Upstate Real Estate & Home Services July 2019

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Right of first refusal: what it is and why it’s useful Page 3

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Tips for protecting your home from burglars Page 8 VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 7 | JULY 2019

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Give old items a second life with upcycling Page 18

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

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tracy Bender

Right of first refusal: what it is and why it’s useful. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

4 How well should I clean my house when I move out?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 5 questions to ask when choosing a neighborhood.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Tips for protecting your home from burglars. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Hold the lettuce: how to diversify your salads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Fixed versus variable rate mortgages: what you need to know. . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Things to consider before building a firepit in your backyard.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 4 fence design trends of 2019. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 How to grow fresh herbs indoors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Give old items a second life with upcycling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Tips for keeping your home cool without an air conditioner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Right of first refusal: what it is and why it’s useful

A

right of first refusal (ROFR) in a real estate contract is a clause that gives an individual first dibs on buying a particular property. If someone other than the specified individual makes an offer, they’re notified by the seller and given the opportunity to match the bid.

Who can arrange an ROFR? An ROFR clause can be arranged between a tenant and a landlord, between family members or between neighbors. An ROFR can also be offered to a tenant via a homeowners’ association or condo board.

Advantages for tenants This type of agreement can benefit all parties involved. If, for instance, a tenant is interested in eventually buying the home they’re renting, an ROFR clause gives them the assurance that so long as they have the funds, they’ll be first in line.

Advantages for landlords

maintains the right to sell to the highest bidder and always has at least one interested buyer. As an added bonus, it’s likely to be someone who can purchase the place with little hassle.

On the landlord’s end, he or she

If you sign a right of first refusal

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agreement, make sure that the specifics suit you. Look at details such as the deadline to match an offer and the expiry date of the clause. Additionally, it’s a good idea to consult with a lawyer before entering into any legal agreement.

Tips for keeping your home

without an air conditioner 4

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July 2019

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uring the hottest days of summer, it can be difficult to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Here are seven tips to stay cool without an air conditioner.

• Keep sunlight out. Close your blinds and curtains during the day to prevent the sun’s rays from heating up your home.

• Circulate the air. Set up a network of fans to keep the air in your home moving. You can also make a DIY air conditioner by placing a bowl of ice or an ice pack in front of your fans to create an icy breeze.

• Open your windows at night. Open your windows when the sun goes down to let the cooler evening air in.

• Use a dehumidifier. Humidity can make your house uncomfortably warm. Run a dehumidifier to

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evaporate the water in the air.

• Cook outdoors. Using the stove or oven will make your home even hotter. Instead, cook your meals on the barbecue.

• Use appliances wisely. Wait until the sun goes down to run your dishwasher, and hang dry your clothes in the sun. Being careful about how you use appliances will prevent you from adding more heat into your home.

• Use your exhaust fans. Turn on your bathroom and kitchen fans to draw hot and steamy air out of the house.

In addition to keeping your home cool, you may also want to wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes, drink lots of cold beverages and avoid physical activity during the hottest parts of the day.

How well should I clean my house when I move out?

Most real estate contracts stipulate that sellers need to leave their home in “broom clean condition.” This quaint turn of phrase means more or less what you’d imagine: floors need to be swept, carpets vacuumed and all personal items need to be removed from the premises. This includes rugs, wall decor and furniture.

But does this really cut it? How would you feel about moving into a broom clean home? As a courtesy to the buyer, you should thoroughly clean your house before turning over the keys.

How do I get from broom clean to actually clean?

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Too often, people fail to hand over a clean and tidy house because they leave most of the cleaning till the end. To prevent this, start tidying your home as soon as you decide to put it on the market.

As an added bonus, if your house is spick and span for show­ings, there’s a good chance you’ll get a better price for it.

If you’re not feeling up to the task, consider hiring a cleaning company.

With all that’s involved with selling your home, there’s no shame in delegating some of the work.

July 2019

5 questions to ask when choosing a neighborhood Before you start shopping for a new home, it’s a good idea to consider what neighborhood you want to live in.

Here are five questions to ask yourself when considering location.

1. Are the schools good? If you have young kids, this is a top priority. Do some digging online and consider visiting the more promising schools in person.

2. Is it safe? Ensure that the neighborhood doesn’t have issues with crime. You can often find information about crime rates on the web. Another option is to make inquiries with the local police department.

3. Where can I go by foot? Consider what shops, services or amenities are within walking distance. This includes grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, daycares, clinics, parks and gyms.

4. What will commuting be like? Take into account how close the neighborhood is to your workplace and your children’s school. If you intend to take public transportation, see how accessible and convenient it is.

5. Do I like the atmosphere? To better understand the overall vibe of the neighborhood, the best thing to do is scope it out in person. Walk the streets, chat with the locals and visit the area’s shops and restaurants.

In addition to asking yourself these five questions, it’s worth discovering what trends are emerging with respect to home values in the neighborhood. This will indicate whether buying in the area will prove a good investment if you choose to sell the property down the road.

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id you know that most alarm systems are only installed after a break-in? Because we tend to underestimate the likelihood of bad things happening, many of us fail to be proactive when it comes to preventing burglaries. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself.

Preventing break-ins Summer is a popular time for break-ins and research suggests that most of them happen Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Intruders often gain entry through a door.

To avoid being targeted by burglars, make sure valuables aren’t visible through a window and don’t leave them on your porch or in your backyard. It’s also a good idea to put away your tools, especially things like ladders and crowbars.

Garages are easy to force open, so make sure to lock any interior doors connecting your home to your garage.

Finally, never hide spare keys outside your home.

When you’re on vacation If you’re going on a trip, fight the temptation to announce it on social media. While you’re away, take steps to make your home look occupied. Suspend your newspaper subscription, have someone mow your lawn and put your mail delivery on hold. Don’t leave your lights on unless you can put them on a timer to simulate human activity.

Remember, you can always ask a neighbor or friend to come around regularly to make sure everything is in order. You can also get someone you trust to housesit while you’re away.

Tips for protecting your home from burglars Innovations in home security Advances in smart home technologies are allowing security companies to offer powerful automated solutions that combine comfort, convenience and peace of mind. Here are some of the latest innovations in home security.

Burglar deterrents Did you know that leaving the lights on is likely to draw a burglar’s attention? New technologies allow your security system to control your lighting and electronics in a way that simulates human activity. This is much more effective than simply leaving the lights on.

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Additionally, your central unit can power up your stereo at maximum volume, turning it into an adhoc alarm system that’s sure to alert neighbors and scare away intruders.

Finally, some security systems can even generate smoke that will prevent burglars from being able to see clearly inside your home.

Emergency alerts Many companies offer medical alert services that feature portable alert buttons in the form of bracelets or pendants. These devices can detect sudden movements, such as falls, and alert emergency services directly. Some medical alert systems can also detect smoke and other signs of trouble.

Water damage prevention Water leak detectors are old news, but they can now be coupled with an automated valve that’ll cut the water supply to your house at the first sign of trouble. This will put your mind at ease when you’re away from home, and your insurance company may be willing to reduce your premiums if you install this technology.

Remote monitoring Most of your smart home’s systems can be linked to your cellphone. This allows you to remotely monitor your property and manage things like your heating and air conditioning from afar.

With these solutions, your home will be as secure as it is convenient.

If you install a security system, call your insurance company as soon as possible so they can lower your premiums.

Salad hearsay: fact or fiction?

Salad isn’t exempt from being the target of misconceptions. Here are some commonly spouted claims about leafy greens and lettuce, followed by whether or not they’re true.

Iceberg lettuce isn’t nutritious This one’s true. Like celery, radishes and cucumbers, iceberg lettuce is 95 percent water.

To be fair, it also contains a small amount of vitamin B and dietary fiber, which is better than nothing. While eating iceberg lettuce is good for staying hydrated, the nutritional value of it is negligible.

Hold the lettuce:

how to diversify your salads Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a refreshing salad, but you don’t always have to opt for lettuce as the main ingredient. Here are some ideas to inspire you.

Pasta salads You don’t have to settle for macaroni with mayonnaise and celery.

There is a huge variety of pastas to choose from. Conchiglie pasta, better known as shells, is perfect for salad thanks to its shape. Orzo, gemelli and rotelles are equally great choices.

Be sure to enhance the flavor for your pasta salad by incorporating fresh herbs like basil, coriander or chives. You can also add some savory texture to the dish by including roasted nuts or seeds.

Don’t be afraid to play around with interesting flavor combinations like shrimp and mango, chicken and sundried tomatoes, bell pepper and prosciutto or cranberry and apple.

with different types of potatoes — there are around 80 varieties that are commercially available. Leave thin-skinned potatoes unpeeled to add texture to your salad.

In terms of dressing, think about swapping mayo for plain yogurt for a more calorie-conscious dish. Add Dijon mustard or wine vinegar for a sharper flavor profile.

Experiment with incorporating ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, pineapple, radishes, bacon and eggs.

Other salads The base for a salad can be derived from nearly any ingredient including beets, legumes, quinoa, couscous, rice, bulgur wheat and buckwheat. Next time you go to the grocery store or farmers’ market, be inspired by in-season ingredients and use your creativity to step up your salad game.

Potato salads This deli mainstay is more versatile than you might think. For starters, consider experimenting 10

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Caesar salad has more calories than a hamburger This is can be either true or false, depending on the specifics involved. The calorie density of a Caesar salad will entirely depend on the portion size and what’s in it. If your salad comes slathered in dressing and topped with chicken, bacon and croutons, then it probably does have more calories than a hamburger. However, it depends on what exactly is on the burger.

Prewashed lettuce can be served immediately This is false. Prewashed lettuce can become contaminated at any point between the farm and your kitchen. It can also pick up contaminants from your counter if you’re preparing raw meat close by.

Always wash your salad, regardless of what it says on the package. That said, while a quick rinse under the tap is all it takes to remove pesticides and surface contaminants, it won’t eliminate the risk of being infected by E. Coli. Keep an eye out for health advisories and food recalls.

With this knowledge in hand, you’re set to enjoy dining on salads all summer long.

Americans can get up-to-date information about food recalls at fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/ fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/ current-recalls-and-alerts.

Lettuces and greens:

types and how to use them Lettuces and greens are a summertime staple and there are countless varieties available for making salads. Follow these handy preservation and preparation tips to get the most out of them.

Romaine lettuce In addition to being the primary ingredient in Caesar salads, romaine lettuce has a number of uses. The larger leaves can be used in place of a tortilla when making wraps, and they’re delicious when charred on the grill.

Washed, drained and wrapped in a paper towel, romaine leaves will keep for up to five days in the refrigerator.

Iceberg lettuce Crunchy and low in calories, iceberg lettuce is ideal as a garnish on hamburgers and club sandwiches. They also make stylish and edible bowls in which to serve hors d’oeuvres.

Iceberg lettuce will keep for one to two weeks in the refrigerator.

A guide to DIY salad dressing

Frisée lettuce

There are many reasons to make your own salad dressing. Aside from impressing dinner guests and allowing you to discover new flavors, homemade dressings and vinaigrettes are healthier than their store-bought counterparts. Here are a few tips to get you started.

The curly endive also known as frisée has a slight hazelnut flavor that makes it perfect for salads. It pairs beautifully with most nuts, fruits and seeds. It’ll keep for two to five days in the refrigerator, so eat it fast.

Arugula This deliciously bitter and spicy green is a close relative of cabbage and kale. Perfect in salads or as a garnish on pizza, it can also be made into pesto. It’s not very hardy, however, and lasts only two or three days in the refrigerator.

With oil When using oil as a base for your salad dressing, use a ratio of three parts high quality vegetable oil to one part acid.

Sunflower seed oil, extra-virgin olive oil and a variety of nut oils make great bases, while popular acids include balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and apple cider vinegar.

The last step is to add a thickening agent such as mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yogurt or honey, and aromatics like garlic or herbs.

Mesclun Originating from the Provence region of France, this mix of small leafy greens can include arugula, endives, lettuce, mustard greens, dandelion leaves and a host of other ingredients. Ideal with fruits and sweet dressings, this popular mix needs to be eaten fast, as some of its components wilt quickly.

This summer, experiment with a variety of leafy greens. Find them at your local farmers’ market and on shelves at your nearest grocery store.

Without oil The key to a good dressing is that it coats your salad’s components.

While oil is perfect for the job, you can use other ingredients.

SEE GUIDE ON PAGE 12

Revive your lettuce Has your lettuce wilted? If so, trim off any brown bits and revive it by soaking it in cold water for about 20 to 60 minutes. Use it as soon as possible for best results.

GUIDE ~ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 For a liquid dressing, try citrus juice or soy sauce. If you want a creamier result, opt for mustard or low-fat cream or yogurt.

Preparation Any airtight and transparent container, such as a Mason jar, can be used to prepare your dressing. Simply put all the ingredients inside, close the lid and shake until you get a homogenous mixture.

If you don’t use all of it right away, simply store it in the refrigerator in the same container. It’ll keep for up to several weeks.

To ensure you create a salad dressing you’ll love, start by making a scaled-down version of the recipe using the same ratios. If you don’t like the result, start over. This type of testing allows you to sample the outcome without using a ton of ingredients.

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alads are the perfect summer food as they’re quick and easy to prepare and making them doesn’t require turning on the stove. Here’s where you can find the freshest ingredients for all your summer salads.

Farmers’ markets Make regular visits to your local farmers’ market to find in-season fruits and vegetables, including heirloom varieties that aren’t available in grocery stores.

Additionally, be sure to visit merchants selling meats, cheeses and artisanal salad dressings.

Grocery stores Your local grocery store is another good source of fresh ingredients. Some specialize in locally sourced fruits and vegetables, while others have a section dedicated to local produce.

Your garden

Where to find the freshest salad ingredients 12

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Starting a small garden is easy, and it’ll ensure you get the freshest ingredients possible. Visit local garden centers and nurseries to learn more about which foods grow best in your area.

U-pick farms If you don’t have the time or space to grow your own fruits and vegetables, visit a u-pick farm in your area that lets visitors harvest directly from their fields.

Making salads is a healthy way to develop your culinary creativity while sampling your local produce. This summer, make the most of all your region has to offer.

Fixed versus variable rate mortgages:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Fixed or variable rate? It’s a question every homebuyer is faced with when obtaining a mortgage. If you’re unsure about which option is best for you, this primer should help.

What are fixed and variable rate mortgages?

Fixed rate mortgages are straightforward and involve paying the same monetary installments and interest rate for the duration of your term.

Variable rate mortgages, on the other hand, are a little more complicated. They’re tied to your bank’s prime rate, which may change over time.

Your bank’s prime rate is based on the target federal funds rate or the rate banks charge each other when they lend funds overnight. A quoted prime rate is typically the average of the prime rates charged by the major banks.

The target federal funds rate can increase or decrease several times per year. For example, in 2018, this rate

changed four times. It rose by 0.25 percent each time, climbing from 1.25 percent in March to 2.50 percent in December.

Should you choose a fixed or variable rate mortgage?

Variable rate mortgages typically have a lower interest rate than fixed rate mortgages and historically, they’ve saved people money. However, fixed rate mortgages have the benefit of offering certainty and predictability.

They make budgeting easier and take away any trepidation around potential interest rate hikes.

To better determine which mortgage type will cost you the least, see what leading economists are forecasting for the target federal funds rate. Just keep in mind that no one can reliably predict future fluctuations.

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July 2019 | 13

Things to consider before building a firepit A firepit can make your backyard a welcoming place for people to gather and allows you to take advantage of your outdoor living space well into the evening. Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about installing one on your property.

Where you’ll put it Firepits should be kept at a minimum of ten feet away from anything flammable. Rethink your plans if your yard doesn’t allow you to provide this kind of clearance.

in your backyard

BACKYARD -

The fuel you’ll use Most people think of wood when it comes to firepits, but there are other options available. You can choose to have it run on propane, natural gas or ethanol fuel.

What style you want Firepits come in many different styles. You can select a traditional ring of stones, a rustic brick fireplace or a modern piece that doubles as a coffee table.

Before you purchase or build a firepit, be sure to check your municipal bylaws. Some cities have strict rules concerning backyard fires, and you don’t want to spend time and money building a firepit only to find out you’re not allowed to use it.

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• Never build a fire outside of your firepit’s enclosure • Clear the area of flammable materials before lighting a fire • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby • Don’t put garbage or garden waste into the fire • Never leave a fire unattended • Make sure the fire is completely extin­guished before going inside • In the case of a wood-burning firepit, allow ashes to cool completely before safely discarding them

4 fence

design trends of 2019

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fence does more than provide security and privacy. It also shows off your personal style and can add the perfect finishing touch to the overall look of your home and garden. Here are the top fencing trends of 2019 that you should know about.

1. A modern esthetic Give your yard a contemporary look by installing a fence that uses horizontal boards instead of vertical ones. Keep the design sleek and simple and avoid incorporating ornate embellishments.

2. Dark colors Darker colors are becoming increasingly popular for fences. Consider making yours charcoal grey, midnight blue, chocolate brown or jet black.

3. Including plants Embrace nature by planting wild-looking perennials that will grow along your fence every year. Or, build small shelves into the fence where you can place potted flowers or herbs.

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4. Alternative materials Wood was once the go-to material for fences.

Nowadays, low maintenance vinyl or composite can be just as attractive and more affordable to boot. Other fashionable options include stone, brick and metal.

No matter what type of fence you choose, make sure to talk to your neighbor before you begin building it. Not only is this a matter of courtesy, but they may also be willing to share some of the costs.

INSURANCE INSURANCE

Hire a contractor It may be tempting to save money on your new fence by installing it yourself. However, unless you’re an experienced handyman and already own the necessary tools, this is a job best left to the pros.

A fencing contractor has everything needed to quickly and efficiently build your fence. They’re also better able to deal with challenges that may arise during the installation.

For instance, rocky or sandy soil may make it hard for fence posts to stay upright, or there may be buried power lines right where your fence needs to go.

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How to grow fresh herbs indoors

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resh herbs can make a mediocre meal mouth-watering. To ensure you have them on hand at all times, why not grow them right in your kitchen? Here’s what you should know about growing herbs indoors.

Getting started Growing an indoor herb garden will require nutrient-rich soil, pots with good drainage and a sunny window. Generally, herbs need a minimum of six hours of sunlight a day to thrive. If you don’t have a space that can provide this amount of natural light every day, consider getting an LED grow light instead.

Choosing your herbs You can grow your herbs from seed or purchase seedlings from a garden center or nursery. If you

buy young plants, choose ones with shiny leaves and strong stems. Some herbs that do well on a windowsill include: • Basil • Rosemary • Parsley • Chives • Oregano • Thyme • Mint

Taking care of your herbs Herbs should be watered regularly but not overwatered. You’ll know it’s time to water them when the top layer of soil is just starting to dry out, but the deeper layers are still damp. Plants in smaller pots need to be watered more often.

Additionally, regularly feed your

herbs nitrogen-rich fertilizer to encourage strong leaf growth. To remove salt residue caused by fertilizing, flush the plants once a month by holding their pots over the sink and running water over them until it flows from the bottom of the pot.

To keep your herbs in great shape, harvest the leaves regularly. To do this, simply pinch off the topmost ones as you need them. Just be sure not to pick the big lowermost leaves that provide plants with a sturdy base. Regular harvesting will ensure your plants thrive.

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Give old items a second life with

upcycling

U

pcycling is the process of turning something unwanted into a beautiful and useful object.

While the term may be new, the concept isn’t. People have been repurposing things forever.

Not only does it keep items out of landfills, it also gives you an outlet to show off your personal style.

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There are two ways to upcycle: you can give something a makeover while preserving its original use, or you can change its intended purpose altogether. Almost anything can be upcycled, including furniture, used clothes and items you’d normally throw out like tin cans and glass jars.

If you don’t have anything around the house you can use, check out local second hand shops or flea markets.

Remember that whatever you’re using will retain its properties, meaning that if the dresser you’d like to paint is falling apart, a new look won’t change that. You may need to repair items before upcycling them.

Projects to try Are you excited to start upcycling but not sure where to begin? Here are a few ideas: • Old chairs can be given new life with a coat of paint and colorful cushions.

• Jam jars can be painted to create pretty storage for the bathroom or to create one-of-a-kind light fixtures.

• Old wooden ladders can be sanded and used to hang blankets or become rustic bookshelves.

• Tin cans can be covered in fabric and used as penholders in an office.

For more inspiration, browse online. With a little time and imagination, you’ll be on your way to becoming an accomplished upcycler.

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