LifeandHomes Central NY April 2023

Fenced In

When I was a kid, backyards were often interconnected, creating the perfect seeing for neighborhood baseball games and frequent games of hide and seek. Those days are gone in most places. As one person put it; urban density and legal liability have taken care of that.

Fenced yards have become common ways to add privacy, and keep pets in and others out. And while it's often said good fences make good neighbors, the fact is, property disputes involving fences and allegations of encroachment are reportedly among the most heavily litigated, often contentious, types of cases.

If your summer plans include installing a fence, hedges, trees or bushes on your property with the intention of creating a partition or boundary, you should take a few steps to help avoid your own fence dispute.

Determine legally recorded property lines. Installing a fence even an inch over your line can cause problems. In many cases, as long as the neighbor is in agreement, you can install a fence directly on a property line that's shared with them. Fence companies usually install a foot inside the line, just to be sure.

Obtain a permit and follow local zoning ordinances dictating fence requirements, such as the height of a fence, how far an owner must set back a fence, the use of prohibited material, the maintenance of a fence, etc. Height limits typically are 6 feet for side and back yards; 4 feet for front yards.

It's good etiquette to notify neighbors before installing a fence. If property line issues exist, you'll want to resolve them before any kind of construction begins. To avoid the chance of disputes, some communities now require written neighbor notification 30 days in advance of any proposed building. If you live in a community regulated by a Homeowner's Association (HOA), you're at their mercy and must follow their guidelines.

Make it a point to be a good neighbor when it comes time to maintain, repair or replace a fence or boundary marker. If a dispute does happen to arise between yourself and a neighbor, work together and do everything in your power to find a peaceful resolution.

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Mortgage Facts You Should Know

Most loans have 4 parts: Principal: the repayment of the amount you actually borrowed; Interest: payment to the lender for the money you've borrowed; Homeowners Insurance: a monthly amount to insure the property against loss from fire, smoke, theft, and other hazards required by most lenders; and Property Taxes: the annual city/county taxes assessed on your property, divided by the number of mortgage payments you make in a year.

Most loans are for 30 years, although 15-year loans are available, too. During the life of the loan, you'll pay far more in interest than you will in principal - sometimes two or three times more! Because of the way loans are structured, in the first years you'll be paying mostly interest in your monthly payments. In the final years, you'll be paying mostly principal.

What do you need to take with you when applying for a mortgage? If you have everything with you when you visit your lender, you'll save a good deal of time. You should have:

1) social security numbers for both your and your spouse, if both of you are applying for the loan;

2) copies of your checking and savings account statements for the past 6 months;

3) evidence of any other assets like bonds or stocks;

4) a recent paycheck stub detailing your earnings;

5) a list of all credit card accounts and the approximate monthly amounts owed on each;

6) a list of account numbers and balances due on outstanding loans, such as car loans; 7) copies of your last 2 years' income tax statements; and 8) the name and address of someone who can verify your employment. Depending on your lender, you may be asked for other information.

There are numerous types of mortgages, and the more you know about them before you start, the better. Most people use a fixed-rate mortgage. In a fixed rate mortgage, your interest rate stays the same for the term of the mortgage, which normally is 30 years. The advantage of a fixed-rate mortgage is that you always know exactly how much your mortgage payment will be, and you can plan for it.

Another kind of mortgage is an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM). With this kind of mortgage,

your interest rate and monthly payments usually start lower than a fixed-rate mortgage. But your rate and payment can change either up or down, as often as once or twice a year. The adjustment is tied to a financial index, such as the U.S. Treasury Securities index. The advantage of an ARM is that you may be able to afford a more expensive home because your initial interest rate will be lower.

There are several government mortgage programs,including the Veteran's Administration's programs and the Department of Agriculture's programs. Most people have heard of FHA mortgages. FHA doesn't actually make loans. Instead, it insures loans so that if buyers default for some reason, the lenders will get their money. This encourages lenders to give mortgages to people who might not otherwise qualify for a loan. Talk to your real estate broker about the various kinds of loans, before you begin shopping for a mortgage. ( Hud.gov)

Important Spring Home Maintenance Steps

Spring is the ideal time to give your home a onceover both inside and out to flag any issues and create a maintenance to-do list. According to the experts at State Farm, here are some top spring maintenance tasks to help protect your home:

Roof and gutters: Your roof provides fundamental protection of your home from the elements in all seasons. Inspect your roof at least once annually for damage, discoloration, loss of granules and missing, worn or curling shingles. If you have the skills, you can do this yourself, or, call a qualified contractor who can come and do an inspection.

Some additional things to keep in mind, especially during rainy spring months: Gutters and downspouts should be safely attached, clear of leaves and other debris, and have no leaks. Position downspouts to direct water away from the home so it doesn't impact the foundation. Also, check that flashing is securethe thin, metal material that's around windows, vents and chimneys to direct water away.

HVAC systems: HVAC stands for your home's heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. These systems work together to keep

your home comfortable throughout the seasons. Regular maintenance helps keep them working well today and extends their life in the future while also saving on energy costs.

Start by setting a reminder every few months to replace filters. Dirty filters can block airflow and make the HVAC system work harder, decreasing efficiency and increasing energy costs. Then, schedule a spring maintenance check with a local HVAC professional. Pros will often check the thermostat, clean or replace filters, lubricate moving parts, check refrigerant levels, inspect the condenser and coils, and investigate unusual noises.

Garage spaces: Garages can quickly become cluttered and certain items pose risks, such as fuel that can start a fire or items that can be attractive to pests. Embrace spring by planning a day to clean out the garage so it is organized and safe.

If you store any fuel in the garage, use dedicated, leak-proof containers out of the reach of children and pets, and away from potential sources of fire ignition such as water heaters or power tools. Be smart about paint and homeimprovement chemicals, too. A shed away from your home may be a better storage spot for combustible items. Many people also store furniture, clothing and food in their garage, but these are all tempting to insects and rodents. Clothing and furniture can also soak up dust and fumes that destroy their integrity, even if pests don't. As for food, it's just too risky to store any in the garage. Even nonperishables like canned goods can spoil due to temperature fluctuations in garage spaces, so opt to store extra food elsewhere.Smoke detectors

Get in the habit of checking your smoke alarms on a regular basis, such as at the start of every season. Do this by hitting the test button on each device. If you don't already have them, make sure a smoke detector is located in every bedroom and living space. This small investment and maintenance step can help save lives.

Additionally, don't wait until the alarms chirp at you to tell you batteries are low. Once a year, replace all the batteries in all the alarms to give you peace of mind that these critical devices are set up to work well in an emergency.

If you need assistance with any of these spring home maintenance tasks, consider hiring a qualified, insured contractor in your area. Reach out to your local State Farm agent for a list of trustworthy professionals who can help. (BPT) -

Selling Miles of Real Estate One Yard At a Time

117 Main Street, Boonville NY 13309

Phone: (315) 942.4408 •

LEYDEN

7223 E MAIN STREET $134,900

Lovely neat and tidy Capecod home in the Village of Port Leyden. Home offers 3 bedrooms, Master bedroom on the main floor, Full bath, laundry room, living room and eat in kitchen. Attached one stall garage with extra sroage room off the back and side enclosed porch. This wonderful location is minutes from Snow Ridge, snowmobiling, lakes for boating/swimming.

BOONVILLE

132 FORD STREET $184,500

Lovely 4 bedroom village home on a large lot with detached garage/barn. This house has just over 2200 square feet and is nice and spacious without being massive. First oor has updated kitchen with an island and sliding glass doors to the deck. Formal dining room with French doors to the den/parlor. The living room has a gas stove for chilly winter days.

BOONVILLE

118 AUBREY AVENUE $100,000

Village of Boonville Home with country kitchen, dining room, living room, mud room/laundry area, and half bath. Second oor has four bedrooms and full bath. One bedroom was made into a laundry room and can be easily converted back to a bedroom. Second oor has a stairway that leads to a full attic that could be nished into a room.

WEST TURIN

3856 FRANKLIN $199,000

Fully renovated home on a village lot overlooking the Black River. Some of the many features of this home include a kitchen with granite countertops, undercabinet lighting, 2 pantry cabinets and a large closet. There are new stainless steel appliances. Downstairs you will also find a separate dining room, living room and full bath which includes a new washer and dryer.

BOONVILLE

203 EAST SCHUYLER $485,000

Spectacular investment opportunity in the Historic Village of Boonville, located on the Corner of Rte. 12, and E. Schuyler Street, the main highway from Utica to Watertown. The house includes a business Known as the Shoemakers Plaza. There are 5 units

CONTINUETOSHOW UNDERCONTRACT

10760 Point Rock Road, Ava

Two story remoulded country home having four bedrooms, eat-in kitchen ,formal dining room, living room , family room,work shop, plus a large yard.Snow mobile trail borders property, borders pt rock creek,above ground pool, the out building is 20 x 20 with bull basement. $244,000 | MLS# S1442062

452 Oakdale Ave, Utica

Very nice ranch home with three bedrooms and two full baths!! Eat-in kithcen, formal dinng room, living room, and 1st floor laundry. Outside find an inground swimming pool, two-stall attached garage, 83 x 120 lot, and a great location!!

$250,000 | MLS # S1452780

Location! Location! Location! Showcasing three PRIME PROPERTIES for one awesome price. Located directly across from McDonalds restaurant and in-between Dunkin Donuts and Pizza Hut! All three properties combined offer 1.4 acres (with 250’ conbined road frontage), plenty of parking and zoned for any commercial scheme you can think of.

Total Package $650,000

106 D’Angelo Avenue, Rome

Your own private club. Other possibilities include a coffee/tea or juice bar/bistro or a little retail shop. This affordable opportunity doesn’t come along every day. $59,000 | MLS# S1370929

Erie Blvd. W., Rome

Excellent corner location in a high traffic area with stop light installed at intersection. $395,000 | MLS#S1443591

500 N. James, Rome NY

with two upper apartments, business.

6611 Martin Street, Rome

Operating as a bar/restaurant., Buyers must be qualified prior to showing. Great time to own an established business. Sale includes all the equipment, land, building and established business! $245,000|MLS # S1412321

114 Stanwix & Steuben Street, Rome

Zoned commercial package includes four single family homes at 114, 116, 118, and 120 stanwix street along with two vacant lots at 228 and 203 steuben street. $230,000 | MLS# S1361990

Prime location for any type of business. Plenty of parking and great visibility.

| MLS# S1427127

Ilion $1,690 40 A Central Plaza - This store front is located within the direct vicinity of many di erent types of businesses, retail, food services, Aldis, apartments... It is located near Route 5 & minutes from the NYS Thruway. Lorene L. Prenderville* 315-868-3330

Branch Manager Melissa A. Paquette 315-723-5584 **

Clinton $375,000 4000 Cleary Road - 3 bdrm 1 full 2 half bath log home on 5 acres. Eat in kit w/ spacious dining area & lrg living rm w/wood burning frpl, Clinton Schools many updates. Jodie M. DeCosty** 315-723-8554 Marcy $39,900 Glass Factory Road- Town of Marcy 1 acre, level building lot. Electric, public water and sewer at the street. Located in the Whitesboro School District. Great location, with easy access to all amenities. Debra C. Roberts ** 315-796-2830

Rich eld Springs $118,000 29 Ann Street - 4 bdrm 2 bath village home o ers lots of key updates, over an acre of land plus a separate mobile home currently rented showing solid rental income!

Richard M. Parent*

Terrence Jones 315-272-5225 Ryan Kirch 315-264-4198

All of our New Hartford Licensed Real Estate Salespersons(*) and Associate Brokers (**) service every town and city in the Upstate Utica Area.

HUD Broker • (315) 853-7251

UNDERCONTRACT

Rt 20 - Hunters, snowmobile/ATV riders, hobby farmers & country lovers! 30 acre parcel, w/a ranch style home & 32x32’ pole barn, bordering state lands. Formally used as the CNY Snow Travelers meeting place. Trails are there for all types of recreational use year round. Oil furnace, on demand hot water heater in full walkout basement. Abstract is updated, ready for quick closing! Waterville mailing address, Town of Bridgewater ,Mount Markham school district. Some wetlands and woods on parcel. MLS#S1448143

FRANKFORT

Rd.- Easy Living in great location. 2006 manufactured doublewide on 3.48 acres.This parcel has 2 tax numbers.This one owner home offers 3 bedrooms , 2 full baths fully applianced kitchen and central air. Great floor plan , Master bedroom is on one end of home. MLS#S1450070

Why Choose Us?

NEW

Valley View Rd.- 2 side by side lots ready to sell! Legal docs updated. 1.2 Acres, 100’ road frontage. Utilities avail. New hartford schools. MLS#S1383488 & MLS#S1383498

313.

DEERFIELD $65,000

WESTMORELAND $49,000

Dedicated Team

Our team of agents offer one on one professional & caring service you can’t find anywhere else

Experience

Established in 2000, our founder brings with her over 30 years of real estate experience

Looking for NYS Thruway convenience? Located in an area of newer homes, this acreage has road frontage with high Thruway visibilit. Great spot for advertising options near exit 32. 4.60 acres with frontage on 3 roads.

Humphrey

Doing Business with a Friend

You’re not our customers, you’re our friends!

HARTFORD $35,000

Road -

11160 Bell Hill Rd.- Investors, builders & beyond!! This is 22 acres total, subdivided into 5 acre parcels in the town of deerfield, whitesboro school district. Be at the foothills of the adirondacks in your new home! Public water and electric is available at road. MLS#S1459078

New Office Email: hometownteam@rawilkesrealestate.com New Office Website: www.rawilkesrealestate.com

Spring Has Sprung! It’s Time To Buy A New Home!

Camden $129,900

13 4th Street-A modest size & affordable colonial home offers 3 bedrooms & 2 full baths. Large fully fenced back yard with a nice storage shed too! MLS#S1442376

Westdale $29,900. Each Salisbury Road-A choice of “7” 14.2 acre surveyed recreational lots for seasonal use on a picturesque one lane minimum maintenance dirt road in the Town of Florence. All lots offer at least 226’ of road frontage, most are wooded & have great places to build camps or set up an RV’s. MLS#S1413251

Blossvale $129,900

State Route #49-62 acres of beautiful mostly wooded land o ering about a 3-4 acre clearing with the balance of woods with a couple of small streams & northern tier hunting zone for deer & turkey!

MLS#S1458007

Camden $12,900

17 Voorhees Ave-Camden Village Building Lot! 66’ x 165’ on a quiet street within walking distance to downtown Camden! Public water & sewer available at the street! MLS#S1442264

Camden $250,000

9091 State Route #13-Large 3 bedroom, 2 bath custom ranch with a finished 2 car basement garage. High ceiling area in the basement for a future great room. Back yard has a large chain link fencing area with open deck on 2.82 acres!

MLS#S1445961

Camden $163,900 Moran Post Rd & Shady Lake Rd- Land Developers Dream! 40.4 acres o ering 3,884’ of road frontage to develop into great building lots your own way with no deed restrictions! MLS#S1378066

Camden $59,900 21 Fayette Street-Two Story colonial home with 4 bedrooms & 2 baths. This home needs TLC as it has been a rental home for many years, so it needs some updating to make it your very own.

MLS#S1446911

Florence $24,900

Dolly Road-Cute As Can Be A ordable “Tiny Cabin”! This 1 room un nished cabin o ers a propane heater & a wood stove on 2.6 acres adjacent to many acres of N.Y. State Land to hunt hike and enjoy!

MLS#S1419411

Camden $269,000 35 Liberty Street-A “Cash Cow” duplex home! 3 bedrooms & 1 ½ bath on each side, lots of great features & new mechanical including central heating & air conditioning too. MLS#S1454751

Camden $24,900 10 Durr Ave-Camden Village Building Lot. Concrete slab already in place with public water & sewer, ideal for a garage or shed foundation with room to build a new home too with lots of road frontage! MLS#S1432219

Lee Center $154,900 8910 Skinner Road- Cute as can be Chalet/Salt Box style home o ers 3 bedrooms & 2 baths. 1.4 acre lot, full basement with laundry & all appliances stay! MLS#S1460643

Blossvale $129,900

Old State Route #49-58.9 acres of farm land that’s surveyed & in full production, already planted for this season in eld corn for cattle. Some of the richest loam soils in this area for both corn/soybeans & produces great yields. MLS#S1412327

Camden $119,900 66 Mexico Street-A ordable village colonial home that’s fully furnished! There’s 3 bedrooms, full bath, living room, dining room, laundry room & country kitchen. Rocking chair front porch too! MLS#S1440287

8ACRES

Camden $209,900

9 2nd Street-Such a Charming Camden Village home that’s move in ready! All the work has already been done here, o ers 3 bedrooms, 1 ½ baths, main level laundry & family room with a great fenced in back yard, 2 car garage & shed!

MLS#S1459740

Camden $226,900 7 Voorhees Ave-Queen Anne Home expertly remodeled with so much skill & care! Move in condition with eye pleasing color schemes, 3 bedrooms & 2 full baths. Det. 2 car garage, shed & 2 lovely open covered porches!

MLS#S1434824

Camden $139,900

56 Railroad Street-Cute, cozy & e cient 2-bedroom ranch in the Village! Oak kitchen, dining area, living room, full bath & laundry room. Full basement, attached garage, nice yard with a shed! MLS#S1442362

Taberg $39,900

0 Point Rock Road- 27.75 acres of mostly wooded land, an ideal place to put a camp, cottage or home on this year-round road with electric/phone available at the street. MLS#S1445228

Osceola $115,000

1431 Gregory Road- Adorable newly built camp on 4.8 acres with e ciency in mind. Located on a town plowed road with access to the snowmobile trail system! MLS#S1445106

Vienna $139,900

8906 Maple Flats Road-Adorable & Efficient 2 Bedroom Country Ranch! Eat in kitchen with appliances, living room with propane fireplace, a full bath with laundry & a lovely wood stove in the entry foyer. Att. garage & workshop, detached sheds & carport too! MLS#S1440402

Camden $119,900

24 Oswego Street-Circa 1890 Queen Anne Home that’s in a great location, o ers up to 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, many rooms with original woodwork, needs more work, but a great home to work with. Three car garage with upstairs workshop!

MLS#S1430664

For Lease: 350 Leland Ave. N. Utica

1,500, 1,900 & 7,050 End Cap ± SF Available. Great North Utica location. End-cap visibility from NYS Thruway Exit 31 with 107,000 ± AADT.

For Sub-Lease: 2 Ellinwood Drive, New Hartford Shared medical office space immediately available for lease. Turn-key space located within the Ellinwood Medical Complex. High traffic and visibility.

For Sale: 2376 Main Street, Clayville

Former wedding venue situated on 35 ± acres for sale. 50 ± surface parking lot. Opportunity for potential apartment re-development.

For Lease: 310 Broad Street, Utica Newly renovated first floor office or retail space. Wood floors, high ceilings, common area restrooms and shared conference room available. Secured building.

For Lease: 1970 Black River Blvd., Rome

Mohawk Acres Plaza is shadow anchored by Market 32 and located on Rome’s major retail corridor. This center is situated within close proximity to Griffiss.

For Lease: 9225 River Road, Marcy 7,500 ± SF retail space within the Marcy Towne Center. High traffic and visibility. Proposed Ashley Furniture to anchor the center in near future.

For Sale or Lease: 1105 Floyd Avenue, Rome

Investment opportunity! This property has been fully remodeled and is currently leased. Located 1.5 ± miles to City Center and .50 ± miles to Griffiss.

For Sale or Lease: 412 Main Street, Sylvan Beach

Willie’s Chop Shop Bar and Restaurant is fully equipped and immediately available. The second floor has four newly renovated 1-bedroom apartments rented.

For Lease: 320 Herkimer Road, Utica

Fully renovated office building located on a busy North Utica retail corridor. On-site parking lot in rear of building. Close proximity to NYS Thruway.

For Lease: 36 Wurz Avenue, Utica 40,000 ± SF warehouse space available for lease in North Utica. Building has 5 total dock level doors. Newly renovated 3,400 ± SF office space available for lease.

For Sale: 610 & 612 Charlotte Street, Utica

2,387 ± SF and 1,726 ± SF updated office buildings located in the heart of Downtown Utica. Adjacent to the Court House, State Office Building.

For Sale: 104 Lenox Avenue, Oneida Building offers 8,200 ± of retail/showroom space, 245 ± SF of office & 8,000 ± SF of warehouse space. 2 overhead ground level doors.

For Sale: 1806 & 1808 Guelich Street, Utica

A repair facility with lifts, 5- bays, inspection, and car dismantling license. Sale includes business, furniture, fixtures, and most equipment.

9 Arlington Road, New Hartford

starting out! Located within close proximity to Ridgewood Market.

Experience Excellence in Real Estate With The

John Brown

Team

Recipients Of Coldwell Bankers’ Highest Awards for 2022! Top Team In New York State!

While past success is no guarantee of future performance, the John Brown Team’s commitment to excellence, client-focused approach, and innovative strategies ensure that they will continue to exceed expectations in the ever-changing real estate industry. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, trust the John Brown Team to guide you through the process with unparalleled expertise and dedication.

Cynthia Lazzaro

Jennifer Hoover

C. Jerry Vitiello Keith Morgan

Katrina Smith Michael Major Michelle Gorea Thompson

Veronica Coe Vincent Scalise

Edward Co n Cynthia Major

John Brown

The John Brown Team

Howard Hanna

Howard Hanna

Amodio Realty, Inc. Pays it Forward by Giving Back

Real Estate Rebate Program Honors Local Heroes

BY RICHARD BARRETT Aug. 2018

Amodio Realty Inc., located in the Town of Lee, wanted to show its appreciation to the military, law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, health care professionals, and teachers for their service to country and community, but wanted to do it in a way that went beyond mere words.

So the small family real estate agency, staffed by Stephen Amodio (Broker/Owner), his wife Betsy (President/Owner), and their daughter, Lucciana, decided to do something extraordinary with their business after learning about Heroes Home Advantage and a courageous woman named Michele Ladd, its founder.

Stephen Amodio, a former Marine whose own family includes many community heroes, heard about Ladd’s noble mission of honoring hometown heroes by offering discounts and rebates on real estate services, and he wanted to get on board. He did his due diligence first, spending nine months researching and speaking with other realtors nationwide who were already participating.

Amodio Realty, Inc. joined the Heroes Home Advantage program in January of 2017 and is currently working with about a half dozen heroes. He has closed on several properties already, but explained that it’s not about being pressured to obtain listings, move properties and meet sales quotas. It’s about giving back. He discovered through census tract records that in the tri-county area he exclusively serves -- Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties --

these categories of community heroes when combined comprise 50% of their total population.

“We can never repay our heroes for their service, but we can honor them with a small token of our appreciation,” Amodio said. “We are looking for opportunities to honor local community heroes. That is our goal.”

Amodio Realty gives 25% of earned commission directly to the hero, (up to $5000 per transaction), when we close on the sale and/or purchase of their residential or commercial property.

“It’s a small gesture in comparison to the their daily sacrifices and service to our community and country,” he said.

He also works closely with a comprehensive, likeminded network of community partners who offer additional rebates and discounts on their related products and services. The savings to heroes when all is said and done can be thousands of dollars.

As word of mouth about the program spreads, Amodio envisions adding a half-dozen sales staff and expanding his cadre of committed community business partners even further. He graciously welcomes those who respect the program’s mission and embrace its spirit of honoring community heroes for their contributions.

“We’re hungry for more hero partners,” he said. “The door is wide open to virtually any business, but we discourage people from using the program to leverage their business and not follow through on their promises.” There are no fees involved, no catches, and no restrictions on how Amodio’s rebate can be used. The program is open to all qualified active, retired and volunteer heroes, both buyers and sellers, including first-time home buyers.

Amodio can’t hide his enthusiasm for the program and the people it serves.

“We’re enjoying doing this,” he admitted. “We always get a great reception.”

Heroes Home Advantage has representation in 40 states. For more information, visit AmodioRealty.com or HeroesHomeAdvantage.com

Article written by Richard Barrett

Editor,

Accent Magazine Reprinted and edited with permission Special Thanks to Jason Gulla with Gulla Graphics

20 Year Member of:

Want your hardwood floors to last for generations?

Use these expert tips

Solid hardwood floors are beautiful and timeless, adding value to any property. However, there's a misconception that real hardwood floors are difficult to maintain. The truth is that they can last for decades, as long you follow a few simple steps on a regular schedule.

In fact, the time that goes into maintaining hardwood floors isn't much more extensive than any other flooring material. The key is to practice regular care and cleaning for your hardwood to keep grit and dirt from scratching the wood.

"Hardwood floors are special, and if properly taken care of, you can have a living, organic, premium floor that lasts for generations," said Jen Meska, director of Merchandising for LL Flooring (formerly Lumber Liquidators). "But to keep them in top shape, it's essential to have a regular cleaning schedule and be extra-mindful of any conditions in your home that could damage your floors."

Tools, tips, and tricks

Meska says to start with the fundamental tools for caring for hardwood flooring: a dust mop for everyday cleaning, a vacuum for weekly cleaning, and a microfiber mop that can get damp (not wet!) for monthly, deep cleaning.

To keep day-to-day dirt and grit off your floors, aim to sweep or vacuum weekly. When using a vacuum for regular cleanings, opt for a soft floor attachment or hardwood setting that disengages the beater bar (this is the bar that rotates when

cleaning carpet.) By disengaging it on hardwood and avoiding a vacuum or attachment with hard bristles, you can avoid any scuffing or scratching of your floors.

If you have heavy furniture placed directly on your hardwood, be sure to use felt pads on the feet to avoid scratches, and replace them regularly. This also includes furniture that is moved frequently, such as dining room chairs.

Strive to do a deep clean monthly to ensure you pick up the dirt and grime that inevitably forms over time. A great hardwood flooring care set is LL Flooring's Bellawood Floor Care Maintenance Kit, which comes with a bottle of floor cleaner, a mop head and handle, washable wet mop microfiber pad, dry mop pad and a variety pack of felt pads.

This set is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it's third-party tested for low chemical emissions and therefore safe to use at home. It's also urethane-safe and won't leave a dull-streaky residue on your floors, so they'll look refreshed when you're done cleaning.

What to avoid

Relative to most other flooring materials,

solid hardwood is sensitive to moisture, whether that be due to wet shoes or just changes in humidity. Therefore, it's important to keep any amount of standing water off the planks.

That means ditch the traditional mop and bucket, which can leave behind water that could cause your floors to swell, crack or splinter.

Another critical thing to avoid is harsh cleaning solutions which include ingredients like chlorine bleach, ammonia, pine oil or undiluted vinegar. These can dull your floors by affecting the protective finish, causing lasting damage.

By following these simple steps, your hardwood floor should stay in good shape for many years to come.

"The best thing about hardwood flooring is that it's a sustainable, living, organic material that takes on its own unique character throughout its lifetime," said Meska. "Each plank is unique and tells its own story, and with the proper care, they can serve as the design foundation of your home for generations." (BPT) -

Route

Barneveld,

11173 Countryman

Road,

| 3 BATHS | $499,000

This beautiful log cabin sits on 5 acres with access to Kayuta Lake. Enjoy the stone replace or relax next to the inground pool. This spacious home o ers a full basement and 2 stall garage. Optional additional acreage.

405

7556

To Market. Zoned both commercial and residential. Sitting on just over 4.5 acres at the foothills of the Adirondacks sits 3 homes on one parcel, with the availability of septic, water, electric, and high speed internet. Endless opportunities.

Rome

Corner

Potential to be 2 apartment units or a single-family residence. Located at the foothills of Woods Valley Ski Resort, this house has a 2 car garage and the best part a 40 x 80 pole barn with a car lift! Zoned both for Residential and Commercial.

1624

2

| 1 BATH | $128,000

Welcome to this cozy 2 bedroom ranch in Rome, NY! Newly renovated and ready for you to call home. Located on a double lot with a 1.5-stall heated garage. This charming house is MOVE-IN ready!

Schedule

Town of Johnstown. Southern Adirondacks!

A home for the discerning buyer. Engineers, contractors will approve of this home’s quality construction. Friends and family will have room

wooded 11 acres. Over 3,000sqft inside, 5 generous bedrooms, (plus a bonus room) 2.5 baths, laundry room, spacious open living, dining rooms, a beautiful oak kitchen plus the full high pour basement! Attached heated 2 car garage. It’s a perfect home or getaway. You’ll be at the Gateway to the Adirondacks with lakes, golf, skiing, snowmobiling and more at your doorstep! Just outside Gloversville. Underground utilities, High speed “First Light” Fiber internet, cable, cell service availability.

roam outside

Fulton County Five Hiking Challenge!

The Fulton County Five is a 5 hike challenge for locals and tourists to participate in and enjoy the beauty of local hiking. Hiking challenges are designed to give people an opportunity to visit new places and explore new trails. This challenge is on a beginner/intermediate level and would be challenging but completable.

How do you complete the challenge? There are 5 hikes to climb on this challenge. You can hike them in any order, and have one year from beginning to end to complete.

The Fulton County Five Hiking Challenge Trails:

Nine Corner Lake: A gradual uphill climb passing several mountain streams. Nine Corner lake has crystalclear water with several large rock outcroppings along the shore. The trail continues along the south side of the lake, enabling a longer hike if desired. Trail length– 0.9 miles to lake. Trail difficulty- Easy

Kane Mountain: The trail follows an old jeep road to a restored fire tower and observer’s cabin. Breathtaking views, including eight lakes in the area that can be observed from the fire tower. Trail length– 0.9 miles to lake. Trail difficulty- Moderate

Stewart and Indian Lake: The trail is mostly flat, passing by Stewart Lake (1.4 miles) and then on to Indian Lake. Trail length– 2.2 miles one way. Trail difficulty- Easy/Moderate

Willie Wildlife Marsh: Explore a wetland habitat with a viewing platform and boardwalks that traverse the marsh and open areas. Trail length– 1.5 mile loop. Option of a .03 mile paved accessibility trail. Trail difficulty- Easy

Mud Lake: Mud Lake is a nice trail to enjoy the scenery of the Adirondack Park. Part of Northville/Lake Placid trail. Trail length– 3.9 miles to lake and back. Trail difficulty- Moderate

Hike Smart NY– please review Carry In Carry Out guidelines and other hiking tips at www.dec.ny.gov/ outdoor/28708.html

Visit https://www.44lakes.com/fulton-county-5-hikingchallenge/ for complete details

Versatile offering in a prime location. This property boasts 2416 square feet and can accommodate professional offices, a single family home or both!! Fabulous windows, woodworking, fireplaces hardwood plus fresh paint throughout. This property has 2.5 baths. A kitchen featuring cherry cabinetry with stainless steel appliances plus internet port and Wi-Fi throughout. A solid, dry basement for storage. If you are looking to rent, look no further.

6 Bedrooms | 2

Looking to invest in real estate? Now is the time. Offering a 2800 square feet, 2 unit property that boasts a 3 stall garage plus an additional lot. Each floor features updated bathroom and eat-in kitchens with generous cabinetry. Formal dining room, living room, 3 bedrooms, and 1 full bath complete the floor plan. Warm-colored woodwork, French doors, and hardwoods throughout. Newer windows, newer mechanicals, 13-year-old roof. Private back porch for each.

Let Me Find You The Space You Need!

Office rental in a convenient South Utica location. Offering three separate offices in this charming Genesee Street building. The smaller office is on the 2nd floor. Bright with two large windows, storage and has an attached private bathroom. Amenities include use of kitchen, conference room, common bathroom, heat and water. DOES NOT include phone and internet. Plenty of parking in the rear of building. Make an appointment to take advantage of what this building has to offer.

Raised Ranch

121 Putnam Place, Frankfort $249,900

3 Bedrooms | 1.5 Baths | 1796 Sq. Ft

Enjoy comfort and convenience in this beautiful Raised Ranch! This 1796 square feet home has a spacious yard, lovely deck, and covered patio. The main level features living room, dining combo, nicely updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, 3 bright bedroom,s and 1.5 baths. Lower level offers a cozy spacious area to relax plus a laundry, refrigerator, and stove. Need extra flex space? The additional room is bright and boasts a gas fireplace.

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This process allows the assets to be depreciated on a 5-, 7-, or 15-year schedule instead of the traditional 27.5- or 39-year depreciation schedule of real property.

The Owners current taxable income will be greatly reduced, and there cash flow could increase by 5% – 8% of your building’s cost.

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