Real Estate

ACCLIMATING TO A NEW NEIGHBORHOOD

Host your own welcome party Rather than waiting around for others to welcome you to the neighborhood, take the bull by the horns and introduce yourself to your neighbors in a fun way. Host an open house party and invite your new neighbors. What better way to converse with others than with food, beverages and a festive atmosphere? Plus, your party may lead to reciprocation from others.

Residential/Commercial Affordable Rates Louie Reeb, LLC

NYS DOT 37521 • 40 East Main St., Corfu (585) 813-9758 • (585) 599-3563

www.reebfamilymoving.com

DID YOU KNOW?

Prospective real estate investors who hope to buy, hold and rent out their investment properties should fi rst interview potential property managers before buying homes. While it’s possible to fi nd property managers willing to manage single-family homes or duplexes, the fi nancial resource Bankrate.com notes that many property managers prefer to manage large apartment complexes instead. Managing properties is hard work, and without skilled property managers on their side, real estate investors may become overwhelmed by the responsibilities of taking care of their real estate investments while simultaneously trying to maintain their own residences. Before buying investment properties, prospective real estate investors should interview various local property managers or property management fi rms, inquiring about their fees and what is included in those fees. If the cost of hiring property managers drastically cuts into the profi ts investors hoped to make off their investment properties, they might be better off looking to invest their money in areas other than real estate. Prospective investors can compare the potential return on investment after the cost of property managers has been factored in to the return they might get from more traditional investments to determine if investing in real estate is a sound fi nancial decision. ENJOYING THRILLS AT AMUSEMENT PARKS

Roller coasters are a staple of amusement parks, and even though the fi rst patent for a roller coaster was issued to LaMarcus Thompson in 1885, it’s believed modern roller coasters descended from winter sled rides made popular in the 17th century in St. Petersburg, Russia. Called “Russian Mountains,” these thrill rides took place on icy hills that may have reached as high as 200 feet in the air.

Fair Housing Statement

All real estate advertised in the Genesee Valley Penny Saver is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. Fair Housing Enforcement Project Monroe County Legal Assistance Center 1 W. Main Street Rochester, NY 14614 (585) 325-2500 • www.lawny.org

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

PAW’S CORNER

By Sam Mazzotta Cats Shouldn’t Get a Free Pass

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: Could you explain why cats can poop in my garden and the owners are not responsible for them? Cats kill birds and chipmunks, and they dig in my garden. Children’s sandboxes get fouled by cats. Cat poop is really unpleasant and can spread diseases. It seems unfair that cat owners should get all the enjoyment out of them, but not have to be responsible for their messes. Why do cat owners get a free pass? What can be done to keep the cats from killing birds and leaving messes in my yard? -- Pat in Spokane

DEAR PAT: You’re absolutely right. Cats can wreak havoc on the local environment as they don’t limit their hunting to mice: A 2013 study estimated that cats kill billions of songbirds per year in the U.S. alone (www.smithsonianmag.com and search for “The Moral Cost of Cats”). Yet owners who allow their cats outdoors often don’t think that their sweet, adorable Fluffy could be a neighborhood menace. That’s one reason I constantly ask owners to keep their cats indoors. It’s also for the cats’ personal safety; they’re at risk of being attacked by bigger wildlife or other cats. Right now, there are two things you can do. First, deter cats from coming onto your property. Scatter a mixture of used coffee grounds, lemon peels and vinegar around the perimeter of the yard (pans of vinegar also work). Cover exposed ground in garden beds with river rock to discourage digging. Second, raise awareness in the community. Spread the word about the damage cats do, and what owners can do to prevent it. Do this by talking with your neighbors and speaking at town or HOA meetings. Get the word out so the entire community can address the problem.

Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.