House & Home February 2016

FEBRUARY 2016 Vol. 1ď ł Iss. 9

Balmy winter compares to last yearĘźs bitter cold

3 ways to improve indoor air quality all year long

Local real estate agents talk winter woes

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THE BRADFORD ERA • OLEAN TIMES HERALD • THE SALAMANCA PRESS

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Balmy winter compares to last yearʼs bitter cold

By Rick Miller

Special To House & Home

C

ompared to the winter of 2014-15, this winter has been downright balmy, with little of the bitter cold that gripped Western New York last year.

At Anderson-Shortell Plumbing and Heating, 616 W. State St., the two winters are as different as night and day.

Dana Oakes of Anderson-Shortell said plumbers put in a lot of overtime last winter due to bitter cold temperatures freezing pipes.

“This year we’re able to spend more time with our families,” he said. “We didn’t get too many calls this year due to the milder temperatures. Last year was a different story.”

Anderson-Shortell has a 100-plus-year history in the Olean area, Oakes said.

“One of the main concerns in cold weather is freezing pipes,” Oakes said. “When they freeze, they contract, and when they warm up, they expand and the pipes can break. We encourage people to call a professional to prevent more damage.”

Oakes said their plumbers try to relieve pressure before warming pipes.

Never try to use a torch to thaw pipes, Oakes said. It can start a fire in addition to damaging the pipes. Every year there are cases of house fires started by a homeowner trying to thaw frozen pipes.

“The first questions we have is, why did the pipes freeze, and two, how can we prevent it from happening again?” Oakes said. “We usually give the homeowner a recommendation to keep it from happening again.”

Those recommendations can include increased insulation or heat tape.

“People don’t want to deal with freezing pipes year after year,” Oakes said.

Trailers and crawlspaces beneath homes can be hard to heat and insulate. If there are water pipes there, that is where the frozen pipes can start. Unheated basements also can lead to frozen pipes.

Some recommend letting the water slowly drip from a faucet to avoid frozen pipes, but that doesn’t always work.

Balmy winter continues on page

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FEBRUARY 18, 2016

not is use.

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Did Anderson-Shortell’s plumbers miss the frozen pipes calls this winter?

“We’re a heating and plumbing contractor for residential, commercial and industrial properties,” Oakes said. “We generally stay busy.”

When someone’s furnace isn’t working, or the plumbing is plugged, or their pipes are frozen, it needs taken care of as soon as possible to minimize the effects.

“We do that 24 hours a day,” Oakes said.

The Fire Association of the State of New York (FASNY) also urges homeowners to remain safe during winter’s cold weather months. The period of December through February carries the highest risk of dying in a house fire.

“Stay warm and stay safe,” FASNY says.

Some other suggestions by FASNY: • Never leave space heaters unattended in a room, and do not use them with an extension cord. Unplug them when

• Take care when using a chimney. Make sure the flue is open and all obstructions are removed from the chimney.

The chimney should be cleaned at least once a year.

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month and check the batteries often. Test carbon monoxide monitors twice a year by using Daylight Saving Time as a guide.

For other information on home heating safety, visit the National Fire Protection website at www.nfpa.org.

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Changes in store: Public housing could see major renovations in Bradford

By Alex Davis

Special to House & Home

M

ajor changes could be in store for public housing in the City of Bradford.

In fact, officials at the McKean County Housing Authority want to transform the High Rise on Bushnell Street; demolish several housing units on South Center Street and substantially renovate others; tear down and replace units on Brookline Court; and purchase and/or build an additional 45 units. The move would reduce the number of units from 200 to 190, housing officials said.

“We feel this will have a positive impact on the community as we replace and renovate housing that is in need of extensive repair,” McKean County Housing Authority Executive Director Dusti Dennis said. “We will also ‘thin out’ the housing that is situated within a mile radius of each other.”

The housing authority had planned to submit an application to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Rental Assistance Demonstration Program that lets public housing agencies to convert units to project-based Section 8 programs.

And if the application is approved, officials anticipate the process to alter public housing in the city won’t start to move ahead for at least a year. Cost projections are still being worked on, so a price tag isn’t yet known, Dennis said.

Plans call for the reconfiguration of the High Rise, reducing the number of units from 128 to 95. There would be 91 onebedroom units and four two-bed units. At the present, the High Rise has 83 efficiencies and 45 one-bedroom units.

“Prior to the merger of the City of Bradford Housing Authority with the MCHA (McKean County Housing Authority), there was discussion about how to get the High Rise back on track with primarily senior occupants,” Bradford Mayor Tom Riel said. “This effort was made difficult by Fair Housing laws. We were very pleased to hear from Mrs. Dennis today that efforts

Brookline Court housing units, pictured, could be torn down and replaced under plans to revitalize public housing in Bradford.

are being made to turn the High Rise into senior and physically disabled housing only.”

What’s more, the housing authority is looking to demolish 20 units on South Center Street, and the remaining 30 units would undergo substantial renovations. Twenty units at Brookline Court would also be replaced.

Putting the wrecking the ball to 30 units on South Center Street and reconfiguring the High Rise would result in the authority buying and/or building an additional 45 units in Bradford, said Dennis.

“We will work with the City of Bradford and Office of Community and Economic Development to identify neighborhoods where we could replace some of the units that will be demolished,” Dennis said. “We will improve the quality of affordable housing we offer to our tenants while also improving the housing stock in the city.”

Federal guidelines dictate that units removed in one area have to be replaced elsewhere, Riel said.

“It has been discussed that they should be replaced in the Public housing continues on page

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Public housing continued from page

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city alone. Public housing should be a community issue,” he said. “That being said, all possible legal efforts should be made to spread the proposed 45 new units throughout the entire community, not just in the City of Bradford.”

At this point, the city has 200 units ranging from efficiency units to five-bedrooms units and include 359 tenants, she said.

Under the plan, there would only be 190 units.

“Although some of the units are targeted for demolition and others will be undergoing extensive renovations, the authority will be identifying alternative housing for these tenants,” Dennis said. “No one will be displaced.”

Tenants need not worry just yet. Officials are stressing to tenants the process for the public housing plan is long and is something that would “not happen overnight.”

“The McKean County Housing Authority made the decision to submit a RAD application due to the extensive capital needs that these properties in the city have,” Dennis said. “HUD simply does not provide enough funding to accomplish all of the renovations that are needed.”

In 2013, a physical needs assessment conducted by the

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authority’s architect revealed an approximate immediate need of $623,766 in capital improvements for the High Rise, South Center and Brookline Court. A 20-year projection of $6,855,917 in capital improvements had also been pinpointed in the assessment, Dennis said.

But the housing authority is only the recipient of about $220,000 in capital-fund dollars to tackle the needs of the properties in Bradford, she said.

“The 1.2 million units in the Public Housing program nationwide have a documented capital needs backlog of nearly $26 billion,” Dennis said. “The current conditions of many of these properties inhibit investment and recapitalization efforts in the communities with the most need. By drawing on an established industry of lenders, owners and stakeholders, RAD allows PHAs and owners of HUD-assisted housing to preserve and improve affordable housing units.”

The RAD program would allow the housing authority to continue to own the properties but be able to leverage public and private debt and equity in order to reinvest in the public housing stock.

And probably a big sigh of relief for tenants, rent would remain at 30 percent of their income, and they would have the same basic rights under the public housing program, Dennis said.

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3 ways to improve indoor air quality all year long A

s winter wears on, it’s not uncommon for people living in cold weather climates to experience some cabin fever. Winter weather confines many people to their homes, making many antsy to get out once the first signs of spring begin to appear.

In addition to contributing to cabin fever, winter weather can have a negative impact on indoor air quality. While air pollution is something most often associated with densely populated cities, the air inside homes is not immune to pollution, especially during long winters when windows are often closed for months at a time. Though open windows in spring and summer can vastly improve indoor air quality, there are ways to ensure that air stays fresh and healthy regardless of which season it happens to be.

1. Clean the floors.

Dirty floors are one of the chief contributors to poor indoor air quality. Dust, dirt, pollen, and pet dander can accumulate on floors, leading to poor air quality and potentially aggravating respiratory conditions such as asthma. When vacuuming, use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which is a uniquely designed mechanical air filter that traps harmful particles such as pollen, pet dander and dust mites. When you finish vacuuming, mop floors to gather any dust or allergens that escaped the vacuum.

2. Control indoor air moisture.

Moist air is great for dust mites and mold, both of which are very bad for humans, so do everything you can to maintain healthy levels of indoor air moisture. Dehumidifiers can reduce indoor air moisture and control allergens, but it’s important to take additional steps as well. When bathing, try to keep a bathroom window open on a slight crack to prevent mold growth.

When preparing meals in the kitchen, make use of your exhaust

fan. In addition, don’t overwater houseplants, as they can become breeding grounds for mold.

3. Resist synthetic fragrances.

A home that smells good tends to feel more pleasant, especially during winter months when windows are closed. But synthetic fragrances, such as those found in detergents and air fresheners, may be providing that welcoming scent at a heavy cost to a home’s inhabitants. Such fragrances may be emitting various chemicals, including volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, into the air, affecting indoor air quality and possibly even human health. When buying laundry products, look for those that are fragrance-free, also choosing home cleaning products that do not include any artificial fragrances.

Indoor air quality tends to suffer in colder months, when windows are closed and doors are open only briefly. But homeowners can take a handful of simple yet effective steps to ensure the air in their homes is healthy all year long.

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NY SCHOOL DISTRICTS

THE BRADFORD ERA • OLEAN TIMES HERALD • THE SALAMANCA PRESS

PA SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Cattaraugus County

Allegany County

McKean County, Pa.

Potter County, Pa.

Allegany-Limestone Central School District 3131 Five Mile Road Allegany, NY 14706 716-375-6600

Alfred-Almond Central School District 6795 Route 21 Almond, NY 14804 607-276-2981

Bradford Area School District 150 Lorana Ave. P.O. Box 375 Bradford, Pa. 16701 | 814-362-3841

Austin Area School District 138 Costello Ave. Austin, Pa. 16720 (814) 647-8603

Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School District 207 Rock City Street Little Valley, NY 14755 716-938-9155

Andover Central School District 31-35 Elm Street Andover, NY 14806 607-478-8491

Otto-Eldred School District 143 R.L. Sweitzer Drive Duke Center, Pa. 16729 814-817-1380

Belfast Central School District 1 King Street Belfast, NY 14711 585-365-9940

Smethport Area School District 414 S. Mechanic St. Smethport, Pa. 16749-1522 814-887-5543

Bolivar-Richburg Central School District 100 School Street Bolivar, NY 14715 585-928-2561

Kane Area School District 400 W. Hemlock Ave. Kane, Pa. 16735 814-837-9570

Ellicottville Central School District 5873 Route 219 Ellicottville, NY 14731 716-699-2368 Franklinville Central School District 31 North Main Street Franklinville, NY 14737 716-676-8029 Gowanda Central School District 10674 Prospect Street Gowanda, NY 14070 716-532-3325 Hinsdale Central School District 3701 Main Street Hinsdale, NY 14743 716-557-2227 Olean City School District 410 West Sullivan Street Olean, NY 14760 716-375-8018 Portville Central School District 500 Elm Street Portville, NY 14770 716-933-7141 Randolph Central School District 18 Main Street Randolph, NY 14772 716-358-6161 Salamanca City School District 50 Iroquois Drive Salamanca, NY 14779 716-945-2403 Southern Tier Catholic School and Archbishop Walsh Academy 208 North 24th Street Olean NY 14760 716.372.8122 West Valley Central School District 5359 School Street West Valley, NY 14171 716-942-3293 Yorkshire-Pioneer Central School District 12125 County Line Road Yorkshire, NY 14173 716-492-9304

Canaseraga Central School District 4-8 Main Street Canaseraga, NY 14822 607-545-6421 Cuba-Rushford Central School District 5476 Route 305 Cuba, NY 14727 585-968-1556 Fillmore Central School District 104 Main Street Fillmore, NY 14735 585-567-2251 Friendship Central School District 46 West Main Street Friendship, NY 14739 716-973-3534 Genesee Valley Central School District 1 Jaguar Dr Belmont, NY 14813 585-268-7900 Scio Central School District 3968 Washington Street Scio, NY 14880 585-593-5510 Wellsville Central School District 126 West State Street Wellsville, NY 14895 585-596-2170 Whitesville Central School District 692 Main Street Whitesville, NY 14897 607-356-3301

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Port Allegany School District 87 Clyde Lynch Drive Port Allegany, Pa. 16743 814-642-2590

Coudersport Area School District 698 Dwight St. Coudersport, Pa. 16915 814-274-9480 Northern Potter School District 745 Northern Potter Road Ulysses, Pa. 16948 814-848-7506 Oswayo Valley Area School District 277 Oswayo St. Shinglehouse, Pa. 16748 814-597-7175

Cameron County, Pa. Cameron County School District 601 Woodland Ave. Emporium, Pa. 15834 814-486-4000

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FEBRUARY 18, 2016

The Shelf Sitter Era Has Ended

By Harry L. Rinker Harry L. Rinker, LLC

A shelf sitter is an object that rests upon a hanging shelf, mantle, tabletop, bookcase, or cabinet with glass doors. It is an object that is meant to be admired rather than used, albeit it can have a utilitarian purpose. Reasons for admiration vary – beauty, family heirloom, nostalgia, souvenir, or simply a conversation piece.

Shelf sitters were common elements in late 19th and early 20th century households. The Victorians loved knickknacks, especially in the parlor. Objects, such as Staffordshire figures and dome covered handcrafted pieces made from hair or wax, evolved into collecting categories—some major and some minor. An examination of photographs of Victorian era interiors lends credence to the concept that Victorians abhorred a vacuum (with apologies to Aristotle). Clutter was a major decorative element.

Post-1920s Colonial Revival and Early American decorator looks allowed ample display opportunities. A kitchen or dining room plate rail is not an architectural feature found in a twenty-first century home. It was commonplace in the first half of the twentieth century. The decorative motif of the plates varied – color, pattern, souvenir, or eclectic – depending on the choice of the housewife. Although no firm empirical evidence exits, it is likely that the end of the collector/limited edition plate craze in the 1980s signaled the end of the plate rail as a standard decorative feature.

Whatnot furniture was common from the early 1920s through the 1960s. Corner and free standing whatnot shelves were popularized versions of the Victorian étagère.

These stepped shelf units were found throughout the house. Hanging whatnot shelfs also trace their roots back to the Victorian era. Although found in Chippendale, Hepplewhite, Sheraton, and generic country primitive style designs, most were fantasy pieces and not reproductions (exact copies) or copycats (stylistic copies) of period pieces.

Fireplace mantels and built-in alcoves were other popular places to display shelf sitter objects during the 1920s through the 1960s. When viewing American movies made in the 1930s through the 1960s, pay close attention to the room interiors.

Whether depicting a mansion or a farmhouse, Hollywood set designers understood period tastes. Although liberties were taken (every collector loves spotting objects used in a film setting that were made later), the Hollywood image was accepted and duplicated.

The knickknack experienced a golden age in the 1950s and early 1960s. The Country Store look invaded the kitchen and family dining areas. The tops of kitchen cabinets became home to advertising tins and assorted food packaging. Obsolete kitchen utensils were incorporated into decorating schemes.

The 1950s and 1960s also was the era of the miniature ceramic figurine, many manufactured by southern California pottery companies such as American Pottery Co.,

Florence Ceramics, Hagen Renaker, Josef Originals, and Sasha Studios. Animals, especially dogs, were a topical collecting favorite. Young girls filled their bedroom shelves with horse figurines. Young housewives loved the fanciful female figurines.

The 1950s and 1960s witnessed the arrival of the Hummel figurine. Hummel’s Golden Age occurred in the 1970s and 1980s when the Goebel Collectors Club membership numbered in the tens of thousands. At the high end of the market, Lladro and Royal Doulton figurines bolstered gift and jewelry shop sales.

Although individuals assembled groupings, they were not collections in the true sense. Once a grouping filled a space available, interest waned. To use a Pennsylvania German phrase, the figurines were “just for nice.” 1950s and 1960s ceramic figurines were inexpensive, optimistic, upbeat, fun, and admired by visitors. Many of these shelf sitters found their way to the table top, especially if the figurine had a holiday theme.

It was not until the 1980s that individuals began collecting 1950s and 1960s shelf sitter figurines in earnest. Nostalgia triggered the craze. The publication of checklist and price guide reference books began in the late 1980s and drove numerous collecting crazes. While the secondary resale market for this material has suffered, the publication of reference books, such as Nancy Kelly’s three volumes on Hagen-Renaker Pottery (Schiffer Publishing,) still continues, albeit not with the same intensity as in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Modernist decorating styles challenged the role played by shelf sitters. The style is minimalist. Shelf sitters clutter space. Modernism also emphasizes pieces associated with industrial designers and studio artists. Art, an elevating word hinting that the user has better taste than those who love tchotchkes, knickknacks, and other dust collectors, is an integral part of Modernism.

Decorating plays a key role in influencing what sells in the secondary antiques and collectibles marketplace. The use of antiques and collectibles in contemporary decorating schemes continues to decline, often reaching a point where, with the exception of Country Look periodicals, no use of antiques and collectibles is shown. Little wonder young adults have lost interest in objects from the past.

The lack of support from the decorating community is only one reason interest in shelf sitters has diminished. Time plays a critical role. The generations who grew up with this material are aging. Their children and grandchildren do not identify with shelf sitters.

Linda’s mother Catherine Houck had a collection of dog figurines. She displayed them in a three-tiered bookshelf near her easy/reading chair. She loved looking at them. In her travels, Linda often found dogs to add to Catherine’s collection. When Catherine died in 2009, Linda packed up her mother’s dog collection, not able to dispose of something that meant so much to her mother. Where is the collection now?

It is in an archival file box stored in a basement storage room. Three of Catherine’s

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THE BRADFORD ERA • OLEAN TIMES HERALD • THE SALAMANCA PRESS

great-grandchildren never saw it. Sophia has no memories of it. Most likely, Linda will own Catherine’s dog collection when she dies. Its value is minimal. Chances are the dogs will end their life at a garage or estate sale.

It makes little difference if the collection is dogs, salt and pepper shakers, or Josef figurines. The future is bleak. Children and grandchildren constantly tell parents who own shelf sitter collections: “Get rid of them before you die. I do not want to have to deal with it.”

The shelf sitter secondary resale market is flooded. The survival rate for shelf sitters is much higher than collectors initially thought. eBay proved that. But, eBay alone is not responsible for the flooded market. There is no sustained generational demand.

When there is no demand, there is no market.

There are two distinct shelf sitter groups. Thus far, this column has focused on the first – the inexpensive, fun, period focused knickknacks. The second is the collector edition / limited edition material dating from the 1960s through the mid-2000s.

This material was never meant to be used. It was made for display purposes. Plates, many issued in series, graced the last of the plate rails in homes. Bells and other objects filled china cabinets and hanging shelves. It was the golden age of the Mints such as Danbury and Franklin. Many purchasers bought the material as an investment. Time has demonstrated that the investment was speculative and unwise. The 2008 Great Recession, the collapse of Beanie Babies, and a realization that initial retail prices for everything from Norman Rockwell figurines and Thomas Kinkade prints to Hallmark Christmas ornaments and Wade Cottages is not recoverable when these items are sold in the secondary market appears to have quelled the general public’s appetite for this material.

Actually, there is a third category of shelf sitters – the dinnerware, stemware, and

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other materials that were removed from use and placed into china cabinets because the items “are too valuable to use.” As with the above, long-term collectability depends on memory creation and perpetuation. Today’s young adults do not want things they cannot use. If they are going to display something it has to evoke memories of what they had and not what their parents or grandparents had.

- Gorgeous lodge ½½9 acres in the to the above, pay close attention Before taking acustom “notbuilt true, notontrue” approach mountains of Cameron County, bordering State Forest Land to what isand used displayed theSinnamahoning homes of young the and Driftwood Branch in of the Creek. adults. There is a generational private 5 BR, 3.5 bath, vaulted ceiling inmimicked the living the decorating tastes of their decoratingVery difference.

Early Baby Boomers room w/stone WB fireplace, a game/rec room in the parents and grandparents.

Boomers basement with 2nd WBYounger fireplace + Baby much more.

The and the generation that followed wraparound deckdecorating showcases thetastes. breathtaking rebelled against these Themountain Millennials and the generation following views in all seasons. Acreage is primarily wooded, with are settingtimber theirrights ownand decorating tastes.

It Major is theprice golden age of Crate & Barrel, Ikea and OGMs included in sale. adjustment.

See website for more details Pottery Barn. Shelf sitters play a little or no role in it.

Harry L. Rinker welcomes questions from readers about collectibles, those mass-produced items from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.

Selected letters will be answered in this column. Harry cannot provide personal answers. Photos and other material submitted cannot be returned.

Send your questions to: Rinker on Collectibles, 5955 Mill Point Court SE, Kentwood, MI 49512. You also can e-mail your questions to harrylrinker@ aol.com. Only e-mails containing a full name and mailing address will be considered.

You can listen and participate in WHATCHA GOT?, Harry’s antiques and collectibles radio call-in show, on Sunday mornings between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM Eastern Time. If you cannot find it on a station in your area, WHATCHA GOT? streams live on the Internet at www.gcnlive.com.

14907 RTE. 6, SMETHPORT

$428,500

Large, comfortable 2 story home with 3 BR, ½bath, large family room, and attached 2 car garage. On 205 acres with stocked trout stream running through the property.

Approx. ½55 acres are wooded. Beautiful views, abundant wildlife- perfect for hunting and fishing. Endless possibilities for this unique property. OGMs are included!

113 CLEAR CREEK RD, EMPORIUM, CAMERON CO.

$220,000

3 BR, 3 bath ranch home on almost 2 level acres bordered by stream. Large living room with stone-faced fireplace, adjoining eat-in kitchen and laundry area. Covered patio with built-in grill, attached 2 car garage.

Anne Horning

Margie Smith

Myra Buckles

Rod Rees

126 E. CUTLER RD, PORT ALLEGANY 89 BUCKTAIL TRAIL HWY. CAMERON CO. Gorgeous custom built lodge on ½½9 acres in the mountains of Cameron County, bordering State Forest Land and the Driftwood Branch of the Sinnamahoning Creek. Very private 5 BR, 3.5 bath, vaulted ceiling in the living room w/stone WB fireplace, a game/rec room in the basement with 2nd WB fireplace + much more. The wraparound deck showcases the breathtaking mountain views in all seasons. Acreage is primarily wooded, with timber rights and OGMs included in sale. Major price adjustment. See website for more details.

294 HERCULES RD, EMPORIUM, CAMERON CO.

$365,000

Gorgeous custom built home on ½0+ very secluded acres. 4 BR, 3 ½� 2 bat hs. Lar ge eat- in ki t chen, fo r m al DR, 2 LR on t he ½st f l oor Large family room with WB fireplace, bath, & sauna in the bsmt.

$112,500

4BR, 2 bath spacious one-story home on a level 4 acre lot. Nearly 3000 sq. ft. of living space has a lge. family/living room, ample kitchen/dining area and an office. Well insulated, plenty of storage/work space in garage.

138 E. 5th ST, EMPORIUM, CAMERON CO.

$98,500

SELLER WILL PAY $6000 TOWARDS EXTERIOR PAINTING. This 4 BR, ½.5 bath Victorian is both elegant and family friendly, with a formal DR, library w/FP, finished walk-up attic, remodeled kitchen with snack bar. Rear deck, full bsmnt. All on a gorgeous ½50x½40 lot. Freshly cleaned and move-in ready! PRICE ADJUSTED TO $95,000

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Local real estate agents talk winter woes

By Diana McElfresh

Special To House & Home

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fter weeks of anxious waiting, it seems as though winter is truly here. While snowy skies and plummeting temperatures can be a blessing for winter sports enthusiasts, for those in the process of selling their homes, winter can be a curse.

“A lot of people don’t want to move in the middle of the winter,” said John Dwaileebe, a real estate agent at DBP Realty in Olean.

He added that in more mild winters, as this winter has mostly been, homes tend to sell more quickly.

Darcy Branch, of Jones Realty in Olean, agreed.

“People are less likely to want to move their home in the winter,” she said. “If you were to get moving vans coming in during nasty weather, you’d get mud tracked through your new house.”

Dwaileebe advised sellers to be patient.

“The right buyer will come along,” he said. “It’s basically as long as the it’s the right price, the home will sell.”

Both Dwaileebe and Branch said they rarely run open houses in winter months.

“With open house, we like to do it in the nice weather so we don’t track mud through the house,” Dwaileebe said.

“We run (open houses) every so often, kind of as needed,” Branch said. “We typically do a big spring one.”

Open houses don’t tend to close deals, according to Branch.

The events are generally geared more toward people preliminarily or casually interested in moving.

“Very rarely are you going to have a person come through (during an open house) and buy the house,” she said, Branch offered some advice for those looking to sell their house in the winter.

“Have lots of lights on when the house is going to be shown,” she said. “If you have a gas fireplace, turn the fireplace on. Make the house look as warm and comfortable as possible.”

A pleasant smell also draws in potential buyers, according to Branch.

“If you bake cookies, that smell is always a good thing,” she said.

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