October Opportunities
While October in the northeast isn't uniformly considered a peak month for real estate, it can be a good month, depending on whether you're buying or selling, and where you are. As in any market, there are some seasonal and market factors to take into consideration.
For buyers, fall typically ushers in lower prices compared to spring and summer. Historically speaking, the premium buyers pay above market value tends to drop in October versus peak months, like May. Generally, there is more inventory relative to the busy spring/summer months and less competition, which can mean fewer competing offers. You may find you have more of an opportunity to exercise your negotiating muscles.
For sellers, buyers tend to be more serious in the fall, especially those who want to make a move and be settled in before the upcoming holidays. With less competition from other sellers, if your home is well-priced and in good shape, it has more of a chance to stand out.
In actuality, whether this month will be good for you as a buyer or seller will also depend on some key local conditions beyond your control: i.e., how many homes are on the market, current mortgage interest rates, and how fast local homes are selling.
All said, October in our area is ideal for more than leaf peeping. It's a great time to begin your buying or selling adventure by looking through this issue of LifeandHomes to find an experienced agent to help you with all your real estate needs.
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Shield Your Home's Exterior
As autumn arrives here in the Northeast, homeowners should take time to prepare their home's exterior for colder months. Seasonal maintenance now can prevent costly repairs later and ensure your property weather the winter well.
Start by cleaning your gutters and downspouts. Falling leaves and debris can clog drain systems, leading to ice dams and water damage when snow arrives. While you're up there, inspect the roof for loose or damaged shingles and flashing.
Next, check the siding and foundation for signs of cracks or wear. Seal any gaps to keep out cold air, moisture, and pests. Trim trees and shrubs away from the house to reduce the risk of branches breaking under the snow and ice and damaging the structure.
Inspect exterior doors and windows. Replace worn weatherstripping and caulk gaps to improve insulation and energy efficiency. If you have storm windows, install them before the temperature drops.
Power wash walkways, decks, and siding to remove mold and mildew. Re-stain or seal wood surfaces if needed to protect against harsh weather. Drain and store hoses, and shut off outdoor faucets to prevent freezing pipes.
Lastly, prepare outdoor lighting and motion sensors for longer nights, and stock up on deicer and snow removal tools before the first storm hits.
Taking these steps in fall will help protect your investment and keep your home safe and efficient through the winter.
Autumn Lawn & Garden Prep
•Mow one last time - but not too shortKeep grass around 2.5 - 3 inches to prevent disease and allow proper insulation.
• Aerate the Lawn - Aeration helps relieve soil compaction and allows nutrients, water and oxygen to reach the roots.
• Fertilize in Late Fall - Mid October / Early November - Use a slow release, high nitrogen fertilizer to help strengthen roots for winter and boost spring growth.
• Overseed Bare Patches - Fall is the best time to overseed in the Northeast. Cool nights and warm soil helps seeds establish before frost.
• Rake Leaves Regulary - Leaving thick layers of leaves can smother your lawn and cause mold and rot. Consider mulching some leaves to enrich the soil.
• Cut Back Perennials - Trim dead of dying stems and foliage to reduce pests and disease.
• Protect Young Trees & Shrubs - Wrap with burlap or tree guards to protect from deer, frost, and windburn.
Scam Alerts
Here are some ot the top real estate-related scams to watch out for, whether you're buying, selling, or renting property:
Rental Scams
How it works: Scammers post fake rental listings using real photos stollen from legitimate sites. They ask for deposits or rent upfront - often pressuring victims to act quickly, then disappear.
Red flags:
• Prices that seem too good to be true
• Requests for money before seeing the property
• The landlord is out of town or unreachable
Wire Fraud During Closings
How is works: Hackers gain access to email threads between buyers and real estate companies or title companies. They send fake wiring instructions to steal down payments or closing funds.
Red Flags:
• Last-minute changes to wiring instructions.
• Urgency or secrecy around the transfer.
• Email address slightly different from a known contact.
Foreclosure Relief Scams
How it works: Fraudsters target distressed homeowners, promising to stop foreclosures or modify loans for upfront fees - then do nothing.
Red Flags:
• Guarantees of success.
• Demands for payment up front.
• Instructions to stop contacting your lender.
Title/Deed Fraud
How it works: Scammers forge documents to transfer property ownership, often targeting vacant or rental homes.
Red Flags:
• Unexpected changes in property records.
• Missing property tax bills or mail.
• Alerts from the county recorder's office.
Fake Real Estate Agents or Listings
How it works: Individuals pose as licensed agents or use fake listings to trick buyers/renters info paying deposits.
Red Flags:
• Lack of license verification.
• Poor communication or no physical office.
• Pressure to send money quickly.
How To Protect Yourself:
•Verify identities and licenses of agents or landlords.
•Never wire money without verifying details in person or by phone.
•Use official, secure platforms for communication and payments.
•Monitor property records if you own real estate.
Save Your Money!
“The lottery is a tax on poor people and on people who can’t do math. Rich people and smart people would be in the line if the lottery were a real wealth-building tool, but the truth is that the lottery is a rip-off instituted by our government. This is not a moral position; it is a mathematical, statistical fact.
Studies show that the zip codes that spend four times what anyone else does on lottery tickets are those in lower-income parts of town. The lottery, or gambling of any kind, offers false hope, not a ticket out.” - Dave Ramsey, The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness.
Home
Whether you’re buying a cozy cabin by the lake or selling your mountain-view property, I bring unmatched local knowledge and professional expertise to the table.
As a specialist in Southern Adirondack real estate and a local resident, I’m here to ensure you get the best possible deal - every time. From negotiating to closing, I handle the details so you can focus on what matters next - your next chapter.
• Personalized Service • Market Insight
• Trusted Results
Want to own a piece of paradise? Well, now is your chance!
This spectacular log home is situated on 176 acres of pure serenity. The spacious first floor was constructed for comfort, equipped with a large living area and a beautiful wood-burning fireplace.
Snuggle up on the couch with a beverage of your choice or walk outside and take a dip in the in-ground pool or soak in the steaming hot tub around the back.
Travel upstairs and you’ll find an updated kitchen with all the appliances and two bedrooms, each with its own private full bath.
The beautiful wraparound deck offers breathtaking views of the valley and the West Canada Creek. There are two additional outbuildings - a 2560 +/- SQF pole barn and a 3900 +/- SQF 2-story barn. Included is an income-producing 1 Bedroom/1 Bath apartment that’s currently rented for $750/month.
The acreage offers a tremendous opportunity for generating income from logging, timber harvesting, hunting, and horse riding, or simply enjoying the serenity of the land. Located in a country setting, yet you are minutes from all major amenities.
The tranquil setting makes this property the PERFECT place to relax or entertain! 3391 State Route 28, Herkimer $685,000
This home offers over 3,700 square feet of refined living space in the highly sought-after Deer Run neighborhood. Perfectly situated on 5-plus picturesque acres, this residence combines elegance, comfort, and endless amenities for today’s lifestyle.
Step inside and you’ll find 5 spacious bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, providing room for everyone. The heart of the home features a chef-inspired kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. With an abundance of cabinetry space, this kitchen makes everyday meal preparations or large gatherings a breeze. The kitchen flows seamlessly into formal and casual living areas along with the dining room, ideal for both entertaining and everyday living.
Upstairs, the luxurious primary invites you to relax and unwind under the cathedral ceilings, complete with a spacious walk-in closet and a spa-like bath. Three additional
bedrooms and a full bath offer flexibility for family and guests alike. Downstairs, take advantage of the versatility that the fully finished basement with walk-out can provide you. Enjoy the luxury of the game room, home gym, and multiple gathering spaces designed for relaxation and fun. Each room is filled with natural light and designed with attention to detail, offering both style and function.
Step outside to your private retreat – over 5 acres of manicured grounds and wooded beauty, perfect for outdoor enjoyment, gatherings, or quiet evenings surrounded by nature. Located within the award-winning Whitesboro School District, this home offers the rare combination of privacy, luxury, and convenience in one of the area’s most exclusive neighborhoods.
Don’t miss the opportunity to make this extraordinary property your forever home.
$724,900
$1,299,000
Diamond Hill is a unique property of 240+/- acres, eleven parcels of beauty & countless opportunities for several combinations of lifestyle! Rolling landscapes, breathtaking creeks traverse through abundant acreage of woodlots that have not been logged in 40 yrs. Experience the beauty of clear ponds and breathtaking waterfalls. This property includes an Equine center w/ paddocks, horse stable & arena all at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains.
An incredible residential estate, tucked away on 18.5 acres within the property, includes a regulation-size tennis court, two-stall garage w/porch, guest house, tree house, multiple structures & ponds. This 1938 home boasts 4,692 sq ft of living space with 8 bedrooms and full plus half bath. Charm remains but notable updates include: all new Pella windows, freshly painted exterior, and two new propane furnaces. This is an amazing property to enjoy privately or as an entrepreneurial project such as: Equine center, Boutique Inn, Event Venue, Corporate Retreat Investment, B & B.
Accessible to all points from NYS Thruway as well as scenic State Routes. Within 30-90 minutes: hospitals, colleges, museums, Saratoga, gaming & racing facilities, Turning Stone Casino. Come live a life less ordinary in your very own expansive country retreat or use this as an income opportunity. Call Michelle for your private tour: (C) 315-794-3260
