MEMBER
Syracuse, New York • April 2015 • Volume 2 - Issue 4
Deana Bollinger Ingram, GRI Licensed Associate R.E. Broker/Owner Weichert, Realtors-The Bollinger Group
315-436-1937
deana@thebollingergroup.net
POMPEY | $369,900 | Stunning Craftsman Cottage | 3 Bed & 3 Full Baths | 3.92 Acres | 2,462 SqFt
A Supplement to Eagle Newspapers
Are you ready to buy? saved can help you buy a home. Your savings can be used to pay the down payment and/or closing costs. You know your own saving habits. ✓ What portion of your income are you saving now? ✓ Can you afford to put more money into savings? Monthly expenses How much are you spending each month? You can expect your monthly expenses to go up when you buy a home. Will you have enough money to pay the mortgage, insurance and property tax in addition to your other expenses? Debt Review your current debt obligations. A lender will examine the ratio of your debt to your income when deciding how much money to lend you.
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To discover your home buying potential, calculate your: income, savings, monthly expenses and debt. These factors determine how big a loan you can afford and how buying a home will affect your monthly budget. Income Review all of your sources of income. You will need money for a down payment and for closing costs. The FHA and VA have mortgage programs that require smaller down payments. Closing costs may sometimes be rolled into the mortgage. Answering these questions may also help you to estimate your financial position. ✓ What is your average monthly income? ✓ Do you expect your income to remain level in the near future? ✓ If not do you expect it to increase or decrease? Savings Add up your savings. Any money
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MOVING F.Y.I
Downsizing - What does it mean? by Linda Pelland, Lic R.E. Salesperson, SRES Coldwell Banker Prime Properties
For baby boomers “downsizing” is a term we hear everywhere. What does it mean? Google the term and you’ll find many definitions. Let’s use this one: To simplify (one's life, for instance), as by reducing the number of one's possessions. To live in a simpler way, especially by moving into a smaller residence. O.K. that sounds like a nice idea but why should I downsize? You need to answer that question, because without a solid understanding of what you hope to achieve by moving into a smaller residence you may be disappointed.
Finances, medical needs or relocation to another area are but a few reasons. I am a big believer in using pen and paper or computer to find clarification and direction. You don’t need to do it all at once. Collect your thoughts and mark them down as they come
to mind that over time your plans and expectations will change and become clearer. Family, friends, and others will offer advice but professionals will provide proper guidance for your plan. Financial advisers can review your plan and offer suggestions that will maximize your long term financial picture. A realtor can assess the value of your current home and explain the options for downsizing to a smaller home based upon financial, personal, and physical requirements. Realtors with a SRES Certification (Senior Real Estate Specialist) have been trained to understand and work with the emotions and challenges which will affect a move as well as the knowledge to maximize resources for your downsizing plans.
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Cover Home
6979 Clematis Circle, Stunning Craftsman Cottage home sits on 3.92 acres with incredible views from all directions. The home features custom oak trim throughout including many areas with “Stickley” inspired custom cabinetry and leaded glass. Amazing gardens, paver walkway, tiered deck with pergola and
sun shades, whole house generator, cable ready on all floors, 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, incredible dining room with built in cabinetry, gas fireplace in living room with built in shelves, central vacuum, basement kitchen, laundry & potential family room, 2 enclosed three season rooms. Must see to appreciate this home.
For more information or to arrange a meeting, please contact Deana Bollinger Ingram at 315-436-1937 or deana@thebollingergroup.net with questions.
Welcome to RealEstateCNY.com! Welcome to RealEstateCNY.com, a new magazine inserted monthly into Eagle Newspapers and distributed to area Wegmans stores and select Tops Markets. The purpose of this magazine is to provide you, our reader, with as much information as possible regarding the buying and selling of a home in the Syracuse market. We’ll feature specific properties, sure, but we also want to provide you with the nuts and bolts (or shingles and two-by-fours) that help in your buying or selling decision making. Each month’s edition will feature content focused on mortgages, insurance, moving resources and legal information that can help inform your decisions. We’ll also bring you some statistical info about what areas are hot and where you might be able to find a deal, and we’ll tell you who the local pros are in specific neighborhoods. In the online version, at realestatecny.com, you’ll find thousands of local real estate listings in a searchable form. These listings are updated daily, so you’ll always find the most upto-date information, and they feature a wealth of information as well as colorful photos of each listed home. Through our partner, Zagpad.com, the site features single family homes and vacation properties from across Cen-
tral and Western New York, as well as information about towns and neighborhoods across the area. There is also a library of helpful articles to further help inform your buying or selling decision. In the coming months, both the print and online versions of RealEstateCNY. com will be enhanced with new features, including resources for renters, senior living, and expanded listings of homes for sale in the greater Syracuse area. We will also feature some specially-themed editions, with editorial and advertising based on specific living opportunities – so if downtown living or waterfront homes interest you, please keep an eye out for those themed editions coming out in 2015. In the meantime, enjoy this edition of RealEstateCNY.com, and as always, your feedback is appreciated. Please email me at dtyler@eaglenewsonline. com with comments about how we can make this magazine even more helpful to you. And if you would like information on how to advertise in RealEstateCNY.com, please call (315) 434-8889. Sincerely, David Tyler Publisher
(315) 434-8889 2501 James St., Suite 100 Syracuse, NY 13206 RealEstateCNY.com is published monthly by Community Media Group LLC. Each month, 30,000 copies are produced and distributed through Eagle Newspapers’ six community weeklies, as well as at high traffic locations throughout Onondaga and Madison counties, including selected Wegmans and Tops Friendly Market locations. All phone numbers are for the (315) area code unless otherwise stated on the advertisement. RealEstateCNY. com is a trademark of Community Media Group LLC, and is produced in conjunction with QuestCom Incorporated.
All real estate advertised in RealEstateCNY.com is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status or presence of children or an intention to take any preference, limitation or discrimination. Community Media Group LLC will not knowingly accept for publication any advertising for real estate which violates the law. All dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. All rights reserved. Copying or reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Every effort has been made to assure the accuracy of the information contained herein. However, the publisher cannot guarantee such accuracy. All properties are subject to prior sale or withdrawal without notice. Listings & advertising are subject to errors, omissions, and/or changes without notice.
RealEstateCNY.com
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LEGAL F.Y.I
How to find the right real estate lawyer Buying or selling real estate is rarely free of complications. Unforeseen issues often arise during real estate transactions, and in such instances a real estate attorney can prove invaluable. While buyers, sellers or veteran real estate investors might be able to handle minor or routine issues on their own or with the help of their realtor, more complex matters are best left in the hands of a real estate attorney. One of the benefits to hiring a real estate attorney when negotiating a complex or potentially complex real estate transaction is the expertise that lawyers can bring to the table. Realtors may have vast experience buying and selling homes, and many are adept at negotiating as well. But realtors are not licensed to practice law, and even the savviest realtor would admit that offering legal advice is not his or her forte. Men and women involved in complex or potentially complex real estate transactions would be wise to hire a real estate attorney, and the following are a few things to consider before hiring someone to represent you.
Experience One of the reasons to hire a real estate attorney is to make use of their experience. Hurdles have a tendency to spring up during complicated real estate transactions. Buyers and sellers involving themselves in development deals or buying rental properties likely won't see potential red flags as clearly as a veteran real estate attorney will. When interviewing a real estate attorney, ask how long he has been working as a real estate lawyer and how long he has been practicing in the area. Zoning laws and other restrictions vary from state to state and city to city, so look for a lawyer who has considerable local experience.
Plan of action When interviewing prospective attorneys, don't assume each one knows the best way to approach your particular case. Provide the details of your transaction and then ask each attorney to
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When Buying or Selling It’s Better To Use A
Local Pro!
RealEstateCNY is a
Local Pros know their areas because that’s where they live and work!
Cazenovia
BALDWINSVILLE
Judy and David NuHavun
Patricia M. Carmeli
Lic. Real Estate Broker o: (315) 372-3028 | Central NY Real Estate Group
Lic. Real Estate Salesperson o: (315) 655-1025 | RealtyUSA
Barbara B. Ferro
Lic. Associate Real Estate Broker o: (315) 373-0440 x.224 | Berkshire Hathaway CNY Realty
JAMESVILLE DEWITT Barbara B. Ferro
Fayetteville Manlius
Lic. Associate Real Estate Broker o: (315) 373-0440 x.224 | Berkshire Hathaway CNY Realty
Deana Bollinger Ingram
Sarah Collins
Lic. Real Estate Broker o: (315) 637-0555 | Weichert Realtors
Lic. Associate Real Estate Broker
o: (315) 546-4996 | Hunt Real Estate
Nancy Vesling
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Lic. Associate Real Estate Broker
Licensed Real Estate Person
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RealEstateCNY.com
SKANEATELES SPAFFORD Linda A. Roche
Lic. Associate Real Estate Broker
o: (315) 685-0111 x.315 | RealtyUSA
SYR - UNIVERSITY AREA Esther Zorn Lic. Real Estate Broker
o: (315) 410-7653 | Exit Eagan Real Estate
Local PROs have comprehensive knowledge of their area because they’re always there! From schools to shopping, taxes to nightlife, they can give you all the information you need to make an informed real estate decision. For more Local PROs, visit the Local Info section at:
We have tons of local listing updated daily!
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moving tips
Green moving means being conscientious of our environment and employing methods that are not harmful to the earth. Green moving is a growing trend in the moving industry. It involves tweaking practices that have historically been big on waste such as throwing away cardboard boxes and bubble wrap. Earthfriendly moving means scaling back a bit. Granted, the green theme has permeated many industries. Traditionally non-green industries such as automotive, energy and housing are now embracing new business practices that take into account short- and long-term effects on the environment. This seems obvious, but don’t accumulate as much stuff in the first place. Less is generally better for the planet anyway, and the less stuff you move, the less gas your moving truck will burn. Green moving can also translate into more “green” for you because you’ll likely spend less to move your household. Get rid of stuff before you move it. Consider holding a garage sale, or selling your unnecessary items online at eBay or through Craigslist. Buy used cardboard boxes. Moving companies generally prefer that customers use new cardboard boxes to ensure stability, which means a lot of cardboard boxes get tossed after only one use. If using cardboard boxes, look for boxes made of recycled material. Rent moving boxes. When packing, take advantage of companies that offer reusable packing crates, which can eliminate that waste. Cut back on the bubble wrap. You can use old newspapers for non-fragile items, or even old sheets or towels as packing material. These weigh more and don’t offer as much benefit as the lighter bubble wrap, but anything you can do to cut back helps.
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REAL ESATE F.Y.I
To sell or not to sell? Factors to consider before selling your home Selling a home is no small undertaking. It often pays to be patient when putting a property up for sale, but waiting for an acceptable offer can be stressful, especially for those homeowners who have already found their next homes. Because so much tends to be riding on the decision of whether or not to sell a home, homeowners would be wise to consider the following factors before putting that “For Sale” sign in their front yards. · Motivation: Many homeowners sell their homes because their families are growing and they have outgrown their current residences. Others may recognize a seller’s real estate
market and want to strike while the iron is hot, while still others might be moving for a new job. The factors that motivate homeowners to sell their homes vary with each individual case, but prospective sellers should keep in mind that moving can be expensive, and finding a new home may not be so easy, nor is the grass necessarily greener on the other side. When deciding if now is the best time to sell your home, make sure you will be selling for the right reason. That can make the often trying process of selling a home a lot easier to handle. · Market: The local real estate market is another factor to consider when deciding
whether or not to sell your home. A home is a significant investment, and you want to earn as substantial a return on that investment as possible. Selling when the market is struggling will make your investment less valuable. Research recently sold homes in your neighborhood to get an idea of how much you can expect to get if you sold your home in the current market. It might be worth it to sell now, or it might pay off to be patient and wait until the market rebounds. · Quality of life: Make sure you are ready to sell – and consult real estate professionals in order to make the decision work for you, both financially and personally. When deciding whether or not to sell their homes, many homeowners make the decision a strictly financial one. But there is more than money to consider when deciding if now is the right time to sell your home.
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RealEstateCNY.com explain how they would approach the case. A veteran real estate attorney should be able to provide a detailed account of how he or she plans to represent you, including what needs to be done to get the transaction off the ground, any potential hurdles that might need to be cleared and how to clear those should they arise. Avoid attorneys who give general or ambiguous answers, as such answers may be poor attempts by the lawyer to mask his or her inexperience with transactions such as yours. Some attorneys may request time to develop a plan of action, and you should not immediately remove them from consideration, especially if they ultimately answer the question in thoughtful detail.
Billing Attorneys can be expensive, so it's best to discuss the billing process before hiring someone to represent you. Attorneys tend to bill by the hour, but their rates may be negotiable depending on the service they're providing. Those who will be overseeing
9 your real estate transaction and continuously representing you will likely bill by the hour, but if you're hiring a real estate attorney to examine a potential agreement or draft a contract, then you can probably negotiate a flat fee for those services. But be sure to discuss billing before hiring an attorney. Real estate transactions are rarely inexpensive, so you don't want
to be blindsided down the road when your legal bills come due.
Representation When interviewing an attorney, many people assume the attorney they initially interviewed will be the person who represents them throughout the transaction. However, the day-to-day work on your case may be assigned to a junior associate or even someone who isn't licensed to practice law, such as a paralegal or a current law school student who is interning with the firm. These people might be perfectly capable of handling your transaction, but you should meet them before hiring the firm to represent you. A good rapport with the person who will be working on your case can ease the stress associated with complex real estate transactions. Real estate attorneys can help buyers and sellers navigate the sometimes turbulent waters of real estate transactions, and it helps to consider a host of factors before hiring a firm to represent you.
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Eagle Newspapers is the publisher of many special publications: Syracuse Woman Magazine, Explore CNY, Prime Living, Syracuse Parent, RealEstateCNY.com, Cars315 'PS TVCTDSJQUJPOT DBMM Y t 'PS BEWFSUJTJOH DBMM
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INSURANCE F.Y.I
Understanding your homeowners insurance policy Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. It spells out exactly what the company agrees to do in exchange for the premium you pay. It also describes your responsibilities and the general terms of coverage. The contract is divided into two basic sections: a declarations page and the policy itself. The declarations page This section of the contract includes basic details of the agreement. It is important you review this page to ensure that all the information is correct and the coverages you requested are listed. The declarations page includes: ✓ Name of the insurance company ✓ Name(s) of the person(s) insured ✓ Location of the insured residence ✓ The policy number
The policy
The second part of your insurance contract is the policy itself. This includes: Insuring agreements Definitions Conditions Section one of your policy describes your property coverages and the losses it covers. Section two typically includes: Liability coverage (protection against claims someone else makes against you) Premises medical coverage or accidental injury coverage (pays the medical expenses of others accidentally injured on your property) Each section includes coverages, limitations, exclusions, definitions, and conditions that apply only to that section. Make sure you review your declarations page to verify your policy includes the types and amounts of coverage you requested.
✓ Policy period ✓ Property covered ✓ Coverages purchased ✓ Limits of liability for each coverage ✓ Applicable deductibles ✓ Your premium
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