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CJ DelVecchio
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619 West State Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 272-4777
ext. 139
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January 2010

1-19-2010: Happy New Year!

Another decade behind us, another one to look forward to - have you been keeping your New Year's Resolutions?

It has been fairly busy for January in real estate. I enjoy this time of year - the slower pace allows me to work on some marketing things that I just don't have time to do during the peak of the season. I am always reading and learning about updating my website, balancing the model of keeping it simple with adding features that help buyers and sellers get information quickly and easily.

I also am enjoying playing hockey with the Ithaca Sirens - we just came back from a weekend trip to Saratoga and Albany. Played some really good teams up there, women much younger than me! But it was great competition and I look forward to their visit to our home ice in Ithaca.

Coaching girls hockey is fun and challenging...I am assistant coach to the Tompkins Girls Hockey Association House team - a range of ages from 7 to 14 or so, and a range of skill levels. I am learning about motivating kids and keeping my language appropriate for each age group. It is rewarding to see the improvement over the season.

NOVEMBER 2009

11-11-09: Celebrating Veteran's Day

Today is for taking a moment to celebrate our Veterans and active military for their service and contribution to our lifestyle and the freedoms we enjoy in the US. I thank my nephews Austin and Stuart for their service in the US Marines.

I am off to San Diego for the National Association of REALTORS' annual conference tomorrow. Looking forward to a few days in the southern California sunshine and learning about the newest technologies available to REALTORS for delivering the best service possible. Also looking forward to the San Diego Zoo on Monday!

OCTOBER 2009

10-28-09: Happy Halloween

This Saturday is Halloween - plus turn the clocks back for Daylight Savings Time! Another hour to catch up on sleep, errands or just things around the house.

I really enjoy Fall and have been taking photos of the Finger Lakes area. I have been posting photos on my Facebook page - you can view them without even being my 'friend' as I don't restrict that site to just in-network people. You do have to have a Facebook account (but it's free).

I also am working on a new companion website - http://www.aroundithaca.com - which will be a compilation of photos from the greater Ithaca area for newcomers and natives to enjoy. Hope to get that up and running by the new year.

I am off to San Diego in mid-November for the National Association of REALTORS annual convention. Working on my class schedule but will be going to the Zoo - a highlight of the trip for me! Some of my colleagues have been urging me to go on the zip line which rides over the Zoo but I am not a big fan of heights so I am not sure I will be doing that. I haven't said no though - keeping my options open!

SEPTEMBER 2009

9-29-09: Fall has arrived

Hard to believe it's the end of summer now. The rain reminds us of the change in the seasons, the change of the leaves and the overall change in the sunlight. Fall is one of my favorite seasons and there sure is a lot to enjoy in the greater Ithaca area. This past weeked was the Apple Harvest Festival. Soon there will be pumpkins everywhere - one of the best things to do is to check out the Iron Kettle Farm in Candor...fun for kids and adults with a corn maze, hayrides and a funny decorated pumpkin display.

Fall sports are in action - Cornell homecoming in a couple of weeks and SO IS CORNELL HOCKEY! October 23rd is the first home game, an exhibition bout to showcase the team this year. They have earned high rankings already so get your tickets soon!

9-13-09: Kids are back in School

This week the kids started back in school - it was a busy week for parents and teachers and kids! The New Roots Charter School opened their doors for the first time.

The community is shocked to learn that one of the students who had swine flu passed away in Cayuga Medical Center. Needless to say the administration is taking this very seriously and precautions for those ill with flu symptoms are being treated with caution and care.

Things are always going on around Ithaca - this weekend's activities include the Ellis Hollow Community Fair; the AidsWork Ride for Life; and the Ithaca Sufferjets Roller Derby.

I am headed to Saratoga Springs tomorrow for state REALTOR meetings. This is the bi-annual business meetings held by the NYS Association of REALTORS. The meetings look to have packed agendas including discussion of a revised Seller Property Condition Disclosure. I will keep you posted on that issue as it affects both buyers and sellers alike.

AUGUST 2009
8-24-09: The Students are back

Well it's official - the university is in session and both Ithaca College and Cornell students are back in town. Of course the first thing you notice is the increased traffic, the second thing is the packed grocery stores! It's been 20 years since I was a fresh-faced student at Cornell and this time of year always reminds me of my time learning Ithaca, getting lost, making new friends and falling in love with Ithaca.

A few weeks left in summer - the NYS Fair starts this week so that is worth checking out if you haven't ever experienced it. The Trumansburg Fair also starts this week and the highlight is alwasy the demolition derby - definitely worth seeing, even if you think it's a weird sport. I was skeptical the first time I went but it is great fun!

In the real estate world - time is running out for first-time buyers who want to close before November 30th and take advantage of the first-time tax credit. Realistically buyers should be under contract with a property by the end of September, but even mid-September is the target deadline. Think you want to buy in the next few weeks? Call or email me for more info about how to buy now!

8-13-09: Dog days of Summer

The temp is perfect, the last days of summer are upon us already! So much to do, so little time to enjoy all the things Ithaca has to offer. Tonight I will be seeing the Hangar musical RENT, which is quickly selling out. Get your tickets soon...they just added two more performances to meet the demand!

The Cornell freshman will be here on Monday for orientation week - so soon! But we always welcome the students back, despite the increase in traffic.

Ithaca has changed from being that sleepy little town in the summer to a bustling tourist spot. Thanks to the Chamber and Visitor's Bureau. The increase in traffic is noticeable to those who have been around Ithaca for a long time. I am marking my 25th year in Ithaca and I remember being one of those students who stayed in town a few summers to take it all in.

JUNE 2009
6-24-09: Summertime finally here - officially

Oh the weather this week has been delightful! Sunshine and 80's middday. This is always the time that us long-time Ithacans appreciate living here in the Finger Lakes. So many things to do, so little time!

There are loads of things coming up for the 4th including the Fireworks show at Ithaca College on July 2nd. There is the IRL race at Watkins Glen from the 3rd to the 5th. Dock parties, barbeques and picnics...I am not sure how I can fit work into my busy play schedule!

6-4-09: Ithaca is A Buzz with Activities

Wow I have been lax in updating the blog page on my website! May was a blur with the real estate market heating up and IC graduation weekend, Cornell graduation weekend and then the Ithaca Festival!

This weeked is Cornell Reunion weekend - class of 1989 having their 20-year reunion. My friend Ellen is coming into town and it will be a blast hanging out doing the Cornell memory lane tour! Friday night starts with Cornell Alumni Association gathering at Collegetown Bagels in Collegetown. Be there!

Also this weekend is the Six Hours at the Glen - if you're a Dr. McDreamy fan - you can get in line at Watkins Glen racetrack to get his autograph!

Also this weekend is First Night downtown at the local art galleries, the Hangar Theatre has it's first season show running and Saturday in Groton at the Main Street Gallery is an opening for their latest art show. Loads of fun stuff to do - that's why I love Ithaca!

APRIL 2009
4-27-09: Ithaca Temps Reach the 90's???

What a glorious weekend we just had - temperatures in the 80's and the spring foliage now starting to bloom. The real estate market has really gone full-tilt the past few weeks with new listings and more buyers entering the market. It has been a hectic few weeks!

I think my favorite sight over the weekend was the first sailboats out on the lake. The wind was wonderful although I am sure the water is still pretty darn cold!

Also seeing the diners out on restaurant row on Aurora Street...Ithaca sprung alive!

FEBRUARY 2009
2-18-09: Winter Recess and Ithaca Chili-fest this weekend

Ithaca welcomes teachers this week during the winter recess...this event brings teachers from all across NYS to enjoy Ithaca's scenery, shopping and restaurants. Check out the events online at ithacalovesteachers.com

Also this weekend is the Chili-fest - held on the Commons and featuring an Iron Chef competition, this event may be cold but that's what chili is all about - warm you from head to toe! Check it out online

Are you on Facebook? You can join the open group of Coldwell Banker Shaw Real Estate...we are posting some good info about the new economic stimulus act just signed by President Obama and more info to come!
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2-10-09: Spring like Weather hits Ithaca this week!

We are enjoying a break in the cold weather this week in Ithaca. Over 50 degrees today - with all the snow melting, now is a great time to house hunt! New listings are coming on the market daily and more will be available in the next 30-45 days.

I added a new feature on my main page - an instant chat box at the top near my picture. Want to send me a quick message? Just type in the area indicated in the box and I will get your message. If I am online, it will say that on the top of the box and we can chat in real time. You will be anonymous so you don't even have to tell me your name if I don't know you. But of course that would be polite!

I also just returned from the business meetings for the New York State Association of REALTORS at Turning Stone Casino. I am now the Regional Vice President for the Southern Tier region which includes Ithaca, Cortland, Elmira-Corning, Binghamton and Otsego-Delaware board of REALTORS. I will act as a liaison between the local boards and the state association.

JANUARY 2009
1-28-09: More snow

Schools are closed today due to the snowstorm we are getting at the moment. It sure is pretty when you're inside looking out! Did you know that most of our water for rural wells comes from snow melt? In years past when we didn't have a lot of snowfall, water wells would run dry. So I think snow is good even though inconvenient.

I just posted a couple of upcoming listings on my "too new for photos" webpage. Check it out if you are in the market but not quite ready to buy!

1-15-09: It's Cold in Ithaca!

Ok I often joke that because I used to live in Buffalo NY, I could live in the artic! But the cold snap that has come to Ithaca this week is really not very funny. I would love it to be just a 'scootch' warmer, like in the teens is OK.

I have recently ended my 3-year run as Chair of Better Housing for Tompkins County. I am still on the Board of Directors as Immediate Past President, but I am enjoying the break from responsibility that being Chair of a Board presents.

So I have taken on a couple of new projects - one in the hockey world and one professionally. Hockey world - I am assistant coaching the Tompkins Girl's Hockey Association House league with Becky Cameron (one of my Sirens teammates and good friend). It has been interesting working with the young girls (ages 7-11) and I have enjoyed it thus far. We practice on Mondays and Thursdays nights.

Professionally I was nominated to be Regional Vice President for the Southern Tier area (Ithaca, Cortland, Elmira/Corning, Binghamton and Ostego/Delaware) for the NYS Association of Realtors. I will be installed on February 2, 2009 at Turning Stone Casino. This position is a liaison between the state association and the local board associations. We are in discussions about a database revolution and I am excited to be involved as a conduit for what is happening with our area MLS systems.

In the meantime, I am back in action, helping buyers and sellers with their real estate needs this year. If you are thinking of buying or selling but are not quite ready, give me a call! I can help you through the process from beginning to end!

DECEMBER 2008

12-22-08: Ithaca Receives More KUDOS

Two recent articles online have highlighted the Ithaca area once again.

This one talks about Ithaca being the best Middle Class Housing Market in the US!
http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/best-middle-class-housing-markets.html

This NYTimes article focuses on Ithaca as a "Great Homes and Destinations" location:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/14/greathomesanddestinations/14havens.html

See lots of Ithaca Kudos online at my link: http://www.cjhomes.com/ithacakudos.html