Sink or Swim Adding a Pool May Not Increase Your Homes Value Homes For Sale in Saratoga Springs Adding a Pool may detract from your homes resale value.     When you are trying to buy or sell a home in Saratoga Springs, is a swimming pool a bonus or a burden?  There has been a lot of talk about home sales being under water.  However, arguably none feels more like that than an owner with a swimming pool.   The recession has caused many homes across the United States to be underwater.  That is the mortgage is more than what the home is worth.  Adding a swimming pool, have led to homeowners being concerned with the economic costs of maintenance.  It's a reality, adding a pool has many costs associated with it.  It is important to take this into consideration when looking at homes for sale i... 06/11/2010

Saratoga Brew Fest 2010 Saratoga Springs NY     Saratoga Brew Fest Saturday June 19, 2010 12 Noon - 6:00 PM Elms Family Farms  468 Charlton Road Ballston Spa NY 12020   Join over 30 different brewing companies for the 1st annual Saratoga Brew Fest.  All proceeds will go to Saratoga PLAN.  Tickets are on Sale NOW!  General Admission is $30.00 and VIP is $75.00.   General Admission to Saratoga Brew Fest includes sampling craft breweries for 4 hours along with music and fun.   VIP Admission to Saratoga Brew Fest includes general admission along with a free VIP beer and wine tasting lunch.  Greg Egnert will be the guest speaker.  He will be chatting about his experiences brewing. Greg Egnert, a native to Glenville, was the Top Sommelier of 2009 in Food and Wine Magazine.     Saratoga Brew F... 05/31/2010

2010 Saratoga Racing Season is On! Saratoga Springs NY David Paterson and NYRA working together for the 2010 Saratoga Racing Season Rentals in Saratoga Springs NY for 2010 Racing Season     Will there be a 2010 Racing Season for Saratoga Springs?     David Patterson and NYRA answer YES!  NYS officials have promised, they will not allow the New York Racing Association to shut down the 2010 Racing Season.  David Patterson publicly announced any possibility of the 2010 Racing Season closing can be dismissed.   NYS will bailout the track with a loan of $17 to $25 million.  This will be enough money to get NYRA through the end of the year.  NYS has not developed a long term plan at this time.   Rumors have been spreading, within the last few months that the 2010 Racing Season will not exist.... 05/20/2010

Downtown Saratoga Springs Guide to Shopping  Saratoga NY Search For Homes For Sale in Saratoga Springs   The Historic Downtown Saratoga Springs Shopping District provides for a lovely time.  Enjoy the boutiques and shops nestled within the delightful cafes and restaurants.  Downtown Saratoga Springs shopping is one of the main attractions of the city. Shopping Downtown Saratoga Springs provides for a unique experience as there are few chain stores.  These include Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Borders, Gap, and Eddie Bauer.  You also have a few chain restaurants such as Cold Stone, Starbucks, and Bruggers Bagels. A-Z Local Shopping Guide Accents at Allerdice- the latest ideas in home and gardening Aggies Boutique - quaint shop for women fashion, accessories, and gifts Celtic Treasures - p... 05/13/2010

Places to See a Guide to the Mineral Springs in Saratoga NY   The first draw to Saratoga was the naturally occurring mineral springs.  Saratoga Mineral Springs are found within throughout the area from the geographic fault line.  The mineral springs have preserved to this day.  Saratoga Mineral Springs have become steeped in legend and lore.     History of the Mineral Springs During the 1770's, many of the pioneers attempted to settle in the High Rock Area of Saratoga.  This included Dirck Schouten, John Arnold, Samuel Arnold, and Gilbert Morgan.  In 1783, General Phillip Schuyler cut a path beginning from his home in Old Saratoga (near the Hudson River).  During George Washington's tour, he drank from the water of High Rock Mineral Springs.  George Washington became an advocate for the... 05/07/2010

Happy Cinco De Mayo Everyone Events Around Sararatoga Springs NY   What is Cinco De Mayo? Cinco De Mayo is a celebration that commemorates Mexican's victory over the French.  This took place at the Battle of  Puebla on May 5 1862.  Cinco De Mayo was first celebrated in the United States in the 1860's in resistance to the French Rule in Mexico.   Cinco De Mayo has taken on more of a significance in the United States than in Mexico.  It has become a day to celebrate Mexican tradition and heritage.  Celebrations include Mexican symbols such as Virgen De Guadalupe, dancing, and traditional food.  Many school districts hold special events.     Cinco De Mayo Events Around Saratoga Springs NY 1. Circus Cafe - Happy Hour from 4 to 7  2.  Womens Realtors Celebration 5 pm at the Mill on Route 9 3... 05/05/2010

Staging Tips for Selling Your Home in Saratoga Springs     It is that time of year again now is the time to get your house on the market and sold. Staging can be very important when it comes to selling your home.   What is Staging and How Does it Help in Selling Your Home? Staging is the best proven way to get the best price when selling your home.  Staging provides an illusion to help buyers picture themselves living in the home.  Staging allows your home to look bigger, brighter, cleaner, warmer, and more loving helping the selling process go quicker.   It is all about dressing your home for selling it.   Tips in Staging to Help in Selling Your Home Provided is a list of tips to help with staging your home to help in the selling process.   Turn Up The Curb Appeal  Remember not everyon... 04/11/2010

Banks Headed For the Top List Complaints According to the Better Business Bureau How to Choose the Right Bank? The Better Business Bureau just released a list of the Top Consumer Complaints and banks seem to be on a rise.  From 2008 the amount of complaints has risen 42.3%.  Steven A. Cox, CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureau attributes this jump in complaints to the housing crisis and unemployment rate.     How Do I Choose the Right Bank? The first thing in choosing the right bank is figuring out your needs.  Once you know your exact needs it will be easier to evaluate the competition.     How do I Determine My Needs to Choose the Right Bank? The main need to consider is your schedule.  See what times banks open and close to make sure they can fit your busy schedule.  If you ar... 04/11/2010

A Story from the Heart on Mitochondrial Disease for Saratoga Springs NY      In 2004 we ended up in Ellis Hospital because my son was having trouble breathing.  He was 3 months old and it was one of the scariest times in my life.  The doctors had concerns as Zachary's head was above average in the 75 percentile while his body was only in the 50 percentile.  At first I was angry at the questions the doctor had asked me.  I thought he was an idiot.   The doctor ran some tests and found abnormal results.  At that second I did know what to do or say my mind was just racing.  We were transfered to Albany Medical Center for more results.  Albany Medical Center diagnosed my son with mitochondrial disease.  Hearing the words "disease" felt as though someone had just put a knife in my heart.  Qu... 04/10/2010

Top 4 Reasons to Buy A Home Now in Saratoga Springs NY     Buying a home in Saratoga Springs NY is a major decision in ones life.  With financial commitment being a major concern it is important to secure the best possible deal when buying a home. Similar to the stock market potential home buyers are waiting for the perfect time to maximize on their investment.  The perks of lower home prices, low interest rates, and federal subsides will not last much longer.   Lower Home Prices While Saratoga Springs has not seen that big of a drop in sales prices they still have lowered.  With the rise in sales experts believe home prices will begin to rise by summer.  Right now home prices in Saratoga Springs have pretty much stabilized.  The medium sales price for a home in Saratoga County is $250,... 04/07/2010

My Neighboorhood in Saratoga Springs, NY   Are you looking for the right neighborhood in Saratoga Springs, NY?  Saratoga Springs NY is made up of three distinctive communities but which one is right.  This include the East Side, West Side, and Saratoga Lake. The East Side Neighborhood The East Side is primarily residential homes located east of Downtown Saratoga Springs.  The East Side is divided over 114 acres almost reaching the Saratoga Race Track.  During the 19th and 20th century, the East Side became known as where the well-to-do's built their homes.    Character and Charm of the East Side: Many of the homes in the East Side Neighborhood are an array of 19th century - 20th century styles.  The styles are anywhere from Gothic Revival to Bungalow     The West Side Neighborhood:  The... 04/05/2010

"For Sale By Owner" Are You Sure its Right For You in Saratoga Springs NY? Homeowners often consider trying to list their home For Sale By Owner rather than listing with an agent.  This is a fair question to ask yourself before selling your home as many feel they can manage the process of selling their home while saving on commission with a real estate agent.    Things You Should Consider Before Selling Your Home For Sale By Owner  Qualifying a Buyer most For Sale By Owners do not know how to properly pre-qualify a buyer.  Agents make it a priority before the buyer even looks at the house the buyer must be properly pre-qualified. Can you properly handle the objections a buyer will make?  As an agent it is part of their job to know how to handle these questions. Can you properly identify... 04/04/2010

Excelsior Park Luxury Condos Downtown Saratoga Springs NY Excelsior Park is a new luxury condo development Downtown Saratoga Springs, NY.   Excelsior Park luxury condos is a comprehensive well thought out pedestrian friendly community located just behind the Marriott Downtown.  It has been designed to have a mixture of urban elements and natural features which encourages a vibrant sense of community and the exceptional feeling with the quality of life. Luxury Condos For Sale Search for Condos Downtown Saratoga Springs Excelsior Park's Luxury Condos has many different options and price ranges.  A luxury condo downtown can range anywhere between $300,000 - $1,500,000.  Average Price Ranges for a Luxury Condo in Excelsior Springs Park One Bedroom Two Bath Room with Den  -  $315,000 (1985 s... 03/28/2010

Saratoga Springs Downtown Condos - Saratoga, NY No matter the season downtown Saratoga is always vibrant with so many things to do.  I have once heard of it referred to as a "minature manhatten."  Living in a condo downtown has many great ammenities.  You are within walking distance to shopping, art, restaurants, bars & nightlife, and spas.  Advantages to Living in a Condo Downtown Living in a condo downtown key advantage is less responsibility with maintenance.  The HOA (Home Owners Association) is responsible for maintenance and repairs.  You have the luxury to be within steps of your active lifestyle.  This includes banks, grocery stores, retail stores and you are not far from the hospital.   Find out more on the community. Things to Consider Before Moving  The first thing you should... 03/26/2010

Homes in Saratoga Springs Geyser Crest Neighborhood  -  Saratoga NY Geyser Crest is not just a neighborhood homes  it is a community.  View Larger Map "The Crest," as known by many locals is a residential neighborhood within the city of Saratoga Springs.  The homes have a suburban feel as they are seperated from the downtown area.  It has long winding roads with carbon copy houses.    History of Homes in Geyser Crest The Homes in the Geyser Crest were mostly built in the 1970's.  It was named after a brook which runs through Saratoga Springs State Park.  The Homes in the Geyser Crest were one of the first subdivisions of Saratoga.  The first open house took place on June 19, 1971.  Commute From a Home in Geyser Crest Albany - 35 miles (approximately 42 minutes) Clifton Park - 19 miles (... 03/25/2010

03/23/2010

Saratoga Springs Real Estate Market Update - Saratoga Springs, NY The Greater Capital Association of Realtors just released a report on the Real Estate Market for the Greater Capital Region and Saratoga County for March.    Capital Region Real Estate Market for March 2010   Although we faced some cold weather and heavy snow buyers in the region were still active for the month of Februrary.  Over 600 purchase agreements were signed which is an increase of 13.5% for the real estate market from a year ago.  We faced the snow head on.   The highest number of homes purchased was below $125,000.  This was a 27% increase for the real estate market from last February. Home prices are showing signs of stabilizing with the median home price $12,000 more than last year.  This is a 7% increase from... 03/23/2010

Saratoga County Events Restaurant Week - Saratoga, NY   Beginning March 19-28 Saratoga County will be hosting Restaurant Week.  This is your chance to get out of the house and have a fantastic meal for a great price.    What is Restaurant Week? For those that have not participated in the past Restaurant week is when several restaurants participate in providing you a three course meal at a great price.  This year Restaurant Week three course meal will be $20.10 in honor of this year.  What will Restaurant Week include? You will start off with a choice of either an appetizer or salad, then choose from a fabulous selection of entrees, and finally to top it off dessert.  I wish I could have this everynight.  No cooking or dishes sounds good to me.     I highly recommend during Restaurant We... 03/18/2010

Pre-listing Home Inspection by House Detective Inc - Saratoga, NY  Are you getting ready to sell your home?  By having a Pre-Listing Home Inspection done there will be no surprises for the buyer.  They know exactly what issues if any there are with the house because you arefully disclosing everything up front. Backround Information on House Detective House Detective Inc.  is a full service Real Estate Inspection and Appraisal Company serving Albany/Saratoga surrounding area. They offer Structural & Pest Inspections, Radon & Water testing, Appraisals and now Pre-Listing Home Inspections. They strive to provide the quality you can feel secure with and the prices you afford. House Detective Inspectors are fully Licensed and Afilliated.    What is a Pre-Listing Home Inspection? A Pre-Listin... 03/18/2010

St. Patricks Day Events 2010 - Saratoga Springs, NY  Are you looking for a St. Patrick's Day Event for Thursday March 17, 2010? It's time to celebrate! Also known as St. Paddy's Day it began as a Christian Holiday and changed in the 1600's as a feast day for Ireland. Little is know of the orgins of Patrick however today we continue the tradition of drinking and celebrating the night away.   Saratoga Springs St. Patrick's Day Events 1. St. Paddy's Bash at the Putnam Den -featuring live music by Hudons Falcon's- 9 p.m. at the Putnam Den 63A Putnam Street. 2. Celebration at Clancy's - Celebrate at a Irish Bar - Clancy's 43 Caroline St.  3. The Parting Glass - featuring live music starting at noon, by Jeff Strange, Adirondack Highlanders Pipe and Drum Band, Ballston Spa Marching Band, and F... 03/15/2010