Real Estate UPSTATE
& HOME SERVICES
Featured
HOME OF THE MONTH
1673 Douglas Hall Rd., Delhi, NY 13753 3 beds, 2 baths, 2,500 sq. ft.
607-434-7180 • www.UpstateNYHomesAndLand.com
To buy or to sell: that is the question Page 4
Top remodeling trends of 2018 Page 10 VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 7 | JULY, 2018
How to put together the perfect guest room Page 16
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
2
To buy or to sell: that is the question....................................... 4
Finding the right commercial real estate for your business......... 13
Are you familiar with smart lighting?....................................... 5
Relax in your own indoor hammock........................................ 14
Five tile trends for the bathroom............................................ 6
How to put together the perfect guest room............................ 16
Smart homes: safety powered by technology............................ 8
What is escrow?................................................................. 17
Top remodeling trends of 2018.............................................. 10
How do pools affect property values?..................................... 18
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July, 2018
Save money and stay cool as temperatures rise Excessive energy bills can be a concern in spring and summer, just as much as they are in the winter. So how can you save money while keeping your home cool? The solution is simple: Top up your attic insulation. A poorly insulated attic is a primary source of energy loss, forcing your AC unit to work harder than necessary over the warmer months. Most attics are insulated, but oftentimes the amount of insulation present is inadequate – especially in older homes. Over time, insulation can settle and compact, allowing heat to escape through gaps. Topping it up is easy. Ideally, you want to aim for a depth of 16 inches of insulation for an overall R-value of
50. When existing insulation is present, simply level existing insulation to the top of the joist. Lay a fire- and moisture-resistant batt insulation, like Roxul Comfortbatt, on top of joists, running perpendicular to the first layer. Ensure batts are butted against each other tightly. Fit batts closely to
cross joists; cut batt if necessary (this can be done easily with a serrated blade or bread knife) and leave no space between layers. Don’t forget to insulate the attic hatch to the same level as the rest of the attic. Apply weather-stripping to the edge of the hatch to reduce air leakage. Keep in mind that only IC-rated electrical fixtures can have insulation placed with zero clearance. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local building code to insulate around the chimney. When a house is insulated properly, energy savings can add up over time. Remember, insulation starts working the moment it is installed and can last for the life of the building.
BIGGER THAN IT LOOKS! ABSOLUTE MOVE-IN CONDITION, LOVINGLY MAINTAINED, 3BDRM/ 1BA, 1500 sf+ RANCH home in the Village of OTEGO. SPACIOUS living room that flows 13 Newland Street, Otego, NY 13825 into the UPDATED Gal$155,900 • MLS #115932 ley kitchen and dining room. Newer appliances, roofs and vinyl siding help to make this home maintenance-free. Basement includes a large finished area that can be used for a FAMILY ROOM or an additional bedroom plus there is a utility room with storage and work areas. ENTERTAIN AND RELAX on the totally private deck. Enjoy barbecuing, relaxing in the HOT TUB or go for a swim in the 24’ above ground POOL with attached 12x16 Timbertech deck. COME SEE FOR YOURSELF. CATSKILL DREAM RETREAT ON 60 ACRES Top quality home with 3BDRM/ 2BA and large spring fed POND. One floor living! GOURMET kitchen, open floor plan with cathedral ceilings. 1673 Douglas Hall Road, Delhi, NY 13753 Spectacular artisan pol$498,000 • MLS #113199 ished concrete floors with radiant heat. Kitchen has 6 burner gourmet gas range, granite counters, high end appliances and finish. Large MASTER SUITE for your private retreat. Every room has access to outdoor living spaces, featuring front sitting porch, covered and open rear deck with HOT TUB and SAUNA. Plus 60 acres with groomed trails, open meadows and sheltered woods. If you need a quiet oasis this is the place for you. 3 Hrs. to NYC. Carol L. Greene Keller William Upstate NY Properties carolsellsupstate@gmail.com Cell: (607) 434-7180
31 Main St. Oneonta, NY 13820
UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services
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July, 2018 | 3
To buy or to sell:
?
that is the question
I
f you’re planning a move, chances are you’ll find yourself wondering what you should focus on first: selling your current property, or buying your future home? Given the variable and unpredictable nature of the housing market, the right answer will always depend on the specifics of your situation. However, in many cases, concentrating your efforts on
selling first, then buying, is beneficial. Here are a few reasons this may be the right way for you to go about things: 1. You get a better idea of your buying power: selling your home first gives you a good idea of how
For Service Call...
P.O. Box 96 Gilbertsville, NY 13776
4
607-783-2289 www.gilbertph.com
• New Gas, Oil & Electric • Water Heater Installation Heating System Installation & Service
• Septic System Installation & Repairs
• Heating System Repairs & Cleanings
• AC Installation & Repairs
• Service Contracts Available • Kitchen & Bath Renovations • All Aspects of Plumbing
| UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services |
July, 2018
?
much money you have to work with when buying your new home. 2. Paying rent is better than paying two mortgages: renting a place to live while you’re looking for your new home isn’t ideal, but it’s typically more affordable than having two mortgages to pay. 3. It’s easier to get a mortgage: it’s much easier to get a mortgage once your old house has been sold.
Are you familiar with
smart lighting?
Smart light bulbs are an absolute must-have for anybody who wishes to maximize their home’s lighting potential. These LED bulbs can be controlled directly from your smartphone or tablet, which means you can remotely turn them on or off. Smart light bulbs connect to your electronic devices via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Thanks to a userfriendly app, you can adjust the brightness and hue
of your any room’s lighting as you see fit. Furthermore, it’s also possible to program your smart bulbs to light up at a pre-determined time. If you’re always out and about, or if you’re on vacation, you can program your lights to turn on and off at predetermined times to give the impression that someone is home and thereby discourage intruders.
Smart light bulbs can be turned on and off remotely with the help of your smartphone or tablet.
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July, 2018 | 5
Five tile trends for the
BATHROOM 6
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July, 2018
Thinking of retiling your bathroom to update its look? To achieve a modern design, get inspired by these five trending tile styles. 1. Textured Both modern and chic, textured ceramics are great for achieving a bold and unique look. Thanks to their abstract patterns and 3D effect, textured tiles are the perfect choice for creating a refined bathroom design.
2. Herringbone Traditionally reserved for flooring, herringbone-patterned tiles are becoming increasingly popular on walls, especially when it comes to showers and backsplashes. This bold pattern is great for adding depth to any space.
3. Imitation wood Ceramic tiles that mimic the raw look of natural wood are in high demand this year. Available in a wide range of shades from light to dark, they’re perfect for giving your bathroom a warm, rustic feel.
4. Concrete For an avant-garde, industrial design, opt for tiles that imitate the look of concrete. Incredibly modern, this ceramic style is the perfect complement to an urbaninspired bathroom.
5. XXL Extra-large tiles are making a definite comeback in the bathroom. Ideal for smaller spaces, oversized tiles create an impression of depth that make rooms appear much bigger. UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services
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July, 2018 | 7
Smart homes: safety powered by technology When it comes to enhancing residential safety, nothing beats home automation. This rapidly developing technology allows you to control appliances and electronic devices of all kinds from a distance. Curious to know more? Here are five things smart-home technology can do for you.
Ăœ
Keller Williams Upstate New York Properties 31 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820
David C. Brower,
R. E. Salesperson Phone: 607-431-2540 Mobile: 607-435-4800 Davidcbrower@gmail.com BrowerProperties.KWRealty.com
6016 State Highway 80 Cooperstown, NY 13326 5BD/5BA | $1,900,000 MLS # 114400 Lakefront living at its finest! This gorgeous one-of-a-kind Cooperstown contemporary on over 150 feet of pristine Otsego Lake waterfront is an exquisite example of modern architecture. Just minutes from the charming village of Cooperstown, it is well positioned to offer peace and serenity as well as easy access to world-class dining, culture, entertainment, and shopping. There are five bedrooms and four and onehalf bathrooms, perfect for accommodating guests from near and far. A newly constructed two-story detached garage complements the attached two-car garage and provides considerable storage, and a second floor which could serve as a studio or additional guest accommodations.
76 Main Street, Oneonta, NY 13820
35892 State Highway 10, Hamden, NY 13782
154 Main Street, Delhi, NY 13753
4BD /4BA | $375,000 | MLS# 115171 Located in the bucolic valley of the West Branch of the Delaware River and just 3.5 hours from NYC, this grand Victorian has been a landmark in the quaint hamlet of Hamden since its construction in the early 20th century. Boasting four spacious bedrooms, four bathrooms, spectacular wrap-around veranda, and sprawling gardens, this home serves as the perfect backdrop for entertaining family, friends, and other guests. Would make a great B&B!
5BD/4BA | $229,900 | MLS# 113631
0BD/1.5BA | $1,500/Month
This beautifully maintained historic Delhi village home has been meticulously cared for and updated. With four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a comfortable, open floorplan, this property has something to offer everyone. As an added bonus, this home includes a versatile onebedroom apartment with a separate entrance and strong rental history.
This spacious two-story, 5600-square foot Main Street property has just what you need! The large, light-filled rooms afford flexibility in setting up your studio, office, or retail space. Recent renovations include refinished floors, windows, electrical,efficient gas heating systems, exterior siding and loading dock.
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July, 2018
1. Lighting
2. Video surveillance
3. Locks
4. Doorbells
5. Leak detection
Being able to remotely manage your lighting system means that no matter where you are in the world, you can turn your lights on and off to make it seem as if you’re home. Don’t like coming back to a pitch-black house? Just switch on a few lights before you arrive.
Connecting surveillance cameras to your smartphone allows you to keep an eye on what’s happening in your home in real time. Some surveillance systems can alert you when movement is detected, allowing you to know when your kids are home from school or if your home has been broken into, for example.
Gone are the stressful days of wondering if you locked your front door when you left for work — now you can take care of it remotely and get on with your day. Smart locks also allow you to give temporary keys to visitors, and some models keep a log of who’s entered your home.
Wireless doorbells with audio-visual capabilities let you know who’s at your door at all times. On top of the added security, this could be quite useful for things like arranging deliveries during your absence.
There are all sorts of smart sensors capable of detecting water leaks, allowing you to act fast and minimize damage.
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RENOVATE
Top remodeling trends of 2018
C
ome summer, the desire for change tends to make an appearance, and the warm weather is perfect for tackling big projects. If you yearn for a more beautiful yard or would like to enhance your home’s exterior, get inspired by these timely trends. Ready to get your hands dirty? Roofing Need to replace your roof? These days, building material manufacturers have all kinds of durable, great-looking and eco-friendly options to choose from. Among the greenest solutions are steel, cedar, composite (made from recycled tires) and EPDM (a
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white membrane that counters the urban heat island effect). If you have the right type of structure, you could even set up a green roof. Driveway paving There’s no doubt about it: a well maintained yard is a good indicator that the rest of the property is in tiptop shape. Is your driveway looking a bit worse for wear? This summer, have it repaved to restore its luster and durability. Imitation stone is a trendy choice, but whether you go with concrete, asphalt or paving stones, trust a local paving contractor with the job for guaranteed great results.
YOUR
SUMMER
Windows and doors Whether made of fiberglass, wood or steel, your front door should also include lots of glass to let in as much natural light as possible. Along the same lines, oversized windows are great for bringing the sun into contemporary interiors. In 2018, the focus is on quality, timelessness and simplicity—think dark frames and clean lines. Visit your local retailers to find the right windows and doors to make your house shine. Deck The trendiest decks of 2018 feature a combination of materials. Mix and match metal, wood, marble, glass and cement to give your outdoor space a magnificent modern touch. For an atmosphere inspired by Scandinavian lounges, create a cozy seating area with long chairs, booths and lots of cushions.
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Exterior cladding Redoing your home’s cladding involves a significant investment. Choose your material wisely. Siding, for example, is available in vinyl, engineered wood, polymer, fiber cement and stucco, to name just a few, and those options come in a wide variety of colors, sizes and finishes. This year, rustic and natural materials are at the top of the trend list. Landscaping Over in the garden, structured shrubs and perfectly spaced flowerbeds are making way for a wilder, more natural layout. Want the trendiest landscaping on the block? Plant flowers that feature Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year, Ultra Violet. Furthermore, you could use outdoor lighting to create a magical atmosphere in your yard come sundown. Bright and romantic! 12
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July, 2018
Pr -Spect
NYS Home Inspection License #16000022805
home and commercial property inspections
John Haddad Certified Inspector Ph/Fax: (607) 967-8579 Cell: (607) 434-6155 292 Case Rd., Bainbridge, NY 13733 Website: www.pro-spect.net
The location you choose for your commercial property could be a determining factor in your success.
Finding the right commercial real estate for your business
F
inding the right piece of commercial real estate can be challenging. It’s important to find one that fits your needs perfectly — the success of your business might depend on it. So what do you need to consider when shopping for a commercial property? Read on to find out.
1. The price is right Before getting into whether or not a given property is right for your business, make sure it fits within your budget. There’s no use getting your hopes up only to have them come crumbling down once you work up the courage to look at the price tag. Be sure to manage your finances properly. Starting a business is expensive and requires a lot of careful planning.
2. Location is key Depending on the type of business you’re trying to start, location can be the make-or-break aspect
of your project. For example, if you’re looking into starting a high-end clothing store, you probably don’t want to set up shop in a discount strip mall. Keep in mind that you need to consider what kind of employees exist in the vicinity of your business. You want your building to be accessible so that people won’t feel like it’s a burden to get to work every morning.
3. Focus on your needs You’re going to look at tons of properties before you find the one that best suits your business. With all the bells and whistles available, it’s important to focus on what your business truly needs before being seduced by pretty facades and high ceilings. Come up with a rating system to help analyze each commercial property in a rational manner. UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services
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Relax in your
own indoor hammock
A hanging chair hammock can turn any living room into an oasis of relaxation. 14
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July, 2018
H
ammocks go hand in hand with relaxation and tropical destinations. Looking to create a laid-back atmosphere inside your own home? Install one of these blissful swings in your living room, basement or dining area, and see how quickly you fall in love. Models There are several different types of hammocks. Hanging chair hammocks are the ideal choice to add a unique touch to a smaller room, while traditional hammocks with stands are perfect for larger areas like the veranda. Whether you live in a cramped apart-
design, install a white chair hammock in the corner of your dining room and keep a few blankets in a wicker basket close by. Alternatively, add a traditional hammock bursting with color to your veranda and surround it with exoticlooking plants. You’ll be transported to a tropical destination every time you kick back to relax.
ment or spacious bungalow, you will surely find a model of hammock that suits your needs and space. Styles Hammocks comple-
ment almost any style of interior decor, from Scandinavian minimalism to boho-chic—not to mention tropical, of course! For a warm Scandinavian
Accessories Finally, use accessories to showcase your hammock and the surrounding design. Stacks of old books, piles of plush cushions or a collection of candles are all great for embellishing your cozy nook.
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How to put together the
PERFECT GUEST ROOM Whether they’re staying with you for one night, a long weekend or a couple of weeks, your houseguests will surely appreciate your hospitality — and even more so if their room is cozy and inviting. Here are a few ideas to help you put together the perfect guest room. First, ensure your guests’ optimal comfort by leaving several pillows, cushions, towels, sheets and blankets at their disposal. In the summer, keep a fan in the room if it isn’t air conditioned, and in the winter, leave some comfy slippers at the foot of the bed. 16
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July, 2018
Furthermore, make sure there’s enough space for your guests to store their clothes and other belongings in a closet or dresser, for example. In the bedside tables, stow some useful objects that your guests might need (paper, pens, magazines, books, alarm clock, phone charger, etc.). And don’t forget to give them your Wi-Fi password. Finally, leave a personal care kit in the room in case your guests forgot any essentials. Make sure the kit contains at least a tooth brush, dental floss, soap and shampoo.
What is escrow?
Closing in escrow is a great way to ensure your real estate transaction is completed safely and securely.
W
hen entering into an agreement to make a big purchase like a piece of real estate, it’s a good idea to have some added security to ensure everyone gets their fair share of the deal. Escrow is a way to make sure all the conditions of a transaction have been fulfilled before any money changes hands. Keep reading to find out more. How does it work? In the context of a real estate transaction, the term escrow refers
to a third party that has nothing to do with the buyer or the seller. This neutral party holds on to both the funds for the down payment and the deed to the house until all the conditions of the deal are met. Essentially, instead of the earnest money deposit going directly to the seller without any obligation for the seller to sign over the deed, the money and deed are held so that it’s impossible to use them as leverage when negotiating the terms of the deal.
Escrow ensures that everything is done fairly and securely. Closing Once the deal is ready to be closed, the holder of the escrow account will make sure that all deeds are signed and that all funds are disbursed to the correct parties. The account holder, usually an attorney, will verify that all the correct documentation is signed and that everything closes smoothly and without issue.
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How do pools affect property values?
W
ith the warm rays of summer sun finally rolling in, the thought of having your very own pool probably seems pretty appealing. The ability to open your back door and go for a dip whenever you want is fantastically liberating. But at what cost? An in-ground pool will set you back $20,000 to $30,000 on average, and prices can go well beyond that for custom designs. That’s a pretty hefty chunk of change. The question is: how much return on this investment—if any—will you see when you decide to sell your home? Let’s find out! Financial value When you think of installing a pool in your backyard, you probably think about how much value it will add to your home when it comes time to sell. The fact is,
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though, that you might not see much of a return when all is said and done. While it could add between 4 and 7 percent to the overall appraisal depending on your location, statistics show that you’ll be hard pressed to get that kind of value from an actual buyer. Liability and maintenance One of the main reason buyers can be reluctant to pay more for a home with a pool is that they see it as a liability above all. Pools generally increase home insurance premiums and can cost a small fortune in maintenance fees, not to mention the potential hazards when young children are involved. When it comes down to it, adding a pool to your home is a great idea if it suits your lifestyle. But it’s best not to view it as a long-term investment.
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