custom dog wash imported from Canada, remote controlled double-faced gas fireplace, wine cellar with automatic operated thermostat, pool room with wet bar, gym and fitness or yoga room, and a generator for indefinite usage during power outage. There is a 16-zone sprinkler system with dripper for planters. There is a heated garage with capability of a second story lift. The alarm and thermostat controls are accessible via digital screens with outside camera surveillance. This house comes with the use of Scarsdale and Mamaroneck recreation and beach rights. It is the only house on the street with natural gas.

Sale Price: $3,300,000
Taxes: $65,121

6 Ridgecrest East

This renovated 1926 five bedroom, 3.1 bath home is designed by award-winning architect, Dwight James Baum, and is situated on landscaped grounds. Hallmarks include a fireplace, arched double French doors, inlaid hardwood floors, custom closets, built-in speakers and a high end gourmet eat-in-kitchen with a breakfast area with a banquette, granite countertops, center island, stone floor and an adjoining family room. There is a master bedroom suite with a bath with a shower, jacuzzi tub and custom walk-in closet. Additional features include two zone central air conditioning, office with custom cabinetry, cedar closet, private balcony, red tiled barrel roof/copper gutters, heated garage used for storage and a rec room with direct access to a level rear yard.

Sale Price: $1,425,000
Taxes: $25,844

205 Madison Road

This colonial is in the heart of Edgewood. This 3000 sq. foot home on .23 acres has an entry foyer with bench and built-ins, coat closet, updated powder room, living room with fireplace, formal dining room with a screened porch, and an updated eat-in kitchen/family room. On the second floor, there is a master bedroom with two closets, updated bath with whirlpool tub and a separate shower, and three additional bedrooms with a hall bath. The lower level is unfinished with laundry and a two-car garage. There are hardwood floors throughout, gas furnace 2011, hot water heater 2011, and the exterior was painted in 2014.

Sale Price: $1,300,000
Taxes: $25,265

12 Salem Drive

This Murdock Woods expanded ranch home has a level wooded yard. It has a master suite and two bedrooms, bath and den on the main level, and two bedrooms, bath and extensive storage on the second level. There are wood floors throughout and the HVAC and architectural shingle roof were recently updated. This property straddles the town line, offering a choice of the Scarsdale or Mamaroneck schools.

Sale Price: $1,225,000
Taxes: $25,191

106 Brown Road

This house is completely updated with a new state of the art kitchen and baths, new plumbing and electricity, new heating and air conditioning (all brand new duct work) with guarantees. There is new oak flooring throughout, insulated walls and ceilings, new Pella windows throughout, new roof with a 20-year warranty, a new rear deck, new walkways and a new garage.

Sale Price: $865,000
Taxes: $13,869

Edgemont:

44 Old Colony Road

This Edgemont Contemporary home is nestled into a hillside with terraced gardens that lead to a flat side yard. The first floor entry leads to living and dining rooms with vaulted ceilings and floor to ceiling windows. There is a kitchen with a skylight. There is access to the deck from the living room or kitchen. Down a few steps off main entry are the family room, sun room and a screened porch. There is also the master bedroom with an en-suite bath, walk-in closet and two more bedrooms and bath. The laundry room is also on this level. In addition, there is a study at the back of the garage.

Sale Price: $700,000
Taxes: $19,865

Featured Listings:

12 Wynmor Road, Scarsdale

Distinctive, new residence on lovely, level land in the heart of Heathcote. Spacious free-flow floor plan, over 6000 square feet, with seven bedrooms, six-and-a-half baths. Grand two-story entry hall, curved staircase, study/guest bedroom and bath on first floor. Fabulous master bedroom with tray ceiling and vestibule, four additional bedrooms, three baths and laundry on second floor. Walk-out lower level with flexibility for media room/gym, bedroom and bath. Located on one of the most private, desirable, and convenient streets in Heathcote. Short walk to elementary school, park, tennis court, shopping and commuter bus to Scarsdale Train Station. Rear of property backs up to Secor Road providing more privacy, also has extra side setbacks. For more information, click here.

List Price: $2,865,000

68 Popham Road, Scarsdale

Beautiful, sunny French Normandy Tudor less than a 5 minute walk to Scarsdale Village and train station (33 minutes to Grand Central), yet serenely private, nestled behind a picturesque grove of trees. Enter into a stunning, freshly painted interior with gleaming oak floors. Eleven rooms including five bedrooms, three full baths and a powder room. Large leaded glass windows provide lots of light and have great views. Fully updated and move-in ready. 2009 gourmet chef's kitchen with marble counters and adjoining breakfast room and pantry/bar area. Top appliances including La Cornue stove, Sub-Zero refrigerator, Miele dishwasher, Sub-Zero wine refrigerator and a warming drawer. Tastefully renovated marble baths. New Vermont slate roof with all copper gutters in 2007. New plumbing throughout. Flat backyard for tranquil enjoyment. Room for 3 cars to park in the driveway in addition to the 2-car tandem garage. A beautiful home in a spectacular, convenient and private location. For more information, click here.

List Price: $1,575,000

Details

Written by Lori Gertzog

Category: Real Estate

Published: 06 October 2015

Though the market for homes priced under $2mm remains strong in Scarsdale, overall trends are not as encouraging. First the good news: A new listing in Scarsdale last week with an asking price of $1,350,000 received over 10 bids demonstrating a keen interest on the part of buyers for first homes to move to Scarsdale. On the other hand, there is a 20% increase in overall inventory over this time last year, a 30% decrease in pending sales and a 7% decrease in properties sold. The median price is down 3% year-to-date over last year.

Most of the inventory increase is in the $3MM and up market where sales are down 29.4% from last year. However, this year four houses priced at $5 mm and up sold as compared to three for this time period in 2014. Realtors are hopeful that year-end bonuses will bring out more high-end buyers. Open Houses have been attracting many potential buyers in the $3MM and under range.

In Edgemont, business is strong. There are about 13% fewer listings right now than last year at this time, a 60% increase in pending sales over last year and a 10% increase in properties sold! However, the median price is down about 8%. (This market report was provided by Elise Flagg and Laura Miller of Houlihan Lawrence in Scarsdale.)

Sales:

21 Meadow Road

This home is nestled on .46 acre of landscaped property. The first floor hosts a living room with fireplace, a formal dining room, eat-in kitchen with center island, breakfast and desk area, a family room with custom built-ins and access to a level yard with screened-in porch. The second floor features a master bedroom with many closets and updated bath with spa bathtub. There are two additional bedrooms and a hall bath. The third floor has a bedroom with adjacent hall bathroom, office and storage. There is also a two-car garage. The roof was replaced in 2002 and the AC/heating was replaced in 2010. There is a full house generator and a humidifier.

Sale Price: $1,600,000
Taxes: $31,563

41 Palmer Avenue

The first floor of this home has a living room with fireplace, formal dining room and eat-in kitchen. Up several steps to the master bedroom and bath, two family bedrooms and hall bath. Down several steps to the family room, office/guest bedroom, powder room and laundry. Door from family room leads out to the newly built patio. Attic access off the master bedroom offers expansion possibilities. Sub basement is off the garage.

Sale Price: $700,000
Taxes: $20,229

Edgewood:

7 Paradise Drive

Center hall colonial home in Edgemont School District sits on a level 1/3 acre. The home features hardwood floors throughout, all new moulding and wood interior doors. Enjoy the completely renovated in ground heated pool, new eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, renovated powder room, family room and sun/recreation room. The second level hosts a master suite with two cedar walk-in closets and a marble bath, three large family bedrooms, marble hall bath with Kohler and Grohe fixtures and a laundry room, with an additional laundry room in the basement. The whole house is freshly painted outside. All new cedar shakes were installed in back/sides of the home. There is also a finished above ground basement playroom, office and storage.

Sale Price: $1,296,000
Taxes: $25,855

25 Roxbury Road

This Old Edgemont side hall Colonial is on one-third of an acre. The original portion of the home features a living room, dining room and sun room with bay windows and built-ins. High hats highlight the newly refurbished hardwood flooring. The old kitchen now serves as a pantry and laundry room. The expansion contains the newer kitchen and family room with vaulted ceiling and powder room. The family room has a converted barn look and leads to a three season sitting area/greenhouse. The second floor features four bedrooms and two full baths.

Sale Price: $785,000
Taxes: $27,198

Featured Listings:

25 Cayuga Road, Scarsdale

This Classic Stone and shingle Colonial located on a Cul-de-Sac in Heathcote is sited on 1.3 acres with a circular driveway. Peace and Tranquility best describe the setting from which this home provides distant views of Fenway Golf Club and Cayuga Pond. Exceptionally spacious rooms and a thoughtful floor plan offer comfort and convenience within 4081 square feet of interior living space. Large level fenced in property. Close to schools and shops. For more information, click here.

List Price: $1,795,000

47 Montrose Road, Scarsdale

Charming sunny Tudor located in sought after Greenacres, just steps from the elementary school. The gracious side hall entry way provides an immediate view of the first floor and private yard. Hardwood floors throughout, this lovely home features a spacious living room with an impressive wood burning fireplace. French doors and windows galore. The 32 foot long living room leads to both the dining room and a comfortable sun room. The eat-in kitchen has been updated with new granite countertops. The pantry leads to the powder room and doorway to a large patio and private yard. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms and full hall bath. The master bedroom features a large walk-in closet. There is an additional bedroom and full bath on third floor. The basement leads to a freshly painted two-car garage. New gas furnace and water heater make for worry free heating and preferred cooking. A must see. For more information, click here.

List Price: $1,189,000

Open Houses:

17 Barclay Road, Scarsdale PO, Edgemont
Public Open House: Sunday, October 11, 2015 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Perfect Old Edgemont location affords walking distance to elementary, high school, Scarsdale train station and village amenities. The front entry foyer leads to a charming living room with wood burning fireplace, sunroom, formal dining room, and an eat- in kitchen with separate pantry. The kitchen is an easy access to a screened porch perfect for your morning coffee or a relaxing dinner. The second floor features three bedrooms and bath. Third floor bedroom, bath and storage. Versatile lower level space. For more information, click here.

List Price: $850,000