November Blessings
A while back, I heard a true account of a family that became concerned when strangers started showing up at Sunday family dinners at Grandma's house The day a particularly disheveled man, known to sleep in the doorway of a nearby vacant building, timidly took a seat at the table, her adult granddaughter had enough. Signaling grandma into the kitchen, the granddaughter forcefully whispered, "Grandma, you can't invite people like that to come into your home. It's not safe." Grandma leaned in and, without missing a beat, kindly but firmly replied: "The only people not welcome around my table are those who try to tell me who I can and cannot invite." Grandma won that hand and continued with her kind habit of welcoming new friends to Sunday dinner.
November holidays provide natural opportunities to foster gratitude, generosity, and kindness and that doesn't have to be as intense as Grandma's above exampe.
This month we celebrate Veteran’s Day, an opportunity to honor those who served in the United States Armed Forces, and Thanksgiving, one of our most beloved holidays. We encourage you to take time to thank those who have served this great country of ours and to be on the lookout for ways you can be a blessing to someone. You'll find a way if you really look.
Above all, remember to make time to count your blessings. There truly is always something to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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In The Driver's Seat
Tropical storms in the U.S. from June through August 2024 damaged 89,000 cars, according to CarFax. That’s in addition to the 454,000 water-damaged cars that Carfax says returned to the road in 2023. And those figures don’t factor in the impact of the major hurricanes Helene and Milton, cautions Consumer Reports.
Water can ruin electronics, lubricants, and mechanical systems. It may take months or even years for problems to surface as corrosion finds its way to the car’s vital electronics, including airbag controllers. You need to carefully inspect any used car before buying one (or pay a mechanic to do it)
Use these helpful tips to see if the car you're considering has been impacted by water damage.
•Look for: water stains, mildew, sand, or silt under the carpet, floor mats, and dashboard, and in the wheel well where the spare is stored. Look for fogging inside the headlights and taillights. New carpet or upholstery in an older vehicle may be another red flag.
•Do a smell test. A heavy aroma of cleaners and disinfectants is a sign that someone’s trying to mask a mold or odor problem.
•Get a vehicle history report from a database service. There are reliable services that charge a small fee. The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) free database lists flood damage and other information. But take note: NICB reports are only helpful if the car was insured. If the owner of an uninsured flood-damaged car tries to sell it on the open market and you’re the buyer, you may never know there’s a problem until things like the electrical system go bad.
•Understand the difference between a “salvage title” and a “flood title.” A “salvage title” means the car was declared a total loss by an insurance
company because of a serious accident or some other problems. A “flood title” means the car has damage from sitting in water deep enough to fill the engine compartment. The title status is part of a vehicle history report. Either way, every used car needs an inspection and records before you buy, but with salvage- and flood-titled cars, you need to be extra careful.
•Have your mechanic inspect the car’s mechanical and electrical components, and systems that contain fluids, for water contamination.
•Report fraud. If you suspect a dealer is knowingly selling a storm-damaged car or a salvaged vehicle as a good-condition used car, contact your auto insurance company, local law enforcement agency, or the NICB at (800) TEL-NICB (835-6422). You’ll help someone else avoid a rip-off.
Storm-damaged cars are sometimes cleaned up and taken out of state for sale. You might not know a vehicle is damaged until you take a closer look or have a mechanic check it out so our best tip to you is, let the buyer beware.
Brenda Wells Associate Broker
$495,000!
$395,000!
Schroon Lake Colonial Home - 7 Acres 2631s/f living area, 5 bdrms, primary is 24’ x 30’, handicap bathrm, 2 car garage. Short drive to Schroon Lake.
$295,000!
$360,000!
360 Acres
& hikers paradise.
1399 US Route 9 Schroon Lake, NY 12870 Listing & Selling Properties in the Adirondacks for 45 years Call 518-791-0075 (Mobile) or 518-532-7191 (Office)
$399,000!
Beautiful Log Home on 10 acres overlooking the Lake Champlain Valley, 2280 sq. ft, 3/4 bedrooms 2 baths. Ticonderoga.
$84,000!
Ticonderoga Duplex Rental Income per month $1700, 2 bedrooms each. Live in one, rent the other.
$319,000!
Schroon Lake 8 Motel Units -new bathrooms, wiring & plumbing, and sub flooring, 4 efficiency units , office, another area for a home. Lake Rights.
$379,000!
446+/- Acres with views of the Hadley Mountain Range, off grid, secluded, Hunter’s & Hiker paradise, moose are here.
$575,000!
Waterfront Home on Valentine Pond 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, knotty
$599,000!
Secluded Mt. View Home on 64 acres with outstanding views of the Adirondack Mts. 2200 sq. ft living area. Great history as an ARBNB.
$224,500!
Ticonderoga - Owner Financing! Main Street-Business Opportunity Knocks! 2500 sq ft of rental or office space, can have 2 Apts on 2nd level.
$279,000!
151 Acres Outstanding views of Schroon Lake and the Adirondack Mts, short drive to public beach, and state boat launch, borders state land.
1850 Renovated Farmhouse on 129 acres near the High Peaks Region in the Town of North Hudson. Adjoins thousands of acres of state land.
Schroon Lake 10 Acres with Home & 9 rental cabins all in need of serious renovations. town water. Acreage is Prime, Location!1 mile from lake.
with 1 mile on Daley Creek bordering thousands of acres state land. Secluded, off grid, hunter
Walk to Schroon Lake Beach
Beautiful Contemporary Home Great Room, Knotty Pine , granite countertops, Radiant heat, 50 x 22 Barn, 0.8 acres.
Own a piece of history with this unique mid-century modern designed clubhouse, nestled in a picturesque location.
This well-established course features 18 holes, meticulously maintained greens, and breathtaking views, offering an ideal opportunity for golf enthusiasts. The state-ofthe-art kitchen is equipped to host events of any size, making it an excellent venue for special occasions. The walkout basement leads from the locker rooms to the pool area,
offering guided showings of this one-of-a-kind gem. Proof of Finances is required before any confirmed showing.
5 Comely Lane, Latham $420,000
Beautifully maintained split-level home. Spacious layout with 2 full bathrooms and a convenient half bath in the primary suite, this residence offers both comfort and functionality. Main level boasts a bright and airy living room that flows seamlessly into the dining area, ideal for gatherings and the family room with a fireplace. The kitchen is well-equipped w/ updated appliances and ample counter space for cooking and meal prep. Walk-out basement you’ll find additional living space.
28 Sutton Hollow Rd., Windham $299,000
This charming Cape-style farmhouse boasts a cozy living room, ideal for unwinding by the warmth of the wood-burning fireplace. Step out onto the back deck to take in the serene, wooded surroundings. A perfect spot to enjoy nature and peaceful moments. Conveniently located to Route 23, this home is just 5 miles from Windham Mountain Ski Resort and 10 miles from Hunter Mountain, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and year-round enjoyment.
75 Jackson Avenue, Cohoes - Rent $3,500
5000 sqft is available for rental. Back storage area the seller would like to keep for storage only. Zoned Commercial and was used for a commercial cleaning business and office space. Lessee to verify what other businesses would be allowed to rent. Garage door is over sized and can fit an suv/ van and plenty of parking inside building as well for landing purposes. CAMERAS on Property, please be considerate of owner. Appointment only.
9 Constantine Court, Athens $285,000
Welcome to this charming Raised Ranch home nestled on a private lot in a great neighborhood. The property showcases a beautiful, established rose bed, adding to its curb appeal, along with a convenient storage shed. Inside, you’ll find walk-in closets, ceiling fans, and elegant chair rail accents, all enhancing the home’s comfort and charm. Modern features include central air conditioning, a smart sensor oil tank, and a keyless entry pad on the front door for added convenience.
99 Overlook Avenue, Latham $185,000
This delightful 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers comfort and potential in the heart of Latham. Property is perfect for your family and future expansion. The beautiful sunroom invites you to relax and enjoy the serene fenced in backyard, making it an ideal space for outdoor living with a separate 2 car garage on the property to the left of house. Newer windows and roof. Located in a highly sought-after area with excellent schools, this home offers both convenience and peace.
531 N Greenbush Road Rensselaer NY 12144
1317 15th Street, Troy $215,000
This brick duplex, located in the vibrant heart of Troy is the perfect investment property. Fully rented with its solid construction and prime location, located within walking distance to RPI campus and a quick walk to Russell Sage! This property offers a fantastic opportunity to generate steady rental income in a thriving area. Both units featuring two bedrooms and one bathroom on each.
1 Garside Road Ext, Saratoga Springs $7,000 Weekly
Welcome to your dream relaxing vacation on the serene shores of Saratoga Lake! This modern, fully updated gem boasts five spacious bedrooms and three luxurious full baths, plus a half bath, perfect for comfort and convenience of your weekly stay. Enjoy the elegant finishes and thoughtful design throughout, including a finished walk-out basement ideal for relaxing or entertaining guests. Step outside to breathtaking views of the lake.
236 Main Street, Schoharie $490,000
The Marsh House, Circa 1830! This historic Center Hall Colonial, on a beautifully landscaped large lot in the Village of Schoharie, blends timeless charm with modern updates. Original features like woodwork, floors, and fireplaces have been carefully preserved, while the updated kitchen, bathrooms, wallpaper, and fresh paint offer modern comforts. The expansive center hall leads to a stone patio, perfect for entertaining. With 1.5 acres, a full front porch, and potential for a Bed & Breakfast.
184 Coveville Road, Schuylerville $1,375,000
Custom built & designed Lok’nLog cabin. Well-appointed kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, w/in pantry w/2 sub-zero frzr dwrs & blk walnut c-top, covered front porch leads to slated foyer, laundry, mudroom, 2 bdrms and primary mstr suite.. Patio Enclosure screen porch off grand LR & primary mstr suite. LR has custom 72’’ceiling fan, WBFP w/ log mantle and raised hearth. Relax in the loft or watch a movie in the theater. Finished basement with summer kitchen, bedroom, full bath. Generac WH gen.
235 Saratoga Road, Glenville $299,900
Centrally located in the heart of Glenville’s business district, this commercial building offers a versatile space with immense potential. Boasting four well-appointed offices, a spacious lobby area, and two convenient bathrooms, it’s designed to cater to various business needs. Additionally, the property features a fully finished basement, presenting two additional and ample room for storage. Whether you’re looking to expand your current business operations or embark on a new venture.
Expert Tips To Save Money On Home Heating
As the days get shorter and cooler, it's the perfect time to turn your attention to your heating system. Before it gets too chilly, you'll want your HVAC system to be in great condition - clean, tuned up and ready to go.
The pros at Aire Serv, a Neighborly company, offer safety and money-saving tips so your home will be comfortable during the colder days to come.
Check the basics
Experts recommend periodic checks that all heating and return vents around your home are unobstructed. Making sure furniture and other items don't block air from moving freely means a consistent temperature from room to room, and your furnace won't have to work as hard.
Also, clear areas around your water heater, clothes dryer (including the vent) and fireplaces to reduce the risk of fire and other hazards.
Pro tip: Close your fireplace damper when not in use, so warm air can't escape.
Schedule your fall tune-up
Even if you consider yourself handy, it's best to have a trained HVAC service professional perform the tune-up and cleaning so your HVAC system and furnace can operate efficiently - saving you money on energy bills all year, keeping your home more comfortable and ensuring the system is safe.
Don't wait for the first frigid day to get your furnace serviced, as many service professionals receive increased calls during extremely cold days due to system breakdowns. A fall service means you'll have prioritized service and have no down time. And definitely don't wait until noticing things like bad smells to call your service professional. While it may be normal to smell burning dust at the beginning of the season, it could also be a warning sign of a dangerous problem. Consider a duct cleaning service to clear dust and debris from your home's heating ducts. Experts recommend
that with some exceptions, duct cleaning should be completed every 3-5 years.
Remember: If you smell gas, leave your home immediately and call 911, then contact your service professional.
Change your furnace filter frequently
If you can't recall the last time you changed the furnace filter, chances are it's overdue. Experts recommend swapping HVAC air filters every 30 to 90 days to ensure no dust or debris builds up in your system.
When air can flow freely through the unit, your system doesn't need to work as hard to heat your home. This translates to lower energy bills and a fresher home. If anyone in your family struggles with asthma or allergies, prioritize this task, and consider changing the filter more frequentlyespecially when pollen is high.
Pro tip: Write the date on the side of your filter when you change it and put a reminder for the next swap on your calendar.
Thermostats make a difference
To help save money on heating costs, take time to learn how your thermostat works. Turning down your thermostat is one of the most effective ways to save on heating: You can save approximately 15% of your heating bill just by lowering heat 7 degrees over an eight-hour period.
It's common to react to short-term temperature changes by bumping it up and down, but constant changes cost more. If you don't have one, get a programmable thermostat so you can "set it and forget it." Set lower temps when you're away from
your home or asleep, but no lower than 67 degrees, to prevent issues like freezing pipes.
Pro tip: If your HVAC system isn't working well despite regular maintenance and cleaning, your thermostat could be the culprit. Upgrading to a new programmable thermostat, or smart thermostat you can operate from your phone, could be a great step toward a more efficient heating system.
Consider HVAC upgrades
If you have an older furnace, you may want to consider a new, more energy-efficient unit. Most older homes have ducted systems, but ductless heating systems (also called ductless mini-split systems) have an outdoor compressor connected to multiple indoor units so you can heat or cool specific zones or rooms.
Your service technician can help you learn the pros and cons of each system and assess issues like purchase price versus operating expense, your home's floor plan, existing ductwork and aesthetic differences.
Dislike dry air in your home? The answer could be a whole-home humidifier. Furnace heating systems can cause havoc on your skin, making air dry and difficult to breathe - and negatively impact wooden furniture. A furnace humidifier installed on your furnace can distribute moistened air equally throughout your home.
To learn more and to find an experienced Aire Serv service professional visit AireServ.com/tuneup. (BPT)
Embracing the industrial office design inspired by the old industrial space it once was, this two-floor office space has all new construction & central air.
Well insulated yet keeping design open & w/ natural light. Well-appointed conference room, 2 break rooms, 2 lavatories & reception area. Testament to thoughtful design & revitalization efforts.
Parking on site w/ option to acquire add’l parking. Secured entrances. This location is part of the amazing downtown mixed use renaissance! Easy access to SUNY It, medical buildings, restaurants & travel options. Perfect space to showcase your business!
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!
ATTENTION REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS
sbaisley@hbegroup.com
LifeandHomes Product & Service Directory
To advertise your business in this space and be a part of the Capital Region’s ever growing Home Service Network, give us a call and join the LifeandHomes™ community! 315-865-5845 315-865-5845
Design, Build or Remodel with Hinman, the remodeling experts. Additions, Kitchens, Baths and more. Visit HinmanConstruction.com for a complete list of our services. 518-885-1835
Offering Licensing and Continuing Education for Real Estate Brokers, Agents, Appraisers, Accessors. Mortgage courses available. Online and classroom course options. ProCareerCenter.com
Estate STERLING REAL ESTATE GROUP
518-688-2211
Specializing in resale homes, condos, townhomes, new construction, commercia, land development. Over 20 years of experience. SterlingHomesRealEstate.com
Water Systems
315-484-5959
Pools/Spas
02/18
Law Office of Ann McGrath
One piece fiberglass pools, 28 models to choose from. Quick installation, easy to clean, built in steps and seats, no seams. Available in white or colors. Glimmerglassspas.com
Water systems. Well drilling: new, cleaning, repair, low yield hydrofracking. Pump service: repair, pressure tank replacement. Water conditioning: softeners, filters, UV disinfection, storage systems. AmberWaterPros.com
Creative Commercial Financing
Contact us to learn about high LTV (up to 100%) nancing for commercial purchase and re nance projects.
• Programs for the purchase or re nance of real estate.
• Programs for purchase of businesses with or without real estate.
• Working capital can be added to the loan for improvements, building etc.
• Each project is di erent so call us to see what we can structure for you.
There are three ways a business can qualify for 100% nancing when the business owner occupies 51% of the subject property:
Your nancial journey starts here - take control today
