LifeandHomes Capital Region NY February 2023

A Home For Every Dreamer

My wife and I recently watched a few tiny house television episodes. The creativity required to fit the needs of the client into such tiny spaces intrigued me as did the reasons people gave for wanting to live that lifestyle. Most involved finances, less work, the desire to be transient, wanting more family time. No one loves their family more than me but honestly, if four of us had to live in 336 sq. feet, I'd probably want to work MORE hours outside the home, not less. Just keeping it real, folks.

Counter that with the online video tour we took of an on-the-market 17,000-square-foot home located in Ontario. I mean, if an opulent house built with impeccable workmanship and materials that includes nearly every luxurious feature you could think of, including an underground heated garage with 20+ parking spaces, doesn't turn your head, maybe the $11,490,000 price tag would.

Personally, my hands-down favorite homes are those rustic cabins tucked away in some remote wilderness, 300 miles from the closest neighbor. I imagine myself felling trees, milling lumber, tracking moose across the tundra, braving sub-zero temps to check my trapping line. If you know me...you know none one of those things is ever going to happen. But hey, it's fun to think about. While sitting on my couch. Remote in hand, snack nearby.

Chances are, if you're house hunting, you're looking for something a little less exotic and a lot closer to home. We've got you covered. The properties featured in this issue and online at LifeandHomes. com just might fit the bill. Contact one of the professionals represented in this issue and ask them to help you find the home that fits your needs and dreams.

Remember, good homes are made, not bought.

David P. Lisi, RMC Real Estate Marketing Consultant 315-865-5845 • Davidplisi7@gmail.com

Indelicato

Ippolito

City of Schenectady

Paul Sacco

CAPITAL REGION, NY EDITION

Corporate Office Lisi Merchant Solutions, Inc. PO BOX 18 HOLLAND PATENT, NY 13354 315-865-5845 www.LifeandHomes.com

Owner DAVID P. LISI Davidplisi7@gmail.com

Corporate Editor KIM LISI kim.lisi.79@gmail.com

Advertising Deadline

March 2023 Issue February 10, 2023

Senior Account Executive David Lisi, RMC Davidplisi7@gmail.com P: 315-865-5845

Sales Representative Doug Benson, RMC dbenson@LifeandHomes.com P: 315-368-5040 (call or text)

Sales Representative Joseph Krongold, Lic. Assoc. RE Broker New Abode joe.krongold@gmail.com P: 518-867-1299

LifeandHomes™ is published monthly by Lisi Merchant Solutions

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Copyright © 2023 Lisi Merchant Solutions, Inc

New York

Debunking Myths That Deter Homeownership

Buying a home can seem daunting, especially for first-time homebuyers facing record housing prices, tight supply, and rising interest rates. Quite often, misconceptions about homeownership discourage prospective buyers from starting a search even before it begins. The good news is homeownership can be much closer than you think. Lisa Frison of Citi debunks these top 5 myths to help you get on track to building generational wealth through homeownership.

1) I Don’t Have Credit (a FICO Score). Nearly 11% of Americans (50 million people) are “credit invisible,” according to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, meaning they have no or limited credit history. This disproportionately affects diverse and underserved communities. To help, Citi’s HomeRun mortgage program offers nontraditional ways to demonstrate credit readiness, such as providing proof of paying rent, utilities or other monthly payments.

2) I Don’t Have Enough Money Saved. Many banks offer programs for new homebuyers that do not require mortgage insurance for those qualifying. HomeRun has some mortgages for as little as 3% down, with a minimum 1% borrower contribution. This, along with the bank’s Lender Paid Assistance, which provides up to $7,500 closing cost funds that do not need to be paid back, saves qualifying borrowers thousands of dollars in closing costs, helping them afford more house. These programs are offered only in select markets and have income limitations.

3) I Should Start House Hunting with a Realtor. It seems logical to begin with a real estate agent but your best bet may be to start with your lender, who can explore homebuyer assistance programs with you and give you a realistic view of what you can afford through a pre-qualification or pre-approval. A real estate agent will then narrow the search to help you find the right home for you and your budget.

4) I Earn Too Much to Qualify for Assistance. Lender assistance programs may be more expansive than you think, especially in response to inflation and rising home prices.

For example, Citi has increased lending assistance to borrowers with income up to 120% of median income—up from 80% of the median local income. The bank’s loan officers can tell customers where their income is relative to the local median family income and also whether a property is located in an eligible census tract.

5.I Should Keep Renting Because I Missed the Market and Now I’m Priced Out. First-time or affordable homebuyer programs can help you get on the path to buying a home you can afford. Remember, a home is more than a place to live and build memories—it is a way to build wealth that you can pass on to future generations. That’s something you can’t achieve by renting.

For more information, visit www.citi.com/ mortgage/community-lending-homerun. (NAPSI)

Top 5 Outdoor Design Trends For 2023

2023 will reveal a few new outdoor design trends, but two of them - mixed materials and bringing the indoors out - are maintaining their previous popularity. New trends landscape designers are anticipating include more interest in sustainability, expanding the use of outdoor spaces and maximizing cutting-edge technology."

Interest in outdoor living is at an all-time highand the top 2023 trends in outdoor design reflect that continued interest, according to Joe Raboine, director of Residential Hardscapes at Belgard.

Supporting sustainability. Caring for the environment is an increasing priority for homeowners, especially those who love the outdoors. "Homeowners are asking designers to create spaces inspired by nature that also help conserve it," says Raboine. "This can mean choosing long-lasting materials for hardscaping, finding products made from recycled materials and/or using permeable pavers to help reduce water runoff."

Extending indoor spaces. Bringing the indoors out is hardly new, but as more homeowners view outdoor spaces as extensions of their home, the trend is definitely here to stay. Creating outdoor spaces that reflect your

lifestyle and design aesthetic is not only a goal for larger homes and lots, but also for smaller lots needing more privacy. Shade structures like pergolas, shade sails and screen panels offer seclusion as well as protection from the heat, helping outdoor spaces become more private and livable, no matter the size. Homeowners are also equipping spaces with fully operational kitchens, quality outdoor furniture, firepits and games to upgrade their outdoor living experience. The backyard is becoming the go-to spot for fun, with outdoor games including lifesize chess, billiards, mini-golf and more.

Exploring color and texture. Mixing natural materials including wood, stone and plants (as in living walls) with man-made materials like glass and metal creates interesting variety in texture and color. Textured pavers are also becoming more popular, such as those that mimic natural stone or textile finishes. Patterns can also be created using modular designs, textured pavers and hardscaping features to make any outdoor space both calming and energizing. Outdoor lighting provides more visual interest to your space while extending its usable hours.

Creating multi-purpose space. Today's backyards fulfill multiple purposes. "You can add built-in seating and benches to create a firepit area or mini theater," Raboine added. "These can be beautiful spots for resting or entertaining, plus a practical dining area for your family."

Optimizing technology. With mixed-use spaces becoming more complex, using augmented reality (AR) can streamline the design process for homeowners and contractors alike. AR technology allows homeowners to see small details in design down to plants, shadows, and even animations. Today's technology helps manage the growing popularity of outdoor living, with AR and mixed reality letting designers and homeowners visualize and communicate their plans.

Belgard Rooms' newest feature uses AR so homeowners and contractors can view a templated outdoor design plan in their backyard, offering a better visual representation of how their yard can look. Homeowners select their AR plans and drop them into their outdoor space to view, walk through and scale the templated outdoor rooms. They can test various rooms, features and styles, helping them bring their vision to life.

Ready to reimagine your outdoor space? Visit Rooms.Belgard.com/ar-rooms. (BPT) -

City of Schenectady News

City of Schenectady Granted

$2.3 MillionTo Restore Wedgeway/Kresge Buildings

Two prominent buildings, located at the corner of State Street and Erie Boulevard, are set to undergo major renovations due to state grant funding. The stated intention of the state program, administered by Empire State Development (ESD), is to help local governments revitalize their communities by reinvigorating downtown regions.

Once renovations are complete on the Kresge and Wedgeway buildings, you can expect to find 57,000 sq. ft of office space and retail space, including eighty apartment units.

“These Restore New York grants will help to reimagine downtowns across our state and transform vacant, blighted, and underutilized buildings into vibrant community anchors,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul. “...We are breathing new life into communities from Hudson to North Hempstead, jumpstarting new economic activity, and ensuring that New York state continues to be a place where people come to live, work, and raise their families.”

“The restoration of these vacant, blighted, and historically significant structures in the heart of our community will continue the momentum and rebirth we’re witnessing in downtown Schenectady,” said Mayor Gary McCarthy. “Over the last several years these buildings have continued to deteriorate, and their rehabilitation has been long overdue. We are grateful for the support of our local unified economic development team led by Metroplex and extend our sincere thanks to Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for their support of this project.”

Anthony Jasenski, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature says, “Restoring the Wedgeway Building continues the revitalization of downtown Schenectady

while preserving its historic charm. We thank Governor Hochul and ESD for supporting this project with Restore NY grant funds, which will help breathe new life into this beloved building and transform the corner of State Street and Erie Boulevard, one of the most traveled intersections in downtown.”

“We are extremely grateful to Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for making Schenectady’s hope for a restored Wedgeway Building a reality,” says Ray Gillen, Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority. “ Our unified economic development team is thrilled to learn that our Restore NY grant application has been approved. We thank the County Legislature, Mayor McCarthy, the City Council and the Metroplex board for their unwavering support for this project. We also thank Marc Paquin at Cass Hill Development for his commitment to restoring the Wedgeway and Kresge buildings as both played a key role in Schenectady’s rich history.”

Remodeling your basement?

Here is everything you

to know to see a high return on investment

So, you are remodeling your basement - smart move! According to Redfin's real estate experts, a basement renovation is one of the top 10 ways to maximize your usable square footage and in turn, increase your home's value.

Not sure where to start? I've got you covered. I have spent almost 20 years renovating basements from the ground up on DIY and home improvement television shows. Here are three tried-and-true basement finishing projects that will help you create a purposeful, comfortable living space that your family can enjoy now and that will appeal to potential homebuyers down the road.

Create a solid foundation with a highquality basement subfloor. First, a basement renovation is a major investment into your home, so protect your investment by installing a quality subfloor. A subfloor from a trusted brand like DRICORE provides a barrier between the concrete floor and your finished floors. This barrier not only protects against the effects of moisture, like mold and mildew, but it also helps the basement floor stay warmer underneath your feet and cushions your steps. A DIY-friendly option, DRICORE® Subfloor has an intuitive tongue and groove design that makes installation quick and easy. You can finish a 500-square-foot basement in just half a day.

Upgrade basement windows to create a more comfortable living space.

If you have windows in your basement, no matter how large or how small - lucky you! They allow natural light to filter into an otherwise dark space, making the basement appear brighter and more inviting. But sometimes, a home's original windows are ridden with gaps and cracks around the glass and frame, causing the room to feel cold and damp in the winter and uncomfortably hot in the summer. Fix this problem and create a comfortable basement living space by installing new, energyefficient windows. New windows not only help regulate room temperature, but they also offer improved security, reduce outside noise and give the space an updated, finished appearance.

Brighten up the room with strategic lighting and neutral paint colors.

If you do not have basement windows that draw in natural light, there are still plenty of easy DIY projects that will help create a bright, inviting living space - whether for your benefit or to appeal to a future homebuyer. Illuminate your finished

basement with all-over lighting, which is typically best achieved through recessed ceiling lights or budget-friendly track lighting. To create ambience, go with Nordic-inspired floor lamps or wall sconces that highlight the family photos hung on the wall. Complete your basement renovation by painting the walls in a neutral paint color, like a soft off-white that reflects and absorbs the light in the room. To bring additional warmth into the finished space, go with an on-trend "greige" color (a mix of gray and beige) on the basement walls or ceiling.

What's next?

Like any home improvement project, remodeling your basement can feel like a daunting task. But with the right foundation and a few DIY projects in your arsenal, you can easily transform your basement into a functional, comfortable living space. Not only will a finished basement optimize your home's available square footage and in turn increase its value, but it could also make you think twice about selling ... it will be hard to say goodbye to the newly remodeled living space! (BPT) - By Bryan

Baeumler,

HGTV Personality & Professional Contractor.

need

Woodhaven offers a very UNIQUE opportunity with thousands of dollars in TAX SAVINGS over the course of the PILOT PROGRAM. How amazing would it be to save on gas by shortening your commute to Griffiss, while taking advantage of HUGE SAVINGS on property taxes thereby reducing your overall mortgage payment?!

Introducing... The Woodstock. One level living in a highly energy efficient package. Open-concept living & dining with a beautifully appointed kitchen featuring quartz countertops, shakerstyle cabinetry & stainless appliances. The open staircase entry to the basement is finished and the full basement is equipped with an egress window & roughed in plumbing for future finishing. The master suite boasts a spacious shower, dual sink vanity & a roomy walk-in closet. Rounding out this beautifully functional floor plan is a 2nd bedroom, another full bathroom, and an amplesized laundry room. (*Units sold unfurnished. Interior furnished photos are for concept only.)

Woodhaven offers a very UNIQUE opportunity with thousands of dollars in TAX SAVINGS over the course of the PILOT PROGRAM. How amazing would it be to save on gas by shortening your commute to Griffiss, while taking advantage of HUGE SAVINGS on property taxes thereby reducing your overall mortgage payment?!

19th Adirondack Outdoorsman Show TM

To Be Held In Johnstown February 25 & 26, 2023

Vendors, guides, authors and industry experts will be on hand throughout the event. Expect to see vendors and displays featuring Hunting, Fishing, Archery, Trapping, Camping, Hiking, Snowshoeing, Guides & Charter Services, Taxidermy, Collectable Knives, Firearms, Fly Tying and Antique Hunting and Fishing Equipment. Various special guests and industry experts will be on hand.

Bring your old equipment for a free appraisal. Bring your knives and axes with you to be sharpened by Adirondack Knife Works while you shop.

Admission at the door. Visit www.adkshow.com for more details.

Where:

Loyal Order of the Moose Johnstown, 109 South Comrie Avenue, Johnstown 12095

When: Saturday, Feb 25th, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb 26th, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more Information: 518-725-5565 |www.adkshow.com

library paneling, fireplace is spacious and bright. The 2nd floor smaller office with bathroom is $600 monthly rent. Rent includes use of kitchen, conference room, common bathroom, heat and water. Does not include phone and internet. Parking in rear of building. Make an appointment to take advantage of what this building has to offer. MLS# S1104972

412 Main Street

#202, Utica

The 19th annual Adirondack Outdoorsman Show will take place February 25 and 26th, rain or shine. The Johnstown Moose Club will host the 2-day event that caters to Hunters, Fishermen and Outdoor Enthusiasts.

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Cost segregation is a way for commercial property owners to accelerate their tax deductions.

Through this method, a real estate owner is able to depreciate the individual components that make up their property in the shortest amount of time possible.

Cost segregation is the method of re-classifying components of your commercial building from real property to personal property.

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.

Commercial building and income property owners have used cost segregation studies for years. These studies have resulted in advantageous depreciation deductions for taxpayers and have become a common method of depreciation.

DecKa Real Estate COST SEGREGATION

Division provides Cost Segregation services to commercial property owners so they can significantly increase their cash flow NOW!

Time Value of Money!