We Love Local
In a competitive housing market, local real estate expertise gives buyers and sellers a significant advantage. A trusted local agent offers more than property listings - they provide knowledge of neighborhood trends, school districts, future developments, and community dynamics. This helps buyers find homes that fit their lifestyle and allows sellers to market effectively to the right audience.
Local agents' insight into pricing and buyer demand ensures homes are accurately valued and attract serious interest, leading to faster, more confident transactions.
Another key benefit is access to a strong professional network. Experienced agents have longstanding relationships with inspectors, contractors, appraisers, and other local experts, helping streamline the process and reduce delays. Their advice is based on living and working in the area, not just data. In our opinion, that's priceless.
Beyond transactions, a strong local agent helps strengthen neighborhoods. When matching buyers with the right homes, they contribute to community stability and satisfaction. Ultimately, great local agents do more than close deals. They can help you make informed decisions.
At LifeandHomes, we're blessed to help highlight the best local agents and businesses. We encourage you to help strengthen our communities by supporting our awesome local professionals and businesses.
Does Your Dog Bite?
U.S. insurers paid out $1.57 billion in dog-related injury claims in 2024, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) and State Farm.
In addition to the potential for physical or emotional harm, dog bites can be financially costly. Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communications at Triple-I, reported the average cost per claim increased from $58,545 in 2023 to $69,272 in 2024.
“Almost all dog bites are preventable and prevention begins with education,” said Dr. Sandra Faeh, president of the AVMA. Dogs can bite for many reasons, including improper care or a lack of socialization. All dogs, even welltrained, gentle dogs, are capable of biting when provoked, especially when eating, sleeping or caring for puppies. Therefore, it’s vitally important to keep both children and dogs safe by preventing dog bites wherever possible. The National Dog Bite Prevention Week Coalition provides the following tips:
Don’t ever leave children unsupervised- With dogs, even family pets. More than 50% of all dog-related injuries are to children, and for kids that are under 4 years of age, often those bites are to the head and neck region.
Make sure your pet is healthy- Not all illnesses and injuries are obvious, and dogs are more likely to bite if they are sick or in pain. If you haven’t been to the veterinarian in a while, schedule an appointment for a checkup to discuss your dog’s physical and behavioral health.
Socialization - Take it slow. If your dog has been mainly interacting with your family since you brought them home, don’t rush out into crowded areas or dog parks. Try to expose your dogs to new situations slowly and for short periods of time, arrange for low-stress interactions, and give plenty of praise and rewards for good behavior.
Educate yourself- In positive training techniques and devote time to interact with your dog.
Be responsible- About approaching other people’s pets. Ask permission from the owner before approaching a dog and look for signs that the dog wants to interact with you. Sometimes dogs want to be left alone, and we need to recognize and respect that.
Make sure- That you always walk your dog on a leash and recognize changes in your dog’s body language where they may not be comfortable. Always monitor your dog’s activity, even when they are in the backyard at your own house, because they can be startled by something, get out of the yard and possibly injure someone or be injured themselves.
“We can help prevent dog bites by understanding what dogs need in order to thrive,” said Victoria Stilwell, celebrity dog trainer and behavior expert. “Having a basic understanding of dog body language and teaching dogs how to cope and live successfully in a human world can help dogs and humans communicate more effectively with each other. This is best done using positive training methods that center on building a dog’s confidence while avoiding methods and equipment that cause pain or intimidate dogs into complying. How you teach a dog really does does matter.” iii.org/press-release
How CostsBuilding Affect Your home Insurance
Insurance companies calculate what it cost to rebuild your home at today’s prices to figure out how much insurance you need. When building material prices go up, it costs more to rebuild your home.
Why is my insured value different than my appraisal? Your property’s appraised value includes the cost of your land and factors in how much homes are selling for in your neighborhood.
The insured value is the cost to rebuild or replace your home.
Do I have to increase my policy limits? Some insurance companies require you to insure at least 80% of the cost to rebuild your home. If you have a home loan, your mortgage company will probably require you to have enough insurance to pay off your loan in case of a disaster.
If you have the option to insure your property for a lower value, think about how you’d pay the difference if your home was destroyed or damaged. Most insurers will pay claim payments based on the amount of coverage you have.
For example, if the cost to rebuild your home is $200,000, but you only insured it up to $120,000 (60% of the replacement cost) then your insurance company might only pay up to 60% of the repair cost, minus your deductible.
How can I lower my costs? You could consider increasing your deductible. This will lower your premium payment. When deciding what deductible is right for you, think about how much you can afford to pay if your property is damaged. tdi.texas.gov Equal Housing Lender.
And Now You Know
Your garbage disposal plays an important role in your kitchen but it isn't a catchall. Many foods can damage a garbage disposal and clog your drains so be especially mindful when preparing food for summer parties and cookouts. Avoid putting artichokes, asparagus, avocado pits, bones, carrots, celery, corn husks, egg shells, grease, lettuce, onion skins, and potato peels in your disposal. In addition, pasta, rice, and other foods that expand with water can quickly clog a home’s pipes. Don’t use hot water when grinding food waste, advise the experts. Instead, turn the water on to drain the disposal in between grinding periods. And here's one for you die-hard coffee lovers. Coffee grounds should never be put into your disposal. While they appear to process, they actually tend to pile up and cause a sedimentlike mess in your drain. -And now you know.
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.
Burlington | $99,900 6504 State Highway 51- Charming 2BR, 1 Bath Ranch w/ rural setting! Ideal for year-round living, a weekend retreat, or a investment. Creek @ edge of property. 16×38 barn. Nicole Bartolomie-Nucci* 315-941-7001
Russia | $450,000 102 Russia Road - Stunning Circa 1805 Graveshollow Farm”— A Masterful Blend of Historic Elegance. Michele Martinez* 315-982-1918 New Hartford | $499,900
Verona | $260,000
5903 Reber Road - Attractive 3BR, 1.5Bath Ranch o ers Kitchen w/ breakfast bar & Dutch oven. 1st r Laundry. 1.5 Acres. VVS Schools. Many updates: Roof, Windows, etc!
Michele M. Martinez * 315-982-1918
Russia | $599,000 331 Pardee Road - Adirondacks Year-round waterfront 3/4BR, 2Bath home on Lake Gay! 2005
Custom-built secluded, peaceful haven, surrounded by nature w/ beautiful views.
Debra C. Roberts ** 315-796-2830
Westmoreland | $499,000
6126 Lowell Road - Spacious 5BR, 3 Bath Home in Westmoreland on 1 Acre! O ers in-law apartment w/ own driveway/entry. Two-stall garage w/ electric, storage, & workshop. Michele M. Martinez * 315-982-1918
Utica | $149,000 949 Hazelhurst Avenue - Cozy well cared for 2BR, 1 Bath home in South Utica! Nice hdwd rs, newer vinyl windows, newer porch, 1.5 stall detached garage. Large backyard. Merima Smajic** 315-272-3730
Utica | $160,000 410 Utica Road - Much loved 3 BR, 1 bath Bungalow in North Utica. Double lot.1st oor laundry. Detached garage.
Jodie DeCosty ** 315-723-8554
LifeandHomes Howard Hanna
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.
$749,900
Breathtaking fireplaced living room, stunning formal dining room, stunning veranda, white chef’s kitchen with breakfast area, powder room, main level primary suite, second level with four additional bedrooms, and two full baths. Sprawling distinctive estate home with 3900 +/- square feet. Five bedrooms, 3.5 baths.
the ultimate escape into sustainable living. Located in the West Canada Valley School District. Embrace o -grid tranquility with solar power, a solar battery system, propane heating, and a backup generator. The solar system is meticulously maintained. Inside, a warm, all-wood interior welcomes you with a cozy downstairs bedroom and an inviting loft bedroom upstairs. Enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable dining area, and relaxing living room. Outside, a storage shed (with riding lawn mower included!), detached garage with workshop. Relax on the back deck, enjoy the picnic area, and explore nearby Black Creek State Forest and ATV/snowmobile trails. Complete with a private well, septic system, signal booster, Wi-Fi availability, and a wealth of extras, this surveyed property on a maintained road o ers unparalleled access to the beauty of the Adirondack Park. Don’t miss your chance to own this unique slice of paradise!
Escape to the Country: Your Dream Property Awaits! Imagine building your dream home on this stunning 41-acre parcel, nestled on a quiet country road just west of Rome, NY. This prime location o ers the perfect blend of rural tranquility and convenient access to amenities. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside while being just 5 minutes from the City of Rome and within the desirable Rome School District. Adventure awaits with Sylvan Beach and Oneida Lake only 15 minutes away! This cleared, readyto-build lot boasts power at the road frontage and the opportunity to acquire even more acreage. Trout shing enthusiasts will be thrilled by the 2300 feet of picturesque stream frontage along Canada Creek. Whether you envision a recreational haven for RVs and cabins or a secluded getaway, this property delivers. Discover a diverse landscape featuring tillable acreage, woods, level elds, and wetlands, all accessible via a farm road traversing the entire property. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to own a piece of paradise! More acreage is available.
Lynch Road, Newport • $75,500
Breathtaking valley views stretch across a perfect blend of woods and hay elds on this gorgeous lot. Partially tillable and teeming with wildlife, it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Explore established ATV trails, enjoy easy access to nearby snowmobile trails, and revel in the abundant big and small game hunting opportunities. Just a short distance from the Adirondack Park. The land boasts a beautiful mix of hardwoods, including cherry, birch, maple, and ash. While the road is seasonal and power is currently unavailable, imagine building your dream cabin or hunting retreat amidst this picturesque landscape! Potential pond site adds to the allure! Just a short distance from the Adirondack Park. Don’t miss your chance to own this slice of heaven. This land o ers the ultimate escape. Broker-owned.
8083 Link Road, #3 • Rome $159,900
BUILD, FISH, EXPLORE - 41 ACRES WITH CREEK FRONTAGE NEAR ROME!
STUNNING 20.32 ACRES WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS!
Home in
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
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Creative Commercial Financing
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Buy & Sell With Ease
MLS DIRECTORY
Gina Hartman
Licensed R.E. Salesperson 315-717-5249 ginahartman55@yahoo.com
Bruce Ward & Co, Inc.
Amy Abdoo
Lic. R. E. Broker
315-794-2653
BLON316@AOL.com
Dominion Homes Real Estate Brokerage
Pamela Allen
Lic. R.E. Salesperson
315-717-7530
pfallen0314@gmail.com
Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
Clyde Diedrich
Lic. R.E. Broker
315-868-4339
rcentur3@twcny.rr.com
Diedrich Associates Valley Realty
David Drapalski
Lic. R.E. Assoc Broker 315-868-3233
superdd527@aol.com
Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
Janet L. Giacovelli
Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-404-7108
janetgiacovelli@howardhanna.com
Howard Hanna Utica/New Hartford
Azza Giorgi
Lic. Assoc. RE Broker 315- 534-2709 azzagiorgi@gmail.com
Howard Hanna CNY IncUtica/New Hartford Office, NY
Patricia Kelly
Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-717-2421 bward@brucewardusa.com
Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
Thomas F. Koehler
Lic. R. E. Broker/Modular Home Dealer 315-891-3254
Koehler RE/ New Homes Modular
Fred Macchia
Lic. R. E. Broker 315-292-0373 fmccim@hotmail.com 1st Rome Realty
Bill Macri
Lic. Associate R. E. Broker 315-360-1920
bill.joemacrirealty@gmail.com
Joe Macri Realty
John Macri
Lic. R. E. Salesperson 315-866-2521 jmacri40@yahoo.com
Joe Macri Realty
Monica Munford
Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-822-6666
pmumford@twcny.rr.com
Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
Robert Paul Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-717-3527
rpaul07@yahoo.com
Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
Paul Sacco Lic. RE Salesperson (315) 525-1377
paulsacco1013@gmail.com
Howard Hanna Utica/ New Hartford
Joel Siegfried Lic. R. E. Broker 315-796-2258
joelsiegfried@gmail.com SBG, Inc.
Carol Spisak
Lic. R.E. Salesperson 315-269-6933
carol1320@aol.com
Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
Michelle Gorea Thompson
Lic. R. E. Salesperson 315-794-3260
saratogaunion@aol.com Coldwell Banker Faith Properties - John Brown Tream
K Bruce Ward Lic. R.E. Broker 315-796-4425
bward@brucewardusa.com
Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
James F Woodrick
Lic. Associate R. E. Broker 315-866-0258 jwoodric@twcny.rr.com
Bruce Ward & Company, Inc.
Antiques/Estates
THE POTTING SHED ANTIQUES
315-736-5214
LifeandHomes Product & Service Directory
Flooring
Estate & house sales, appraisals, coins, vintage jewelry, antiques, glass, china, furniture, Americana, art, lighting and more. thepottingshedantiques.com
Cabinets
CABINET AMERICA
315-733-6261
Kitchen cabinets and Stone countertops. Exceptional quality and great prices. Fast estimates. Over 50 years experience. By appointment only. cabinetamerica.net
Farm & Garden
BENSON'S FARM AND GARDEN
315-520-8395
Member Since 12/21
located in Whitesboro, NY has been a family run greenhouse since 1977. We serve the Utica-Rome area offering a wide selection of annuals, vegetables, perennials, and hanging baskets as well as everything you need to build and maintain your pond.
Garage Doors
NORTHERN GARAGE DOOR SERVICES COMPANY, INC.
315-831-8624 or C: 315-368-7712
Garage door Installation, Repair, Service Professional, Dependable, Courteous Service. Joe Griswold, Owner
Home Inspection
ADVANCED HOME INSPECTION SERVICE, LLC
315-792-9029
Member Since 04/13
27 years experience. NYS Licensed/Certified Inspector. NEHA/NRPP Certified Radon Inspector. Electronic Inspection Report Emailed Same Day. www.advancedhomeis.com
315-795-4900 Insurance
PROTECT NY INSURANCE AGENCY
Homeowners, Automobile, Business, Landlord Insurance. Jordan Roorda, Principal Agent. www.ProtectNY.com
315-865-5845
Serving the Oneida, Herkimer & Madison counties, we have a simplified and centralized database of area listings to help you promote your new listings and buyer needs to cooperating agents and brokers, plus off-market, solds and historic info.
Painting
URBANIK’S PAINT CO.
315-724-5129
315-336-0400
Member Since 07/15
Largest selection of paint and wallcovering in Central NY. Rentals: floor sanders, polishers, airless sprayers, power washers, edgers. 1420 Oriskany St. Utica
