After cleaning the home for potential buyers to view, you will need to clean it one last time before turning over the keys to the new homeowner. As a seller, you need to make the buyer feel confident about the purchase. One easy way is to hand them keys to a clean house. Here is a final cleaning guide for you from our real estate agents.
Home maintenance is a must if you want your home to look its best and be in top condition. Our real estate agents will tell you, it's also a great way to add value before listing. Add to your comfort and improve the aesthetics and functionality of your Albany home for sale with this home maintenance checklist for the summer.
The Adirondacks have long been known for their distinctively gorgeous natural scenery—why not capture some of it in photographs for National Nature Photography Day? Many aspiring shutterbugs enjoy exploring this region to find the best spots to snap a shot. Some of our real estate agents are also photography enthusiasts who have spent a lot of time in the area. Here are some of their top picks for nature photography spots in this beautiful part of New York.
Our real estate agents know buyers can find themselves under a lot of stress if a bidding war breaks out. When comparing Albany homes for sale, buyers want a price they can feel good about—but they often feel like they have to stick it out and bid on a home they fell in love with.
Having the advice of a real estate agent you trust is one of the most important ways to avoid bidding war mistakes. Your agent is there to help you understand the process, know the fair market value of a home, and make informed decisions.
Being able to play music in any room you're in or even throughout the entire house is a goal for many homeowners. With all of the advancements in technology, multi-room audio is now easier than ever before and can be achieved in a variety of ways. Here are a few systems our real estate agents see used most often.
Don't you just love biting into a juicy hamburger? The crunchy lettuce, the gooey cheese, the tender beef—everything just blends together so well. If this has you in the mood for a burger, then you're in luck. May is National Hamburger Month, and the very best way to celebrate is to go out for a burger. Our real estate agents have a few restaurants to recommend in the Central New York region.
Eager to settle down with a new read? You're in luck. May is Get Caught Reading Month, an occasion that asks participants to make a point of reading openly. Its goal is to encourage everyone to embrace the joy of literature.
Some of our real estate agents are true bookworms who are often on the hunt for a new read during their time in the Capital Region. Check out some of their favorite bookstores in the area to find yourself a new book this month.
Turning your backyard patio into a relaxing outdoor space is easy. By adding lush greenery, colorful flowers, and decorative pots, you can make your patio feel like a tropical oasis. Whether you enjoy backyard parties or reading a good book, our real estate agents know that beautiful plants add design appeal and relaxing atmosphere to any patio.
When buying patio plants, it's important to choose wisely. Just because you like the look, the plants you choose may not thrive on your patio. To create a sustainable outdoor environment, you need to choose the right patio plants for Albany homes for sale. Here are some things to consider.
Oh, the frustration! Our real estate agents helped you find a great house with plenty of garage space, but now you're looking at an ocean of boxes and bins with no room to even park your car. It's OK. Take a deep breath and get organized. Before you opt to spend even more money on a storage unit somewhere, take some time to maximize the space you already have.
National Wildlife Week is a time of year that our real estate agents always look forward to because there's no better place in New York to see wildlife than the Adirondacks.
Encompassing over 6 million acres, Adirondack Park is the largest protected natural area in the lower 48 states, and one of the oldest Forever Wild Forest Preserves in the nation. These spots in the Adirondacks are perfect places to see New York's native wildlife.
Butterfly gardens are popular additions to Albany homes for sale as they decorate backyard spaces and delight children. Not only are these insects beautiful to observe, but they are also an integral part of the ecosystem as they pollinate plants. Fortunately, butterflies are easy to attract with the proper setup. Our real estate agents have compiled a simple guide below to help you start a unique butterfly garden.
The Capital Region has become known for its dining and drinking culture over the past few years. If you're a bourbon lover, then you're in luck: There are several craft distillers and bourbon bars in and around Albany. While you're in the area looking at Albany homes for sale, we highly recommend stopping by one of these destinations for a drink, a tasting, and perhaps even a tour.
Living in an older home can sometimes feel like a catch-22. How do you infuse the comforts of modern-day living without compromising its character and old-world charm? Period homes, like these Albany homes for sale, offer a captivating glimpse into bygone days and come with charming architectural details that imbue them with a timeless appeal. That said, you still want your kitchen to be functional and energy-efficient.
Let's see how you can modernize your period kitchen while retaining those beautiful features that made you fall in love with it in the first place.
If you often daydream of the beach but are miles away from the ocean, coastal décor can bring the charm of the seashore to your doorstep. When browsing through Albany homes for sale, you may wonder how to make your choice feel like summer all year round. Luckily, our real estate agents are fans of coastal interiors, and they share their best tips to evoke this style in your home below.
A coastal interior uses the texture and colors of seaside elements like the blue sky, white fluffy clouds, and sand to reflect the breeziness of the beach. Coastal interior designs differ between regions, depending on the style you desire. For instance, the Mediterranean coastal vibe features beautiful tile work, vivid colors, terracotta flooring, and warm and earthy textures.
There's a reason why so many musicians have written songs about margaritas: They're fun and delicious! If their popularity in music and pop culture isn't enough reason to enjoy a margarita, then a holiday certainly is. February 22, 2022, is National Margarita Day. Whether you prefer yours on the rocks, frozen, or with a generous portion of strawberry syrup, there are plenty of places to order a margarita in the Albany area. Here are a few bars and restaurants our real estate agents recommend.
In 2021, our real estate agents guided clients through a housing market unlike anything in living memory. Low interest rates inspired many people to pursue the dream of homeownership. At the same time, much of New York saw housing prices skyrocket.
No matter if you're looking at Albany homes for sale or elsewhere in the state, today's market holds opportunities and surprises—for buyers and sellers alike. Knowing that interest rates may soon rise, many homeowners are taking the plunge and selling right away.
Over the last couple of years, Albany has become a more popular place than ever for people searching for a beautiful, affordable home in a vibrant community with plenty to do both indoors and outside. In fact, Albany was recently ranked as one of the 10 trendiest cities with affordable homes by Realtor.com, and it's no surprise that New York's capital city ranks so well on the list. Our real estate agents have all of the details on why so many people are moving to Albany and why you'll love living there, too.
One of the first things you'll notice when you shop for Albany homes for sale is just how affordable properties are compared to so many other cities. The median listing price for Albany is $319,900, according to Realtor.com, which is less than half of what you might pay for a similar home in the NYC metro area. These are beautiful, modern homes—they're just a lot more affordable than similar properties that you'll find in other cities. While affordable real estate is a major attraction, people who move here quickly find many more reasons to love Albany.
January is National Train Your Dog Month, so why not start the new year with some Albany-area classes for you and your pup? Professional training can help puppies develop good habits and help adult dogs overcome behavioral issues.
Our real estate agents suggest taking your dog for training at one of these places around the Capital Region.
The year is off to a good start, and the market is moving ahead at full speed. If you're thinking about buying a house this year, now is the time to start planning ahead. Whether your goal is to make your move by spring or wait until fall, our real estate agents strongly recommend getting everything in order sooner rather than later. Most importantly, make sure you know what the lending landscape looks like for the year ahead so that you don't get caught off guard by last-minute surprises.
Come January, most of our holiday greenery and decorations are a memory, and our homes can seem rather dull without them. Furthermore, January is still a long way from spring and blooming gardens, so what are we to do in the meantime? Adding greenery by way of houseplants is one way to brighten things up—a fact which will come into particular focus on Jan. 10 for National Houseplant Appreciation Day.
If you're ready to liven up your new house found among Albany homes for sale, our real estate agents are happy to share some delightful ways to do so.
In the Adirondacks, every season is special in its own way. But the mountains really come alive in winter. It's one of our real estate agents' favorite times of year, as the whole region transforms into a winter sports haven and becomes a wonderland of twinkling holiday lights.
This is also the season that welcomes some of the year's most enjoyable carnivals and events. Be sure to check out these amazing winter carnivals in the Adirondacks this season!
Colder weather might mean more time spent inside Albany homes for sale. But that doesn't mean your DIY home projects have to come to an end. There are all kinds of things you can do to complete upgrades, improve energy efficiency, or even make your surroundings a little more pleasant. Crossing a few of these projects off your to-do list this winter will be well worth the effort.
Pastry Day is December 9, so it's the perfect chance to indulge in our favorite tasty treats. Everyone has a favorite type of pastry, which is why they're such a good choice for any celebration. With the holidays just around the corner, now is the time to start ordering your favorites. Our real estate agents share five local bakeshops around the Capital Region.
Whether you're still looking at Albany homes for sale or have already found the perfect one, you probably can't wait to decorate your home for Christmas. The Christmas tree is the central decoration in many families, and it makes a home feel so cozy and warm. But do you put up a real tree or an artificial one? Here are some factors to consider if you're still deciding between the two.
Our real estate agents can tell you if there's one thing almost everyone wants in Albany homes for sale, it's plenty of storage. The living room is one spot some extra storage can make a difference. Since it's a common area, it's not unusual for clutter to quickly take over. You might have a variety of different things that you use in that area too, so staying organized is key. If you've been longing for some additional storage, try one or more of these ideas to add function and style to your living room.
This holiday season, shopping small is more important than ever! Our real estate agents love exploring local shops and sharing their finds with new residents.
Whether you decide to wait for Small Business Saturday or you're ready to start your shopping now, we recommend paying a visit to these nearby retailers.
One of our real estate agents' favorite annual events is coming soon: America Recycles Day on Nov. 15. It's the only nationally recognized day dedicated to empowering Americans to recycle more and buy recycled products. The day educates and encourages individuals to reuse as much as possible, be mindful of what they consume, repurpose items, and focus more on the recycling bins than trash cans.
Cappuccinos are one of the most popular coffee drinks and are well known for their combination of espresso, steamed milk, and milk foam. They're comforting yet strong and can be enjoyed in many coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants in the area.
Our real estate agents suggest celebrating Cappuccino Day - which falls on November 8 - by visiting one of the following cafes or other venues in the Albany area:
Discerning homebuyers who want to avoid cookie-cutter options available in planned communities are often attracted to the unique architecture and mature landscaping that can be found in some older Albany homes for sale. But for a house to offer the full value its appearance suggests, it must have a strong foundation. If you're looking to put your home on the market, our real estate agents suggest looking for signs of potential foundation issues before you do.
Homebuyers considering some of the many gorgeous Albany homes for sale are often attracted to the majestic trees and lush lawns that surround them. But as the leaves transition from green to gold and red, they also drift to the ground, creating clean-up chores that can cut into your Saturday mornings. Our real estate agents wanted to share several helpful tools designed to keep that imposition on your time to a minimum. Here are some of their favorites:
There are no bad seasons in the Adirondacks. You can ski in the winter, swim in the summer, and go for a hike just about any time. But fall is, without a doubt, our real estate agents' favorite time to take a scenic drive.
With the leaves at peak color and the cool fall air on your face, the open road brings adventure and beauty to the mountains. There are our favorite routes in the Adirondacks for a fall motorcycle ride!
October 4th is National Cinnamon Bun Day. What better excuse to indulge in a warm, gooey treat filled with rich spices and topped drizzled with melty glaze? You could go to the store and get a tube of pre-made cinnamon rolls to bake up. Or you could indulge yourself a little by going to a local bakery or cafe that sells them fresh, hot, and homemade. The only question is, where do you find one? You've just moved to the area and don't know where things are. There are plenty of Albany homes for sale, but where do you go for cinnamon rolls near those homes? We've got your back. Here are five local cinnamon rolls you need to try in the Capital Region.
You've seen all the shows where older, abandoned homes are turned into gorgeous, modern dwellings. Flipped houses are usually attractive, 100% move-in ready, and competitively priced. They can seem ideal in today's inventory-strapped real estate market. If you're thinking of buying a flipped house, however, you need to determine whether it is the treasure it appears to be or a dust-heap in disguise. Some developers will flip a house to make a quick buck, using cheap labor, going with cheap finishes, and taking shortcuts. Here are some ways to spot renovation problems in a flipped house for sale, according to our real estate agents.
September is on its way, and that means Shake Month is about to start once again. This American tradition began as a way to celebrate our cultural love for the milkshake, a blended drinkable treat made from milk, ice cream, and various syrups, sprinkles, and other garnishes. Our real estate agents have scoped out the best places to grab a milkshake in and around Albany, including both old favorites and up-and-coming establishments.
If you're browsing for a new home, one of the many questions you might ask yourself is, "Where will my TV go?" Our real estate agents know exactly how difficult it can be to find a house that meets both your functional and style needs.
For one, a television is a necessary living room fixture for many people, and knowing where to place the TV can be puzzling, especially in a room with several windows or a fireplace.
The size and structure of a living room are some of the most important features you'll have to consider when buying a house. Here are a few ideas on where to place a TV to help you create a setup that best suits your style and living room space.
With "Drive Your Studebaker Day" coming up Sept. 11, our real estate agents got to thinking about all of the awesome local car shows that take place in our community. If you're a classic car collector or spectator, there are ample opportunities in and around Albany to see some of the best antiques and vintage models. Even if cars aren't your thing, our local shows have lots of food, music, and prizes and can be fun for the whole family.
Whew! This market is competitive, and you may be worried that your offer will get lost in the shuffle. But there are ways to stand out from the crowd. Our real estate agents have some stellar advice to make your offer get noticed when you're ready for that dream home from Albany homes for sale.
You don't need a real estate license to find your dream home, but it does help to become familiar with the real estate jargon you might encounter during the process. When searching for a home or applying for a mortgage, you may hear your real estate agent or lender use any of the terms or acronyms below.
Keep this four-part guide handy — you'll be fluent in the language of home buying before you know it.
Find out what else you can do to prepare for buying a home here.
If you're selling your home, a garage sale is a fantastic opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need and earn a little cash. Our REALTORS® know that a garage sale is a useful way to reduce the clutter before putting a property on the market. Check out a few tips for hosting a successful garage sale.
Disc golf is such a fun, inviting summer activity. It requires less skill than golf and is approachable to family members of all ages. Once you figure out how to throw a disc, you're set! The Albany area has really embraced disc golf over the past few years. In fact, there are a few awesome disc golf courses our real estate agents recommend.
Moving into a new home is an exciting time, and our real estate agents know you can't wait to start making that space officially your own. If you're like most people, you probably have a lot of projects in mind to help you do exactly that. But before you get started, take a minute to do these 10 things first. You won't regret it!
When decorating your home, it's important to explore modern elements that adhere to your preferred aesthetic. One increasingly controversial item in the world of home decor is the installation of ceiling fans.
Some home decor enthusiasts feel ceiling fans are a potentially outdated, low-end addition. However, our real estate agents know that when used correctly, ceiling fans are a valuable addition to any home. Follow these tips to ensure your ceiling fans are a hit.
There's never a bad time to order some comforting mac and cheese. Local restaurants serve the dish in a variety of creative and upscale ways, so you can try the dish made with lobster, pork belly, or another deliciously interesting option.
Our real estate agents suggest indulging in mac and cheese at the following locations in and around Albany.
Crispy crust, flavorful sauce, unique toppings – could anything be more delicious than wood-fired pizza? There's just something about baking it in a high-temp, wood-fired oven that makes pizza even more incredible. The Albany area is home to a few great restaurants that serve wood-fired pizza. Here are the ones our real estate agents recommend visiting for a tasty experience.
The kids have left, and your home is filled with memories rather than people. Besides, it's a lot of work to keep a big house in good repair. If you're retired and your house feels too big for you, it might be time to downsize and move into a smaller abode like these Albany homes for sale, which are designed to be a joy to live in.
In fact, if you're thinking of downsizing, there's no better time to do so than in today's seller's market. Our real estate agents can help you determine the best course of action and potentially lead a more leisurely lifestyle.
Namaste! June 21st marks International Yoga Day – a day to celebrate the physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental prowess that yoga has brought to the world stage. Whether you do it to achieve inner peace, alleviate stress, or get in a great workout, yoga is a therapeutic activity for your body, mind, and soul. There are plenty of yoga studios in the Capital Region of New York, offering every conceivable style of yoga. The classes range from soothing to intense, so you're sure to find something for your skill level. Our real estate agents have rounded up the best yoga classes in the Capital Region, where you can stretch, bend, relax your mind, and find balance on International Yoga Day. Check out these yoga studios, grab your mat, and have a zen day.
Improving the appearance of your landscaping can boost the curb appeal of Albany homes for sale and give your home that wow factor. Mulch is an essential part of the overall look of your landscaping. It gives everything a neat and finished look making your yard look well cared for. The right kind of mulch will help keep your plants healthy too.
There's more than one way to finish off your landscaping, so here's how to know if mulch is right for your situation:
Tacos are an approachable and delicious option for lunch or dinner — especially on Taco Tuesday! Whether you prefer carnitas or classic beef, there are plenty of awesome Mexican restaurants to choose from in the Capital Region. If you're house-hunting nearby or are new to the area, here are some of the top taco spots our real estate agents recommend checking out.
There are plenty of great Albany homes for sale. If you're looking to move, our real estate agents can help you find the best place for your needs. One thing you'll have to do yourself, though, is sorting through your belongings to decide what to pack up and bring with you and what to get rid of.
Preparing for a move is a great time to purge the items you no longer need, want, or use. But the question is, what do you do with the things you're getting rid of? When possible, you should donate them to avoid waste, rather than simply throwing them out. There are several places that take donations. However, not everything will be accepted by your local donation centers. Here's a basic overview of what you can and can't donate to keep in mind while you do your pre-move purge.