Upstate Real Estate & Home Services- December 2018

Real Estate UPSTATE

& HOME SERVICES

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BUSINESS OF THE MONTH

BIERITZ INSURANCE 209 Main Street, Cooperstown 607-547-2952 607-263-5170 Morris bieritzinsurance.com

How to choose a stand mixer Page 8

Holiday recipes you’ll love Page 10 VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 12 | DECEMBER 2018

Top tips for safe shoveling Page 12

Real Estate UPSTATE

& HOME SERVICES

A Publication of The Daily Star

102 Chestnut Street, Oneonta, NY 13820 607-432-1000 • www.thedailystar.com PUBLISHER Fred Scheller fscheller@thedailystar.com (607) 441-7214 ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Valerie Secor vsecor@thedailystar.com (607) 441-7235 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tracy Bender

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Three unexpected red flags to watch out for when buying a home...... 3

Top tips for safe shoveling.. ............................................. 12

Decking your halls: holiday decorating ideas for the enthusiast......... 4

The four hottest flooring trends to try.................................. 14

Six countries hiking enthusiasts will want to explore this winter........ 6

Safely remove the snow from your roof by hiring an expert............ 16

How to choose a stand mixer............................................. 8

More single women are buying homes.................................. 17

Holiday recipes you’ll love. . ............................................. 10

Textile wall hangings: decor to liven up your living space. . ............. 18

| UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services |

December 2018

Three unexpected red flags to watch out for when buying a home Certain red flags are easy to spot, but others are harder to see. If you’re on the hunt for a new home, watch out for these three signs that a house isn’t as good as it seems.

1.

2.

3.

Random walls are freshly painted: it’s become standard for real estate brokers to suggest their clients repaint parts of the house before listing it.

However, you should be wary if only one one wall or patch of ceiling is freshly painted. This could be an indication that the seller is covering up a problem like mold, pests or some other major issue.

It smells a little too good: it’s common for sellers to bake cookies or have fresh flowers in the home to make it smell nice, but be careful of places that have air fresheners in every room. It’s possible the owners are trying to mask an odor that’s difficult to remove, like cigarette smoke or pet messes.

Open floor plans: this popular layout is not usually a problem, but check to see if the house was originally designed this way. If the current owners changed the floor plan in a recent renovation, it’s important to make sure any walls taken down weren’t load bearing, and that the building itself is still structurally sound.

TOWN OF ONEONTA! Ranch style home with Public Sewer & Water and a partially finished basement & fully furnished basement apartment!

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Phone: 607-431-2540 x110 Mobile: 607-287-2956 adampierce@kw.com www.UpstateNYHomesAndLand.com

UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services

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December 2018 | 3

DECKING YOUR HALLS: holiday decorating ideas for the enthusiast

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eady to take your Christmas decorating to the next level? Here are some pro tips that can elevate your holiday embellishments from merely so-so to full out sublime.

Choose your palette The pro-decorator’s cardinal rule? Choose a palette and stick to it.

Make sure your ornaments, ribbons, lights, stockings, gift-wrapping and more are made up of hues from your chosen palette. Here are a few color combinations to try: • Traditional. Triedand-true, red, green and gold make up the classic Christmas color scheme.

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December 2018

• Icy. A more modern option, this palette is made up of periwinkle, teal and silver.

• Jewel. A vibrant palette of green, purple, orange and red.

• Metallic. A glittering and regal palette of silver and gold.

• Monochrome. If simple and elegant is more your style, consider a color scheme made up solely of whites.

Choose your theme Next to palette, the most important decorating decision you’ll make is in regards to theme. The idea is to take an evocative word or phrase and let your imagination go to work. Here are a few examples: • Winter wonderland. Think white and lots of it. Include elements like snowflakes, tinsel and wintery animals such as reindeer and moose.

• Rustic farmhouse. Use logs, sticks, pinecones, greenery and other natural materials. Plaid patterns are a fitting accompaniment.

• Christmas cheer. Combine festive colors like red, green and gold with classic Christmas imagery.

• West coast Christmas. Bring the charm of the seaside indoors with shells and starfish and a color palette of soft pink, blue and beige.

Once you’ve found your starting point—whether it’s a color palette, a theme or both—you’ll find that your ideas start to flow. Happy decorating!

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137 Sunset Ridge Rd. • Cooperstown, NY 13326 • $899,000 Jonathan Dokuchitz NYS LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON, PSA 646-320-7715 jonadok9@gmail.com

UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services

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December 2018 | 5

Does your ideal vacation include strapping on a pair of hiking boots? Here are six compelling destinations that hikers will love.

These places have trails galore and stunning scenery to boot.

On foot

countries

It’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Hike under the sun amid a lush variety of flora and fauna in: 1. New Zealand. Famous for Tongariro National Park—where you’ll recognize landscapes from Lord of the Rings—this island country has hiking trails for adventurers of all skill levels. The terrain? Rolling green fields, lush forests and volcano-covered deserts.

2. Chile. With its steep cliffs, immense glaciers, blue lakes, and diverse wildlife, Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park is without question one of the world’s most beautiful hiking spots.

You have the option of doing either short day hikes or longer treks spanning several days.

3. Tanzania. Kilimanjaro might be a bit much for some but Tanzania has countless other less demanding—but equally inspiring—journeys to undertake. Steep escarpments, grassy ridges, dense forests, volcanic peaks and vistas of the Great Rift Valley, make for scenic trekking.

hiking enthusiasts will want to explore this winter 6

| UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services |

December 2018

By snowshoe Rather trek through a winter wonderland? Then grab your snowshoes and get yourself to: 4. Scotland. Pristine nature and diverse wildlife (such as reindeer and snowy owls) await you at Cairngorms National Park, which is richly occupied by scenic mountain paths.

5. Japan. The wide variety of snowshoeing paths in the Yatsugatake mountains—not far from Tokyo—lead you over volcano peaks buried under snow. For this trek, it’s a good idea to hire a guide.

6. Canada. Experience spectacular trails and stunning vistas at Banff National Park. This western wilderness lies in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, amid towering rock faces, deep canyons and dense pine forests. Finish your trek at Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, where you’ll be dazzled by blue-green glacial waters.

UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services

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December 2018 | 7

How to choose a stand mixer

P

ractical and often stylish, a stand mixer is a must-have kitchen gadget for all amateur bakers and cooks. Depending on the selected attachment, you can use your mixer to make cake batter, bread dough, fresh pasta and even your own sausages.

If you’re in the market for your own mixer, but don’t

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know which one to choose, consider the following:

Size Take into account how often you make cakes, breads and other baked goods and the volume of the batches you make.

At the very least, the mixing bowl should be big enough to hold a recipe for one layer cake or loaf of bread.

December 2018

Power It’s important to know that the number of watts isn’t representative of the machine’s power. Rather, wattage indicates the amount of power that’s used by the machine. Look instead towards factors like capacity and where the motor is installed. Higher-end mixers tend to have the motor on top where the accessories go and not in the stand.

Accessories

Did you know?

Other than the basic accessories (whisk, flat beater and dough hook) ask yourself if you’ll want to make foods that require extra accessories, like homemade pasta. If so, choose a mixer that has attachments for these things.

Speed settings To get the most use out of your stand mixer and make the greatest number of recipes, experts recommend machines have at least five speeds.

Style Because mixers generally adorn your counter permanently, make sure you choose one that matches your kitchen’s decor.

Credit scores are important factors when lenders determine if individuals applying for credit or loans are worthy borrowers. Credit is used when purchasing a new home, buying a car, opening a business, or applying for new credit cards. A credit score is a three-digit number that corresponds to a certain range. The standards were established by FICO¨, and the higher the score, the better (scores start at 300 and move upward to 850). Various things can impact credit score, and some weigh more heavily toward the final score than others. The following are the factors that influence credit score in order of their importance, according to Wells Fargo bank.

• Payment history (making payments on time) • Current debts (carrying high balances) • Credit history • New credit application inquiries • Types of current credit (mixed forms of loans, credit cards, etc.)

UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services

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December 2018 | 9

s e p i c e r y a d i l o H you’ll

ol ve Maple-cranberry upside-down cake

This tart, easy-to-make cake is as delicious as it festive. Serve it as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Campari spritz This lively cocktail is the perfect drink to kick off your holiday parties—or to treat yourself with after a day of Christmas shopping.

Start to finish: 5 minutes | Servings: 1

Ingredients • Ice cubes • 1 ounce Campari • 3 ounces sparkling wine • 2 ounces lemon-flavored soda or sparkling water • 1 sprig of fresh rosemary • 1 lemon peel twist (optional)

Directions 1. In a glass, place several ice cubes.

2. Pour in the Campari and sparkling wine.

3. Top with your choice lemon-flavored soda or sparkling water.

4. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary and lemon peel twist, if you choose.

Start to finish: 45 minutes (20 minutes active) | Servings: 10 to 12

Fresh fig and goat cheese salad If you partied last night, and you’re looking for a healthy way to use up your leftover bubbly, this refreshing salad is just what you need.

Start to finish: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients Vinaigrette

Directions

• 1/2 cup olive oil • 1/2 cup leftover sparkling wine • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar • 1 tablespoon old fashioned mustard • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup • Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a bowl, whisk together all the vinaigrette ingredients until fully mixed.

2. Toast the pecans over the stove in a dry pan until they’re lightly browned. Once they’ve cooled, chop them.

3. Place greens on 4 plates, and divide the figs, pecans and goat cheese equally.

4. Drizzle vinaigrette over each plate and serve.

Salad • 4 ounces whole pecans • 4 ounces mixed baby greens • 4 figs, quartered • 2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

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December 2018

Note: If you drank all the sparkling wine last night, just increase the white wine vinegar to 1/2 cup.

Ingredients • 1 cup maple syrup • 1/2 cup butter • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon • 2 cups fresh cranberries (You can use frozen, just be sure to thaw them before starting) • 1/2 cup white sugar • 1 egg • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour • 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda • 1 pinch of table salt • 1/2 cup milk

Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) 2. In a pot, bring the maple syrup, two tablespoons of the butter and the cinnamon to a boil. Remove from heat, stir in 1-1/2 cups of

the cranberries and set aside.

3. In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.

4. Using a stand mixer, cream the remaining butter with the sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.

5. Add the flour mixture and the milk, mixing until just combined.

6. In a round cake pan, pour in the cranberry-maple syrup mixture so it covers the bottom. Add the cake batter and bake for 25 minutes or until a knife or toothpick inserted into the middle comes out dry.

7. Let cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Run a spatula around the edges to loosen the cake from the pan, and flip over onto a serving plate.

8. Place the remaining cranberries on top of the cake and serve as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services

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December 2018 | 11

Top tips for SAFE SHOVELING Snow removal is a risky business.

It can cause back injuries, exacerbate heart problems or even lead to frostbite. To stay safe when shoveling, follow these tips.

Use the right equipment Wear warm, non-slip boots and dress in layers of warm clothes that dry quickly. Make sure your head, ears and hands are covered. If it’s really cold outside, also cover your face.

Choose a shovel that’s lightweight, made of plastic or aluminum and has a curved shaft that reaches your chest. In fact, it’s best to have two shovels — a larger one to push the snow and a smaller one to lift it.

Employ the proper technique Don’t wait until too much snow accumulates before you start to remove it and give yourself ample time to complete the chore. If you rush through the task, you’re more likely to injure yourself. Also, take a few minutes to warm up and stretch before going at it full force.

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December 2018

Be sure to use abrasives like sand and salt to minimize your chances of falling.

To push the snow, place your feet and hands hip distance apart and keep the shovel close to your body.

When you lift the snow, remember to bend your knees and walk to put it down instead of trying to toss it over your shoulder. Find a good rhythm and don’t forget to take regular water breaks.

The American Heart Association suggests waiting to shovel after eating because a full stomach can put pressure on your heart during physical exertion. You might also want to avoid shoveling in extremely cold weather.

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FMCASTINGS.COM UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services

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December 2018 | 13

The

A

re you fed up with your home’s outdated floors? Or maybe you find them hard to maintain? Every year, flooring products become more innovative, beautiful and durable. Here are four of today’s best options.

1. Faux wood You’re probably already familiar with laminate flooring that looks like hardwood, but did you know that there are porcelain and ceramic tiles that also mimic the colors and textures of wood? These products

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HOTTEST FLOORING TRENDS to try are both attractive and incredibly durable.

2. Vinyl If you dream of luxurious floors made of natural stone or exotic wood but they’re not in your budget, vinyl is the answer. With both floating tile and adhesive sheet styles, this material can imitate the bamboo, concrete or tile flooring you dream of for a fraction of the price. Vinyl’s also an ideal choice for bathrooms and kitchens because it’s both durable and waterproof.

December 2018

3. Metallic epoxy If you’re looking for bold, cutting-edge flooring, this is the top choice for you. The mix of epoxy and polyurethane allows you to create any look and color you want, making it perfectly suited to your style and your home’s design esthetic. It will turn your floors into works of art.

4. Eco-friendly materials Hardwood, bamboo, cork and stone are eco-friendly flooring options that are easy to maintain, repair and recycle. These “green” materials are classics and will add value to your home.

Custom Colonial

A M E R I C A’S F LO O R S TO R E

1988 Renovated Custom Colonial on 82 plus acres with panoramic views of Otsego Lake. Six bedrooms and three and a half baths. Completely renovated 2016/2017. Inviting “Chef’s” kitchen. Hardwood throughout. Private with newly paved driveway, views for miles, swimming pond and much more. Absolutely “move-in” condition!

24 Hours appreciated to make an appointment. Offered Exclusively by Lamb Realty $860,000.00 Lamb Realty Nancy Angerer

Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner Phone: 607 547-8145 Cell: 607 435-3387 Fax: 607 547-5849 Email: lambrealtycooperstown@gmail.com

• Carpet • Vinyl • Hardwood • Ceramic Tile • Floating Floors

by Coretec • Luxury Vinyl

• Plank & Tile • Counter Tops • Marble & Quartz • Window Treatments

by Graber • All Sundries • Vinyl/Carpet • Remnants

607-353-7433 • 61 South Main St, Oneonta Hours: Monday - Friday 8AM - 6PM • Saturday 9AM - 5PM Sunday By Appointment Only

UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services

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Safely remove the snow from your roof by hiring an expert Have you considered hiring a snow removal company to get the snow off your roof? Given the combined strain of snowstorms, ice storms, extreme temperature fluctuations and strong winds, winter can be really hard on your roof. Even though they’re built to withstand the cold season, the harsh weather can still cause damage.

Why remove the snow from your roof?

Large accumulations of more than two feet of snow and ice on your roof can cause significant damage.

Your roof can be weakened (which increases the risk of it collapsing), your gutters can become obstructed and the risk of water infiltration is heightened.

Snow and ice on sloped roofs is especially dangerous, because when the temperature warms up a bit, the accumulation can slide off and injure people or damage cars parked underneath.

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December 2018

Why hire experts?

Shoveling snow while atop your roof can be dangerous; if the snow suddenly slides off, it can cause you to lose your balance and fall. Additionally, the effort of snow removal can be difficult and if it puts you in close proximity to power lines, it can also be life threatening. Removing snow from your roof is a job that requires special equipment and training.

Keep your house and your family safe; let a professional get rid of the snow.

Signs that snow is damaging your roof Cracks on exterior walls, doors that don’t close properly, unusual creaks and groans from your roof or load bearing walls, and water damage on your ceiling can all indicate that the roof is holding a load that’s too heavy for it to bear.

More single women are

BUYING HOMES Fifty years ago, it was difficult for a woman to get a mortgage without a male co-signer, but today, more women than ever before are buying homes on their own rather than with a partner. Studies show that single women in both the U.S. and Canada are purchasing houses and condos at more than twice the rate of single men, making them the second-largest homebuyer demographic after married couples.

There are many reasons why single women are increasingly buying property. For one, despite the persistence of the gender wage gap,

women are earning higher salaries than in the past. They’re also marrying less and later in life, which means they’re more likely to buy their first home on their own.

Single women buying homes are often high-earning professionals who want to invest in property that will gain value instead of renting.

Others are single mothers who are looking to buy a permanent home in which to raise their children.

Older women are also buying property, often when downsizing after retirement, a divorce or the death of a spouse.

Single women still face some obstacles on the housing market.

The average woman’s annual salary is still more than $10,000 less than the average man’s salary, which disadvantages women when saving for down payments. Plus, single women often don’t have the financial resources to compete with bids from dual-income households.

Overall, however, research suggests that single women are poised to become an increasingly dominant segment of the real estate market in the coming years.

UPSTATE Real Estate & Home Services

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December 2018 | 17

Textile wall hangings: decor to liven up your living space

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December 2018

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oven tapestries, macramé, quilts, pompoms and hanging fringes are taking center stage. Popular in the ’70s, textile wall hangings are once again decorating modern walls. Rugs and shag carpets are also joining the party and giving walls a fresh new look.

Wall hangings can be used in almost any room in your house. Employ stark contrasts, like ivory macramé on a charcoal or navy

wall, to make decor pop.

Different sizes and shapes will add visual interest to an otherwise drab space.

If you’re looking for a stylish and exotic way to dress up your living room or bedroom, opt for massive mandalas or woven pieces suspended on bamboo dowels.

Whether your style is demure or daring, this ’70s design trend will add a modern and fresh look to your home.

Home not selling?

Let us help!

Advertise in the January edition of

Real Estate UPSTATE

& HOME SERVICES

Reach thousands of potential buyers right here in our area!

Call 607-432-1000 and get your home SOLD TODAY!

Chestnut Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center is a beautiful modern 80 bed sub-acute rehabilitation and nursing facility nestled in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains along the banks of the Susquehanna River. Centrally located between Binghamton and Albany. Chestnut Park’s picturesque grounds make it the perfect setting to rest or recuperate while receiving superior care and services. With its home like atmosphere, and unwavering commitment to each resident and family member. Chestnut Park prides itself on consistently delivering the greatest level of customer satisfaction.

Partnering with residents and their families, our goal is to listen and respect the wishes of each resident and allow them to make decisions regarding their treatment, health care, food preferences and leisure time. We work together as one large supportive team and our residents are the most important member.

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