Articles Tagged "Parks and Outdoor Spaces"

Mountain Day is observed on August 11 and has its origins in Japan. Why not celebrate it in the U.S. by getting out into nature?

Our real estate agents suggest the following five places to celebrate Mountain Day in the Adirondack Region.

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Some of the wildest adventures in New York State await in the Adirondack Mountains, less than two hours from these Albany homes for sale. Adirondack Park spans more than 9,000 square miles, including hundreds of lakes, thousands of miles of hiking trails, and campsites beyond counting. 

It's not every day that you get a chance to camp on your own private island, but in the ADK, you can do just that. Our real estate agents are excited to share these amazing island camping opportunities in the Adirondacks!

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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.

• Pilot Knob Trail Head - 1195 Pilot Knob Road, Queensbury, NY
  The Pilot Knob trailhead is part of the short but incredibly scenic trail at the Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob. At just 3.8 miles of easy-to-moderate terrain, this trail near our Queensbury homes for sale is perfect for beginner-level hikers. Along the way, you'll find plenty of breathtaking photo subjects, including a majestic waterfall at the trail's mid-point.

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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.

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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!

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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!

• NY State Route 30 - Northville, NY 12134
  Beginning in the community of Northville at the southern edge of the Adirondacks, NY State Route 9 arcs northward through some of the most beautiful scenery in New York. The beginning of the route is convenient to many Northville homes for sale, and the road will carry you through dense forests, cozy mountain communities, and along the picturesque shoreline of Indian Lake. The route has been nicknamed the Adirondack Trail, and you can follow it to the Canadian border if you're so inclined.

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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.

When you're searching for a home

• Approved for short sale: A term that indicates that a homeowner's bank has approved a reduced listing price on a home, and the home is ready for resale.
• Buyers market: Market conditions that exist when homes for sale outnumber buyers. Homes sit on the market a long time, and prices drop.
• Comparative market analysis (CMA): An in-depth analysis, prepared by a real estate agent, that determines the estimated value of a home based on recently sold homes of similar condition, size, features and age that are located in the same area.
• Comps: Or comparable sales, are homes in a given area that have sold within the past six months that a real estate agent uses to determine a home's value.
• Days on market (DOM): The number of days a property listing is considered active.
• Listing price: The price of a home, as set by the seller.
• Multiple listing service (MLS): A database where real estate agents list properties for sale.
• Sellers market: Market conditions that exist when buyers outnumber homes for sale. Bidding wars are common.
• Short sale: The sale of a home by an owner who owes more on the home than it's worth. The owner's bank must approve a lower listing price before the home can be sold.

When you're applying for a mortgage

• Back-end ratio: One of two debt-to-income ratios that a lender analyzes to determine a borrower's eligibility for a home loan. The ratio compares the borrower's monthly debt payments to gross income.
• Depository institutions: Banks, savings and loans, and credit unions. These institutions underwrite as well as set home loan pricing in-house.
• Debt-to-income ratio (DTI): A ratio that compares a home buyer's expenses to gross income.
• Housing ratio: One of two debt-to-income ratios that a lender analyzes to determine a borrower's eligibility for a home loan. The ratio compares total housing cost (principal, homeowners insurance, taxes and private mortgage insurance) to gross income.
• Loan estimate: A three-page document sent to an applicant three days after they apply for a home loan. The document includes loan terms, monthly payment and closing costs.
• Loan-to-value ratio (LTV): The amount of the loan divided by the price of the house. Lenders reward lower LTV ratios.
• Origination fee: A fee, charged by a broker or lender, to initiate and complete the home loan application process.
• Pre-approval: A thorough assessment of a borrower's income, assets and other data to determine a loan amount they would qualify for. A real estate agent will request a pre-approval or pre-qualification letter before showing a buyer a home.
• Pre-qualification: A basic assessment of income, assets and credit score to determine what, if any, loan programs a borrower might qualify for. A real estate agent will request a pre-approval or pre-qualification letter before showing a buyer a home.
• Underwriting: A process a lender follows to assess a home loan applicant's income, assets and credit, and the risk involved in offering the applicant a mortgage.

When you're shopping for a mortgage

• Conventional loan: A home loan not guaranteed by a government agency, such as the FHA or the VA.
• Down payment: A certain portion of the home's purchase price that a buyer must pay. A minimum requirement is often dictated by the loan type.
• Fannie Mae: A government-sponsored enterprise chartered in 1938 to help ensure a reliable and affordable supply of mortgage funds throughout the country.
• Federal Housing Administration (FHA): A government agency created by the National Housing Act of 1934 that insures loans made by private lenders.
• FHA 203(k): A rehabilitation loan backed by the federal government that permits homebuyers to finance money into a mortgage to repair, improve or upgrade a home.
• Foreclosure: A property repossessed by a bank when the owner fails to make mortgage payments.
• Freddie Mac: A government agency chartered by Congress in 1970 to provide a constant source of mortgage funding for the nation's housing markets.
• Mortgage broker: A licensed professional who works on behalf of the buyer to secure financing through a bank or other lending institution.
• Mortgage interest rate: The price of borrowing money. The base rate is set by the Federal Reserve and then customized per borrower, based on credit score, down payment, property type and points the buyer pays to lower the rate.
• Piggyback loan: A combination of loans bundled to avoid private mortgage insurance. One loan covers 80% of the home's value, another loan covers 10% to 15% of the home's value, and the buyer contributes the remainder.
• Principal, interest, property taxes and homeowners insurance (PITI): The components of a monthly mortgage payment.
• Private mortgage insurance (PMI): A fee charged to borrowers who make a down payment that is less than 20% of the home's value. The fee, 0.3% to 1.5% of the yearly loan amount, can be canceled in certain circumstances when the borrower reaches 20% equity.
• Points: Prepaid interest owed at closing, with one point representing 1% of the loan. Paying points, which are tax deductible, will lower the monthly mortgage payment.

When you've chosen a home

• American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI): A not-for-profit professional association that sets and promotes standards for property inspections. Look for this accreditation or something similar when shopping for a home inspector.
• Cash-value policy: A homeowners insurance policy that pays the replacement cost of a home, minus depreciation, should damage occur.
• Closing costs: Fees associated with the purchase of a home that are due at the end of the sales transaction. Fees may include the appraisal, the home inspection, a title search, a pest inspection and more. Buyers should budget for an amount that is 1% to 3% of the home's purchase price.
• Contingencies: Conditions written into a home purchase contract that protect the buyer should issue arise with financing, the home inspection, etc.
• Earnest money: A security deposit made by the buyer to assure the seller of his or her intent to purchase.
• Escrow account: An account required by a lender and funded by a buyer's mortgage payment to pay the buyer's homeowners insurance and property taxes.
• Escrow state: A state in which an escrow agent is responsible for closing.
• Home inspection: A non-destructive visual look at the systems in a building. Inspection occurs when the home is under contract or in escrow.
• Homeowners insurance: A policy that protects the structure of the home, its contents, injury to others and living expenses should damage occur.
• In escrow: A period of time (30 days or longer) after a buyer has made an offer on a home and a seller has accepted. During this time, the home is inspected and appraised, and the title searched for liens, etc.
• Title insurance: Insurance that protects the buyer and lender should an individual or entity step forward with a claim that was attached to the property before the seller transferred legal ownership of the property or "title" to the buyer.
• Transfer taxes: Fees imposed by the state, county or municipality on transfer of title.
• Under contract: A period of time (30 days or longer) after a buyer has made an offer on a home and a seller has accepted. During this time, the home is inspected and appraised, and the title is searched for liens, etc.
• Walkthrough: A buyer's final inspection of a home before closing.

When you own a home

• Equity: A percentage of the home's value owned by the homeowner.
• Homeowners Association (HOA): The governing body of a housing development, condo or townhome complex that sets rules and regulations. They charge dues used to maintain common areas.
• Property tax exemption: A reduction in taxes based on specific criteria, such as installation of a renewable energy system or rehabilitation of a historic home.
• Tax lien: The government's legal claim against property when the homeowner neglects or fails to pay a tax debt.

Find out what else you can do to prepare for buying a home here.

About the author

Few places in New York offer a chance to get off the beaten path and reconnect with nature quite like the Catskills. Established in 1885, Catskill Park encompasses an incredible 700,000 acres of land, much of it completely open and free for the public to use. 

Catskill Park represents a hub for hiking, camping, fishing, birdwatching, and outdoor pursuits of all kinds. Be sure to check out some of our real estate agents' favorite Catskills destinations as you're getting acquainted with the area!

• Ashokan Rail Trail - 1285 NY-28, West Hurley, NY 12491
  If you're looking for great trails, you've come to the right place. And while the Ashokan Rail Trail is far from the most challenging trek in the Catskills, it is one of the region's most accessible trails and a great starting point for newcomers. The Ashokan Rail Trail stretches just over 11 miles, following the course of a former railroad line along the shore of Ashokan Reservoir. The trail is open to hiking, mountain biking, dog walking, and horseback riding, and provides stunning views of the mountains.

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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.

• Central Park Disc Golf Course: 500 Iroquois Path, Schenectady, NY 12309
  If you're looking at Schenectady homes for sale, then the Central Park Disc Golf Course is just minutes away. The City of Schenectady owns this course, and its varied scenery makes for a fun afternoon. It's a full, 18-hole course with several holes in wooded areas, others near a creek, and still others on green fairways.
  
  The Central Park Disc Golf Course was upgraded to DisCatcher baskets in 2011. It's open to the public seven days a week, except for on Thursdays after 5:00 pm when league play is taking place.

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New York's Catskill Mountains offer some of the most rugged country and spectacular scenery in the Northeast. Hammock camping is one of the greatest ways to explore this unique part of the world. 

Hammocks and hammock tents are perfect for camping. They're lightweight enough to take with you on backpacking trips, yet comfortable enough to replace more traditional tents. These are some of our real estate agents' favorite hammock camping spots in the Catskills.

• Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest - Livingston Manor, NY 12758
  Spanning a little over 13,000 acres, Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest offers endless opportunities to enjoy the backcountry. The forest includes a labyrinth of hiking trails totaling over 22 miles, including a section of the 575-mile Finger Lakes Trail. Primitive backcountry camping is permitted throughout most of the forest, and there is also a rustic campground located at Balsam Pond. Despite its remoteness, much of the forest is easily accessible near these Livingston Manor homes for sale.

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Real Estate and Women: A Perfect Pairing

Without a doubt, 2020 was a year that no one will ever forget – and for Coldwell Banker Prime Properties, that's not just because of the pandemic. Last year, we grew by double digits, expanded into new markets, and helped more than 6500 individuals find a place to call home. At the core of our surging success is our local leadership teams, which are made up of 22 individuals, 18 of whom are women.

As a top 2% Coldwell Banker affiliate, we are especially proud this year to celebrate Coldwell Banker's recent honor of the Women's Choice Award. The Women's Choice Award is the only award that recognizes and identifies brands that women recommend.

At Coldwell Banker, we value women in real estate. I am beyond proud to work for a brand that empowers women to take on leadership roles and strives to make the industry better. Through our work with our Inclusive Ownership program and What Moves Her initiative, we are continuously exploring new ways to support leadership development, promote shared values, and provide resources for enhancing leadership tools and capabilities for women in the industry." – Liz Gehringer, chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

Not only is Coldwell Banker recommended as a brand to work with, but as real estate leaders in customer experience and quality, Coldwell Banker Prime Properties is an incredible place to work for.

Want to BE PART OF THE COLDWELL BANKER BRAND? Contact one of our local branch offices today!

Real Estate and Women: A Perfect Pairing

Without a doubt, 2020 was a year that no one will ever forget – and for Coldwell Banker Prime Properties, that's not just because of the pandemic. Last year, we grew by double digits, expanded into new markets, and helped more than 6500 individuals find a place to call home. At the core of our surging success is our local leadership teams, which are made up of 22 individuals, 18 of whom are women.

As a top 2% Coldwell Banker affiliate, we are especially proud this year to celebrate Coldwell Banker's recent honor of the Women's Choice Award. The Women's Choice Award is the only award that recognizes and identifies brands that women recommend.

At Coldwell Banker, we value women in real estate. I am beyond proud to work for a brand that empowers women to take on leadership roles and strives to make the industry better. Through our work with our Inclusive Ownership program and What Moves Her initiative, we are continuously exploring new ways to support leadership development, promote shared values, and provide resources for enhancing leadership tools and capabilities for women in the industry." – Liz Gehringer, chief operating officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate.

Not only is Coldwell Banker recommended as a brand to work with, but as real estate leaders in customer experience and quality, Coldwell Banker Prime Properties is an incredible place to work for.

Want to BE PART OF THE COLDWELL BANKER BRAND? Contact one of our local branch offices today!

There's simply no bad time to visit the Catskill Mountains. Whether you're looking for the most vibrant fall foliage or want to see our waterfalls at full power in spring, there's always something spectacular waiting to be discovered. 

But winter is a particularly special and often-overlooked season in the Catskills. So strap on your crampons and join our real estate agents on these amazing winter hikes in the Catskills!

• Overlook Mountain - Woodstock, NY 12498
  One of the Catskills' most famous peaks, the summit of Overlook is a challenging hike in winter. Nestled in the heart of the Overlook Mountain Wilderness, the summit is accessible via a 5-mile loop that includes some steep climbs but rewards intrepid hikers with truly amazing views. The mountain is topped by a historic fire tower, built in 1927. The tower is closed in winter, but the views are stunning nonetheless. Overlook Mountain is the southernmost peak of the Catskill Escarpment and is just minutes from many Woodstock homes for sale.

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Warm summer weather and vibrant fall foliage are well and good, but our real estate agents really love the Adirondacks in winter. When the snow flies and the ski lifts start lifting, there's simply no better place to be. 

The Adirondack Mountains offer an incredible wealth of winter activities, from sledding and ice fishing to snowshoeing and—of course—skiing. Check out these five amazing winter hot spots in the ADK this season!

• Northville-Lake Placid Trail - Cedar River Rd., Indian Lake, NY 12842
  The Adirondacks are home to seemingly endless miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails, but the Northville-Lake Placid Trail is criminally underrated. This 136-mile pathway sticks to the valleys between the Adirondacks' tallest mountains, lined by dense stands of hemlock and pine. The views along the way are breathtaking, and it's a relatively easy trek by snowshoe or ski. There are dozens of access points along the way, but the southernmost trailhead is right on Main Street in the village of Northville, a stone's throw from these Northville homes for sale.

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We've all had a lot of time at home the past few months, and there's no better place for a change of scenery than the local park. Why not pack a picnic basket and make an afternoon of it? Head to one of these Capital Region parks recommended by our real estate agents.

1. Indian Meadows – Jason Morris Way, Glenville, NY 12302
   This playground features an enormous structure, making it perfect for outdoor adventurers! You'll find other equipment suitable for younger children not yet ready for heights. Indian Meadows also has a spacious outdoor fitness area adjacent to the playground. Feel free to bring your furry friend as long as you remember to keep Fido on a leash at all times.

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This year, many people are rethinking their summer plans, but, don't worry, you don't have to cancel your vacation altogether. With the safety of traveling by air and staying in hotels still in question, a "stay-cation" will be the solution for most families. Luckily, there are a ton of great campgrounds in the Catskill Region.

When they're not helping clients find the perfect property, our real estate agents often enjoy packing up their RVs or even heading out for a primitive tent camping adventure. Here are a few of the top local campgrounds that they like to frequent.

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This month offers some of the greatest fishing opportunities of the year in the Catskills region. With dozens of clear mountain lakes and seemingly endless river and stream miles, the Catskills are a genuine paradise for New York fly fishermen. 

National Go Fishing Day is coming right up on June 18th, and New York's Free Fishing Weekend is just a week later on the 27th and 28th. The latter are some of the only dates of the year you can hit the water in New York without a fishing license. If you're in the mood for a fly fishing adventure this June, be sure to check out some of our real estate agents' favorite fishing destinations in the Catskill Mountains.

• Beaverkill River - Roscoe, NY 12776
  The Catskills are often credited as the birthplace of North American fly fishing, and the Beaverkill River is one of the streams in this region that's been challenging anglers for centuries. To test your own fly-fishing skills, head to the tiny village of Roscoe, nicknamed "Trout Town, USA." This is where the Beaverkill and Willowemoc meet at a legendary confluence known to local fly fishers as Junction Pool. You'll find ample riverbank access in town, as well as several excellent fly shops and outfitters just footsteps from these lovely Roscoe homes for sale.

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Training for a 5k run is rewarding for so many reasons, especially when you call the Catskills home. In addition to working toward a worthy goal, training in the Catskills provides the perfect excuse to enjoy all of the outdoor beauty that the region has to offer close to Syracuse homes for sale.

As our real estate agents and so many residents know, the region is home to an endless collection of trails offering everything from relaxing, leisurely strolls to challenging uphill climbs with spectacular views. Find the ideal destination to train for your next 5k run, with our guide to five great parks and trails in the Catskills Region.

• Andes Rail Trail – 266 Depot St., Andes, NY 13731
  Andes homes for sale put you in the heart of hiking country, with trails for every experience level including the popular Andes Rail Trail. The trail starts with a relatively flat 2-mile loop, with scenic views of the mountains and countryside. Around the halfway point of the loop, you can pick up the Bullet Hole Spur hiking trail, which will add another 2.2 miles round-trip. Bullet Hole Spur will take you up a gradual incline through ancient forests, with views getting more extensive as you climb.

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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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With summer weather right around the corner, many Central New Yorkers are excited to take their exercise routines out of the gym and into the great outdoors. Whether you're planning to sign up for a 5k race or prefer a casual stroll with the family, you'll never regret lacing up your sneakers and heading out for some outdoor fun.

In celebration of National Running Day on June 5th, our REALTORS® are here with a quick look at some of our area's favorite spots to go running in Central New York.

• Green Lakes State Park: Syracuse, NY
  If you want to enjoy a gorgeous view any time of the year, you can't go wrong with a run through Green Lakes State Park in Syracuse. Here you'll find several beautifully-manicured trails around the lake and throughout the park. This is a popular running and walking spot for Syracuse locals. 
  
  Want to train for your next race in a fun setting? Join a group of other running enthusiasts the Fleet Feet Hot Feet Runs on Sunday mornings at 7:30 a.m. While you're there, make sure to ask the locals about their favorite neighborhoods so can scope out some of the best Syracuse homes for sale. 
  
  

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How do you want to spend your summer? Floating in the middle of a lake? Becoming one with nature during a trail hike? Casting a fishing line — and your worries — into the river? Our REALTORS® believe that the Catskill Mountain area of New York is the perfect place for an outdoor getaway that has enough attractions and activities to fill your summer with relaxation and adventure.

1. Belleayre Mountain Ski Center – 181 Galli Curci Rd., Highmount, NY 12441 
   You don't need snow to have fun in the sun at Belleayre! The Belleayre Beach is your destination for swimming, fishing and playing from sunup to sundown. The surrounding trails are great for hiking, dog walking, mountain biking and filling your lungs with the fresh air you won't find in the city. Take a scenic gondola ride to the top and have a quiet picnic as you gaze at this astounding view of the Catskill Mountains. Summers at Belleayre will make you want to move into Fleischmanns homes for sale as soon as possible.
   

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Home is where the heart is — a phrase our REALTORS® hold dearly. A home is where your family grows and where the precious moments of everyday life blossom into memories you'll cherish for the rest of your lives. Home truly is where your heart is and we believe that finding your dream home in the perfect neighborhood helps you raise a loving and caring family.

As you search for your next New York home, we encourage you to take a few days to tour some wonderful Clifton Park homes for sale. Slightly south of the Saratoga Springs area, Clifton Park is one of our favorite towns in the Capital Region. Our REALTORS® invite you to come and explore these charming neighborhoods and discover why Clifton Park is a great place to raise your family.

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Celebrate National Take A Walk in the Park Day in Schenectady Parks

National Take a Walk in the Park Day is on March 30 which means it's time to get out and get moving at one of Schenectady's inviting green spaces. Round up the family, call your friends and set a time to meet at any of our 25 city parks to spend a Saturday afternoon appreciating the gorgeous weather and beautiful nature views around Schenectady. Join our REALTORS® as we disconnect from our busy lives and reconnect with the world around us.

1. 10th & Webster Park – 10th Ave. and Webster St., Schenectady, NY 12303
   Spend the day outdoors with your little ones at 10th & Webster Park. Located just a few feet from a friendly neighborhood full of Schenectady homes for sale, 10th & Webster Park has a fantastic playground that kids of all ages will enjoy.

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