Life and Homes Capital Region

Life and

Capital Region

Homes

FREE

november 2016

Autumn Delights Local Listings

FREE

Local Real Estate Magazine

Beautiful Homes in Perfect Locations Residential • Commercial • Multi-Family • Land

Find Your Next Home @ www.LifeandHomes.com

See This Featured Property on Page 13

Welcome Harvest Thanks

Life and

Homes

What an remarkable time of year to showcase this beautiful region with its outstanding homes, land/lots, commercial listings, investment opportunities and more.

Capital Region, NY Edition Account Executive/Owner Sales Representative

David Lisi 315-865-5845

At LifeandHomes™ we enjoy working with realtor estate professionals, investors, builders and community members to promote community and boost the local economy. We make it our job to connect buyers and sellers, professionals and the public - which in turn benefits LifeandHomes™

david@lifeandhomes.com

David P. Lisi, RMC

Real Estate Marketing Consultant 315-865-5845 • David@lifeandhomes.com

readers and our local area.

Corporate Editor

Kim Lisi

Advertising Deadline

This full color magazine is distributed each month for FREE throughout

December Issue

Table of Contents

October 28, 2016

the greater Capital Region. Look for LifeandHomes™ at many of our fine Magazine Deadlines Page restaurants, stores, professional offices, grocery stores and other retail House Listing Directory outlets. Please share our magazine with your friends and go online at Editorial www.LifeandHomes.com to view additional real estate listings, and read Front Cover Feature Home Fulton County Section articles of interest to home buyers/sellers.

Flip through these pages and visit us online at www.LifeandHomes.com/CR-NY for deals on local properties and professional services.

2 10 11, 22 13 16

Adirondack Properties & Land

17-19

Business News & Directory

20-21

Rentals Section

21

For advertising rates & info, contact David Lisi 315-865-5845 david@lifeandhomes.com Published by Corporate Office Davi d Lisi, OW NER 315-865-5845 David@LifeandHomes.com www.LifeandHomes.com/CR-NY Lisi Merchant Solutions, Inc. PO Box 18 Holland Patent, NY 13354

For franchise information call, 315-865-5845 LifeandHomes is published monthly by Lisi Merchant Solutions, Inc.

Welcome to Capital Region LifeandHomes™.

We are thankful for your patronage.

i David P. Lis

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Front Cover Featured Home 400 North Shore Rd, Edinburgh For more information on this Front Cover Featured Home, See Page 13 Listed by

Deborah Oare

Licensed R.E. Salesperson

518-863-2653 (C)

Front Cover photo: harrywirtz.com

This information has been compiled from public records and other sources we believe to be reliable, but we make no guarantee with respect to its accuracy or completeness or the absence of restrictions on use and are not responsible for any liability, loss, or risk that subscribers may incur, directly or indirectly, from using the contents of this site.

Copyright © 2016 Lisi Merchant Solutions, Inc.

Looking for a Franchise?

LifeandHomes™ Franchise is a low cost, home-based, recurring revenue business model.

Our franchise system enables the franchisee to become the Real Estate Marketing Expert in their community.

For more information, contact David Lisi 315.865.5845 david@lifeandhomes.com

4 Smart Reasons to Upgrade Your Home Security System Think of what has changed forever in the span of a decade. How do you watch movies at home? You’ve replaced the DVDs with digital streaming. How do you send a picture of your kids to your parents? You skip the printing and post it on social media or send a quick text.

Another thing you can add to the list of next generation living is home security. If you install a new system in your home today, you’ll find it easier to secure and control your home, while burglars will find it harder to pull off a home heist.

Today’s best security systems come with smart home technology and a mobile app, which allows you to remotely control your system as well as other devices like locks, lights, video cameras and even your thermostat. Modern systems also offer enhanced protection from crime, with professional monitoring for emergencies and wireless communication that can’t be defeated by a semi-savvy burglar with wire cutters.

“A next-generation security system combines state-of-the-art protection with the convenience of smart home technology,” says Matt Zartman of Alarm.com, a l smart home security technology provider. “It’s easy to use, whether you’re at home or away, and it does much more for you than a traditional system can.”

Here are few changes Zartman has seen: Smart features: One of the biggest challenges with traditional security systems is forgetting to arm the system. Once you leave home, you have no way to control it. Thanks to smartphone apps, that’s all changed. You can arm a modern security system with a tap on the screen of your smartphone, whether you are upstairs in bed tucked in for the night or hundreds of miles away on vacation.

newsShorts Real-time news: An older system would only alert you when an alarm was set off. Today’s systems can alert you to a range of events via your smartphone. For example, you can get an alert when your kids arrive home, when a trusted contractor opens your smart lock, or when a video camera detects motion. You can also get notifications when something inside your home is accessed, such as a safe or a locked cabinet.

Upgraded protection: Older phone and cablebased security systems are easy to defeat because a burglar can cut the wires outside the home. The best modern systems use a wireless cellular connection to communicate. Even if your power is disabled or WiFi signal goes out, your home security system keeps you safe and connected.

Other emergencies: Tied into modern security systems is the ability to detect other emergencies in your home, such as detecting smoke or a carbon monoxide leak. They are even capable of alerting you when a water pipe bursts, so you can take action to prevent costly water damage.

If you are interested in learning more about modern security systems and how they keep your family safer and more connected when you are away, check out Alarm.com’s Smarter Home Security systems at www.alarm.com/ blog. (BPT)

Home improvement:

What’s Old Is New Again

What makes the current trends in home décor so unique? Simply put, what’s old is new again. Homeowners are gravitating to classic and timeworn elements to give their home a traditional feel.

Character is not something with which every home is born. Newer construction often sacrifices some of the charm or detail of older home styles that can be incorporated with strategic use of materials and furnishings. Imagination is the limit for homeowners, but here is a sampling of what can be done.

Build from the ground up Install new flooring that’s inspired by the charm of vintage floors. Retailers like Lumber Liquidators sell an array of flooring styles that mimic the look and feel of vintage woodwork - wide planks that echo farmhouse floors, distressed finishes and much more. By replicating techniques such as wire brushing and hand scraping, distressed flooring achieves the look of vintage craftsmanship.

Rustic charm of wall accents Adding a wood accent wall can create the feel of a farmhouse or even an industrial loft. Wood can add an artistic element or focal point to backsplashes and ceilings. Whatever your goal, accent wood makes a statement.

Small touches: Fixtures and surfaces Don’t forget the little details: a glass doorknob, an oil-rubbed light fixture or a stained glass panel in the window. These touches go a long way to convey the look of another era in a newer home.

Mixing eras with furniture Antiques and classic period pieces mix well with more contemporary furnishings to create an eclectic style in a newer home. Mid-century modern elements - from architecture to furniture - weave their way into home décor again this season, proving their staying power.

If homeowners are looking to imbue a newer home with the timeless details of tradition, there’s a project of every scale. New materials that are designed to look old will not only perform better, they’ll last for years to come.

And “timeless” is always on trend. (BPT)

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Stop Drafts, Save Money and Improve Your Home Here are some ways you can easily, and inexpensively seal and insulate the four largest sources of energy leaks in your home.

Attic Stairs: When attic stairs are installed, an approx. 10 sq. ft. hole is created in your ceiling.

The ceiling and insulation that were there have to be removed, leaving only a thin, unsealed, sheet of plywood. Because your attic space is ventilated directly to the outdoors, the attic space can be very cold in the winter, and in the summer it can be very hot. And what is separating your conditioned house from your unconditioned attic? Only that thin sheet of plywood.

Try this: at night, turn on the attic light and shut the attic stairway door. If you see any light coming through, it means your heated and airconditioned air is leaking out of these large gaps in your home, 24-hours a day. A low-cost solution is to add an insulated attic stair cover that seals the stairs and stops drafts and energy loss. Add the desired amount of insulation over the cover to restore the insulation removed from the ceiling.

Whole-House Fans and Air-Conditioning Vents When whole-house fans are installed, a large hole is created in your ceiling, leaving only the drafty ceiling shutter between you and the outdoors.

An easy solution is to add a whole house fan shutter seal. Made from white textured flexible insulation, simply install the seal over the ceiling shutter, secure it with Velcro, and trim it to fit. The shutter seal can also be used to seal and insulate air conditioning vents, and is easily removed when desired.

Fireplaces: Fireplaces, especially during the winter heating season, are energy losers. One study showed that an open damper on an unused fireplace in a well-insulated house can raise overall heating-energy consumption by 30 percent. Even if the damper is shut, it’s not air-tight, and glass 4

LifeandHomes ■ Capital Region

newsShorts doors don’t stop the drafts either. Your chimney is an opening that leads directly outdoors - just like an open window and like a giant straw sucking your expensive heated or air-conditioned air right out of your house!

* Choose the Right Size Rake: Super size rakes actually increase the potential for injury. Choose a rake that is light and easy to use for your size/ strength. And if it’s cold and damp, stretch more and dress warmly. Cold makes muscles and tendons tighten up and become prone to injury.

A simple way to avoid this problem is to add a Fireplace Plug to your fireplace. Available from Battic Door, a company known for their energy conservation products, the Fireplace Plug is an inflatable pillow that seals the fireplace damper, eliminating drafts, odors, and noise. The pillow is removed whenever the fireplace is used, then reinserted after.

* Stretch- Before and After: Take a walk around the yard to loosen up the legs, and gently rotate your back and neck to let them know they’ll be getting a workout soon. Windmill your shoulders to loosen them up. 5-10 minutes of stretching before/after you rake will work wonders.

Clothes Dryer Exhaust Ducts: In the winter, cold drafts come in through the duct and your dryer and into your house. Many dryer vents use a sheet-metal flapper to try to reduce these drafts.

This is primitive technology that doesn’t stop the drafts. Compounding the problem, lint often clogs the flapper valve, causing it to stay open.

* Switch Hands: Most people keep their hands in the same position on the rake. Over an hour or two of raking, this puts ‘repetitive stress” on only one side of back/ neck/shoulders. Simply switch the position of your hands, and alternate hands frequently.

A dryer vent seal will reduce unwanted drafts and help keep out pests, bees and rodents. The vent will remain closed unless the dryer is in use.

When the dryer is in use, a floating shuttle rises to allow warm air, lint and moisture to escape.

For more information on Battic Door’s energy conservation solutions and products for your home, visit www.batticdoor.com or, to request a free catalog, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to P.O. Box 15, Mansfield, MA 02048.

(BPT)

Avoid Leaf Raking

Injuries

Once autumn’s splendor is mostly on the ground, weekend warriors turn to the annual chores of raking, bagging, blowing, and mulching the leaves. To avoid injuries to your back, neck, shoulders and wrists while you’re cleaning up leaves, here are some tips:

* Use Your Legs, Not Your Back: Avoid reaching too far and extending your back. Stay in a normal, upright position and use shorter raking strokes instead of long, reaching strokes. You’ll immediately notice that you’ll be moving your legs a bit more to get to the leaves.

* Hand Blowers: The natural tendency when you use a hand blower is to bend slightly forward from the waist to get the right angle to blow the leaves. This is a terrible positioning for your lower back. Stay upright and avoid the tendency to bend!

While leaf raking is a bit of a chore, done in spectacular fall weather can make it enjoyable to be outside. Take your time and don’t try to load up those tarps with all of the leaves at one time!

Dragging overloaded tarps is a common cause of back pain. (westhartfordchiropractic.com)

Queensbury/Glens Falls/Lake George 63 Quaker Rd.,Queensbury, NY 12804

518-798-3636

RealtyUSA.com

Julie A. Snyder

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Senior Sales Associate (C) 518-260-6732 juliesnyder@realtyusa.com

Working Tirelessly on Behalf of My Clients’ Needs!

16 Webster Avenue, Glens Falls

$239,000

7 Noble Way, Queensbury

$489,000

This house is straight out of a fairy tale with it’s turret, charming English bathroom, french doors, hardwood floors throughout, bright sun room, large kitchen with a separate breakfast room,and a lovely private landscaped yard. MLS# 201619207

Spectacular BH Group built 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home in wonderful Kings Court development. This newer home will make everyone in the family happy! Gourmet Kitchen, Granite, Hardwood, Fireplace, central A/C, master suite, large rooms, big front and back yard with in-ground sprinklers, 900sq ft 3+ car garage, 5KW whole house generator, and more. This is the house you have been waiting for! Sale contingent upon Sellers finding home of their choice.

MLS# 201617920

4 Cedar Court, Queensbury

14 Fort Amherst Road,

$169,000

Easy and elegant living in this wonderful, bright maintenance free town-home. Huge Master bedroom, gas fireplace, A/C, second floor laundry, full basement, and a large backyard with deck. All well under the assessed value! MLS# 201618632

119 Vaughn Drive, Kingsbury

$414,900

Beautiful 6 bedroom, 4.5 bath,Dutch Colonial City Home.

Wood floors, 3 fireplaces, high ceilings with crown molding, built-ins, Stainless appliances, granite counter tops, master suite, finished basement with media room, large fenced yard with in-ground pool,covered porch, in-ground sprinklers, and shed, 2 car garage. All in a wonderful neighborhood.

MLS# 201604273

$159,000

18 Sheridan St., Glens Falls

$189,900

This House is so much bigger than it looks! 3 bedrooms, Formal dining room, living room with Fireplace, big sun room and huge corner lot. Make this house your home! Sale contingent upon Seller finding an apartment of their choice.

MLS# 201618631

10 year young city home With 2 car garage. Lots of windows, A/C, gas fireplace, full basement, storage over garage, and easy maintenance with a small yard. Walking distance to enjoy everything Glens Falls has to offer.

MLS# 201525122

794 Ridge Road, Queensbury

12 & 24 Shore Acres Road, Queensbury $2,600,000

$445,000

Stunning Park-like setting for this 100+ year old farmhouse.

2 additional building lots, original post and beam barn and detached 2 car insulated garage with office area above. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, built-ins, fireplace, recently updated eat-in kitchen with pantry, living room, family room, and dining room. MLS# 201601055

10 James Street, Warrensburg

Step back in time and have your family relax, play and create their own memories in the magnificent Shore Acres Estate.

The stately, elegant 1845 brick Colonial house, along with the 3 bedroom guest house, is situated on 2.8 acres which butts up to 225’ of idyllic lake frontage on the ‘’Queen of American Lakes’’, Lake George. MLS# 201505342

$169,900

54 Notre Dame St., Fort Edward

You will LOVE this Beautiful Craftsman Style 3 bedroom 2.5 bath Home. Original woodwork throughout. Full finished basement with bar is a sports lover’s dream for entertaining.

Large backyard with Apple trees! You don’t find homes with this much character very often. MLS# 201618595

$99,000

With some TLC this house could be brought back to it’s original beauty with it’s gorgeous woodwork, high ceilings and private backyard, this is a house your family could call home.

Sold-As-Is. MLS# 201618774

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Your Own Private Oasis

Yankee Realty Inc.

1719 Central Ave, Suite 101 Albany NY 12205

David E. LaMar Licensed Realtor

C- 518-410-1409

Dlamar5126@aol.com 6

LifeandHomes ■ Capital Region

NEW PRICE

3416 GARI LANE, GUILDERLAND

$192,900

Spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath raised ranch with a private, fenced backyard with a deck off master bedroom. House features large living room with hardwood floors and vaulted ceiling, family room with wet bar, gas stove and sliding glass doors that lead to a screened patio and inground pool. Other updates include high efficiency furnace 2008, A/C, newer s/s appliances, hardwood and tile floors, first floor could easily be used as an in-law apartment. Guilderland School District and quiet street.

It’s all about Trust… I value your trust in me above all else.

Buying or Selling a Home

is one of the most significant steps you will talk along life’s path. It requires well-timed, accurately informed decision making, guided by Trustworthy, Experienced and Resourceful Professionals. My reputation has been built on the Positive Results of guiding clients through this important process with Reliable and Respectful Expertise.

I work by referral.

The proof of my success is evident by the weekly referrals I get from happy clients who have told others about their great experience. Working by referral is how I prefer to do business, always giving my best and the business follows. Give me a call, email or text you’ll be glad you did!

Lisa Wloch

Licensed RE Salesperson, Realtor® (formerly under CM Fox Real Estate)

Lisa Wloch is recognized by The National Association of REALTORS®: e-Pro® Certified • Accredited Buyer’s Representative - ABR® Designation Seller Representative Specialist – SRS™Designation

(C) 518-588-1239 Best # to CALL or TEXT! LisaSoldIt@kw.com 180 Delaware Avenue Delmar, NY 12054 • (O) 518-591-4600 • www.LisaSoldIt.com

A few testimonials...

“In my house-hunting efforts, I was fortunate to utilize an exceptional realty team in Mark Burlingame and his business partner, Lisa Wloch. Mark began the process with me and, due to his illness, Lisa took the reins. From my personal experience, Lisa is head and shoulders above other Realtors®. She worked tirelessly without regard to time of day [and] was tenacious in getting answers for me ....Lisa’s efforts did not end with the sale...I found Lisa to be totally focused and dedicated to doing what was best for her clients and putting their needs above any personal financial gain. Lisa is one-in-a million who truly takes her job seriously, always performing beyond expectations.” - Lee P (Guilderland) “We have bought and sold a number of homes over the past several years, accumulating a great deal of experience with various Realtors®. We can both state that Lisa Wloch has been the most professional, trustworthy, and talented Realtor® we have had the pleasure to work with. From the time we first met her and her wonderful business partner, the late Mark Burlingame, we knew we would not work with another Realtor® for any future real estate transactions. Lisa goes way above and beyond, and truly puts her heart into every aspect of the client relationship...offering advice to make a home more appealing, or simply checking in to help her clients through the sometimes stressful business of selling their home. Her level of commitment to her clients is something we truly did not find in any of the many Realtors®/agencies we had worked with in the past.

Lisa has continued to be a problem-solver long after the final sale, always making herself available for any questions, recommendations, or assistance with our new home. Thank you Lisa - you have clients for life in us!” - Marc and Marianne Roman “We chose to have Mark Burlingame and Lisa Wloch market our home in Guilderland, based on recommendations from friends and neighbors. It could not have been a better choice! Mark and Lisa treated us in a professional way from beginning to end. Their team philosophy made us very comfortable, and they were immediately responsive to all our concerns and questions. Mark’s untimely passing was a real blow to everyone, however, Lisa continued on in the same spirit that they had worked with together, and was able to accomplish the sale of our property, in spite these most difficult circumstances. We think Lisa Wloch is the Realtor® of choice to market and property in the Capital District.” - Don and Candy Dries

South Colonie

$159,900

113 Lansing Road South - Charming 4 Bedroom Brick Cape, fresh paint, new carpet, quiet neighborhood. South Colonie schools. Call today for a showing.

MLS# 201614219

Albany

$139,900

49 Hurlbut Street - Money making investment property or nice owner occupied home. Let tenant pay the mortgage! Across street from Delaware Community School.

MLS# 201617563

Guilderland

$229,900

15 Seeley Drive - Nicely updated Raised Ranch. Kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counters. HW floors, newer roof, remodeled baths, lovely yard w/ in ground pool. MLS# 201610146

Michael Brown 215 Delaware Ave • Delmar, NY 12054 482-5000 • KearneyBrownRealty.com

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Principal Broker

mkbrown111@msn.com cell: (518) 858-1944

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Commitment, Enthusiasm, Results!

7969 Austrian Pine Cir, Manlius

$399,900

Simply a spectacular house from the gorgeous, treed and landscaped yard to the lovely in-ground pool, and fanciful play yard. You can readily imagine children playing in the playhouse while you relax in the pool or on the deck. When you enter this house, which features every amenity, you will be charmed by its welcoming warmth. You will be impressed with the gourmet kitchen, the cozy family area, the private study and finally the finished basement complete with TV area and chilled wine cellar. Note the gleaming hardwoods, the lovely quartz bathrooms and the fresh. fashionable paint! MLS# s348236

Opportunity Knocks

21 Whitney Farm Lane, Pompey

$75,000

3 Acre Lots. Whitney Farm Lane, Town of Pompey. Unique residential setting offering some of the areas most scenic and dramatic building sites. 15 minutes to hospitals, universities and downtown Syracuse. Mature woodlands, gentle rolling hills. Privacy, serenity, and spectacular views. Utilities installed underground. Fayetteville-Manlius schools. Additional lots available. MLS# s325797

8

LifeandHomes ■ Capital Region

305-307 Woodruff Ave, Syracuse

$119,900

Wonderful two family in a lovely neighborhood. This well cared for home has been owned by the same family for the past fourteen years. This home has three bedrooms in the upper flat and a newer kitchen as well. The first floor flat has truly beautiful woodwork as well.

Don’t miss it! MLS# s356161

Commitment, Enthusiasm, Results!

BARBARA B FERRO Associate Real Estate Broker

315-391-5600 (C)

315-373-0440 x 224 (O) barbferro@aol.com

6868 E. Genesee Street, Fayetteville, NY 13066

5727 East Seneca Turnpike, Onondaga $395,000 This is a beautiful, well-cared for Victorian home that has been in the same family for many years. There have been significant updates to the furnaces, the hot water heaters, the roof, and more. The two apartments are spacious and beautiful as are the surrounding grounds of approximately 2 acres. It would be a lovely office, needing only the imagination of the owner to furnish the details. There is ample parking as well as a three car garage for the use of tenants or the office occupant. This property is so beautiful and so unique that you must see it to fully appreciate the scope of the property. MLS# s0000288

Affordable Luxury

6113 Royal Birkdale Drive, Dewitt • $285,000

34 Nursery Lane, Syracuse • $229,900

523 Wendall Terrace, Syracuse • $149,900

Welcome to this spacious, flowing town home in beautiful Pointe East. Nicely situated on the golf course - you may play or just dream! Lovely kitchen with oceans of storage space, a breakfast bar and still room for a table and chairs. There are three fireplaces - one that is doublesided in the dining room and living room. MLS# s1002345

Luxurious stand alone town house in the lovely Comstock Commons. 2-3 BEDROOMS. 3 FULL BATHS . Private deck with lovely surroundings. 2 fireplaces, and a small kitchen in the basement for entertaining. You will enjoy the proximity to the SU campus as well as the convenient near by neighborhood. MLS# S1002569

Lovely two family home in the heart of Sedgwick and convenient to everything. Each flat has three bedrooms, living room, bath, dining room and personal laundry facility. Very nice condition and currently rented but no leases.

Perfect for an owner occupant. MLS# s348011

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LifeandHomes.com

For more information on any of these houses, visit www.LifeandHomes.com and type in the QSN#

Bleecker

$298,500

103 Hemlock Dr

Open Market Listing Service™ Guilderland

$229,900

15 Seeley Drive

3 Bedrooms / 2.0 Baths

3 Bedrooms / 2.0 Baths

QSN #453922

QSN #438765

ADK Realty MaryEllen Charles

Kearney Brown Realty Michael Brown

Lic. R.E. Broker

Lic. R.E. Broker

518-725-2357

518-858-1944

mel@adksrealty.com

Broadalbin

$210,000

739 County Highway 110

mkbrown111@msn.com

Schenectady

$40,000

2314 Fairlee St

3 Bedrooms / 1.0 Baths

3 Bedrooms / 1.0 Baths

QSN #445031

QSN #428680

William J Cole Real Est Inc Deborah Oare Lic. R.E. Assoc. Broker

Lic. R.E. Assoc. Broker

518-863-2653

518-489-1000

doare@colerealestate.com

Glens Falls

$189,900

18 Sheridan St

RealtyUSA.com Brian Brosen brian@thecapitalteam.com

Voorheesville

$279,900

84 Voorheesville Av

3 Bedrooms / 1.0 Baths

3 Bedrooms / 1.0 Baths

QSN #409277

QSN #456174

RealtyUSA.com Julie Snyder Lic. R.E. Salesperson

Lic. R.E. Salesperson

518-260-6732

518-439-2888

juliesnyder@realtyusa.com

Glenville

$149,900

2140 West Glenville Rd

rlarocco@realtyusa.com

Whitehall

$289,000

West Mountain Forest

3 Bedrooms / 1.0 Baths

Land /Timber

QSN #456513

QSN #457048

Yankee Realty, Inc. David LaMar

RealtyUSA.com Rosalie LaRocco

Fountains Land Todd Waldron

Lic. R.E. Salesperson

Lic. R.E. Broker

518-410-1409

518-668-5880

dlamar5126@aol.com

THIS WEEKEND‘S OPEN HOUSES LifeandHomes.com/CR-NY - Open House Info updated every Friday @ 4:30 10

LifeandHomes ■ Capital Region

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4 DIY Projects For Your First Home “Where should I start?” It’s a question many homeowners ask themselves.

DIY is a great place to start for new homeowners. DIY projects are very versatile - they can easily be adapted to your skill level, budget and desired project. With a little extra time and creativity, you can transform your home.

Other benefits to choosing a DIY project are that they are typically more cost-effective than the alternative and they offer an added sense of ownership and pride in your home.

Since DIY project ideas are endless, it’s important to choose ones that will improve your home’s value at a reasonable cost. These are some top recommended DIY projects for first-time homeowners. They won’t break the bank but they will deliver a bang for your buck.

1. Add crown molding or update casing and trim.

The addition of crown molding to the top of interior walls is a subtle change with big impact. Casing, which is the trim around doors and windows, can

also make a huge difference. The replacement of dated crown molding, casing or trim can make a room look newly updated. Go one step further with a fresh coat of paint on the walls, and you’ll basically have an entirely new room. For more information on how to install crown molding, visit woodnaturally.com.

2. Replace doors. Doors are often forgettable, but don’t have to be. Replace hollow core bedroom, bathroom and closet doors with wood alternatives for an instant dash of richness. And don’t limit yourself to traditionally-styled options. From specialty woods to glass panels, there are plenty of options to choose from.

3. Clean and refinish your wood deck. As long as your wood is in good shape, all you need is deck cleaner and wood stain to turn something dated into the focal point of your backyard. You can buy deck cleaner at your local hardware store. Wood deck stains are available there or at a paint store. You’ll be amazed to see weathered wood look like new again.

If you haven’t cleaned or refinished a deck before, visit woodnaturally.com for step-by-step instructions.

4. Update your closets. Add built-in shelving or simply streamline clothes hangers for an organizational boost. Or you can tackle a popular closet upgrade: lining a traditional closet with cedar. Natural cedar looks great, smells great and keeps moths and mildew away. It’s a classic and high-end upgrade that’s not terribly expensive or time-intensive.

Use tongue-and-groove cedar to line some or all of an existing closet. You can leave baseboards in place if they’re thicker than the cedar. If not, remove them with a pry bar before the cedar installation. Use nails to attach the cedar to the wall studs, or adhere them with a construction adhesive. Prepare to feel like a bona fide fancy grown-up when it’s done!

These are just a fraction of the many DIY projects possibilities. The most important piece of advice is to have fun and don’t be afraid to try new things. (BPT)

Looking for a BOO-tiful new home?

Start your search at Capital Region LifeandHomes™

LifeandHomes.com/CR-NY

315-865-5845 | David@LifeandHomes.com

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Patricia Cole

Deborah Oare

518- 863-2653

518-863-2653

Lic. R.E. Broker

patcole1@roadrunner.com doare@colerealestate.com

Photos by: Harry Wirtz, harrywirtz.com

Northville

$549,000

105 Juergens Point Rd - Great Sacandaga Lake access: 6 Bedrooms, 3.5 baths Custom Contemporary with beach & dock in exclusive Juergen Point community, adjoins golf course: in-ground heated pool w/gazebo, Hot Tub, expansive decking, , many upscale amenities, spacious family living.

MLS #201312647

Northampton

Kirk Tooley

Lic. R.E. Salesperson

518-774-4911

laker1t@gmail.com

$379,000

465 Seven Hills Rd - Wilderness post & beam immaculate log home. 3BR, 2BA, Complete privacy on 20+ wooded acres. Beautifully appointed, move in ready, enjoy year round.

Take a walk or snowmobile in the woods, swim at lake or sit by campfire. Great room, kit, dining & liv rm, wide plank floors, stone wood burning fireplace. stainless appliances, granite counters, La Cornue chef's stove. Screened porch to relax, sitter home monitoring system. 10' lake access, walking distance to GSL. MLS #201611999

Northville

$310,000

Northampton

$409,000

Day

$399,000

Day

$329,500

Northhampton

$329,000

Day

$299,900

Broadalbin

$210,000

Edinburg

$299,000

252-262 South Main St - Northville lakeside unique property, 2 separate lots=1.4 level acres with 200’ on Northville Lake with dock. 4 BR 3 BA Victorian exc condition, modern kit w/bosch appliances & custom cabinetry- open to DR and summer kit. MLS #201506616

609 Bunker Hill Rd - Great Sacandaga Lakeside 2BR (1 double loft) 1BA furnished cottage in good condition with newer updates including metal roof, sliders and deck. Panoramic lake and mountain views, prime 1/2 acre lot with 100’ lake frontage. MLS #201408198

12

Lic. R.E. Salesperson

102 Longvue Lane - Great Sacandaga Lake 3BR 2BA Open floor plan gas fireplace& cathedral ceiling great room beautiful home with cherry floors & marble in BA.Full walk out basement.

MLS #201313373

69 Pine Ridge Rd - Lakeside 2 BR furnished cottage in very good condition. 2 lakeside parcels(1 with cottage 1 vacant lot) Big Lake Views here over 169’ lake frontage.

MLS #201514889

LifeandHomes ■ Capital Region

8 Flansburg Lane - Lakeside 4BR 3.5BA 2 story home w/finished bsmnt Private 0.35 ac lot on dead end rd.

Recently renovated, Kit w/ granite counters & island open to liv rm w/ gas frplc & din rm. Lower level: kit, liv rm, BR BA wine cooler. MLS #201606615

739 County Highway 110 - Great Sacandaga Lake Access Charming circa 1929 3 BR 1 BA home with original hardware and trim, french door in LR/DR, wood flooring. Large open porch 2.55 acres with gardens and nice landscaping. MLS #201419842

2643 North Shore Rd - Log Chalet 3BR 1.5 BA nested in privacy on 2.42 acres with 10’ lake access close by! Huge cathedral ceiling in living room with full height fireplace atrium doors to deck with some lake views. MLS #201608130

34 Wozniak Lane - Directly on the Great Sacandaga Lake 2BR 1.5BA furnished camp with rental history.

Private setting, large enclosed porch for dining area .0.34 acre lot with 100’beach with a gradual shoreline.

Located on quiet dead end road. MLS #201312345

Patricia Cole

Deborah Oare

518- 863-2653

518-863-2653

Lic. R.E. Broker

Lic. R.E. Salesperson

patcole1@roadrunner.com doare@colerealestate.com

Kirk Tooley

Lic. R.E. Salesperson

518-774-4911

laker1t@gmail.com

Because Life Is Better By The Water

Front Cover Feature Home Edinburg

$650,000

400 North Shore Road - Great Sacandaga Lakeside 3-4 Bedrooms plus 3 full Baths and 2 half Baths.

Custom contemporary-Custom kitchen overlooks sunken living room with fireplace and dining room.

Foyer with winding staircase leads to master Bedroom suite featuring private sitting room and bath with radiant heated floor & jacuzzi. Located on private 3.72 acres with 90’ sandy beach. Attached garage and large barn. Guest home has 3 Bedrooms. This is a must see property with many extra features.

MLS# 201414792 | Deborah Oare • 518-863-2653 • doare@colerealestate.com

Photos by: Harry Wirtz, harrywirtz.com

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Call me, your Accessibility Advisor, for a FREE, No Obligation • Bconsultation usiness • Life o t • u A Home “Making Realty Dreams a Reality”

Home • Auto • Business • Life

518.288.6063

518.288.6063

If you or a member of your family are disabled, the prospect of buying a home may seem overwhelming. You or your family member may need a house with specific features and properties with accessibility features are hard to find! An Accessibility Advisor knows what to look for based on the unique needs of each client and develops an individualized home buying plan tailored to find properties to help you achieve the dream of homeownership faster than if you went it alone. Selling a home that has accessibility features or can be easily adapted for special needs? Let’s work together to get your home sold!

Joel Siegfried

Rosalie LaRocco

North Utica

RealtyUSA.com

We Have You Covered

RLarocco@RealtyUSA.com

New Hartford

231 Delaware Ave Delmar NY 12054

Gigliotti, Siegfried & Associates, Inc.

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson PEAK Residential Partners Team at RealtyUSA (C) 518-530-7241

IN TOWN TREASURE • $449,900 Elegant proportions, architectural details, nooks & crannies abound in this Circa 1926 English Estate. 4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths, Master Bath has Walk in Shower with multiple body jets, Formal Living and Dining rooms, Applianced Chef’s Kitchen with spacious Butler’s Pantry and an oversized Breakfast Area. Magnificent Family Room with oversized windows that bring the outside in. Nearly five private acres with in ground pool.

PICTURE PERFECT • $309,900

Understated elegance in this Circa 1938 center hall colonial on 1.5 very private and wooded acres. Formal living & dining rooms, Designer kitchen w/stainless appliances, granite countertops, & a hearth warmed fireplace with a wall of glass overlooking a koi pond. 4 bedrooms 3.5 baths, hardwoods, newer mechanicals, heated garage, and an attached greenhouse w/separate zoned heat & plumbing.

Joseph Scarafile

Licensed Real Estate Broker GRI/Owner email: grandenvironments@gmail.com

Margaret Graniero Sales Associate

23 Oxford Road, New Hartford 14

LifeandHomes ■ Capital Region

275 UPPER NEWTOWN RD, MECHANICVILLE

$359,900

Great location, excellent views, near Sheldon Hills, zoned C-1, this remodeled and updated farmhouse, barn and outbuilding sit on over 5+ acres with frontage on Upper Newtown Rd. and over 480 feet of frontage on Rt 146! Tons of privacy and zoned ok for horses.

MLS# 201619849

2140 WEST GLENFIELD RD., GLENVILLE $149,900 Lovely 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home on desirable level corner lot. 1,950 square feet, detached barn. MLS# 201620512

93 EUCLID AVENUE TROY

price drop

$129,900

Unique 3 bedroom 2 full bath Cape on a private dead end street. Radiant heated hardwood floors, cozy fireplace in living room, master bedroom suite with full bath located on 2nd floor, convenient to schools, shopping, RPI and amenities Troy offers. MLS# 201615344

David E. La Mar Licensed Realtor

C- 518-410-1409 Dlamar5126@aol.com

Yankee Realty Inc.

1719 Central Ave, Suite 101, Albany NY 12205

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LifeandHomes

™

Fulton County Section

Jack Callery Real Estate 23 Cady Street | Johnstown | New York | 12095 | 518.848.1338 or 518.762.1884

78 Scotch Bush Road Burnt Hills NY 12027

www.garnetrealtyny.com

Joe Mulone,

Lic. R. E. Salesperson

518-813-6514 406 South Melcher Street, Johnstown

jmulone@verizon.net

$249,000

This executive family home was built in 1894 and designed by George Franklin Barber, one of America’s most renowned residential design architects of the 19th century. The home boasts original oak and yellow birch floors, original oak woodwork, staircase, and cypress doors. There is an open foyer, formal reception hall with original parquet floors, formal parlor, formal dining room and library, full modern kitchen and a recently updated full bathroom on the first floor. The second floor offers four bedrooms with a brand new bathroom, laundry room and additional full bath with some original plumbing fixtures including a claw bathtub and sink. The home has a full attic and there is a walkout basement with generous 10’ ceilings. The stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, garbage disposal, washer and dryer are included. The property exterior offers a beautiful front veranda and 2nd floor balcony and an attached large back private deck with a 1 car garage. This Home is being offered at $249,000 through Jack Callery Real Estate exclusively! Call for an Immediate Showing at [518] 848-1338.

192 Casler Rd Little Falls, NY 13365

Koehler Real Estate

Large Building Lots

315-891-3254

Hillside Heights Building Lots

Adirondack Land

Little Beaver Lodge 55 Acres

Camp Whitetail 65 Acres

Great Setting For Your New Home Or Camp.

These Properties Have It All! Ponds, woods, fields, streams, abundant wildlife, snowmobile/ATV trails, town road with electric. Asking $69,900 & $79,900. Near Old Forge.

New Homes Modular

Your Family Oriented Development A Few Remaining Building Lots Are Available.

Priced From $16,900 to $19,900 Curbside Utilities, Deed Restrictions

A Must See For Your New Home 1 Acre Lots • Builders Welcome

Located Off McKern Road, Floyd, NY

Interested, 315-891-3254

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LifeandHomes ■ Capital Region

315-891-3254

THIS IS THE BEST DEAL AROUND!

“The Best Homes at the Best Prices” Middleville, Herkimer County - 2 acre to 8

“IT’S SIMPLE”

We can give you better specifications, more upgraded features,

A HIGHER QUALITY HOME and we can do it all for less money.

Bring Us Your Best Deal - We Will Beat It!

315-891-3254

Phone: 315-891-3254

acre building lots. Private community. 35 exceptional homesites set on 235 acres.

Riding Trails, sunset views. Direct Snowmobile and ATV trails. Prices starting at $16,900 & up. Interested, 315-891-3254

LifeandHomes

™

Adirondack Properties & Land

ADK Realty 2144 State Hwy 10, Caroga Lake, NY 12032

MaryEllen Charles

Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner

518-705-5616 (Cell) 518-835-2357 • www.ADKSrealty.com Local Guide to the Southern Adirondacks!

Peck Lake

$298,500

3 Bedroom, 2 Bath custom home! Lots of class yet very relaxing! Hickory floors, Tile baths.

Soaring ceilings, living room opens to deck with lake views. Lake access just down the road. Full basement, Large, private corner lot!

151 Char Lane, Fonda

$249,000

Fonda Fultonville Schools. 10+ acres, BIG 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Custom Ranch with full finished basement. Living room with fireplace, master suite. Beautiful inside and out! 2 car garage plus a 3 car barn! VERY private.

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LifeandHomes

™

Adirondack Properties & Land

BIRD’S

Adirondack Real Estate

Own A Piece of The Adirondacks

2730 Route 28, Old Forge, NY 13420

315-369-2136

Check all the listings at: www.birdsadkrealestate.com

Long Lake

$59,000

6.2 AC wooded lot with small shed. Town water & under ground power.

Possible owner financing.

Raquette Lake Home

$695,000

Waterfront 3 bedroom home on 7 acre lot with 370’of lakefront.

Features large living room with fireplace, dining room with fireplace, kitchen, bath, & loft. Also includes guest cabin. Boat access for added privacy & electric power & phone service.

Old Forge

$649,000

Old Forge

$895,000

Old Forge

$795,000

Raquette Lake

$495,000

Old Forge

$89,900

Old Forge

$195,000

5.3 acre wooded lake front lot with 150’of shoreline.

Boat access only seasonal home, located at Green Point. 2 Story home with seperate sleeping cabin included. The main house has a first floor bedroom and full bathroom, 2 bedrooms on the second floor, full kitchen, living room w/woodstove, laundry room, screened in porch.

Marine Dealership - 2730 Rt 28 - Business Opportunity with spacious living quarters. Old Forge Marine dealership & garage includes 2 offices, 50’X 100’store and garage on 180ft of road frontage on Rt 28. Garage has 3 overhead doors in back and 1 in front.

Summit Place -This is a 1 acre cleared building lot overlooking 1st Lake with lake rights to Hollywood Hills. Possible owner financing.

Tuttle Road - 3rd Lake Home. Year round 4 bedroom ranch home with boathouse on 100’of lakefront, 3700 sq ft and 1.8 Acres.

Features sun porch & walk out basement facing 3rd lake.

210 Pullman Ave - Centrally located property in the heart of Old Forge! This is a 1 story, 2 bedrooms, and 2.5 baths home. Close by the Enchanted Forest Water Safari, snowmobile trails, and walking distance of restaurants and shops, this home is in a prime location!

Marketing Rural, Recreational & Agricultural Properties

(877) 528-LAND • www.NationalLandandFarm.com 2547 State Route 12b, Hamilton, New York 13346 18

LifeandHomes ■ Capital Region

LifeandHomes

™

Adirondack Properties & Land 3044 State Route 28 (Main Street) Old Forge, NY 13420

(315) 369-6910 www.herron-realty.com herronrealty@gmail.com

We Live Here, You Could Too!

• Jaimee Tormey, Real Estate Salesperson • #156155 • $325,000 • Old Forge • 3 Bdrms, 2.5 Baths • Indoor Hot Tub & Sauna

• Kathleen Rivet, Real Estate Salesperson • #157429 • $249,900 • Log Cabin Beauty • Accessible to Snowmobile Trails • Forestport, 20 Minutes to Old Forge

• Tory Dunn, Associate Real Estate Broker • #156186 • $469,000 • Inlet • 3 Bdrm, 2.5 Baths • 200’Lakefront

• David Dunn, Associate Real Estate Broker • #155157 • $437,000 • Fulton Chain • Year Round • 2 Bdrm, Loft

• Patricia Hays, Real Estate Salesperson • #156500 • $599,900 • Hollywood Hills • Private Yet Close To Town • 175’Waterfront with Boathouse & Dock

• Dennis McAllister, Associate Real Estate Broker • #154625 • $125,000 • Year Round • Lake Rights Big Moose Lake • Snowmobile & Hiking Trails

• Sharon Finkle-Kleps, Real Estate Salesperson • #157563 • $685,000 • 169’on White Lake • 4 Bdrm, 2 Bath • 3 Stall Garage, Radiant Heat

• Sandra Albert, Real Estate Salesperson • #154939 • $990,000 • 4th Lake South Shore Road • Contemporary • Substantial Size Rooms

• #156432 • $232,000 • Hollywood Hills • Deeded Lake Rights • Totally Renovated

• #154178 • $274,000 • Inlet • 4 Bdrm, 2 Bath • Golf Course View

F I N D T H E H O U S E O F Y O U R D R E A M S AT

M O H A W K VA L L E Y H O M E S . C O M

M O H A W K VA L L E Y L I S T I N G S E R V I C E , I N C .

P R O U D LY S E R V I C I N G H E R K I M E R & O N E I D A C O U N T I E S F O R O V E R 3 2 Y E A R S .

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LifeandHomes Business News & Directory

LiFi – The Future of Wireless Internet

Reduced Utility Costs, Through Lighting Systems Upgrades

LiFi is a wireless technology that uses the infrared light spectrum to transmit information. LiFi is capable of reaching speeds as high as 224 gigabits per second which is thousands of times faster than today’s WiFi. At Lifi’s maximum speed, you would be able to conceivably download a full length movie in well under one second.

Though LiFi works best in the direct light of a transmitting device,

LED Lighting Projects Offer • Increased Light • Improved Aesthetics • Large Incentives

it can also be as fast as 70 mbps when reflected off of walls. If LiFi was widely adopted, it would have large implications on the way we communicate. With a data connection that fast, our devices would only need limited processing power. This would allow computer technology to enter the simplest of everyday items such

• Reduced Cost • Minimized Maintenance • Positive Cash Flow

Call Us Today to Receive a Free Lighting Assessment and Energy Consultation!

as notepads, computer desks, lunch trays, and office chairs at a very low cost. This would allow for enormous possibilities to improve commerce and our everyday lives, creating a wave of advancements and transforming the world around us.

Andrew Gehrig Program Manager Potentia Management Group, LLC. 8469 Seneca Turnpike Plaza 5, Suite 204, New Hartford NY 13413

315-240-5568

agehrig@potentiamanagement.com

Messier’s Auction Services Stephanie Messier -

2015 NYS Womens Auctioneer Champion, Lic. Real Estate Salesperson, Licensed FFL Firearms Dealer, Certified Estate Specialist, Members of the NAA & NYSAA

Together, We keep your dog

Happy, Healthy, & Safe!

• Lifetime Warranty • Outdoor Systems • Indoor Systems

• Veterinarian Approved • Made in the USA

518-767-DOGS(3647) • capitaldistrictdogguard.com

Re-Utilize CNY

3 professional Auctioneers, with a proven marketing strategy!

(877) 528-LAND

2547 State Route 12b Hamilton, New York 13346

We are the right professional team for the job specializing in; Residential & Commercial Properties | Business Liquidations Farm Equipment | On-Site and Consignment Auctions Antiques & Collectibles | Firearms

FREE Magazine

Call Vick today for a FREE consultation with NO obligation!

315.225.3565

www.messiersauction.com

Life and

Homes

12 Century Hill Latham NY, 12110

™

Estate Liquidations & Clean Out Service

518.861.7030

2209 St. Rte. 5 Utica NY 13502

Jonathon D. Smoulcey

Owner

jon@reutilizecny.com 315.292.2076 315.797.3788

Store Hours: Tues - Fri 11-6 Sat & Sun 11-4 Travel radius 250 miles 20

LifeandHomes ■ Capital Region

Carmella

Crisafulli Richards Sign up for your FREE Magazine Subscription at LifeandHomes.com/CR-NY | Click on FREE MAGAZINE tab

Associate Broker

(C) 518.928.6486

Carmella@carmellarichards.com

LifeandHomes Business Directory

Looking for Answers to Your Home Related Questions?

Search no further! Consider Your Local Business Expert!

Advertise

Home Inspection

LIFEANDHOMES™ 315-865-5845 To advertise your business in this space and be a part of the Capital region’s ever growing business Directory, give us a call and join the

VSI LLC 518-371-7944

Serving the Capital District since 1993. nYS

member Since 01/15

Licensed Home Inspector, Lic # 16000005522; nYS Certified Pest Inspector #T5685318; nYS

LifeandHomes™ community!

Auction Service

Estate Sales

RE-UTILIZE CNY ESTATE LIQUIDATIONS & CLEAN OUT SERVICE 315-292-2076/ Jonathon D. Smoulcey - Providing CnY area estate liquidations and clean out services. buy315-797-3788 member Since 06/16

ing one item or entire estates. visit our store for used furniture, artwork, collectibles, antiques, home decor, tools & more. Travel radius 250 miles. www.reutilizecny.com

LifeandHomes

™

member Since 04/16

Lifetime warranty,outdoor & Indoor systems,veterinarian approved. capitaldistrictdogguard.com

Pools

MARYANN O’BRIEN Your Local Farmers Agent Currently offers Savings 518-280-1396

ATLANTIC POOLS A family owned & operated business w/ 30 518-279-1785

member Since 02/15

member Since 07/15

Call messier’s Auction Services, a professional auction company,where the auction action is to your satisfaction. messiersauction.com

DOG GUARD OF THE CAPITAL DISTRICT Safe,effective,affordable out-of-sight fencing.

518-767-3647

Certified Codes officer

Insurance

MESSIER’S AUCTION SERVICES Do you have personal or real property you need to 315.225.3565 315.447.6440 sell? You can rely on us for all of your auction needs. member Since 12/15

Pet Care

For: Auto, Home, Life, Collectable Auto, business, renter, boat, Personal Watercraft, motorcycle, Condo, mobile Homes, recreational vehicles

Land

years experience in the swimming pool industry.

We provide pool installation, renovation, service, or repair & also offer pool care & spa services.

Property Preservation

NATIONAL LAND & FARM 1-877-528-LAnD Looking for rural, recreational, or Agricultural

LIFEANDHOMES™ REHAB Debris removal, winterizations, rekeying/lock 315-865-5845

member Since 02/15

member Since 04/12

Properties? Check out our network of real estate brokers Specializing in Land and Farm Sales.

replacement,lawncare,boarding and securing, janitorial services, and repair and remodeling.

www.nationalLandandFarm.com

If you would like to be listed here, Please call 315-865-5845

Rentals

Oak Brook Commons Luxury Apartments in Clifton Park Welcome to a 50 acre beautifully landscaped community.

Conveniently located. • 24 Hour quality maintenance

Prices starting at just $1105 for 1 bedroom at 1150 sq.ft. and $1250 for 2 bedrooms at 1350 sq. ft.

Make Oak Brook CommonsYourNew Home Call 518-371-0216 • Route 9, Clifton Park NY 12065

Hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.• Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday by Appointment

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Easy and Affordable Ways to Personalize Your First Home Call this the age of personalization. You can customize practically anything these days to make it feel more “yours,” so of course you want to be able to do that to your first home.

If you’re shopping for your first home keep in mind certain features can make a home easier and more affordable to customize after you’ve moved in. For example, if you think you’ll need room to expand for a growing family down the road, it will be cheaper in the long run to buy a home with an attic or basement that you can finish into living space than to try and build on an addition from scratch.

As you’re shopping consider these elements that will help make it easier and financially feasible for you to make your new home truly your own:

Architectural bones that are right for you What’s your personal style? Do you favor a mid-century modern look? Art-deco? Craftsman?

Colonial? It’s important to choose a home in a basic architectural style you love, because while you can affordably change the color and landscaping, it’s much harder to create a whole new look. Look for exterior features that play up the home’s architectural style, and then think of ways to customize them down the road. For example, simply painting the gingerbread trim on your Victorian style home in a different color can celebrate the look you love while making it your own.

Energy efficient lifestyle features Green considerations and energy efficiency are top priorities for many of today’s first-time 22

LifeandHomes ■ Capital Region

homebuyers, so it’s important to look for a home that has conservation-minded features like a high-efficiency water heater or low-flow showerheads. The best eco-conscious home features, however, will also enhance your lifestyle. Upgrades like Energy Star-qualified, solar-powered, fresh-air skylights like those from Velux America provide natural light plus passive ventilation, helping to cut energy costs while reducing dependency on artificial light and ventilation sources.

If you buy a home that already has skylights, you can personalize them by adding energy efficient blinds in designer colors and patterns.

And if you add solar powered skylights to the home, it’s easy and cost-effective since there is no cost for electrical work to operate the units.

Solar skylights, blinds and installation costs are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit. A programmable touchpad remote allows you to adjust the amount of light entering through the venting skylights and also to adjust the blinds with the touch of button. The skylights close automatically in case of rain.

You can also easily and affordably add more natural light to interior spaces like hallways and closets with Sun Tunnel tubular skylights, which can be installed by a handy DIYer in a few hours. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more.

Room to grow More Americans are living in multi-generational homes. Whether you plan to grow your family by having kids, moving your aging parents in with you, or adopting as many pets as you can fit in your house, you may find you’ll need more space in your new home before you’re ready to move out of it. Homes that have unfinished basements and/or attics will be easier to customize for your growing space needs.

Converting an attic or basement into living space can cost much less than having an addition built on your home and attics are perfect spaces to easily add light and fresh air with skylights or roof windows.

A price that lets you add value Popular renovation and fixer-upper shows make it easy to understand the idea of finding a home at a price that will allow you to add value. A home that needs some renovation and upgrading will likely cost less than a comparable new home, but it also affords you the opportunity to extensively personalize your space. If you buy a home that needs work for a price well under your budget limit, you can use the extra money to invest in renovations that put your personal stamp on your home.

In addition to customization for additional enjoyment, those upgrades will also allow you to instantly add value to your home. (BPT)

OUR PLANS ARE FLEXIBLE. The versatility of Lindal’s distinctive designs makes your dream home an affordable reality. Choose from thousands of original plans…or we’ll help design your very own.

Lindal homes offer the elegance of dramatic cathedral ceilings and free-flowing interiors.

Our unique open post and beam system makes it easy to plan your home just the way you want it. Visit us to find out more.

Be sure to ask about our award-winning Lindal planbook.

Independently Distributed by:

Custom Home Masterpieces, Inc. 5180 W. Taft Road P.O. Box 3306 Syracuse, NY 13220-3306 315-458-4256 www.lindal.com/ny

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Brian Brosen & Reginald Monroe

Licensed Associate Real Estate Brokers

Proudly Serving the Community for 12 Years 2190 State Rt 67, Galway

2314 Fairlee St, Schenectady

7 Old English Rd, New Scotland

687 Slate Hill Rd, Sharon Springs

27 Walden Glen, Ballston Lake

Gifford Hollow Road, Berne

They don’t make them like this anymore. Early 1800’s built farmhouse on 55.43 acres in Galway school district. Home has wide plank floors(living rm is old carriage house), hand hewn beams, and oozes charm not found today. Owner has beautifully maintained this home. $339,900

3 bedroom home in a convenient location. Home has hardwood floors, crown molding, good sized kitchen with pantry,formal dining room and walk up attic with lots of room for storage. Newer furnace, updated electrical, front porch and rear enclosed porch for extra space. NEW PRICE $40,000

This 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with over 3000sf sits on 80 acres, nestled quietly only minutes from the village of Sharon Springs. This superb family retreat offers a great wrap around porch, back deck, in ground heated pool with great views. The home has an amazing updated kitchen w/ granite counter tops, under cabinet lighting, new SS appliances. $375,000

Immaculate and truly impressive home with over 5500sf of living space, on a beautiful, landscaped near acre lot in Voorheesville schools. Stunning high end details throughout include hickory flooring, red oak flooring, FDR w/ tray ceilings, family room w/gas FP/built ins. NEW PRICE $688,000

Superbly maintained home on over half acre corner lot in Ballston Lake. This home features a spacious and newly updated kitchen w/ granite/pergo floors, new gas stove, whole house generator and a bonus room finished over garage (4th br). This home has a nice family room with gas fireplace and built ins, 1st floor laundry, newer vinyl tilt in windows, new driveway. $257,900

Spectacular 51.2 acres of land situated next to the NYS Partridge Run state forest land. This land, made up of 2 parcels being sold together, has 1800 feet of road frontage and has 3 small, stocked ponds. The land has amazing views of the surrounding Helderberg mountains and features ample cleared, as well as plenty of wooded territory.

Could be subdivided. NEW PRICE $115,000

Tech Valley’s Full Service Real Estate Team • Seller representation • Buyer Representation • Landlord and Tenant Representation • Credit Checks for prospective tenants

24

LifeandHomes ■ Capital Region

Offering:

• Commercial Leasing/Commercial Sales • Short Sale/Pre Foreclosure sales/consultation • Land Sales and Development Consultation • New Construction Sales