UPSTATE JANE: UPSTATER SUCCESS! Meet Local Realtor Eric Amaral

  |  July 19, 2012

Since moving “Upstate” full-time, a friend from the city connected me with Eric Amaral, whom she thought I would get along with. She was more than right!  We met for coffee and were immediately laughing like old friends.  Eric also happens to be an amazing and savvy Realtor who can move properties as a listing agent, and also guide buyers, and find hidden gems  in the area.  You may remember this property I highlighted on Upstater that got some buzz a few months back. Eric was the listing agent for that property, and one of our Upstater readers, Jo Miller put in an offer on the two cute cottages. The property ended up getting multiple bids, and though Jo did not end up with the cottages (the property sold for over asking!) she liked Eric so much while dealing with the process, she wanted to work with him on finding another weekend retreat. She found  an adorable cottage in the Platte Clove area also posted on Upstater’s Five Figure Friday’s in Hunter, and with Eric’s help and expertise, she is happily moved in with no snags and enjoying her new escape.

Name: Eric Amaral

Company: Coldwell Banker Village Green Realty

Town: Woodstock/Kingston/Ulster County

Website: www.villagegreenrealty.com

A little about Eric Amaral and why you should know him

  • Age: 39
  • Hometown: Bronx, NY- then Orange County-NY
  • How long have you lived in the area?: Twelve years; I moved here from San Francisco. I loved the West Coast but originally being from the East, I am happy to be back.
  • How long have you been doing real estate?: I Started in late May 2000- so twelve years now!
  • Why did you decide to become an agent?: Whew- feels like forever ago! I’ve always been passionate about Real Estate, I bought my first home when I was 23. I worked for Marriott at the time, and eventually moved back to the East Coast where my sister-in- law introduced me to a local broker. I’ve since been Realtor Associate of the Year and currently serve as a Director with the Ulster County Board of Realtors.
  • What is your favorite thing about working with buyers?:  I feel making an investment ( especially if it’s your first investment ) is one of the most important decisions you can make; when I’m a part of that process it makes me feel great about what I do for a living. When I worked for Marriott It always felt rewarding if I helped you to enjoy your stay. When I help someone build their dreams, it’s hugely rewarding.
  • What are some things that can help buyers be better clients: When I first meet a buyer I ask some basic questions first. Like what’s on your Wish List? It  always helps if a buyer already has an idea of what they are looking for.
  • Do you think a fixer-upper or a move-in-ready home is a better value in this economy?: It really depends on the buyer. I feel the buyer has choices now they rarely had before. Now you can buy a “ fixer upper” and put your own design in the mix and have more flexibility with the floor plan and have some built in equity. Buying a home that is “move-in-ready” however has its advantages too- most homes now are in move- in condition and are listed at great prices! You can now get a lot more house and in really good condition, for a lot less money than the previous market. Especially with low interest rates. Now when a seller asks me if they should put in a granite countertop, and how much value would it bring- I say its not going to bring up the value but it will have a better chance on the market place. A buyer can have an easier choice to make if two homes are similar but the one home has nice countertops.
  • Favorite local restaurant:Boitson’s ( Uptown Kingston )
  • Favorite local hang out spot: It changes all the time, I would say my back yard and the boat! We love the Hudson River.
  • Most up and coming area you think buyers should consider looking in: I would say Saugerties and Kingston.
  • What is the area you consider the most stable for a long term investmen?t: Woodstock
  • What is the biggest mistake buyers can make?: Not calling a Mortgage Broker sooner. You don’t want to tease yourself,by falling in love with a home and not getting an approved loan for it. Let a Realtor help you search for homes, it’s part of what we do. Its okay to interview a realtor to make sure you have the right connection.
  • Is there a particular listing right now you think people should know about that they may have missed?: This amazing property is on Lewis Hollow Road in Woodstock. It is a large, amazing property  with a studio building and hot tub. Located in a lovely area with privacy, this is a quintessential Woodstock retreat on just over 6 acres of land.

“Meeting him was a WONDERFUL outcome of reading Upstater and finding that Ideal Park listing. As soon as I met him, I knew I wanted to work with him. He’s warm, personable and genuine (a rare quality in the industry), but also a consummate professional who takes good care of his clients and negotiates expertly on their behalf. After being outbid on his listing, I showed him the Elka Park property on Upstater, and even though it involved a relatively small commission and was outside the Woodstock area, Eric worked enthusiastically with me through every step of the process, from offer to closing. I feel incredibly lucky to have met Eric and recommend him to anyone looking to buy or sell a property in Ulster (or Greene!) County” –Jo Miller

To contact Eric Amaral  about viewing properties Upstate or listing your property for sale:

Eric Amaral– Licensed Associate RE Broker

845-430-8452

amaralhomes@yahoo.com

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