Clifton Park and Albany NY Homes for Sale: November 2008

Green Depot, founded in 2005, is a distributor and retailer of environmentally friendly building products and services.  They have announced plans to open a store in Albany, NY and sell products that are made from recycled material, local sources, have low toxicity levels, and are energy efficient.

Along with the Albany announcement, they also announced plans to open stores in Newark, NJ and Manhattan's Bowery neighborhood.

There has been a surge of activity in the "green" movement especially in residential real estate.  This announcement supports this movement.

If you have any questions about the Albany real estate market, including Clifton Park, Rexford, Halfmoon, and Saratoga Springs, please feel free to give me a call anytime (518)281-3951.

Thank you.

Did you just wake up?

Enjoying that first cup of coffee?

Are you done eating?

Did the boss just yell at you?

Are you enjoying that cocktail?

Is it time for bed?

For free help quitting, call the New York State Smokers' Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487).

The best advice I ever got was: "Never quit quitting."  Good luck!!!

Meanwhile, if you have any questions regarding the Clifton Park Real Estate market, please feel free to call me anytime (518)281-3951.

Thank you.

The Honest Weight Food Co-op is recognized as the Clifton Park premier Natural and Organic Food Store.  This member owned and operated store is open to the public and offers a complete variety of natural and organic grocery, dairy, frozen, and body care products.  They also support a wide variety of local farmers and ranchers.

They have been voted as the Times Union "Best Natural and Organic store" numerous times.  So, if you live in the Clifton Park area, be sure to check them out.  They are located at 484 Central Ave in Albany and more details can be found on their Web site: www.honestweight.coop

Meanwhile, if you have any real estate questions in the Southern Saratoga County area, including Clifton Park, Rexford, Halfmoon, and Saratoga Springs please feel free to call me anytime (518)281-3951.

Thank you.

Just when you thought all was doom and gloom, there is a bit of good news for the Capital District.

The municipal bond rating for Albany, NY is now the highest for all cities in New York State.  The bond rating moved two step to "AA-" by Standard and Poor's.

According to Jeanine Rodgers Caruso, executive vice president of Fiscal Advisors & Marketing, Inc. in Clifton Park, NY, a municipal financial advisory firm, the rating is higher than any city in New York.  Needless to say, Mayor Jerry Jennings is very happy with these results.

The next highest rating is Rochester with an "A" rating.

So, just when you thought all was doom and gloom, I hope this news provides you with a glimmer of hope.

If you have any questions about the Capital District real estate market, including Clifton Park, NY please feel free to call me anytime (518)281-3951.

Thank you. 

I'm Freezin' for a Reason...

Join us on December 13, 2008 for the annual Polar Plunge at Lake George, NY.  Just minutes from Clifton Park, this great event helps raise funds for Special Olympics New York and allows all of us a little opportunity to help this great charity.

The Polar Plunge registration begins at 9:30 and the Plunge, dive, or slow crawl will start at noon.  Anyone raising at least $100 will recieve an official Plunge sweatshirt, so gather a team at your office, church, or neighborhood and we'll see you there.

All the details can be found on their Web site at www.specialolympicsny.org

Meanwhile, if you have any questions about the Clifton Park real estate market, feel free to call me anytime (518)281-3951.

May I offer you some shelter?  Not from the elements but from The Tax Man!!!

Home-ownership in Clifton Park, NY is one of the best tax advantages you can provide to yourself and your family.  Listed below are a few of the ways that buying a home can help you minimize your tax liability.  Please be sure to consult your tax adviser for all the details on these items.

1) Real estate and property taxes may be deducted from your income, lowering your tax bracket and tax liability.

2) Mortgage interest paid to your lender may be an itemized deduction on your taxes as well.  This is a significant item in the early stages of your mortgage since the vast majority of your payment is to interest not principal.

3) Pre-paids and closing costs.  There are a number of closing costs (e.g. transfer tax, points, pre-paid property taxes) that may also be deducted from your taxes when filing your return.

4) In many cases, when you sell your Clifton Park home you will not be required to pay Capital Gains taxes.

5)  If you work from your Clifton Park home you may be able to write off some of the costs associated with this office.

6) If you find a new job and the distance is greater than 50 miles, you may be able to write off the cost of the move.

Again, this is a cursory look at some of the tax advantages to home-ownership.  Please seek the advice of a tax professional to clarify the contents of this information and to see if you qualify.

If you have any questions about the Clifton Park real estate market, please feel free to call me anytime (518)281-3951 or visit my Web site at www.LewisB.com.

Thank you.

Now is a great time to be a buyer in the Clifton Park real estate market.

First and foremost, the Capital District, to include Clifton Park, has been a relatively stable market when compared to all the National news we hear.  Prices have basically remained flat when compared to last year.  I have checked a few sources, some say +3% others say -3%.  Again, compared to what we hear is going on in other parts of the country, "flat" is good.  Here are some other great reasons to buy now:

1) Inventory is high, which means Days On Market is up, therefore sellers are more motivated to sell.

2) In this "buyers market" it means buyers can be more selective in what they purchase.  They are also able to get the home of their dreams in excellent condition.

3) There are a number of excellent tax advantages that are afforded to home owners.

4) Mortgage rates continue to be very low.  And, contrary to popular belief, there are plenty of lenders that have money to loan out.

5) On average, nationally, homes double in value in value every ten years.  So, home-ownership should be a crucial element in your long term wealth plans.  This is also the means to which you can "trade up" and have more money for larger down payments on future purchases.

I would love the opportunity to meet with you and review all of these points in detail.  So, if I can assist you in your search for Clifton Park real estate, please give me a call at (518)281-3951 or visit my Web site at www.LewisB.com.

Thank you.

You must see this beautiful 2,200 SF Clifton Park NY 4 bedroom home on a private street with a secluded lot that is bordered by woods and water.  Enjoy the beautiful surroundings in all seasons!!  This 4 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Car Garage home is tastefully decorated and features 2 fireplaces, updated kitchen and bathrooms along with a huge deck and a screened in porch.  Come enjoy this great centralized location in southern Saratoga County, 20 minutes to Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, or Troy.  It is perfect for commuters looking for peace and quiet.  Proudly offered at $314,900.  Please call Lewis for more details (518)281-3951 or LewisB@nycap.rr.com or search the entire MLS at no charge on my Web site http://LBeynon.capitaldistrictrealtor.com

JUST REDUCED to $279,999! GREAT VALUE AT HIGHPOINTE! This delightful 3 bed, 2.1 Bath 1,996 Sq Ft home was the builder's model and is close to Clifton Park and Luther Forest Tech Park.  It features ceramic tile, hardwood floors, new carpeting and a large deck for entertaining. The first floor includes living room, formal dining room, a den and kitchen with breakfast nook. The second floor boasts a large master suite w/walk-in closet and spacious bath room. There are two additional bedrooms on this floor; one with built-in shelving.  Call Lewis today for a showing (518)281-3951 or LewisB@nycap.rr.comor search the entire MLS on my Web site: http://www.LewisB.com

If you have any questions about the Clifton Park Real Estate market, please call me today.

I just attended a very informative seminar designed for Agents to review the lending situation in this "troubled" economy.  So much of the media has convinced potential buyers that they couldn't get a mortgage if they wanted to (because of the economy).  Well, that myth was put to bed today during the presentation made by Home Mortgage Network.

There are so many products available, so don't be afraid of how much money you THINK you need to put down, don't be afraid that the only home you can find in your price range is too outdated; they have solutions for just about every situation.

If you are a First Time Home Buyer you owe it to yourself to contact Home Mortgage Network TODAY in order to receive a free, no obligation, consultation on the mortgage market for your situation.  Don't listen to the media, don't listen to your "friends", call the professionals today!!!

Special thanks goes out to Joanne, Charlotte, Amy, Brianna, and the rest of the fine staff at HMN.

Meanwhile, if you have any questions about the Clifton Park real estate market, please feel free to call me anytime (518)281-3951.

Thank you.