Upstate New York

Real estate is a career for a lifetime and there's never a dull moment. But more importantly, we have the privilege of escorting our clients from one chapter or endeavor in their lives to the next. Generally, when someone is selling or buying a home, it's because one door in their life is closing and a new one is opening up. In that role, we're part counselor, friend, and problem-solver. It requires tremendous skill, dedication, integrity, and creativity too because every client and situation is different. That's what I love about real estate. It's a new world every day. The opportunities to be of true service is a daily gift and the opportunities for personal and professional growth are endless.

I started my career teaching Political Science at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). After returning home to upstate NY, I was hired by a regional bank to use my teaching skills to launch their first sales training program. Loved the sales training, but I wasn't so crazy about banking. I was then hired by a real estate development corp. in the marketing of a variety of commercial projects. That's when I found my industry – real estate. I switched from development to sales when my mother was ill and I needed the flexibility that my corporate job could not provide. The rest is history. After 25+ years in one form of real estate or another, I now manage the Rensselaer Co. offices for Coldwell Banker Prime Properties and continue to represent buyers and sellers in my own COI. I'm very active in my hometown of Sand Lake. I serve as the VP of the Sand Lake Business Association and as a member of the Sand Lake Planning Oversight Committee. My husband and I own two small planes (one is a float plane) and we spend our free weekends flying to Block Island and Martha's Vineyard for quick get-aways. My husband volunteers for the Mount Snow Ski Patrol, so we spend our free winter weekends on the slopes.

Forbes recently published an article that said real estate agents are among the happiest in their careers. I can truly say that describes me!

There's no doubt that the holiday season is one of the most wonderful times of the year when you call Upstate New York home, and local light displays are a big reason why. The tradition of light shows in our area dates back decades, creating enchanting family memories and helping locals get into the holiday spirit. This year is no exception, with legendary holiday light shows taking place across a wide variety of local communities. Our real estate agents are ready to ring in the holidays, and we've got the details on the best holiday light displays to visit around Upstate New York.

Holiday Light Displays Around Upstate New York

• Price Chopper/Market 32 Holiday Lights – Washington Park – State and Willet Streets, Albany, NY 12210
  With a history that includes more than 30 years of spectacular light shows, the Price Chopper/Market 32 Holiday Lights is the perfect place to get in the holiday spirit close to Albany homes for sale. Take a scenic drive through the park to see all of the lights, then visit the Washington Park Lakehouse to enjoy crafts, refreshments, and meetings with Santa.

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Our real estate agents at Coldwell Banker Prime Properties know loving your home goes beyond what's on the property. You want a community that offers exactly the environment you dream of living in. For many growing families, that includes kid-friendly holiday fun.

Halloween is one of those holidays that seem to start all over again as soon as they finish, and kids never tire of the spooky excitement. What you might not know is that upstate New York will give you the chance to enjoy Halloween like never before. Our area has plenty of haunted houses—both the fictional and real kind! Let's take a closer look at spine-chilling shenanigans for Halloween:

1. Erie Canal Museum – 318 Erie Boulevard East, Syracuse, NY 13202
   By day, the Erie Canal Museum remains one of the top museums focused on local history. As owners of Syracuse homes for sale may know, however, it transforms by night into a veritable hotbed of ghost sightings, complete with a range of guided tours.

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Fall is in the air, and that means fun for everyone—including our real estate agents. That's right: It's time for some of the most brilliant fall foliage anywhere in America!

Upstate New York has acres and acres of forest for leaf peepers to tromp through in search of the perfect fall foliage. From one corner of the state to the other, you'll find plenty of parks to choose from. That includes state, national, and even some wonderful city parks.

In upstate New York, the peak of the fall foliage season varies slightly:

• Adirondack Mountains and Catskills: Last two weeks of September.
• Allegheny Region: Last week of September and the first week of October.
• Finger Lakes Area: First two weeks of October.

Exact dates can vary from year to year, but the best places to enjoy the show remain consistent.

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Our REALTORS® know the importance of celebrating the last days of summer. Labor Day marks the changing of the seasons, but it doesn't have to be the end of fun!

Visit the Albany area, and you'll find plenty of enjoyable things to see and do on Labor Day weekend. Outdoor activities are especially popular as the weather is cool, but not yet chilly.

From exhibition games to hard-fought tournaments, cultural events to concerts under the stars, Albany has a little bit of everything this Labor Day season. With so many towns and cities around the region planning something special, it's bound to be another great year.

The only question is this: Which terrific events will you choose to attend?

Say goodbye to summer in style with some of these exciting happenings:

1. Jim Gaudet and The Railroad Boys – 4 Clinton Square, Albany, NY 12207
   Albany homes for sale are near some of the best music venues in the Capital District, including McGeary's pub. Known for Irish "pub grub" and decor, McGeary's is also celebrated for weekly live music. This Labor Day, you're invited to enjoy Jim Gaudet and The Railroad Boys. This musical ensemble recalls the bluegrass sounds of Louisiana in the 1960s.
   
   
2. Labor Day at Mountain Ridge Adventure – 300 Weatherwax Road, Schenectady, NY 12302
   Schenectady homes for sale aren't far from popular Mountain Ridge Adventure, the treetop challenge course and zip line park that's fun for all ages. The annual Labor Day get-together will include a mouth-watering barbecue along with access to zip lines and the adventure park. Young adventurers can cross a 500-foot gorge and zoom to a maximum height of 70 feet.
   
   
3. Capital District Scottish Games – 129 Grand Street, Altamont, NY 12009
   Altamont homes for sale are within reach of the famous Capital District Scottish Games at the Altamont Fairgrounds. These classic highlands games will wow you with events such as caber tossing and the pipe band competition. Naturally, lavish Scottish cuisine will be served. This is the 42nd year of the Games, which draw about 12,000 visitors annually.
   
   
4. BringIt and SwingIt Labor Day Tournament –  6363 Frenchs Mill Road, Guilderland Center, NY 12085
   The 77th Annual BringIt and SwingIt Labor Day Tournament, minutes from Guilderland homes for sale, is a kids' baseball tournament featuring a minimum four games. Held in Roger Keenholts Park, it showcases the talents of players aged eight and up. Each player will get a gift, free hot dog, and beverage. It's sure to be a memorable time for these young athletes!
   
   
5. Tri-City Valley WildCats vs. Vermont Lake Monsters – 80 Vandenburgh Avenue, Troy, NY 12180
   Troy homes for sale are at the center of the action when the End of Summer Bash brings together Minor League Baseball rivals: The Tri-City Valley WildCats vs. Vermont Lake Monsters. You'll have the perfect way to spend your Labor Day starting at 3 p.m. on Monday, September 2. Located at the historic Joseph L. Bruno Stadium, it's sure to be a fun time for all!

Whether it's the height of summer or its waning days, CB Prime Properties is here for you.

We have helped home buyers find the perfect home here in the Capital District. Our years of experience and exceptional customer service make the process easier. 

Contact us today and discover everything Albany has to offer.