Moving to the 'Burbs Event Offers Details About Living in Westchester and Greenwich (Photos)

The latest “Moving to the Burbs” event in the Brownstoner Home Events series explored the many charms of Westchester with representatives from Houlihan Lawrence.

Held on November 21 at the Brooklyn Historical Society, topics discussed included neighborhoods in the Sound Shore area, Bedford/Pound Ridge and Greenwich, Conn.

Houlihan representatives said they’ve seen Brooklynites moving in large numbers to the southern part of the county, particularly for people who have a daily commute. The river towns and Sound Shore are also popular with Brooklynites who are looking for village living. And then there are areas in Bedford/Pound Ridge where you might find more land for equivalent house money in the northern parts of the county, according to Brendon DeSimone, the Bedford/Pound Ridge brokerage manager at Houlihan Lawrence.

Emerging markets were also discussed, such as Peekskill, on the northern tip of Westchester.

On hand to discuss financing was Austin Stellato, a senior loan officer at Thoroughbred Mortgage, who talked about some of the lower interest FHA loans and zero-down veteran loans. He warned that in a competitive market, that if you’re not putting any cash down or a very low down payment, your offer might not be taken as seriously as one with more cash.

David Lachtman from Lachtman Cohen Law talked about the right time in the process to involve the attorney — the earlier the better, he said, but definitely by the time that you’ve put an offer in.

Houlihan’s Deborah Doern, regional vice president, talked about southern Westchester — Yonkers was a topic, as Brooklynites are gravitating towards communities with more of an urban feel. Yonkers is appealing because of its high-end rental buildings at lower price points, but with the full amenity packages that millennials are looking for.

Greenwich, Connecticut was discussed too. Houlihan’s David Haffenreffer, regional manager and Greenwich brokerage manager, said Connecticut was not a place people at first think about — until they go and check it out. For one, taxes are cheaper (although property values tend to be higher).

Drinks and snacks were served by Oaxaca Taqueria. Sponsors included Houlihan Lawrence, Thoroughbred Mortgage, Thoroughbred Title and Lachtman Cohen Law.

[All photos by Corazon Aguirre]