Opening Doors
Welcome to this issue of LifeandHomes, your trusted local guide to the places we live, invest, and enjoy calling home. Whether you’re a firsttime buyer, a seasoned investor, or simply someone who enjoys exploring beautiful spaces, we’re glad you’re here.
Inside this issue, you’ll find local residential, commercial, land, and investment listings along with contact information for business professionals ready to help you make informed decisions.
We sincerely appreciate you, our readers, and the advertisers who make this publication possible. They represent a network of professionals— agents, builders, lenders, designers, and service providers—who are committed to helping you navigate every step of your real estate journey. We encourage you to connect with them, ask questions, and explore how their expertise can support your personal goals.
We hope the information in this issue sparks ideas, answers questions, and opens doors for you on your real estate journey.
Page 15
Staging Tips To Help You Sell
Effective home staging can make a significant difference in how quickly a property sells—and at what price. In today’s competitive market, creating a clean, inviting, and neutral space allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in the home.
Start by decluttering every room. Remove excess furniture, personal photos, and items that distract from the home’s features. Less truly is more; open, airy spaces feel larger and more appealing. Deep cleaning is equally essential—sparkling kitchens, fresh-smelling rooms, and spotless bathrooms leave a strong impression.
Next, focus on light and color. Open curtains to maximize natural light and replace heavy drapes with lighter options. Neutral paint tones, such as soft grays or warm whites, help create a modern, move-in-ready feel that appeals to a wide range of buyers.
Furniture placement also plays a key role. Arrange pieces to highlight flow and function, ensuring each room has a clear purpose. Adding subtle touches—like fresh flowers, simple artwork, or coordinated throw pillows—can enhance warmth without overwhelming the space.
Don’t overlook curb appeal. First impressions begin outside, so keep lawns trimmed, entryways clean, and consider adding potted plants near the front door.
Finally, address minor repairs. Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or chipped paint. These small details signal that the home has been well-maintained.
Thoughtful staging helps buyers connect emotionally with a property—often leading to faster offers and stronger results.
(Protips)
Downsizing Trend Hits CNY
Central New Yorkers are increasingly choosing to downsize - ad not just for financial reasons. Across our local communities, homeowners reveal they are rethinking how much space they truly need.
Rising property taxes, utility costs, and maintenance demands are prompting many - especially empty nesters - to trade larger, older homes for smaller, more efficient living spaces. Downsizing can free up equity, reduce monthly payments, and simplify daily life. For some, that may also mean moving closer to walkable neighborhoods, healthcare, and family.
Lifestyle shifts are another key factor. Today's buyers are prioritizing convenience and flexibility over square footage. Single-floor living, newer construction, and lowmaintenance properties are in high demand. The long winters of Central New York also make smaller homes more appealing as they are easier to heat and maintain.
Most importantly, downsizing doesn't mean compromising. Many homeowners are finding that a well-designed, smaller home can offer the same comfort with less stress. In a changing market, the move toward simpler living reflects both practical realities and a broader shift in how people define home.
Hidden Cost of Historic Homes
Historic Homes offer a seductive promise: ornate woodwork, wraparound porches, and prices that seem almost too good to be true. In cities like Utica, Rome, and the valley, it's not unusual to find century-old houses listed well below the national average. However, affordability on paper often masks a more complicated reality.
Historic homes are inexpensive for a reason. Aging infrastructure, including outdated wiring, inefficient heating systems, and structural wear, can quickly turn that bargain into a financial strain. In a region known for long, harsh winters, poor insulation alone can drive up utility costs far beyond expectations. What begins as a $150,000 investment may quietly evolve into a far more expensive long-term commitment.
Still, to dismiss these homes outright would be a tragic mistake. They represent a level of craftsmanship and character rarely found in modern construction. For buyers with the resources and patience to invest, historic homes can be both livable and meaningful.
CNY is one of the cheapest places in NY to buy historic homes. The real question isn't whether these homes are cheap - it's whether buyers are prepared for what "cheap" truly entails. Smart buyers shouldn't ask, "What does it cost?" They should ask, "What will it cost me over 10 years?"
(Wisdom Words)
Nestled on 6.44 acres of natural beauty, this captivating property promises tranquility and unparalleled privacy. Picture yourself surrounded by mature hardwoods, a stone fence bordering your road frontage, and the peace of a secluded seasonal road. Enjoy access to ATV and snowmobile trails, plus abundant wildlife and apple trees. Don’t miss your chance to own this exceptional piece of wilderness paradise. Possible Owner Financing. Broker-owned. Lynch
This 7.89-acre wooded lot is your gateway to adventure. Directly on the ATV trail system with snowmobile trails nearby, explore the scenic valley views and abundant wildlife. Perfect for hunting white-tailed deer and other game. Located in West Canada Valley School District and just a short distance from the Adirondack Park.. Potential pond site adds to the allure! Owner financing is possible.
156 Coleman Road, Coldbrook • $379,900
This 3 bed, 1.5 bathroom residence offers an open floor plan w/ Lennox mini split system for dependable heating and cooling & Generac propane backup generator. Above the floodplain. The primary bedroom is on the 2nd floor with a half bath, while a full bath is conveniently located on the 1st floor. Laundry hookups on 2nd level. Tongue & groove knotty pine ceilings & walls. A new septic system & energy-efficient construction add long-term value. The home also features both front & back covered porches. Set on a private 1.6-acre lot, this property offers over 200 feet of frontage on West Canada Creek & borders state land for added privacy. Located directly on a snowmobile trail, it’s a dream setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy easy access to renowned fly fishing on West Canada Creek.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to rent-to-own a beautiful waterfront home on Hinckley Reservoir! This spacious property offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and sits on 0.6 acres, providing plenty of room for comfortable living. Enjoy breathtaking water views, peace, and privacy in this secluded setting, complete with gated entrance. With over 100 feet of road and waterfrontage, you’ll have direct access to boating, fishing, and all your favorite water activities from your own private road. Opportunities like this don’t come around often. Contact us today for more details.
Remsen • $534,900
Rd, Newport • $32,500
Rd, Newport • $32,500
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.
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
Two-story, 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, eatin kitchen, formal dining room, living room,garage.
Elm Street, Rome
Featured Cover Listing
309 Deep Springs Dr, Sullivan
$649,900
5 Bedrooms | 3 Full Baths | Acres: 5.03 | 2,944 Sq. Ft. A peaceful, retreat-like setting awaits!
Tucked away on 5 scenic acres in the Chittenango School District, this beautifully updated Colonial offers a rare combination of privacy, modern upgrades, and functional living space. Set far from the road & surrounded by mature trees, the property delivers the convenience of a well-designed home for everyday living.
Inside, a dramatic two-story foyer creates an inviting first impression, complemented by durable ceramic tile flooring that carries throughout the main level. A light-filled flex room just off the entry provides the perfect space for a home office, den, or study.
The kitchen has been thoughtfully redesigned with both style & usability in mind. Featuring quartz countertops, classic shaker cabinetry, updated appliances, & a large center island, it flows effortlessly into the main living areas—making it ideal for entertaining or casual gatherings. Just beyond, the vaulted three-season Florida room offers a bright, relaxing space to enjoy views of the property from spring through fall.
The first floor also includes a full bathroom, laundry area, & a 5th bedroom - offering flexibility for guests, extended family, or private workspace needs. Upstairs, the primary suite is generously sized & designed for comfort, featuring two walk-in closets & a fully renovated en-suite bath complete with a soaking tub, glass-enclosed shower, & double vanity. Three additional bedrooms & a second full bath provide ample accommodations.
The full basement includes a dedicated workshop & offers excellent potential for additional finished space. Outside, the home continues to impress with a rear patio, deck, & fully fenced yard—perfect for entertaining, pets, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Established gardens, fruit trees, & natural surroundings enhance the property’s charm.
- Donovan Gray - Lic. R.E. Salesperson
