LifeandHomes Capital Region NY September 2023

What's Up With This Market?

If you've had your eye on the real estate market, you know housing inventory continues to be a challenge. Housing supply, especially entry-level supply, is still at historically low levels and the demand continues to push home prices higher. It can be terribly frustrating and stressful to find "the" home and once you do, chances are you'll find yourself feeling pressured to make multiple offers.

The gravity of the struggle hit home for me when I heard of a conversation between relatives on my wife's side of the family. From the young professional couple desperately trying to get into their first home; "We're still house hunting. We only have four months left before our apartment lease ends and we have to move. We are zero for eight offers made!" Followed by a reply from a family member who also endured a grueling househunting experience; "I can attest that it can take a long time. We looked at 88 houses and got this one on the 15th offer. "

Eighty-eight houses? My wife and I had our own house-hunting struggles in bygone days but nothing like that!

Like you, we're keeping an eye on the market, praying for a market correction, and following what the experts are predicting all the while taking these words from our wise friends at RamseySolutions. com to heart. "Remember, a housing market forecast can only give you an idea of what to expect if you buy or sell a house in the coming months. You never want to let a market prediction control your housing decisions . . . only your personal situation and finances should do that!"

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Autumn- Prime Time for Planting Trees

Since autumn is the time of year for colorful, falling leaves, many people do not realize that it is also a prime time to plant new trees. After cooler weather has set in, conditions are perfect for stimulating root growth in new trees. Once roots are established throughout the fall and dormancy of winter, spring showers and summer warmth encourage new top growth.

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) shares these tips for planting new trees in the autumn months:

Tree Planting Tips Fall is the optimum time to plant balled and burlapped trees and shrubs. However, all bare root plants should be planted later in the season, when they are completely dormant.

Preparing the Tree:

• For bare root trees, neatly cut away any broken or damaged roots. Soak the roots for a few hours prior to planting to allow them to absorb water.

• Container-grown trees should have the plastic or metal containers removed completely.

• Carefully cut through the circling roots. Remove the top half of pressed peat/paper containers.

• Balled and Burlapped (“B&B”) trees should have all the ropes cut. Pull the burlap at least one third of the way down and slit the remaining burlap to encourage root growth. If in a wire basket, cut away the top of the basket.

• Remove all tags and labels.

Planting the Tree

• Dig the planting hole shallow and broad. The width should be two to three times the diameter of the root ball and the depth only as deep as the root ball.

• Gently place the tree in the hole, ensuring that it is perpendicular to the ground. Once you begin to backfill, it will be difficult to reposition the tree.

• Partially backfill with the soil from the hole, using water to settle the soil. Finish backfilling the hole while gently but firmly packing the soil. Be sure that you leave the trunk flare (where the roots spread at the base of the tree) visible above the soil.

• Soak the soil well, making sure no air pockets form between the roots. Wait until next year to fertilize. If trees are planted in the fall, the root systems can then have the winter months to develop and become established. When spring arrives, this expanded root system will be better able to support the full surge of spring growth. For more information on trees and tree planting, visit www.treesaregood.org. and safe home. (BPT)

How Much Money You'll Need To Buy A Home

It's one of the first questions potential home buyers ask; How much money will I have to come up with to buy a home?

•Answer: Well, that depends on a number of factors, including the cost of the house and the type of mortgage you get. In general, you need to come up with enough money to cover three costs: earnest money - the deposit you make on the home when you submit your offer, to prove to the seller that you are serious about wanting to buy the house; the down payment, a percentage of the cost of the home that you must pay when you go to settlement; and closing costs, the costs associated with processing the paperwork to buy a house.

•When you make an offer on a home, your real estate broker will put your earnest money into an escrow account. If the offer is accepted, your earnest money will be applied to the down payment or closing costs. If your offer is not accepted, your money will be returned to you. The amount of your earnest money varies. If you buy a HUD home, for example, your deposit generally will range from $500 - $2,000. The more money you can put into your down payment, the

lower your mortgage payments will be.

•Some types of loans require 10-20% of the purchase price. That's why many first-time homebuyers turn to HUD's FHA for help. FHA loans require very little down. Closing costswhich you will pay at settlement - average 3-4% of the price of your home. These costs cover various fees your lender charges and other processing expenses. When you apply for your loan, your lender will give you an estimate of the closing costs, so you won't be caught by surprise. If you buy a HUD home, HUD may pay many of your closing costs. (hud.gov)

Beware Of Dirty DuctCleaning Scams

Swindlers are scamming homeowners with phony air duct cleaning schemesbut you can protect yourself.

What To Watch For:

•Low-ball Prices: Reputable companies do offer promotional pricing or discounts, but it’s best to be cautious. Once you show interest, sophisticated scammers can gather personal information or ask for a hefty deposit and then disappear.

•Pressure for a Quick Decision: Qualified contractors understand if you need to take a few days to consider.

• Asking for Payment Up Front or Accepting Only Cash: A reputable company will ask for the majority of payment for the service when the job is done.

•Convince You of Unforeseen Problems: Be cautious if your contractor starts finding reasons - such as mold - to increase prices or uses scare tactics to convince you urgent repairs are necessary.

• Knock on Your Door: Beware of a contractor who comes to the door saying he or she was “just in the neighborhood.” An established company earns business through advertisements or referrals.

• The “Blow-and-gGo” scam: Companies offer bargain-basement prices, then do an inferior job, leaving dirt and contaminants inside the system. Those pollutants then circulate throughout the ductwork and make their way into the air you and your family breathe.

Members of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) have technicians with advanced training and certifications in HVAC system cleaning. You can search the online directory at www.nadca.com to find a NADCA member nearby. (NAPSI)

SALEPENDING OWNERFINANCING ADIRONDACKS

Listing & Selling Properties in the Adirondacks for 45 years

76 Regent Street, Saratoga Springs • $1,295,000

Brand new, fully customizable home on a desirable street in Saratoga Springs. First floor primary with open floor plan, fireplace, covered porch and laundry. Loft/ game room upstairs w/ 3 more bedrooms and full bath. Basement can also be ready for finishing.

COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY

828 Burdeck Street, Rotterdam • $915,000

Discover the perfect commercial property that includes a separate warehouse ( with garage door) space and separate office space, which each can be used for different purposes. With an expansive 3,320 square foot office building and an additional warehouse space, this location offers ample room for workshops, storage, vehicle fleets, and more.

570 Lime Kiln Road, New Baltimore • $495,000

Perfect private oasis of a home with a 1200 foot driveway, surrounded by woods and privacy. This home features a beautiful dutch door leading to the custom stone fireplace with wood stove and flooring features Brazilian Cherry wood flooring and two updated front bay windows. Finished the basement w/garage door walk out feature.

2504 Augustine Avenue, Rotterdam • $260,000

Victorian-inspired home with wrap-around porch, new roof, windows, very well maintained over the years. Wood stove just off mudroom to kitchen with original farm sink, nice custom live edge wood mantle, original wood painted floors and spacious primary attic bedroom. Basement has newer washer and dryer that will stay, fenced in yard and 2 car attached garage.

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Gracemore Street, Guilderland • $300,000

Welcome to this nicely appointed cape cod home with a cozy feel. Located in a great neighborhood just off Western in the Guilderland SD. Hardwood floors throughout w/ carpet in family room. Detailed dinning room corner shelves, nice eat in kitchen, front porch and back deck with a very manageable yard ready for you. Some small work on deck to be done.

2839 State Route 203, Valatie • $3,500,000

A rare find in upstate NY - 18 hole, 177-acre course that’s absolutely breathtaking. Massive vaulted ceiling club house, storage over main bar kitchen, the pro shop on lower level, locker rooms, 6 bathrooms and w/ 2handicap accessible. Original bar is in pristine condition with built in oak refrigerators, classic design and function. The state-of-the-art kitchen.

6505 Smith Circle, Valatie • $330,000

Welcome to this great home with inground pool and attached garage. Many updates have been done including windows, roof and pool liner. Some flooring including foyer and stairs are new and kitchen cabinets painted as well as most of home. Great cul-de-sac neighborhood with an over sized lot. Come make this home yours today!

2171 12th Street, Troy • $255,000

This great multi family located on a quiet dead end street conveniently located 1 block from RPI campus in walking distance to nearby hospital and downtown Troy. Several biking trails and bodies of water close by. Seller has owned for over 20 years and has maintained it for that long as well. Basement and back apartment are 2 bedrooms, 1 bath.

Exceptional Custom-Designed Lok-N-Log Cabin

Front Cover Featured Listing

4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | 3,500 Sq. Ft.

Luxury defined. This custom-built and designed Lok-N-Logs cabin, inspired by the Greek Peak Mountain ski lodge, is truly exceptional.

Resort-like amenities include a well-appointed kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, a walk-in pantry with 2 sub-zero freezer drawers, and high-quality black walnut countertops. The covered front porch leads into the welcoming slated foyer.

The highlight inside is the impressive two-story living room with a custom 72’’ ceiling fan with up-lighting, a vast wood-burning fireplace with log mantle, and a raised hearth for a warm seat in the winter.

There’s a laundry room, mudroom, two bedrooms, and a primary master suite with walk-in closets, tile shower, and custom vanity. Take in the scenery from the patio

enclosure screen porch off the grand living room and primary master suite.

Offering a variety of entertaining spaces, you can relax in the loft or watch a movie in the theater room, both with carpeting that will ‘’wow’’. The floor plan extends to the finished basement with a summer kitchen, bedroom, full bath, and electric fireplace with mantle. The fitness room could easily be used as a fifth bedroom

To ensure year-round comfort, this luxury home includes a Generac whole house generator and whole house reverse osmosis system.

The picture of perfection, this estate is located close to Saratoga, one of the area’s most desirable locations. Enjoy complete privacy with legendary dining, shopping and entertainment a short drive away.

natural woodwork, spacious master suite with jetted tub and walk-in closet. Surroundings are perfect for the nature lover & sportsman alike! You’ll love relaxing or entertaining on the expansive covered porch. Holland Patent Schools. Call for your private showing today. (315) 570-6640 Offices in Utica • Rome • Ilion • Sherrill

8738 Carmichael Hill Road, Westernville

Two for One! This is a Unique Property! $225,000 • Live, work and play here! Artists, musicians, the perfect art gallery, studio, antique shop, doctors or law office, adult or childcare facility or make a private club! So many updates! Enjoy the spacious private residence. Once the Methodist Episcopal Church and Parsonage, the home has 3BR/1.5BA, bamboo, pine floors, blown-in insulation, new windows, updated baths new oil tank, and more! Freshly painted inside and out! The Church has also been restored, interior has been revamped, freshly painted, new roof, insulated, 2 restrooms. Handicap accessible. Zoned Commercial & 1 Family Residence. .75 acres, big back deck overlooks the level spacious yard. Plenty of parking. Enjoy life in the Adirondacks! Thousands of acres of State land with trails, lakes, 4x4 trails, horse riding trails, golf, hiking, biking, skiing, fishing and boating all close by! You’ll be living in Sportsman’s paradise!

trails! All set up for Off Grid living!! Phone and Internet available!

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 three-story glass elevator, washers & dryers, a full gourmet kitchen w/ full prep kitchen, high-speed internet, a wine cellar, fitness gym, and a pool table game room.

You’ll find three outdoor fire pits, a panoramic lake view of Hinck

ley Lake, and private natural sand beaches. Enjoy fishing, hiking & boating, cross-country skiing & snowshoeing. With over five miles of walking trails, the options are endless.

Enjoy flexible meeting spaces, an on-site restaurant for catering/ dining, and a knowledgeable executive team ready to assist with all your planning needs.

Reserve your Adirondack getaway today.

Advertise

Water Systems

315-484-5959

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

This newly listed 2-family home presents a fantastic opportunity for comfortable living. Situated in the Sauquoit Valley School district, with convenient off-road parking, this property is a great income generator.

Charming side-by-side duplex located in the heart of Sauquoit. Each unit boasts three bedrooms, complete with convenient laundry hookups and separate utilities. Recently renovated, perfect for living in or as a valuable addition to your rental portfolio.

Delightful 2-family home. Excellent incomegenerating investment. Located in a serene and family-friendly neighborhood. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity!

Well cared for 2 unit, offering versatile living options. The property sits on an expansive lot and offers off-street parking.

Charming single-family home nestled in a serene location. This private home offers a peaceful retreat, making it the perfect spot for country living. Situated in the soughtafter Sauquoit Valley School district.

Green Sage Capital is here to guide you toward success. Our dedicated team understands the power of trust, e ective communication, and innovative problemsolving. Whether you’re a large institution or an individual investor, we’re committed to working closely with you. We’ll grasp your unique needs and provide tailored

solutions that align with your specific commercial real estate requirements. Why settle for ordinary investment options? With access to some of the nation’s largest commercial lenders and a network of private investors, we open doors to exceptional opportunities. It’s time to achieve your investment goals and unlock your full potential.

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