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Real Estate & Home Services Guide
LOG CABIN HOME with VIEWS!
3 bedroom 2 bath home on approximately 3+ acres, minutes to Cooperstown and Oneonta. Call Cricket Keto at 607-287-8458 to schedule your private showing today!
6 creative ways to use your attic Page 5
How to prepare for a spring sale Page 12 VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 1 | MARCH 2020
3 things to consider before building an addition Page 19
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Real Estate & Home Services Guide A Publication of The Daily Star
102 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820 • 607-432-1000 • thedailystar.com
How to keep your appliances running like new. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 6 creative ways to use your attic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 4 types of flooring for your bathroom.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
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ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Valerie Secor vsecor@thedailystar.com (607) 441-7235
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tracy Bender
How to prepare for a spring sale.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Home renovation health and safety tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 How to define spaces in an open concept home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
DIY or don’t: tips for your next home renovation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
How to manage the stress of house hunting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Making your dream home: advice for the would-be builder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Spring recipe: Baked brie with pear jam.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Affordable features to consider when revamping your kitchen. . . . . . . . . .
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PUBLISHER Fred Scheller fscheller@thedailystar.com (607) 441-7214
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18 3 things to consider before building an additon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
“” Testimonials
“…balanced, a down-to-earth friendliness and an effective professionalism.” – Buyer “Cricket’s experience with and close attention to the local market is fantastic.” – Buyer
Looking for a
LOCAL, ETHICAL REALTOR? I am an Associate Real Estate Broker and have been in REAL ESTATE FOR 15 YEARS. Finding an experienced Realtor is important when dealing with one of the biggest investments of your life. Trust someone who knows the process and who can negotiate the best deal for you. I was #1 in sales in the Otsego Delaware Multiple listing service in 2019. I was also #1 in Sales in Oneonta in 2015, 2016 and 2017. When selling your property, it’s important and helpful to have a Realtor who pays attention to the local market. I offer a free Comparable Market Analysis to determine a sale price for your property to get you the highest price possible. When buying your new home, I will guide you through the process, making it as easy as possible and stress free. Being born and raised in Oneonta and having a strong connection to the community gives me an advantage over other Realtors. I’m also very experienced in selling investment properties, making sure you profit from your investment! Whatever it takes, I will be sure to do the best job I can! Give me a call and I will fill you in on what’s happening in Oneonta and the surrounding areas. 607-287-8458 / cricketoneontarealty@gmail.com.
Oneonta Realty, LLC | 99 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820 | 607-441-7312
“Cricket Keto is a skilled and experienced realtor who works hard on her clients’ behalf. By working with her, we saved time and money, and we obtained a wonderful home that we hope to enjoy for many years to come.” – Buyer “Cricket worked hard and was a huge help in selling my house. She helped handle a difficult and demanding buyer who I would probably have walked away from without her diligent efforts. Thank you for all that you did to get this house SOLD! I would highly recommend giving her a call.” – Seller “Cricket was professional and an excellent communicator. She got back to us quickly when we reached out to her for any reason. She was so helpful in all areas and we loved working with her! Thanks Cricket.” – Seller “We enjoyed working with Cricket. She was upfront in her advice about how to sell our house… Cricket worked hard at negotiating the final deal.” – Seller
How to keep your appliances running like new
I
f you’ve recently purchased new appliances, you may be wondering how to make sure they continue to run. Here’s what you need to know.
Refrigerator Don’t pack your fridge too full, as this can block airflow and make the components work harder than necessary. You should also vacuum the compressor and wipe the door gasket with soapy water at least twice a year.
Stove and oven Keep the oven clear of food buildup by periodically running the self-clean feature or manually scrubbing it down. Keep electric coils or gas elements clean and avoid dragging your pots and pans over glass-ceramic cooktops. Wash the surface regularly with warm, soapy water or a special cleaner.
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Dishwasher Always rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. If there’s a filter, make sure to clean it regularly so it doesn’t get clogged with food particles. Once a month, run it on empty with vinegar to keep it clean.
Washer Never overload your washing machine and make sure to empty clothing pockets so the drum doesn’t get damaged. Run a monthly cleaning cycle with hot water and vinegar. Al-
ways keep the door open after a wash to allow the interior to completely dry.
Dryer Clean the lint trap after every cycle and wash it monthly to make certain the filter doesn’t get clogged. At least once a year, get your dryer ducts professionally cleaned. This will ensure that your machine runs smoothly and decrease the risk for house fires. To find out more about how to take care of your specific appliance, be sure to consult your owner’s manual. Though these tips are a great start, they shouldn’t replace the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.
6 creative ways to use your attic
Are you thinking about converting your attic into usable living space? If so, here are six things you may want to do with it.
1. A master suite The sloped ceiling is perfect for creating a comfy bedroom you’ll love to curl up in.
2. An office If you work from home, the attic is likely isolated enough from the rest of the house to provide you with a distraction-free work space.
3. A playroom If you don’t have a basement, let the kids use the attic as their space to hang out, study and play.
4. A luxurious bathroom Do you need another bathroom in your busy household? If so, converting your attic may be the solution.
5. A yoga or meditation space If you yearn for a quiet space to call your own, use the attic to create a relaxing at-home studio.
6. A guest suite Give your guests a quiet space to relax when they come to visit. If you have the room for it, you could even install an adjoining bathroom. In short, with a little imagination, your attic can be used to create almost any type of room. Just make certain to adequately insulate the walls and to install a staircase. This ensures that the space will be comfortable and accessible for the entire family. EVERYTHING HOME
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4 types of flooring for your bathroom In a bathroom, the type of flooring you use should be water resistant, easy to clean, durable and beautiful to boot. Here are four choices that fit the bill. 1. Porcelain or ceramic tile. A popular flooring option for bathrooms, these types of tiles are versatile, relatively inexpensive and stand up well to moisture. They also come in a near endless array of colors and styles. 2. Vinyl. If you’re on a budget, vinyl planks, sheets or tiles are a great choice. Waterproof and easy to maintain, this flooring type is a great option for bathrooms, but may not look as chic as other materials.
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3. Natural stone. For luxurious bathrooms, granite, marble and other types of natural stone make a great choice. Some kinds are waterproof, but others need to be sealed yearly. 4. Cork. Made from the bark of cork trees, this material is mildew and mold resistant, extremely comfortable to stand on and a sustainable, eco-friendly flooring option. However, it isn’t entirely waterproof, so it’ll need to be coated yearly with a sealant. Any of these options can be used to create a stylish and hardworking floor. Just be sure to choose something that you’ll appreciate for years to come.
or don’t:
tips for your next home renovation
W
hile a number of home projects can be completed by the average DIYer, others should be left to the professionals. When deciding whether you should do it yourself or delegate, ask yourself these questions: Do I have the skills? If you can’t confidently say that
you know what you’re doing, hire a professional. Do I have the tools? If the job requires special gear, think twice. Purchasing equipment is expensive and certain power tools and machines may not be easy to use for a novice. Do I have the time? You may be capable of completing
the renovation, but if it takes too much of your personal time, it may not be worth it. In general, cosmetic upgrades can be successfully completed by those without much experience. However, any renovation that involves plumbing, electrical work or the structure of your home, should be left to the professionals.
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Making your dream home:
advice for the would-be builder
A
re you thinking about building your own home? While there are many advantages of designing a space that works for your family in every way, here are some things you should consider before breaking ground.
Location Do you want to live in the city or suburbs? If so, it may be hard to find an unoccupied plot. In this case, you may need to look further away from your desired location in order to find land where you can build.
Blueprints If you build the house in a subdivision, you may be able to use pre-made builder’s plans. However, for a more customized home, you’ll need to hire an architect instead.
Lifestyle When making design choices, it’s important to think about how you plan to use the house both now and in the future. For example, a steep set of stairs may not seem like a big deal right now, but they may prove difficult if you choose to raise a family or grow old in your home. If you do decide to build, remember that the home will eventually need to be sold. For this reason, it’s a good
idea to make design choices that aren’t so luxurious that you’ll be priced out of the area or that are so quirky that other people won’t want it. EVERYTHING HOME
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Affordable features to consider when
revamping your
kitchen K
itchens are popular gathering spots in many homes. That popularity is reflected in various ways, including how many homeowners choose to remodel their kitchens. A 2019 report from the home renovation and design resource Houzz found that kitchens were the most popular room to renovate in 2018. Homeowners considering kitchen remodels should know that the Houzz report also indicated that spending on kitchen remodels increased by 27 percent in 2018. Homeowners concerned by the cost of remodeling a kitchen should know that there are ways to give kitchens a whole new feel without breaking the bank.
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Appliances Consumer Reports notes that luxury home buyers expect high-end features, including professional ranges and builtin refrigerators that match the surrounding cabinetry. However, many mainstream brands offer “faux pro� features that can equal more expensive alternatives. Consumer Reports even notes that many budget-friendly faux pro appliances outperformed their high-end counterparts in terms of reliability.
Countertops Countertops tend to capture the eye’s attention when walking into a kitchen. Outdated and/or damaged countertops grab that attention for
all the wrong reasons, while updated countertops made from today’s most popular materials provide that wow factor homeowners seek. If granite is a must-have, Consumer Reports notes that homeowners can save substantial amounts of money by choosing granite from remnants at the stone yard. If marble is your ideal countertop, save money by choosing a domestic product as opposed to one imported from overseas.
Cabinets Custom-built cabinets may be a dream, but they tend to be a very expensive one. Such cabinets are designed to adhere to the dimensions of the kitchen, and Consumer Reports notes that they can cost tens of thousands of dollars. If that estimate would bust your budget, examine the
current layout of the existing cabinets. If the layout is fine but the cabinets need work, you can give them a whole new look by refinishing them. If the cabinets must go, stock units or semi-
custom cabinets can provide a new look without busting the budget. Kitchen remodels can be expensive. But there are many affordable ways to revamp a kitchen.
How to prepare for a spring sale Are you planning to sell your home this spring? If so, here’s what you should do. Spring clean early Cleaning your home from top to bottom is a great place to begin. You’ll get a head start on organizing your belongings and can clear out items you no longer need or want. As a result, your home will look tidier and be less cluttered. You’ll also be able to assess which areas of the house need a bit of work before you list it. Make some repairs While investing a lot of money into extensive renovations isn’t a great idea, fixing up a few things can go a long way, especially in the kitchen and bathroom.
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Re-grouting tiles and applying new caulking will instantly freshen up your bathroom, and a new sink is likely to greatly improve the look of your kitchen. Interview realtors Don’t wait until the last minute to choose a real estate agent. Starting your preparations early means you’ll have time to interview a few different realtors in order to find the best one. Make sure you pick someone with a solid knowledge of the local market and who’ll be able to give you substantive advice on how to prepare for the sale. Spring is a popular time to sell, so make sure to take advantage of the months leading up to it to ensure a quick and hassle-free sale.
Home renovation health and safety tips
A
re you planning to renovate your home? If so, you should know that your abode is about to become a construction zone. This means that there will be tools, dust and other health and safety hazards to contend with. Here’s how to protect yourself and your loved ones during a home renovation. 1. Get an inspection. If your home was built before 1990, have someone come in to inspect it for traces of asbestos. You don’t need to be renovating extensively to run the risk of exposure to this harmful material. 2. Protect yourself. Even if the inspection doesn’t turn up anything, wearing a mask at all times is a good idea. Anyone working on the renovation should also wear gloves, eye protection, hardhats and steel toed boots to prevent injuries. 2. Protect your home. Lay down tarps so your floors don’t get stained or scuffed and protect any furniture you couldn’t move out of the vicinity of the construction zone. 3. Ventilate. Make sure there’s a window open and fans running while the dirtiest work is underway. This will keep fresh air flowing into your home. 4. Clean daily. At the end of every day, vacuum and mop the floors and wipe the dust off of all surfaces. 5. Use non-toxic products. Opt for VOC-free paint and water-based solvents, as these won’t release chemicals into the air. 6. Do dirty jobs outside. Designate a space in your yard for cutting, sanding and other tasks that generate dust and dirt. If you’re going to be living in the house while it’s being renovated, it’s a good idea to keep one room in your home closed off. This will provide you with a haven to retreat to in the evenings. EVERYTHING HOME
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Signs it is time for new windows Windows help regulate the temperature in a home, let in natural light and keep insects, weather and outdoor elements outside where they belong. The right windows also can add value to a property by providing aesthetic appeal and increasing curb appeal. Although homeowners can typically get many years out of their homes’ windows, ultimately windows will need to be replaced. Homes that are more than 20 years old and still have their original windows could be due for an upgrade. Aluminum- or woodframed windows also may be ripe for changing. Here are some signs that it’s time to replace windows, courtesy of Good Housekeeping, Centra® and the real estate website Redfin. • Drafty feel in the home: Window frames can begin to shrink as they age, allowing air to flow from the outdoors in and vice versa.
Homeowners may notice drafts when standing near windows or hear whistling on notably windy days. • Rising energy bills: If energy bills are inexplicably on the rise, then old windows could be to blame. Aging, drafty windows can make it necessary to run HVAC systems more often and at higher or lower
temperatures in order to keep homes comfortable. • Windows are difficult to open or close: Homeowners may get used to the quirks of their windows, but those that are difficult to open or close may require replacement. In addition, if windows need to be propped open, it’s time to replace them. • Water infiltration: Warping or decaying window frames can make it easy for rain or snow to get into the home. Wood frames are particularly prone to moisture decay. If frames are warping or allowing water into the home, it’s time for an upgrade. • Condensation on windows: Fog or condensation buildup on windows can occur if the seal between panes is broken. In this instance, replacement windows are necessary.
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How to define spaces in an
open concept home
I
f you’re decorating an open concept home, you’ll need to think about how to demarcate distinct areas within the layout. Here are some tips to help you do this. Paint in shades of one color Painting various areas in different shades of the same color is a great way to visually separate one zone from another. To make sure your home maintains a cohesive look, choose a single accent color and use it throughout the space. Strategically place furniture Sofas, chairs and tables can be placed in ways that indicate where one space ends and another begins. For example, you could place your couch in the middle of a room with
its back to your dining table, clearly marking where the living space ends and the dining area begins. Mix up your flooring Flooring can also help you create distinct zones. A simple way to do this is to lay down one or more rugs. Just make sure they’re big enough to fill their designated areas. Install various types of lighting By using an assortment of different fixtures and lamps, you can make sure you have the right lighting for every space and help delineate where one area ends and the next begins. By following these tips, your large and airy space will feel warm and intimate. EVERYTHING HOME
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How to manage the
stress
of house hunting
F
irst-time homebuyers often feel overwhelmed when entering the real estate market. Here are a few tips for managing the stress of house hunting.
Rushing will amp up the pressure and is also a good way to make a bad decision. If possible, start looking for a house well in advance of your lease running out.
Make a budget, decide which features you absolutely need in your new home and determine how important things like commute, proximity to schools and transit are. Knowing what you want and what you can afford will help you steer clear of homes that would only meet some of your essentials.
Get a buyer’s agent
Don’t get attached
The realtor displayed on the for-sale sign is the seller’s representative. Alternatively, a buyer’s agent represents you and can help with every aspect of your hunt, from searching to closing and beyond. Their ability to organize the chaos of house hunting will make the process a lot less stressful.
As soon as you visit a home that ticks some of your boxes, you’ll find that it’s very easy to picture yourself living there. However, this can easily play against you. If you get too attached, you’ll be devastated if the seller turns down your offer. This will only add to the stress of house hunting.
Give yourself time
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Don’t be afraid of missing out The fear of missing out is common among house hunters but it’s best avoided. Don’t get drawn into a bidding war because you’re afraid that nothing else you like will come on the market. The notion that there’s only one right home for each buyer is a myth. In real estate, there’s always another option. House hunting is challenging, but it’s a lot less stressful if you approach it with a solid plan, realistic expectations and a pragmatic outlook.
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Baked brie with pear jam This decadent dish is easy to prepare. Serve it as an appetizer or as a crowdpleasing dessert. Either way, it’s sure to be a winner. Start to finish: 15 minutes Servings: 4
Ingredients
FREEPIK.COM
Spring Recipe
1 10-ounce wheel of brie 1/4 cup pear jam 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped 3 tablespoons honey 1 sprig rosemary 1 baguette, sliced Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 400 °F. 2. Cut the brie in half horizontally, thereby creating 2 round slices.
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3. Spread the pear jam on the inside of one section of the wheel and cover with the other half, thereby reassembling the entire wheel of cheese with the pear jam in the middle. 4. Place the wheel on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. 5. Using a knife, score the top of the cheese to create a checkered pattern. 6. Top with walnuts, honey and rosemary and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is just starting to melt. 7. Serve with slices of baguette.
3 things to consider before building an addition Do you love your home but wish you had a little more living space? If you’re thinking about building an addition, here are some things to consider before you break ground. 1. What you’re allowed. Most municipalities require you to obtain a permit if you intend to build an addition. Also, you may need to abide by their regulations concerning how large the new part of your home can be and how far from the edge of your property it can reach. 2. Your budget. Building an addition is pricey, but it may cost less than moving altogether. When making your budget, be sure to leave a little wiggle room for extra expenses that may come up. 3. The team you’ll hire. Building an addition isn’t something most people can do themselves. You’ll need to hire an architect as well as various contractors (or a general manager who’ll be responsible for overseeing the whole project). One final thing: building an addition is a huge project that will undoubtedly overtake your home. If possible, it may be a good idea to move out while it’s under construction. EVERYTHING HOME
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Real Estate & Home Services Guide
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Real Estate &
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4 things realtors might not tell you Page 5 Why you should sell in the fall Page 10 What is the KonMari Method? Page 18
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2019 9 | SEPTEMBER VOLUME 2 | ISSUE
s Guide
How millennials are chan the housing mark ging et
Page 6
Bedroom decoratin g help you get more tips to Z-s
Page 10
3 times you don’ t need a 20% down paym ent
Page 15
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Insurance? Mortgages? Home decorating? Locks/home security? Flooring? Roofing or siding? Windows? Landscaping? Painting or remodeling? Electrical or plumbing? Home repair/maintenance? Anything home related?
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