It's not who you know, it's Whom You Know and everyone knows Chelsea Clinton is getting married in Rhinebeck this weekend. Peachy Deegan is a little too conservative to be invited to cover this event (although she did intern on Capitol Hill in 1993 and go to the Clinton inauguration), but even if she did attend, we would have to say the mainstream media is totally missing the Star of Rhinebeck: Anita Ferri. Anita covers the whole market of the Hudson Valley including Dutchess, Westchester, Putnam, Ulster and Columbia Counties. If you own real estate that you're thinking of selling or just wish you did own it, she is the top person in the market to work with and she comes highly recommended with references that cannot be beat. Though this region is her area of specialty, she transacts real estate all over the State of New York for the benefit of her clients. She concentrates on single family homes, condos/townhomes, land and rentals. Our Real Estate column has been tiny so far, but that is only due the fact that honest, ethical, nice people that excel in this discipline are not easy to find, but we have found one today! Introducing a highly recommended firm: Century 21 Anita Ferri Realty!! We are so pleased to present her as our inaugural interview in Remarkable Real Estate! Peachy Deegan interviewed Anita Ferri for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: How did you first become involved in Real Estate?
Anita Ferri: I first became involved in Real Estate through a neighbor who was already taking the course. It seemed like a good career allowing me the flexibility to be home for my children and working around their schedules.
What are the most charming aspects of Poughkeepsie and Rhinebeck?
The most charming aspects of Poughkeepsie are: it's located on the Hudson River with great dining and boating and its commutability to NYC-Rhinebeck has its quaintness with small shops, restaurants, it's quiet, it's near the river as well and has history like the Beekman Arms (the oldest Inn in the US) and it's also commutable to NYC.
What is the biggest mistake people make when making their first Real Estate purchase?
The biggest mistake is over extending themselves.
How do you know if you're getting a great deal?
You should work with an agent that is an ABR accredited-buyers agent. Its their job to represent the buyer in their purchase and they can pull comps in the area to see if the home is over-priced or not. Also the buyer's lender will send an appraiser out, making sure the value is there; that's a safety net too.
What items should be on the due diligence checklist before someone makes a purchase?
The purchasing checklist should include: Educating themselves on the area, schools, taxes and if they are commuting -distance to and from work.
What items should be on the due diligence checklist before selling a property?
The selling checklist should include: De-clutter, clean and paint if needed even hire a home inspector to go thru the house to find any issues that could cause a buyer to walk away and fix them.
What should you do if you realize you've made an error and did not do your due diligence properly? Is it always too late?
To change your mind you need to do it before there are fully executed contracts.
In your opinion what do you think sets your firm apart from your competitors? What honors and awards have you earned?
I've earned the Quality Service Award since 1997, and the Quality Pinnacle Award (top 5% of all Century 21 offices throughout the world). Our Offices are set apart from others because of the hardworking, dedicated and trustworthy agents that we have and of course the Century 21 name. It's the best franchise there is and we are located all over the world.
What are the top reasons for purchasing in the Hudson Valley?
The top reasons for purchasing in the Hudson Valley are the beautiful mountains and wide open spaces, it's commutable to NYC and it's a great area for living and vacationing-there is so much to do and see.
What kinds of people would enjoy this area of New York the most?
I feel that this area appeals to all kinds of people.
What should the world know about Rhinebeck that they do not know yet?
The world should know that Rhinebeck brings peace and tranquility. Zoning allows more property and privacy. We have many professional people and actors who have purchased second homes here because of what I've mentioned-a better way of life than metropolitan areas.
With all that has happened in the mortgage market in regards to the collapse of the CDO/CDS (Collateralized Debt Obligation/Credit Default Swap) markets and similtaneously the CLO (Collateralized Loan Obligation) market which we'd imagine affects your business more directly, what should the average person entering their mortgages now understand that people may not have thought of in the past?
When purchasing a home, make sure when you are pre-approved for a loan you know exactly what your monthly payment is including taxes, and feel comfortable. Don't use all your savings. Be prepared for an emergency.
Do you think there is a bubble that will ever burst in the Manhattan Real Estate market, and what do you think of the market in Manhattan?
I don't know much about the Manhattan market but my guess would be that the high end properties would be affected as ours are here.
Since you are a Real Estate Star, we imagine you celebrate your best transactions with Star Vodka. What is your favorite way to drink it?
Even though Star Vodka is delicious no matter how you drink it, it's so smooth-my favorite is a Sour Apple Star Martini.
What else should we know about Real Estate and Your Firm, Century 21 Anita Ferri Realty?
We are dedicated to our clients having their best interests at heart before ours. This not just about business or money-its about building relationships and friendships. Everyone who is in the market to buy-now is the time to do it. Prices can be negotiated. There are good bargains out there.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
Thank you Charles!
