If you seek general information about real estate,
living in the region, or
anything else, Contact Us.
Our Services are for buyers and sellers, but also
owners, visitors, and the curious.
1. We have specialized knowledge
in architectural history, period houses and landscape and garden
design. You may have seen publications by Roderic H. Blackburn on these
subjects in The Magazine Antiques and in the
recent Rizzoli architectural book Dutch Colonial Homes in
America, and our co-authoring of A Visible
Heritage, Columbia County, New York - A History in Art and
Architecture.
You have this knowledge at your service for finding, fixing, or selling
your home.
2.
We help buyers and sellers
understand the distinctive qualities of period homes of the 18th and
19th centuries which set them apart from others and thus command
special interest and value. Twenty-five years of knowledge as a
consultant on house restoration is available to our clients.
3.
The most frequently asked
question is "where do we find contractors to work on our house?" Our
firm has developed a database of all the contractors in and near
Columbia County, over one thousand, with their special skills
(building, restoration, painting, electrical, landscaping and
maintenance, and dozens more). We are adding recommendations from home
owners. This database is available to our clients exclusively.
4.
We maintain a resource library
on all things having to do with country properties. Maps
(topographical, tax, zoning, soil and wetland) are available to clients
for inspection. We also have town zoning and subdivision regulations
and maps for many purposes (topographic, tax, zoning, wetland). You may
peruse the best books on American architecture, gardens, and landscape
design.
5.
For home owners we are
available for consulting services on historic design of houses,
gardens, and landscapes, and through our associates: furnishings,
interior design, decorative treatments, and house histories and
genealogy by acknowledged experts in their fields.
6.
To help sellers and buyers
realize the potential of their homes, we produce architectural plans
and elevations as part of our real estate services. These may express
the original design of a house as a guide to its restoration.
7.
Our primary activity is helping
discerning buyers and sellers meet each other. Depending on client
needs, we can serve as either a buyer's agent or a seller's agent.
Because of our knowledge of period houses and land we encourage
prospective buyers to call us for advise on the pleasures and pitfalls
of buying a country home. Like your lawyer or accountant, a buyer's
agent is there to help protect you from unforeseen conditions and
issues which older houses often have. Our resources are the many
references, links, library, and professionals you may need.
Questions? Ask Us