Capital Region Kitchens May Cause Dilemmas

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For homeowners preparing a house for sale in the Capital Region, it’s often the single most difficult decision: what about the kitchen? When the kitchen is undeniably past its prime, it can be a true dilemma. We all know that kitchens can sell a home, but when the budget for a full-blown remodel doesn’t make financial sense, what are the alternatives? Enter remodeling’s more practical first cousin: refacing. Faster, cheaper — and sometimes every bit as effective — kitchen refacing … [Read more...]

Part 2: What First Time Homebuyers Aren’t Told

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Of all the things first time homebuyers in our area are told, some that turn out to be pretty important are too often overlooked. Here is part 2: 4.         Remodeling costs more than you think You’ve found a fixer: your energy is to be applauded. But before you write that offer, if you are a first-time homebuyers, be certain to have penciled out the bottom line cost of bringing the home up to the standard you require to be move-in ready. You may well be able to live with some … [Read more...]

Part 1: What First Time Homebuyers Aren’t Told

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First time homebuyers are told a lot of things — “Save your money,” their parents advise. “Location, location, location!” their friend’s friend cautions. Reasonable advice, for certain. But there some important elements of the home buying process which a typical first time homebuyer doesn’t usually hear. I’ve listed some of the most important ones, in no particular order: 1.  Mortgage rates you see advertised aren’t usually what you get The banner ads are … [Read more...]

The “Surprise Remodel”

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Sometimes home values can undergo abrupt changes. One way that can happen is through the ‘Surprise Remodel’ phenomenon. That’s when you wake up one morning to find that your home grew larger…overnight! If you are one of the many Capital Region residents whose children have left for school, the Surprise Remodel is what happened the moment you realized that that you were, in fact, suddenly in possession of an extra room. Sometimes it takes a few months, but as soon as you conclude that … [Read more...]

Capital Region Snapshot February 2013

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“For Sale by Owner” Deals Need Agent Knowledge

FSBO Virginia Home for sale and washington DC

Suppose you are driving past one of those ‘For Sale by Owner’ yard signs…and the house looks good!  Do you screech to a halt, jump out and rush up to the front door to – quick! – sign a deal? More likely, you jot down the phone number (hopefully one is visible, though with For Sale By Owner signs, that's not always the case) so you can call up your agent to get the details. Veteran buyers considering a local For Sale by Owner (FSBO) property know why it’s highly beneficial to … [Read more...]

Typical NYS Homebuyers & Sellers

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Recently released by the 2011 NAR Provile of Homebuyers and Sellers New York Report was the demographics of New York's typical homebuyers & sellers.  They conducted this survey by mailing to 80,099 consumers who purchased a home between July 2010 and June 2010.  305 responses came from NY, which were all taken into consideartion.  Take a look below!... New York First-Time Homebuyers I am typically 31 years old We make up 45% of all buyers (37% nationally are first-time … [Read more...]

2 Greyledge Dr, Loudonville

"Bishops Gate". Sounds nice doesn't it? It is! Located in Loudonville, this stately home is perched on a third of an acre lot in one of the Capital Region's most sought after neighborhoods. Nearly 2800 square feet of elegant living space. All of the amenities! Including central air, a huge master bedroom & private bath, skylights, fireplace, gorgeous hardwoods, stately foyer, huge basement, 3 car garage, private back yard with large deck/patio and shed.   … [Read more...]