Thanksgiving Ideas for Saratoga Springs NY Happy Thanksgiving!   "So once upon a year we Throng.  Upon a day apart. To praise the Lord with feast and song.  In thankfulness of heart." A quote from Arthur Guiterman on the first Thanksgiving.  Once a year we celebrate Thanksgiving as a reminder of what we are thankful for.   Thanksgiving was originally celebrated on the second Monday of October (Columbus Day).  However on December 26 1941, Franklin Roosevelt signed into law that Thanksgiving would be moved to the Thursday of November, making it a National Holiday.  This was an effort to boost the National economy at the time.   Thanksgiving Events for Saratoga Springs NY Saratoga Springs Turkey Trot will be held on November 25 beginning at 8:30 am at Saratoga City Hall.  This is the annua... 11/24/2010

Coldwell Bankers Prime Properties is proud to announce 2010 Toys for Tots Campaign   Search Homes For Sale 11/22/2010

Halloween Fun in Saratoga Springs Have a spooky Halloween in Saratoga this season with these top events! Halloween 2010 in Saratoga Springs, NY It is that time of year again, where the ghosts and goblins come out at night. All of your favorite characters and worst nightmares will come out and play this Halloween.  Come join them for a scream or a smile.   Enjoy the day and the night; whatever you desire Saratoga Springs is the place to be this Halloween.  Find out where all the great parties, festivals, and parades around here! Top Places to Be for Halloween in Saratoga Springs   Harvest Haunts - Every Friday and Saturday Night from now until Halloween.  Try and survive through the Field of Screams, Forest of Fears, the Hunting Lodge, and Brad's Barnyard Adventure. - 29 Bevis Rd. Schagh... 10/23/2010

Saratoga Springs DBA Fall Festival Saturday October 30 - Sunday October 31     Don't miss out on this year's 9th annual DBA Fall Festival downtown Saratoga Springs NY.  Bring the entire family for fun and games.  Saratoga Springs brings the season alive with the Fall Festival.  This event is free and open to everyone.   2010 Fall Festival Activities Cup Cake Decorating Scary Trolley Rides Pumpkin Rolling Races Petting Zoo with Pony Rides Games and Prizes Magic Shows Historic Costume Parade for kids.  and much much more! This is one event this season you don't want to miss downtown Saratoga Springs. There is fun for the entire community.  Young and old will find themselves discovering all there is to love this season at the Saratoga Springs Fall Festival.  Enjoy all the free activities i... 10/22/2010

Remembering September 11th in Saratoga Springs Second Annual September 11th Remembrance Day Ceremony.     On Saturday September 11th 2010 at 10 am, the second annual remembrance ceremony will take place between Railroad Place and Division Street.  The September 11th Ceremony remembers the day of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.   September 11th changed most of American's thoughts and lives.  I will never forget where I was when I heard the terrible news.  I remember going home and just watching the television for hours crying and confused.  Just thinking how can this happen to America.  This years ceremony will include a special remembrance for Saratoga County Soldiers that made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the global war on terrorism.   T... 09/10/2010

  Take Advantage of the Fall Season When Buying a Home in the Fall Search Homes For Sale in Burnt Hills, Clifton Park and Saratoga Springs, NY Top 5 Tips When Buying Home in the Fall. Are you hunting for a bargain or trying to move in before labor day?  Here are the top 5 tips when buying a home in the fall. 1.  While Fall may not be a traditional time when buying a home, take advantage of the great deals out their.  Sellers tend to be more willing to negotiate a good deal as they don't want to carry the house through the winter.   2.  Seek out highly motivated sellers when buying.  Some fall sellers are just testing the market, others are on a deadline.  To locate these sellers find out which homes have been on the market for a long time or have price reductions. 3.  Consider new const... 09/07/2010

Family is What Makes a House a Home Survey shows a major trend in buyers buying a home near family.   Home buying is often timed around life's major milestones.  Everything changes when you get married and have children.  Buyers tend to look at things differently.  It is no longer the bachelor pad or roomate situation.  Buyers at this stage tend to look for a home to raise a family or just settle down.   When having children, buyers are looking for a house in a good school district and sometimes to be close to their extended family, as they can become a good source of support when raising children. When digging deeper into what matters the most to home buyers Coldwell Banker Real Estate conducted a nation wide survey among homeowners with children under the age of 18.  According to the ... 09/02/2010

Why Should I Work With an Agent When I Can Search For Homes in Saratoga Springs Online? Importance of working with a Buyer's Agent when searching for homes online Search for Homes in Saratoga Springs NY   Buyers are able to search the local MLS online, internet postings, and virtual tours for homes.  Today, buyers have so many online tools available at their disposal, it is easy to start believing that you don't need an agent to buy a home.  Easy is just too good to be true.  There is a lot more to buying a home than simply finding a property online.   Agents are seeing a trend with buyers researching homes on the online, attending open houses, and then trying to put an offer in themselves.  Sometimes this does work.  However more than often it does not.  Buyers try saving on a commissi... 08/26/2010

Capital Region Homes Sales Fall 39% Time to take advantage of it! Saratoga Springs, NY Search Homes For Sale in Saratoga Springs NY   The Greater Capital District of Realtors released a report Tuesday in which despite record low mortgage rates, home sales plunged 39% from the previous year in July.  The expiration of the First Time Home Buyers/ Moving Up tax credit forced many buyers to make up their minds to buy sooner than normal. Home Buyers Tax Credit REALTORS expected the decline in July however due to the tax credit expiring.  However what buyers fail to realize is now is an even better time to buy a home.   The First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit allowed a $8,000 credit if closed by April 30, 2010.  The Moving Up Tax Credit allowed for a credit up to $6,500 to buyers that closed be... 08/25/2010

Homeowners are Happier Than Renters Search For Homes Today! The Social Benefits of Becoming a Homeowner and Stable Housing. Search Homes For Sale in Saratoga Springs Homeowners are becoming more active in their communities, benefit from more educational opportunities, and report higher levels of self esteem compared to renters, that is according to leading research.   According to a new report by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, Homeownership has a positive impact on social communities.  NAR President Vicki Cox Golder said,"Homeownership is an investment in your future--- home is where we make our memories, build our lives, and feel comfortable and secure." She continues by saying, "Owning a home has a long standing government support in this country because homeownership benefits ... 08/13/2010

Mortgage Rates Drop Again to a Low of 4.4% Search Homes For Sale in Saratoga Springs NY Lock in a Low Mortgage Rate Today! It's time to lock in a great mortgage rate when looking for homes for sale in Saratoga Springs. Freddic Mac announced this morning, Thursday August 12, 2010, the average 30 year fixed mortgage rate hit 4.44%.  On a 15 year fix mortgage rates are as low as 3.95%.  Mortgage rates on a 5 1/2 adjustable also dropped this week to 3.49%.   Low mortgage rates have done little with the housing market as it continues to remain stable.  Investors fear rebound is stalling and it could slip back into a recession.  Investors seem to be shifting from stocks and going with treasury bonds.   According to Bob Walters, a chief economist with Quicken Loans, "The silver lining to a bad... 08/12/2010

Easter Seals Presents "Wins for Kids Fundraiser" at the Saratoga Race Track Non for profit organization raising money for children with disabilities. Image provided by NJN network   Easter Seals Disabilities Services of New York will be holding the first annual "Wins For Kids" event at Saratoga Race Track on Saturday August 14, 2010.  The fun will begin at noon and last till 5:30 pm. Easter Seals is a non for profit organization in which provides exceptional services, education, outreach, and advocacy for people living with Autism and other disabilities.  The goal of the program is to make the life's challenges easier for children with disabilities.  Also to help children with disabilities achieve their goals.    You're Invited     When: Saturday August 14, 2010 Where: Saratoga Race Tra... 08/05/2010

It's A Great Time To Get a Good Deal Homes For Sale in Saratoga Springs NY Right now is a great time to buy a home.  Christopher Mayer, a Columbia Business School economist, claims "If you are trading up, what better time than when interest rates are at record lows and the cost of a trade up is much less than it used to be."   Search Homes For Sale in Saratoga Springs NY Mortgage Rates Right now interest rates are still at all time lows.  On a 30 year fixed mortgage interest rates are at 4.56% this week.  On a 15 year fixed mortgage rates are at 4.04%.  These rates have dropped over 4% from last week alone.   Prequalify Online Housing Market Currently there are over 600 homes for sale in Saratoga Springs NY.  The median sales price is around $350,000.  This is up from last months sales ... 08/04/2010

Extraordinary Measures Based on a true story of John and Aileen Crowley   I just got done watching this really touching story.  As a parent no matter what happens you will never give up on your children.  Extraordinary Measures is about the true story of two children battling a genetic disorder in which shut down their muscles one by one.  The children would eventually die because they did not have a cure.  In the movie Brendan Fraiser (the father) takes a chance on everything by quiting his job to find a cure for his children. This movie especially touched me as I have a son with a genetic disorder.  He has Mitochondrial Disease in which effects his energy.  It takes him longer to learn basic skills because his muscles have to work harder than the average person.  Zachary has been very... 07/24/2010

National Ice Cream Month Top Places to Fine Ice Cream in Saratoga Springs NY   Celebrate National Ice Cream Month in Saratoga Springs NY this year.  In 1984 President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month.  So where is the place to go to get good ice cream this year in Saratoga Springs NY?   Top Ice Cream Places in Saratoga Springs   Ben & Jerry's - 34 Phila Street Friendly's - 3075 Route 50  Bettie's Cakes A Cupcake Cafe - 454 Broadway  Eugenio's Cafe Gelato  - 458 Broadway Coldstone Creamery - 325 Broadway Humpty Dumpty - 70 West Avenue Dairy Haus - 476 Maple Avenue Stewarts Ice cream - Variety of locations through out Saratoga Alexandra's Ice Cream - 146 S Broadway Mr. Ed's Ice Cream Station - 588 Lake Ave Annie's Gourmet Ice Cream - Wilton Mall Schwan's - 193 Per... 07/23/2010

How Much Can You Down Size? Jay Shafer downsizes to a 89 square feet home.       07/18/2010

Is a "Double Dip" Ahead for Saratoga Springs NY Where does our economy stand right now? Search Homes for Sale in Saratoga Springs   Siena Research Institute released a survey recently revealing we are in for a double dip in the economy. What is a "double dip?"  A double dip in the economy is when the economy growth slips back negatively after a few months of positive growth.  A double dip recession is when a short recovery is followed by another recession.   According to Douglas Lonnstrom, Siena Research Institute founder, the results this morning showed consumer statewide confidence has dropped nearly 5 points, to its lowest level in nearly a year.   This is as the nation wide confidence rose 2.4 points.  Short term buying plans are also down this week.  This indicates a rough road ahe... 07/07/2010

Saratoga Housing Authority Enforces New Policy Making it Harder to Find Apartments that allow Pets Stonequist Apartments forces residents to get rid of all type of pets including birds. Is it time to consider buying a home in Saratoga Springs? Search Homes For Sale in Saratoga Springs   Stonequist Apartments Residents have just found out they will be saying goodbye to some of their best friends.  Stonequist will no longer allow birds as part of their new strict no pets policy.  To many residents their birds have become the most important things in their life's.   Stonequist lease agreements has a no pets policy in every agreement however until now it has not been enforced with birds.  Saratoga Springs Housing Authority Director, Ed Spychalski, has claimed "We have our priorities".  He c... 07/06/2010

Top Reasons to Buy a Home in Saratoga Springs this Summer! Begin your search today and buy a home now. Search Homes For Sale in Saratoga Springs   The 2010 Summer House Hunting Season is a perfect time to buy a home in Saratoga Springs.  Even if you missed out on the tax credit it is still a great time to buy a home in Saratoga Springs.   Top Reasons To Buy A Home This Summer in Saratoga Springs:     Take advantage of seeing the potential curb appeal your home has to offer.  If you have a green thumb you may want to buy a home with a landscaped lawn.  However not everyone has a green thumb.  If you don't have the time to maintain a lawn the simpler yard the better.    Also when buying a home look for well placed trees.  Trees can help keep your home cool without completely blocking out ... 06/30/2010

All American Celebration  4th of July in Congress Park Saratoga Springs NY July 3-4 2010   "Let freedom ring."  The 4th of July is just around the corner.  This Independence day spend it in Congress Park with the All American Celebration. Don't miss the 4th of July weekend celebration beginning July 3 -4 in Congress Park.    This year's 4th of July's celebration in Congress Park is titled "Patriots, Pride, and Preservation."   Enjoy watching fireworks right in Saratoga Springs this year instead of traveling.  Also join in the special events planned including a parade, barbecue and dessert festivals, live music, car show, and more.     Schedule of Events  All American Celebration 4th of July in Congress Park   Saturday July 3, 2010   10:00 am  Childrens Program featuring Benjamin Frankli... 06/16/2010