Is it worth getting your home Pre-Inspected Prior to Selling it?

 Is a House Pre-Inspection Worth it?

If you are thinking of selling your house, consider getting a pre-listing inspection for your home before putting it on the market, regardless of its apparent condition. A pre-listing inspection can help identify any issues that might need repair, and prevent any surprises during the buyer's inspection. By doing this, you can avoid losing a sale or incurring costly repairs later on. For example, a home seller of mine in Mamaroneck who had a pre-listing inspection done found out that their house had high levels of radon in the basement, a common issue in the neighborhood. They were able to address the problem before putting the house on the market, and the buyer used their pre-inspection instead of conducting a new one.

To find a qualified inspector, you can ask your agent or trusted acquaintances for recommendations or consult the American Society of House Inspectors website. When selecting an inspector, compare fees and the scope of the inspection, and ask for references. If the inspection identifies any issues, be sure to either fix them or disclose them to potential buyers to avoid legal issues or financial liabilities. Taking proactive measures to inspect and address any problems with your home can help ensure a successful and smooth sale.

If you have a Real Estate need with buying, or selling call me at (914)755-9816.  If you would like an idea of the value of your home please click my Quick Home Estimate  There is never any obligation on your part to use this free service.

My Video Introduction:

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding the STAR Program: School Tax Relief for Homeowners

What Is the NYS STAR Program? A Complete Homeowner Guide

The New York State School Tax Relief (STAR) Program is one of the most important tax-saving benefits available to New York homeowners. Created in 1997 and fully implemented during the 1998–99 school year, STAR helps reduce school property taxes for owner-occupied primary residences statewide.

Millions of homeowners in New York benefit from STAR each year, and understanding how it works can help you save hundreds—or even thousands—on your annual school tax bill.

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How the STAR Program Works

STAR reduces the taxable value of your home for school tax purposes. It does not apply to county, town, village, or city taxes—only school district taxes.

You may qualify for STAR if your home is your primary residence and is one of the following property types:

• 1–3 family home
• Condominium
• Co-op
• Mobile home
• Farmhouse or agricultural dwelling

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Basic STAR vs. Enhanced STAR

There are two levels of STAR benefits:

⭐ Basic STAR

• Available to all homeowners using the property as their primary residence
• No age requirement
• Household income must be under $500,000
• Provides an exemption of roughly $30,000 in assessed value

⭐⭐ Enhanced STAR

• Available to homeowners aged 65 or older
• Income limit for 2025: approx. $107,000 (adjusted yearly)
• Provides a larger savings—typically equivalent to $74,900+ in assessed value

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STAR Credit vs. STAR Exemption

As of 2016, STAR benefits are issued in two formats:

• STAR Exemption — reduces your assessed value on the school tax bill (closed to new applicants)
• STAR Credit — delivered as a refund check/direct deposit to new homeowners

If you bought your home after 2015, you will receive the STAR credit instead of the exemption.

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Property Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights

New York State also provides a Property Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights to ensure you have access to clear information about:

• Your STAR exemption or credit amount
• How tax savings are calculated
• Assessment appeals and grievance procedures
• Your rights and responsibilities as a property owner

Seniors already receiving the local Senior Citizen Exemption automatically qualify for Enhanced STAR.

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Eligibility Requirements

To receive any STAR benefit, you must:

• Own your home
• Use it as your primary residence
• Meet the income requirements
• Provide proof of residency if requested

If you're unsure about eligibility, your local assessor can help confirm your status.

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Additional STAR Resources

For more STAR forms, official state documents, and helpful homeowner tax resources, visit my dedicated resource page:

📌 Forms & Links – NYS STAR Resources

This page is maintained and updated to help homeowners access STAR forms, exemption applications, assessor contacts, and additional New York State tax guidance.

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Helpful External Links

1. NYS Senate – STAR FAQ

2. ACCESS NYC – STAR Program

3. Property Tax Consultants

Pelham real estate ends the 4th quarter with a downturn in inventory

The Current Pelham Residential Real Estate Market Q1 2023

Heading into the Spring Market!

The real estate market in Pelham, NY saw a significant downturn in December 2022, with the number of homes sold dropping 45% compared to the previous year. Despite this decrease in sales, the median sales price for homes in the area remained relatively high at $874,750.

One possible reason for the decrease in sales may be the increase in the length of time that homes are staying on the market. In December 2022, houses were on the market for an average of 65 days, a 30% increase from the previous year. This longer market time may indicate a slowing demand for homes in the area.

There is currently a relatively small inventory of homes for sale in Pelham, with only 9 active listings. This equates to a supply of just under one month, indicating that the market may be leaning towards a seller's market. However, the high median sales price per square foot of $463 suggests that buyers may be hesitant to pay top dollar for homes in the area.

Despite the slower sales and longer market time, the majority of homes that did sell in Pelham in December 2022 did so relatively quickly. Two-thirds of the homes sold within 90 days of being listed, and 83% of homes sold within 95% of their listing price. This suggests that there is still some demand for homes in the area, but that buyers may be more selective in their purchases.

Overall, the December 2022 real estate market in Pelham, NY saw a decrease in sales and an increase in market time, but relatively strong sales prices and a low inventory of homes for sale. It will be interesting to see how these trends continue in the coming months.

New Rochelle's Single Family Home Market Booms Despite Decrease in Sales

 

The Current Residential Real Estate Market for New Rochelle Q1 2023

New Rochelle, NY saw a decrease in single-family home sales in December 2022, with a drop of 52.4% compared to the same month the previous year. However, the median sales price for these homes rose to $945,000.

The inventory of single-family homes in the area is currently at 57 houses, a decrease of 24.0% from December 2021. The average house has been on the market for 60 days, an increase of 50% from the previous year. There is currently a 2.06-month supply of single-family homes in New Rochelle, with an average price per square foot of $356.24.

In December 2022, 70% of single-family homes sold within 90 days, and 85% of them sold at 95% of their listing price. This shows that the market for single-family homes in New Rochelle remains strong despite the decrease in sales, with homes selling quickly and at close to their asking price.

If you or anyone you know has a housing need with buying a home selling a home or investing in Real Estate. Please reach out to me.