LifeandHomes Capital Region NY March 2023

House Hunting - Can You Get it All?

When it comes to house hunting, it's safe to say we all have a list of things we'd like to see in our ideal home. It's also safe to say, finding a "perfect" home is often an unrealistic expectation. If house hunting is on your calendar this year, it's important to be prepared to make compromises.

If you have your heart set on a specific neighborhood, understand you may need to consider a different area if homes in that area are out of your budget. Maybe the house that just went on the market doesn’t have your dream kitchen, but the price is low enough that you can easily work on the home and get that kitchen.

"Most problems in a house can be fixed," according to the folks at Forever Home Inspections. "Obviously, not everyone is Chip and Joanna Gaines, and you don’t have to be! After your inspection, make a plan on how to fix major issues. Many smaller issues can be done DIY. Major issues that need to be worked out with the seller can be negotiated with the help of your agent."

This doesn't mean you should settle for a home that doesn’t have what you need. It simply means you should be prepared to prioritize your “must-haves” and “would-likes” so you remain open to the reality of what you can afford and what is available within your budget in the current housing market.

If you walk into the process with realistic expectations and remain open to compromise, chances are you'll find a home that meets your most important needs and still makes you happy. It can help you navigate the home-buying process and make the overall experience more enjoyable.

And remember, you can always make changes and improvements over time to make your house truly feel like home.

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Spring Tree Trimming & Pruning Tips

Trees are amazing additions to any landscape, they give shade and protect the soil from erosion. It is important to note that they require care and regular maintenance, especially during certain seasons. Early spring, when trees are gearing up for new and vibrant growth is one of the best seasons of the year to prune. As the weather warms up and people return to the outdoors, it’s time to remove dead, dying, and unusually grown branches from your tree to ensure it blossoms all through the year.

For homeowners looking to prune their trees, tree experts like those at Navarre FL Tree Service have outlined the following spring tree trimming and pruning tips to help you do it properly. This should be approached carefully, though, as trees can be damaged if pruning is not properly done. If in doubt, call in a professional.

Cut down any dead branches. Removing dead or dying branches from any tree or shrub should be a top priority, both for health and aesthetic reasons. It also gives you a framework to work with when deciding what to trim. Dead and diseased leaves, branches, and stems (deadwood) might adversely affecting the growth of trees. Pruning can stop the disease from spreading and improve tree growth and health.

large branches is important, especially if they are hanging over structures or areas where humans frequently pass through.

Pruning and trimming is all about quality, not quantity. The quality of the cuts, not the number of branches taken from the trees, is a crucial part of pruning. Have a goal in mind before you start pruning, so you’ll know how to go about it.

Hire a professional. Tree trimming and pruning require expert knowledge to ensure your tree’s health. It also requires special equipment, which you may not have. Contact a local tree care provider to help you expertly prune and trim your trees.

Steps You Can Take Toward Buying Your First Home

Buying your first home is a major milestone which can seem overwhelming - especially financially. Whether you're tired of renting, growing your family, or just want a place that feels like your own, you can take simple steps to prepare for becoming a homeowner. Take time to get your financial ducks in a row before you start visiting open houses, so you'll be ready when it's time to make an offer.

Here's how you can help the home-buying process go smoothly.

didn't worry about as a renter. To allow for unanticipated expenses, you may want to estimate your ideal mortgage payment at 28% of your income instead.

Start saving for a down payment. Choose a goal amount that correlates with your budget for a new home. This can range from 3.5% to 20%, although some areas offer programs with 0% down. Start by saving a small, specific amount every month, as it's much easier to build a down payment over time. Consider using automatic deposit to put a portion of each paycheck into a savings account for this purpose. Finally, calculate your current debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which estimates how much of your gross monthly income (money coming in before taxes) goes toward your monthly debt (money going out to debt payments). Your DTI ratio is one of the factors considered by lenders to determine the loan amount you qualify for. You can figure it out by totaling your monthly debt payments and dividing that by your gross monthly income (GMI). The lower your DTI, the less risky you will appear to lenders.

Get familiar with your credit score. When you're borrowing for a major purchase, it's helpful to review your credit score. You can view your full credit report online for free annually. The better your credit score, the better your loan terms and interest rate may be. Factors that affect credit scores include: Payment history, Amounts owed, Length of credit history, New credit, Types of credit used.

If your credit score is less than perfect or if you don't have a credit score, you'll need to give yourself enough time to work on improving it. For building on an already established score, focus on building credit by taking actions like: Paying credit bills on time each month, Staying well below your credit limits, Pulling your credit report and checking for errors.

Are there branches crossing or

too close together?

The next step in the trimming process is to remove branches that are too close or that are rubbing against each other. This restricts light and airflow through a tree, which is particularly critical if it is a fruit tree.

Cut out any troublesome branches.

If a tree or shrub is making your life difficult, it should be pruned or removed. For instance, if a branch is growing too close to your building, road, or cable/power lines, then it should be trimmed. It is common to see tree branches break off and crush anything under them after a storm. This is a safety issue, and why trimming

Start by looking at your financial picture. Take an honest look at your finances - including your income, expenses, debt and credit score. If someone is buying the home with you, have a candid conversation together about your finances to ensure your household is ready for a mortgage. If you don't currently use a budget, this is the ideal time to start.

How to know how much you can afford when homebuying.

Many experts recommend your mortgage payment be below 36% of your household's monthly income. Remember, you may also need to pay for maintenance and home repairs you

Consider off-site built housing when searching for your home.

While today's housing market can make homeownership seem challenging, there are new homes available at an attainable price point. For example, off-site built homes have an average price point of around $100,000. Better yet, offsite built homes can appreciate just as well as a site-built home. Off-site built homes are also constructed with sustainable practices, which translates to lower build costs.

Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance can walk you through the process of financing a home, or both land and a home. Visit VMF.com to apply. (BPT)

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City of Schenectady and Downtown ImprovementSchenectady Corporation

Announce ILLUMINOCITY Award Winners

As we wrapped up the 2022 season of IlluminoCity, we celebrate our winners! First, second and third place won $1,500, $1000 and $500 respectively. The People’s Choice Award was awarded to Bear and Bird Boutique + Gallery and Schenectady ARC Horticulture Center! (Pictured above). Thank you to all the sponsors and participants who made this a success!

Most Creative

1st Place - Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County, Inc. who was self-hosting

2nd Place - Law Office of Kathleen M. Toombs and Legacy Project - Capital Region Veterans Memorial

3rd Place - The Silver Shop and Things of My Very Own, Inc.

Schenectady Pride

1st Place - M/E Engineering and SICM

2nd Place - Meier Law Firm and Safe Inc. of Schenectady

3rd Place - Pioneer and Miracle on Craig Street

Parade Theme - Dream Big

1st Place - Suriano’s Deli and Animal Protective Foundation

2nd Place - Proctors Collaborative who was self-hosting

3rd Place - Urban Co-Works and Mission Accomplished Transition Services

Most Traditional

1st Place - Schenectady Hardware & Electric and Northern Rivers Family of Services

2nd Place - Highbridge Management, LLC and Umbrella of the Capital District, Inc.

3rd Place - The Schenectady Trading Company and Schenectady Greenmarket

On Saturday the Dutchman took a 6-0 victory against RPI with 5,883 fans watching in the MVP arena. This is the second straight year Union won the Mayor’s Cup and the 7th out of 10 tries.

Union Men’s Hockey Team Brings Home the Trophy for the 2023 Mayor’s Cup

Simone’s Kitchen Named 2023 Schenectady

“Soup Stroll Souperstar”

On January 28th Downtown Schenectady’s streets and businesses were teeming with thousands of visitors today during the 7th Annual Schenectady Soup Stroll from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. During the event organized by the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation (DSIC), guests sampled an outstanding selection of soup recipes from 34 participating restaurants. After all ballots were counted following the event, the 2023 “Soup Stroll Souperstar” champion by popular vote was Simone’s Kitchen for their Creamy Tomato & Sweet Harissa Soup.

Pictured is one of the 34 stops, The Armory Lounge.

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The 13,000 sq ft lodge features 6 bedrooms, (sleeps 18 comfortably), 10 bathrooms, 3 guest bars, a three-story glass elevator for easy access, washers & dryers, a full gourmet kitchen w/ full prep kitchen, high-speed internet, a wine cellar, fitness gym, and a pool table game room.

Allow your gatherings to overflow outdoors where you’ll find three outdoor fire pits, and a panoramic lake view of Hinckley Lake from the

deck. Relax on our private natural sand beaches or take to the water & enjoy the beauty of Hinckley lake in one of our Kayaks or Paddleboards. Enjoy endless amounts of activities from fishing, hiking & boating in the warmer months to cross-country skiing & snowshoeing in the colder months. With over five miles of walking trails, the options are endless.

With flexible meeting spaces, an on-site restaurant for catering/ dining, and a knowledgeable executive team ready to assist with all your planning needs, The Kuyahoora Lodge & Resort showcases everything the Adirondacks has to offer.

Reserve your Adirondack getaway today.

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Take a Bite of Montgomery

Monday, March 27 - Sunday, April 2, 2023

Join us for “Take a Bite of Montgomery”, sponsored by Visit Montgomery County, NY.

From Monday, March 27 through Sunday, April 2, 2023, participating restaurants, bakeries, and other eateries throughout Montgomery County will offer week-long specials, highlighting their favorite dishes, pastries, and more!

The establishments were asked to design specials for the week. Some will offer a choice menu, while others have a week-long special. “Some restaurants have a traditional choice menu, and others have one special for the week”, Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Anne Boles said. “Please enjoy, as this is a perfect opportunity to explore the rich history of the county, take a walk on the Erie Canalway Trail, or visit a beautiful park.

Then treat yourself to a great meal by a family owned and operated restaurant. We appreciate their participation, and wherever you go, it’s going to be a delicious week in Montgomery County!”

Restaurant Week information will be available online, at https://www. visitmontgomerycountyny.com/ and on Visit Montgomery County NY and Montgomery County – NY social media pages.

412 Main Street #202, Utica

2 Bedrooms | 1 Bath |1800 Sq. Ft

For Rent $2,250 /mo

Amazing 1800 sq ft loft-style living is available immediately for rent. The loft is fully furnished and totally renovated. All new construction, 2 bedroom/1ba, laundry & central A/C. Gain access to this spacious loft through PRIVATE stairwell & metal fire doors into your foyer. There are two designated parking spaces and two entrances. The Smith Building is located in the historic and trendy Bagg’s Square District. Your search for urban lifestyle is over! Call for an appointment.

Allen Road, Utica $389,900

Searching for a residence in New Hartford School District? Offering a 4 bedroom 2.5 bath true Cape Cod style home that is gracious yet, simple and efficient. Boasting lots of charm and many upgrades at 2399 square feet.

First floor welcomes you to the comfortable fireplaced living room with built-in bookcase. Enjoy a 1st floor bedroom and full bath. Chef-friendly kitchen, pantry, new appliances, and plenty of beautiful cabinetry carry through to the dining room. A spacious and bright fireplaced family room steps out to the private fenced yard! Generous storage in all 3 bedroom upstairs plus 1.5 bath.

Upgrades include Nest, new carpet upstairs, refinished hardwoods throughout 1st floor, new window blinds, fresh paint, new garage doors, new fenced-in yard. Welcome to the new mudroom/ laundry area created right off the garage!!

roam outside on your private 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.

New Construction • Open-Concept Living Woodhaven at Park Drive, Rome NY

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?!

Introducing... The Gansevoort. This 2-story floor plan features open-concept living & dining, and a beautifully appointed kitchen with stunning quartz countertops, shaker-style cabinetry & stainless appliances. Also on the main level, you will find a Master Suite complete with a dual sink vanity, ample shower & a spacious walk-in closet. A private office, half bath & laundry room round out the first floor. Upstairs, you have 2 more bedrooms & another full bath. The full basement is equipped with an egress window, should you decide to add more living space. (*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?!

NY $395,000

Real

Pools/Spas

Water

DecKa Real Estate COST SEGREGATION Division

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!