KBenvinRansom@HoulihanLawrence.com
This Just In! New Testimonials!
From A Very Happy Client Having Just Bought & Sold in This "Interesting Time" :
"Now that we’ve pretty much settled into Todd Road and unpacked the boxes, or most of them anyway, I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for a really pleasurable experience working with your office. Karen Ransom knows that we think the world of her but I also wanted to convey to you that I was very impressed with the level of professionalism and personal service that you, Karen and everyone else that we worked with in your office provided throughout the process of buying our new house and selling our old house on Old Village Lane, and that includes the people who work with your website and who accommodated last minute changes in photos and listing information that I think really helped to sell our house. By the way, the Houlihan website in general is head and shoulders above any of the other brokerage websites out there that I’ve looked at. Again, I just wanted to say thank you and I will of course recommend Houlihan Lawrence to anyone that I know."
RMC
Plus from this Week - Another Client for whom I took care of both sale of their current home and then the purchase of their new home:
"Dear Karen,
I just wanted to take a moment and say “Thank You”. You’ve been such a terrific agent, a thorough professional, and most of all . . . a great friend through the whole process. I can’t think of any other person I’d like to drag to 4 years and 100+ listings with! J
We really appreciate all that you’ve done over the past few years, and hope to see you again soon. "
C & D S.
"Doreen and I really appreciate how meticulous your research is.
I love how every time you look into to something you discover incorrect
data! " Chris S. Cross River, NY
"Thank you so much for all of your time, energy, kindness, warmth, and expertise. Both Patricia and I truly appreciate your effort. We enjoyed your company yesterday very much. Thank you, again. You are wonderful beyond words." Marcus G.
Weekend Homes
This may be the time to find your weekend home! With prices reduced and interest rates low - time to test the waters! It could be lake front, tucked away in the woods or try a taste of historic village life!
Houlihan Lawrence Leads Real Estate Market Recovery
Houlihan Lawrence now has 42% of The Market Share in Northern
Westchester
(the closest competitor is at 12% of the Market - oops!)
Why?
At Houlihan Lawrence we are informed Real Estate Consultants and we bring you the Market!
The greatest service for both Buyers and Sellers
PLUS Thoroughbred Mortgage - my clients are thrilled with their service
Also save up to 26% on your Title Insurance Fees with Thoroughbred Title!
Scroll down for beautiful local photos, news, announcements and information about our area.
Also click on the Town Pages above for additional pages and photos.plus on Town Pages.
The Search for The Perfect Home
Let me help you with your Real Estate search and the
Home Buying Process. Here are new testimonials from clients that understood how important it is to have verified information! Protect yourself with an Agent that does her homework!
Houlihan Lawrence Broker Karen Benvin Ransom Designated Certified International Property Specialist
NEW YORK – January 21, 2010 – Karen Benvin Ransom, an associate broker with Houlihan Lawrence, recently became a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), qualifying her to handle complex international real estate transactions.
CIPS designees are competent in critical aspects of international transactions including currency and exchange-rate issues, cross-cultural relationships, regional market conditions, investment performance, and tax issues. The CIPS designation is recognized around the world and is a part of the CIPS Network, an exclusive international network of agents comprised of 2,000 individuals worldwide. Required coursework included International Real Estate for Local Markets: Europe, Asia/Pacific, and the Americas, International Real Estate Investment, and Financial Analysis for International Real Estate.
“With new emerging markets and stronger international currencies there are more opportunities present for international buyers to purchase in the U.S.,” said Ms. Ransom. “This was an important step in my career and being a part of this network helps me grow my client base and offers fantastic exposure for my seller’s listings.”
A Westchester native, Karen Benvin Ransom has been a business leader in Westchester for over 30 years. She is widely recognized as founder of Homarus Inc., one of the leading companies of the American Food Revolution in the 1970's. Throughout her award winning career, she worked with countless clients from Moscow to France, and was awarded Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Ernst & Young and Merrill Lynch, the Blue Chip Enterprise Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and countless others. Ms. Ransom is a member of the National Association of Realtors, the New York State Association of Realtors and the Westchester County Board of Realtors. She attended ManhattanvilleCollege where she studied art history and continues to be involved in art by serving as a docent volunteer at the Katonah Museum of Art and The Caramoor Rosen House Museum.
“Karen continues to evolve with the changing real estate market in order to better serve her buyers and sellers, and we are thrilled she is able to bring international expertise to our team,” said Roselyn Harburger, Houlihan Lawrence brokerage manager.
CIPS stands for Certified International Property Specialist
The courses covered The Americas - North America, Canada & South America, Europe, and the Asia/Pacific Region. It is a very good time for U.S. Investment in Real Estate - either to enjoy yourself, to rent or commercial use.
It was taught by David Lauster,Branch Chief - Real Property Acquisitions of the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. David Lauster has walked the walk internationally and shared his vast experiences plus the contents of the in depth course materials. David Michonski covered the Financial Courses. He has often appeared on CNN and CNBC in regards to the Real Estate Market.
I have handled many International clients in the past . This just deepens the understanding in the nuances of the cultures and International Real Estate Markets and practices. I will be inducted into the ranks of the few & the proud that have this designation for International Real Estate. It is a very good network of International Agents. Do you know anyone looking either here or abroad ? I will be your Ambassador! If you are thinking of selling your home, your home will will be highlighted within the network of these International Realtors.
Contact me - 914-232-1212 x342
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It's Always Apple Time - Plus Other Fruit!
Ever have a hankering for taking a trip to an apple farm? When my Dad used to visit we used to drive with the children to Salinger's Orchards (border of North Salem & Brewster (845-277-3521). It is an easy ride up 684 and the farm atmosphere and the AROMA of their cinnamon apple donuts wafting out into the parking lot was therapeutic for all! Once inside it is fun to watch the apple donut dough go through the assembly line. The equipment is a couple of generations old! They are open year round with not only apples but summer fruit - fresh and pies.
Salinger's Orchard's in North Salem www.salingersorchards.com has been a family favorite for years! At Thanksgiving there is no need to bake your own pies but it makes sense to order them (in advance) and pick up their very generous sized pies. I think of the Nursery rhyme "Four and Twenty Blackbirds baked in a pie " when I see the highly domed apple pie! Pumpkin Pie is also perfection plus the coconut custard and the fruit filled varieties. Don't forget the Pecan!
There is also Outhouse Orchards on Hardscrabble Road in North Salem where you can pick both apples and pumpkins. They too have their farm goods and baked goods for sale. The hayrides are a hit as well! (914-277-3188)
Richard Gere's Bedford Post Restaurant
Come enjoy our town and this new local treasure nestled in our estate area at the crossroads of Pound Ridge and Bedford Village. Very close to Caramoor!I recently took my family there for a very pleasant lunch at The Barn under the pergola. The food was fresh & wonderful. The ambiance and grace of the Inn permeated our spirits.
Lunch was fantastic! My son said his burger was the best he ever had. I had a Cubano sandwich - pork, manchego cheese, slaw - too good to doggy bag and My daughter had a veggie burger that she loved.
To top it off a Chocolate and Peanut Butter tart that we shared. Oh yes - and a endamame bowl to share to start.
YUM!
We hope to return to their luxury restaurant, The Farmhouse, sometime soon.
New!!!
Houlihan Lawrence Blog
www.houlihanlawrenceblog.com
"Hard data and straight talk about real estate in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties"
Helpful Information for the Town of Bedford
click on underscored town name to go to Town Page for further information
Hamlets of Bedford, Bedford Village , Bedford Hillsand Katonah are within the Town of Bedford. Also the School district for the Town of Bedford : Bedford Central includes Bedford Corners, Bedford,Bedford Village, Bedford Hillsand Pound Ridge.
Katonah - in the Town of Bedfordis part of the Katonah Lewisboro School District .
Also, Lewisboro -South Salem ,Waccabuc , Cross River and Goldens Bridge
North Salem , and the North Salem School District , Pound Ridge
in Bedford Central School District & Somers with the Somers School District
I Have Been A Long Time Resident of Katonah & The Town of Bedford
I have one main feeling about having lived in Northern Westchester - particularly in the Town of Bedford all these years - I have raised my two children here & if given the chance I would do it ALL OVER AGAIN!
Please continue to scroll down to see a list of Nursery and Pre Schools plus town Events and Activities for children.
You get to enjoy the benefits of Life in Westchester County, the proximity to New York and then can rush home to enjoy things such as the 200 miles of trails throughout the Town of Bedford maintained by the Bedford Riding Lanes Association (BRLA - you will see their yellow markers posted on trees to signify trail entry.)
Welcome to your Real Estate Resource for the Town of Bedford
The Town of Bedford is made up of the hamlets of Bedford Hills , Bedford Village , &Katonah Other areas I cover are: Bedford Corners , Cross River . Mt. Kisco , North Salem , South Salem (including Waccabuc ), Somers , Pound Ridge , Goldens Bridge and the surrounding areas. Please click on the links above - (the underscored town names) for extensive information about each Town & Hamlet Plus Photo Slide Shows! It is a great way to start your Real Estate search.
For any other part of Westchester or National or International Properties I have an incredible network of agents within Houlihan Lawrence plus our relationships with Leading Real Estates Companies of the World, Christies, and now Mayfair International of Great Britain with all of our listings appearing in "The London Daily Telegraph", Country Living and we also have our listings on the website of "The International Herald Tribune".
If you are a seller, the most important thing I can say right now which is important to you is that two of my listings that closed in Q4 of 2008 APPRAISED & SOLD for an average of 98.6% of Listing Price. In this market you must know how to work with the bank appraisers and know the market in order to support your price.
That also applies if I am representing you as a Buyer and I act as your advocate to get you the best price for a property.
International Attention in Katonah & The Town of Bedford
All of Our Listings
Now on "The Daily Telegraph UK" Website!
Also on the The Website of "The International Herald Tribune" !
I also have many "hits" on this site by Buyers from the The UK and the Federated Republics of Russia
My Specialty : Town of Bedford & Northern Westchester County Real Estate
Houlihan Lawrence - Charter Member -"Leading Real Estate Companies of the World"
Also Take Advantage of My Extensive Agent Networks.
Outside the Katonah & The Town of Bedford Area
I also then refer clients to experts in any other area in which they are interested. Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate has excellent coverage in the Counties of Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess. We have a network of top Real Estate companies nationwide that we refer to. Our Relocation Division deals with the top companies in order to place their employees when they both move into our area or move from the area.
Click here for information on other towns of Westchester County .
Purchasing Real Estate in the Town of Bedford and Northern Westchester is a great investment in your future. Whether you are purchasing your first home, second home or are a seasoned investor. You are invited to visit this site often to view the TOTAL MLS of Westchester County , read home buying advice , get information about local schools , and the Town of Bedford.
I also know of Properties that are not on The Market at this time but I could make available to you if you are interested. Please contact me directly - 914-232-1212 x342 or best is email: KBenvinRansom@HoulihanLawrence.com especially for a horse or waterfront property.
Many of my clients come from New York and other Cities & Towns in order to raise their families in our area.
One of the very first questions is:
"Where are the Pre-Schools and Nursery Schools?"
Nursery Schools in Our Area
Bedford Discovery School - One of our Newest Facilities - right across from Women for Fitness and Amy's Nail Salon and a great Dry Cleaner! www.bedforddiscoveryschool.com Full day, half day, and after school and full day for infants 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Bedford Village Nursery School - Bedford Village NY - 914-234-3020 2yrs.-6yrs.
Bet Torah Nursery School - Mt. Kisco NY - 914-241-63392-5 yrs.
Boys & Girls Club - Mt. Kisco NY - 914-666-8069 Aafter school activities plus a pool for lessons! 914-242-0520
www.boyandgirlsclubnw.org
Canaan Ridge School - N Stamford, Ct. - 203-322-7191 www.canaanridgeschool.org - founder honored by The State of Ct. .
Country Children's Center - 914-242-0520 Infant and toddler program, before and after school activities.
www.countrychildrenscenter.org
Gym Care - Bedford Hills - 914-241-1997 - 2-5yrs. State of the art gym - trampolines flush to the floor! Extended school for gym! www.americangymnastics.us One child of mine went there for 1 yr the other 3 yrs! I was VERY happy and just have to find the old tapes of the antics in the gym - amazing! Loved to watch - used to get there early.
Hi Ho School - Bedford Village, NY - 914-234-3360 3-5yrs. Just outside Bedford Village across from Bedford Golf & Tennis
Jennie's School for Little Children - Mt. Kisco NY - 914-666-4001 Interdenominational at the Mt. Kisco Presbyterian Church, 3-5 yrs, www.jenniesschool.org
Katonah Playcare - Katonah, NY - 914-232-7825 18 months - K, 3 hr. programs www.katonahplaycare.com . Housed in a Church Hall. My own children went there and I have MANY fond memories. I still see the teachers in town and one is the Mother of one of my daughter's best friends now!
Katonah Quality Time Nursery School - Katonah NY - 914-767-0585
Housed in St. Luke's in the heart of Katonah. It is the same spot where we do the Huge Christmas Tree Lighting in Katonah every first Sunday in December. Convenient to get your errands done!
Little Blessings Children's Center - Mt. Kisco, NY - 914-241-0445 www.lconline.org It is housed at the Mt. Kisco Lutheran Church - remember Martin Luther wrote "Silent Night"! Ages 3-5
Little Farm Montessori - Rt 35 Katonah (actually in the Town of Somers) 914-232-5992
The Little Pre-School - Mt. Kisco - 914-666-6505 - www.thelittle preschool.com across from Cisqua Campus on Rt 172 in Mt. Kisco/Bedford Corners
Montessori School of Pound Ridge - Pound Ridge, NY - 914-763-3125
Mt. Kisco Day Care Center - Mt. Kisco, NY 914-241-2135 Ages 3 months to 5 yrs. & after school - K-6
Mt Kisco Head Start - Mt. Kisco, NY -914-666-7087
Our Montessori School of Yorktown & Carmel - Yorktown Heights, NY -914-962-9466
Ages 3-4 & Mother's Day Our for 2 yr. olds - won't that be handy!
Rippowam-Cisqua School - Cisqua Campus-Bedford Hills-234-2775 www.rcsny.org Cisqua is the lower school on Rt 172 in Mt. Kisco/ Bedford Corners and Rippowam is in Bedford Village for Ages 5th Grade through 9th Grade
St. John's Early Learning Center - South Salem, NY - 914-763-3671
South Salem Nursery School - S. Salem, NY - 914-763-3560
Re-Opened in a NEW Sparkling Location! ThistleWaithe Learning Center - 1340 Rt 35, S. Salem, 914-977-3662 - www.thistlewaithe.org
Salem, 914-977-3662
Yorktown Heights Head Start - 914-962-9399
Village Green Nursery School - Bedford Village, NY -914-234-7967 Ages 3-4
I will also be compiling a list of great Children's Birthday Party Venues and Entertainers. Some of our Parks have very affordable venues and I always found great entertainment for my parties at the Family Summer Concerts in the Parks! If you need advice sooner - please contact me!
Traditional Events in Our Area
Halloween in Katonah
This Year The Tradition for the Town Event Will be Changed - As Soon as I Know I Will Post the Information
The Fun on Halloween in the Village and The Katonah Elementary School Halloween Fair on the Sat before will still be held
You could not be in a more beautiful village setting for Halloween! "Downtown" Katonah is the center for Halloween !
The Sunday before Halloween there is a parade in the afternoon for the young children. Their parents and grandparents also march along most often in costume as well! It is a grand day! We at Houlihan Lawrence hand out glow in the dark buckets to these youngest of revelers.
The Katonah Library has a story hour, treats and a little parade for the Tiny Tots the week before.
On the big event day of Halloween the trick or treaters are out in full force! The homes of the Village are a sight to behold in their Victorian Glory festooned for this Holiday. The Trick or Treaters fill the streets under the watchful eye of the local police and it is truly a Halloween Haven!
In nearby Pound Ridge there is a 2 hour Halloween walk through the Hamlet of Scotts Corners.
Activities for Children in Katonah & Bedford
I also serve as a resource for activities for your children. There are numerous locations for gymnastics classes on state of the art (safe) equipment - one with an accredited nursery school as well, art lessons, theater and dance classes, karate and more right here in Bedford Hills! There is actually a restored Victorian in Town which hosts The Arts Caravan School of Performing Arts and the Katonah Art School.
Our Local Library is a town favorite. You have access to the entire Westchester Library System. You can reserve a book from your home or work computer! There are also book clubs sponsored by the Library and events, lectures and readings throughout the year.The Bedford Village and the Bedford Hills Library are also places of respite and the county wide lending system makes any book held by a participating library available to you.
There is also the Annual Book Fair in Katonah at the Katonah Library which is held in the beauty, rustle and crispness of Fall and is very popular. Donated books and videos are on display on tables throughout the library at GREAT value! Bring an empty box !
There is a very large Children's Reading Room at The Katonah Library. They also sponsor many events and reading clubs for children. Every visit there must include a visit to see Tina the Turtle!
The Katonah Library also has their own Halloween Party for the little ones before Halloween during the day through "downtown Katonah".
There is also Bramson's School of Music in Bedford Hills where you can buy instruments, sheet music and have personal lessons in piano, guitar and more.
It is wonderful to live in a town where you feel safe with your children and as they mature you also are assured that your children are having a very happy time meeting friends in the Town of Katonah.
In the Fall there are various fairs when Katonah Avenue is closed to traffic and the local merchants have tables out filled with wonderful sale merchandise. There is also a Fashion Show, numerous raffles with wonderful prizes and gift certificates. Always music and games for the children.
Activities for the Grown Ups
Residents also enjoy the various Golf,Tennis, Swim, Art and Exercise clubs and studios. The Saw Mill River Club in Mt. Kisco is very popular for both Tennis & Swimming & More!
For those of us with a Green Thumb and a love of Nature there is the Hopp Ground Garden Club,the Bedford Garden Club, and Bedford Audubon Clubs. There is also The Master Singers of Westchester that both meet and then perform in Bedford. There are also local chapters of the Sweet Adeline's and The Chordsmen for those with a love of singing.
The Katonah Fireman's Parade
On the first Wednesday of every June there is a very popular Fireman's Parade which has been in existence for over 40 yrs! Fire Companies from the tri-state area all participate. People in the Victorians in town host lavish picnics during the parade and the parade then kicks off a 5 day Carnival at the Katonah Firehouse.
The Shops of Katonah
Katonah has wonderful unique shops. National Chains are against the law! Therefore we have a coffee shop named "Perks" with outdoor tables in the fairer months. There is a very classic general store called "Charles Department Store" which has been in the same family for three generations. There you can find top of the line cookware, small appliances, barbecues (often out on the sidewalk with savory samples grilling) serving ware, classic foot ware, the largest collection of leather gloves I have ever seen and country casual clothing on the upper level.
There are a great number of fashionable jewelry & clothing boutiques for all in Katonah. There is also an old time hardware store named "Kellogg's & Lawrence" which is complete with wood floors and a barrel of peanuts. They are famous for their fireplace accessories. Katonah is also a "go to" place for architectural hardware and other fine specialties.
There is even a new business in town, "Blue Bus" That is a guitar/Music store that also offers recording booths - 24 The Parkway
Our Christmas Holiday Tree Lighting in Katonah to Kick Off The Holiday Season!
On the First Sunday of December the people of the area of all faiths assemble at St Luke's at the crossroads of Katonah Avenue and Bedford Rd.which is situated at the beginning of our charming village. They have a pine tree there which often exceeds the height of the much celebrated tree in Rockefeller Center!
The tree is draped in lights with the help of the local Fire Department. Then we have hot cocoa and cookies served on the Church grounds by volunteers. It is fun to run into friends and neighbors as we stroll the area in anticipation of the TREE LIGHTING! First there are performances by the local choirs and a performance by out talented bell ringers. As you arrive it is de rigeur (important) that you get a raffle ticket for any child with you. It is the one time I take my beloved Bichon into Town to stroll the now quiet streets as we head to the hub of Holiday Activity - the big kick off for The Season! At the end of all of the socializing and music is the drawing of the raffle. The prize? To pull the switch which lights the tree!
One year my children and I were racing to get there and we got there just in time!
As I gave out their tickets I glanced at my son's ticket and remarked "That is the winning ticket - it ends with our house # !"
Well, one by one the numbers were teasingly called out and as we got to the next to the last number and it was our number I quickly knew that we had a 1 in 9 chance for the last digit and WE WON! I saw "we" because as soon as it was called the three of us began jumping up and down and so many people in the throng started cheering "It's Karen and her Kids!"
My son pulled the switch and I could not wait to get home in order to call family and friends! (Pre cell phone days)
We then later returned in the week equipped with a camera (then again pre cell phone days!) for my Father to take the shot of us in front of the lit tree "Our Tree" which then became our Photo Christmas Card.
Bedford Village, Bedford Hills, Pound Ridge & Mt. Kisco also have their own tree lighting ceremonies.
KATONAH AND THE 1897 MOVE!
The hamlet of Katonah was located originally North West of the present location in rhe Whitlockville area.
Just over 110 yrs ago New York City decided to declare its right of eminent domain and informed the townsfolk that they intended to flood the town in order to create the New York City Reservoir System. WELL - the hardy feisty people of Katonah were not about to take THAT lying down!
They hired Frederick Law Olmstead of Central Park fame to design the "New Katonah".
So, the people of Katonah then LIFTED over 85 homes and places of business and worship onto shaved trees and pulled and rolled the buildings to the new site by horse and mule on shaved trees!
It was based on a great deal of green space which was his trademark which is still in evidence today. There is the green space which runs along Bedford Avenue (Rt 117) and divides the lanes for car traffic with park benches and many trees. New York State also created a truck bypass to the outlying area to avoid rattling the windows and floors of these precious venerable Victorians.
There is also "The Parkway" in the Katonah Business District with a smaller scale strip of green which still keeps the town verdant. There are lovely benches under the Japanese Maples and seasonal flowers planted throughout the area.
The Katonah Library in town has an exhibit on this subject - complete with PHOTOS - a new fangled invention at the time! My favorite is the stately Victorian with a line of clothes still drying on the front porch as it is being moved!
These homes still continue in use as private homes, businesses and Churches.
Stay tuned ....
I hope to cover what you can find on our Museum Mile & More! Oops! I forgot to mention where all the children learn to ice skate! (The Harvey School Skating Rink and there is also seasonal ice skating at the Lewisboro Town Park)
I Represent the Brand of Houlihan Lawrence
We have the Market Share of Real Estate in Westchester due to the standards we aspire to when representing our clients. Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate stands for Integrity in everything we do with our fiduciary responsibility to our Clients, Excellence in everything we do - including our Award Winning Advertising and Web Presence, Passion for what we do and a strong Sense of Community both within the Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate community and the towns we are fortunate to be in.
Houlihan Lawrence is the #1 Real Estate Company at every price point and price range. From Co-ops to Castles!
Get the most VALUE by using Houlihan Lawrence for your transaction!
As a company Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate supports Habitat for Humanity, The National Trust for Historic Preservation,The Battle Against Autism, The Caramoor Center for the Arts, The American Cancer Society, "Historic Hudson", The Lions Club International, The March of Dimes, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Groups, The Lewisboro Land Trust, The Boys & Girls Clubs of America and The Westchester Land Trust.
I personally have worked on projects with Americares with the school children.
Karen Benvin Ransom - CIPS, CBR, ABR,ePRO "Karen From Katonah"
Associate Broker
At Yankee Stadium - always early!
As a Zebra Mussel in the "Commute of The Species" The Katonah Museum of Art Procession May 2010 in Katonah