Did you just wake up? Enjoying that first cup of coffee? Are you done eating? Did the boss just yell at you? Are you enjoying that cocktail? Is it time for bed? For free help quitting, call the New York State Smokers' Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487). The best advice I ever got was: "Never quit quitting."  Good luck!!! Meanwhile, if you have any questions regarding the Clifton Park Real Estate market, please feel free to call me anytime (518)281-3951. Thank you. 11/24/2008

The Honest Weight Food Co-op is recognized as the Clifton Park premier Natural and Organic Food Store.  This member owned and operated store is open to the public and offers a complete variety of natural and organic grocery, dairy, frozen, and body care products.  They also support a wide variety of local farmers and ranchers. They have been voted as the Times Union "Best Natural and Organic store" numerous times.  So, if you live in the Clifton Park area, be sure to check them out.  They are located at 484 Central Ave in Albany and more details can be found on their Web site: www.honestweight.coop Meanwhile, if you have any real estate questions in the Southern Saratoga County area, including Clifton Park, Rexford, Halfmoon, and Saratoga Springs please feel free to call me anytime (518... 11/24/2008

Just when you thought all was doom and gloom, there is a bit of good news for the Capital District. The municipal bond rating for Albany, NY is now the highest for all cities in New York State.  The bond rating moved two step to "AA-" by Standard and Poor's. According to Jeanine Rodgers Caruso, executive vice president of Fiscal Advisors & Marketing, Inc. in Clifton Park, NY, a municipal financial advisory firm, the rating is higher than any city in New York.  Needless to say, Mayor Jerry Jennings is very happy with these results. The next highest rating is Rochester with an "A" rating. So, just when you thought all was doom and gloom, I hope this news provides you with a glimmer of hope. If you have any questions about the Capital District real estate market, including Clifton Park, NY... 11/21/2008

I'm Freezin' for a Reason... Join us on December 13, 2008 for the annual Polar Plunge at Lake George, NY.  Just minutes from Clifton Park, this great event helps raise funds for Special Olympics New York and allows all of us a little opportunity to help this great charity. The Polar Plunge registration begins at 9:30 and the Plunge, dive, or slow crawl will start at noon.  Anyone raising at least $100 will recieve an official Plunge sweatshirt, so gather a team at your office, church, or neighborhood and we'll see you there. All the details can be found on their Web site at www.specialolympicsny.org Meanwhile, if you have any questions about the Clifton Park real estate market, feel free to call me anytime (518)281-3951. 11/21/2008

May I offer you some shelter?  Not from the elements but from The Tax Man!!!   Home-ownership in Clifton Park, NY is one of the best tax advantages you can provide to yourself and your family.  Listed below are a few of the ways that buying a home can help you minimize your tax liability.  Please be sure to consult your tax adviser for all the details on these items.   1) Real estate and property taxes may be deducted from your income, lowering your tax bracket and tax liability. 2) Mortgage interest paid to your lender may be an itemized deduction on your taxes as well.  This is a significant item in the early stages of your mortgage since the vast majority of your payment is to interest not principal. 3) Pre-paids and closing costs.  There are a number of closing costs (e.g. transfer ... 11/14/2008

Now is a great time to be a buyer in the Clifton Park real estate market. First and foremost, the Capital District, to include Clifton Park, has been a relatively stable market when compared to all the National news we hear.  Prices have basically remained flat when compared to last year.  I have checked a few sources, some say +3% others say -3%.  Again, compared to what we hear is going on in other parts of the country, "flat" is good.  Here are some other great reasons to buy now: 1) Inventory is high, which means Days On Market is up, therefore sellers are more motivated to sell. 2) In this "buyers market" it means buyers can be more selective in what they purchase.  They are also able to get the home of their dreams in excellent condition. 3) There are a number of excellent tax adv... 11/14/2008

I was just reading a comment on a blog and it mentioned Multi Company/Agent caravans. I had never heard of this before and thought the idea was great. I think all agents have to get back to the basics and part of this would be getting out to preview more properties. This is definitely a more enjoyable experience with a group. If there are any agents interested in doing this please don't hesitate to give me a call. I think camaraderie in our business will help everyone stay on a positive note. And why not? Everything I am reading and hearing is we are poised for a upturn the second quarter of 09. It will be a long climb back to where we were but up is better than down for all of us. I look forward to hearing from other active rain agents and getting together soon! 11/12/2008

2627 Van Dyke Ave Rotterdam, NY Click For Listing Website Click For Interactive e-Tour Come and see this three bedroom one and a half bath cottage in Rotterdam. It has got hardwood flooring through out and wide plank hardwood in the newly updated kitchen. The rest of the home has been freshly painted. This cottage sits on a double lot, that has been fenced in. If you enjoy to cookout you can do ithis on the large deck and be sure to keep your cars out of the snow in the two car detached garage. MLS# 28121669 $174,900 3 Bed, 1.5 Bath 2627 Van Dyke AveRotterdam NY, 12306 Jay Streb EXIT NORTHWAY REALTY 518-383-4400 jstrebny@gmail.com 11/11/2008

The Literacy NENY Volunteers Serve all of Warren, Washington, and Saratoga Counties including Clifton Park, NY.  They are a not-for-profit organization that provides free assistance to people who need help with reading, writing, math, and preparing for the GED test.  They also help people learn to speak better English, study for the citizenship test, or other English speaking, reading, or writing skills.       How do you get help in the Clifton Park area?  Call them, tool free at 1-866-230-456.        They will meet with you for a brief needs assessment.  Based on your individual needs, they will help you find a tutor who will schedule time to work with you one on one in a public place like the Clifton Park - Halfmoon Public Library. 11/05/2008

When is a Green House White?  Or better yet, when is a White House Green? The answer to all these questions can be found at 7:00 pm on Monday November 10th, 2008 at the Clifton Park - Halfmoon Public Library.  There is no charge to attend but reservations are requested.  Please call the Library at (518)371-8622 for reservations and more details. Nancy and Don White will share their journey transforming a wasteland into the site for a high thermal mass, active and passive solar, sustainable, accessible home in which to grow old.  The sun provides light, heat, electric and hot water.  The soil offers food, medicine and beauty.  The wind cools and refreshes.  Collected rainwater irrigates indoor and outdoor gardens and a pond provides beauty and abundant wildlife. The Whites, who are build... 11/05/2008

The Town of Clifton Park, NY is committed to protecting it's residents and is deeply concerned with their safety.  Clifton Park does not operate it's own police force, instead they contract with the Saratoga County Sheriffs Department and the New York State Police.  Many people outside the area think that the residents do not pay for this service, in fact it is figured into our taxes.  Both of these organizations do an outstanding job in keeping Clifton Park safe. In addition, Clifton Park does operate a Security Department.  The duties of the Clifton Park Security Department are; • Patrols all Clifton Park Town facilities - Buildings, Parks, Sport Venues and residential neighborhoods to insure the public safety and protect public and private property. • Conducts Speeding checks on Clif... 10/31/2008

The Friends of the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library will hold its first Community Scrabble Tournament on Saturday, November 8 at the CPH Library. The tournament will feature two competitions: ADULTS beginning at 9:30am, and HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS beginning at 1:00pm. All proceeds from the tournament will be donated to Literacy NENY. Each tournament will have a maximum field of 64 participants, playing in groups of 4, with two elimination rounds to produce a final group of 4, resulting in one ultimate champion. Pre-registration is required, forms may be obtained at the Shenendehowa H.S. East Engineering Dept. Office, the CPH Library Information Desk, or on the Friends of Library website www.cliftonpark.org/friendsofcphl THE DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS NOVEMBER 1, 2008. The student tou... 10/30/2008

The Not So Common Players is a musical theater company located in Clifton Park, New York and was founded in 2000 by Jennifer Bullington and Yvonne Masse.  The mission of the Not So Common Players is to produce quality community theater and to encourage members of the Clifton Park Region to get involved and love musical theater.  They are very proud and fortunate to be sponsored by the Town of Clifton Park and to perform at the Clifton Common stage during the Summer and the Shenendehowa High School Little Theater during the Spring and Fall. Their next production will be "The Spitfire Grill, a musical" and will be performed on October 31, November 1, 2, 7, and 9.  Friday and Saturday shows are at 8pm and Sunday matinees are at 2pm. If you have the "acting bug" and wish to get involved ple... 10/30/2008

The Town of Clifton Park, NY is conveniently located in Southern Saratoga County approximately halfway between Albany and Saratoga Springs.  It was the last town formed in Saratoga County and covers about 47 square miles in area. This suburban bedroom community sprang up "overnight" in the 60's and 70's and quickly became a significant town within the Capital District.  It boasts several great facilities for adults, seniors, and children. Take a look around www.cliftonpark.org to learn more.   The office of Parks, Recreation, and Community Affairs can be found at www.cliftonpark.org/townhall/parks-rec/ If you have any questions about the real estate market in and around Clifton Park, NY please give me a call (518)281-3951.  It would be my pleasure to assist you and your family. Thank you. 10/30/2008

Clifton Park, NY is grateful to be served by 6 excellent volunteer fire departments.  These brave men and women volunteer everyday to help protect our community.  Please join me in thanking them for all their hard work and efforts to protect our lives, belongings, and health.  Listed below are all the links available to their sites: The Clifton Park Fire Department: http://www.cliftonparkfire.org/ The Jonessville Volunteer Fire Department: http://www.jonesvillefire.org/index.asp The Vischer Ferry Fire Department: http://www.vffd.org/index.htm The West Crescent Fire Department: http://departments.firehouse.com/dept/Halfmoon3NY Rexford Fire Department: http://www.rexfordfd.org/ Ballston Lake Fire Department: http://www.bhblny.com/services_or_organizations/police_fire/fire.htm If I can ass... 10/30/2008

The Shenendehowa Central Schools District (www.shenet.org) encompasses the Clifton Park, NY area and surrounding communities including parts of Rexford, Halfmoon, Ballston Lake, Malta, and Waterford.  It is the largest school district in New York's Section II region.  The total enrollment in the Shen District is 9,869. There are 8 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, a freshman building and one high school.  All of the buildings are located on one "campus" with the exception of 4 elementary schools.  The High School averages 15.4 students per teacher and the senior class is approaching 700 this year.  92.6% of all Shen Seniors are planning to go on to college. By virtue of the size of the district, there is a program for every student to join; academic, artistic, social, or athletic.  ... 10/30/2008

Exit Northway Realty is in a Growing mood and we are looking for new or experienced agents. Training available with a great compensation plan that can well exceed 100% with no desk fees! Great office and support. Now is the time to grow your buissness to the next level and have all the tools in place to take advantage of the upturning market. Find out more and give Donn a call for more information(526-2690). Don't you deserve the best? Come and see how Real Estate Can be a money generator even after you have left the buisness. www.exitnorthway.com or email Donn at donn@exitnorthway.com . 10/30/2008

The Capital District of New York received some very exciting news recently.  AMD (Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.) made a major press release on October 7, 2008 announcing the creating of a new production company that will be building a new micro processor manufacturing facility in the Luther Forest Technology Park located in Saratoga County in upstate New York.  This is great news for our economy in the Capital District since it will bring no less than 1,400 jobs to our area. Although our real estate market hasn't been impacted like the rest of the country, sales have definitelyslowed and as such, inventory is building.  Prices have basically remained flat compared to last year, but you know that won't last as AMD moves into our area. So, if you have any Real Estate needs in Southern Sara... 10/23/2008

The Sportsplex of Halfmoon is one of the great athletic facilities in the Clifton Park, NY area that supports a wide variety of sports.  Soccer is their main attraction, but they also support a flag football league and lacrosse camp in the winter months.  It was built three years ago and was a great addition to the Clifton Park, NY area.  My son has been playing flag football there in the off-season for the last three seasons.  The program has become so successful that the dads started a flag program for us.  Personally, I choose not to participate, but if you ever need a good laugh please feel free to stop by.  Please check out their site, I know you will be impressed.  http://www.sportsplexofhalfmoon.com If you have any questions about Clifton Park Real Estate, please give me a call. ... 10/19/2008

More accurately known as Shenendehowa Senior Citizens, Inc.  This organization is located at the Clifton Commons which is known for its soccer, basketball, ice hockey, baseball, and softball fields.  I think it is meaningful that this "senior" center chose to be located here.  They could have gone anywhere, but decided to be among all the "youth" facilities.   They are a very active group of individuals that support a lot of community events and programs.  They also support one another with numerous programs.  For more information please visit their Web site at http://www.cliftonpark.org/seniors/Default.htm   10/16/2008