As this new year of hope in 2010 begins, I cannot help but address the issue of homelessness in domestic animals. The housing crisis of the past three years has left many homeowners in the difficult position of either losing their house or having to change their living standard to reflect their reduced budget. Dogs, cats and cherished family pets that are truly members of that unit became victims of the dire situation many found themselves facing.

As a Realtor in Westchester County I feverishly work and research which rental properties accept pets and specifically dogs. Man’s best friend gets the short end of the stick every time unless there is a more conscious effort to change the by-laws and hearts of landlords. Co-op boards are beginning to make exceptions in some complexes and new pet-friendly buildings are sought out by animal lovers.

Please check out Pet Rescue in Westchester as this loving and wonderful group of volunteers works to find homes for abandoned and surrendered pets. The New Rochelle Humane society also is an area leader in protecting the lives of animals. It is never too early to introduce respect and love of animals to children, so please visit also BestFriendsNextGen.org to inspire and educate kids in their local community.

Thankfully, many homeowners and pet-owners continue their lives as before, enjoying the benefits and values of caring for a pet. Please remember me as your pet-riendly Realtor when looking for a house in Westchester!

Posted By: Jan Vinikoor

As a resident of Harrison living in the Sunnyridge neighborhood for thirty-five years, I have earned the nick-name “The Mayor of Sunnyridge.”

My career as a realtor for the last twenty-five years has enabled me to list and sell many of the homes I live amongst. My daily walks with my trusty beagles has given me an imtimate view and relationship with this area. Sunnyridge embodies all the suburban characteristics and flavor home buyers seek. Mature trees, distinctive landscaping and unique houses comprise the network of streets called “Sunnyridge Farm” by name. Going back to 1853, this 165-acre farm was purchased by Josiah Macy, a retired sea captain who fell in love with the rural scene and built his own house on North street Harrison. Josiah claims he could see all the way to Long Island Sound from his home’s site. Years later, the farm was sub-divided and custom houses we’re built by local builders.

English tudors were built in the late 1920’s and 1930’s, shingled colonials in the 1940’s and over the years new home sites we’re created from tear downs. Since as recently as 2007, four new luxury colonials grace Sunnyridge Road and have found buyers in the $1,700,000 range. Today, as in years past, the convenience to Harrison’s train station, school and shops lure families who recognize the ease of this location. Walk-score.com rates streets for their walk-ability - take a look at how we fare! In the meantime, visit me at jvinikoor.houlihanlawrence.com to see many of the fantastic properties I represent.

Posted By: Jan Vinikoor

For the past 30 years Roy Alleti of 50 Parsons Street Harrison, NY has decorated and created a Christmas fantasy land for all. With a wiggle and a wave all of Santa’s helpers are crowded together on the front lawn of his 1970s split-level. Two wooden soldiers stand at attention on either side of the house proudly overseeing the sea of Christmas characters and a menagerie of animal personalities.

Roy’s labor of love year after year is best experienced with a visit to this landmark. Grown-ups and children alike marvel open eyed at the Santa, reindeer and sled full of toys atop the roof of the house. Thousands of green and red flickering lights compete for attention and light up the night sky. Over-sized snowman, holiday carolers, Snoopy and his dog house and assorted elves all fill the lawn and even spill over to the neighbor’s yard (his Aunt’s house)!

Join us in welcoming the Holiday spirit to Harrison by making an official pilgrimage to Roy’s Christmas Land. The large mailbox which greets you as you approach is waiting for your list: that is if you’ve been good this year!

It matters not what faith one celebrates but only that your heart and spirit of sharing are re-kindled HERE.

For additional Westchester Christmas light displays go to mapmuse.com.

Posted By: Jan Vinikoor

The mint condition five bedroom Tudor exudes a warmth and charm not often found in many of the “new houses” built today. It is characterized by its steep sloping roof, multi-paned windows (now all Pella windows) and practical arrangement of spacious rooms flowing one to another.

The popularity of this English born style became popular between the 1890s and 1940s in the United States. The Sunnyridge neighborhood in Harrison was sought after by a quality builder named H.S. Sonn who constructed ten such custom houses here in the late 1920s. The houses still posses the quaint charm of the English Country houses and they exhibited the best in American building too. There is an ease of living in and decorating these homes as well as manageable costs for heating and maintenance. Today’s buyer should be more focused on how they truly live in a house than just square footage and amenities alone. The exquisite renovations are in keeping with the original details and authenticity of this era yet capture the look and upscale selections seen in metropolitan house magazines. Walk-ability is also a dominant theme for buyers in the suburbs. Walkscore.com searches neighborhoods so they can see the convenience and proximity to town of this location. Please go to HoulihanLawrence.com and search MLS# 2918107 to preview this exciting and move-in condition property.

Posted By: Jan Vinikoor

Harrison’s Shining Heroine

It is impossible to pick up a newspaper or magazine without reading a review or biography of Amelia Earhart: the movie. Hilary Swank is brilliant as she recreates the energy and spirit of Amelia. Ahead of her time, she defied certain conventions and was a risk taker setting aviation records at every turn, and finally resulting in her disappearance in 1937.

Amelia’s life still resonates as women today try to balance their personal lives and the passions that drive them. Earhart discovered her love for flying quite early in life and then later fell in love with men who also drove her to new heights. Swank takes us along as she reenacts the solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. The publicity that followed her success made Amelia the equivalent of a modern day celebrity. She became fashion forward in her dress, posed and endorsed products as Tiger Woods does today. As a resident of Harrison for 35 years, I have often passed the monument erected in Harrison’s Town Park. In June of 1932, a parade honoring Earhart’s achievement was held. A bronze propeller mounted on a plaque was unveiled at the ceremony. Adding to the celebration was a military marching band and dinner at Westchester Country Club for invited guests. Amelia resided in Harrison, in a house bordering both the Harrison and Rye City town lines. She lived with her husband George Putnam, who dubbed her “Lady Lindy” and wrote the first of her memoirs from 355 Locust Avenue, Rye. One of the memorable lines spoken by Amelia in the film is “Only I can make a fulfilling life for myself, don’t let anyone turn you around.” The grace and the force of her words are ever more true today.

Posted By: Jan Vinikoor

My passion for the real estate business is remarkable but my love for dogs and walking in the great outdoors is what also fills my days. Fortunately, I can bring my devoted beagles on walks with me as we comb the neighborhood looking for new scents and the daily buzz of what is happening there. For the last 37 years, and with different dogs by my side, I have explored and enjoyed all the streets and neighborhoods within my range.

While I walk for exercise, fresh air and conversation I also find so much more of a connection to my neighbors and town by doing so.

We live in a society where residents hardly have time to spend with their own family let alone engage in the chit-chat of friendly banter that brings neighbors closer to being friends with each other. Walking with Nike and Zoe attracts the attention of children, Mom: is that a Snoopy dog - or Con Edison repairmen telling me about their hunting dogs upstate. I am able to walk briskly, smell the flowers, crunch the leaves, or linger awhile catching up with a friend. The Sunnyridge area is walkable to the Town of Harrison, train and schools therefore making it a wonderfully convenient and attractive place to live. Westchester’s cities and towns we’re developed to be a suburban extension of New York City. The grid-like neighborhoods in the Big Apple are replicated in the winding and hilly streets of the burbs. I have listings for houses that beg for buyers who treasure walking about. One not need a Newcomer’s Club after meeting first hand the faces in the neighborhood. Google Earth will show buyers the radius a house is in and how convenient it is to points of interest.

To me, good living and the quality of my days is marked by the connections I make and the relationships I build along the way. Even in dog years, I have a lot of time and many miles ahead!

Posted By: Jan Vinikoor

My new listing at 12 Indian Hill Road, West Harrison, amazed me the first time I saw it. Imagine having a place of your own to practice and enjoy the benefits of golf!

The legendary Arnold Palmer said,”It’s a funny thing..the more I practice, the luckier I get.” Sensible words and good advice for all. My homeowners created the Par 3 environment years ago, honing their skills at home gaining confidence and sharpening their accuracy in the game. Their backyard was a training ground for beginners and others working on aim rather than distance shots.

Beyond the game of golf, the owners entertained guests and family with the fun and exercise the Par 3 offered. This backyard paradise attracts the young and seasoned golfers alike. After a golf workout…there is an inviting pool to cool off in. DISCOVER how your passion for golf can be as easy as walking out the door. Then DISCOVER how practice really does make perfect.

F O R E

Posted By: Jan Vinikoor

The beauty of Westchester County and its residences is best appreciated and admired during the summer season. Many air travelers flying over the dotted aqua blue landscape as they are on their final approach into Westchester County Airport marvel at the expanse of Pool’s Paradise below.

The success of such brillant backyard pool design involves much planning and always should address the relationship between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Landscape architects, pool builders and homeowners work together to bridge the areas between their houses and the terrain beyond. Achieving this smooth transition from decks to patios and swimming pools is their ultimate goal.

The screened porch, pictured to the right, is a feature I love that is being added to existing homes more and more. This structure invites the outdoors in, without letting in the pesky bugs and shields all from rain. It truly acts as an additional family room or gathering area.

My newest listing in Harrison is the quintessential resort-style home. It boasts a garden level which includes a fabulous summer kitchen and a solarium for enclosed entertaining and relaxation. A glass-walled exercise salon or gym, sauna, cabana and changing rooms top off this dramatic environment. Al fresco barbeque cooking is easy with both gas and charcoal grill stations located in adjacent area. Hosting summer get togethers and parties is made simple with a layout like this! A Har-Tru tennis court is located at the far end of the property in a bucolic setting with its own spectator’s terrace so you can cheer on your own friends.

Enjoy the online tours of many magnificent homes and their lavish landscaping. Call me with your left hand and relax on your floatie with an iced tea in your right. “Sweet.”

Jan Vinikoor

The Harrison/Purchase Communities literally shine in the summer as we are fortunate to have so many options for swimming, ball playing, tennis and recreational camps. Just opened is the Ron Belmont Pool complex located in West Harrison. The four acre complex is a child’s delight with water slides, lap lanes for racing and an established playground and picnic areas. There is a yummy snack bar for visitors to relax and sit by Silver Lake. Make it a day-cation without the fuss of traveling far with the kids. Additionally the Purchase Community House Pool, Brentwood Pool and rights to the Oakland Beach in Rye are added benefits to living in Harrison. Tennis courts are located throughout the town and all one needs is a recreation permit to play.

There is no better time to jump into the refreshing housing waters of Harrison/Purchase than NOW!

Posted By: Jan Vinikoor