The Walkway Over The Hudson is a story of a community that came together to rescue a landmark bridge.  The old Poughkeepsie - Highland Railroad Bridge was abandoned after a fire in 1974.  It sat for decades deteriorating because it was too expensive to tear down.  On October 3rd, 2009 the restored bridge was finally opened to the public.  Take the walk and you will see how obvious it is that this river community is so very proud of our new Walkway Over The Hudson, but be sure to bring your sneakers - it's 3 miles to walk from one end to the other and back (1.5 miles each way).

For a better glimpse of the bridge on fire in 1974 click on this link: http://www.catskillarchive.com/rrextra/pbpj743.Html 

I visited the Walkway Over The Hudson a few weeks ago and had the chance to experience the beauty of the Hudson Valley during the prime time for fall foliage - while standing directly above the Hudson River.  I am pleased to be able to share my photos below. 

This recycled 120-year-old Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge is now considered to be the world's longest pedestrian bridge. 

Fred Schaefer is a local Poughkeepsie real estate attorney who I have had the pleasure of working with during my real estate career.  I remember a few years back there had been a couple of different functions within the same month where Fred approached me and several other real estate agents - he couldn't stop talking so enthusiastically about the development of the bridge.  Funny, I just could not see it coming together like it did - and, now today it is just as he had described. Yes, at that time I had my doubts.  Fred offered to take us up to the bridge for a sneak preview - I had concerns about the structural integrity and graciously declined.  No way was I going to go up there on that old relic!  I was convinced the deteriorating bridge would crumble and I would fall to my death! 

Fred continued to pursue his vision and successfully spearheaded this project which has even been featured by the NY Times.  http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/25/nyregion/25metjournal.html What a wonderful legacy! 

For more information about The Walkway Over The Hudson and for frequently asked questions click on the link below: http://walkway.org/

For more information about the history of the bridge click on this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poughkeepsie_Bridge 

This is the view of Poughkeepsie from the Highland side of The Walkway On The Hudson (1.5 miles away)

 This is the view of the Mid-Hudson Bridge from the Pedestrian bridge ,a.k.a. The Walkway on The Hudson

Poughkeepsie (pronounced /pəˈkɪpsiː/) is one of the original towns of Dutchess County. The county's first house was erected here by Peter Pieterson Lassen in 1688, where its footprint can be observed in Bowdoin Park. Poughkeepsie, founded in 1687, lies on the east side of the Hudson River, halfway between New York City and Albany. Poughkeepsie has a number of notable institutions for arts and entertainment and is the home of two state-of-the-art hospitals, St. Francis and Vassar Brothers, both with heliport facilities.

Vassar College

Distance to New York City: 81 Miles
Metro-North Commute to Grand Centra: From Poughkeepsie Station - 107 minutes
Area: 31.2 square miles

Home Sales Statistics

Source: Westchester Putnam Multiple Listing Service, single family homes, for the calendar year ending December 31st

RELOCATING?  CALL CAROL 227-4400 ext. 358 

Carol Culkin, ABR, SRES, Associate Broker for Houlihan Lawrence, is your source for real estate in Dutchess County. Carol is an award winning residential specialist and has been a Dutchess County top Realtor since 2002. If you are looking for a real estate agent who will be your advocate while providing you top priority service, call Carol today at 845-227-4400 x358 or on her cell phone at 845-430-6543.  http://www.dutchesshomefinder.com/ 

Are you considering a move to Dutchess County?  Are you wondering where you might want to live?  If you are new to this area or just visiting, please take a few minutes to browse the links below for information specific to each Dutchess County town.  You'll see that each community has its own uniqueness.

Dutchess County is  located in the beautiful Hudson Valley region of New York and is conveniently situated between Albany and New York City. The area continues to attract businesses and new residents.

Many residents commute to jobs in Westchester County, Connecticut or Manhattan because Dutchess offers more affordable housing than in other suburbs closer to New York City. Commuting to points south is made easy via I-84, the Taconic Parkway, I-87 and Metro North commuter trains.  

Amenia   
Beacon
Beekman
Clinton
Dover
East Fishkill
Fishkill  Town Tour >>
Hyde Park
La Grange
Milan
Millbrook
Northeast
Pawling
Pine Plains
Pleasant Valley
Poughkeepsie (City)
Poughkeepsie (Town)
Red Hook (Town)
Red Hook (Village)
Rhinebeck (Town)
Rhinebeck (Village)
Stanford
Tivoli
Union Vale
Wappingers Falls (Town)
Wappingers Falls (Village)
Washington  

There is a diverse assortment of activities for the whole family to enjoy. The cultural life and educational institutions enrich the lives of young adults, older adults and businesses. You can find whatever you are looking for here in Dutchess County!

Go ahead and compare Dutchess County real estate prices to home prices in nearby counties. You'll find Dutchess County more affordable!  Doesn't being able to purchase the most home for your money equate to a better lifestyle?  After all, your not just buying a home, you're buying a lifestyle! 

Thinking about moving to the Dutchess County area? Call Carol Culkin at 845-227-4400 ext. 358.  

RELOCATING?  CALL CAROL 227-4400 ext. 358

Carol Culkin, ABR, SRES, Associate Broker for Houlihan Lawrence, is your source for real estate in Dutchess County. Carol is an award winning residential specialist and has been a Dutchess County top Realtor since 2002. If you are looking for a real estate agent who will be your advocate while providing you top priority service, call Carol today at 845-227-4400 x358 or on her cell phone at 845-430-6543.  http://www.dutchesshomefinder.com/

RELOCATING?  CALL CAROL 227-4400 ext. 358

Think it's a buyer's market in Dutchess County?  Think again.  Here's the latest news from The Mid-Hudson Multiple Listing Service.  The last numbers released show that purchase offers are up 27% from this time last year.  The average number of days on the market is down by 7 days from March 2008.  This is another subtle indicator that the local market is picking up.

Buyers who have been waiting might now be finding themselves very disappointed.  While prices have fallen considerably and interest rates are at an all time low, the market has started to shift a little and some agents are even reporting multiple offers on their listings.  On Friday, my firm's affiliated mortgage consultant emailed all the agents in my office to let us know that the rates went up .25% towards the end of last week.

With the $8000 federal housing tax credit which provides an outstanding opportunity for first time buyers, the inventory is suddenly moving at a faster pace in the below 300k price ranges.  First time buyers who have waited until now to shop are suddenly finding themselves competing with other buyers.  And, many buyers who thought they would have the upper hand in negotiating are finding out differently.

Last week a buyer client of mine lost out in a bidding war.  There can only be one buyer for every house. 

Of course this is good news for sellers in the below 300K price range.  First time buyers seem to be out in force right now.  The focus for many seems to be to close escrow before the end of November deadline to take advantage of the tax incentive.  However, the high-end market still remains stagnant with a smaller pool of buyers who qualify or an increasing number of people who are apprehensive to over-extend. 

In Dutchess County the median Selling Price for March 2009 was $252,000.  This is the price point that is driving the local market. 

The home on the left sold through my firm in March for $252,000 and so this is an example of what a home sale at the median selling price looks like.

Buyers:  Don't wait any longer to start shopping, and be sure to understand that you might need to be competitive.  Not every property you see will be negotiable, especially if there is more than one interested buyer.    

For more information regarding the first time buyer tax incentive, click on the link below the picture. 

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/glance.php              

Many wanabee first time home buyers in Dutchess County might be waiting until the end of the year to purchase a home because they think they will take advantage of the first time home buyers tax credit.  Think again!  A buyer has to close on a house BEFORE November 30th, 2009 to be eligible for the $8000 credit.

Take into consideration that once a property has been identified, it takes an average of 60 days to close on a house.  So, now you think you have until the end of September to find a house?  Right?  Think again.

Many of the houses that are for sale NOW in my local market are actually in pre-foreclosure status, which means the final decision is up to the bank, long after the current home owner agrees to a price (and long after contracts have been signed).  These purchases can take twice or three times as long.    

So, now you think you have until the end of May to find a house?  Right? Think again.  Don't you want time to look at properties first and feel educated about the local market before you just rush into making offers?  Personally, I don't like to see people rush into making decisions they could regret.  

The time is now.  Those who wait will be competing with all the other buyers who procrastinated, and with everybody competing against one another, there will probably be bidding wars.  A bidding war leads to a price INCREASE.  So, if your plan is to wait. DON'T.  The time to act is now!

Just last week, a buyer I have been working with lost his opportunity on a great property at a great price - to another buyer.  The market is heating up.  Some buyers don't belive it.    

There may not be a better time to buy a house than NOW!

Buyers....come out, come out - wherever you are!

One Level Living

• 1,600 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm single story "Ranch" - MLS® $280,000 - Great Starter Home

Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County  -  Best of both worlds! This ranch home offers total privacy with the comfort of a neighborhood setting. Situated on a secluded & tranquil .87 acre lot, surrounded by a lush landscape. Updated kitchen & bath, hardwood floors, brick fireplace, beamed ceilings, ultra large picture window overlooks deck & natural outdoor setting, central air, new furnace, *heated* driveway. RT 9 conveniences nearby. This gorgeous setting is a nature lover's dream.

Property information