South Asian Communities in Westchester
Chappaqua, NY • August 25, 2005
SIDEROW KENNEDY REAL ESTATE CURRIES FAVOR WITH SOUTH ASIAN COMMUNITIES
More South Asians, Moving to Westchester, Seek Houses with Special Requirements
When it comes to locating their own Westchester Taj Mahal, Asian Indian families need a knowledgeable guide."
For example, many Westchester parents give their children exclusive use of the family room to watch TV or play video games. Indians, however, view family rooms as a place where everybody - grandparents, parents, children, and relatives - congregates and talks, so large family rooms are a priority, says Ms. Anand. Indian families also tend to gather and work together in the kitchen, so buyers want large, functional kitchens with more than the usual amount of counter space. "Buyers would prefer a bigger kitchen over a smaller, updated modern kitchen," she says, adding that "the kitchen must be well ventilated because Indian food involves a lot of frying and pungent, spicy seasonings."
Indian homebuyers usually need a bedroom for grandparents, who expect to live in the same house as their children and grandchildren and share the kitchen and living areas. "My Indian clients would never consider looking at a mother/daughter house," Ms. Anand says, adding that clients also look for level yards with easy access so grandparents can go outside to enjoy sunshine and good weather. Lastly, she says Indians are traditionalists who prefer traditional homes. "They avoid contemporary architecture," she explains.
Ms. Anand has first-hand knowledge of the culture. She was born in India in Chandigarh near New Delhi. After receiving her undergraduate degree from Punjab University, she came to the United States and obtained an MBA in Finance and Management Information Systems from the University of Bridgeport. She is an experienced real estate investor as well as a licensed Realtor, who has bought and sold apartments and homes in Chappaqua and Mount Kisco for many years. She now lives in Millwood with her husband, new son, and her parents.
Ms. Anand is just one member of a Siderow Kennedy Real Estate sales force that mirrors Westchester's increased diversity, according to Sheila Siderow, president of the real estate firm, explaining that buyers from different cultures may find it easier to relate to an agent familiar with their cultures and fluent in their languages. "Buying a home or moving into a new neighborhood is a big step for many families," Ms. Siderow says. "Our job is to make the transition as easy and smooth as possible."
Siderow Kennedy
Siderow Kennedy Real Estate, located at 65 King Street in Chappaqua, specializes in residential real estate sales in Chappaqua and the rest of Westchester. The 10-year-old firm has a multilingual staff and offers unique services to ensure the success of their clients' real estate transactions, including the Child Moves and Global-Relo programs. Additionally, Siderow Kennedy sponsors the Chappaqua Parents Preschool Association, Pleasantville Parents Preschool Association, and supports other worthwhile organizations. To learn more about Siderow Kennedy and to access all MLS listings, please visit www.siderow.com or call 914-238-6600.