November 2014
Published by Port Jackson Media
Montgomery County
FREE
Fulton County
2
Real Estate Express
Stunning DIY
painting projects
(BPT) — Modern, lively, exciting – if these
words don’t describe the style of your favorite
rooms, an update is in order. Painting is a classic
makeover tool for interior spaces. To give your
home’s aesthetic a boost of personality and style,
consider these surprisingly simple DIY paint
projects that can be done in one day or less.
November 2014
Ombre walls: The fading technique that gently transitions one hue to another is popular in clothing and hair
coloring, and can also be used for interior design. Pair
any two complementing colors to create a beautiful ombre
composition on walls. For example, red and orange transition to mimic the visual essence of a sunset, turquoise and
blues blend together much like the colors of the ocean,
and white with gray makes for a crisp, clean style that
captures the look of winter in chic modern style.
To create an ombre wall, first select your paint colors.
BEHR MARQUEE® Interior Paint & Primer has 372
exclusive one coat colors to choose from. (For details, visit
behr.com/marqueeguarantee) Start at the top of the wall
and paint the first color about two-thirds down. Then,
starting at the bottom, paint the second color upward until
it meets the first. Finally, use a large sponge to spread and
pat the bottom paint color up the wall to create a beautiful
blend of colors with a smooth transition.
Ceiling surprise: The often-ignored “5th wall” is the
perfect place to add an unexpected touch of color. Forget
white and go bold with rich tones that accent the decor in
the space. Simply use a roller with an extended handle to
make the job easier and select your paint color of choice.
Brighten the room and draw attention vertically with a
rich yellow color reminiscent of sunshine. Perhaps you’d
like to evoke the feeling of the outdoors by painting the
ceiling a light blue and sponge paint soft white clouds
around light fixtures. Gray is the perfect color for ceilings
when contemporary styling is your goal and will give your
room a modern edge.
Chevron patterns: Chic chevron zigzags have broad
visual appeal in a home. The V-pattern pairs well with a
variety of interior styles, such as modern and eclectic. A
small chevron accent wall can make a tiny space pop with
personality. Chevron also looks stylish on tabletops, coffee
tables and end tables.
Time-saving tip: Paint a wall or tabletop entirely in one
shade of paint. Then use quality painter’s tape to create
chevron patterns in your desired size. Simply paint over
the gaps, let it dry and remove the tape to reveal a crisp
chevron design.
Colorful accents: Want to revamp a room but don’t
want to paint the entire thing? That’s why painting accent
walls a bold hue has become the simple way to inject color
and style into interior spaces. Achieving rich deep color
doesn’t even require multiple coats, thanks to the exclusive BEHR MARQUEE® Interior One-Coat Color
Collection. Plus with its low VOC formula and one coat
coverage, you can paint a room and entertain (and
impress) guests all in the same weekend!
Which wall should you select to paint with an accent
color? Look at how the room is used and where the eye is
naturally drawn. The wall behind the couch, bed or
kitchen table are all wonderful locations to experiment
with a touch of color. Another option is to choose a focal
point to accent, such as painting a border around a piece
of art or a TV mounted to the wall.
Anyone can be DIY-savvy and achieve impressive
results with some high quality paint and motivation. For
more ideas about paint projects that can be completed in
just one day, visit www.facebook.com/BehrPaint.
November 2014
3
Real Estate Express
Fall clean-up tips for your lawn and garden tools
(BPT) — As the temperature drops, your lawn and
garden will start settling into a dormant state. As you prep
your landscaping and garden for a winter’s slumber, it’s a
good idea to review the tools you used all summer. Taking
care of this task now will ensure they’re in good shape
come spring when it’s time to use them again.
From sharpening edges of blades to making certain
the tool is still doing the job it was designed to do, put
all your lawn and garden tools through a thorough fall
cleaning. Here are some tips:
• Lawn mowers – Check your owner’s
manual for information about sharpening the mower deck blades and
what to do with any unused gasoline
before putting the mower into storage. It’s a good idea to keep the mower in a
dry location where moisture won’t collect and potentially rust the blades.
• Hand trimmers – Hand clippers,
tree trimmers and saws all take a beating during the summer. Check these tools to make certain the handles are still
secure, the cutting blades are sharp and the locking mechanisms all work. If anything isn’t up to par, replace the tool
so you have it ready for the first sign of spring.
• Chainsaws – These heavy machines get put through their
paces, and they can be taxing on people, too, after extended
use. If you’re ready to upgrade your chainsaw, the Husqvarna
low-weight 436Li is quiet, easy to operate and has the same
power as gas machines. The 536LiXP and the T536LiXP models are also available, and they come with low maintenance and
high-performance delivery. All battery-operated chainsaws
come with two rechargeable batteries that can be interchanged
with any Husqvarna hand tools you might already have in
your collection. The batteries have a 40-minute charge time,
helping to keep the tools lightweight and quiet.
• Weed trimmers – These tools are
invaluable for keeping the grasses and weeds
trimmed around trees and garden edging.
In the fall, be sure to replace the string so
you’ll have a fresh spool come spring.
Also check the air filter on the tool. If it is
dirty, replace the filter to allow your
machine to perform at its best.
• Hoses – When it’s time to store your
hoses for the winter, check all the connections to make certain nothing leaks; replace
the connectors if you notice water spraying or
dribbling from a connection. And if the hose itself is leaking, put it on your list to be replaced. Make certain you’ve
drained all the water out before putting the hoses away for
winter. If you have a hose cart, roll up the hose neatly
without any kinks. Otherwise, you can just roll the hose
into a neat pile of loops for storage in a dry place.
With all of your lawn and garden tools safely stored for
the winter months, you’ll know they’ll be ready the minute
you need them in the spring.
J . PA U L K O L O D Z I E J
Attorney & Counsellor at Law
PLLC
“LET US BE YOUR GUIDE”
ALL REAL ESTATE MATTERS
BUSINESS LAW
WILLS & ESTATES
LANDLORD REPRESENTATION
350 North Main Street
Gloversville, NY 12078
Phone 518 725-8922
Fax 518 725-1727
[email protected]
www.jpklaws.com
4
November 2014
Real Estate Express
VASSIREALESTATE.COM
Check our new website for virtual tours
Realty
160 Market St., Amsterdam, NY 12010 • 843-1885
BROKER: BOB VASSI 518-441-7599
Sales Agents: Wes Moller 928-0211 • Fred Traver 848-8125 • Dominick Megna 577-2537 • Ken Engle 321-9894
Berni Chatterton 705-2724 • Marie Engle 321-9895 • Rosemary Cinquanti 229-5846 • Juanita Wojnar 843-0400
Price R
educed
153 Steadwell Rd.,
Amsterdam
Exceptional custom built home on 1.6 acres in the
Broadalbin Perth SD. This classic colonial home
features 3+ BR and 3.5 BA, finished basement,
beautiful HW floors, custom built cabinets, and custom
mouldings throughout. Big kitchen w/new SS
appliances and SS washer/dryer, wet bar area,
breakfast room, formal DR and a large LR w/nice
wood burning FP. FR, cozy den and bonus room above
the attached 2 car garage. Big private back yard
boasts a Gunite pool, apple & pear trees, a patio &
deck and a custom awning..................$309,900
Price C
hange
Price R
educed!
3 BR, 1 BA house boasts a new roof, septic
recently pumped, newer doors and windows,
new hot water tank, water filter system,
hardwoods just sanded and refinished.
French door, walkout basement, country
kitchen, deck, porch, shed, landscaped
100’x330’ lot, 1 car attached garage, rec
room in basement.......................$130,000
Sale P
ending
45 Lincoln Ave., Amsterdam
Fully rented four family with many upgrades, newer
hot water heaters, new front stairs, new side
entranceway, new chimney, repaired roof, remodeled
downstairs rear bathroom, revamped with laundry
room. Very clean and well maintained. . . .$79,500
13 Essex St., Amsterdam
111 Church St., Hagaman
Price C
hange
318 East Main St., Amst.
Great home for owner occupied or as an
investment property. Home is in good shape and
has been owner occupied for over 35 years. There
are 3 apartments: the first and 2nd apartment
are on the 1st floor, the 2nd apartment is on the
2nd floor. 1st apt. has 2 BRs, 2nd has 1 BR, 3rd
has 3 BRs. Priced to move.................$44,000
Sale P
ending
12 Grant Ave., Amsterdam
Great 4 BR on a quiet street, large EIK, HW
floors, large LR. Attic semi-furnished. Nice deck
off the back, large front porch, plenty of room for
a growing family. Priced to move........$79,000
Price R
educed!
100-102 Grand St., Amsterdam
Great investment property on corner lot.
Multifamily has 3 year old roof, windows,
plumbing, electrical, vinyl siding, furnaces and
water tanks. Each unit are on separate meters.
Property has many possibilities. Potential annual
income $26,000...............................$62,500
Sale P
ending
110 Chapel Place, Amsterdam
Walk to the golf course from this charming 2 story home.
This property comes with an extra 50’x100’ lot. Newer
roof, replacement windows, large detached 2 car garage
and nice private yard for entertaining. Interior features cozy
FR, LR, formal DR, EIK, full bath, and a separate washer/
dryer room. 2nd floor has full bath, 3 BR and computer
room. 3rd floor can be used as 4th BR. Home is easy
commute to Rt. 30 shopping....................$85,500
15 Lincoln Ave., Amsterdam
Great home in a quiet area, each flat has 3 BR,
formal room and an EIK. Two car garage, large
front porch and carpeting over HW. Full attic and
basement. A must see property..........$76,000
Beautiful 3 BR home that could easily be converted to a 4 BR,
located on a quiet st., just minutes from Amsterdam and 15
minutes from Schenectady. Over 400’ of road frontage on 2.70
acres with beautiful fruit trees. New windows, new kitchen with
granite counters, new roof, HW floors, formal DR, LR with field
stone FP, FR with wood stove. Large front porch for enjoying
that morning coffee. A must see property......$179,500
Price C
hange
Sold
A truly custom built home in a prime location. Many quality construction
features, such as double layer of PPG insulation, Tyvek lined basement,
fully insulated garage and exterior doors. Interior features EIK with plenty
of wood cabinets, separate laundry next to kit., external 3 sided
sunroom which leads into an outdoor deck, formal DR, large LR with gas
insert FP, 2 full BA with ceramic tile, 3 good size BR and a multi
purpose media room................................$210,000
Sale P
ending
798 Langley Rd., Amsterdam
19 Evelyn Ave., Amsterdam
Well maintained 2 bedroom cape in a quiet neighborhood.
Interior features hardwood floors , eat-in kitchen, formal
dining room and living room with wall to wall carpeting over
hardwood. Basement has a cozy family room, or could be
used as a 3rd bedroom. Exterior has vinyl siding,replacement
windows, fenced in yard, patio and deck. Great starter home
or one looking to down size......................$52,500
1642 St. Rt. 107,
Amsterdam
Beautiful 3 BR home with beautiful old woodwork
and trim. 2 full BA, one on each floor. Formal DR,
enclosed front porch, new electrical, plumbing,
floors in upstairs BA, front porch is heated. New
roof on kitchen, downstairs BA is all new, new
outside deck and deck roof, new low E replacement
windows in house. Ceramic tile, French door, builtin cabinets, wood floors......................$69,900
Sold
1361 Midline Rd., Amsterdam
Cozy cape with 3 BR and 2 full baths, renovated 2 full
baths, renovated 2nd floor, HW floors and ceramic tile
in kitchen, replacement windows, 4 year old roof, and a
newly stained deck. Back yard is fenced, new natural
gas furnace, low taxes........................$129,900
New Li
sting
142 Hammond Town Rd., Tn. of Amst.
Too New for Photo!
40 Wilkes Ave., Amst.
177 Manny Corners Rd., Amst.
Nice 3 bedroom cape on a beautiful large lot,
hardwood floors, sun room, one car garage
attached to the home, plus a one car garage that
is next to the property. Eat-in kitchen, full
basement.......................................$114,900
Solid brick home located in the T.O.A. 1300 SF, 3 BR
& 1 bath, new roof and a finished room in the attic.
Situated on a Dbl. lot. Detached garage/workshop
and shed w/generator wired to the house. Attached
garage under home. Updated furnace and electric.
Low taxes. Great place to raise a family or a nice
setting for the retiree........................$129,900
62 Center St., Amsterdam
Priced to Sell! Great income potential with a
great location. The house is located near
several restaurants, the Erie Canal bike path,
and parks........................................$42,000
Sale P
ending
4 Rochester St., Fort Johnson
Beautiful 3 bedroom home on a quiet street, eat-in
kitchen with ceramic tile floor, formal dining room,
family room with a wood fire place, 1 1/2 baths,
home will have a new roof before closing. Large wrap
around deck, perfect for that morning cup of coffee,
second deck off the second floor, patio, large above
ground swimming pool, central air, low taxes. This
home will not last long......................$130,000
BUYING? SELLING? Our trusted team of Real Estate Professionals offer you personalized service and the ability to produce
the results you want and deserve. Visit our new website for State-of-the-Art Virtual Tours at VASSIREALESTATE.COM
November 2014
5
Real Estate Express
VASSIREALESTATE.COM
Check our new website for virtual tours
Realty
160 Market St., Amsterdam, NY 12010 • 843-1885
BROKER: BOB VASSI 518-441-7599
Sales Agents: Wes Moller 928-0211 • Fred Traver 848-8125 • Dominick Megna 577-2537 • Ken Engle 321-9894
Berni Chatterton 705-2724 • Marie Engle 321-9895 • Rosemary Cinquanti 229-5846 • Juanita Wojnar 843-0400
Sold
110 Saratoga Ave., Tn. of Amst.
Large 2 story, 4 BR 2.5 bath colonial in the
Town of Amsterdam w/an attached “in law”
apartment that features an open concept floor
plan with a LR, DR, kitchen and 2 BRs and 1 BA.
Plenty of parking, 2 car garage all on 1 acre.
Too many amenities to mention.. . . . .$224,900
172 Simpson Road,
Northville
300 State Highway 67,
Charming farm house nestled in the foothills of
the Adirondacks, on a dead end road just outside
the village of Northville. This 3 BR, 1.5 BA home
features post & beam construction with updated
addition, 3 FP, inground pool, pond, and income
producing 2 family home with a 3 bay garage
underneath, on 9+ acres...............$389,000
Great investment opportunity on this
Amsterdam
highly visible gas station with 1,600 sq. ft.
retail store on Rt. 67 north of Amsterdam.
Plenty of parking and easy access. This
business comes full equipped. A turn-key
operation.....................................$219,000
Sale P
ending
28 John St., Amsterdam
Home is priced right to sell. Home needs
updating and with a little TLC this 1700 sq ft
home could be great for a family. Features large
eat-in kitchen, dining room, 3 bedrooms, and
spacious yard...................................$32,500
304 Division St., Amsterdam
170 Nadler, Town of Perth
2 family house with 2 BR, 1 BA each flat. Good
investment property for the right price. Both Cleared 1 acre surrounded by woods. Country
apartments rented............................$52,500 setting. Close to Hagaman..................$20,000
Price R
educed!
A ready-to-move-in 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath
townhouse that is located in a park-like
setting. It has an eat-in kitchen and a cozy
family room with a wood burning fireplace.
There is a 2 car garage and a huge 12’x20’
shed................................................$89,000
21 Carmichael St., Amsterdam
Well built 2 family house in a good location.
Exterior features vinyl siding, replacement
windows, and 6 yr. old roof. Laundry room on
each floor apartment. 3 BR, 1 BA each. Good
investment property..........................$65,500
Price C
hange
0 Royal Coachman Dr., Amst.
1.4 acres on a cul-de-sac road of newer homes.
Shed and plenty of road frontage. BroadalbinPerth School District.........................$19,500
Price R
educed!
1231 Co. Hwy. 126,
Amsterdam
Price C
hange
21 Evelyn Ave., Amsterdam
81 Ft. Johnson Ave., Ft. Johnson
McMillan Rd, Duanesburg
An excellent 182.5 acres of wooded land. Great
hunting area and a super cabin is included on the
land. 15 minutes from the Capital District. Plenty
of trees for logging.........................$125,000
A completely remodeled 2 story, 3 BR, 1 1/25
bath home. All new stainless steel appliances. It
is in move-in condition. A perfect home for the
first time buyer or the downsizers. Nice side yard
for the kids to play in or for family parties. This
is not a drive by................................$68,900
New Li
sting
Sale P
ending
85 Greenwood Ave., Amsterdam
181 Church St., Amsterdam
Great income property, with new roof. Two car garage,
large kitchens, large LRs. 2nd floor has enclosed
porch. Close to several local stores. Wood floors. Taxes
do not include STAR. Priced to move.......$59,000
Well kept cape home in a quiet location featuring an
eat-in kitchen with corian counter tops, with updated
cabinets and a sliding glass door leading to a stone
patio. 1st floor also features a dining area open to
the living room, and a master bedroom with 2 large
closets. 2nd floor offers 2 bedrooms and a 3/4 bath.
Basement has a cozy family room with notty pine
walls. Exterior is meticulously kept and beautifully
landscaped........................................$86,500
Cozy Cape Cod home with open dining area to
LR with wall-to-wall carpeting over HW floors and
FP. Interior also features EIK, good size BRs on
301 State Hwy. 161,
1st floor with full bath. Basement has FR with
Town of Florida
BR, full bath and laundry room. Exterior has
stucco siding, small patio and 1 car garage. A beautiful piece of property, located on the corner
Great location with easy access to gold course of Route 161 and Fort Hunter Road. 22 acres to
and Rt. 30 shopping.........................$75,000 build your dream home on!.................$44,000
Sale P
ending
Sold
189 Steadwell Ave., Amst.
This home shows great character with a little TLC.
A 2,100 sq. ft. layout featuring EIK, large LR,
formal DR, FR with FP and a laundry room on
first floor. 2nd floor has HW floors in 4 good size
BR with master bath in master BR. Property on
1.96 acres for great family gatherings. Home has
in ground pool which is in need of repairs.
Property is subject to short sale and bank
approval........................................$134,500
22 Fairmount Avenue, Amst.
A beautiful 3 bedroom (one a master suite on 2nd
floor), 2 full bath, eat-in kitchen, 3 season room,
finished all knotty pine rec room in the basement
2 story home in the desirable golf course area.
This home is a must see!...................$84,900
BUYING? SELLING? Our trusted team of Real Estate Professionals offer you personalized service and the ability to produce
the results you want and deserve. Visit our new website for State-of-the-Art Virtual Tours at VASSIREALESTATE.COM
6
Real Estate Express
(BPT) — The leaves and the weather don’t need to be
the only things to change this season. As the cooler temperatures send you indoors, start adding home improvement projects to your to-do list.
Why now? According to a recent survey by Houzz.com,
78 percent of homeowners are looking to improve the look
and feel of their space; while 54 percent are looking to add
functionality. Here are a few project ideas to get your
home feeling and looking fabulous.
From boring to bold baths
The bathroom topped the 2014 Houzz & Home Survey
renovation project list – likely since its one room in the
house that’s used every day. If your bathroom is boring,
basic or just outdated, it’s time to make a change – even
on a budget.
Faucets are a simple and affordable way to instantly
renew the look and functionality your bath. Moen’s Darcy
bathroom collection, available at The Home Depot,
includes transitionally styled faucets with a soft-modern
look and water-saving benefits to offer the best of form
and function and give you a beautiful bath in no time. The
collection is also available in Moen’s Spot Resist Brushed
Nickel finish, so you’ll save time cleaning, too, as it helps
resist water spots and fingerprints.
Weather the winter wisely
No one wants to spend money on high energy bills, but
according to the National Resources Defense Council,
approximately one-third of a home’s total heat loss usually
occurs through windows and doors that aren’t insulated
properly. Don’t throw money out your windows; updates
such as weather stripping can keep out cool air while
keeping the needed warm air in.
And don’t stop there; simple tasks, such as replacing
worn-out caulk, insulating your outlets, and prepping
your windows with plastic cling for the winter months can
significantly reduce your heating and cooling bills.
Quick and convenient kitchen upgrade
Cool weather means less barbecuing and more indoor
cooking. As the entertaining hub and family gathering place,
it’s no wonder the kitchen is the second top renovation project on the Houzz list. What are homeowners looking to
November 2014
update? Twenty-one percent want a new kitchen faucet.
From prep to clean-up, the kitchen faucet is a major
workhorse – and a focal point – in the kitchen. So, if
you’re living with a builder basic, it’s time for an upgrade.
Pulldown faucets are a popular choice, such as the new
Hensley kitchen faucet from Moen. Not only will it add a
heightened aesthetic and functionality with its Spot Resist
Stainless finish, but it also features Moen’s innovative
Reflex system, that self-retracts and securely docks to provide smooth operation and easy movement, offering a
more convenient kitchen experience. In addition, the
faucet features Microban antimicrobial protection – builtin to the faucet finish – to help inhibit the growth of stainand odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew. For more
information, visit moen.com.
Get fired up
Nothing feels better on a cold night than getting cozy by
a fire, but be sure your fireplace is prepped for the season. For a wood-burning fireplace, inspect the chimney
for nests or cracks. Next, be sure to clean it thoroughly to
remove creosote, which is unburned fuel, to prevent
unwanted fires. For gas-burning fireplaces, be sure the
airways of the pilot and main burners are working properly and the blower is clean. Finally, be sure you have working carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, as well as an
operational fire extinguisher nearby. Soon you’ll (safely)
enjoy the warm glow during cold winter days.
Focus on fixtures and fans
As the days get shorter and there’s less natural light,
you may notice your fixtures a lot more. For added illumination and energy savings, update incandescent bulbs with
brighter, ENERGY STAR-rated bulbs which use about 75
percent less energy and last 10 to 25 times longer. Next,
focus on your ceiling fans. Start by cleaning the blades
with a gentle detergent and switch the blades to rotate
clockwise. Changing this setting pushes warm air down
into the room, making it feel warmer while saving up to 15
percent on heating costs.
Check off your home improvement to-do list with these
simple changes. Your home will look and feel fabulous,
and be more efficient, as the cooler weather approaches.
November 2014
Real Estate Express
7
8
Real Estate Express
November 2014
5 common weatherization myths busted
(BPT) — Last winter’s visit from the polar vortex made
for bone-chilling blizzards and teeth-chattering temperatures. If this year is anything like the last, drafty homes
and high thermostat settings will accompany the freezing
weather. Unfortunately, many homeowners get cold feet
when it comes to weatherizing their homes, citing various
reasons why they don’t just get it done. Here are five common weatherizing myths you should overcome to help you
get ready this winter:
Myth No. 1: Weatherizing requires a handyman
Hiring a professional to weatherize isn’t necessary.
Many easy-to-use weatherization products are available
that require minimal – if any – tools, and can be installed
in just a weekend.
Myth No. 2: Weatherizing isn’t affordable
Many do-it-yourself weatherizing products are easy on
your wallet. Actually, homeowners can potentially save
hundreds of dollars per year on their heating (and cooling)
costs by properly air sealing their homes and keeping thermostat temperatures low.
Myth No. 3: Weatherize when it’s cold
It’s never too early to weatherize, especially as you prepare for Old Man Winter. For best results, take a topdown approach: Start with the attic, winterize windows,
close gaps around and under doors, and hit the walls to
tackle hidden sources of energy loss. Be sure to check
your home’s nooks and crannies, too.
Myth No. 4: Being cold is just a part of winter
Being cold inside your home may be a sign your house
isn’t weatherized properly. One common place to feel
drafts is by doors, especially as cracks and gaps can let
cold air in and warm air out. Look for insulating seals to
stop leaks, like the Triple Draft Seal from Duck brand. A
no-nails-needed door bottom, the Triple Draft Seal slides
on to prevent drafts from under the door and offers three
layers of draft protection: an inner seal helps retain room
temperature, an outer seal blocks drafts and the bottom
fins help keep out moisture and water.
Myth No. 5: Windows and doors are my only problem
Windows and doors are prime spots for energy loss,
accounting for most air leaks and bitter drafts entering
your home, but behind-the-scenes sources also should be
addressed. Something as simple as insulating electrical out-
lets and switch plates on exterior walls can create a buffer
between the outdoor air and your home’s inside. To prevent
drafts even further, don’t forget to check the attic. Attic
access openings or pull-down stairs are often overlooked
and are actually a big source of energy loss. To combat
drafts, use an insulating attic seal, like the patented Attic
Stairway Cover from Duck brand. It’s flexible, lightweight,
easy to install and repositionable for attic access.
Don’t let these common misconceptions scare you. As it
turns out, weatherizing can be an affordable and easy doit-yourself project. For tips and more information, visit
DuckBrand.com/HomeSmart.
BUYING OR SELLING? CALL
VITO GRECO
LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALES ASSOCIATE
A Company built on Experience, Reputation and Results
CELL: 518-461-8486
OFFICE: 518-829-7250
[email protected]
November 2014
9
Real Estate Express
316 Mohawk Drive • Tribes Hill, NY 12177
www.judithannrealty.com
Judith Ann Phetteplace
Licensed Real Estate Broker
New
Listing
(518) 829-7250
New
Listing
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New
Listing
Swart Hill, Amsterdam
2002 manufactured home in a great country
4th St., Amsterdam
Florida Ave., Amsterdam
setting on 1.20 acres. Gorgeous newer kit. w/
Beautiful Side Hall Colonial style home
Sunset Rd., TOA
oak cabinets, DR & LR with F/P. 3 season
Country feel in this extremely private home
situated on a double lot. Home features new
porch, den, spacious master bedroom with
surrounded by wood and cornfields and set on
Excellent condition Cape Cod style home
Ramsey Ave., Amsterdam
kit. with nice maple cabinets, and Pergo
ample closets, and it’s own bath with a spa tub 1.40 acres, as per deed. Home has a cozy floor situated on a nice 60’ x 150’ lot as per deed.
and shower. 3 beds and 2 baths. Huge heated
plan with kit. w/ oak cabinets, DR & LR with Home has eat in kit. w/ appliances, good sized Ranch style home situated on a 100’ x 100’ lot. floors, formal DR and LR with H/W flooring.
3 beds and 2 BA. Open front porch, great
Eat in kitchen, living room, 3 beds and 1 full
Quonset hut with power, 18” concrete floor
H/W floors. 3 beds and 1 bath. Garage,
LR, H/W floors throughout, 3 beds and 1 full,
yard, partially fenced yard, updated electric
bath. Home is a fixer upper with oil hot water
and can hold 6 cars, dump trucks or RV’s.
enclosed side porch with laundry and the
updated bath. New roof, enclosed side porch
and home has new siding.
heat and a 2 car garage.
3 sheds, a 1 car garage.
home overlooks a year round stream.
and a 1 car attached garage.
$135,000
New
Listing
Stanford Ave., Amsterdam
Raised Ranch style home in an excellent
neighborhood. Home features eat in kit. w/
appliances, DR, LR and lower level FR w/ new
gas F/P. 4 beds, 2 1/2 baths, lower level
laundry room with storage and door out to a
nice big back yard. 2 car attached garage.
$149,900
$64,000
New
Listing
Northern Blvd., T.O.A.
FFCS Schools
$99,900
$49,900
$115,000
Town of Amsterdam Home
Excellent condition Ranch style home situated
on a 100’x175’ lot. Home has good sized kit.,
dining area and large LR with picture window.
Enclosed back porch, nice 2 car garage and a
great lawn in a great neighborhood!
$99,000
Great home nestled along the woods. Home
has kit. w/all appliances, formal DR with HW
flooring, LR with dark mahogany stained
woodwork, FP with gas insert and HW floors.
4 beds, 2 baths, den/office, plenty of built-ins,
storage shed, nice oversized 1 car garage and
screened in front porch.
$98,000
$239,000
$79,500
Haskell St., Hagaman
Clean, well maintained 5 bedroom house on
a quiet street in Hagaman. Home has an eat
in kit., DR and cozy LR. First floor bath,
laundry area on the enclosed back porch,
deck off the back, great back yard, large
driveway and a 1 car garage with workshop.
$84,500
$129,000
Taxes reduced!
On this great condition executive Ranch style
home featuring lg. kit. with lots of cabinets,
formal DR, and huge double LR with 2 sided
FP. 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, deck off the
back, 1.20 acres, attached 2 car garage and
large lower level, perfect for a family room!
$185,000
Fultonville Development
Immaculate Ranch style home in a great
Great condition Raised Ranch style home in a
Rt. 30S, Amsterdam
location! Updated, eat in kit. w/SS appliances
community of newer homes. Home features
Great condition Ranch style home on a
and Pergo flooring, open DR and LR with HW
kit. w/appliances, dining area with slider out to
beautiful 1.30 acre lot! Home features updated
floors, 2 beds and a new bath with cherry
a nice deck and great fenced in back yard!
kit. w/appliances and breakfast nook, and large
cabinets and granite countertop vanity.
Bright LR, 3 beds and a bath on the upper
Laundry area in the basement that also has DR/LR combo. 3 beds, 1 bath, full basement, 1 level. Lower level is perfect for a family room!
car garage plus a car port and a gazebo in the
another possible bedroom and a 3/4
2 car attached garage and beautiful
back yard. Gorgeous country setting!
bathroom. Nice back yard and a 1 car garage.
landscaping in the front!
$124,000
$129,900
$139,900
Wesleyan Ave., Amsterdam
Crane St., Amsterdam
Beautiful home featuring Carriage House kit. w/
Gorgeous Brick Ranch!
appliances, formal DR and LR with HW floors,
Cottage style home features nice eat in kit. w/
This well kept home, in a super neighborhood,
and newly remodeled lower level FR with
appliances included, large LR with picture
features nice white kit. w/tile countertops and separate pantry. 3 beds, 2 1/2 baths, 1st floor
window, 3 beds and 1 bathroom. Expansion
laundry with new washer and dryer, mud
attic would make great master suite. Nice yard, many cabinets, formal DR, LR w/gas FP, den
with gas FP, 2+ lg. beds, 2 baths, full basement room, 1 car garage, shed, spacious yard with
open front porch and set in a great
would make nice FR, and a 2 car garage.
new landscaping and great open front porch!
neighborhood!
$68,000
$205,000
McKay Road, T.O.A.
Broadalbin-Perth Colonial
2,210 sq. ft. Colonial style home situated on a
beautiful 4.10 acres. Home features kitchen with new
countertops, updated LR and DR with gas FP. A total
of 4 bdrms and 2 baths. Master suite has cathedral
ceilings and an amazing master with every amenity
that you could dream of! Upstairs has radiant
heating, new furnace, a super yard and a 2 car garage
with workshop! Home has new siding and roof.
Grieme Ave., Amsterdam
Recently reduced Side Hall Colonial in a great
section of the city! Home has an updated
kitchen with Cherry cabinets, formal DR with
sliding glass door out to the new pressure
treated deck, LR with brick fireplace with gas
insert. 3 beds, 1 bath, HW floors throughout,
2 car garage and a nice double lot!
Great South Side Location
Linden Ct., TOA
Hickory Hill Rd., Fonda
$58,000
New
Listing
Ranch style house in a nice residential setting. Good condition single family home situated on
Lg. kit. w/ appliances dining area and spacious a quiet side street. Home features galley kit. w/
LR with H/W floors. 3 bedrooms, a full bath
solid wood cabinets, HW and appliances, DR
and all set on a full poured, foundation.
and spacious LR. 2 beds, 1 bath w/laundry,
Laundry in the basement, 1 car
side porch to newer garage, open front porch
attached garage.
and a great back yard!
Country Location
Excellent condition 2006 Condominium
featuring an open concept kit. w/ appliances, Nice Farmhouse style home comes with a 1.20
bright dining area, and spacious LR with a gas acre lot and a 1.90 acre lot! Home features 4
beds, 1 1/2 baths, country kit. w/appliances,
F/P. 2 good sized bedrooms, 2 full baths, and
formal DR, large LR and beautiful den.
a den. Nice entrance foyer with closet, an
Gorgeous
private yard, enclosed front porch,
attached 1 car garage and all situated in a 55
barn, 2 car garage and a great country setting.
and up community. Reduced
$157,000
$74,900
Beautiful Log Home situated on a 1.80 acre lot.
Home has open concept kit. w/ breakfast bar
Adorable 2 story Colonial style home
and appliances, DR and LR with stone
situated on a 70’x338’ lot as per deed.
fireplace. Large master suite upstairs and loft
Home has an eat in kit. with appliances,
area overlooking the LR. 2 more beds and a
formal DR and LR with stone fireplace. 2
full bath on the 1st floor. 2 level deck off the
bedrooms, (master has cathedral ceiling), 1 side of the house! Full basement could make a
full bath, down has nice wood ceilings and perfect FR with a walk out sliding glass doors
wood flooring. Very charming home!
to the back yard.
Unique Home!
$99,000
$184,500
$132,000
New Construction Hagaman
Executive ranch with 1,518 sq. ft. of living
area. It has an open kitchen with cherry
stained cabinets, granite countertops,
stainless appliances, open DR & LR with 9’
ceilings. 3 BR, 2 tile baths, 1st floor
laundry, HW floors, 2 car garage, full
basement, deck off the back, and great
private cul-de-sac location! Offered at
$242,000
10
Real Estate Express
November 2014
The homebuilding method
you’ve never heard of that
cuts energy bills up to 60 percent
(BPT) — For people building new homes in the coming months, the ever-increasing pain of monthly utility
bills for cooling and heating their homes has them looking
for more energy-efficient construction methods. In 2014,
homeowners have been burdened with electricity costs
that rose 5 percent, heating oil 7 percent and natural gas
10 percent, as reported in USA Today. At the same time,
homebuilders are challenged to meet increasingly stringent energy codes imposed by cities and counties.
Most homes in
North America are
built using a technique
that has remained
essentially unchanged
for more than a century. So-called “stick
construction” using
hundreds of pieces of
lumber is notoriously
difficult to make energy efficient. The problem is, numerous gaps
in the structure provide paths for heated
air to leak out and
insulation in such
homes tends to be
spotty, rather than
continuous across walls and ceilings.
To overcome these limitations, more builders and
homeowners are using an advanced building product
called structural insulated panels (SIPs). The panels are
made of a rigid insulating foam core that has stiff wood
panels laminated to it. SIPs are engineered to be
stronger than stick construction, and are much more
energy efficient.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that
SIP buildings are about 15 times more air tight than
stick construction. “A SIP house has fewer joints, less
complicated interfaces between conditioned and unconditioned spaces, and it is dramatically easier to make it
tight,” says Sam Rashkin, the former national director
of DOE’s Energy Star for Homes program.
A key reason SIP-built homes have far fewer gaps is
that the panels come in large sections – up to 8 feet by 24
feet. They also have continuous insulation across the
height, width and depth of each panel. As a result, SIP
homeowners enjoy up to 60 percent energy cost savings
from both heating and cooling their homes.
“Everyone is so amazed by the energy efficiency SIPs
provide,” says Scott Bergford, a DOE Energy Value
Housing Award Builder of the Year, based in Olympia,
Wash. “It only costs an average of $200 to $300 a year to
heat one of my homes. That’s anywhere from one-fifth to
one-sixth the typical
costs for this region, so
the savings are pretty
significant, and the
homeowners love that.”
In addition to energy
savings, SIPs create a
comfortable indoor
environment and help
support healthy indoor
air by sealing out common pollutants. Greenminded homeowners
also appreciate that
building with the panels
reduces construction
waste by up to twothirds.
Despite the wide
range of benefits, SIPs generally cost about the same as
stick construction, considering that they enable faster
home construction and reduce disposal costs from building scraps.
“This is the future of homebuilding,” says licensed
engineer Joe Pasma, technical director for Premier
SIPs. “SIPs provide homebuilders a simple and affordable way to meet evolving energy code requirements,
while building better homes that people enjoy living in.”
Some homeowners might worry that choosing SIPs
will mean a cookie-cutter looking home. Yet, builders
can easily adapt the panels to virtually any architectural
style for single-family homes or apartments. Builders
have used SIPs for designs ranging from ultra-modern
contemporary homes, to bungalows – even for Pueblostyle homes in New Mexico and high-end cabins in the
Pacific Northwest.
November 2014
Real Estate Express
11
Fall projects to make your home sensational
(BPT) — There still is time to complete your unfinished outdoor projects. Sixty percent of homeowners will
accomplish a home improvement project this year, according to survey data from the Zillow Digs Summer Home
Improvement Trend and Spending Survey.
Follow these tips to make your home’s exterior shine.
• Smooth over concrete surfaces. In order to prevent trips or falls, now is a
good time to fix and patch
those cracks in the driveway or garage. Be sure to
fix them now before they
get larger and you could
incur larger repair costs.
It will also help prevent
any future accidents.
Small cracks can be fixed
with concrete caulk while
large cracks require a
patch. Make sure to clean
out the crack before
applying either of these
substances.
• Repaint the deck.
Improving your deck,
patio or porch is the seventh most popular home
improvement project
according to RE/MAX and
it’s easy to see why. When
you picture yourself outside, you probably picture
yourself sitting on the
deck. So, make your deck stand out with a fresh coat of
paint. “Decorating outside of your home is now all the
rage,” says Matthew Mead, author of Backyard Style.
“Your deck needn’t be brown and sullen. Infuse your
backyard space by selecting whatever color you want and
spray the floor of your deck with the Wagner Flexio 890.
Your deck will be the toast of the neighborhood.”
• Give your old patio furniture a new look. If you’re
going to reinvent your deck, why stop there? Why not
refresh your patio furniture to complement your deck’s new
color, too? “Revive any outdoor furniture with an easy
spray using the Wagner Flexio 890,” says Mead. “With a
simple coat of paint you can transform tables, chairs, and
anything wicker in any hue or shade you desire. In my new
book Backyard Style, I show how to take simple flea-market
finds and, with some paint and very little effort, transform
them into show-stopping
decorative accessories.”
• Caulk around windows
and any exterior joints,
including doors. Many people think of this as a preventative project for winter,
but a fresh application of
caulk will protect cool air
conditioning from escaping
when you need it most.
• Make your home’s
exterior sparkle. If your
home suffered any damage
during the winter, now is
the perfect time for repairs
that will make your home
look great again. Walk
around your home and
look for damaged or missing siding. Replace these
pieces and then use a pressure washer to clean and
wash away excess dirt and
grime. Using a special
detergent appropriate for
cleaning your home will give you better results. Once
you’re done with the siding, don’t forget to grab the window cleaner and make those windows sparkle.
Each of these projects can return between 67 and 112
percent of their value to your home, according to DiGiorgi
Roofing and Siding, not to mention the added joy you’ll
receive from these home improvements. So get out there
and get to work. The sooner you finish your project, the
sooner you’ll be able to enjoy the rest of the year in style.
12
Real Estate Express
November 2014
Gasp-worthy perils of bad indoor air
– and what you can do about them
(BPT) — Cooler weather is on the way. You might
think the seasonal demise of pollen-spewing flora, coupled
with more time spent indoors, means allergy and asthma
sufferers – not to mention the rest of us – can expect to
breathe easier. Not so – if the air inside your home or
office is polluted.
Indoor pollutant levels can actually be two to five times
worse – and sometimes more than 100 times worse – than
what’s outside your house, according to the
Environmental Protection Agency. When temperatures
dip, Americans tend to spend more time inside and homes
stay closed up as we attempt to keep warm, heated air
inside. Exposure to indoor air pollution can cause a host
of health problems, and it can be especially worrisome for
people with existing respiratory concerns. What’s more,
bad air can even cause damage to your home.
Here are four gasp-worthy problems that can stem
from poor indoor air quality, and simple ways you can
deflate the risk to your health and home:
1. It can make you sick.
Indoor pollutants from radon (a naturally occurring
gas) to dust, and volatile organic compounds (from furnishings and wall paint) to household chemicals and
cleansers, have been associated with a number of health
concerns. While the link between indoor air quality and
respiratory ailments may be obvious, some of the other
potential health effects are not.
Other problems associated with poor indoor air quality
range from headache, nausea and dizziness to fatigue, dry
eyes and skin, fatigue, fever and even hearing loss.
What you can do:
Take steps to remove stale, polluted air from inside
your home or office. Good ventilation can make your
home more comfortable and healthier. Opt to use a skylight for ventilation while you also reap the benefits of natural light. Energy Star-qualified solar powered fresh air
skylights, like those made by Velux, can provide passive
ventilation and abundant natural light. Passive ventilation
through the natural chimney effect of skylights is a great
way to remove fumes, odor and humidity from kitchens
and bathrooms, and freshen air in other living areas of the
home. What’s more, adding an energy-efficient, remotecontrolled solar powered fresh air skylight complete with
solar blinds can qualify you for a federal tax credit of 30
percent off the installation and equipment costs. Visit
www.veluxusa.com to learn more.
2. It can damage your home.
Excess moisture is one of the most damaging aspects of
poor indoor air quality. Humidity not only creates breathing difficulty for people with existing respiratory problems, but it can promote the growth of mold and mildew,
too, as well as lead to structural rot throughout the home.
Mold can be a major problem, causing significant health
Your home needs to breathe to fight condensation.
By allowing moist inside air to escape and dry outdoor air to enter, you can reduce your home’s humidity level. Venting solar powered fresh air skylights
with solar blinds, along with installation costs, are
eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit.
woes. If mold is present in your home, you may need to
undertake costly repairs to remove it. What’s more, moisture can cause rot in areas of the home you can’t immediately see, such as inside walls, around windows or door
frames and in the attic. Rot weakens a home’s structural
integrity and may also require expensive repairs.
What you can do:
Always run vent fans in bathrooms and kitchens when
you’ll be generating humidity. Supplement mechanical
venting with passive airflow from fresh air skylights. If
you live in a particularly damp climate, consider installing
a dehumidifier on your heating, ventilation and cooling
system to remove excess moisture from the air inside your
home. Be vigilant for signs of mold and have any problems
handled by a professional. For more tips on controlling
condensation visit the Velux America site.
3. It can cost you your job.
Poor indoor air quality can affect your job performance. A National Institutes of Health report cites a study
in which researchers found that reducing indoor air pollution can improve workers’ performance. In fact,
researchers found differences of 6 percent to 9 percent,
leading them to conclude that it’s probably more cost
effective for a business to reduce indoor pollutants than to
increase the supply of outdoor air in a building.
What you can do:
If your performance at work suffers, it’s not unthinkable that an employer might look for a more energetic
employee. Discuss concerns about indoor air quality with
your company’s human resources team and ask what’s
being done to ensure good air quality in your office. In
November 2014
Real Estate Express
13
your own space, consider environment-enhancing steps,
including an ionizing air freshener, a desk lamp that mimics natural light and potted plants that can act as natural
air fresheners.
4. It can contribute to higher energy bills.
Many of the pollutants that irritate your lungs and
sinuses can also stress your home’s HVAC system by clogging filters. Clogged air filters force your heating and cooling systems to work harder to achieve their purpose. The
harder they work, the more energy they consume.
EnergyStar.gov says a buildup of dirt in a home’s HVAC
system is the top source of inefficient operation and system
failure. If your HVAC system is 10 years old or more, it
may already be less efficient than a newer model, and
indoor air pollutants can decrease its efficiency even more.
What you can do:
Regularly change your HVAC system’s air filters. Set a
reminder on your smartphone to prompt you when it’s
time to change the filter. If your HVAC system is older,
consider upgrading it. EnergyStar.gov says upgrading to a
newer, more efficient system could save you as much as
$200 a year in heating and cooling costs.
Additional natural ventilation can help control condensation. Fresh air skylights can not only help your
home breathe easier but also bring healthy, natural
light into your spaces while providing more privacy,
especially in bathrooms. Solar powered fresh air skylights and solar blinds, along with installation costs,
are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit.
Ready for a
Change?
Great retirement living means downsizing
responsibilities and upsizing your lifestyle.
At Prestwick Chase at Saratoga you can
forget about maintenance and home owner
responsibilities and focus on spending time
as you like. A book from our library, a trip
listed on our calendar of activities, playing
cards with friends or participating in an
exercise class. All this and more is waiting
for you. Enjoy great food, great neighbors
and great times.
Prestwick Chase at Saratoga
100 Saratoga Boulevard, Saratoga Springs NY 12866
Call for a tour today
(518) 584-7766 or visit www.prestwickchase.com
PRESTWICK
CHASE
AT SARATOGA
14
Real Estate Express
November 2014
Say ‘bye bye’ to
bathroom remodeling blues
(BPT) — Beautifying your bathroom sounds exciting but
oftentimes renovation plans begin with good intentions and
end up a long, costly nightmare. The national average cost
for a bathroom remodel is $10,142, according to the Cost
Guide from HomeAdvisor.com. That’s a hefty investment
but one that can easily be reduced with a simple refresh of
the space instead. Here are five cost-effective updates you
can make to your bathroom in as little as a weekend.
Enhance walls with color and pattern
You don’t need to re-paint an entire room to alter its
overall appearance. Adding a color or design to just one
wall in the bathroom can revive the whole space. Have
some fun with an accent wall – yellows and golds will warm
it up, greens and blues are calming; and if you want bold
color, Radiant Orchid, Pantone’s 2014 color of the year, is
a bright hue that will really pop. Striped patterns are also
a great option – they’re modern and on-trend, plus provide an easy fix for smaller areas. You can use the direction of the stripes to make the space seem larger: horizontal stripes will make it look wider, whereas vertical stripes
will elongate walls and give the illusion of a higher ceiling.
Make a statement with the mirror
To add character to your bathroom with minimal effort,
install a unique, eye-catching mirror. Framed styles are a
great option, but they can be pricey. However, a little ingenuity can deliver the look you want for a fraction of the
cost. Check out a local flea market or thrift store to see if
you can find a distinctive picture frame that could be transformed into a mirror. To make it really stand out, look for
finds with unconventional shapes, finishes or colors.
Declutter and organize shelves and other spaces
Looking for an easy way to switch up the decor in your
bathroom? Shelf liner, in addition to its traditional uses in
kitchens and closets, can be both fun and functional for the
bath. Start by cleaning out the space, including cabinets,
drawers, the sink top, under the sink and any other storage
areas. Then cut and install a non-adhesive shelf liner like
Duck brand Smooth Top Easy Liner, which is available in
an array of colors and prints to complement various color
schemes or styles. It offers a smooth top and grip bottom
BPT
BPT
for easy sliding of items, plus the smooth surface catches
messes and spills as they happen to make clean-up a breeze
(it’s even machine-washable for larger messes and spills).
And, because it’s non-adhesive, you can quickly and easily
switch it out when the decorating bug hits again.
Brighten up the space with new light fixtures
Lighting in any room of the house can affect the way the
overall design of the room is received. When done right, fixtures fit in seamlessly; when done wrong, they stick out and
distract from other decor. The bathroom light is a great
opportunity to inject flair and style into your space with
ease - plus provide the illumination you need to get ready
for the day. Switch out older ceiling lights with trendy
lanterns or an inexpensive, vintage chandelier. For vanities,
try sconces with unexpected shades or use tall tabletop
lamps instead of wall-mounted styles for added pizzazz.
Pull the room together with accessories
Accessories are a perfect – and inexpensive – way to
add unexpected texture, color and design to a bathroom.
Look for options that complement your style to add personality and bring the whole room together. And, don’t
forget behind the shower curtain – although bath mats
often serve the utilitarian purpose of providing a skidresistant surface for safer footing, they can add a touch of
style, too. Duck brand offers several designer bath mats
that are not only soft and comfortable, but can also add a
bit of pop to otherwise plain surfaces.
Don’t ignore the bathroom’s old appearance over the
fear of high renovation costs. A few easy-to-do – and seemingly inexpensive – changes can go a long way in transforming your bathroom’s style from drab to fab.
5 budget-friendly tips
!
November 2014
Chic
#
Real Estate Express
15
storage ideas
to corral clutter
(BPT) — With the fall season comes cool weather and
more time indoors. Snuggling up with blankets and partaking in activities at home can create more clutter than usual
around the house. Instead of getting frustrated, it’s easy to
add stylish storage to corral extra items. Get organized and
keep your home clutter-free with a few smart tips.
Neat reading racks
Many people enjoy a good read before counting sheep.
However, books, magazines and tablets can just add disarray if left scattered around the bedroom. To combat this
type of clutter, add wall-mounted magazine racks or crates
to hold your reading pieces. Paint a wooden crate using
FrogTape Multi-Surface painter’s tape. Add stripes in striking colors for a reading rack that’s functional and fabulous
looking. FrogTape is the only tape treated with PaintBlock
Technology, which forms a micro-barrier against paint
bleed, giving you sharp and precise paint lines. Learn more
at frogtape.com. After drying, cut your crate down the middle – you now have two spots for book storage. Install simple wall-hanging brackets to the edges of the crates and
attach each to the wall with drywall anchors for a sturdy
and safe finish. These are also great for stowing away toys
in a child’s playroom or towels in the bathroom.
Boost bedroom storage
If every closet, nook and cranny in your home is occupied, it’s time to look toward other avenues for order. Calm
your chaos with under-bed storage units by transforming
old dresser drawers into storage space. Paint the drawers in
the color of your choice and drill casters to the bottom for
easy rolling access. Slide them under your bed and you can
now neatly put away items that were once a nuisance.
Multipurpose seating
Chic ottomans and cushioned benches are great
pieces that provide extra seating in family rooms. But in
addition to their pleasant outward appearance, many
contain hidden storage underneath the lid. Neatly stow
away movies, games, blankets and pillows that would
otherwise crowd this high-traffic area. Position the furniture as an accent piece or place a lengthy bench along a
window for a cozy reading nook, while simultaneously
increasing your storage.
Cozy staircase storage
The space under stairs is often overlooked as a storage
spot, since it’s usually closed off with drywall. What most
homeowners don’t realize is this tricky triangle is typically
hollow, and the “wasted” space can be utilized to store
your family’s odds and ends. For extra functionality,
transform it into a closet if you’re a DIY weekend warrior.
All you’ll need is a couple of days and these steps:
• First, frame the door opening for your new closet.
Use a drywall saw to create the outline that fits the pre-
hung door of your choice. Secure the hinged side to the
frame and use wood shims (thin pieces of wood that will
properly align the door) to ensure it’s a secure fit within
the opening.
• Next, you’ll need to create the closet walls inside.
Measure the area of the closet and cut sheets of plywood
or drywall to those dimensions (depending on how “finished” you’d like the final space to look). Paint the plywood in the color of your choice and install it by nailing it
to the existing studs. Just keep in mind that drywall will
require a few extra steps, like taping, mudding and sanding before it’s ready to paint.
• Now, determine what size storage containers and
hooks the space will allow and create shelves and cubbies.
Using a nail gun, install ledger strips around the entire
closet to support the shelves, making sure they’re level.
Secure with screws and install your painted shelves for a
cozy – and contained – storage solution.
If the construction of this project seems a bit too
ambitious, reach out to a trusted contractor to handle
the building components. You can tackle the most fun
part – painting!
Whether you have limited storage or are simply looking
for ways to bring order to your home, now is the time to
reorganize. With these suggestions, you’ll achieve a modernized and tidy living space, in no time at all.
16
Real Estate Express
November 2014
REAL ESTATE
Arlene M. Sitterly, Inc.
PROFESSIONALS
Licensed Real Estate Brokers
• Terri Easterly 441-5425 • Shelley Yerdon, EPro, SRS 774-6668
Licensed Associate Real Estate Brokers
• Clark Easterly, Jr. 774-0554 • Tammy Mytelka 774-7141
• Leslie Garber 577-8334
• Betty Olson 863-2012
• Matthew J. Gifford 573-9212 • Carole J. Petrelia, GRI, ASP 527-3299
• Selena Long 725-2021
• Shannon Brott 361-8704
• Frank Glover 844-4769
• Beth Wanmer 420-5953
• Cheryl (Cheri) Riemann 844-2636
• Clayton J. Sitterly 762-9885
• Lisa Sweet 332-4348
Licensed Associate Real Estate Sales Persons
• Don Tascano 332-2959
• Alex Mytelka 774-7141
• Bradley Yerdon 332-2583
• Chris Simonds 844-9013
Absolutely charming south end of
Johnstown home with 4 bedrooms and 2
baths, gleaming hardwood floors,
fireplace and new driveway.........$99,900
MLS 201407636
Quality, excellence, superior, privacy,
and craftsmanship are just a few
words to describe this 3000sqft.
home........$279,900 MLS 201413763
GLOVERSVILLE
GLOVERSVILLE
Beautiful, spacious 4 bedrooms, 2.5
baths, center hall colonial with
gorgeous original features and large
rooms..............$89,000 MLS 201420554
Great two-family home in very good
condition with open porches and a 2
car garage......$59,900 MLS 201416520
GLOVERSVILLE
GLOVERSVILLE
GLOVERSVILLE
Spacious
move-in
condition
3
bedroom, 2.5 bath home with a 160ft
deep landscaped lot.............$139,000
MLS 201404069
GLOVERSVILLE
Very well kept ranch featuring 3
bedrooms, eat-in kitchen, formal
dining and main floor laundry...$93,500
MLS 201420300
GLOVERSVILLE
Intant income with this fully rented
two-family home at a bargain
price................$29,000 MLS 201419994
GLOVERSVILLE
GLOVERSVILLE
Priced to sell! This 3 bedroom Cape Cod
style home has a ton of possibilities for
the new owner...$42,500 MLS 201419702
Great family home with huge yard and
big garage...A lot of nag for your
buck!..............$99,900 MLS 201413325
CHECK OUT ALL NEW
LISTINGS BELOW!
JOHNSTOWN
JOHNSTOWN
GLOVERSVILLE
Edge of the city, partially fenced private
backyard, 2 driveways, welcoming front
porch...And
it
feels
like
home............$84,000 MLS 201421325
• Loretta Weldner 762-9885 ext. 121
• Donna Yerdon, ASP 774-6600
• Karen Wheeler, SRS, ABR 424-9826
Cozy describes this 3 beroom ranch
home on a dead end street...$94,000
MLS 201410074
GLOVERSVILLE
Home is where the heart is...Inspect this
comfortable 2 story home. 4 bedrooms,
1.5 baths, 2 car garage, fireplace and
inground pool...$89,900 MLS 201404850
Right spot, right size, right price...Just
GLOVERSVILLE
minutes to the city and close to
amenities. Lot sizes may vary...Perfect Well maintained two-family home, nice
to build your dream home!......$16,900 location, big backyard and 2 car
to $29,900
garage.............$78,000 MLS 201413728
GLOVERSVILLE
Very nice clean home includes 3
bedrooms. 1.5 baths, formal dining room,
living room, kitchen and garage...$85,000
MLS 201408902
GLOVERSVILLE
The sellers of this 4 bedroom home
are motivated to sell! This good sized
home is close to all amenities...$59,900
MLS 201402625
GLOVERSVILLE
Love at first sight is this meticulous 3
bedroom, 3 bath ranch with private
setting on a dead end street...$142,000
MLS 201405236
JOHNSTOWN
Brand new home development! Lovely ranch
style home with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, open
concept living...Located in Johnstown...Call
for more details...$239,000 MLS 201405950