As February winds down, love is still in the air.  And it's not too late to share what I love about my hometown as part of the monthly challenge within our Active Rain community.  The town of Glenville was incorporated in 1821, is directly across the Mohawk River from Schenectady &, most frequently, is accessed via the Western Gateway bridge. My family moved to Glenville in 1982 when Dad's employer, General Electric, closed a plant in Maine & transferred him to the main plant in Schenectady, NY.   An easy commute of 2.5 has made Glenville an obvious choice for many GE employees throughout the decades! Glenville is 50 square miles, has approximately 30,000 residents and includes the Village of Scotia which is home to nearly 8000 residents (per the 2010 census).  The town at large include... 02/27/2023

It's a wrap... ! As is company tradition, we assembled this week to reflect on last year's business accomplishments.  This year's theme was fitting:  Regroup, Refocus & Recharge.  And we did so Zoom-style for obvious reasons.  While it would be easy to focus on the challenges that we all dealt with during 2020, there were far too many successes to fall into that "rabbit hole"...Miranda Real Estate Group can now say that it has helped over 10,000 homes change ownership and passed  the related $2 billion sales mark!  WOW!Miranda Real Estate Group remains the #1 Independent brokerage in the Capital Region.Miranda Real Estate Group continued it's support of Albany Medical Center's Children's Hospital and contributed another $10k to this special cause (not bad since we couldn't host the annu... 01/15/2021

BIG NEWS at Miranda Real Estate Group!Few people realize that Real Estate Agents are running their own business.  They're independent contractors who park their license within a brokerage, do NOT collect a salary, do NOT have one stich of benefits, and do NOT collect ONE DIME of compensation until the job is done.  And yes, if time is invested and nothing is purchased, well we hope the people we spent the time with were pleasant.  LOL     As agents running this business, we lean on our brokers for training and tools to help us grow in our skills and efficiencies so that we can best serve the clients who have enlisted us to make their real estate goals a reality.  Miranda Real Estate Group has been that broker for me since I got my license in 2009.  As the #1 independent Real Estate Comp... 09/26/2019

Nearly daily, I seem to be having a conversation with people about the horrors of their home buying experience.  I think back on ours too (which happened long before my career started in real estate) and can only think of one word:  YIKES! I can't believe the risks we took and the "professionals" that we enlisted to help us reach our goal.  Luckily (& it WAS luck because the skill profile was lacking across the board!!!), it all worked out but... WOW!!!So fast forward to now...  Quite honestly, there are a lot of opportunities for frustration in the home buying (& selling!) process.  From finding properties that might work, to getting an offer accepted, and then the process to closing.   Specifically though, I see a trend lately and things are heating up within real estate transactions.... 06/20/2019

Communication is Key... I have LONG recognized the value in good communication.  And I have long observed how "bad" communication is often the sole root of poor outcomes (great material for future posts!).  I recently finished the book, The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins which gave me an "aha moment" to finally put my long-pondered thoughts and observations about communication sicinctly into place:  Silence Causes Distance.That's it.  Period. Whether it's at home, at work; during celebrations or in the midst of challenges; between friends or family; silence causes distance.  I'll spare you my reflections on communication within the personal realm.  I think we all can recognize the value of direct, human to human interactions where tone is defined and not inferred, and where body language ... 02/08/2018

I can't believe that next week is Thanksgiving, let alone next month is Christmas!   The older I get, the more I realize that the real gifts in life aren't wrapped and under the tree.  And this year, I wanted to do something that, quite selfishly, I knew would make ME feel good.   SO... this year, I have the opportunity for us to assist 15 children in crisis.  I want to help remind them that there is good in the world and hope for tomorrow.  How?I'm supporting Things of My Very Own's holiday giving tree.    Their needs are basic: Food, deoderant, clothing, a blanket... Their wishes are everything we want to hear from children (toys! sparkly things!). Gifts should be unwrapped, non-perishable and delivered to me by Dec 14.  Contact me directly if you'd like to participate: call or text 5... 11/17/2017

My husband recently asked me if I truly feel like I help people in my professional life.  I didn't have to even think about the answer.  MOST DEFINITELY!  As a Realtor®, each & every task I complete helps goals become reality.  Renters become homeowners;  small homeowners become big homeowners (& vice versa); life chapters start;  life chapters end.   Today underscored the awesome role that I, Agent Brenda, play in making dreams become reality when Riverside Maple Farms celebrated its Grand Opening. In March 2016, a 213 year old family farm on 13 acres along Rt 5 in Glenville NY hit the market.  I was the listing agent and appreciated the history & charm of the address.  Three months later, we sat at the closing table and heard about the buyers intentions to start a small maple business... 10/26/2017

Munich on the Mohawk!! The 8th annual Glenville Oktoberfest will be held tomorrow, Sept 30, from 12 - 9 pm in Maalwyck Park. This event continues to grow from year to year and is a great opportunity to relax & catch up with your friends from Glenville & beyond.  This event offers TONS of fun for all ages.  Here are a few things that I'm going to be sure to catch:* The car show (be sure to see my friend, Kim, & his entry!).* The German American Club Biergarten (& more!) for beer & German food (you can catch my brother on the grill from 3 - 6pm!).* The Wolf's Hollow Beer Garden for our very local beer flavors. * The Dunk Tank (be sure to catch Mr. Ploss in the hot seat from 3:00 - 3:30 pm to benefit SG Friends of Music).* Helicopter tours (I hear they added a 3rd chopper this year!).* Ton... 09/29/2017

As I scrolled through my blog page this morning, I had a big "aha moment"...  I'm really good at telling you about my new listings but pretty inconsistent about keeping you posted about what happens to them.  What do I mean?  Well in Real Estate, there are a LOT of options which include:  connecting with the right buyer and transitioning to a "pending" (and then sold!) status, coming off the market due to a sellers' change in plans, and expiring because the right buyer wasn't found and the agent & seller decided not to extend the listing agreement.  SO... what's REALLY been happening on Agent Brenda's desk over the past few months? Here you go:                    246 Bradford Rd, Schenectady, SOLD, 2 days on market, 100% list price78 Baldwin Rd, Glenville, SOLD, 5 days on market, 99% li... 09/14/2017

During February, we've been asked to identify what we love about our jobs. First and foremost, I love that it’s not a job.  It's a fulfilling career.Let's be honest here... Real Estate wasn't my first choice. For those of you who know me even a little bit, you know that my professional world began - & included nearly 2 decades - in healthcare. I worked with many incredible people & often did go home feeling good about the day. However, thinking back to my reaction when the weekday alarm went off, I can't say that I was in love with my "8 - 5"...Fast forward through two layoffs within two years.... salary gone, benefits gone and a cranky economy upon us. What's a girl to do? Get her Real Estate license! WHAT?! Sure! Why not right? (And if just by reading that you have a "is she crazy?" l... 02/14/2017

So, you think you've found "the one"...  The house that you want to become home.  The place where you'll enjoy the happy and the sad.... celebrate the highs and mourn the lows.... highlight the charms and curse the not so charming.  So, how are you going to make it reality??  Here are a few suggestions:1.  GET preapproved.  And I mean, REALLY preapproved with a LOCAL lender.  Connect with someone within the market you're buying who sits down to explain the process and review your actual financial records. 2.  KNOW your numbers & financial expectations.  How much will you be putting down?  How much will you need to bring to the table to close?  Do you know how much you'll need out of pocket to get inspections done or apply for your mortgage?  Did you know that a good faith deposit is req... 02/06/2017

Having a house on the market isn’t easy…  It’s not just having a sign in the lawn.  When done the right way, it’s keeping the place neat & tidy from basement to attic; it’s getting showing requests throughout the day for appointments that could occur at any time; it’s about leaving your house at varied times so that it can be shown (dinner time, nap time, homework time); it’s about waiting for feedback to see how that showing went; and of course, it’s about waiting for the right buyer to want your address. When I’m working with buyers I always encourage them to take a drive by before we request a showing appointment.  Why?  To be sure that the house is REALLY one that you want to visit.  Let’s face it, most houses look great on-line.  The drive by can prove otherwise (“I didn’t know the... 10/30/2016

When it comes to buying a new home, there are TONS of agents out there to help you.  Do you want your agent to do nothing more than open the door and lead the tour?  If so, I'm not the agent for you.However, if you want to LEARN about the home buying process, GET CONNECTED with competent professionals to help get the process done (i.e lender, attorneys & home inspectors), and be fully ENGAGED throughout the entire time line from first showing to closing, then yes!  Please connect with me.   If you're serious about buying a new home in New York's Capital District, I'd like to offer a FREE resource to you.  *** Click on the link below to learn more ***Learn more about home buying with Agent Brenda Time to make your real estate goal a reality?  Then it's time to contact me!  Direct:  518-5... 10/19/2016

As real estate agents, we spend LOTS of time in our cars... As a real estate agent who is also a "softball mom", I spend an "extra lot" of time in my car.   With 2 daughters playing in the same season, in two completely different age groups, & one spouse who also doubles as a coach, my family is often split up heading to games and tournaments.  My eldest quickly adapted to her role with me on road trips that she and I were alone on...  Being my assistant.  She became quite adept at knowing my style for responses and knew that this was just part of our trip between belting out a songs of choice together.   This past weekend, my youngest and I were heading out to visit "college girl".  A few "hot" things were on my plate that couldn't wait to be addressed.  She assumed the role of assista... 10/13/2016

Every once in a while something good shows up in my mailbox.... Once a month I can count on the delivery of New York State Realtor, the Official Publication of the NYS Association of Realtors.    This month I was intrigued to see the profile of "the typical New York State Realtor": * 55 year old female* Homeowner* Primarily a residential specialist with 10 years experience* 69% said it was their only career* Typically have 8 transactions each year* 12% of business comes from repeat business and 20% from referrals from past clients* 60% are affiliate with an independent company.  An agent SHOULD BE a trusted member of your home buying or selling team whose EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCE helps your real estate goal become reality in an effective, efficient and professional fashion.  And while pa... 09/29/2016

Happy first day of fall!  What a spectacular summer we've had in New York State's Capital Region and the fall is starting off to be just as awesome.  Crisp, cooler air is due in tomorrow along with everything that makes fall a wonderful season:  comfy sweatshirts are back out of our closets,  apples are ready for picking, cider donuts ready for consumption AND.... GLENVILLE'S OKTOBERFEST is ready to be enjoyed!Join us at Maalwyck Park (1 mile east from the end of 890) on Saturday, Sept 24th.  Festivities will begin at noon and end with fireworks around 9 pm.  Events will include a car show, vendors, kids activities, bands and food & drink by Wolf's Hollow Brewery & the German American Club of Albany.  For the first time this year the event will also feature a family movie starting at 6:... 09/22/2016

While I feel like 2016 has been around for quite awhile now, yesterday was our company's 2016 Kickoff Meeting... An annual event where we put our phones away, catch up with fellow agents whom we don't see nearly enough, celebrate all that was in the year prior, and celebrate with anticipation all that is to come in these 11 months ahead. 2015 was a FANTASTIC year for our company!  We're the #1 independent broker in our region and hit the billion dollar mark in sales.  Our office was expanded and remodeled and is now a source of pride to visit with clients in.  Our broker/owner launched a best selling book.  We donated another $30k to the Bernard and Millie Duker Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center which puts us just "a smidge" under the $200k mark for total donations from our a... 01/27/2016

Having a home on the market is not easy. Having a home on the market during the holidays can be an even greater challenge. Quite often, sellers struggle with the age ol' question, to decorate or not to decorate while on the market during the holidays.  In my You Tube debut, I answer that question...  Enjoy! Real Estate: Decorating during the holidays  Ready to move on?  Agent Brenda can help during the holidays or any other time...  Contact me! agentbrenda@nycap.rr.com518-527-0800www.BrendaMayette.com     12/09/2015

  Glenville is ONE TOWN that contains FIVE different real estate markets.  These markets can best be defined by the school districts they fall within:  Greater Amsterdam, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, Galway, Niskayuna and Scotia-Glenville.  Here’s what is currently happening in this unique housing market:    In the town at large, there are 138 single family homes seeking a buyer*.  Their average list price is $195,048 & they’ve been on the market an average of 119 days.  The story gets more interesting though when we break it down further:     There are currently 26 homes within the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake School District that are on the market and seeking a new owner.  The average home in this area has been on the market for 120 days at an average list price of $235,761.    Actively-li... 02/19/2015

132 Badgley Rd...Their relocation is your opportunity to make this gem your own!  Recently rehabbed and updated, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home features ceramic tile, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances and an oversized 2 car, detached garage.  New central air and a great location with easy access to points east & west.  $174,900 Proudly offered by Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc.   For  more information call Agent Brenat:  518-527-0800 or visit www.brendamayette.com           10/07/2014