Upstate Real Estate June 2018

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HOME OF THE MONTH

New Country Listing

4,000+ sq. ft. home including 3 bedrooms, 2 bonus rooms and 3 1/2 baths. Finished basement.

2008 improvements include new kitchen, new master bath, second floor replacement windows, new roof and more...

Exclusively listed by Lamb Realty $599,000

Lamb Realty Cooperstown, NY • 607-547-8145 www.lambrealty.net

How to pick the perfect tenant Page 4

Points to consider before buying property alone Page 8 VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 6 | JUNE, 2018

Can you really afford that house?

Page 14

Real Estate UPSTATE

& HOME SERVICES

A Publication of The Daily Star

102 Chestnut Street Oneonta, NY 13820 607-432-1000 www.thedailystar.com PUBLISHER Fred Scheller fscheller@thedailystar.com (607) 441-7214

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Valerie Secor vsecor@thedailystar.com (607) 441-7235

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tracy Bender

Choosing a chair for your home office.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Tips for decorating the top of your kitchen cabinets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

How to pick the perfect tenant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

The advantage of buying a newly built home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Moving day: Four ways to avoid having to abandon your furry friend.. . . . 6 A roof made of recycled tires?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

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Can you really afford that house?.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Points to consider before buying property alone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

The benefits of water features in garden landscapes.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Avoid these mistakes when buying furniture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Pools and lawns can get along.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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June, 2018

CHOOSING A

chair home office FOR YOUR

Setting up a home office space?

Here are a few points to consider when it comes to choosing a chair.

First off, if the whole family will be using the chair, it’s a good idea to choose one that has multiple adjustment settings. If it’s only going to be used for a few minutes each day, however, you can choose pretty much any model you’d like — no one will be sitting long enough for it to become uncomfortable. If you’ll be using it for work, shop at a specialized retailer and look for the following characteristics: • A seat that’s adjustable in height. It should also pivot and swivel to adapt to various working postures as well as support your thighs without putting extra pressure on your knees.

• A backrest that provides support up to the shoulder blades. It should also be adjustable toward both the front and the back.

Look for one that’s curved similarly to the natural arch of your back.

• Armrests that can be adjusted in height. If your shoulders are particularly narrow or broad, being able to adjust the width of the armrests might also be a plus.

• A base that has at least five legs (for stability) and whose wheels are suitable for the type of flooring in your home office.

• Components that are easy to adjust without getting up from the chair.

Finally, don’t hesitate to test various chairs for a few minutes at a time.

If you choose a fabriccovered chair, make sure the upholstery is resistant to wear and tear (at least 100,000 double rubs).

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June, 2018 | 3

How to pick the

perfect tenant

W

hen it comes to picking the perfect tenant for your rental property, it’s important that you do your due diligence before making any snap decisions.

You need to make sure that your tenant will be able to pay you every month, in full and on time. So as a responsible property owner, how do you go about picking the right tenant? The following is a list of things you should consider doing before agreeing to any prospective renter.

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1. Don’t discriminate This could mean a lot of different things. Discrimination can be against someone’s age, race, gender, religion and even family status. It’s important to stay within the confines of the law when it comes to choosing your renter. Remember, just because someone is married or has kids doesn’t mean you can refuse renting to them.

2. Check their credit Always check the credit score of a prospective tenant — no exceptions. As a responsible landlord, you need to know that your tenant doesn’t have any outstanding debts that will prevent them from paying the rent on time every month. It’s

also important to verify their income. Their monthly salary should be about three times what they pay in rent.

3. Criminal background check While a criminal history shouldn’t automatically exclude someone as a potential renter, it’s important to check that they have no history of violent crimes or other activities that could jeopardize the safety of your other tenants.

4. Talk to them There’s no better indicator of how someone will behave than simply talking to them.

This will give you a good idea of their personality and how they’ll act as your tenant.

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Don’t abandon your pet when you move!

Instead, get your new landlord acquainted with your furry friend or find an adoption family to provide a good home.

DAY

Four ways to avoid having to abandon your furry friend Every year, countless pets are abandoned when their owners move. Accommodations too small? Pets not allowed? Your new spouse is allergic? There are many reasons why domesticated animals find themselves prowling the streets, plagued by hunger and exposed to various dangers like disease and bad weather.

To avoid having to abandon your furry friend due to a move, here are four key pieces of advice:

1. Start your search well in advance. This way, you’ll have ample time to find a place that both suits your needs and accepts pets.

2. Introduce your new landlord to your pet.

Certain landlords are more flexible than others and 6

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June, 2018

may be willing to agree to a trial period under certain conditions.

3. Give your pet to a loving family. Refer to your network of contacts (family members, friends, coworkers, etc.) or place an ad in your local classifieds to find a loving family willing to adopt and care for your trusted companion.

4. Bring your pet to an animal shelter. As a last resort, it’s always better to entrust your pet to an animal shelter than abandon it altogether. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these shelters often get overcrowded, so make sure you’ve considered all other options first.

A roof made of recycled tires?

Does your roof need replacing?

Or perhaps you’re thinking of having a new home built? Sounds like you’ll need to choose an ideal roof covering to shelter your humble abode. While asphalt shingles, metal sheeting and modified bitumen are classic choices, roofing tiles made of recycled tires are quickly gaining in popularity.

Made from rubber and hemp fiber salvaged from old tires, these unique tiles are an interesting choice for

sustainable living advocates. Brown, gray or black in color, they greatly resemble slate. Furthermore, just like other roof coverings, they hold up nicely against bad weather and are resistant to fire. However, these tiles made from recycled tires can cost a pretty penny.

No matter which type of material you choose for your new roof, make sure to hire a professional roofing contractor for an installation that’s up to par.

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Points to consider before

buying property alone B

ecoming the owner of a home, a condo or an apartment building is a huge decision that needs to be carefully thought out—and even more so if you plan on making the purchase alone. If you find yourself in that position, here are four crucial things to consider before you take the plunge.

12 1. Down payment

Setting aside enough money for the initial down payment is generally more difficult for solo buyers, who rely solely on their own sources of income. But, there are many benefits to making a sizeable down payment, so be patient. It might be a better idea to delay your purchase if it means you’ll have more time to save and thus benefit from lower mortgage payments down the line.

2. Fees

Any real estate transaction comes with a plethora of associated costs. You’ll need to pay inspection, evaluation and legal fees, among others, in addition to transfer duties, when applicable. Before signing anything, make sure that these expenses aren’t going to eat up too much of your budget.

When choosing your new home, be sure to take into account your true ability to pay for it. Ideally, housing expenses shouldn’t take up more than 30 per cent of your gross monthly income.

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3

3. The unforeseen

mortgage if it happened to you?

When choosing your new home, be sure to take into account your true ability to pay for it. Ideally, housing expenses shouldn’t take up more than 30 per cent of your gross monthly income. And remember: no one’s immune to unexpected illness or job loss. Would you still be able to pay your

4. Maintenance

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Many people choose to go the condo route to avoid having to take care of a house. If you aren’t keen on mowing the lawn, cleaning the gutters or shoveling the driveway yourself, a condominium might be the best option for you.

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Avoid these mistakes when buying furniture Have a room to furnish?

For a final result that’s as practical as it is pretty, avoid making these four common mistakes.

1. Buying without measuring first In store, your perception of size can play tricks on you. It’s hard to accurately picture what a given object will look like in a different space. That’s why it’s crucial that you measure the room you’ll be putting the piece of furniture in as well as the width of the doorways it’ll have to pass through. This will allow you to determine whether that couch you’re eying is the right fit for your family room. Keep in mind that just because it can fit doesn’t mean it should — massive furniture in a small space creates an oppressive atmosphere.

2. Only considering the looks Gorgeous chairs that stop being comfortable when you sit on them for more than 20 seconds. An impossibleto-clean designer couch in a household with young children. A beautiful bookcase that’s too delicate to hold your encyclopedia collection. Avoid disappointment by carefully considering the function of each piece of furniture before you break out your wallet.

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3. Thinking short-term Have your room measurements on hand when shopping for furniture.

Does your son have his heart set on a race car shaped bed? Kids grow up fast — you’ll likely end up having to buy new furniture before you know it. For a design that stands the test of time, go with neutral furniture and personalize the room with accessories, which are a lot easier to replace as trends change.

4. Over-furnishing It’s easy to feel claustrophobic in a cluttered room. Instead of packing too many pieces of furniture into one space, choose items with multiple uses such as futons or tables that double as storage.

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June, 2018 | 11

Adding a strip of wallpaper is a great way to embellish the empty space between your kitchen cabinets and ceiling.

Tips for decorating the top of your

kitchen cabinets In the mood to add some character to your kitchen?

Here are four ways to embellish that empty space between your cabinets and ceiling.

1. Add plants

store your everyday dishes in colorful fabric baskets.

Create a natural environment tailored to each season by playing up the space with a beautiful selection of plants and other types of vegetation. Opt for tropical plant varieties in the summer that you’ll replace with colorful foliage and decorative gourds and pumpkins come fall. Garlands of pine are an excellent choice for the winter season, while bright, pastel-colored flowers are perfect for spring.

2. Display your china If you have decorative dinnerware, show it off. You could also use the empty space above your cabinets to 12

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3. Add wallpaper Brighten up the space above your cabinets with wallpaper. Make sure to choose colors and designs that will complement the style of your kitchen nicely.

4. Create a personal library If you own a collection of books, keep them on top of your cabinets and embellish the space with handcrafted bookends made from kitchen accessories. You could use a set of antique jugs or colorful cast-iron cookware, for example.

The advantages of buying A NEWLY BUILT HOME

O

ne of the first decisions you’ll have to make once you’ve decided it’s time to buy a house is whether to go for a brand new home or an older one. Although older homes have their charms, there are quite a few advantages to newly built homes that you can’t get anywhere else:

• Few repairs for years to come Newly built homes are in mint condition. Since they’ve been built with the most modern materials and techniques, you can rest assured that they won’t need extensive repairs anytime soon.

• Designed for modern conveniences Our homes are getting smarter. With integrated automation and complex security systems, newly built homes are taking new technologies into account from design to construction.

• Builders’ warranties Not only will newly built homes be in great condition when you buy them, you’ll also benefit from a number of builders’ warranties. Local builders are mindful of their reputations and will often be willing to fix any mistakes that were made in the building process.

• Energy efficiency Each year, it seems, a new and improved way of making a home energy efficient is introduced. From advanced building materials to windows that only block harmful kinds of light, new homes will have all the newest ways to save energy built into them.

New homes are essentially blank canvases that have all the most up-to-date conveniences. If you’re looking to purchase a home, a newly built one may be the perfect choice.

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Can you really afford that house?

F

irst-time homebuyers tend to focus on two components of the cost of buying a house above all others: the down payment and mortgage payments. There are, however, more expenses involved than many people expect. Here are just a few of the hidden costs of buying a home:

cost, so you should definitely plan for it. Be sure to have both the foundation and the roof checked for damage — these are the most important parts of the home and the costliest to replace.

Inspections

Real estate transactions typically involve a variety of professionals, from bankers to lawyers to real estate agents. That means various fees and other associated costs for their assistance (e.g. your agent’s commission) will add up too.

Property inspections aren’t just a good idea; they’re usually required by law. Having an expert appraise the value of the property and inform you of any problems with the house or the land it’s on is a necessary extra

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Closing costs

Insurance costs

Property taxes

If you need a mortgage to buy your home (and most people do), the lender will require you to protect the property through various kinds of insurance. If you’re used to renter’s insurance, homeowner’s insurance can seem expensive at first, but it’s worth it to protect your investment. Be sure to go over your insurance policy carefully with an expert to know exactly what situations are included in your coverage. If your new home is particularly at risk for flooding, for instance, it might be worthwhile to add extra flood protection to your policy.

Now that you’re an owner rather than a renter, you’ll have to start paying a new kind of tax: property tax. You should treat this like any other recurring expense and factor it into your monthly budget to make sure you don’t end up owing the IRS money.

If you’ve been doing your own taxes up until now, you may want to consider hiring a professional to handle them next April so you can be sure everything is done right.

The process of buying a home is complicated.

If you’re new to it, it’s usually best to get the help of a real estate professional who already knows all the hidden costs and pitfalls associated with purchasing a house.

If you need a mortgage to buy your home (and most people do), the lender will require you to protect the property through various kinds of insurance.

For Service Call...

P.O. Box 96 Gilbertsville, NY 13776

607-783-2289 www.gilbertph.com

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May, 2018 | 15

Water features, such as ponds or waterfalls, can add a special touch to the landscape.

The benefits of water features in garden landscapes

M

any homeowners aspire to make their homes appear as beautiful and welcoming as possible. Exterior renovations may be high on homeowners’ to-do lists, and landscaping is oftentimes a key component of those projects.

When planning gardens, homeowners may benefit by considering more than just flowers and shrubs while giving thought to other elements that can breathe vitality into their landscape designs.

Water features can do just that, as such features provide more than just visual appeal.

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• Aesthetic appeal: Water elements stand out against the greenery and foliage and can be used to create focal points around the garden or yard. A single fountain can draw the eye, while a trickling stream or waterfall can deliver water to various spots in the landscape.

• Soothing sound: Rain drops on a rooftop or waves lapping on a shoreline elicit feelings of harmony and relaxation. Water features can bring that gentle sound close to home, further enhancing the ambiance.

• Brings texture: Water has June, 2018

its own unique and fluid texture that can provide stark contrast to blades of grass or the hard lines of architectural elements, such as pergolas or retaining walls. A pond or fountain can soften lines.

• Enhance the natural ecosystem: Water features can attract wildlife to a property. Birds may visit to take a quick sip, and dragonflies are sure to dart and hover over the shimmering ripples.

Inviting natural wildlife to the yard can add hours of entertainment by enjoying the animals and insects.

• Remedy problem areas: Rather than fighting with the landscape, homeowners can adapt it. An area of the yard prone to soggy conditions or flooding can be transformed into a pond or waterfall to work with natural surroundings.

• Foster a passion: Many people turn to water features so they can explore the hobby of nurturing an outdoor aquarium. Koi ponds are relatively easy to install and maintain, and the vibrant fish add visual appeal.

• Add a personal touch: Water features are as unique as the homeowners who create them.

To set landscaping apart from neighbors’ homes, homeowners can add fountains, ponds or flowing water elements to their properties.

Decorative water features also can be melded with pools and spas to help these manmade recreational areas seem like they were carved right out of the natural landscape.

Water features can take landscapes to the next level with sounds, texture, movement, and beauty.

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H

Pools and lawns can get along

omeowners interested in installing pools in their backyards need not worry about the potential impact of such decisions on surrounding landscapes.

According to the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals, there are 10.4 million residential and 309,000 public swimming pools in the United States. Although the average monthly temperatures in Canada are lower than those throughout much of the United States, many Canadian homeowners still have pools in their backyards. Quebec is home to the most pools per capita for Canada – with some estimates suggesting the province has more than 300,000 backyard pools, according to Pool and Spa Marketing magazine.

Many homeowners wonder if the chlorine and other chemicals in pool water have any affect on the lawn, particularly if pool water robs lawns of vital nutrients they need to thrive. But the resource All About Lawns says most people needn’t worry about

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errant drops or even higher levels of overflow. It all comes down to the selectivity of grass. Blades of grass are particular about which nutrients from the water they absorb and in what quantities. Lawns are largely unaffected by chlorine. Furthermore, soil can withstand chlorine when kept at applicable sanitary levels (which generally range between two to three parts per million), at high acid levels. That’s much more than is usually contained in pool water.

Pool water is also maintained in the neutral range at a pH of 6.5 to 7.8, which is safe for plants. Should the pool water test at a higher acidity or alkalinity, it can adversely affect landscapes, particularly delicate plants.

Pool owners should be diligent about smart application and storage of pool chemicals. Powdered or liquid chlorine and other water chemistry products that spill onto grass or plants may cause damage.

In safe amounts, chlorine should not adversely affect lawns and other plants that surround pools.

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