Embrace The Season
Ah July. The month we dream about on those cold February nights. The month that finds us silently cheering on the corn growing in fields lining country roads, wondering if it will reach the 'knee high by the 4th of July' goal. It's the season of warm temperatures, sunshine, longer days, and outdoor living that those of us in Central NY know not to take for granted.
July truly is one of the most cherished months in our area. It's a time for family gatherings, backyard barbeques, evenings on the deck, farmer's markets, and enjoying everything our communities have to offer. It's also one of the busiest seasons in real estate.
As buyers explore neighborhoods and sellers showcase their homes, July offers a unique opportunity to envision what life could look like in a new home. It's a welcome reminder that a home is more than just a place to live - it's where life's best moments happen.
Whether you're searching for your first home, upsizing, downsizing, investing, or looking to make home improvements, we're thankful you're making LifeandHomes a part of the process. Leaf through this issue and kick start the summer celebration by contacting one of the reputable experts highlighted in this issue. The perfect place to call home may be closer than you think.
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Regulations Add $131,734 to New Home Prices
A new study by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) finds that regulations at the federal, state and local levels add $131,734 to the cost of a new single-family home—26.4% of the average sales price of $499,500 as of January 2026.
Breaking down the total regulatory costs further, the study revealed that $84,939 of the final house price is the result of costs incurred by the builder due to regulation during the construction phase of the home while $46,795 is attributable to regulation during land development.
"This study illustrates how excessive regulation is deepening the nation’s housing affordability crisis and making it harder for builders to deliver the affordable, attainable housing that our nation sorely needs,” said NAHB Chairman Bill Owens, a home builder and remodeler from Worthington, Ohio. “Policymakers should remove unnecessary and costly regulations that are pricing buyers out of the market and slowing construction of new homes and apartments."
Although the share of regulation in the land development phase fell from 10.5% in 2021 to 9.4% in 2026, the construction phase increased by nearly four percentage points, rising from 13.3% to 17.0%, largely because of higher building permit fees and changes to building codes over the past decade. Based on U.S. Census home price data, regulatory costs for the average new home increased from $93,870 in 2021 to $131,734 in 2026—an increase of more than 40% in about five years.
Over the same period, U.S. disposable income rose just 18.3%, meaning that regulatory costs are increasing more than twice as fast as consumers’ ability to pay. (PR nahb.org)
Is a Vacation Property Right for You?
For many Central New Yorkers, owning a vacation property is a dream that offers more than just a getaway—it provides a place to create lasting memories with family and friends.
Whether it's a lakefront cottage, an Adirondack camp, or a seasonal retreat tucked away in the woods, a second home can become your favorite destination year after year.
Before making the investment, consider how often you'll use the property and what type of experience you're looking for. Some buyers want a quiet escape from everyday life, while others are interested in generating rental income when they're not using the home. Understanding your goals can help determine which property best fits your needs.
It's also important to evaluate the ongoing costs of ownership, including maintenance, utilities, insurance, and property taxes. A vacation property should enhance your lifestyle without creating unexpected financial stress.
The good news is that Central New York offers a wide variety of recreational properties at price points that are often more affordable than many other vacation destinations. From waterfront homes to cozy cabins, there are opportunities for buyers seeking a weekend retreat or a longterm family investment.
If you've been considering a vacation property, now may be the perfect time to explore your options and discover a place where lifelong memories can begin. (Wisdom Words)
Why A Home Inspection Matters In Central NY
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial investments most people will ever make - and a professional home inspection is a critical step in protecting that investment.
Homes in this region often face unique challenges due to long winters, freeze-thaw cycles, and aging housing stock. These conditions can lead to hidden issues that aren't always obvious during a showing, such as foundation cracks, roof wear, plumbing leaks, or outdated electrical systems. A home inspection can help uncover these concerns before they become surprises after closing.
A licensed inspector provides a detailed, unbiased evaluation of a home's major systems. The goal isn't to pass or fail a home, but to clearly show its current condition so buyers can make informed decisions.
For buyers, an inspection can provide leverage in negotiations - whether that means requesting repairs, asking for credits, or adjusting the purchase price. For sellers, it can help identify issues early and prevent delays once the house is under contract.
A home inspection offers peace of mind and ensures the home you're buying is not just the right price but the right choice for your future.
Fred Macchia, CCIM
Commercial Consultant
hen seeking commercial-investment real estate counseling, the person to turn to is the Certified Commercial Investment Member. This professional will help you achieve your investment or commercial real estate goals. CCIMs bring a full-time commitment to the field of commercial-investment real estate.
They recognize the value of working closely with the client’s entire team of professional advisors. As a specialist, a Certified Commercial Investment Member is fully trained and properly qualified to work with attorneys, accountants, developers, bankers, appraisers, and architects. With the CCIM, these professionals will assist in meeting the client’s real estate investment goals.
This property consists of 21 buildings with 258 single storage units. Good opportunity, good investment, two separate locations.
COMMERCIAL STORAGE UNITS : 5667 New London Rd - 7884 Tannery Rd, Rome
Executive Ranch featuring 4 bedrooms, large eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, and family room with a fireplace. Located on a private cul-de-sac.
1005 Birchwood Circle, Rome
Stars, Stripes & New Beginnings
spring runs through the land, near snowmobile trails, excellent for hunting.
Acres W/ Creek Frontage 156 Coleman Rd, Cold Brook $379,900 This 3 bed, 1.5 bathroom energy efficient residence offers an open floor plan. Lennox mini split system, Generac propane backup generator, new septic system. Set on a private 1.6-acre lot, w/ over 200 ft of frontage on West Canada Creek & borders state land.
Waterfront Retreat on Hinckley
0 NYS 365, Remsen $500,000
dream home on this
41.1 acres parcel, cleared, ready-tobuild w/ power at the road frontage, and the opportunity to acquire even more acreage. 2300 feet of picturesque stream frontage along Canada Creek.
Beautiful waterfront home on Hinckley Reservoir. This spacious 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home sits on 0.6 acres, offering comfortable living in a private and peaceful setting with over 100 feet of road & waterfront frontage.
St Rt 8, Ohio NY $279,000 139 acres of Adk Park wilderness offering a rare combination of privacy, natural beauty, & recreational opp. Diverse landscape of hard & softwood timber, wetlands, old growth areas, & open former farm fields. Incl. road frontage w/ power available at the road.
00 St Rt 8, Ohio NY $285,000 142 acres featuring mostly flat overgrown former farm fields. Property offers a diverse mix of Northern hard & softwoods, harvested approx. 20 ysr ago & would benefit from additional growth time before significant timber value could be realized.
Deer
Nestled
the
&
Rd,
banks
the
this charming 3-bdrm, 1-bath double wide manufactured home offers a peaceful retreat. In both streams, there are trout fishing at its best and big game and small hunting close by. Waterfront Living
1 BR Cottage
5753
of
This cozy 1 bdrm cottage is located on a seasonal rd that doubles as ATV & snowmobile trails. A year-round brook runs behind the property, offering a convenient water source. The cabin is wired for power & currently uses a generator.
Brand New Cabin - Waterfront!
139 Acres of ADK Wilderness
Hollow
Forestport $369,000
on
serene
at
junction
Woodhull Creek
Bear Creek,
142 Acres
Van Arnam Rd, Greig $149,900
2 Units
Gary Glebus Broker/Owner
Sheranda
