Few decisions you will make rival the importance of a home sale or purchase. To Toni & Terri, who has such an emotional connection to their Westchester County community, a home signifies the center of a family’s life, the place where their memories will be made and the place where they can come together. When the time comes for you to make your real estate move, call on these two to be the one you can count on during this critical moment. Their goal is to connect you with the right results in your next sale or purchase.

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Special Reports for Home Buyers CONDO, CO-OP, TOWNHOUSE WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOUR NEEDS? This is what the Attorney General advises when buying a property such as a Condo, Co-op or Townhouse. Condominium - Individual units in a building or development in which owners hold title to the interior space while common areas such as parking lots, community rooms, and recretional areas are owned by all the residents.  There are monthly common charges to cover grounds, snow removal, landscaping, and amenities such as pools and exercise rooms etc.  They are generally newer buildings and the owner usually pays for their own heat and their own taxes.   Townhouse - Attached houses that are not condos in which one generally owns the land underneath the unit and possibly surrounding it.  There are also monthly fees to cover amenities.  You pay your own taxes.   Cooperative - The cooperation holds title and sells shares representing individual units to buyers who then receive a proprietary lease as their title.  You will own the personal property within the unit only.  There is an underlying mortgage on the entire building and all the shareholders pay a portion in their monthly maintenance.  A percentage, typically 50% of the maintenance is tax deductible representing the property taxes and interest on the mortgage.  Most co-ops require co-op board approval and an extensive board package needs to be prepared and submitted to the board at the buyers expense.  They are generally the least expensive form of home ownership.  Parking is separate and most buildings have wait lists.  Most co-op's do not accept dogs.   Homeowners' Association (HOA) - A group that governs a subdivision, condominium, or planned community.  The associate collects monthly fees from all owners to pay for common area maintenance, handle legal and safety issues, and enforce the covenants, conditions, and restrictions set by the developer.  They are most often detached homes in a planned community. Planned Unit Development (PUD)- A highly designed residential project that features relatively dense clusters of houses, which are usually surrounded by areas of commonly owned open space maintained by a nonprofit community associate.   Some Pet Friendly Condos and Co-Ops in Westchester   White Plains - 355 Old Tarrytown Rd., 20 N. Broadway (Broadlawn), 79 N. Broadway, 8 Rutherford,     14 Nosband (The Regency), Granada Crescent, 4 Martine (The Seasons),10 Stewart Place, 30 Greenridge, Pondside, Brook Hills, 11 Greenridge, McKinley (The Hill), Woodland Hills, 15 Greenridge, 36 Greenridge (White Oak), 130 N. Kensico, Hillside Terrace, 50 DeKalb (Live Oak), 55 Copper Beech) 89&107 N. Broadway (WP Commons) Dobbs Ferry - Walden Woods, Village Green Elmsford - Westchester Hills Hartsdale - The Colony, Stone Oaks Valhalla/Mt. Pleasant - Pleasant Ridge, The Chateau, Briarcliff Woods Ossining/Briarcliff Manor -Briarcliff Woods, Copley Court, Eagle Bay   Handicap Accessible Complexes in Westchester County White Plains, Brook Hills, 10 Stewart Place, 15 Stewart Place (Heritage Towers), 15 Greenridge Ave. (The Highlands), 30 Greenridge Avenue (Hampshire House), 30 Lake Street (Biltmore Towers), 25 Rockledge (Westage Towers), McKinley Avenue (The Hill), 500 Pondside Drive (Pondside) Hartsdale, The Colony in Hartsdale, High Point in Hartsdale Gated Communities in Westchester County           Special Reports Top 10 Reasons The Twin Team @ Houlihan Lawrence are the Professional Realtors for You!    We have 38 years of experience successfully assisting our buyer's and seller's  We know the neighborhoods, schools, marketing conditions, zoning regulations and local economy.  We will do the leg work, keeping you up-to-date with new listings and conditions as they impact the market.  We are full-time real estate agent - anything less and you'd be short changed.  We will use our connections throughout the mortgage industry to get you the best possible loans available to you. You will be our only client in the real estate transaction. If we do get a buyer for your property we will be sure to disclose this information to you.We will  guide you through the complexities of buying and/or selling a house, eliminating as much stress and hassle.  As a standard business practice, we preview homes as they become available, keeping you apprised of market conditions as they evolve. We will not waste your time - we will advise and consult you as to changing marketing conditions and other homes listed that may be comparable to you home.   We promise to speak with you daily and give you written reports weekly on showings and feedback. We are available all day long by phone or e-mail.  You will have the advantage of personal, one-on-one attention, as well as my dynamic web and e-mail resources.       NECESSARY PAPERS When you begin planning to sell your home, there are several important documents you'll want to have handy: Deed:  It contains the full legal description of the property and of all the people with title to it. Tax records:  Lists what current property taxes are. Survey: Even if it is old - any survey is better than nothing.  However, if the bank will not accept the old survey, a buyer will have to have another survey prepared at the buyer's expense.  Utility bills:  Many prospective buyers will want to know how much it costs to heat or cool your home. It's good to have actual cost information readily available. Also, receipts or documentation for any energy-saving features you may have installed can be an excellent selling feature. Records of repairs or improvements:  Documents for what was done, when and how much you paid can also be an excellent sales tool. If improvements required a permit, have the permit available as well. Appliance warranties - roof warranties - anything new or helpful is welcome.  Mortgage information:  Your current statement should show current balance and contact information for payoff balance. Any and all Certificate of Occupancy papers.     PRICING IS KEY According to the National Association of Realtors, nearly two-thirds of potential buyers say they use the Internet to refine their home search. Broker and Multiple Listing service web sites let buyers browse by size, style, area, and price. Since many buyers look only at those homes within their price range, it's more important than ever to accurately price your home for the market. The higher the home's price above market, the fewer the number of buyers who will be interested, and the longer it will take to sell.  Pricing your home correctly for the deput coming out process is key to a quick sale with the most activity. The key to selling your home quickly and for you to realize the greatest return is to price it at market value right from the start. A fairly priced home will capitalize on the flurry of buyer interest your home enjoys during its first few weeks on the market. If your house is priced higher than the market value, you will have limited show and the right buyers will not see your house.  Remember, prices of other houses is public information and a buyer will know what the other houses are selling for.  You cannot under price a house because buyers that are shopping for value will not allow that to happen.  If they see the value in your house at the price listed they will bid on it.  After all, the goal is to get buyers to bid, even if it isn't the exact number your hoped for.  They are the comparative shoppers and know what's out in the market.  The buyer dictates the price all the time.  For example, if your list  your house at 699,000 and all your offers come in at 600,000 it is safe to say that the house will sell closer to the 600,000 that the buyers are bidding.   ANNUAL CHECKUP Once a year, it's a good idea to give your home an annual checkup. Finding problems or potential problems in their early stages usually gives you the best chance to make repairs more easily and less expensively than if problems are allowed to worsen over time. The kinds of things you'll want to monitor in your home are: * Attic: Look for leaks, proper ventilation and the presence of household pests. * Gutters and downspouts: Inspect for leaf and debris build-up that can cause overflow problems. * Paint: Make sure painted surfaces aren't peeling or cracked, exposing wood to weather damage. * Windows: Should be weather proofed, properly caulked and not cracked. * Roof: Check tiles and flashing to prevent leaks; clean off any moss. * Basement or crawl space: Look for any leaks, seepage or moisture, household pests and adequate ventilation. * Appliances: Check and replace frayed electrical cords and plugs, and cracked or leaking hoses. Proper care and maintenance will keep your home safe, attractive and a source of comfort when you return at the end of the day. Taking good care of your home helps reduce the need for expensive repairs and ensures that your home will command top dollar when you decide to sell. Please don't hesitate to email or call us if we can help you with any real estate needs or answer any questions for you.   MAINTENANCE TIPS   In order to prepare your home for sale, it may be necessary to perform some maintenance to get it into top shape. Here are some ideas for things you can do that will really make a difference before your home goes on the market: * Replace cracked windows and torn screens * Fix or replace any broken stairs or handrails * Fix plumbing fixtures, leaking faucets, etc. * Replace exterior lock sets and garage door openers if damaged * Repair worn or damaged flooring * Replace broken or leaking gutters and downspouts * Remove any soil or landscape mulch from contact with wood * Clean, repair or replace the roof * Repair or replace any boards on decking that are worn * Have your heater and/or air conditioning unit serviced and filters replaced Some of these may be safety hazards while others are deferred maintenance and may be required to be performed by the lender before closing. Although some sellers may hesitate because of the up front costs, the money spent on repairs can really make a difference in the final sale price. Buyers tend to over-estimate the cost of performing repairs and reduce their offer by a higher than necessary amount. If the lender requires the repairs to be performed before closing, the seller can in effect, end up paying for repairs twice: first in a lower sale price and second by the out of pocket amount of actually having the repairs done. A better strategy is to perform the repairs before putting your house on the market. By comparing estimates from several contractors, you can be sure you're getting a competitive price. You'll be eliminating potential reasons a prospective buyer might use to justify a lower price offer. If you're thinking about selling your home, please call or email to discuss repairs your house might need. It may save you time and money.     Be Ready for Summer When we think of summer, most of us think of relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. Now is the time to review your home for seasonal repairs. With more good weather coming, we can handle some of those hard-to-get-to outdoor projects. One of the first things you should do is examine and repair any structural systems. From time to time, it is a good idea to have an inspector check your structure and major systems. This is not something you need to do every year, but is a good idea once in awhile. That way you can catch any potential problems before they become major and expensive repairs. Many people consider painting their exterior this time of year. When considering color trends, drive around and get ideas of what you like and what color might work on your style of home. Here are some other things you'll want to do to prepare for summer: * Make sure all your windows and doors work properly * Check your outdoor furniture and patio equipment * Make sure your home doesn't have any water leaks * Check all recreational equipment and review outdoor safety tips * Inspect the water hoses on the clothes washer, refrigerator, ice maker and dishwasher for cracks and potential leaks * Check your wood deck or concrete patio for possible deterioration Whether you enjoy your summer at home or take a vacation, there is less of a hurried air about the summer. With the longer nights, it seems like we have a little more time and energy for all the fun things we like to do. Enjoy the summer!   Check your gutters and downspouts. Rainy and windy winter seasons can leave them filled with debris.   Inspect your barbecue or grill. Make sure your gas or propane tanks are in good shape and safe. Color Crazy "Chances are if a color looks good on you, it might also look good surrounding you!"  We dress in color, see in color and live in a world saturated with color.  But put it on our walls?  That's enough to make us break into a cold sweat.  In fact, using color is the number one fear of most homeowners.  From the time we look at a color, to the time we test the color on our walls to actually choosing one we can live with, will make you insane. Paint Color is one of the most important elements for a well designed room.   It is considered layer one in your design theme.  Colors will add to the room and to your art.  Colors will integrate your furniture and artwork.    Color is the cheapest way to decorate a room.  A great wall color can unify a lot of mismatched, "eclectic" furnishings.  Think about this as your personal wardrobe:  not a lot of people look good in just white, either (unless your'r tall and tan and have just returned from Aruba).  If you eliminate white and black, then take notice of which colors you predominately wear.  Chances are if a color looks good on you it will look good around you. Remember this is just paint, and you can change it.  It is also just wall color, by the time you add six more layers to your interior space, how much of that color are you really going to see?  It will peek out from behind pictures and mirrors.  The first trip to the paint store should be to pick up swatches and bring them hom.  They are there to be taken for that purpose.  Remember it is just paint, if you don't like it just paint over it.  Choosing paint:  Pick three colors 1) for the tirm 2) for the four walls 3) for the ceiling.  If your ceilings are nine feet or lower, paint them two shades lighter than your walls.  If they're 10 feet or higher paint your ceilings two shades darker.       STAGING YOUR HOME FOR A SUCCESSFUL SALE We've found from previous experience that the activity level during the first two weeks a home is on the market tends to predict how long it will take to sell. Potential buyers eagerly jump on newly listed homes. Here are some 'staging' tips we though you might find helpful. Always keep your home in 'show shape'. Make sure that beds are made, dishes done, everything is picked up, and that the kitchen and bathrooms sparkle. Fresh flowers are a nice touch. Many sellers use potted flowers, which last much longer than fresh cut flowers. Place them inside and out. They really add cheer! The house should be well lit; replace all burned out bulbs. Open curtains and drapes. Let the natural light in. Light and Bright is essential. Pets should be confined and out of sight when possible. They can be distracting and many people have allergies. Soft background music creates a relaxed atmosphere. Only if you must be home during a showing, but it is better if you are NOT.  The buyer will spend more time and speak more freely to their agent if the seller is not present.  It can be uncomfortable the seller to hear buyer comments.  Clean like never before.  If you must bring in a cleaning service to spend a few hours in the house getting it spiffed up for showings. This is not expensive and will make a huge difference.    The Stress Free Move Get Ready -- don't procrastanate -- just start and eventually you will finish. Go through it before you move it.  Clean out closets, storage areas, attics and basements.  Sell or give away what's going unused.  Keep a list for charitable donations.  Use the "12 month rule"-- If you haven't used it, worn it, thought about it or looked at it in the past year, give it away.  Get rid of flammable and corrosive substances; movers won't touch them. Planning the move will be important:  summer is always the busiest time for a move.  People want to get into their new house before the school year begins, and the weather is warm.  The moving companies will be in high demand during this time of year.  Also, at the end of each month the movers are in high demand because many people move at the end or in the very beginning of the month. Always interview three companies for their estimates, ask about any discounts for a non-summer move.  Some companies will even give discounts for middle of the month moves.  As friends and relatives who they used (a referral is always the best reference). Measure twice and move it once.  It's always nice to have the measurements of your new home, try to lay out the room on a graph paper if necessary. measure your furniture (height, width and length).  Make sure it will fit and where you want your furniture to be placed.  Even if you notice a doorway that happens to be narrow or unusually small, be sure to measure it.  You will be very disappointed if your furniture doesn't pass through the doorway, or stairway.     Organizing Tips to Remove Closet Clutter Do you save everything? Are you sentimental about the baggy sweater your Aunt made you 5 years ago? Is it hard to let go of your favorite (now somewhat ragged) Alma Mater sweatshirt? You're not alone. Cleaning out your closets regularly will save time and energy. If your closet is packed with old clothes, most of which you don't or can't wear anymore, it makes getting ready every day that much more difficult. Cleaning out your closets regularly even helps you keep your wardrobe up to date. In addition, when you decide to sell your home, a clean organized closet will make your home more appealing to a prospective buyer. Here are some tips to help you organize your closet * Get rid of the clothes you haven't worn in over a year * Store out of season clothes in a different location * Try on the clothes you can't seem to get rid of, it will help you make a decision * Buy good hangers, wire hangers don't give good support and leave marks on your clothes * Allow spacing between hangers, this prevents clothes from wrinkling * Hang clothes by style, i.e. shirts, suits, pants and by color thereafter * If space permits, add a bar for shirts and pants When you do this regularly, you'll find that each time you step up to your closet there is nothing but great clothes to wear and enjoy.   Inspect clothes in dry cleaning bags; changes in humidity can cause yellowing .   Rotate your shoes. Shoes worn every day break down and wear out much quicker.   Time to Clean the Garage? Have you ever put something in your garage or storage area, only to have it multiply or disappear? Approximately 25% of home buyers want a garage that holds 2-3 cars. Most garages, however, are so full of stored items that there isn't adequate space to hold more than one car. Here are some great ways to help you organize your garage space or storage area: * Look at what you have stored, and get rid of everything you don't need. Have a garage sale, donate gently used items or take the "junk" to the dump. * Take left-over flammable or hazardous materials (such as oil-based paint) to a special disposal site in your area. Store these items out of reach of children. * Try to get everything off of the floor and into cabinets and shelving. Use heavy-duty hooks for larger items. Your garage is an important part of your property. Make sure the doors are in good repair and painted. This cleaning and maintenance will make a difference in your ability to find tools and other "treasures" in your garage, and will help make it open and clutter-free when you decide to sell.   Clean the floors with paint thinner, then use sand or kitty litter to soak it up. Install a smoke alarm in the garage.