Ellis Sotheby's International Realty
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Ellis Sotheby's International Realty

Experience and Lifestyle: Living in the Lower Hudson Valley

by Ellis Sotheby's International Realty 2 Comments

outdoor activities lower hudson valley

In real estate, which is driven by supply and demand, it is easy to understand why price and inventory are discussed often. However, new research from the Boston Consulting Group and Sotheby’s International Realty® finds that affluent consumers favor experiences over personal goods. As such, a home is so much more than a physical place to live. A home is a lifestyle. What you choose to surround yourself with—family, friends, history, an amazing view and art—are all part of what makes a space a home. Your best life begins with a home that inspires you.

farmer's markets lower hudson valley

Living in the Lower Hudson Valley is all about the experience and lifestyle. Primary homebuyers find a thriving art scene, close-knit communities and blue ribbon schools. Secondary homebuyers discover the Lower Hudson Valley offers a quite respite from city life, a bucolic landscape and a myriad of outdoor activities including boating, hiking, kayaking and cycling.

11 Voorhis Point South Nyack

11 Voorhis Point, South Nyack

Buyers are drawn to the river communities—Snedens Landing, Piermont, and the Nyacks and Grandviews—for their water accessibility, restaurants and parklands, which cover roughly one-third of the county. By contrast Tuxedo Park, New City and Clarkstown are known for their family-friendly amenities and rural sensibility.

316 West Lake Rd Tuxedo Park

316 West Lake Road, Tuxedo Park

Leading indicators point to a strong spring selling market in Rockland and Orange counties with buyers having a continued focus on lifestyle amenities and homes that deliver meaningful and entertaining experiences.

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Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty Reports Record 2017 Sales Growth

by Ellis Sotheby's International Realty 0 Comments

DingDong

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that it achieved record sales in 2017, increasing its sales volume nearly 19 percent from 2016 and selling more luxury, single-family homes in New York’s Rockland and Orange counties and Hudson River towns than its competitors.

Home sales recorded by the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors’ multiple-listing service show the Nyack-based firm was the market-share leader in sales volume for luxury homes valued at more than $1 million: 35.57 percent market share in Rockland County and 29.22 percent each in Orange and Rockland counties.

In the Hudson River towns of Grandview, Palisades, Piermont, Nyack, South Nyack, Upper Grandview and Upper Nyack, Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty also commands the number-one position in market share for single-family homes, with 56.88 percent market share for the $1 million-plus home market and 23.80 percent for homes across all price points.

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty sold the most homes on the Hudson River, 57 percent, ranging from $850,000 to a record-setting price of $3.5 million. “These communities are the gold coast of Rockland County and are in demand by New Yorkers looking to move out of the city full time or looking for a second home,” said owner Richard Ellis.

“Business has been booming,” he said. “We are very proud of our sales associates’ activity in the lower Hudson Valley, including Snedens Landing, where we recently sold the iconic, pre-Revolutionary Ding Dong House for $3.21 million. It was quite a year for us.”

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty also achieved the highest average sales price for single-family homes in Rockland County − $918,765 − and in the river towns − $1,268,176 − for offices with more than five transactions. The firm has been the luxury market leader for homes sales in the million-dollar-plus range in Rockland County for 10 of 11 years and in the river towns for 11 of 13 years.

“Sellers and buyers need the professional advice of Realtors who know the marketplace well, have the ability to market properties successfully and have the backing of a strong, respectable and global brand,” said Ellis. He said he is proud that Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty has 40 percent of the top 10 salespersons for luxury homes sold for over $1 million in the river towns and Rockland County’s Orangetown and Clarkston.

“These statistics demonstrate why we are in a unique position to provide confident recommendations to our clients, whether they are buying or selling,” said Ellis. “Our professional sales associates can guide clients based on our long-standing history as the market leader for selling and marketing a variety of luxury homes and doing so with the utmost respect and discretion.”

The group also made its foray in New Jersey, listing and selling homes, including a $2.15 million listing in Rockleigh, Bergen County.

“I’m so proud of our team and what we accomplished in 2017,” Ellis said. “It’s shaping up to be another great year. My team is passionate about real estate, and we expect to do even more business in 2018 and have fun along the way.”

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Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty Funds New Home for Haitian Family

by Ellis Sotheby's International Realty 0 Comments

It’s move in day for the Dieunetre Family from New Story on Vimeo.

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty, which recently raised over $6,000 to build a hurricane-resistant house for a family in Labodrie, Haiti, today announced that construction is complete and the family has moved into its new home.

Construction was completed within six months through the luxury brokerage firm’s partnership with New Story, a nonprofit that works to transform dangerous living environments into communities of safe, sustainable homes. All of the funds raised by Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty donors, including associates and agents who contributed donations from their home-sale closings, went toward the building of the new home.

“Every dollar raised went directly to fund the construction of a concrete, sustainable home for a family in Haiti,” said Richard Ellis, owner of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty. “With a living area, two bedrooms, kitchen, access to clean water and an outdoor latrine, they finally have the space and sanitary conditions to focus their energy on building their lives rather than struggling to survive. We sincerely thank everyone who, through their generous donations, helped us achieve our goal to change a family’s life.”

New Story Family 1-2018

The home was built utilizing local labor and locally sourced construction materials to help provide jobs and economic stability for the community. According to New Story, the majority of families in Labodrie live in unsafe, makeshift homes without access to latrines. Many of these homes are at risk of collapsing and have no space for personal belongings, causing the families living there to be separated from their children for safety concerns. Once funded, the New Story homes are typically built within six months and have three rooms, basic sanitation, a porch and garden.

The Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty team, which also supports arts education in local schools through a partnership with the Edward Hopper House in Nyack, felt compelled to reach beyond the local community to “help Haitian families who lack basic human needs,” Ellis said.

“We applaud the Sotheby’s International Realty brand for identifying this charity,” he said. “It really struck a chord with our entire team, and we thank all of our agents, clients and friends for joining us on this journey.”

New Story, a 501c3 nonprofit based in San Francisco, has funded more than 1,200 homes in seven communities around the developing world since its start two years ago. Anyone can make a donation to New Story by visiting the www.newstorycharity.org.

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Lower Hudson Valley Holiday Gift Guide 2017

by Ellis Sotheby's International Realty 0 Comments

The holiday season is officially in full swing with a flurry of holiday parties, meal planning, and of course shopping for holiday gifts. Sometimes the best gifts are those of thoughtfulness and purpose. Here is our holiday gift guide to the Lower Hudson Valley.

sothebys wine

Sotheby’s Wine

Sotheby’s offers a pristine collection of handpicked wine sourced from impeccable locations around the globe. Shop online or at their retail store located in Sotheby’s iconic New York headquarters at 72nd Street and York Avenue in Manhattan.

SHOP >>

 

glenmere

Glenmere Mansion Hotel & Spa

As part of the Northeast’s Relais & Chateaux collection of properties, Glenmere Mansion Hotel & Spa is a Glided Age retreat deep in the rolling farmlands of the Lower Hudson Valley. The magnificent 150-acre estate, which played host to numerous of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty holiday parties, offers restaurant, hotel and spa gift certificates.

LEARN MORE >>

 

x

Restaurant X

Located in North Rockland County, Restaurant X is the creation of renowned chef Peter X. Kelly. The New American-style restaurant is located in a charming country house and is known for its creative menu and Sunday champagne brunch. Give the gift of a unique and delightful culinary experience with one of their signature gift card. LEARN MORE>>

 

invation

John Apollo Gallery

The John Apollo Gallery in Nyack offers works from established and emerging artists in a variety of styles. Explore the gallery or have a one-of-a-kind piece commissioned. LEARN MORE>>

 

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Edward Hopper House Donation

For the person who has everything, a charitable donation in their honor is a special and meaningful gift. While there are numerous worthy organizations, we are particularly found of work done at the Edward Hopper House in Nyack. Their mission is to nurture the local arts community and enrich art education in local schools. DONATE >>

 

Braided+palm

Piermont Straus

Discover unique gifts from pottery to original artwork and books that celebrate Peirmont, and for which are all curated by Laura Straus and her team. SHOP >>

 

hudon-river watercolor

Beverley Bozarth Watercolors

Beverly Bozarth, a local artist based in Nyack, creates scenic watercolors—many of which illustrate the Hudson River. Her favorite spot for painting is Peirmont pier. One of her paintings would be an exceptional gift that captures the beauty of the river. SHOP >>

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A Place to Gather: Holiday Inspired Kitchens and Dining Rooms

by Ellis Sotheby's International Realty 1 Comment

The holiday season is a time to come together with friends and family to give thanks and celebrate the season of joy. It’s in these small moments—lingering at the dining table after a holiday feast or collected around the kitchen island—that memories are made that will last a lifetime. During the holiday season, a home is transformed into a gathering place for love, laugher and cheer.

Explore our collection of homes with holiday-inspired kitchens and dining rooms.

1Gesner

1 Gesner Avenue, South Nyack

This c.1906 Dutch Colonial sits graciously on a slope, tucked and surrounded by lushness of trees. Expansive double, granite islands punctuate this oversized designer kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances and floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer breathtaking views of the Hudson River and beyond. The kitchen opens to a large great room with multiple vignettes making this home an ideal space for entertaining family and friends.

5TrinityPl

5 Trinity Place, Cornwall

Affectionately known as “Knoll Shoal,” this elegant six-bedroom residence was once home to Edwina Louise Lee and her sea captain husband William Appleby Robinson both of who were notable turn-of-the-century Cornwall residents. Original architectural details delight from end-to-end, punctuated by high ceilings, four fireplaces and oak hardwood floors. The updated, eat-in-kitchen and butler’s pantry is the heart of the home and perfectly situated for holiday gatherings all within 70 minutes to New York City.

1082US9W

1082 US HWY 9W, Upper Grandview

“River Hill”, a large, romantic Colonial Revival-style home, was built in 1911 and once was owned by a countess. Said to have been visited by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in a bygone era, the impeccably restored home features a grand entry hall with rotunda, paneled woodwork, chestnut beams and moldings, beveled glass pocket doors, three fireplaces, period built-in window seats and book shelves, inlay and stenciled floors, several dens with windows on three sides, climate controlled wine cellar, banquet size dining room, two room master suite and central air.

50woodsrd

50 Woods Road, Snedens Landing

Located on a discreet, private road that runs along the Palisades cliffs, this pristine renovated home features a large chef’s kitchen with high-end appliances, custom cabinetry and a wood burning fireplace. The beautiful, custom kitchen opens to a spacious living room making this home ideal for holiday entertaining.

64kudlowln

64 Ludlow Lane, Snedens Landing

Built in 1862, “Seven Oaks” is the oldest estate property in Snedens Landing. Known for its romantic style and bucolic setting, this Gothic Revival home features high ceilings, decorative moldings, panel doors, oversized windows and an elegant, banquet size dining room with fireplace, which is ideal for holiday feasts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty Appoints Caryn Mallin Director of Marketing

by Ellis Sotheby's International Realty 1 Comment

Caryn_Mallin H&SEllis Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that Caryn Mallin has joined the firm as director of marketing, responsible for the luxury real estate brokerage firm’s overall strategic branding and marketing activities.

A New York native and resident of Armonk, New York, Mallin brings over 10 years of real estate and marketing experience to her role. She previously held positions as director of marketing at Citi Habitats, a residential brokerage firm, and director of marketing at Royal Abstract, a title insurance agency, both based in New York City.

“This newly created role is designed to enhance and expand the marketing opportunities for Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty and support and guide our sales associates in developing and growing their business,” said Nancy Bashian Bunin, Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty director of business development and a licensed real estate broker in New York and New Jersey. “Caryn will create and execute marketing strategies and implement strategic brand positioning to further differentiate the brand in a visually compelling way.”

Mallin, who earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, worked in several creative industries that honed her marketing and strategy skills prior to establishing herself in real estate.

“My experiences in media, entertainment and event spaces have provided me the opportunity to think outside the box when it comes to traditional real estate marketing strategies,” said Mallin. “I look forward to raising awareness for Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand through various marketing and tactical strategies. Working with our salespeople and staff to embrace new platforms will help to drive leads and increase sales.”

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Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty Welcomes Jessica Glielmi to its Team

by Ellis Sotheby's International Realty 0 Comments

Jessica GlielmiEllis Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that Jessica Glielmi has joined the luxury brokerage firm as a licensed real estate salesperson.

A New York native and resident of Rockland County, Glielmi previously held sales, marketing and event positions at Harley Construction Management Corp. and High Exposure Climbing, both in Northvale, New Jersey. She interned at Cumulus Media, a leader in the radio broadcasting industry in New York. Prior to that, she honed her entrepreneurial skills as owner of North of Manhattan Co., an online clothing store she founded in 2015.

“Jessica brings a strong sense of discipline, passion and genuine commitment for customer satisfaction to her real estate career,” said Nancy Bashian Bunin, Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty director of business development and a licensed real estate broker in New York and New Jersey. “Jessica is often commended for her positive energy and her ability to connect with virtually anyone she encounters. We are delighted to welcome her to our growing team.”

Glielmi graduated from Dominican College of Blauvelt in New York with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

“Pairing clients with their perfect home and creating memorable experiences is my ideal job,” said Glielmi. “I bring to the table extensive knowledge of the local market area, an eye for design and an ability to connect with customers,” she said. “I am proud to be affiliated with Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty and the opportunities it affords my clients.”

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Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty and Edward Hopper House Raise $26,300 for Local Arts Education

by Ellis Sotheby's International Realty 0 Comments

ESIR-EHH Event L

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty and Edward Hopper House raised $26,300 during a recent event to benefit the Edward Hopper House’s interdisciplinary Arts Education Program, which engages over 500 local public school students in grades K-12.

The Oct. 14 benefit, now in its second year, drew approximately 140 attendees and surpassed the previous year in monies raised by nearly 25 percent.

Guest speakers included Eric Shiner, Sotheby’s senior vice president of contemporary art and a leading scholar on Andy Warhol and Asian contemporary art, who spoke about Edward Hopper’s influence on 20th century artists; and Jason Duchin, co-executive director of Bronx-based DreamYard, a nationally recognized community arts organization that has helped over 15,000 kids by using the arts, digital tools and social justice to transform students, schools and communities. A live auction during the event was conducted by Benjamin Levy, a special guest magician and mind reader, whose accomplishments include performing at the White House.

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Guests bid on several items, including the opportunity to attend a Nov. 12 brunch reception for 10 at Sotheby’s auction house in New York to preview priceless works of art during its Impressionist, Modern, Contemporary and American Art sale; a tour of the Whitney Museum of American Art with Farris Wahbeh, director of research resources; tickets to a concert performance by legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli at Madison Square Garden; and dinner for six at the Edward Hopper House prepared by Tappan-based Mimi’s Plate, with a curator tour of Sean Scully’s solo exhibition.

“I believe that art education builds community and instills confidence, especially in youth who may be insecure or bullied by their peers,” said Richard Ellis, owner of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty. “Art today is not just about paintings and other mediums, but a way to help us navigate in a more creative, out-of-the-box way, from how we create our reports, write our papers, to the way we dress.  It’s been said that the MFA is the new MBA − I believe it!”

Attendees also heard from three local art students who spoke about their work and what art programs have meant in their lives. “One of the most touching moments was hearing local high school students speak about how art classes helped build confidence, friendships and self-esteem,” said Ellis. “This truly reinforces the importance of our mission. I am delighted that we raised about 25 percent more funds at our second annual fundraiser with Edward Hopper House, and I can’t wait for next year’s event, where we hope to raise even more money to benefit art education in public schools.”

The Arts Education Program initially was funded in 2016 with proceeds from a fundraiser sponsored by Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty to benefit Nyack Public Schools, Nanuet School District, Clarkstown Schools, East Ramapo Schools and Sleepy Hollow School District.

“Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty’s generosity has allowed the Edward Hopper House to create and sustain a powerful arts education program,” said Jennifer Patton EdD, executive director of Edward Hopper House. “Touching the lives and supporting the creativity of over 500 students each year has been made possible by this fun and exciting cause auction, not to mention the pleasure of gathering 150 supportive patrons in a beautiful estate overlooking the Hudson!

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“Our teen program stole the show that evening, sharing their powerful experience at Edward Hopper House with the audience. One teen even said, “That man is paying to have a catered dinner in Edward Hopper’s House? Wow, I get to spend every day there for free!”

The program’s curriculum is focused on the recurrent themes and distinctive aesthetics of Edward Hopper’s work and its place in American art. Led by an artist-in-residence at the school, each program session includes a pre-lesson in the classroom, a visit to the Edward Hopper House and a post-lesson in the classroom to strengthen student understanding.

According to Nancy Bashian Bunin, Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty director of business development and a licensed real estate broker in New York and New Jersey, additional sponsorships this year are being provided by the Nyack Teachers Association and Festoon, with funds allocated to school partnerships already earmarked from Orange and Rockland. Bunin also serves Edward Hopper House as a trustee.

“This event single-handedly has enabled us to start thriving arts education partnerships in Nyack and the surrounding public schools,” said Bunin. “We are so grateful for everyone’s support as we collectively continue to meet the needs of classrooms and art teachers, integrating art to create interdisciplinary curriculum.”

The fundraiser was held at Glen Iris on the Hudson River, former home of New York Supreme Court Judge Arthur S. Tompkins. The 8,200 square-foot, turn-of-the-century mansion overlooking the Hudson River in Upper Nyack is currently listed for sale by Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty for $3.395 million.

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Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty and Edward Hopper House to Host Fundraiser to Benefit Local Arts Education

by Ellis Sotheby's International Realty 0 Comments
glen iris

Glen Iris on the Hudson River

Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty will sponsor a benefit for Edward Hopper House’s Arts Education Program for Public School on Oct. 14 at the magnificent Glen Iris on the Hudson River estate to benefit the Edward Hopper House’s interdisciplinary Arts Education Program, which engages nearly 500 local students in grades K-12.

The program’s curriculum is focused on the recurrent themes and distinctive aesthetics of Edward Hopper’s work and its place in American art. Led by an artist-in-residence at the school, each program session includes a pre-lesson in the classroom, a visit to the Edward Hopper House and a post-lesson in the classroom to strengthen student understanding.

The Arts Education Program initially was funded in 2016 with proceeds from a fundraiser sponsored by Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty that benefited Nyack Public Schools, Nanuet School District, Clarkstown Schools, East Ramapo Schools and Sleepy Hollow School District.

Richard Ellis, owner of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty, said he believes in the importance of art education, “for both the emotional and educational information it can provide young adults, and for its influence on the way they appreciate not only art, but anything aesthetic for the rest of their lives.

“There have been too many budget cuts in our public schools that prohibit a student experiencing art education. As the culture of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty is built around the Sotheby’s Auction House, which showcases objects and art of exceptional quality and trends, leading this event is a natural fit for us.”

Participating schools have found the program to be a great success. Kelly Quartironi, a teacher at A. MacArthur Barr Middle School in Nanuet said, “This curriculum is so accessible and relevant. Looking at murals by Romare Beardon and paintings by Edward Hopper of community has given our students an opportunity to look at their own community through the artists’ lenses, and now they use the elements of art to reflect on their own lives.”

image012According to Nancy Bashian Bunin, Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty director of business development and a licensed real estate broker in New York and New Jersey, additional sponsorships this year are being provided by the Nyack Teachers Association and Festoon, with funds allocated to school partnerships already earmarked from Orange and Rockland. Bunin also serves Edward Hopper House as a trustee.

The event will feature Eric Shiner, Sotheby’s senior vice president of contemporary art and a leading scholar on Andy Warhol and Asian contemporary art, and Jason Duchin, co-executive director of DreamYard, a nationally recognized community arts organization that uses the arts, digital tools and social justice to transform students, schools and communities.

A live auction during the event will be conducted by Benjamin Levy, a special guest magician and mind reader, whose accomplishments include performing at the White House. Auction items will include admission to the Preview & Brunch at Sotheby’s Auction House for Impressionist, Modern, Contemporary and American Art sale; a tour of the Whitney Museum of American Art with Farris Wahbeh, director of research resources; tickets to a concert performance by legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli at Madison Square Garden; and dinner for six at the Edward Hopper House prepared by Tappan-based Mimi’s Plate, with a curator tour of Sean Scully’s solo exhibition.

The fundraiser venue, Glen Iris on the Hudson River, was the home of New York Supreme Court Judge Arthur S. Tompkins. The 8,200 square-foot, turn-of-the-century mansion overlooking the Hudson River in Upper Nyack is listed for sale by Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty for $3.39 million.

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Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty Welcomes Nancy Clucas

by Ellis Sotheby's International Realty 0 Comments

Nancy Clucas 9-18-2017Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that Nancy Clucas, a Rockland County native and Palisades resident, has joined the firm as an associate broker.

Clucas brings over 30 years of real estate marketing and sales experience to her role. She is a 15-year board member of Camp Venture, a not-for-profit provider of family-like care and services to children and adults with developmental disabilities in Rockland County. She also is a member of the National Association of Realtors and the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors and its multiple listing service.

“Nancy brings three decades of in-depth real estate expertise to her role,” said Richard Ellis, owner of Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty. “She is committed to excellence, outstanding client service and the personal conviction that the Lower Hudson Valley, rich in its history and natural beauty, is the perfect place to reside.  She has built her profession on integrity, loyalty and the keen insider knowledge of a lifelong resident.”

Clucas grew up in the Hudson riverfront village of Piermont. Her family made Rockland County its home for seven generations. The DeWint House in Tappan, once owned by family members, now is a museum. It is the oldest surviving structure in Rockland County and was George Washington’s temporary headquarters.

Prior to establishing her career in real estate, Clucas worked in business and insurance, both of which focused on clients’ needs, giving her the advantage required to provide a seamless transaction for her clients.

“I am passionate about the Hudson Valley and dedicated to clients’ individual needs to ensure their goals are being met,” said Clucas. “I bring to Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and personal knowledge of the area. I look forward to serving my clients and to providing memorable customer experiences.”

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