Boomers Staying Put
We're familiar with the saying, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." There's no denying the real estate market has been challenging. I love true-life stories of Americans who face adversity head-on and find creative ways to make it through.
This year's true life story is brought to you by the "Boomer" generation - those born between the years of 1946 to 1964. Many are at the stage of life where they'd typically sell the larger home they raised their family in and downsize to a smaller, more manageable place. Faced with record housing prices and ongoing inventory shortages, it seems the thought of selling has lost its appeal for many. "There's just no incentive to sell and get saddled with a high rate mortgage at this stage of our lives." says homeowner Dennis Wager. "The numbers don't add up for us. It makes no financial sense to make a move."
So what's a Boomer to do? A movement is taking place that finds them staying put in their family homes and renting out extra rooms to those in need of affordable housing Hence the termBoommates. Done right, it can work for renters of any age struggling with high rent costs as well as the homeowner who gains from extra income and pooled resources. "For us, it made more sense to rent out the rooms we weren't using," says Wager. "It's been a win for us and for our tenant who needed a safe, affordable place to stay."
Hats off to the Boomers. Or maybe we'd better hold on to our hats. This isn't over quite yet.
How to Protect Yourself During A Power Outage
Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
Plan for batteries and other alternative power sources to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank. Have flashlights for every household member. Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
Know Your Medical Needs:
Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
Using Appliances During Power Outages:
Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home. Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home. Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary surges or spikes that can cause damage
Food Storage: Have enough nonperishable food and water. Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher. (ready.gov)
Time To Prep
Schedule a heating system tune-up. Whether you need a furnace tune-up or you
have a heat pump system that could use looking over, getting a heating system tune-up is a great way to ensure you're prepared for the cold weather season that's ahead.
“Homeowners can change their filters and do basically everything outside the furnace but once you go inside the furnace, most people don’t have the technical expertise or equipment to do that safely,” said Jordan Breunig, VP with Harker Heating & Cooling.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America and the National Fire Protection Association both recommend that homeowners call a qualified professional for an annual chimney inspection. Only a qualified professional, will be able to identify and resolve structural and maintenance issues before potential carbon monoxide intrusion and chimney fire hazards risk your time, health or money. Qualified chimney professionals do more than simply run a brush up the flue. They will identify and help address installation issues, identify possible venting issues, provide needed maintenance and help
One of Otisco’s original farmhouses. The house is currently con gured as a two-family with the back addition being the second dwelling. With solid bones and foundation, this property deserves to be restored to the next lucky owner’s vision. Additional acreage is available as a separate land listing. Taxes are computed with no agricultural exemptions, and for the total 83+ acres. Call today for complete listing details. KINYON ROAD, OTISCO • $400,000 73+ Acres With Outstanding Views
Large tract of wooded land. Hill top location with outstanding views to the North. Driveway on Kinyon Road goes back to a clearing in the wood lot. Cabin does not convey. Lot is part of larger tract included with residence 2499 Kamm Road. Lot to be subdivided. Taxes stated with out agricultural exemption, and the entire 83+ acres and residence.
Welcome to 4692 Murphy Road with over 13 acres of wooded privacy. The custom Black Cherry kitchen truly is the center point of this home. The open oor plan ows from the kitchen to the living room and bedrooms, all on one oor. The nished basement family room has a wood-burning replace, and is perfect for entertaining. Property features walking trails and a pond with a gazebo - perfect setting for family gatherings.
5009 Stokes Lee Center Rd Street, Rome
Jacqueline
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 August 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 Reprinted and edited with permission Special Thanks to Jason Gulla with Gulla Graphics
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30 Jordan Road, New Hartford $514,900
Imagine making holiday memories in this spacious 5 bedroom, 3 bath Colonial with spacious, light-filled rooms. Ideal for entertaining, this lovingly-cared-for home boasts 3,232 sq ft of living space, a circular driveway, attached garage, and a partially fenced-in backyard all on a conveniently located .75 acre lot.
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