Former Home and Studio of artist Jasper Johns. Simplicity / “less is more” rules the day in staging.
Photo: HTV / Michael Steele
Selling a home can be stressful, from choosing a realtor and attorney to planning for the next moves. It can be a bit overwhelming for some, but there are ways to reduce the stress and increase your odds for a successful sale. After nearly a decade in the real estate brokerage business, I can say with confidence that staging your home in advance of listing helps reduce stress; it not only begins to help you with your eventual move, but also increases the odds for successful showings and a potential higher selling price, as opposed to an unstaged home.
What do I mean by staging? I don’t mean placing fluffy throw blankets across the corner of each couch or taking the latest design trends from Pinterest or Instagram; I mean doing more substantive and meaningful actions.
Here are 6 simple, low-cost staging tips that will help you sell your home faster, for more money and with less stress!
Exterior: Cut the grass, trim the shrubs, blow the leaves, plant some flowers mulch the flower beds. Powerwash your walkways and siding.
Garage: clear the garage of everything except for the absolute necessary items: yard tools, a bicycle or 2 and your vehicles. Blow and sweep the floor. If you want to go one step further, you can bring in a garage floor painting specialist to epoxy paint or floor paint the garage floor.
Reduce items: Simplicity rules the day in staging; less is more. Unless your home is completely bare of personal items, there is improvement to be made. I typically tell people, try to reduce your personal items by about 50% or more. This will help depersonalize the space – giving the potential buyers an opportunity to feel themselves in the home – but also goes a long way to helping you pare down or pack for your move.
Paint: Paint/painting is cheap and quick. Paint obvious areas where walls are dirty, scratched and stained. It’s an opportunity to pick chic, historic or timeless colors and ditch the 20-year-old fad color. I’m a huge fan of Benjamin Moore’s historic color line.
Deep Cleaning: Hire a professional cleaning crew to deep clean the entire home. Steam clean tile floors, wash windows and clean carpets. Nothing is worse for a showing than a home with obvious grime visible to the eye.
Handyman Fixes: For a couple of hundred dollars, you can have a local handyman fix loose door handles, running faucets or toilets, cabinet doors and more, to make a positive impression of a well-maintained home. Buyers want to know that a homeowner has stayed on top of basic repairs – if not that they can worry about the larger stuff too.
These small tips and small expenditures of time and money will make your property sell faster, for a higher dollar amount and reduce your stress after you list your home.
Jacob Matthews representing the sellers recently sold 32 Lookout Road. This home set on approximately 2.1 acres featured amazing original hand-cut monolithic stone and shingle exterior and a free-flowing floorplan across approximately 4,000 sf. A wonderful example of a Tuxedo Park carriage house turned full residence. Congratulations to the new owners. Sold 1/15/22.
Tuxedo Park stone carriage house, sold by Jacob Matthews, Associate Broker, Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty
Jacob Matthews, Associate Real Estate Broker with Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty, has completed his Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) coursework, exams and designation which brings him a level-up when representing sellers in real estate transactions. This designation conferred by National Association of Realtors (NAR) Real Estate Business Institute (REBI) increases expertise in seller representation, negotiation, ethics and effectiveness in real estate transactions. Jacob has a passion for working with sellers and marketing homes and it repeatedly shows in the results he achieves for his clients. He consistently trains and educates through professional associations to serve and achieve at a higher level in the industry. SRS designation is one more step in Jacob’s dedication to professional development and growth as a Realtor.
Jacob Matthews lists luxury real estate properties in NY’s Orange & Rockland Counties and the greater Lower Hudson Valley region.
I’m pleased to announce that the John Springstead Bull House in Rock Tavern, NY (Town of New Windsor) has been sold. A classic Orange County, NY “Bull House”, this magnificent mid-19th century hand-cut stone structure still has many period details intact. A wonderful example of the Lower Hudson Valley’s unique antique homes that are now so highly coveted. The home and accessory stable barn sits on just over 3 acres of verdant Orange County lands! In need of total restoration, and rehabilitation, the home is 4 BR | 3 BA | 4800 sf. Sold January 2021. Congratulations to the new owners who are professional designers / decorators and developers who will restore the home to its glory with an eye to it’s beauty and history. You can follow their ongoing restoration project over at @bullfarm1856 on Instagram. I represented the seller in the transaction and was honored to be a part of this. Both agents worked very hard and all parties pleased! For more information on Orange County, NY homes for sale, contact Jacob Matthews, Associate Broker at Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty.
It was a strong finish to the year, right up to the second to last day of 2020 with the successful sale of Sengen House at 6 Sengen Lane in Cornwall on Hudson, NY. I was deeply honored and pleased to represent this amazing estate home and its owners, direct descendants of the 1st, only and original owners from the early 1900’s. The home boasts some of the very best long distance, sweeping scenic views in all of the Lower Hudson Valley and the listing was extensively covered in local, national and international media. On 19.9 mountaintop acres it features a massive 9 bedroom main estate home of approximately 9,000 sf, including the attached guest quarters. And it has a detached guest cottage offering 2 beds and 2 baths w/ garage and horse stables. A rare and unique opportunity. I represented the sellers in the transaction and the buyer was brought in by an NYC broker who really was great to work with on the other side of the table. Both seller and buyer are truly pleased for the next phases here and elsewhere!
Sold and Closed on 11/30/2020 – I was pleased to represent the sale of 18 Patterson Brook Road, Tuxedo Park, NY. This home is one of the most amazing properties I’ve ever marketed and sold; remarkable in every way. An authentic recreation of the 1890’s carriage house that stood on the same site. 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Baths | 4,400 sf | 3.2 acres of stunning property and privacy! I represented the sellers in this transaction.
Closed and sold – Looking back at some sales I made in 2020. “The Old Fish Hatchery” closed and sold in Tuxedo Park. Lakefront cottage, 1.7 acres | 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths | 2253 SF | in ground swimming pool. Sold $998,000. on 8/17/2020. Such a great property!! I represented the sellers in this transaction. If you have any questions about the Tuxedo Park real estate market (or surrounding communities) feel free to contact me at any time at 914.588.8001.
Local restaurants and markets are still serving the the Tuxedo and Sloatsburg communities in a variety of ways. It’s important to support local businesses in this challenging time. Your support can help the business owners weather a severe cut-back in normal revenue so that they are there for us when things improve. Your support also helps the food service employees and their families during this trying time. The workers and their families depend on their jobs and we can help sustain them by shopping local.
There are a variety of shopping options from pizza to sushi to fresh baked goods, and for all price points and needs including the Sloatsburg Food Pantry which is providing critical food staples and support to the community.
In no order of preference, following are several local markets and restaurants to patronize along with phone numbers, addresses and web links to their websites and social media accounts. I may post some more in the future as well.
TUXEDO PARK, NY
Steve’s Pizza Tuxedo: Phone (845) 915 3022 Steve’s pizza has wonderful wood-fired groumet pizza made from the freshest ingredients as well as RIBS & WINGS!!! and other goodies. Call Steve’s to order lunch or dinner today for curb-side pickup. Address: Across from Tuxedo Schools at 156 NY-17, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987 Follow Steve’s Pizza on Instagram here, and Facebook here.
Dottie Audrey’s: Phone (845) 915-3088 Dottie Audrey’s offers some of the best baked goods in the New York Metro Area. DA’s is offering prepared “family style” meals. I contend they have better baguettes than you find in France. Please place your take-out order by telephone today! Curb-side pickup at Dottie Audrey’s in Tuxedo. Address: Duck Cedar Plaza at 549 NY-17, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987 Follow Dottie Audrey’s on Instagram here and Facebook here.
Orange Top Diner: Phone (845) 351-3316 Wide variety menu of diner items. Think Pancakes, Omlettes, Salads and more! The Orange Top Diner has been a staple in Tuxedo for several decades, give them a call for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Address: 192 NY-17, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987
Tuxedo Sushi: Phone 845-351-3211 Tuxedo Sushi has been serving Tuxedo for a number of years and is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Southern Orange County. Offering Sushi, Rolls, Sashimi as well as salads, soups and warm cooked Asian-style meals. Address: 233 NY-17 Tuxedo Park, NY 10987 Follow Tuxedo Sushi on Instagram here.
Valley Rock Mountain Market: Phone (845) 320-6357 New to Sloatsburg, the Valley Rock Mountain Market features fresh, locally sourced produce, healthy prepared foods (hot / cold), high-quality packaged goods and pantry items. Shop online….at this market link: https://valley-rock-market.myshopify.com/ Shop online today and then pick up your order curbside in Sloatsburg or have your order delivered in Sloatsburg or Tuxedo. Address: 88 Orange Turnpike, Sloatsburg, NY 10974, ENTER at Sloatsburg Commuter lot off Mill Street. Follow the Valley Rock Mountain Market on Instagram Here.
Sunnyside’s Bar & Grill: Phone (845) 753-2519 Serving it’s famous thin-crust pizza for over 50 years, Sunnyside is a local pizza staple. Call in your order today and the friendly staff at Sunnyside’s will be pleased to cook up a pie or other home-style meal for you. Address: 245 Orange Turnpike, Sloatsburg, NY 10974
The Village Blend: Phone (845) 712-5585 Coffee, Cappuccino, blenders, sandwiches, soups, baked goods, cookies, cafe menu items for take-out. Call the Village Blend today for an order! Address: 86 Orange Turnpike, Sloatsburg, NY 10974 (enter off Mill Street and park in Sloatsburg Commuter lot next to Valley Rock Inn.)
Hayward’s Deli & Market: Phone: (845) 753-2016 Offering prepared foods, hot and cold sandwiches, grilled foods and general packaged goods. A staple in the Sloatsburg shopping plaza for decades, Hayward’s market is open for business so please call in your order and pick up! Address: 59 Orange Turnpike, Sloatsburg, NY 10974
Seven Lakes Station: Phone: (845) 712-5586 Established in 2016 and fast becoming one of the hottest craft beer taprooms in the Lower Hudson Valley. Seven Lakes Station or “SLS” is offering up cooked meals from their new kitchen as well as craft beers to go, canned or growlers! Proprietors Jaime and Martijn are there for your take-out orders, so call in today. Address: 80 Orange Tpke
Sloatsburg, NY 10974 Follow SLS on Instagram here.
Sloatsburg Food Pantry: From the website of the food pantry organization: “The Sloatsburg Food Pantry is an organization of committed volunteers with a broad base of community support. Our goal is to provide supplemental, nutritionally balanced food to those in need, while respecting the dignity of each person we serve. The Sloatsburg Food Pantry serves those living in Sloatsburg, Suffern, Hillburn, Montebello and the Town of Tuxedo. ” Contact: Susan Meyer, Director at (914) 393-3160 or Joyce Donohue at (201) 394-0627 or via email SloatsburgFoodPantry@gmail.com
This is by no means a complete list of all local businesses and I may be posting more on my social media soon. Let’s support them all!
Thank you for reading, sharing and supporting the local businesses in Tuxedo and Sloatsburg during these challenging times!
Tuxedo Park, NY was founded in the late 19th century as a private hunting, fishing and social retreat for the Gilded Age elite out of a raw, rugged tract of land in New York’s Lower Hudson Valley. The Village and Town have endured as one of the most beautiful communities to live in the entire country. Spectacular original architecture stands the test of time and has set its key marks in American architectural vernacular. Late 19th century and early 20th century estate homes are artfully sited in a natural landscape. Tuxedo’s natural beauty may be considered on par with exotic global destinations, yet it is just 1 hour from New York City. It offers a delightful mix of amenities and a small community feel.
Why is Tuxedo Park an amazing place to live? Here are 5 great attributes of Tuxedo.
1) Privacy
Tuxedo Park Entry Gatehouse – photo courtesy Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty / Andrea Swenson
Tuxedo Park was the first planned, private, gated community in the Country and to this day has restricted roads and is 24/7 gate guarded. Most homes sit on more than 1 acre of property with many homes of estate size providing ample buffer room between home sites and thereby plenty of privacy. Around the Town of Tuxedo more recent development pockets such as Maple Brook, Laurel Ridge, and Clinton Woods offer discreet and attractive home siting and thoughtful layouts that afford tremendous amounts of privacy.
2. The Lakes & Recreation
Tuxedo Lake – photo courtesy Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty / Andrea Swenson
Tuxedo Lake, the “skating pond” (Pond #3) and the Wee-Wah Lake in the Village of Tuxedo Park are three beautiful lakes set among the rolling Ramapo Mountains. If you enjoy boating, fishing, skating, or swimming in natural lakes, then Tuxedo Park, with 3 shimmering lakes at the center is a little “Shangri-La”. The lakes form a central gathering place for community members. Whether watching migrating water fowl, fishing for Rainbow Trout, sailing a day-sailer, jogging around the lakes or playing pond hockey, the lakes offer the best in lake-life recreation at the heart of the community.
Beyond the three Village lakes, 75% of the landmass of the Town of Tuxedo is forever preserved state park and the parks are dotted with amazing lakes, some well-known and some less so, but all beautiful in their own right. In Harriman State Park lakes such as Tiorati and Skannatati are stunningly scenic and offer plenty of recreational opportunities. In Sterling Forest State Park, Sterling Lake is absolutely pristine!
3. Nature
Tuxedo Park Nature Preserve. Photo courtesy Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty / Andrea Swenson
Bald Eagles, Black Bear and Red Foxes are regular sightings in Tuxedo. Surrounded by the forever preserved 55,000 acre Harriman State Park to the East, and forever preserved 22,000 acre Sterling Forest to the West, Tuxedo is nestled among two of the largest State Parks in NY. This affords residents the opportunity to take advantage of hiking, biking, camping, fishing and other outdoor activities for substantial immersion in nature and fresh air! It also allows for relaxation, and serenity among a quiet, protected forest.
4. Location & Amenities
View of East River & BROOKLYN BRIDGE from DUMBO Brooklyn Waterfront – Photo Credit Jacob Matthews
Located in New York’s Lower Hudson Valley just about 35 miles north of NYC, Tuxedo offers easy access to the NYC metropolis and to the delightful countryside of of New York’s Hudson Valley. Want to go to a Manhattan museum, or a Brooklyn eatery for a day? Tuxedo is approximately 1 hour from NYC by mass transit or car. To the North, want to go to the Village of Woodstock, NY for lunch? Tuxedo is just about an hour from the foothills of the Catskill Mountains. And, it’s just about 10 minutes from bustling and sophisticated Bergen County, NJ with an abundance of major corporation workplaces, shopping and cultural opportunities.
In a way, Tuxedo is a dream location, ideally situated in a quiet, protected, natural, green, buffer-zone pocket, between, but set apart from the region’s most important, highly developed destinations. Tuxedo offers access to NYC with MTA Train and Shortline Bus and to major roads for local and area shopping, restaurants, entertainment and world class art institutions. The Lower Hudson Valley including Orange, Rockland, Westchester, Putnam, Ulster, Sullivan and Dutchess counties are relatively close. The area is a cultural, gastronomic and art hotbed with much to see and explore. From Storm King Art Center Sculpture Park, to DIA Beacon, to the rich Farmland eateries, distilleries, wineries and fruit orchards of places like Warwick, NY, many cultural delights are easily accessible from Tuxedo.
5. Community anchored with History
Tuxedo Park Post Office. An historic building in the Hamlet of Tuxedo. Photo Courtesy Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty / Andrea Swenson
Near the top of prestigious Tower Hill Road in Tuxedo Park is the Bruce Price architected Travis C. Van Buren house. Originally constructed in 1886 by Price, it was then reworked by owner / architect Charles W. Clinton in 1907. Clinton embellished on Bruce Price’s original shingle style design to expand the footprint and add stucco, half timbering and terracotta design elements.
Once known as the “most original house in America”, Bruce Price’s shingle style cottage was one of the 13 original cottages built in Tuxedo Park.
Today the home boasts over 6,400 sf including including 7 bedrooms with 6 full baths and 3 half baths. The formal living room features tracework plaster ceilings and the
The dining room at Van Buren House
formal dining room has restored wood paneling. Both rooms maintain high ceilings and wood burning fireplaces, perfect for entertaining on a grand scale, year-round.
The lake-facing outdoor terraces of the home offer ample room for outdoor living and entertaining. There you’ll find long-distance views of shimmering Tuxedo Lake and the rolling Ramapo Mountains beyond. Think sunsets!
Back terraces at Van Buren House overlook Tuxedo Lake.
This property is CURRENTLY OFF MARKET.
Long-distance views of Tuxedo Lake from the upper floors of the home.
