10 W Pershing Ave

• MLS# 2183498 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $395,000 – 9/22/2009
• Prior Sales: none
• 2 bedrooms – 1 bath – Cape
• Taxes: $6,221 – Village Taxes: N/A

A boat-lover’s special, for sure. This is a tiny tiny house with a place to keep your boat. Not much to say here except that it’s a bit hard to square the price for this with what 109 Lighthouse went for.

19 Nehring Ave

• MLS# 2184651 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $315,000 – 9/23/2009
• Prior Sales: none
• 3 bedrooms – 1 bath – Ranch
• Taxes: $5,480 – Village Taxes: $636

I wrote about this one back in May. You can my original report here.

As I said then, this house was a tempting proposition. Yes, it’s a small house, but it’s nicely put together and very livable. Plus, with the price and the taxes so low, you could really afford to either finish the basement and get more space there or even dormer out a partial second floor if you were so inclined.

199 Frederick Ave

• MLS# 2197066 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $375,000 – 9/30/2009
• Prior Sales: none
• 3 bedrooms – 1 bath – Ranch
• Taxes: $9,367 – Village Taxes: $538

We went to an open house here, back in August I think. It was a warm, summer day and the big in-ground pool was just so inviting. I was tempted to make an offer right then and there. This was one of the homes that I didn’t write about here on the blog because we were making contemplating an offer.

What struck me most about this house is that it seemed to be set up for entertaining, big pool out back, covered patio area, bar in the finished basement. I liked this house a lot, but Debra thought it was a bit too small and needed too much work.

This middle section of three homes doesn’t interest me much, so my commentary will be brief to nonexistent. As always, feel free to leave your impressions in the comment section.

15 Salt Meadow Rd

• MLS# 2180392 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $985,000 – 9/10/2009
• Prior Sales: none
• 3 bedrooms – 3.5 bath – Condo
• Taxes: $15,906 – Village Taxes: $1,732

Another one of these Salt Meadow condos. This one goes for just under a million dollars. I could think of a lot of homes in Babylon Village that I’d rather have for that money, but that is one awesome view to be sure.

109 Lighthouse Rd

• MLS# 2192495 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $517,000 – Sold Date: 9/11/2009
• Prior Sales: none
• 4 bedrooms – 2 bath – Farm Ranch
• Taxes: $12,461 – Village Taxes: $1,242

This one looks like a suspiciously good deal. It’s a big farm ranch on a big piece of property right on the canal. No pictures of the inside, so maybe that’s a clue.

40 George St

• MLS# 2157315 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $440,000 – Sold Date: 9/18/2009
• Prior Sales:
     11/12/2004 – $510,000
• 4 bedrooms – 3 bath – Colonial
• Taxes: $8,687 – Village Taxes: $801

This one is right next my former dream home at 44 George. It was on an off the market for years and I was wondering if it might fall into my price range.

In the end, no it didn’t. But $440K is still a pretty big haircut from its 2004 price of $510K

There were some questions about these on some other posts, so I figured I’d share what I know, which isn’t much.

They’re making some nice progress. I see them every day on my way to work. Georgia Westcott is listing them and she’s got a website up with more info.

The site lists the prices as starting as $559K, but there’s no floor plans or model descriptions. I’m not sure if there’s more than one model. The site is a little unclear on the subject.

I assume these are going to be very high-end on the inside, but $559K seems like a lot for an attached townhouse with a scenic view of the Babylon train station.

From my attorney this morning

I was just informed that the bank has pulled the file for re-review of the appraisal. Apparently the area in which the house is located is deemed a “declining market area” and the bank has asked the appraiser to provide 2 recent comparables to which he must conduct a field review, site inspection and photo inspection, all of which is being conducted today. The appraisal was conducted well over 6 weeks ago. The bank has had the file for too long and is now re-reviewing as a direct result of the numerous delays in getting the fully executed contract…and the scheduling of a closing. We are fortunate that they have not asked for an entire new appraisal and are just requesting updated comparables.

The market has caused banks to be overcautious of their files and this is one of the many results.

The should hopefully be cleared up by Monday and we could still be able to close next week if things fall right.

I’ve already extended my lease into February. Assuming we close soon, that will give us time to get the floors refinished, clean and paint before we move in.

I don’t have a lot to say about most of these. If you have some information, feel free to share it with the group.

32 Howard St

• MLS# 2093191 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $580,000 – 9/1/2009
• Prior Sales:
     10/12/2001 – $226,000
• 3 bedrooms – 2 bath – Victorian
• Taxes: $9,601 – Village Taxes: $816

This one is out of my wheelhouse and so we didn’t give it any consideration. It’s a pretty big house for a three bedroom and the listing mentioned a finished basement, which is nice.

18 Annuskemunnica Rd

• MLS# 2157859 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $510,000 – Sold Date: 9/3/2009
• Prior Sales:
     12/10/2002 – $385,000
• 3 bedrooms – 2 bath – Ranch
• Taxes: $8,842 – Village Taxes: $600

Not much information here. Not even a picture. This is a biggish ranch house with big piece of property and its backyard on the canal and what looks like an actual boat slip. The original listing had no interior pictures, which probably explains why it went for only $510K.

195 Livingston Ave

• MLS# *1050073 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $345,000 – Sold Date: 9/4/2009
• Prior Sales: none
• 2 bedrooms – 1.5 bath – Cape
• Taxes: $8,528 – Village Taxes: $552

We called on this one, but passed when the Realtor told us it was only a two bedroom. it was an exclusive, so we didn’t see it on MLS, just noticed it as we were driving around.

It looks pretty big for a two bedroom, so maybe we should have gone in and had a peek.

2 Edward Ave

• MLS# 2185361 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $405,000 – Sold Date: 9/10/2009
• Prior Sales:
     02/25/2003 – $280,000
• 3 bedrooms – 2 bath – Cape
• Taxes: $7,431 – Village Taxes: $762

We saw this one back in May. You can read Debra’s take on the place here.

In fact, we got so excited when this house came on the market that we called the Realtor straightaway to get an early peek at it. The house has a lot of nice touches and has been well renovated without being overdone. Unfortunately the house was just way too small to suit us.

I’m a little surprised that the house went for this much, pretty much full ask, since it is so small. I guess the house’s charm outweighed its size.

A Little Alfredo With That Listing?

A mention of Winkler Real Estate

In the interest of keeping his clients happy, after a ranch house he listed was inspected, Ed Schmid, an agent with Winkler Real Estate in West Islip, climbed a tree and cut off a limb that was hanging over the house. He put a fresh seal coat on the driveway, after asking the homeowner to buy the supplies. He often shovels snow for his clients.

“Instead of telling somebody to hire someone,” Mr. Schmid said, “I take care of it for them. It keeps them loyal to me.”

And one for Century 21 American Homes in Babylon Village.

Mary Adams, a managing partner at Century 21 American Homes in Babylon Village, said her agents had been doing garage sales at no cost to clients; getting furnaces fixed; mowing lawns; or picking up the cost of a lawn-care service.

While parents shop for real estate, one agent serves as a baby sitter and another shows homes. Once a home sells, agents take elderly homeowners shopping for boxes and moving supplies and help them pack.

“There is the psychological end of all of this, pretty much holding their hand through everything,” Ms. Adams said. “Years ago, it was more about the real estate, about, ‘Here are the homes, choose one.’ ”

44 George St

• MLS# 2162510 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $395,000 – 8/26/2009
• Prior Sales: none
• 3 bedrooms – 1 bath – Cape
• Taxes: $7,326 – Village Taxes: $806

Oh, 44 George, how I lusted after you for years. I first wrote about this house over two years ago back in June of 2007. It was one of the very first houses I talked about here on HIB. Back then they were asking $499K for this place. I thought that was crazy talk and I still think $395K is a bit much for this smallish house on a busy street with one tiny bathroom.

That being said, this is a great-looking house and we strongly considered it several times. Of all the homes we saw early on, it was far and away the one we liked best.

78 Wampum Rd

• MLS# 2184880 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $455,000 – 8/28/2009
• Prior Sales: none
• 3 bedrooms – 1 bath – Ranch
• Taxes: $11,684 – Village Taxes: $1,059

This one I saw back in May. At that time the ask was a half million dollars. Between that and the crazy high taxes I give the place a pass, but, as commenter Metroproletarian pointed out, this is a house with a ton of options. A solidly built house with a big attic and a nicely finished basement on large a piece of property leaves open a lot of possibilities for someone with creativity…and a nice bankroll.

12 Harbour Rd

• MLS# 2155918 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $500,000 – 8/28/2009
• Prior Sales: none
• 3 bedrooms – 2 bath – Ranch
• Taxes: $12,272 – Village Taxes: $1,348

Hmm…a nice house on a pretty big piece of land south of Montauk. You have to wonder why iti didn’t go for more.

67 Lee Ave

• MLS# 2160100 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $450,000 – 8/31/2009
• Prior Sales: 05/07/2004 – $405,000
• 4 bedrooms – 3 bath – Ranch
• Taxes: $10,320 – Village Taxes: $1,027

I’m not sure what this blog is going to become as things change for me and my family. But I expect that I’ll still do these Sold Homes posts. In the two and a half years that I’ve been writing, I’ve developed more that a little taste for this real estate thing.

34 W Jackson Ave

• MLS# 2164760 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $550,000 – 8/13/2009
• Prior Sales: none
• 3 bedrooms – 3 bath – Split
• Taxes: $12,281 – Village Taxes: none

A nice, big, three bed, three bath split with an updated kitchen right on the canal for $550K? Hard to say, but this looks like a tremendous deal.

50 Cadman Ave

• MLS# 2180638 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $459,000 – 8/18/2009
• Prior Sales: none
• 3 bedrooms – 2 bath – Cape
• Taxes: $9,284 – Village Taxes: $1,033

We went to visit this one back in may. You can read the original house report here. There was a pretty contentious argument in the comment section of this post, so it’s worth reading just for that.

This still seems like a lot of money for this house.

19 Whalers Cove

• MLS# 2148684 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $317,500 – 8/18/2009
• Prior Sales: none
• 2 bedrooms – 1,5 bath – Condo
• Taxes: $3,655 – Village Taxes: $541

We’re slipping under $320K now for the two-bed Whalers Cove condos. This one says it was recently updated, but it doesn’t look like they spent a huge amount of money.

163 Sumpwams Ave

• MLS# 2158658 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $612,500 – 8/25/2009
• Prior Sales: none
• 4 bedrooms – 2.5 bath – Colonial
• Taxes: $12,281 – Village Taxes: $1,279

There’s only one thing to say about this listing. Why don’t I make more money?

In the meantime, there were 13 homes sold in Babylon in August 2009 according to MLSLI.com. As I did last month, I’ll be splitting this into three separate posts so the individual homes won’t get lost in the mix.

Here are the first five. I didn’t personally see any of them, so my commentary is of dubious value at best. Feel free to click on the comments link and add your two cents.

138 Shore Rd

• MLS# 2128976 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $527,500 – 8/4/2009
• Prior Sales: none
• 3 bedrooms – 2 bath – Cape
• Taxes: $9,844 – Village Taxes: $985

We didn’t see this one, but it’s a nice-looking house, well finished inside with a nice, new kitchen. All that plus a water view. Looks like good deal to me.

539 Gwynn St

• MLS# 2173108 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $350,000 – 8/4/2009
• Prior Sales: none
• 4 bedrooms – 2 bath – Cape
• Taxes: $9,360 – Village Taxes: $853

Debra visited this one back in April. You can read her report here. All in all, probably not a bad price at all for a decent-sized house like this on a relatively big piece of property, even one that needs a bunch of work.

267 Fire Island Ave

• MLS# 2167483 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $400,000 – 8/4/2009
• Prior Sales: none
• 4 bedrooms – 1 bath – Cape
• Taxes: $7,919 – Village Taxes: $857

This one kind of came and went. There were some comments on it back and forth on some older posts.

59 Whalers Cove

• MLS# 2181684 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $320,000 – 8/12/2009
• Prior Sales: none
• 2 bedrooms – 1.5 bath – Condo
• Taxes: $3,654 – Village Taxes: $???

One of two Whalers Cove condos sold this month. $320K seems to be the price point now.

23 Cockonoe Ave

• MLS# 2181942 – Zillow Page
• Sold: $585,000 – 8/13/2009
• Prior Sales: 07/24/2006 – $482,500
• 3 bedrooms – 2 bath – Colonial
• Taxes: $7,425 – Village Taxes: $565

Is it just me, or does this seem like a lot of money for a nice 3 bed, two bath ranch colonial? Taxes are way low and the lot is not especially big. Did anyone see this?

I held this one back a bit because I thought it might be a possibility for us, but in the end it’s really just too small to be practical for our family.

48 Litchfield Ave

• MLS# 2230603 – Zillow Page
• Ask $369,000
• 3 bedrooms – 1.5 bath
• Previous Sales: 04/13/2005 – $377,000
• Taxes: $6,335 – Village Taxes: $600.24

This is a charming little colonial, with a big emphasis on little. The owner was there and gave us the nickel tour, pointing out the work he’d done to the place over the last four years. He’s an electrician and when he mentioned that he had wired the entire place with CAT6 network cable, the computer geek in me was ready to buy the place on the spot.

Upstairs are three pretty small bedrooms and the the recently updated full bath. Downstairs is a small living room, a modest dining room and kitchen as well as the half bath. The kitchen has not been updated and while it’s not ancient, it certainly wants an upgrade.

The house sits on a somewhat busy corner. Like most corner lots, you lose a measure of useful yard, although the enire property is fenced in, which helps mitigate that some. The detached garage and driveway are actually located at the back of the yard and turned 90 degrees to face Cameron Ave. This setup allows a good deal more usable yard, but could be problematic for lugging groceries and such to and from the house.

The basement is small and cramped. Usable really only for the laundry area and storage.