Team Effort
It happens like clockwork every year - once the snow melts and that first warm breeze hits, more people start thinking about buying a home. And with that, the questions roll in: Where do I start? Who do I trust? What should I know before diving in?
Buying a home and finding the right mortgage can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s helpful to build a small team of trusted voices. And here’s the good news: they don’t all have to be professionals. Sometimes the best advice comes from a friend, a relative, or even a co-worker who’s recently gone through the process.
Think of three people you trust who’ve bought a home or refinanced in the past few years. They should be open, honest, and comfortable talking about money. Ask them what caught them off guard, what they learned, and what they might do differently next time.
Of course, real estate agents and loan officers are great resources— but they’re just part of the puzzle. Talk to others, gather different perspectives, and ask yourself, “Does this make sense for me?”
Big decisions like buying a home deserve a well-rounded view. The more insight you gather, the more confident you'll feel moving forward.
It's my hope you'll make LifeandHomes and the professionals reflected in this issue part of your team of trusted voices.
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Get Your Home Ready for Spring - Essential Maintenance Tips
As spring arrives, Younger Exteriors of Golden Valley MN offers these essential tips for getting our homes spring ready while preventing costly repairs down the line.
Roof Inspection-
Winter weather can be tough on roofs, causing cracks, leaks, and other damage. It's recommended to inspect roofs for storm damage, including missing shingles or wear and tear from snow and freezing temperatures. If any issues are noticed, it's critical to address them right away. However, roof inspections should be left to the professionals.
Clean Gutters to Prevent Roof DamageLeaves, twigs, and debris can build up in gutters over the winter, leading to blockages and potential water damage. Be sure to check gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. Clogged gutters can cause water to seep into basements or foundations, leading to moisture buildup and water damage. Consider installing gutter guards to help prevent future blockages.
Check the Exterior for Signs of Siding and Roof Damage-
Inspect the home's exterior for cracks, loose siding, or peeling paint. As snow melts and rain arrives, moisture can build up and cause mold, mildew, or even structural damage. It's important to check windows, doors, and foundations for signs of damage. Addressing these issues early helps prevent further deterioration.
Service the HVAC System for EfficiencyWith warmer weather ahead, inspecting the HVAC system is a good idea. Change filters to maintain indoor air quality and ensure smooth operation.
Scheduling a bi-annual inspection helps avoid breakdowns and ensures the system can handle seasonal temperature changes.
Inspect Windows and Doors for Storm Damage-
Look for leaks or drafts that may have developed in windows and doors during winter. Replace worn weather stripping and clean the windows to remove built-up grime. Regular window maintenance can improve insulation, reduce energy costs, and prevent indoor moisture issues.
Maintain Landscaping to Prevent Storm Damage-
Spring is the ideal time to prep the yard to protect the property. Trim overgrown trees or bushes that could damage the roof during high winds and remove dead plants or debris. Taking care of the soil and improving drainage around the home prevents moisture buildup.
Check Plumbing for Leaks-
Inspect the plumbing system for leaks, clogs, or blockages that could cause water damage. Check under sinks, around toilets, and in the basement for signs of moisture. Excess water can infiltrate the property as snow melts, so watch for wet areas or cracks. Scheduling a professional inspection helps ensure the plumbing system is in top shape.
Clean Outdoor Spaces-
After a long winter, outdoor spaces may need attention. Remove clutter, sweep the deck or patio, and power wash surfaces to clear away dirt from snow and melting ice. A well-maintained yard ensures the outdoor space is ready for the season.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors-
Spring is a great time to check and replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These safety devices are critical for protecting the home, and testing them twice a year is always a good practice.
Prepare Lawn Equipment-
Get lawn equipment ready for the season by sharpening blades, changing the oil, and checking for necessary repairs. Well-maintained tools make yard upkeep more manageable and efficient.
Spring home maintenance is crucial to ensuring homes stay safe, efficient, and comfortable throughout the spring season and beyond
(Source: Younger Exteriors / Streetinsider PR)
Spring Tree Care For Winter Damaged Trees
Due to cold weather and snowstorms, many trees have been damaged with snow and ice weakening the integrity of tree branches. After such harsh winter weather, some trees become a hazard in windy spring conditions. Although there are preemptive steps that can be taken to protect trees from the winter weather, spring is the ideal time to take stock of the damage done during winter and rejuvenate weakened trees.
Spring is best time of year to prune trees because they are not yet full of leaves, and weak branches can be eliminated without damaging the overall health of the trees. Eliminate potential hazards by pruning trees and shrubs in order to remove dead, dying, diseased, or damaged limbs, and increase light and air penetration by selective thinning. By removing dead and dying branches, trees are also much less susceptible to wood-boring insects, which can cause major damage to the health of trees and shrubs. Not only are pruned treas safer, but they are also much healthier and more aesthetically pleasing.
Proper pruning is important for the health of your trees and shrubs. The Arbor Day Foundation offers a series of “Ask an Arborist” how-to videos to show you the ABCs of pruning.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the most common tree-trimming accidents are electrocution, falling from a tree, or being struck by trees or limbs. When in doubt about safely trimming trees, hire a professional arborist.
Gary Glebus Broker/Owner
1399 US Route 9 Schroon Lake, NY 12870 Listing & Selling Properties in the Adirondacks for 45 years Call 518-791-0075 (Mobile) or 518-532-7191 (Office)
FEATURED PROPERTIES OF THE MONTH!
Reduced $549,000!
Beautiful Contemporary Home within walking distance to sandy town beach on 9 mile Schroon Lake, featured is a rustic knotty pine interior with balcony overlooking the great room having a dining & living room , 1816 sq, of living area, recessed lighting, title flooring with radiant heat, instant how water on demand, granite countertops with recessed lighting in the kitchen, laundry room, covered and screened porch, fire pit, Generac for power outages, walk to General Store , post office, tennis & basketball courts, baseball diamond your grand kids will surely enjoy, short drive to state boat launch, 22’ X 50 ‘ barn for boat storage and a potential great recreational on the 2nd level. This home has a great rental history with Airbnb.
$379,000!
Pre-Civil War Brick Colonial Near Lake Champlain - 8 bedrooms or 4 Apartment’s currently, 4800 sq. ft of living area, gorgeous woodwork & staircase, commute to Vermont, launch your boat at Monitor Bay, town water & sewer, live in one Apt and let the other 3 pay your mortgage.
$360,000!
With 1 mile on Daley
state land,
on 3 sides
home sites, off grid, make a Forever Wild Campground or family compound. Big and small game hunting, town of Corinth, near Great Sacandaga Lake.
$269,000!
Schroon Lake All season cottage, detached garage with Apartment overhead , 250’ on Crane Pond Road, short drive to Pond & Hiking into Pharoh Lake Wilderness.
$279,000!
Amazing Views of Schroon Lake & the Adirondack Mts. & surrounding ponds, great hunting, borders state land on 2 sides, short drive to town beach in Adirondack, state boating launch, General Stroe, tennis & Basketball courts
Sheranda Wells
R.E. Salesperson
$279,000!
Schroon Lake-Former Hermitage Motel
12 rental Units, 8 Motel & 4 efficiency units, new plumbing-entrance doors, showers, subflooring, windows. Includes office building, home site, pool needs work, or fill in and replace with fire pit. 1 acre, lake Rights for owner, town water, 1 mile to 700’ sandy beach on Schroon Lake and to restaurants, shops & stores.
$575,000!
Schroon Lake Colonial tucked away on 5 acres near snow mobile trails, 3,812 sq, living area, exposed beams, wood flooring, Bar & Lounge area with beautiful stone fireplace, 1.5 baths, 6 bedrooms, drilled well.
$195,000!
130 Acres Outstanding Views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondack & Green mts. of Vermont. deeded road access, spring, oak trees & other hardwoods, Town of Crown Point.
$379,000!
446 Acres-Secluded Off grid, borders state land, deeded 50’ ROW from public road, views of Hadley Mt. range, short dive to Great Sacandaga Lake, 19 miles from Saratoga.
Reduced $120,000!
At the Gate of High Peaks Region Enjoy vacationing a this 2008 Hornet Keystone Camper on 5.17 acres, with electric to Camper & screen house, septic, cistern, 22 acres of common area on the Schroon River. town of North Hudson. Build yourretirement home here!
Listing & Selling Properties in the Adirondacks for 45 years
Brenda Wells Associate Broker
370 Acres
Creek, surrounded
by
many
What an idyllic lakeside setting. Your own private retreat! You must see the stately white pines that grace the waterfront. Enjoy private gated access with two entrances to this very secluded property! The surveyed 1.6 acres, has 250 feet of HRBRRD deep-water lake front! It truly is one of the most spectacular properties on the lake!
Current owner of 40 years lovingly transformed a traditional summer home into an incredible custom year-round home! Exquisitely designed for relaxing life on the lake while relishing the natural surroundings of this beautiful property. All rooms have spectacular expansive lake and mountain views.
With multiple indoor and outdoor gathering areas, there’s plenty of room for family and friends. Living space boasts four bedrooms, three baths, three replaces, (two propane, one wood burning) and a classic Adirondack room with open beams and knotty pine. The main living area features a great room accented with a propane replace, open kitchen and dining area, picture windows, and access to the lakeside decks and patio.
An elegant en-suite primary bedroom features replace, two walk-in closets, private bath and private balcony in its own wing of the house. Three additional bedrooms feature private lakeside balconies and two additional bathrooms. A separate laundry room and plenty of well-planned storage enhance this home!
The lower level has an additional room that opens to the lake. Currently used as a workshop, it could easily be more living space. Strategically placed skylights enhance the natural light inside and along the lakeside decks.
Enjoy decades of carefully planned terraced landscaping with season-long owering plants from the upper garage to the lake front retaining wall with easy access to the entire property. The dock can be easily put in and taken out. There is an attached two car garage plus a second detached two car garage with easy access storage upstairs.
Amenities include a whole house generator, whole house fan, drilled well, modern septic system, an Acorn stair lift, and more. A second outbuilding is perfect for storage or creating additional living space.
Office Email: hometownteam@rawilkesrealestate.com
Office Website: www.rawilkesrealestate.com
www.nnymls.com www.cnyrealtor.com www.realtor.com
2076 Hillside Drive, Camden $975,000 5 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 5,500 Sq. Ft.
As you drive up, you are greeted by a picturesque landscape that sets the stage for this pristine ve-bedroom, three-and-a-half bathroom home. This immaculate home is complimented by a state-of-the-art, ve-stall horse barn, and indoor horse arena, making it an equestrian’s dream come true.
Nestled on 65 scenic acres, this exquisite property o ers an unparalleled combination of luxury and pastoral charm.
Spanning the three oors of elegantly designed living space, the home boasts a gourmet kitchen with walk-in pantry. The dedicated o ce provides a perfect workspace, while the box-trimmed dining area adds a touch of sophistication to every meal. With two living areas, there is ample room for relaxation and entertainment. The basement features a cozy dinette, ideal for casual gatherings.
The indoor arena measuring an impressive 68.5’ x 136’, provides ample space for riding and training, regardless of the weather. Several other outbuildings o er additional storage and versatility, while a charming chicken coop, adds a delightful rural touch.
Practicality meets luxury with a two-stall attached garage, ensuring convenience and storage. The four-season room o ers a serene retreat with a large spa surrounded by windows and takes you to the beautiful outdoor living space and in-ground pool.
This estate truly oozes luxury both inside and out, making it a sanctuary for those who appreciate the ner things in life. It is a rare opportunity to own a property that o ers such a seamless blend of elegance and functionality, set against a backdrop of natural beauty.
Asking $349,000 • Reduced Price • Motivated Seller
Turn-Key & Profitable Seasonal Business Opportunity
Inside Scoop • 9005 State Route 365, Floyd NY
Immaculate, established ice cream parlor & mini golf course located on just under 4 acres on high visibility Route 365 in Floyd Strategically located on the popular main route to the Adirondacks, 1.5 miles from schools and 800 ft. from Dollar General. Currently run as a seasonal business. New owner could easily make this a profitable year-round business.
Natural gas, city water, low taxes. Fully equipped with everything needed to successfully operate this established, popular community gathering place.
• Black top parking lot for 25-30 cars w/ curbing
• Attached crushed stone parking lot for RVs/Trucks
• 8 x 10 outdoor storage shed
• 24 x 32 pillion w/ commercial round tables, electric & lighting
• 2 side patio w/ tables and chairs
• 24 x 32 covered patio addition w/ electric, concrete
• New 100 amp sub amp panel. Potential to enclose.
• 18 hole mini golf w/ 10 x 16 building
full electric, A/C, power, cash register, slushy machine, popcorn, huge assortment of clubs/balls.
• Beverage/ flurry station
• Assorted stainless commercial tables
• 3 bay stainless sink, sundae bar, refrigerator
• 2 C-712 Taylor ice cream machines
• Double head milkshake machine
• Pepsi fountain head machine w/ice station
• 2 Hershey 24 unit ice cream freezers
• 24 flavor ice cream machine
• New programable cash register
• POS system in tact
• Security system, 8 cameras, full DVR
• 2 lg. commercial fryers with built-in timers
• 4 foot flat top grill
• 6 foot sandwich prep table, new
• Assorted freezers and coolers
Plenty of space for extra events including band nights w/ chicken BBQ, Friday movie nights, kid’s day, classic car shows and more.
** Attention Realtors - Buyer Protected ** Owner also willing to train, if desired.
Creative Commercial Financing Available! Seller’s Financing Options. Contact us today!
Configurable:
Durable:
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