LifeandHomes Central NY March 2024

On Track & Budget

When we travel to my wife's hometown in PA, we are reminded of how many brick houses populate that area compared to our CNY region. It's common to see street after street of brick homes since clay is abundant in that region of PA and there's always been plenty of coal or natural gas to fire it. "Because of its weight, shipping brick can be expensive, making the product less affordable in areas of the country that are not close to brick plants," explains architect Joel Cluskey. Having manufacturing plants in that vicinity has historically made brick masonry construction a more viable option.

With few exceptions, cost is generally a determining factor when choosing materials for construction and remodeling projects. Raw material prices appear to be leveling off after a few years of eye-popping, wallet-draining increases and while costs typically ebb and flow seasonally, prices aren't expected to go back to pre-pandemic prices - at least this year.

If home improvement projects are on your radar, industry experts say it will likely be in your best interest to work on smaller projects and projects with higher Return On Investment (ROI) values while you save and plan for larger projects. Suggestions include kitchen updates, interior painting, replacing hardware throughout the home, landscaping, and other budget-friendly updates. Small changes make a large difference.

Whether you're looking to put your home on the market or you simply want to add beauty and value to your home or real estate investment properties this year, there are plenty of ways to make that happen while keeping your budget in mind. Look through this issue or visit us at LifeandHomes.com to find local businesses and professionals ready to help with all your home-related needs. They can help keep you on track and budget.

Why Did My Monthly Mortgage Payment Change?

There are several reasons why your monthly mortgage payment may have changed. Some examples include:

You have an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) and the interest rate changed. Check the type of mortgage you have. Some homeowners believe that they have a fixed-rate mortgage loan, when their loan actually includes an adjustable-rate or some other feature that can cause their interest rate and payment to change.

You have an interest-only or pay-option loan and you are starting to pay principal. With these loans, you can postpone making principal payments for a while. That means that for a period of time you are only paying off the interest that’s accumulating on the amount you borrowed to pay for your home. Eventually, you have to start paying principal, or the actual amount you owe on the home, and that will make the monthly payments go up.

You have an escrow account to pay for property taxes or homeowners insurance premiums, and your property taxes or homeowners insurance premiums went up. Check your monthly mortgage statement. If your monthly mortgage payment includes the amount you have to pay into your escrow account, then your payment will also go up if your taxes or premiums go up.

You have a decrease in your interest rate or your escrow payments. It could also be because you stopped paying for private mortgage insurance. If you have private mortgage insurance, your payments may change once you are able to and do cancel the insurance.

You were charged new fees. Your servicer may have charged you fees that increased your monthly payment. Check your monthly mortgage statement or any correspondence you recently received from your lender or servicer.

It’s also possible that your mortgage servicer simply made a mistake. If you think your servicer made a mistake, first call your servicer to check. While on the phone, explain the situation to the servicer. Ask for a corrected statement. Also, ask for a reference number and the name of the person you are talking to, and take detailed notes on what you talked about and the date of the call, so you can keep track for your records. If your servicer doesn’t fix the problem over the phone, send a notice of error to your servicer explaining why you think it made a mistake in calculating your loan payment. Make sure you send the notice to the address your servicer uses for errors and information requests. This address should be listed on your statement or the servicer’s website – it might be different from the address where you send your payments.

If you still don’t understand why your payment changed, you should call your mortgage servicer, and you may also want to send an information request. (consumerfinance.gov)

Signs Your Gas Water Heater Needs Repair

A gas water heater can be an efficient and cost-effective solution. However, even the best systems can experience problems from time to time. To ensure your home has uninterrupted access to hot water, be aware of the signs that you may need gas water heater repair, say the folks at Curoso Plumbing of Rohnert Park, CA.

Fluctuating water temperature: This could indicate that the thermostat is malfunctioning and needs to be adjusted or repaired. With propane water heater, you can get this issue fixed in addition to superior performance and efficiency.

Strange noises coming from the unit: If you hear strange noises from your gas water heater, it's likely

due to sediment buildup in the unit. The sediment can cause undue stress on the system which can lead to additional problems if left unchecked.

Unusual odors: It's not uncommon for a gas water heater to emit some odors when it starts up, but strange and unpleasant odors could indicate a more serious problem. If you notice the odors, make sure you call in an expert plumber to inspect your unit.

Water leaks: If you notice any water leaking from your gas water heater, it's important to call a professional immediately. Depending on the severity of the issue, they may need to replace some internal components or perform other repairs.

Pilot light not lighting: The pilot light is an important part of your gas water heater. If it fails to light, it could be a sign of a gas leak. It's important never to try and repair this yourself but call in an expert immediately for help. (www.curosoplumbing.com / PR.com)

Home BuyingBasics

• Buying a home is a process. Start by making sure you’re ready to buy and figuring out what you can afford.

• Know your loan. Learn about your financing options for buying a home and shop around to get the best deal for you.

• Get help with the home-buying process. Interview before you hire help and ask for references. Understand what services you will receive and how much they will cost.

• Be sure you can afford the payments before getting a loan. Also, know how much the loan will cost and what will happen if you don't make the payments on time.

To help you prepare to apply for a loan, consider what lenders look for when they decide to loan money.

• Even if someone helps you manage your money, understand the terms of a loan before you commit to it.

476 Pritchard

1003

101

Rome

Humaston

Rome

Westmoreland

Whitestown $21,500

Westmoreland

Cold

en, coffee bar, propane fireplace, detached 2 car garage with walk up attic storage & cabana party room with a nice deck. MLS#S1510242

Camden $268,900 3311 Waldron Road- Cute as can be remodeled ranch home with some really nice outbuildings on 13 mostly wooded acres with a back yard pond! MLS#S1505789

Osceola $199,900 1216

Dominic Pavia President

For Lease: 8421 Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford

5,749 ± SF available. Crossroads Plaza is situated at the crossroads of Middle Settlement Road and Seneca Turnpike with close proximity to Commercial Drive.

For Lease: 430 Court Street, Utica

1,619-6,060 ± SF available. In close proximity to The Wynn Hospital, State, County & Municipal office buildings. Fully renovated building.

For Lease: 2 Ellinwood Drive, New Hartford Commercial Drive Commons offers this 7,953 ± SF first floor office space in new construction building with co-tenancy with Costello Eye Associates.

For Lease: 9827 River Road, Utica

The former Chickenlicious was renovated in 2021 & fully equipped. Drive thru window & ample parking. Minutes from SUNY Polytechnic Institute & NYS Thruway.

For Sale or Lease: 815 Varick Street, Utica

Located adjacent to the Utica Club Brewery. First floor has a kitchen, bar with fireplace and two bathrooms. Second floor has a small bar, hardwood floors.

For Lease: 9225 River Road, Marcy

7,500 ± SF retail space within the Marcy Towne Center. High traffic and visibility. Ashley Furniture anchors the center. Space formerly occupied.

RESIDENTIAL

1494 Hawthorne Road, Newport

229 Wildwood Ridge, Frankfort ~RENTAL~

Sitting

NEW

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 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 Sale: 301 Erie Boulevard W., Rome

Former Rockford Auto Glass building located on a highly visible corner at a controlled intersection in the City of Rome.

3 Old Willow Rd., New Hartford

Executive expanded Cape Cod home available in the beautiful Woodberry neighborhood! 5

Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms with over 4,000 SF to make your home! Many updated, must see. Situated on a corner lot fenced in yard.

John Jweid, Lic. Real Estate Assoc. Broker

Brian D. Snow, Lic. Real Estate Assoc. Broker

Patrick V. Agen, Lic. Real Estate Assoc. Broker

Kevin M. Valenti, Lic. Real Estate Salesperson

For Sale or Lease: 137 Genesee Street, Oneida

Located on a busy retail corridor is the Choice Car Wash. Available immediately, recently had equipment updates and fully operational.

For Sale: 3859 Oneida Street, New Hartford Building consists of retail/office storefronts along with two 1-bedroom apartments on the upper level. Contact broker for P&L.

For Lease: 125 Business Park Drive, Utica

2,500-15,000 ± SF of office space within the Utica Business Park for lease. Located on the first floor of building. Close proximity to Slocum Dickson.

Samantha Madderom Lic. R.E. Salesperson

503 Bretts Way, Whitesboro

5 Bedroom 3.5 Bath home available in Herthum Hills with attached in-law suite! This home is meticulously kept with newer roof, flooring and kitchen, sliding glass door that lead to the beautiful yard with in-ground pool. Extra wide driveway, Full basement. MOVE-IN READY.

SYRACUSE OFFICE

151 Northern Concourse, Suite 2 Syracuse, New York 13212

Carole Iseneker, Lic. Real Estate Salesperson

Laurence J. Socia, Lic. Real Estate Assoc. Broker

For Lease: 202-212 Mary Street, Frankfort

2,500 ± SF of Flex space located within the Frankfort Business Park. Co-tenancy with Forever Meadow Pet Services. High visibility and easy access to Route 5S.

For Lease: 6 Rhoads Drive, Utica

2,300-43,000 ± SF Medical/office/flex space located in Utica Business Park. Landlord will sub divide and build to suit. On-site parking.

For Lease: 555 French Road, Utica Office building in highly desirable location. Close proximity to Slocum Dickson Medical Group, Utica University and St. Luke’s Hospital.

Simple living at its best…Enjoy this adorable manufactured home w/in Applewood Community Clinton Central School District. This home offers an open floor plan, valuated ceilings w/

Sabrina Arcuri Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker

Rosemary Talarico Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker

Aileen Baile Lic. R.E. Salesperson

Luke Toukatly Lic. R.E. Salesperson

Santina “Tina” Pavia Lic. Real Estate Broker

Natasha

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

As of Januray 2024, Amodio Realty, Inc. now serves 8 counties: Oneida, Herkimer, Madison, Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, St. Lawrence and Hamilton!

“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

Amish-Made Custom Cabinets

Affordable Luxury From Our Country Workshop To Your Kitchen

Love the look of custom cabinetry but disappointed with the options at local stores? Our Amish craftsmen offer quality, handcrafted cabinets at prices often lower than factorymade cabinets you’ll find at local big box stores.

Crafted in our family-owned workshop, each cabinet is custom-crafted with skill and expertise passed down through the generations.

From the initial design and layout discussions to the custom creation and installation phases, our expert craftsmen will

work with you to ensure your kitchen, bath, office or other specialty cabinet reflects your tastes, fits your budget, and exceeds your expectations.

With a variety of select wood types, cabinet styles, and finishes to choose from, each piece is designed to last a lifetime. Made to order, our cabinets not only promise superior quality but also showcase affordability at its finest.

Check out your options at the big box store then let us show you what we can offer!

Celebrating Growth & New Opportunities

Jamie Mazuryk Home Teams Now With Core Real Estate Team

SALE PENDING

6 James Street , Scotia $285,000

3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1,862 Sq. Ft.

Come see this recently updated home that includes new floors, most windows replaced and some newly painted rooms. You will love the butlers pantry, original woodwork and high ceilings. Home has all new appliance including new water softener and high efficiency hot air furnace. 2 car detached garage, partially finished attic w/ lots of potential, fenced in yard near local park and walkable to cinema. Local coffee and bakery shops too.

Come see this home today, easy to show.

531

4 Boltwood Ave, Castlewood on Hudson $370,000

4 Bedrooms | 4 Baths | 1,984 Sq. Ft.

Welcome to this corner lot 2 driveway home with in law and 3 car detached garage. Did you say pool, we got one of those too. 3 season room off master leads you right to it. Walk out basement as well. Step into the living room with new floors updated kitchen with breakfast bar and foyer separating the 2 living spaces. Total of 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths this home is perfect for an extended family or use as extra income.

SALE PENDING

15 Flintlock Lane, Halfmoon $285,000

3 Bedrooms | 1.5 Baths | 1,300 Sq. Ft.

Located in Knox Woods is a captivating haven where modern elegance meets tranquil living. This charming townhouse embodies the perfect blend of sophistication and comfort, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its inviting ambiance and impeccable design, it’s a place where dreams take root and memories flourish. New furnace, floors, back patio, and washer and dryer too.

Amy Abdoo

Lic. R. E. Broker 315-794-2653

BLON316@AOL.com

Dominion Homes Real Estate Brokerage

Pamela Allen

Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-717-7530

pfallen0314@gmail.com

Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.

Katie Babcock

Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-269-3003

kbabcocksells@gmail.com

Miner Realty & Property Management

Sharon Baisley

Lic. R.E. Broker 315-429-9754

sbaisley@hbegroup.com

United Country Real Estate/ HBE Group Inc.

Karen Basile

Lic. R.E. Broker 315-351-6401

kbasile11@yahoo.com

Tree Light Realty

Chris Buck Luxury Apartment Complex (315) 617-3300

rentals@thedeltaapartments.com

The Delta Apartments

John “JACK” Carlin

Lic. R. E. Broker 315-429-3395

unitedcountry@hbegroup.com

United Country Real Estate/HBE Group Inc.

Clyde Diedrich

Lic. R.E. Broker 315-868-4339

rcentur3@twcny.rr.com

Diedrich Associates

Valley Realty

David Drapalski

Lic. R.E. Assoc Broker 315-868-3233

superdd527@aol.com

Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.

Janet L. Giacovelli

Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-404-7108

janetgiacovelli@howardhanna.com

Howard Hanna Utica/New Hartford

Azza Giorgi

Lic. Assoc. RE Broker 315- 534-2709

azzagiorgi@gmail.com

Howard Hanna CNY IncUtica/New Hartford Office, NY

Christopher Greene

Lic. R. E. Salesperson 315-225-6037 cgreenesells@gmail.com

Virkler Real Estate

Gina Hartman

Licensed R.E. Salesperson 315-717-5249 ginahartman55@yahoo.com

Bruce Ward & Co, Inc.

Ryan Hastings

Lic. R. E. Salesperson 315-219-3116 ryan@centralnewyork.com

Coldwell Banker Faith Properties

Patricia Kelly

Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-717-2421 bward@brucewardusa.com

Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.

Thomas F. Koehler

Lic. R. E. Broker/Modular Home Dealer 315-891-3254

Koehler RE/ New Homes Modular

Joseph I. Krongold

Lic. Associate R. E. Broker CIREC, CBR, SRES, PSA, C2EX 518-867-1299

josephkrongold@howardhanna.com

Howard Hanna - Clifton Park

Kuyahoora Luxury Lodge & Resort

Lic. R.E. Broker 315-741-2202

guestservice@kuyahooraresort.com Vacation Rentals

Elise LaGrange

Lic. R.E. Broker 315-369-5440 elise@adkhearthside.com

ADK Hearthside Realty

Robert Lawless

Lic. R.E. Broker (315) 724-7474

boblawlessrealestate@gmail.com Lawless Real Estate

Fred Macchia

Lic. R. E. Broker 315-292-0373 fmccim@hotmail.com 1st Rome Realty

Bill Macri

Lic. Associate R. E. Broker 315-360-1920 bill.joemacrirealty@gmail.com

Joe Macri Realty

John Macri

Lic. R. E. Salesperson 315-866-2521 jmacri40@yahoo.com

Joe Macri Realty

Mike Miner Team

NY Licensed R. E. Broker 315-271-5145

admin@miner-realty.com

Miner Realty & Property Management LLC

Donna Morris

Licensed R.E. Salesperson 315-534-3987 donnamorris@howardhanna.com

Howard Hanna CNY Inc. Utica/New Hartford Office

Monica Munford

Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-822-6666 pmumford@twcny.rr.com

Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.

Robert Paul

Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-717-3527

rpaul07@yahoo.com

Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.

Art Pratt GRI, Lic. R.E. Broker 315-366-3600

PrattRealty@ArtPratt.com

Pratt Realty

Matthew Pryputniewicz

NY Licensed R.E. Salesperson/ Commercial Director 315-794-3305

mattrealty@msn.com

Berkshire Hathaway CNY Realty

Paul Sacco

Lic. RE Salesperson (315) 525-1377

paulsacco1013@gmail.com

Howard Hanna Utica/ New Hartford

Alex Sen

NY Licensed R.E. Broker 315-725-7167

asensre@gmail.com

Senshine Real Estate LLC

Joel

joelsiegfried@gmail.com SBG, Inc.

Michelle Gorea

saratogaunion@aol.com

Coldwell

Carol

315-269-6933

carol1320@aol.com

Bruce

bward@brucewardusa.com

Bruce

Denise

witchleydenisem@hotmail.com

Bruce

(315)

Member

315-736-5214

315-733-6261

SUPERIOR QUALITY HOME INSPECTIONS

315-794-1565

Home Inspections for Buyers & Sellers. Radon testing, septic system dye testing & well water flow/well water quality testing. Patrick Rightmier. NYS Lic 16000066870. www.sqhi1.com

REAL ESTATE INSPECTIONS, LLC

315-868-8287

Comprehensive Residential Inspections, Real Estate Inspections, Septic Dye Tests, Radon Testing , Water Flow Testing, Water quality testing. Al zennamo. www.alshomeinspections.com

Modular Homes

KD HOMES

315-841-8700

Member Since 11/13

Featuring Bill Lake Homes. A different kind of home built with pride & integrity by professionals. www. kdhomesny.com

Insurance

PROTECT NY INSURANCE AGENCY

315-795-4900

Homeowners, Automobile, Business, Landlord Insurance. Jordan Roorda, Principal Agent. www.ProtectNY.com

315-724-5129

315-336-0400

Largest selection of paint and wallcovering in Central NY. Rentals: floor sanders, polishers, airless sprayers, power washers, edgers. 1420 Oriskany St. Utica

Turn-Key & Profitable Seasonal Business Opportunity Inside Scoop • 9005 State Route 365, Floyd NY

Immaculate, established ice cream parlor & mini golf course located on just under 4 acres on high visibility Route 365 in Floyd

Strategically located on the popular main route to the Adirondacks, 1.5 miles from schools and 800 ft. from Dollar General. Currently run as a seasonal business. New owner could easily make this a profitable year-round business.

Natural gas, city water, low taxes. Fully equipped with everything needed to successfully operate this established, popular community gathering place.

• Black top parking lot for 25-30 cars w/ curbing

• Attached crushed stone parking lot for RVs/Trucks

• 8 x 10 outdoor storage shed

• 24 x 32 pillion w/ commercial round tables, electric & lighting

• 2 side patio w/ tables and chairs

• 24 x 32 covered patio addition w/ electric, concrete

• New 100 amp sub amp panel. Potential to enclose.

• 18 hole mini golf w/ 10 x 16 building full electric, A/C, power, cash register, slushy machine, popcorn, huge assortment of clubs/balls.

• Beverage/ flurry station

• Assorted stainless commercial tables

• 3 bay stainless sink, sundae bar, refrigerator

• 2 C-712 Taylor ice cream machines

• Double head milkshake machine

• Pepsi fountain head machine w/ice station

• 2 Hershey 24 unit ice cream freezers

• 24 flavor ice cream machine

• New programable cash register

• POS system in tact

• Security system, 8 cameras, full DVR

• 2 lg. commercial fryers with built-in timers

• 4 foot flat top grill

• 6 foot sandwich prep table, new

• Assorted freezers and coolers

Plenty of space for extra events including band nights w/ chicken BBQ, Friday movie nights, kid’s day, classic car shows and more.

**