The Blog

Valatie NY Home Tour: A 4-Bedroom Colonial on Just Under an Acre

What can $499K buy in Valatie, NY?

Right now, a 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath, 2,240 sq ft Colonial on 0.81 acres in Valatie's Bonnie Lea Estates neighborhood, with a renovated kitchen and about a 23-minute commute to Albany.

Looking for room to spread out in Valatie, with the kitchen already done and space to put your own stamp on the rest? That's exactly who this house is for.

In this Valatie NY home tour, I walk you through 46 Hawthorne Drive, a 1974 Colonial on just under an acre in the Town of Kinderhook, at the northern end of Columbia County. The renovated kitchen is the heart of the house, the backyard is more private than you'd expect, and the walk-out basement has full-height ceilings waiting to be finished.

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Columbia County NY Real Estate Market Update: October 2026

"Should we just wait for spring?" It's the question I hear most from buyers and sellers this time of year, and this fall it comes with a little more weight behind it. Mortgage rates are holding above 7%, which is starting to feel like the new normal, even though they've eased slightly from the highs at the beginning of October. Buyers who are financing are stretched to the top of their budgets, and sellers are watching the seasonal slowdown approach.

This is a hard market, no doubt. But there are opportunities in every market, and the September numbers show exactly where they are. The short version: there is no single Columbia County market right now. Once you break the numbers down by price point, the county has split into three markets that are behaving very differently heading into winter.

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Valatie NY Rental Tour: A Renovated 3-Bedroom on 50+ Private Acres with Lake Access

What does a $2,800/month rental in Valatie, NY get you? A recently renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home of about 1,000 square feet on a private road within a shared 50+ acre property, with central AC, a wood stove, in-unit laundry, a fenced yard, and private Knickerbocker Lake access.

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New Lebanon NY Home Tour: Inside an Epic Camp Compound

This 2 bedroom, 2 bath home in New Lebanon, New York offers a one-of-a-kind camp residence on a secluded and wooded 5.69 acre lot, with multiple buildings arranged around a central gathering area, plus a sauna and a wood fired hot tub. Located in the northern end of the Hudson Valley, the eastern edge of Columbia County along the Massachusetts border, the property may appeal to buyers looking for adventurous full time lifestyle or an unforgettable “Upstate” weekender getaway. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the private zip lines, ropes course elements, and axe throwing station. Take the complete New Lebanon NY home tour to see every detail of this incredible Hudson Valley retreat!

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Market Trends, Home Owners Jennifer Sesma Market Trends, Home Owners Jennifer Sesma

Columbia County NY Market Shift: Why Active Listings Are Surging

Looking for the latest data on the Columbia County NY housing market? In this video, we break down the major shift happening right now, including inventory surges, longer days on market, and critical pricing strategies for 2026.

The Columbia County NY housing market is showing clear signs of a balancing act as we cross the mid-year mark. On one hand, market activity is picking up pace with new listings climbing by 4.7% and pending home sales rising by 5.2%. On the other hand, buyers are becoming far more selective, causing the overall average days on market to spike by a massive 24%.

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Market Trends, Home Owners Jennifer Sesma Market Trends, Home Owners Jennifer Sesma

Columbia County NY Real Estate Market Update | Spring Shifts

Looking for the latest data on the Columbia County NY real estate market? In this video, we break down the critical April market shifts, pricing corrections, and inventory updates you need to know. The Columbia County NY real estate market is experiencing a significant shift as we enter the peak spring season. While overall pending sales, closed sales, and new listings are softer than last year, a closer look at the data reveals a deeply segmented market. Buyers and sellers are navigating changing dynamics, with homes taking longer to sell and price reductions becoming a strategic necessity for overpitched listings. Whether you are looking to downsize into a walkable village or move up to a larger Hudson Valley estate, understanding these local metrics is essential. We analyze exactly what is happening across three distinct price points—under $600K, the transitional middle market, and the luxury tier—so you can make an informed decision in today's Columbia County NY real estate market.

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Market Trends, Home Owners Jennifer Sesma Market Trends, Home Owners Jennifer Sesma

April 20th Market Update: Columbia County Real Estate

Realtor.com reports that 60% of the nations largest housing markets are now balanced or buyer friendly. Only 26% of the top markets remain sellers market. So where does the Hudson Valley, specifically Columbia County fall on that spectrum? Well, let’s take a look at where things stand today in Columbia County, NY in the Residential real estate market. 

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Preparing a Home for Sale in Columbia County — Without Over-Investing

If you’re thinking about selling a home in Columbia County, it’s natural to wonder:

“What should I fix, update, or spend money on before listing?”

This is one of the areas where I’ve seen sellers either overdo it — or hold back in ways that affect how their home is received.

There’s a balance.

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Market Trends, Mortgage, Home Owners Jennifer Sesma Market Trends, Mortgage, Home Owners Jennifer Sesma

March 6th Market Update: Columbia County Real Estate

How’s the war with Iran impacting mortgage rates and the housing market?

Last week we saw the lowest mortgage rates in 3 years as rates slid down to 5.99% and stayed below 6% for a week.  Then Trump launched a War over the weekend and by Monday mortgage rates jumped back up to 6.13%

Economic uncertainty tends to have a chilling effect on the housing market as buyers and homeowners hit pause and delay their plans. So let’s take a look at where things stand today in Columbia County NY in the Residential real estate market. 

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When Is the Right Time to Sell in Columbia County?

One of the most common questions I hear from homeowners in Columbia County is:

“Is now a good time to sell — or should I wait?”

It’s a fair question. And it’s one that rarely has a simple yes-or-no answer.

In this market, timing isn’t just about the calendar. It’s about readiness — yours and the market’s.

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What Is My Home Really Worth in Columbia County?

If you’re thinking about selling a home in Columbia County, one of the first things you’ll probably do — understandably — is look up your home’s value online.

Most sellers do.

And while those tools can be a starting point, this is where I’ve seen people get unintentionally led off course.

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Selling a Home in Columbia County, NY: Start Here

If you’re thinking about selling a home in Columbia County, the most important thing to know is this:

There is no single Columbia County market.

What buyers do, what they pay attention to, and how homes actually sell can vary dramatically from town to town — sometimes from one road to the next.

Before you think about pricing, timing, or even when to list, it helps to understand how this market really works.

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Jennifer Sesma named 2025 REALTOR® of the Year by the Hudson Valley Catskill Region REALTORS® (HVCRR)

On January 14th, I was surprised and incredibly honored to be named 2025 REALTOR® of the Year by the Hudson Valley Catskill Region REALTORS® (HVCRR).  The REALTOR® of the Year award is given annually to a professional who demonstrates outstanding service to both the real estate profession and the community. 

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