Your Real Estate Connection in Westchester

A home appraisal is one of the most important steps in a real estate transaction, but did you know that significant changes are coming to the appraisal process? These changes could affect everything from how your home's square footage is reported to how long it takes to close on a property. In this episode, I'm joined by John Copulos, a licensed real estate appraiser with over 40 years of experience, to discuss what buyers, sellers, and agents need to know about the future of home appraisals.          John explains the upcoming changes to residential appraisal reporting, including new requirements for documenting home improvements, how finished basements will be classified, and why appraisals may take longer as lenders and appraisers adjust to the new system. Tune in to learn what the new appraisal process means for your home's value, how to prepare for potential delays, and why communication between agents and appraisers is essential for a successful transaction.       Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: harrietlibovhomes.com/72 See my current listings here: harrietlibovhomes.com

The Armonk Outdoor Art Show has been a fall tradition in our community for 64 years, bringing exceptional artists and art lovers together for a weekend in Northern Westchester. In this episode, I'm joined by Nancy Rosner, Managing Director of the show, to talk about what you can expect this year and the tremendous amount of work that goes into making this nationally recognized event happen.   Whether you attend every year or are thinking about going for the first time, there will be plenty to discover on September 26th and 27th. From new artists and the family activity tent to food vendors and resources designed to help you feel more confident purchasing art, Nancy gives us a look at what makes this weekend so special. I hope you'll bring your family, explore the artwork, and enjoy one of Armonk's favorite fall traditions.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: harrietlibovhomes.com/71 See my current listings here: harrietlibovhomes.com

Sometimes the career that fits you best is the one you never expected to have. In this episode, I'm sharing a recent interview from The Balance Dilemma, where hosts Maura Carlin and Christy Derrico turned the microphones around and asked me about my own journey. We talk about the many career pivots that eventually led me to real estate and how each chapter prepared me for the business I have today.      This conversation is more personal than most episodes of Your Real Estate Connection in Westchester, and I hope it gives you a chance to get to know the story behind the work I do today.     Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: harrietlibovhomes.com/70 See my current listings here: harrietlibovhomes.com

Moving is one of life's biggest transitions, and no matter how organized you think you are, it almost always takes more time and planning than expected. In this episode, I'm joined by Joey Fanelli of Al's Moving and Storage, a third-generation family business serving Westchester for more than 70 years. Whether you're buying your first home, downsizing after many years, or planning a move in the future, we share practical advice to help make the process smoother and far less stressful.   Joey and I talk about when to start planning your move, why it's never too early to begin purging and organizing, and the many services available beyond simply transporting your belongings. From full-service packing and unpacking to storage, junk removal, senior moves, and handling specialty items like pianos and artwork, we discuss how choosing the right moving company can save both time and unnecessary headaches. Plus, Joey shares why reputation, experienced crews, and communication matter far more than simply choosing the lowest price.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: harrietlibovhomes.com/69 See my current listings here: harrietlibovhomes.com

Can AI help you buy or sell a home more effectively? In this episode, I explore that question by putting ChatGPT to the test. As artificial intelligence becomes a bigger part of everyday life, many buyers and sellers are using it to research neighborhoods, understand financing, compare homes, and even prepare for negotiations. While AI can be a powerful tool, I wanted to examine where it adds value and where local expertise still makes all the difference.     With the help of Byram Hills student Tyler Kravitz, I interview ChatGPT using common questions that buyers and sellers ask throughout the real estate process. We cover everything from affordability and pre-approvals to bidding wars, pricing strategies, renovations, and timing the market. Along the way, I share my perspective on which answers are helpful, where important context is missing, and why hyper-local knowledge cannot be replicated by algorithms alone.     Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: harrietlibovhomes.com/68 See my current listings here: harrietlibovhomes.com

If you're thinking about selling your home, are you truly seeing it through a buyer's eyes? In this episode, I walk you through what buyers are actually looking for in today's 2026 market and how that should shape the decisions you make before listing. With inventory still tight in Northern Westchester and competition strong, understanding buyer expectations is one of the most powerful ways to maximize your sale price.   You'll hear how small but strategic changes like painting, flooring updates, decluttering, and deep cleaning can significantly impact your home's value and appeal. I also talk about pricing strategy and why local expertise is critical when determining how to position your home in the market. If you want your home to sell for the highest possible price, this episode will help you think like a buyer and prepare like a professional.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: harrietlibovhomes.com/67 See my current listings here: harrietlibovhomes.com

What's changing in real estate as we move through 2026, and what does it mean for buyers and sellers here in Westchester? In this episode, I'm joined by Elizabeth Nunan, CEO of Houlihan Lawrence, to break down what we're seeing nationally and how it's translating locally. From shifting buyer mindsets to evolving market conditions, we explore how today's market feels different from the past few years and why experience and strategy matter more than ever.       We talk about how buyers and sellers have moved from waiting on the sidelines to accepting today's realities, with decisions now driven more by life events than market timing. Liz shares how interest rates are influencing behavior differently, why today's buyers are more financially sophisticated, and how generational wealth is quietly reshaping demand. We also dive into the growing role of technology and AI in the buying and selling process, and why, despite all of it, the value of local expertise has never been more important.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: harrietlibovhomes.com/66 See my current listings here: harrietlibovhomes.com

Finding balance is something almost all of us are striving for, whether we are raising children, building careers, or stepping into a new season of life. In this episode, I'm joined by Maura Carlin and Christie Derrico, hosts of the The Balance Dilemma, for a thoughtful conversation about ambition, identity, and the constant evolution of what balance really means.      Maura and Christie share how their friendship began, how their podcast has evolved over nearly 100 episodes, and the powerful stories they've uncovered along the way. From working mothers navigating career pivots to couples redefining partnership roles, their guests offer honest reflections on what it takes to build a life that feels intentional. We also talk about boundaries, reinvention, and how our children's generation is approaching work and family in new ways. If you have ever questioned how to juggle professional goals with personal priorities, this episode will resonate with you.       Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: harrietlibovhomes.com/65 See my current listings here: harrietlibovhomes.com

Building strong business relationships is one of the most powerful ways to grow professionally in Westchester, and today's episode highlights an organization that makes those connections possible every day. I'm joined by Amanda DePalma and Linda Tyler from the Business Council of Westchester to talk about how they support and connect business owners, leaders, and organizations across the county.   If you are thinking about how to expand your network, grow your visibility, or get more involved locally in 2026, this episode offers a clear look at what that can actually look like in practice. You'll hear how thoughtful introductions, curated events, and consistent engagement can create real momentum. This is a conversation about connection, opportunity, and the value of showing up in the right rooms.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: harrietlibovhomes.com/64 See my current listings here: harrietlibovhomes.com

Data is the new currency in real estate, and the firms that harness it effectively are the ones setting themselves apart from the competition. In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Williams, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Houlihan Lawrence, to explore how the company leverages data and digital innovation to maintain its position as the number one real estate firm north of New York City.   From hyper-local market analytics to luxury marketing that transforms properties into branded experiences, this conversation reveals the sophisticated tools and strategies that are reshaping how real estate is marketed and sold. Stephanie explains how Houlihan Lawrence takes the noise of available data - from website analytics to social media engagement to property performance metrics - and translates it into actionable insights that help agents be the smartest person in the room during listing presentations.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://harrietlibovhomes.com/63