Readers had plenty of thoughts on why housing sales and prices are down in the region, and were happy to share them on LoHud.com. The reaction came after the state’s Association of Realtors released a report that said sales decreased more dramatically in the Lower Hudson Valley than in the state or nation. Read reporter Diana Costello’s story and then tell us what you think.
Here’s what one reader had to say about the local real estate picture:

There are 5 houses for sale on my block. Two have been abandoned by their owners. Three other houses are rentals with short term tenants. Is this what Westchester is destined to look like in the future? White Plains used to be the most stable housing market you could find. Rising state and local taxes have killed the goose that laid the golden egg. … What a shame for a once great city like ours.

Do these numbers included foreclosed homes? I would think so which also explains the substantial drop in home sales price.

School taxes are what are killing everyone! We need to start getting involved with finding out what the schools are doing with our money. … Start holding the schools feet to the fire and stop the runaway freight train of spending!

Lets face it, who wants to shell out $10,000 to $15,000, or more, in school taxes in Putnam County?

I know many people are against The Journal News posting the salaries of public employees. But if you browse the databases, you can see where your tax monies are going. There is a link to the Mount Vernon school district in today’s JN. Check it out. See how many employees are pulling in more than $100K. Gym teachers. Art teachers. Librarians. And best, on the first page, a high school principal that is assigned to ‘NO LOC’ pulling in close to $150K. I guess if you are not in the $100K club, you really can’t afford a home in Westchester or Putnam.

Behind every dark cloud is a silver lining! Your property is not worth what your assessor thinks it is! Call them up and find out when the deadline is for appealing your assessment. Then get your property appraised and fill out the paperwork. It’s easy! … Now is the time to straighten out this whole obscene property tax situation!