LifeandHomes Capital Region NY May 2023

Seasonal Safety

As we move toward the warmer weather months, most of us will be heading outdoors to get our outdoor spaces ready for another season of fun and entertaining. Since you'll want to make sure your home is a safe place for you, your family and guests, here are some seasonal safety reminders to keep in mind.

Battery powered ride one devices are increasingly popular and the Lithium-ion batteries that those power E-Bikes, scooters, hoverboards and other micro mobility deceives pose a legitmate fire threat if not properly stored and charged. Never charge them while you sleep, use only the approved battery charger that came with the device and always use an approved replacement battery.

Each spring and summer, hospitals see the results of injuries caused by lawn mowers. Inspect the area to be mowed for stones, tree branches, nails and wires before beginning. These objects can be picked up by the mower and expelled at bullet-like speeds which is why you should never allow children or adults to be nearby when you're mowing.

If you're planning on having an inflatable bounce house at your summer get together, The Lizzy Hammond Foundation reminds us of the importance of ensuring your bounce house is properly staked and anchored on a flat, even surface every time. Never use a bounce house if it's windy and always provide adult supervision.

Kids and pets can get into just about anything in a flash including sharp or toxic items stored in the garage or outdoor shed. Take a few moments to inspect those spaces now that the kids will be rummaging around looking for their toys or sporting equipment. And if they will be at a caregiver's home this summer, be sure the same safety measures are in place.

We're looking foward to another spring and summer season in beautiful upstate NY and thank you for making LifeandHomes a part of yours. Keep the local businesses represented in this issue in mind for all your home and real estate related needs.

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Homebuying Tips - Making an Offer

When I find the home I want, how much should I offer?

Your real estate broker can help you here. But there are several things you should consider:

1) Is the asking price in line with prices of similar homes in the area?

2) Is the home in good condition or will you have to spend a substantial amount of money making it the way you want it? You probably want to get a professional home inspection before you make your offer. Your real estate broker can help you arrange one.

3) How long has the home been on the market? If it's been for sale for a while, the seller may be more eager to accept a lower offer.

4) How much mortgage will be required? Make sure you really can afford whatever offer you make.

5) How much do you really want the home? The closer you are to the asking price, the more likely your offer will be accepted. In some cases, you may even want to offer more than the asking price, if you know you are competing with others for the house.

What if my offer is rejected?

They often are! But don't let that stop you. Now you begin negotiating. Your broker will help you. You may have to offer more money, but you may ask the seller to cover some or all of your closing costs or to make repairs that wouldn't normally be expected. Often, negotiations on a price go back and forth several times before a deal is made. Just rememberdon't get so caught up in negotiations that you

lose sight of what you really want and can afford! (hud.gov)

4 Misconceptions Homeowners Have About Floods

Many of us look forward to spring when the weather warms up and flowers start to bloom, but it also marks the start of the peak time of year for flash flooding in the United States. According to NOAA, 75% of flash floods happen between late April and mid-September. And while you may not want to think about it, when water backs up and overflows, it generally goes where it doesn’t belong and can cause serious damage to your home.

Unfortunately, many homeowners have misconceptions about floods, leaving them unprepared. Here are four of the biggest myths:

1. Homeowners insurance policies cover flood damage. A typical homeowners policy covers water damage from a sink or bathtub overflowing but won’t help with flood damage caused by storms – something many homeowners only discover after it’s too late. However, some insurance companies offer coverage to help fill the gaps so you don’t have to pay out of pocket for repairs and replacements. For example, Erie Insurance now offers Extended Water coverage, which covers damage caused not only by natural disasters, but also by sewer and drain backups.

2. Only people who live in flood plains need flood insurance. A national survey commissioned by Erie Insurance found that 53% of homeowners think only people who live in high-risk flood zones should buy flood insurance. However, 25% of flood claims are

filed by people who live outside those areas. Additionally, FEMA says floodwater only needs to get a mere 3 inches high to make it likely that you’d need to replace drywall and baseboards.

3. There’s nothing you can do to prevent flood damage. Nothing is foolproof, but there are ways to protect your home from water damage. Install a sump pump along with a battery backup and regularly test it. Improve drainage around your home by clearing leaves and debris from gutters, storm drains, and downspouts. You can also install water sensors to alert you of water or leaks within your home. If a storm is on the way, plan ahead by placing valuables and sentimental items into plastic storage bins, moving items off the floor (especially if they are stored in basements and lower levels of a home), and by making a home inventory. A list of all your personal possessions, along with their estimated values, will help if you need to file an insurance claim.

4. Insurance can only help you after an incident. Many homeowners don’t realize they may be able to get reimbursed for taking steps to protect their homes when flooding is imminent. As one example, under certain circumstances Erie Insurance will reimburse homeowners up to $10,000 for materials such as sandbags and the sand to fill them, fill for temporary levees, pumps, or plastic sheeting and lumber used with these items, as well as labor.

Talk to your independent insurance agent about your home and your neighborhood to make sure you have the coverage that’s right for you. To learn more about protecting your home from floods, visit erieinsurance.com/extended-water.

Life is unpredictable. So is weather. But one thing is certain: if it can rain (or snow), it can flood. Make sure you’re protected with the right type of insurance. (StatePoint)

Funding Available For City of Schenectady Small Businesses

The latest round of Community Development Block Grant CARES Act (CDBG-CV) Economic Recovery funding is now available for small businesses located in the City of Schenectady. Since 2020, the City of Schenectady has supported over 64 local small businesses with grants. The City Council authorized Mayor Gary McCarthy to enter into an agreement with the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region, Inc. for $200,000 of CDBG-CV funds.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic shutdown has devastated communities across the country,” Mayor Gary McCarthy said. “As we move away from the pandemic, businesses are still feeling the residual effects. This program is designed to support local small businesses impacted by the pandemic. I would like to thank the Community Loan Fund and our dedicated staff for their efforts to coordinate this critical relief funding.”

$200,000 is available for funding with a cap of $15,000 per applicant. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2023. New applicants will get priority in consideration. Applicants can apply at https://www.cityofschenectady.com/FormCenter/ Development-15/Schenectady-Economic-RecoveryProgram-fo-71 , hard copies are also available at City Hall.

The Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region will administer $200,000 in CDBG-CV funds to award small business grants and provide technical assistance training, workshops, virtual seminars, financial and soft skill development to local businesses. Applications will be

reviewed on a rolling basis for maximum flexibility.

“The Community Loan Fund is pleased to assist the City of Schenectady as it pertains to distributing COVID-19 relief funds to small businesses in need. The ongoing challenges for local entrepreneurs post-covid can be detrimental not only to their small business but the community at large. It is through programs like these with the City of Schenectady that will ensure the success of local small businesses for years to come!” says Linda MacFarlane, Executive Director of Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region, Inc.

For additional information on the program or questions related to the application process, businesses may contact the Department of Development, by email at communitydevelopment@schenectadyny.gov or by phone at (518) 382-5199 ext. 5347

LifeandHomes encourages our readers to support local businesses!

Free Lead and Copper Testing

The City of Schenectady Water Department routinely collects water samples from residents’ homes throughout the city to test for toxic levels of lead and copper that may be present in your home’s plumbing system. If you decide to join, testing is easy and only requires you to collect a single water sample from your tap twice over the next 12 months.

We hope you consider adding your residence to our list of sample locations. If interested, please fill out the questionnaire found online at cityofschenectady.com and return it to Phyllis in Room 9, City Hall or email to pgaumond@schenectadyny.gov

Please be aware that to continue to be a part of the City of Schenectady’s lead and copper testing program, your residence must be a Tier 1 site as defined by the EPA. This means your residence must be a single family structure that has one or more of the following:

• Copper plumbing, with lead solder, constructed after 1982

• Lead pipes, including lead goosenecks or pigtails

• Lead service line(s) that feed the structure water

If you are unaware of your tier status or have additional questions, please contact the City’s Water Department at 518-382-5023.

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!

Perfectly perched for incredible views! With over 4,000 +/- sf of quality, this beautiful home is set perfectly atop a hill. This 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom home will delight the most discerning buyer.

On your approach, beautiful Leatherstocking Region views surround you. Upon entry, the apparent quality will pull you in. The gleaming hardwood oors and light- lled interior beckon

you through the perfect ow of spacious and open formal and informal spaces.

Delight in the quality and imagine yourself in this sanctuary with more land available. Not only do you have to “see this”, but you also have to “feel it” to understand. Priced well below replacement with all of the expected amenities.

Call for your private showing today. (315) 570-6640

LifeandHomes Fulton / Montgomery

Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce 2023 Chamber Scholarship Program

Since its inception 34 years ago, the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce has provided over $125,000 in scholarships to deserving regional school students. This year’s program will consist of four, one-time, $1,000 awards.

The Chamber, together with its 600+ members and their thousands of employees, is dedicated to the economic vitality and quality of life in our region. We encourage our young people to pursue careers that will enhance the business, industrial, and technological resources of the area.

Eligible applicants must be a high school senior graduating from a Fulton or Montgomery County high school in June 2023 or have previously

graduated from a Fulton or Montgomery County high school. Applicants must be entering or attending a two- or four-year accredited college or university as of September 2023.

Scholarship applications can be found by contacting your high school guidance office or https://www.fultonmontgomeryny.org/scholarship. The application must be received by the Chamber by 4:30 PM on Friday, April 21, 2023 by mail, 2 N. Main Street, Gloversville, NY, 12078, email, info@ fultonmontgomeryny.org or fax (518) 725-0643.

Questions can be directed to Nicole Tennant at (518) 725-0641 or info@fultonmontgomeryny.org.

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.

2-Unit 1034 Ontario Street, Utica $239,900

6 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 2,800 Sq. Ft.

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.

Raised Let Me Find You The Space You Need! Michelle Gorea Thompson ABR, RSPS Member, John Brown Team, Lic. R.E. Salesperson Cell- 315-794-3260 Email- saratogaunion@aol.com

Ranch

121 Putnam Place, Frankfort $244,900

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.

High-Quality Local Amish-Made Custom Cabinets At Affordable Prices

Dreaming of the look of custom cabinetry but disappointed with the options at local big box stores? Our local Amish artisans are pleased to offer handmade cabinets, crafted in small local family shops, superior in quality, at prices often lower than the factory-made items found at big box stores.

You’ll admire the quality and uniqueness of custom handcrafted cabinets created by local Amish master craftsmen.

These expert craftsmen will work directly with you from design & layout to custom creation and installation of cabinetry that is both artistically pleasing and exceptionally functional for your kitchen, dining, bath, office, or other specialty areas.

Made to order with a variety of select wood types, cabinet styles, and finishes available, each custom piece will be a timeless product designed to last a lifetime.

You won’t find cabinets this well-built at such reasonable prices. Don’t settle for ordinary cabinets! Call Us Today!

Adirondack Rental Opportunity - Host your retreat, conference, or family gathering in this one-of-a-kind amenity-rich, waterfront retreat.

The 13,000 sq ft lodge features 6 bedrooms, (sleeps 18 comfortably), 10 bathrooms, 3 guest bars, a

future. Otter Lake NY is a cozy town with a beautiful lake. The possiblelitys are endless with this property. With Rte 28 road frontage and access to Light House Beach Association.

Old Forge

260

Road - 1.2 acre wooded lot in desirable Old Forge.

$59,700

Tuttle

Pools/Spas

repair, pressure tank replacement. Water conditioning: softeners, filters, UV disinfection, storage systems.