Butler Park Summer Concert Series Butler Park Summer Concert Series We really enjoyed going to Summerfest 2008 - but that doesn’t mean the music has stopped just because the rides have stopped running. Make sure you check out one of these concerts in the near future! Butler Park Summer Concert Series 2008- All concerts are sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake, and the Albany Musicians Union. Concerts are on the stage at Butler Park on Gettle Road near the Averill Park High School. Performances run from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. 8/3 The Reverberators 8/10 Cavanaugh & Kavanaugh 8/17 Karen Lee & Friends 8/24 Mixed Company 8/31 Big Band Night 08/22/2008

Habitat for Humanity ReStore Habitat for Humanity's ReStore One of my favorite places to go on a friday or saturday is the Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore. The store, located at 454 N. Pearl Street in Albany, is only open to the public on fridays and saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm. But it’s worth blocking the time to make the trip - you will find dozens of cabinet sets, sinks, boxes of tiles, rolls of carpets, new paint, doors, windows, appliances, wallpaper remover, vintage wallpaper (my favorite!), pieces of decorative furniture and odds and ends. Yesterday, there was a gorgeous oak mantle for $90, a wood burning fireplace insert and one of those tubs that has a door (I didn’t catch prices on those!). They had a gorgeous slab of granite countertop with a sink cutout for $150. A very impr... 08/22/2008

What is Keller Williams? I am proud to be an associate with the Keller Williams Realty Capital District Market Center! Although our Keller Williams Realty Capital District Market Center has been open for over a year now I still get the question - who is Keller Williams? Many people are surprised to learn that KW is actually the 4th largest company in the nation for brokerages. That’s right! Here is some more information about us … ABOUT KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY Often, we judge the caliber of people by the company they keep – this is why I would like to tell you a little bit about Keller Williams Realty and my office within the Keller Williams system. Keller Williams® Realty was founded in Austin, Texas in 1983 with the specific premise that buyers and sellers deserve the best service for... 08/22/2008

Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers (link goes to my other blog) photo credit: x_jamesmorris The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, the most sweeping housing legislation since the Depression era, was passed by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives at the end of last month and was signed into law by President Bush. Among the many changes the government has pushed forward recently to increase sales of the increasing inventory of homes on the market and to decrease the number of foreclosures that are taking place is the tax credit for first time home buyers - a tax credit of up to 10 percent of the sales price, up to $7,500. Many of the provisions of the new law go into effect October 1, 2008 but can be used by first-time home buyers who bought, or will buy, their home bet... 08/22/2008

Current Market Statistics (link goes to my other blog) photo credit: juhansonin As we fly-by the halfway point of the year I thought it would be a good time to see where our local market is headed. Although the market is still strong in the Capital District we have also been faced with an increase in foreclosures and a decline in house prices. However, real estate is extremely localized and decent schools with always be an attractive feature to new home buyers and keep home prices steady. Luckily Averill Park schools are very highly rated and desirable. Currently in the Averill Park school district there are (data is from Jan 2008 - mid-August 2008 only): 143 single family houses on the market with an average list price of $$294,741 and an average days on market of 134 days and an unso... 08/22/2008

Ok, this is actually last week - going to be posting this week's in a few minutes. This week's snapshot for Averill Park NY area (including homes for sale in Sand Lake NY, Wynantskill NY and Poestenkill NY): This week there are 147 current single-family homes for sale. This week there are 36 single-family homes pending (under contract). So far this year there have been 91 single-family homes sold. One year ago there were 89 single-family homes sold. So far this year the most expensive home in the area sold for $525,000. This week there was one price reduction in the area for $14,900: Home for Sale in Poestenkill NY 23 Grandview Drive, Poestenkill NY, $460,000, 5 bedroom, 4 bathrooms, 2 acres, 3450 sq. ft Spectacular custom home featuring panel construction with R-38 walls, R-64 ceiling ... 08/05/2008

The Averill Park Sand Lake fire department has been in service for more then 100 years and has seen many changes over the years. Averill Park and Sand Lake Fire Department (APFD) is facing both an increase in the population, resulting in more firematic and EMS activity, and a decline in volunteer membership. In addition, of the current APFD members, 11 active members are over the age of 65. APFD recognizes that we need an infusion of volunteers that can be trained and ready to take the place of our aging volunteers when the time comes. This time may not be that far off either, having had at least 3 active members reduce their activity levels within the last year. To become a volunteer visit their website at http://www.averillparkfire.org or contact Chief Paul Glasser, Jr. at 788-1131. W... 08/05/2008

Contact your lender as soon as you realize that you have a problem. Lenders do not want your house. They have options to help borrowers through difficult financial times. When calling your servicer, please make sure you have the following information available; Name, Address, Telephone number, Email Address, Servicer’s Name, Loan Number, Current Income and Expenses, Reason for Default, Is the loan in bankruptcy? (if yes, you will need to provide the names , location, case number, and attorney), Is the property owner occupied? Servicer Hotline Acqura Loan Services 866-660-5804 Aurora Loan Services 800-550-0509 Bank of America 800-846-2222 Carrington Mortgage Services 800-790-9502 Citi Mortgage/ Citi Residentail 866-915-9417 Countrywide Home Loans 800-669-6650 EMC Mortgage, Inc. 877-362-6... 08/04/2008

Unfortunately, like the rest of America, foreclosure is taking place in the Averill Park area as well. While these homes are often great for first time homebuyers they are often left in an indecent state and require the ability to see potential. They are also one of the saddest things to preview and show - they are often left quickly and many of the homeowners belongings are left behind - including personal belongings and furniture. You will see babies toys, pictures on the walls, and once loved clothing hanging in the closets. Current bank-owned properties on the market: 54 Seneca Road, Averill Park, NY $109,900 What a great opportunity for someone who is handy looking for their first home, or maybe someone looking for a second residency. This home sits very close to Racquet/Reichards ... 08/04/2008

Butler Park Festival - annual celebration of the area and holiday We went to the annual Summerfest last night and we had a great time - always spend more then we plan on of course - and eat way more then we should - but it was still a night to remember. Our friends Damien and Corrinne (who is Irish) came with their daughter Victoria and we really enjoyed the fireworks. There is another set of fireworks tonight at 9:15 if anyone missed them. The Summerfest is sponsored and organized by the local Kiwanis Club of Sand Lake (I will be blogging about them later this month). They also serve beer and have a food tent. There are 1/2 dozen rides for small children and another 1/2 dozen for larger children and adults. There are also carnival games (hook the duck, shoot darts at balloons, make bas... 07/09/2008

Averill Park NY Area First Time Homebuyers - Homes For Sale   It’s a great time to be a first time homebuyer - if you have decent credit and some money saved for a down payment. HOWEVER, there are still grants and assistance programs available for buyers who need some help with covering closing costs and/or coming up with the money needed to put down on a loan. I will discuss these options more in another (soon to be published - just putting the finishing touches on it) post. Let’s get to the current inventory of homes for sale in Averill Park NY that I think would work great for first time homebuyers: 1 - 115 Mountainview Avenue, $139,000, Charming 3 bedroom Brunswick home in the Averill Park school district. Hardwood floors, living room w/ fireplace. Bonus room could be a dining room ... 07/09/2008

This originally was posted on my other blog ...   Just when I got the house ready to unload the pod too To be honest, I really don’t mind, it was so sticky and hot and HUMID that the rain is a sweet gift from above. And gives me another reason to blog One of the things I love most about living in the Capital Region of New York State, and Averill Park in particular, is that we get to experience the 4 seasons. Next week I have a blog post with some outstanding photos of the area taken thruout the year by a young woman named Sarah - some great sunset shots taken over Glass Lake in particular! - and looking at them really got me thinking of how fantastic this area is for year-round natural beauty. Not only are we blessed with fertile soil, abundant farmlands, hills, and valleys but we have ... 07/09/2008

originally posted on my other blog This year my daughter Alley started taking horseback riding lessons at Spierre’s Stables on 120 Weatherwax Road in Poestenkill. Jen Spierre came personally recommended to us from the mother of one of Alley’s classmates. Because Alley has been diagnosed with ADD, and working with horses has been shown to be therapeutic for these kids, my ex-husband and I decided to go for it. I don’t regret the decision at all! Alley has learned great respect for the animals, and Jen has made sure she gets no special treatment because of her temperament. She has just as many responsibilities for taking care of the horses before and after the lesson as any other student. Jen is also highly patient with Alley and keeps her on task during the l... 05/21/2008

originally posted on my other blog From the Averill Park school district website: Averill Park BOE Adopts Spending Plan; Prepares for May 20 Budget Vote Tax Levy Increase Estimated at 2.96 Percent The Averill Park Board of Education adopted a $53.5 million spending plan for the 2008-09 school year at a special meeting held Thursday night (April 3). Residents will vote on the spending proposal for $53,560,835 on May 20, 2008. Voting can be done at the Averill Park High School located at 146 Gettle Road from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. The proposal accounts for a spending increase of $2.1 million over the 2007-08 school year budget, an overall increase of 4.23 percent. However, the estimated local tax levy will only increase by 2.96 percent. Budget highlights include:... 05/14/2008

  The First Presbyterian Church of Sand Lake. From 1808 until 1835, Presbyterians worshipped at the meetinghouse that is now Sand Lake Baptist Church. The First Presbyterian Church of Sand Lake was dedicated October 28, 1835. In 1967, it merged with the Averill Park Methodist Church and formed the Church of the Covenant. The Town of Sand Lake purchased the church, remodeled it, added offices, and used it as the Town Hall from 1972 to 1999. It has been extensively remodeled and in fall 2003 became the Sand Lake Center for the Arts. (picture and copy originally from the Sand Lake Historical Society website) Sand Lake Center for the Arts - Circle Theatre Players, is a not for profit community arts center. The Center is a renovated, historically significant 1835 church with a fully equipped... 05/14/2008

Originally posted on my other blog   Pictures are of the Cherry Blossoms blooming out side of the school grounds at Poestenkill Elementary School. I took a landscaping class at the Keller Williams Realty Capital District Market Center the other morning and learned a lot. I have always loved gardening, my dad was a landscaper and I think it's in my blood!, and I think I add a lot to clients when it comes to helping them decide how to best achieve maximum curb appeal for selling a house. However, our instructor Shirley, a certified master gardener from Saratoga county, taught me a few things. One of them is the colors of the plants in the front beds should compliment the color of the door because they will lead the eye to the door. Also, having an impressive front entrance, with a covered... 05/11/2008

Originally posted on my other blog I love that one commercial when the guy says, I just open up my wallet and say here it is guys, please take it. Ok, I don't think that's an exact quote and I have no idea what they were selling :) however, it seems pretty accurate lately. I know I am in the market for a car and hope to be driving one by the start of the summer. My minivan getting 16 mpgs just isn't cutting it these days - especially when I think about all the driving I do as a buyer's agent! So I thought I would share a few informative emails I received within the last month .... hope this information helps someone! 1 - This a list to download and share of environmentally sound and common sense ways to save money at the pump ... Save Money and Save Gas 2 - These are 2 websites that let... 05/10/2008

Originally posted on my other blog When I first moved here I heard stuff about Burden Lake, how it was not the preferred lake to live on. Well, after 8 years, I have to say I really like it a lot. Now that I have a friend who lives a rocks throw from the shore I find it has grown on me more and more. One reason? Kay's Pizza on Second Dyke Rd. It's a 50 year tradition that just gets better with age. If you are looking for a high class restaurant with ambiance and atmosphere, well, this isn't it. But if you are looking for great food, served reasonably priced, and with consistent quality, you could not do better. We bring all the kids and we don't worry about them making too much noise or spilling anything. Outside we skip rocks and watch the people fishing off of the bridge. The menu is ... 05/10/2008

We have been having a heat wave here in the Capital District of New York and it's pretty bizarre ... however all the signs from mother nature point to spring (although an accelerated one as the sun is causing everything to go on fast forward!!) ...For me, the true signs of the spring times are the flowering trees, shrubs and new growth coming out of the ground. Nothing makes me happier then seeing the first signs of the snow crocus popping through the last fall of a winter snow … Everywhere I go I see the golden yellow forsythia along the road sides …. The bright pinkish purpley lilac of azalias, along with yellow and white daffodils line the front of Poestenkill Elementary School … A honeybee visits the newly flowering dogwood tree in a friend’s front yard … Disclaimer: all pictures ar... 04/24/2008

When someone asks “why should I buy a home when I like renting?” I always ask why they would want to help their landlord build equity and get a great credit score and then I always mention the cliche - “you can claim a mortgage payment as a deduction on your taxes!”. But what does that really mean?? Searching the IRS website actually found me a page that was in plain english! Here’s what I learned: Moving Expenses Your moving expenses may be deductible on your federal tax return if you meet certain tests relating to all three of the following requirements: Your move is closely related to the start of work at a new job location,You meet the distance test, andYou meet the time test. However, if your employer reimburses you for the cost of the move, the reimbursement may have to be include... 04/09/2008