The economic downturn has created what many have dubbed a declining housing market, but Arlene Pacchiano of Connexion 1 Real Estate Services Incorporated said the housing market in Howard Beach has improved.
A resident of Howard Beach herself for 33 years, Pacchiano, lives on the older side of the neighborhood.
This older, Rockwood Park section of Howard Beach is a predominantly residential area full of single-family homes, but the newer Lindenwood area is home to co-ops, condominiums and two-family homes.
“It’s just a very nice neighborhood, it’s a nice location,” Pacchiano said. “It’s very clean, very updated because people are constantly improving their homes.”
Pacchiano noted that the average cost of a home in the area can range from a more affordable $550,000, to a more luxurious $2 million.
In terms of accessibility, Howard Beach has A train subway service as well as express buses that go into Manhattan.
She said that Howard Beach has developed tremendously during the course of her stay in the neighborhood.
“When I first came here 33 years ago, it wasn’t built up at all,” she said.
The neighborhood can act as an alternative for those who want a Long-Island-styled home, without the cost.
“I would say the taxes here are relatively low compared to the island,” Pacchiano said.
Real Estate Salesperson Arlene Conti, who also works at Connexion 1 Real Estate Services, describes the area as friendly and constantly improving.
“If you drive around, you’ll see manicured lawns and landscapers,” Pacchiano said. “There’s always something going on to maintain and fix.”
The real estate company sends out a monthly newsletter, describing their take on the housing market.
For June 2009, the real estate report said that interests rates are down, indicating that this is the time to refinance or buy.
It also reports that 91 houses and 132 co-ops and condominiums remained on the market from January 1 to May 30, 2009.
Eight home sales closed in Howard Beach in April and May, with Connexion 1 selling one for $740,000.
