Saratoga Springs A Great Place for a Second Home - Saratoga, NY USA Today published an article yesterday entitled Second homes: There's more to Saratoga Springs than horse racing reminding us why it is a great place to call home.  Have you considered buying a second home?  Saratoga Springs is the right choice if you enjoy a small city with fine dining, a charming downtown area great for strolling or the excitement of horse racing.  Saratoga has quickly transformed into a hot spot offering a variety of choices.    Neighboorhoods for a Second Home in Saratoga Springs   The East Side You can buy a updated single family home on the East Side within steps to Broadway.   The East Side is made up of typically more expensive elaborate homes, including large old Victorians.  The entry level for ... 03/12/2010

New Program to Save Your Home In Foreclosure- Saratoga, NY STOP drowning! In effort to end foreclosures through out the United States, President Obama's Administration has been trying to stop home owners from defaulting in their homes.  The new latest program will allow home owners to sell for less than they owe and in return give them a little cash to speed them on their way.  This is the latest attempt of the administration's aggressive techniques to end the foreclosure process. Foreclosure Rates More than five million households currently are behind on their mortgages and face the risk of foreclosure.  So far the government's $75 billion mortgage modification plan has helped only a small portion of them.  Economists, consumer advocates, and some banking industry representatives belie... 03/11/2010

When Should You Leave Home Improvements to the Expert?- Saratoga, NY In today's world we like the word "save."  Especially when it comes to money.  Homeowners are willing to do more home improvement projects by themseleves rather than hiring out and sometimes this route is not the safest or cheapest route.  It is understandable that now a days people want to take on home improvement projects by themseleves but how do you determine if a project entails more than you can handle?  Home improvement Tip #1 Do your home improvement research online.  Some websites will grade a project by it's complexity.  Home improvement Tip #2 With a Home improvement project you should always look at the tools required.  If it says "these tools are needed," do you have these tools and do you understand how t... 03/09/2010

Water's Edge A Great Community -Townhome on Saratoga Lake Are you looking for the perfect townhome on Saratoga Lake?  This luxury townhome community is located directly onthe west side of Saratoga Lake.  Enjoy resort style living. The townhomes range between 3-4 bedrooms with 2.5 bathrooms.  Amenities with Water's Edges Townhomes on Saratoga Lake Private Sandy Beach Picture worthy views Marina Board Walk Boat Docks Clubhouse Indoor/Outdoor pool Indoor Hot tube Sauna Basketball/Racquetball Workout Room   Saratoga Lake The lake is approximately 8.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. It is a place of natural beauty.  The lake provides for recreational boating and year long fishing while also maintaining a place of rest and relaxation.  Climate New York State experiences four distinct seasons e... 03/07/2010

The Difference Between Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval for Saratoga, NY Home Buyers It is Important to Know the Difference! Mortgage brokers will often tell potential home buyers how important it is to have all their paperwork in before they start looking for a new home.  This is done to help home buyers understand how much they can afford and to expedite the buying process once they find their ideal home.  The terms pre-qualification and pre-approvaltend to be used interchangeably by home buyers, however they mean two completely different things.  Some lenders offer both pre-qualification and pre-approval loans to home buyers and here is the difference: Pre-qualification is an informal way to find out approximately how much a home buyer you be able to borrow.  Pre-qualification has ... 03/01/2010

Downsizing into a Smaller Home - Saratoga, NY It is not unusual to think of downsizing your home today for having a smaller mortgage payment can have great appeal.  However that is not the only reason to consider downsizing your home today. Top Reasons to Downsize Your Home  1.  Increase your Cash Flow - You will spend less per month on your mortgage payment 2.  Fewer Spaces to Clean and Maintain - gives you more time. 3.  Lower's Your Utility Bills.  Typically when downsizing your home it costs less to heat/air condition smaller homes. 4.  Reduce in Consumption-  By downsizing your home there is no place to put it you are less likely to buy it. 5.  Minimize Your Stress Level - Smaller workload, less responsibility, lower mortgage payment, etc.                                           ... 02/26/2010

Home Prices on the Rise in 20 Cities According to an article put out by Bloomberg, home prices have risen in 20 US cities for a seventh consecutive month, indicating the industry is stabilizing from the worst recession since the 1930's. The S&P Case Shiller home price index, a tool for measuring the value of residential real estate in 20 metropolitan areas, indicates home prices have increased 0.3 percent from the prior month on a seasonally adjusted basis.  Home Prices are more affordable as a result of lower property values, rising incomes, and government credits.  Homes still face some hurdles ahead with home prices including mounting foreclosures.  Foreclosures being a weak labor and eventual end to the Federal Reserve Program which is aimed to keep borrowing costs low.  According t... 02/23/2010

Saratoga Springs a Dog Friendly Community Horses are not the only animal known in Saratoga, NY, dogs are.  Downtown Saratoga has revived itself over the years it not only provides for accomodations it takes an extra step whith attractions, parks, stores, and events. While shopping Downtown Saratoga many of the stores are dog friendlyincluding Saratoga Coffee Traders, 80 West, Sloppy Kisses and more.  For more information and a complete list of all downtown dog friendly stores check out the Dog Friendly Downtown Saratoga Map.  Dog Friendly Parks 1. Congress Park- While downtown you can visit Congress Park.  Congress park is a great place for a stroll, for it provides beautiful scenary, historic statutes, and a picnic area to eat.  2. Saratoga State Park- Saratoga State Park is also dog f... 02/23/2010

Looking for Appliances in Saratoga NY, The Appliance Swap Out Energy Program has been Extended. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced Sunday the Appliance Swap Out Energy Rebate Program will be extended beyond Sunday's initial deadline.  The Appliance Swap Out Energy Rebate program encourages people to trade in their old appliances for energy efficient appliances.  Although more than $7 million has already been claimed by consumers in appliances another $9 million still remains. There are two options Under the NYS Appliance Swap Out Energy Rebate.  Option One under the NYS Appliance Swap Out Energy Rebateis the Single Appliance Rebate: Under this rebate you can replace your old refrigerator, freezer, or clothes washer with a ENERGY STAR qualifi... 02/23/2010

What you need to know as a First Time Home Buyer It is a race to the finish with the First Time Home Buyer tax credit of $8,000 coming to an end April 30, 2010 now is the time to buy your first home.  The first thing to know is how one qualifies for the tax credit.  To qualify for the First Time Home Buyer tax credit you must either be a First Time Home Buyer of haven't owned a residence for 3 years.  One must purchase a home by April 30, 2010 to be eligible. Here are some helpful tips for being a First Time Home Buyer: 1.  Check your credit score.  Before you even consider setting foot into a home make sure you have a copy of your credit score.  Most First Time Homebuyers need at least about a 720 to obtain the most favorable mortgage rates.  You are eligible for a free credit report o... 02/21/2010

Top 4 Reasons to Place Your Home On the Market Now! Saratoga Springs NY Real Estate Market The US economy might be in rough shape still however the Saratoga Springs Real Estate Market is still thriving.  Here are the top reasons to place your home on the market today. #1 Buyers are Buying in the Area.  Sell now and Buy Low.  The Saratoga Springs Real Estate Market is not suffering like many are around the country.  The economy is only expected to grow especially with Global Foundries coming in. Also it is all about Saratoga's location.  Saratoga is one of the nicest places to live in the county.  The surrounding towns are complementary to offering country living with access to great shopping and entertainment.  Saratoga Springs Real Estate Market is strategically located within NYC, Buf... 02/18/2010

Saratoga Springs NY Considers Paid Parking We all know track season is popular in Saratoga Springs,however due to revenues running low the city is taking steps to have paid parking.  Saratoga is now taking bids from companies to install a system in the city by February 17.  The Finance Commissioner, Kenneth Irvins, has requested two options: 1. Paid parking for existing lots and garages                     or 2. A plan that will cover side streets but not Broadway The Commissioner plans to take the revenue to balance the budget.  The average seems to be $1.50 an hour for parking which is outrageous.  This will hurt already hurting business owners.  More tickets just turning into more revenue for Saratoga.    02/16/2010

Redefining Bathroom Necesscities Is a Tub Necessary? I can remember when I would regularly take a bath on a weekly basis just to relax and try to get my mind off stress, however I can't remember when the last time I took a bath was.  Unfortunately it appears I am not the only one.  Today it seems less and less people take the time to relax.  When remodeling a master bathroom the question is does not having a bath hurt the sale.  As we all know kitchens and bathrooms are important in selling a home.  Jim Sasko, the president and owner of Teakwood Builders, claims "The days of soaking in a tub are gone."  Instead people are tending to put in a larger shower with extra features.  People simply do not have the time to soak according to Sasko. However keep in mind that at least one bathroom ... 02/15/2010

New Technology Not Helping Mortgage Problems Today, technology plays an important role in everyday life.  With shopping, news, and so much more.  Banks are also taking a part in technology with online banking, over the phone payments, and direct payments/withdrawls.  Linda Toney recently transferred her mortgage over to Ocwen Financial Corportation.  She was shocked to find the hidden fees behind technology.  When making a payment online an additional charge of $10 would be applied to her account.  To make a payment through her cell phone an additional charge of $12 would be applied and to make a payment through the phone a charge of $19.50 would be applied to her account.  When asked about the charges the companies reply was to mail in a check and it would avoid any additional charges.... 02/14/2010

"NYS Appliance Swap Out" Begins Today: Find Your Local Appliance Store in Saratoga NY Now is the time to get rid of your old appliances.  Retaliers throughout NYS will be taking your old appliances and handing rebates anywhere between $50 to $555 to be used on new appliances.  Officials have approximated 170,000 consumers will be eligble for the rebate which would total $16.8 million of the $17 million NYS is getting in federal funds.  The program will take place between now and February 21.  For  more information you can go to these websites Earl B Fieden Marcella's Appliances You can also visit my website. Please feel free to give me a call at 518-587-5600 ext 142.  I value your business.  02/12/2010

NYS Energy Loan Program Incentives for Homeowners in Saratoga Currently the Homeowner Financing Incentive also know as HFI is equal to 10% of eligible measures in which are installed by a BPI-certified contraction under the New York Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program.  NYS is offering a maximum of $3,000 per household over the live of the program paid directly to homeowners by NYSERDA. You also have a choice between three different low interest loans subsidized by NYSERDA. 1. The Low Interest, unsecured ENERGY STAR Financing through Energy Finance Solutions- Energy Star Solutions offers a APR rate of 5.99% from loans ranging between $2,500 through $20,000, depending on your qualifications with terms of 3,5,7, or 10 years.  2. Energy $mart Loan Fund -  This is a network of NYS ban... 02/12/2010

Amanda's Law named after Amanda Hansen, a 16 year old girl whose life was tradgically taken by a carbon monoxide leak from a defective boiler in 2009, will take effect February 22, 2010.  This law will require a carbon minoxide meter detector to be installed in dwellings in which are operatable devices that can emit carbon minoxide or have an attached garage.  According to the law" devices that obmit carbon minoxide are "includes fuel fired appliances, equipment, devices and systems; solid fuel burning appliances, equipment, devices and systems; all other appliances, equipment, devices and systems that may emit carbon monoxide; fireplaces; garages; and all other motor vehicle-related occupancies."  Carbon minoxide posionings and illnesses are common in the winter as that is when furnac... 02/06/2010

Saratoga Seeks Change to Route 50   Search Homes For Sale in Saratoga NY Changes to Route 50 In an effort to make the Route 50 South a more attractive and safer place the Department of Transportation has provided $70,000.  The Capital District Transportation Committee has hired a planning committee and design firm to produce a study on the area. The area begins just south of the Price Chopper Plaza on Route 50 to the intersection on 9.  At a workshop last month city residents want to have the area be a gateway inviting to Route 9 and Broadway.  The top goal of the planning committee is to secure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.   According to Alane Chinian, the regional director of the State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Preservation, "it is the most important thing for us, th... 02/06/2010

Business Week magazine has a nice article this week praising the quality of life and real estate values in Saratoga Springs NY.  They applaud our city as a place where people can live and walk to work and shops, and where real estate values are holding up well despite the national recession.  Is there any wonder that there is such a demand for condos, homes for sale and commercial real estate in Saratoga Springs?  Here's a link to the full article: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_26/b4137034253598.htm This is why I moved here from Boston in 1984, and why I've enjoyed being a Saratoga Springs Realtor ever since.  Saratoga is a GREAT place to live and work.  My office is right in the heart of town, and its such a pleasure to be able to walk to lunch, the post office, the b... 06/23/2009

Saratoga Springs, NY - One of the leading real estate firms in the region announces today that they have joined forces with the powerhouse Keller Williams Realty system. Cecil Provost, CEO and Principal Broker of ProRealty of New York, is partnering with Marc Weiss and Janet Besheer to launch Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs. The new firm will officially open for business this week. In addition to the entire ProRealty team (55 agents and administrative staff), Keller Williams Saratoga Springs will immediately welcome 20+ agents from other firms, including veteran brokers Barbara Kelleher and Judy Van Patten. They anticipate having 100+ agents in KW Saratoga Springs by spring 2009. "I've long admired the Keller Williams system, and in fact built ProRealty on the KW business model... 11/25/2008