Orson Klender's Blog

Opening the Kitchen? Make the Most of That Support Post

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Thu, 23 May 2013 08:44:33 -0700

Use a post to add architectural interest, create a focal point or just give your open kitchen some structure.

Before you tear down a wall to open your kitchen to the dining or living room, you must determine if it is holding up part of your ceiling. If it is, you will need to install a header beam and one or more posts in its place to provide the necessary structural support. Your contractor or architect can confirm if the wall is load bearing and help you sort through the options for post sizes and placement.

Incorporating a new support system into your plan presents some design challenges, but it can also be a useful design element.

by m.a.p. interiors inc. / Sylvia Beez »

A portion of this modern kitchen area has a dropped ceiling, and the post and beams appear as one unit and create an industrial vibe.

by Mark Brand Architecture »

Two posts work well for a wide island, and the symmetry looks pleasing and purposeful. These match the cabinetry.

by Balodemas Architects »

In this open and spacious home, the dropped ceiling adds architectural interest, defines the kitchen area and makes it feel cozy. The wood posts add warmth while supporting the ceiling.

by Giulietti Schouten Architects »

At least two walls were removed, and multiple posts were strategically placed to define the kitchen, dining and entry-hall areas in this project.

by Giulietti Schouten Architects »

Here is a view looking into the kitchen. Beams are convenient and attractive for hanging pendant lights.

by Harrell Remodeling »

Posts don't have to go from floor to ceiling. These rest on a partial wall dividing the kitchen and family room.

by Brilliant! Lighting & Design »

These tree-trunk posts are two of a set of six that support an office loft above a dining room. Harvested onsite, the oak tree trunks were stripped, polished and incorporated into the structure.

by Gast Architects »

The posts in this kitchen connect to a beam and a coffered ceiling. Notice how they line up with the cross beams and frame the stove wall.

by Studio Z Architecture »

One post feels light and airy against a breakfast counter.

by David Heide Design Studio »

This post is interesting because the island was built around it.

by Genesis Architecture, LLC. »

This stainless steel post rests on top of the counter.

by RD Architecture, LLC »

This surfboard island, with a black penny-round-covered post, is a fun focal point.

by CustomMade.com »

Reclaimed barn beams, anyone?

by Venegas and Company »

More reclaimed wood frames an opening and adds a rustic feel to this space.

By: Debbie Snider, Allied Member ASID

Source: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10844457/list/Opening-the-Kitchen--Make-the-Most-of-That-Support-Post

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

Why Men Really Do Need a Cave, Do any of you have a "Man Cave"?

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Wed, 22 May 2013 07:32:29 -0700

Don't dismiss cars, bars and the kegerator — a man space of some kind is important for emotional well-being at home.

Calm down, ladies. When a man wants his own space in the house — be it a cave, garage, bar, media room, billiards hall, woodshop or bowling alley — it’s not a red flag indicating that he's rebelling in your relationship, trying to avoid you or shirking social commitments. In fact, having one’s own personalized space is actually necessary and important psychologically for everyone.

“Space is very important for regulating emotions,” says Sam Gosling, a University of Texas at Austin psychology professor and author of Snoop: What Your Stuff Says About You. Gosling studies how space is a powerful mechanism for evoking our emotions, and he’s seen firsthand how having your own space, decorated by you alone, can positively affect emotional well-being. “It’s incredibly important to be in one’s own space and resonate with who one is,” he says.

by Designing Solutions »

Enter man caves. Whether we're building a boat, playing computer games, reading car magazines, listening to loud music, working on a motorcycle, or watching action movies or five sports games at once, man caves serve a basic psychological function, even if the guy is aware of it or not. And it's especially vital if the guy's emotional needs aren’t being met in other spaces. (Sorry, honey, but that fake moss inside a cloche is doing nothing for me.)

“It’s a way of saying, ‘I love my family and flowers, but that’s not what I need to regulate my emotions,’” Gosling says. “Man caves are the architectural equivalent to hanging out with your mates."

So you see? We are fragile emotional beings. We just need a kegerator (a refrigerator for a keg of beer) and power tools to cope.

When it comes to designing and outfitting a man cave, Gosling says it's extremely important that there is no compromise. (Shall I repeat that, ladies? No compromise!)

That's because a space that properly satisfies and regulates emotional and psychological needs is much less likely to evolve if someone else influences the outcome.

by Michael Abrams Limited »

Because women traditionally take charge of decorating a household, the main living spaces tend to regulate her emotions better than the man's. This can leave us guys feeling isolated, even if it's on a subconscious level.

“Many people are not sensitive to that,” Gosling says. “I don’t think people are thinking, ‘I need to regulate my emotions.’ They’re thinking, ‘I need somewhere to build my boat. While I’m there, I’m going to read the magazines I like. Listen to the music I like.’ So it organically evolves.”

by mark pinkerton - vi360 photography »

"Even in situations where both couples have careers and the space is perceived as a compromise, it still may not be meeting the emotional needs for the individuals,” Gosling continues. “Personal space is still incredibly important.”

by GRADY-O-GRADY Construction & Development, Inc. »

While men might be unaware of this need, it's definitely present. Kira Sterling, chief marketing officer for Toll Brothers custom home builders, says her company is seeing a dramatic uptick in the amount of requests for extra man space. “Men are carving out space with a lot of technology, surround sound, wet bars, exercise equipment, steam, saunas, wine bars and storage,” she says. "It's almost like tree houses from your childhood: no girls allowed."

Freelance motion designer Philippe Vendrolini, who works mainly from home, turned this$13,000 backyard studio space into a personalized man cave, with a small library, a sofa and space for jamming.

This homeowner, meanwhile, wanted to use his garage as an entertainment hub where he could watch TV, serve beer, smoke cigars and easily access the backyard pool and barbecue, but still be able to store things like bikes, strollers and toys. To make all this happen, designer Kate Cullen atCalifornia Closets Twin Cities created a kitchen area for a kegerator and overhead storage for his kids’ bikes and toys.

The owner even installed a one-way screen that comes down when the garage door is open so he can smoke cigars and people watch, but they can't see him.

The cigar-smoking owner, a big fan of the Rat Pack, owns a graphics company that created all the artwork for the space. His employees had the Vegas-style neon light custom made as a gift.

The space is also heated and air conditioned for cold Minnesota winters and humid summers.The project cost between $15,000 and $17,000.

by California Closets »

“There’s an old saying that a man’s house is his castle" says Ginny Snook Scott, chief design officer of California Closets. "No. A woman’s house is the castle. The garage is the man’s castle.”

Scott has seen the man space evolve and gain popularity over nearly three decades. She’s seen a trend toward having kegerators, wine fridges and many other gizmos, gadgets and tools right at guys' fingertips.

by California Closets »

The Internet has helped shape this trend. Millions of photos and trends of unique spaces are exposing people to broad design thinking. So in a sense, designers and homeowners have gotten much smarter about personalizing their spaces.

by California Closets »

Scott says that the custom design industry has allowed people to have more options and freedom to create exactly the kind of spaces they want, and they're willing to pay for them.

"Men are looking for amenities that give them a special sense of reward," Scott says. "They work hard; they want to play hard."

by HartmanBaldwin Design/Build »

Karla Rodriguez, head of marketing at HartmanBaldwin, says the owner of this detached studio in Claremont, California, had spent his whole life living in a space designed by his wife, and he wanted his own space where he could reflect, read and write.

Naturally, there's also a kegerator and a full bathroom.

by HartmanBaldwin Design/Build »

The owner of this Tudor-style house, also by HartmanBaldwin and in Claremont, California, built his fortune through manufacturing and had always wanted a place where he could tinker (he also earns a lot of patents) and restore classic cars.

Typical in most man cave situations, he told his wife she could have anything she wanted in the house (French country) and garden (English style), but "the garage and workshop are all me," he says.

by HartmanBaldwin Design/Build »

The space includes a workshop, where he rebuilds engines, and an area for restoring old cars.

by HartmanBaldwin Design/Build »

Rodriguez says a full bathroom with shower is almost always requested for a man cave. “I’m not sure if guys want it or it’s a compromise with their wives," she says. "Sort of a, 'You can have your man space, but you must be clean before you come in this house!'"

by HartmanBaldwin Design/Build »

This homeowner converted the attic space into a model-car museum and model-car garage.

by HartmanBaldwin Design/Build »

“Man caves are often portrayed as refusal to grow up. Or as a resistance to a relationship being integrated," Gosling says. "This is a perfectly legitimate need within the context of a relationship. People should take it seriously.”

So, come on. Give us just this one room. We might even invite you down for a beer every now and then.

By: Mitchell Parker

Source: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10542925/list?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u284&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

Fake Grass is Gaining Popularity!

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:25:27 -0700

Want a picture-perfect lawn? Maybe artificial grass is the answer. It solves watering, weeding, and fertilizing woes. But is it perfect?

If you live in a low-water area, or if you’re just tired of constant lawn maintenance, you’re in good company.

More home owners are saving time, water — and their backs — by switching from real grass to artificial turf.

Synthetic grass for landscaping and recreation is growing 10% to 15% a year in the U.S.

That means more and more home owners are using fakes for:

Lawns

Dog runs

Play areas

Pool surrounds

Rooftops

Putting greens

Decorative borders between patio pavers

Faking It is Right for You If:

You’re tired of watering, weeding, fertilizing, and cutting real grass.

Your summer water bills are too high.

You don’t want to use chemical fertilizers and herbicides.

You believe artificial grass looks as good as real grass — maybe better.

What Exactly is Artificial Grass?

Fake grass consists of filaments threaded into a backing that lets water through. The backing is laid on a drainage layer, usually compacted gravel, and fastened along the perimeter. Then it’s filled with recycled crumb rubber or sand to keep it from blowing away in a stiff breeze.

Today’s synthetic grass is made of nylon, polyethylene, or polypropylene that’s colored to look like various species.

Synlawn, one of the largest manufacturers of synthetic grass, offers: SYNBermuda, SYNFescue, SYNZoysia — you get the idea. Some grasses even have a thatch layer that makes a yard look less Stepford-like and more realistic.

Let’s Talk Money

Artificial grass comes with a big upfront cost — $5 to $20 per sq. ft., installed. Once it’s down, it’s free for the next 15 to 25 years.

Professionally laid sod, on the other hand, costs only 14-60 cents per sq. ft. But that’s where expenditures (and upkeep) begin. You’ve got to water, mow, fertilize — all of which cost money and take time.

So let’s crunch some numbers on a hypothetical 500-sq.-ft. yard.

First year cost:

Install artificial grass ($12.50 per sq. ft. average)	$6,250
Install natural sod (37 cents per sq. ft. average)	$185

Annual costs:

Artificial grass total:

Watering ($15 per month, 6 months a year)	$90
Fertilizing (20 cents per sq. ft.)	$100
Gardener/Lawn Man ($25/week for 26 weeks)	$650
Natural sod total:	$840

So, it would take about 7 years for maintenance-free artificial grass to recoup its initial cost. If you’re planning on staying put for longer than that, you’ll begin to save money each year.

What are the Good Points of Artificial Grass?

It saves water.

It’s easy to maintain.

Synthetic grass can be environmentally friendly.

The Southern Nevada Water Authority says a home owner saves 55 gallons of water per year for every square foot of natural grass replaced with synthetic. Plus, some water companies in drought-prone areas will offer a cash rebate for artificial grass, up to $1 per sq. ft.

You’ve got to blow off leaves and other debris, and hose off pet waste. But there’s no mowing, seeding, edging, and fertilizing — lawn maintenance chores that take the average home owner about 150 hours per year, says Ted Steinberg, author of “American Green: The Obsessive Quest for the Perfect Lawn.”

The Synthetic Turf Council says synthetic lawns’ recycled crumb rubber infill keeps 20 million rubber tires out of landfills every year.

What are the Drawbacks?

It’s not completely maintenance-free.

It can’t absorb and break down pet urine.

It heats up in direct sun.

It can’t be recycled.

Some HOAs and municipalities ban fake grass.

Weeds can still grow in the dust or rotted leaves that can accumulate; so, you’ll have to spend time blowing or raking.

If you don’t hose off pet runs regularly, they’ll stink.

It radiates heat to surrounding people, pets, trees, and buildings. Shade trees, which prevent real grass from growing, will prevent fake grass from getting too hot.

Although the industry is working on ways to recycle old synthetic grass, currently fakes end up in landfills.

Alternatives to Fake Grass

Low-Maintenance Turf Grasses

Natural Lawn Replacement Ideas

Or, if you want to green up your lawn in a hurry, try lawn paint.

By: Lisa Kaplan Gordon
Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/lawns/fake-grass/#ixzz2TwdTS64q

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

Saratoga Springs, NY -INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE, Stay Optimistic

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:00:57 -0700

QUOTE OF THE WEEK... "Optimism is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress." --Nicholas Murray Butler, American diplomat and educator

Saratoga Springs, NY - INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE... It definitely takes guts to remain optimistic in the face of some of the housing data coming at us these days. Last week, for example, we were greeted with a 16.5% drop in Housing Starts for April. It helps to dig into these reports. The dip was mostly due to multi-family starts, which are very volatile month to month, and were down 38.9%. Turns out, single-family starts were off just 2.1%. Taking a long-term view helps even more. Starts overall are up 13.1% versus a year ago, with single-family starts up a healthy 20.8%. So there.

It didn't take any effort at all to stay optimistic in the face of the April Building Permits report. New building permits rose 14.3% during the month to a 1.02 million annual rate. Permits for single-family homes are now up 27.5% over a year ago, and multi-family permits are up a whopping 50.9%. An analysis of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development data revealed that 64% of building permits issued in the first quarter of this year were for single-family homes. And they were at the highest level since Q1 of 2008.

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

Saratoga Springs, Do Any of You Need a Living Room Makeover?

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:40:10 -0700

Soaring stonework and nifty custom storage take a spacious living room in Washington from bland to beautiful.

When Houzzer Lana Carlene became fed up with her house, which she called a "big, bland, beige box," she decided to do something about its lack of character — one room at a time. She began her coup in the living room, where an expansive fireplace wall screamed for attention. In less than two weeks of construction time, she had the black granite from around the fireplace stripped, natural stone installed all the way to the ceiling and a smart new storage system packed in. Here's how she did it.

Project at a Glance
What: Living room makeover
Location: Maple Valley, Washington
Duration: About two months of planning; 12 days of in-house construction
Budget: $12,000

Installation done by Powell Custom Homes & Renovations

BEFORE: Carlene had moved from a much smaller condo into the 2,000-square-foot home. Her numerous small furniture pieces were making the spacious living room feel cramped, and they felt out of balance.

AFTER: A clever storage system and ceiling-reaching stonework now surround the fireplace.

Mounting the TV above the fireplace would've set the screen too high for comfortable viewing from the sectional, so Carlene had it hung at eye level to one side and the components put in a cabinet underneath. Cables running through a Smurf tube in the wall connect the components to the screen. And she made sure to leave enough room for a larger TV in the future.

BEFORE: The small TV stand was crammed into one corner and packed with entertainment equipment, furthering the clutter problem. Carlene knew the spacious wall could be used for storage. "I wanted something more unified," she said. "The thought of not needing a separate entertainment unit and shelving for storage was appealing."

She put various paint swatches on the wall until she found the right color.

Carlene spent hours on Houzz looking at photos of living rooms with fireplaces, eventually settling on a combination system that would span the entire wall. Once she found the right storage design and wall color, the room was emptied and prepared for painting and installation.

At first she tried a light blue, Behr's Cloudy Day. She also had the black granite on the fireplace surround replaced with natural stone to add texture and to work with the existing mantel. "The existing mantel is a really nice, chunky Craftsman look, so I wanted to just enhance that feel," she says.

She had the stone extended to the ceiling for height and texture.

AFTER: Symmetrical shelves take advantage of the extensive wall space and accommodate art. Carlene changed the wall color to a warm gray (Benjamin Moore's Cinder) for a more dramatic background for her artwork and accessories.

Stone: Cronin, Desert Gold

Once the TV components were set up, Carlene removed the center doors on this cabinet and put inperforated metal panels for extra ventilation.

What was once cramped and cluttered is now warm and inviting. Just ask Carlene's dog, Ricky.

Show us: Do you have before and after photos of a project to share?

By: Vanessa Brunner, Houzz Editorial Staff

Source: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7347079/list/Washed-Out-to-Knockout-----See-a-Smart-Living-Room-Makeover

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

Friends of Saratoga Springs, NY - Are You Looking for Container Gardening Ideas?

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:07:25 -0700

Container gardening is great for gardeners of all ages and skill levels. Containers are easy to water and weed, can be moved to different locations for sun or privacy, and they add pizzazz to small spaces. They’re terrific accents for decks and patios, and add a welcoming touch of curb appeal to entryways. Ready to be inspired?

Credit: Kimberly McKinnis/Flickr

Small-Space Splendor

No soil in your back yard? No problem! Containers let you garden in bits and pieces and are perfect for small homes. Varying container sizes and styles lets you fill nooks and crannies — and even walls — with natural textures and colors. Best of all? No muddy shoes to track dirt inside!

Credit: Amy Kinser/Kinser Home

Made in Your Shade

Containers create mini-climates, so you’ll want to choose plants that thrive in specific conditions. Ferns love full shade, so this frondy fellow is quite happy under a covered porch, although it’ll need regular hand watering. A second-hand wash stand makes an eye-catching container.

Credit: Deborah Silver

Pots Matter

Containers come in all sizes, shapes, and materials to fit every budget and style. When you’re creating a container garden, make sure the color and size of your pots sync up with your scheme — whether a formal entry or a devil-may-care patio.

Credit: Wife, Mother, Gardener blog

Containers Inspire Budding Gardeners

Compact, easy-to-reach containers put plants right where little hands can dig in. Assign a container or two to each of your kids and teach them how to care for plants, and you’ll be sewing the seeds of home ownership pride.

Credit: Robert Urban/Urban Productions, NYC

Greening Up Your Concrete Jungle

Sidewalk planters are a great way to add color and greenery to urban settings. Choose drought-resistant plants that need little maintenance. Hardy plants, such as these evergreen boxwoods (Buxus), ivy, and impatiens, thrive in tough city climates. Deep containers require less frequent waterings.

Credit: Belinda Furby

nitial Thinking

When it comes to containers, a little imagination can go a long way toward creating great curb appeal. These home owners proudly display their last initial with a living vertical wall container full of drought-tolerant succulents.

Check out more ideas here: http://www.houselogic.com/photos/gardens/container-gardening-ideas/slide/small-space-splendor/#ixzz2TZ9ogohB

Source: By: John Riha

Which ideas might you try out? Don't you just love summer gardening? If you don't have a place to call home and try these ideas out, contact me (information below) and I would be happy to find you a home in the Saratoga Springs, NY area. I also cover most of the capital district and beyond!

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

Saratoga Springs, Would You Grow Veggies in Your Flower Garden? We Absolutely Would!

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Wed, 15 May 2013 11:15:59 -0700

Breaking the rules by mixing edibles with ornamentals makes for happy horticulture.

These "Matt's Wild Cherry" tomatoes are interspersed with fall-blooming aster for a gorgeous color combination. All images in this post: Cristina Santiestevan

In my garden, kale dances with cosmos, sweet potatoes mingle with marigolds, and bush beans party with coneflowers and black-eyed Susans. That’s right. Vegetables have invaded my flower garden.

The rules say flowers deserve the front yard spotlight while veggies should be hidden in the backyard. But some rules are made to be broken. That one, for example.

I started growing veggies with my front yard flowers because I had to — the backyard is too shady. Now, I’m hooked. Once you mix your edibles and ornamentals, I’m betting you’ll be hooked too.

The combination attracts lots of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which helps ensure healthy edibles. It’s also a great solution if you don’t have a lot of space for both a veggie and flower garden. Plus, it’s fun!

There’s nothing special to getting started. Really. If you already have a flower bed or a foundation planting, go ahead and add some veggies to the mix. Just remember, your vegetables’ needs don’t change just because they’re growing amongst flowers. Tomatoes will still demand space and sunlight, and lettuces will still want protection from the full force of summer’s heat.

For me, the biggest challenge was giving up the tidiness of an orderly vegetable garden and embracing the haphazard beauty of edibles scattered among ornamentals.

Keep these tips in mind when selecting veggies for your flower beds:

Some veggies are easy to blend with flowers — lacinato kale looks fantastic with pink cosmos, for example — while others tend to overwhelm. I wouldn’t suggest planting a massive pumpkin vine in a petite flower bed.

Mix things up with containers. I’ve had great success growing sweet potatoes in inexpensive bushel baskets.

Be prepared to fill gaps created when you harvest your home-grown edibles. Bush beans are my favorite gap-filling vegetable because they grow fast, look fantastic, and taste even better.

Blend contrasting shapes, colors, and sizes. Bold cantaloupe vines provide an excellent backdrop for lacy marigold leaves and flowers, for example.

Experiment. On a whim, I let some ‘Matt’s Wild Cherry’ tomatoes sprawl through my fall-blooming asters. The results were spectacular.

Winter can be a challenge. If you live in a milder region, you may be able to grow edibles year-round. Northern gardeners, however, must plan for cold weather. Try adding a few winter-interest plants to your garden. My red-twig dogwood is a star in the snow, for example.

But, here’s the most important thing. If you’re growing vegetables in your flower garden, you’ve got to treat them like ornamentals. In other words: looks matter.

Sometimes, looks matter a great deal. Formal vegetable gardens are a front yard no-no according to my HOA, but my blend of veggies and flowers has received nothing but compliments from neighbors. Even if you aren’t regulated by an HOA, it’s still worth keeping aesthetics in mind. It’s just the neighborly thing to do.

Did you know that including herbs and veggies is a tradition of beautiful cottage gardens that goes back to the mid-1800s?

Have you tried growing veggies with your flowers? Please share your stories, advice and favorite vegetable-flower combos below.

Published: March 11, 2013
By: Cristina Santiestevan

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

Saratoga Springs, NY - Info That Hits Us Where We Live - Home Prices

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:28:07 -0700

QUOTE OF THE WEEK... "Saints are sinners who kept on going" --Robert Louis Stevenson, Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist

INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE... Home prices also keep on going, and in a decidedly upward direction. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported thatfor Q1 of this year, the median existing home price jumped 11.3% over last year, the largest annual gain since Q4 of 2005. But Q1 inventory was down 16.8%. The NAR's chief economist expounded: "Inventory conditions are expected to remain fairly constrained this year, so overall price increases should be well above the historic gain of one-to-two percentage points above the rate of inflation."

A leading research analytics firm reported that home prices in March jumped 10.5% year over year, posting their biggest annual gain in seven years. Plus, the 1.9% price increase over February was the 13th monthly gain in a row. These analysts expect April to register a 12% annual and a 2.7% monthly price hike, if you exclude distressed sales. Finally, Fannie Mae reported a milestone in consumer optimism about home prices: the majority of Americans they surveyed now expect home prices to increase over the next year.

BUSINESS TIP OF THE WEEK... From Warren Buffett: "...the biggest thing that kills [businesses] is complacency. You want a restlessness, a feeling that somebody's always after you, but you're going to stay ahead."

Kristen Zorda

Prime Lending,

Loan Officer

648 Plank Rd. Suite 203
Clifton Park NY 12065
Office: 518-366-7999

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

Deck and Patio Lighting Ideas that Add Livability

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Mon, 13 May 2013 12:52:06 -0700

Cool deck and patio lighting helps you get more use — and enjoyment — from your outdoor living spaces.

Star Floors

Fiber optic lighting uses only a single light source, typically a 5-15 watt LED housed in a small fan-cooled box sheltered from the elements. Light travels on slender, flexible cables that end in points of light — small emitters that you insert into holes drilled in your decking. Because there’s no electricity or heat conducted, the cables and light are safe in any type of weather. Installing fiber optic lighting is a good DIY project. A kit with 120 emitters and cables is about $325.

Credit: Starscape Fibre Optic & LED Lighting

Lighting the Way

Deck lighting extends party time on your deck, and adds safety, too. Fixtures on posts offer ambient lighting and signal the railing location. Low-voltage LED light fixtures run on 12-volt current that’s much safer than regular 120-volt household current, making installation DIY-friendly. Make the posts from pieces of lumber so there’s a hollow channel inside; run low-voltage wiring in the channel. A lighting kit with 8 fixtures, wire, and a 12-volt transformer is $587.

Credit: Highpoint Deck Lighting

Moveable Lighting

An oversize floor lamp made for outdoor use will light up an entire deck seating area with its 250-watt halogen bulb. A plastic shade, galvanized steel frame, and aluminum base make this fixture weatherproof. Six lead weights keep it stable in windy conditions. It’s a plug-in lamp, so you’ll need a weatherproof outdoor outlet — a minor concession for this $13,750 outdoor fixture.

Credit: SuperArchiMoon/Designed by Philippe Starck for DEDON/Photo courtesy of Dedon

Low-Voltage Wonderland

Most exterior landscape lighting — including railing lights and uplighting for trees — is low-voltage. A low-voltage system uses a transformer to convert regular 120-volt household current into 12-volt current. With less power, however, exterior lights may be dimmer than you expect. That’s why it’s important that your transformer is sized for your lighting scheme. Buy a transformer ($100-$200) that plugs into an outdoor outlet, or have an electrician install one for about $400.

Credit: Kichler

Way-Easy Deck Lighting

String lights offer versatility and style — they go up in any location, there’s no need to conceal wiring (it’s part of the lights), and they come in tons of styles and sizes. You can choose standard lights that plug directly into an outlet, or low-voltage lights that use 12-volt current. Outdoor solar-powered lights cost a bit more initially but don’t use household power and aren’t dependent on a nearby power source. A 14-ft.-long string with 20 solar-powered LED lights is about $20.

Credit: Taylor de Cordoba

Check Out More Lighting Ideas Here: http://www.houselogic.com/photos/decks/deck-lighting-ideas/slide/star-floors/#ixzz2TCfyGZJg

By: John Riha

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

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Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

Swimming Pools: Alternatives to Chlorine

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Mon, 13 May 2013 09:36:23 -0700

Chlorine keeps swimming pools safe and clean, but there are alternatives to chlorine if you’re willing to pay the price.

Chlorine is popular because it handles the three main jobs in keeping a swimming pool clean: It sanitizes (kills bacteria and germs), oxidizes (controls organic debris from perspiration and body oils), and deters algae. The chemical is unpopular because it has a strong odor, reddens eyes, and causes allergic reactions in some swimmers.

There are alternatives to chlorine including bromine, ionizers, and ozonators, though with each you’ll still need to use some chlorine. A fourth alternative is PHMB, which doesn’t require the use of any chlorine. All four have drawbacks, including cost.

Chlorine is relatively cheap. How much chlorine you’ll need depends on the size of your pool, length of the swim season, amount of use, and other factors. For a 20,000-gallon pool that’s open year-round, figure you’ll spend about $600 annually.

Bromine

What it is: Pool suppliers sometimes suggest bromine as a substitute for chlorine. It can be an acceptable alternative for those with allergic reactions to chlorine, although that’s not guaranteed since bromine is also in the same halogen chemical family. Aquatic specialist Alison Osinski believes 5% of the population has an allergy to chlorine.

How it works: Bromine does a fine job as a sanitizer, but it doesn’t oxidize as well as chlorine. Most homeowners rely on a hybrid version known as BCDMH tablets that are typically 66% bromine and 27% chlorine to tackle that job. Some people opt for a two-step process of combining bromine salt extracted from seawater with potassium peroxymonosulfate (a.k.a. oxygen shock) in the pool to create that same sanitizing/oxidizing power.

Pros/Cons: Bromine remains stable at high temperatures, which is why many technicians recommend it for spas more than swimming pools. It’s less irritating on mucus membranes than its chlorine cousin, although it still produces an odor. And if you use just bromine in the pool (not the BCDMH compound), it leaves the water a dull green color that foams up when you swim in it, because the oxidation process is weaker.

Cost: It’s more expensive to operate a pool with bromine. Figure you could spend up to twice as much as you would if you use chlorine only.

Ionizers

What it is: Ionizers rely on two dissimilar metals—often copper (an algaecide) and silver (a sanitizer)—sent charged into the water as the sanitizer. The oxidizer is missing, so you’ll need a small amount of chlorine or bromine in the water to handle this cleaning aspect.

How it works: An ionizer is a device that uses a low-voltage DC current to send these two metals into the water. The positive charge attracts bacteria, germs, and algae, and the new, larger compounds they form are carried out in the filtration system.

Pros/Cons: Like bromine, an ionizer doesn’t irritate swimmers’ eyes and noses. It can substantially reduce the amount of chlorine required. Chlorine and an ionizer work together better than chlorine alone, says Osinski.

Yet, she still considers ionizers a poor choice. For starters, you only reduce the chlorine amount significantly if just a few people use the pool on a regular basis, there are few plants and landscaping in the area, and your air isn’t heavily polluted. High dirt levels are beyond what an ionizer can fight on the sanitation side.

Also, ionizers depend on moving water, so you must run the pool pump continuously to keep the sanitizing action in place. And the increased levels of metal in the water can stain the pool and turn swimmers’ hair and fingernail beds green.

Cost: About $300 for an ionizer that handles up to 40,000 gallons of water. Homeowners may need to replace the metals in the system as often as once a swimming season, at an average cost of $129. Also factor in the energy cost of running the pool pump around the clock.

Ozonators

What it is: An ozonator is a machine that attaches to the filtration plumbing line. It inserts ozone gas (an active form of oxygen) into the pool to react with impurities in the water.

How it works: There are two types of ozone generators: ultraviolet light and corona discharge. In a UV light system, special low-pressure vapor lamps installed on the water return line create ozone to kill pathogens as they float by. Corona discharge generators rely on an electrical arc to create ozone inside the generator. Again, this ozone kills pathogens in the filtration system.

Pros/Cons: Ozone generators can reduce chlorine usage up to 90%, and they use the same amount of electricity as a 60-watt light bulb when the filter pump is turned on, so the added energy demand is tiny.

Aquatic consultants say ozonators combined with chlorine are extremely effective as long as you circulate the water 24/7. One caveat: Ozonators run best on dry air, so if you live in a humid climate, expect performance to decline.

Cost: A typical ozone generator starts at $600 to handle 7,000 gallons of water; $1,200 to cover 25,000 gallons. Take into account the expense of the pool pump running continuously.

PHMB

What it is: There’s only one way to eliminate the use of chlorine completely: Switch your pool to the chemical compound PHMB, short for polyhexamethylene biguanide. Homeowners commonly know PHMB by the Baquacil and SoftSwim brand names.

How it works: PHMB disinfects by penetrating bacteria cell walls, causing them to burst from within. It then wraps those particles in a heavy gel, which sinks to the bottom of the pool, where the vacuum system sucks it up.

Pros/Cons: PHMB doesn’t oxidize, so you’ll need to use hydrogen peroxide for this. You’ll also need to use a separate algaecide and clean pool filters—yes, even the sand ones—every four to six weeks.

PHMB is kinder on swimmers’ skin and hair, easy on vinyl pool liners, and doesn’t require as much attention as other chemicals to keep in balance. However, because PHMB is incompatible with chlorine, you’ll need to first drain the pool.

Once you’re back up and running, make sure every bathing suit has been washed. Even traces of chlorine in suit fibers will react with PHMB. The result of the reaction: a yellowish vapor that’ll radiate from your bathing suit.

Cost: The cost for PHMB chemicals to maintain a 10,000-gallon pool for a 16-week summer season is about $725.

Published: March 25, 2010
By: Julie Sturgeon

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

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Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

Be Prepared With a Household Inventory — and Use It to Declutter Too

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Fri, 10 May 2013 08:54:02 -0700

Document your household's contents the efficient way, then let your list help you streamline your belongings.

You may have heard of, or even created, a home inventory before. This record, often used to document belongings for insurance purposes, can also be a really helpful tool if you are trying to declutter, prepare for emergencies, clear space for a remodel or just get organized. Check out these tips to create a thorough home inventory and streamline your belongings at the same time.

by Lauren Leonard Interiors »

Make Your Inventory

Choose your checklist.The first step in making a home inventory is getting your hands on a comprehensive checklist — one from your own insurance company is best. Review the checklist before getting started.

by TreHus Architects+Interior Designers+Builders »

Work through your home, room by room. Following your checklist, work your way slowly through the entire house — you may want to divvy up the task over several weekends. Record a brief description of each item, how many you have, how much it cost and the year you purchased it.

Don't leave out any nooks or crannies. Craft rooms, sheds, attics, workshops, porches and garages should all be carefully examined and documented.

by RW Anderson Homes »

Supplement with photos or video. Using digital photos is one option, but you may find it easier to create a video tour of your home to document your belongings. Whether you are taking photos or video, start at the front and work your way through each room — try to go in the same order used on your checklist.

by Richard Bubnowski Design LLC »

Add a storage map. Noting down where exactly in the house everything is stored can be incredibly useful when you need to find something, whether it's an emergency or just time to hang the Christmas lights.

Use an actual floor plan if you have one; if not, you can create your own simple sketch of each floor of your house. Being as specific as possible, note where in each room boxes or other items are stored.

by transFORM | The Art of Custom Storage »

Keep paperwork in one place. Gather receipts, credit card statements, appraisal documents and the like, and keep them bundled with your other home inventory materials.

Even better, take the time to scan everything and store the digital archive in at least two places.

by Terrat Elms Interior Design »

Use Your Home Inventory to Declutter

Get rid of unnecessary multiples. Cutting back on excess multiples can free up a lot of space in your home, but actually getting rid of unneeded things is easier said than done. Your home inventory checklist can make things easier by providing emotional distance.

Read over your list and mark any items you have a lot of. Do you really need all of those extra dishes? Start a list of things you want to sell or donate.

by O Interior Design »

Highlight valuable items. Especially note valuable pieces you've been holding onto for a long time but are not necessarily using. Do online research and estimate what you could sell the pieces for. Would you rather have the extra space and money? If so, let those pieces go!

by Harrell Remodeling »

Mark your calendar for a big junk toss. You know that stuff you've been meaning to toss but haven't found the motivation to? We all have it. Now that you know exactly what and where yours is, set a date to (finally) take care of it.

Get prepared by researching where you can take it — things in good condition may be candidates for donation, while others may need to be dropped at a special recycling center. Involving a reward at the end of your day of errands is always a good plan!

by Cynthia Lynn Photography »

Box everything. Now that you've cleared out space in your storage areas, think about ways to make your storage really work for you. One simple but effective strategy is to tuck every single item in storage — whether in closets, cupboards or in deep storage — into a box or bin.

Containers instantly make things look neater, and it's also easier to shift items around or grab a box you need rather than trying to unload armfuls of loose stuff from a shelf.

by Jackson Design & Remodeling »

Use storage for rotating items too. Free up space in cupboards, closets, shelves and counters for the items you actually use daily, and pack away the rest. This is one of the best ways to make your life easier, without getting rid of a drastic amount of stuff. Simply rotate in fresh dishes, linens and decorative items seasonally.

by Jenn Hannotte / Hannotte Interiors »

Consider digital backups. Creating digital backups (photos or scans) of important paper records, photos, kids' art and other memorabilia can offer peace of mind. For less sentimental items, you may choose to actually toss the originals and keep only the digital record.

by austin outdoor design »

Remember to also ...

Update your inventory. Anytime you buy something new or get rid of something on your list, pull out that inventory and note the change. If it's something new you are adding, use this as a cue to look for a similar item on your inventory to get rid of. It's much easier to keep clutter at bay than deal with it after things have gotten out of hand.

Keep a copy of your inventory offsite. Use a safe-deposit box or an online cloud-based storage system to keep your home inventory and all supporting documents secure.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10856811/list/Be-Prepared-With-a-Household-Inventory-----and-Use-It-to-Declutter-Too

BY: Laura Gaskill

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

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Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

8 Statement-Making Kitchen Backsplashes Beyond Basic Tile

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Wed, 08 May 2013 09:21:45 -0700

Look to metal, glass and even wooden crates for an attention-getting backsplash that might even save you some money.

ut your own personal stamp on your kitchen design by adding a bold backsplash. Go beyond standard tile and try playing with unconventional materials — an unusual backsplash can help you spice up your kitchen without having to dish out a ton of money for a full remodel. Have you thought about using industrial metal sheets? Antique glass or mirrors? Cork or copper? A unique backsplash can quickly take your kitchen from boring to beautiful.

Explore some of my favorite bold backsplashes here — they just may inspire you.

by Goforth Gill Architects »

1. Tin. Repurpose an idea from the past by using tin for your backsplash. This is a great way to bring an old-fashioned element into a newer kitchen.

If you're on a budget, consider faux tin tiles; many manufacturers offer really affordable ones.

More about tin backsplashes

by InHouse Design Studio »

2. Copper. Copper works great on a home's exterior, but it can look just as beautiful inside a house. A textured finish, like on this backsplash, can often add more warmth than a standard sleek one.

by Morgante Wilson Architects »

3. Antique mirror.Treated to look like a mirror that has given way to the elements, this material has become a great way to add bling to your kitchen.

Manufactured antique glass comes in a variety of styles and colors from light to dark. It often works best in small, infrequently used spots, because the mirror doubles everything — including fingerprints and splatter spots.

by CG&S Design-Build »

4. Cork. Not just for the wine connoisseur, this eclectic backsplash style works for just about anyone who has the time to find the corks and install them.

If you're not a collector, you can buy wine corks from the restaurants and bars that save them.

More ways to reuse corks,including a DIY backsplash

by Laidlaw Schultz architects »

5. Stone. Stone blocks are subtle but beautiful, and can add much-needed organic flair to modern kitchens. Although they're often used on fireplaces, stone tiles can make for a wonderful surprise on a backsplash. However, choose your stone carefully — some are very porous, collect dirt and dust, and are difficult to clean.

by Ward-Young Architecture & Planning »

6. Sheet metal. Cost-effective sheet metal is available at just about any hardware store and can be installed immediately, with minimal experience needed.

Keep in mind that most metals, other than stainless steel, have the potential to rust when they come in contact with water.

by ridalco »

7. Diamondback metal.Trying to get creative on a tight budget? Head to your local hardware store and search for some diamondback textured metal (in the same aisle as sheet metal) to add some serious edge to your kitchen.

Keep in mind that this material will give your kitchen a very different look that some people might consider cold. It's probably not the best choice for a home about to go on the market.

8. Wooden crate tops. If you like to buy wine by the case, collect crate tops to create this wine lover's design.

Most wooden crates are unstained and unsealed, so whatever comes in contact with them is likely to cause some damage. If you don't want to seal the tops yourself, use this backsplash in a spot that doesn't deal with a lot of water or liquids, like this butler's pantry.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/9789515/list/8-Statement-Making-Kitchen-Backsplashes-Beyond-Basic-Tile

By:Shane Inman

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

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Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

Saratoga Springs, NY - Info That Hits Us Where We Live - Recovery Housing Market

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Wed, 08 May 2013 08:56:28 -0700

QUOTE OF THE WEEK... Great minds must be ready not only to take opportunities, but to make them." --Charles Caleb Colton, English cleric and writer

INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE... Both taking opportunities and making them have driven the housing market recovery to new accomplishments. For Q1 this year, existing home sales were at their highest level since Q4 of 2009 and new homes sales were the highest since Q3 of 2008. Last week, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported Pending Homes Sales were up 1.5% in March and up 7.0% compared to March a year ago. In fact, this measure of contracts signed on existing homes has now been above year-ago readings for 23 months in a row!

The NAR's chief economist said, "Contract activity has been in a narrow range in recent months, not from a pause in demand but because of limited supply." He added: "Job additions and rising household wealth will continue to support housing demand." Finally, the 20-city composite of the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index for February came in UP 9.3% versus a year ago. This was the highest annual growth rate since May 2006. In addition, all 20 cities showed price gains for at least two months in a row. That hasn't happened since early 2005.

Kristen Zorda
Loan Officer
648 Plank Rd. Suite 203
Clifton Park NY 12065
Office: 518-366-7999

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

Deer Disease and Destruction: Top 5 Reasons to Keep Deer Out of Your Yard

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Mon, 06 May 2013 10:46:33 -0700

Overpopulated deer will spread disease, attract predators, damage landscapes, and even go after you. Understand the truth about deer danger.

Deer disease and destruction can make those doe eyes and white-tipped tails much less appealing than they are in Disney movies. These pretty creatures can cost you money and wreck your health. Think it’s a shame to fence out, repel, and hunt deer? Think again!

1. Deer carry diseases

Lyme disease: Transmitted via a tick bite, Lyme disease can cause headaches, fever, fatigue, joint pain, and rashes in humans and other animals—including the family pet. If not treated properly, Lyme disease can cause memory loss and damage the nervous system.

Brucellosis: This bacterial infection can cause flu-like symptoms, including fever and headaches. Brucellosis can affect the central nervous systems and heart linings.

2. Deer attract predators

When deer are concentrated into small areas, they become an easy meal for their natural predators. Coyotes and bobcats carry disease, such as rabies, and won’t hesitate to snatch the family pet or urban chickens you’ve been raising for fresh eggs.

Once these predators determine the dining is good, they’ll come back for more. Now, not only do you have a deer problem, you have a coyote and bobcat problem, too.

3. Deer damage landscape

Deer damage hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of landscaping yearly and make your yard a minefield of scat. They eat 6 to 10 pounds of food daily, tearing leaves from plants and bark from trees, leaving 2-inch long gouges, and weakening plants. Deer love tender new growth, but they’ll nibble on every branch within their reach, from the ground to 6  ft. up.

When bucks are in an amorous mood and marking territory, they rub their antlers on young trees, scarring, weakening, and sometimes killing them.

4. Deer are aggressive

Competition for food can be fierce, causing larger deer to muscle away the younger, frailer herd members. Also, aggressive deer have head-butted, gored, and trampled people who got in their way.

5. Deer cause collisions

Nationally, drivers and deer collide 100,000 times a month, killing about 150 people a year. While most victims do not seek treatment after a deer-vehicle collision, a Utah study showed individual medical costs ranging from $437 for minor injuries to more than $20,000 for inpatient treatment.

Published: April 21, 2011
By: Theresa Klisz

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

High-Tech Tips for Securing Your House While You're Away

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Mon, 06 May 2013 10:31:14 -0700

Prevent burglaries when you're traveling by using the latest gadgets, apps and online services.

Burglars can watch for signs that homeowners are on an extended trip, so one of the best ways to keep your home secure is to prevent strangers from knowing you're away. Most are well known: Put a few lights on timers to go on in the evening and off again at night. (Leaving them on all day and night can signal your absence.) Park your car in the driveway, rather than keeping it in the garage or on the street. Put a temporary stop to your newspapers and mail delivery.

New technology can help, too. Here some high-tech tips for taking home security to the next level while you're traveling.

Keep Your Social Media Posts PrivateOne way some crooks might learn that you'll be away is on social media like Facebook, Twitter and Google+. You can post about your adventures abroad on social media, but make sure your posts aren't public. Public posts are available not only to friends of your friends and other strangers, but they actually get indexed on search engines, enabling burglars to search for target homes.

Avoid posting about your absence on Twitter unless you're among the minority who lock their account. (To turn on this feature, choose the "Protect My Tweets" option in Settings.)

The ill-advised broadcasting of travel is so common on Twitter that one guy created a site calledPlease Rob Me, which shows people who are publicly broadcasting the fact that they're not at home via their Twitter and Foursquare check-ins.

Facebook is another major site where burglars can find out that you're not at home. To protect yourself and still brag about your travels, click the gear icon in the upper-right corner. Click "Privacy" in the left navigation bar, then to the right of "Who can see my stuff?" choose a list that includes only the narrow group you want to share with. (You may have to first set up friends or family lists before doing this.)

On Google+ simply address your posts to narrow circles, such as "Family" and "Friends," and do not post to "Public" or "Extended Circles."

Also be careful about location-based check-in sites like Foursquare, which can broadcast your location even if the content of your post is unrelated. If someone knows where you live, a check-in in a different city is evidence enough that you're away for a while.

by earthclassmail.com »

Digitize It, View, Then Click to Shred

If you go on a long trip or travel frequently, one alternative to putting a stop to your mail is to have it digitized and made available to you online.

The best-known service for digitizing mail is calledEarth Class Mail. The company gives you a new mailing address, and you use that address for all your bills and other mail.

When staffers receive your mail, they post pictures of the envelopes in the Virtual Mailroom, which you can see in a secure area on the website. You can browse the virtual envelopes and simply click to shred the original paper versions, scan the internal contents or forward the physical envelopes to another address. If you scan them, a few days later the internal contents will appear online, and you can read and deal with them. (Read Earth Class Mail's security and privacy policy here.) Note that each scanned letter costs an additional fee.

Earth Class Mail can even deposit checks into your bank account, under the right circumstances, and for an additional fee of either $20 per check or $34.95 per month for unlimited checks.

The service is nice, but there are two downsides. First, it's a commitment: You need to officially change your address as if you've moved. Once you've done that, it's a nontrivial chore to cancel the service and change back.

Second, Earth Class Mail is expensive. Although the least-expensive service is $20 per month, the company will almost certainly nickel-and-dime you into paying much more. A few scans here, a couple of checks there, and pretty soon you're paying a lot more than the base fee.

One way to save money with Earth Class Mail is to use its $19.95 mail forwarding service. It's the same money as the base price for the Virtual Mailroom, but there are no additional costs involved. You simply give the address where you'll be and when you'll be there, and that's where your mail will show up.

And an alternative to Earth Class Mail is just now emerging. A start-up called Outboxpromises to make the digitization of your mail much easier and less expensive.

by outboxmail.com »

Outbox actually sends someone to your house three times a week to pick up your mail, so you don't have to officially change your address. The company then scans it and puts it online for you. A simple check box unsubscribes you from anything you consider junk mail. If there's mail you actually do want, you can check another box, and it will be redelivered to your house. And all this for only $5 per month.Right now the service is available only in San Francisco; it had a limited trial in Austin, Texas. The company plans to announce additional cities in the future.

Turn a Smart Phone Into a Security Camera

One way to keep your home safe is to set up motion-detection security cameras. Unfortunately, these can be expensive, especially if you need them only once or twice a year.

My favorite trick is to use old smart phones and tablets for a free and effective security system. All you need is a device capable of taking a picture, connecting to the Internet and running apps. If you're like some gadget enthusiasts, you've got a box full of them somewhere.

Here's how you do it.

Download an app that will upload pictures when motion is detected. My favorite iOS app for this purpose is MDC Free (MDC stands for "motion detection camera"). It's easy to set up the app to upload any motion-detection photos to Facebook — but shared only with yourself. There are many apps in Google's Play Store for Android and Apple's App Store for iOS that you can choose from. Some send pictures via email. Others post them elsewhere. It's a good idea to download a few highly rated ones and try them out.
Once you've got an app you like, change your phone's Auto-Lock feature (which turns off your phone after a certain number of minutes) to Never, so your phone doesn't go to sleep.
Set up each iPhone, iPad or Android device you want to use so that it's plugged in and the camera is pointed at the room, door or area you want captured if someone comes in. Make sure you test it a few times.

And you're done! While you're away, if anyone comes into your house, you'll not only be notified, but you'll have pictures of the crooks and evidence of their crime.

Lockitron - $179.00 »

Control Your DoorIf you're going to be away for a while, you might want people to check on the house, feed the goldfish, water the plants, that sort of thing. But you might not want to be handing keys out to people.

A nice alternative is the Lockitron door lock from Agipy. It functions like any other lock. The difference is that you can lock and unlock it remotely using an app, even if you're out of town.

You can also send virtual "keys" over the Internet, allowing someone to unlock your door with a smart phone. Those keys can have expiration dates, so if you want someone to check the house only on Wednesday, the key won't work on Thursday.

Likewise, if someone needs to enter your house for some unexpected purpose while you're away, you can use Lockitron to unlock your door remotely via the smart-phone app. Or you can send a key via SMS or email.

Lockitron even has a knock sensor. If someone knocks on your door, you can receive a notification.

by christiestreet.com »

DoorBot - $189.00 »

If crooks suspect you're not home, they'll often test that theory by simply ringing your doorbell to see if anyone answers. One new product, called the Edison Junior DoorBot, lets you answer the door even if you're on the other side of the world.

When someone rings the bell, you'll get an alert on your phone. By using the smart-phone app, you can see who's there via the DoorBot's built-in camera and talk to them over your phone and through the DoorBot's speaker and microphone.

By combining DoorBot with the Lockitron, you can see who's there, talk to the person and then let him or her in the house. Or, if it's someone you don't want in your house, the person will assume you're there because you're answering the doorbell over what appears to be an intercom system. Or you can call the police.

Best of all, DoorBot could be a helpful addition to your front door even when you're not traveling.

Source: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/10704743/list/High-Tech-Tips-for-Securing-Your-House-While-You-re-Away

By: Mike Elgan

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

Check Out New MLS Listing #26 12887, NY

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:23:25 -0700

Official Listing Agent, Orson Klender

This home is a newly built Cape Cod style home on nearly 2 acres, located less than 10 miles from the beautiful Lake George and Huletts Landing Beach.

Located on the first floor is a laundry area, the master bedroom with walk-in closets, a full bath and the ceramic tiled kitchen with stainless steel appliances.

The first floor has an open dining area with sliding glass doors that lead to a wrap-around deck, which overlooks the Green Mountains of Vermont.

Features in the Living room include a gas powered stove.

Outside includes a large garden area with a yard full of apple trees.

There is a 1,000 sqft. walk out basement with ample storage and additional living area.

The 2nd floor has bamboo flooring throughout. Both bedrooms include walk-in closets and extra storage. There is also a full bright and spacious bathroom located at the top of the stairs.

For more information please contact

OFFICIAL LISTING AGENT, Orson Klender 518.588.2319 oklender@kw.com www.OrsonSellsNY.com

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

Millennials Show Strong Interest in Home Ownership

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Fri, 03 May 2013 10:23:33 -0700

Survey of Millennials finds today’s 18- to 35-year-olds aspire to own their own homes.

The majority of Millennials are strongly interested in becoming home owners, according to a survey from national home builder PulteGroup.

The PulteGroup Home Index Survey found 65% of renters ages 18-34 with an income of more than $50,000 want to buy a home.

Most of them plan to be coupled in their home with 76% indicating they will live with a spouse or significant other. Among those not moving in with a significant other, 22% anticipate having a roommate, including a friend, parent, in-law, grandparent, or sibling living with them.

“Millennials have witnessed the housing boom and bust, but still believe home ownership is a good investment,” said Fred Ehle, vice president for PulteGroup. “Consistent with other third-party research that shows more than 90% of Millennials plan to buy a home someday, we see a lot of young adults who are making financial sacrifices to afford a place of their own.”

Millennials View a Home as an Investment

More than 50% of Millennials reported that the desire to own/build equity was the primary reason for purchasing their new home. The second largest reason, at 12%, was that Millennials were tired of apartment living.

Millennials overwhelmingly want an open/layout space in the kitchen and family rooms for entertaining family and friends.

In addition to the obvious home features, including sleeping, eating, and bathroom areas, Millennials rated the following aspects in a new home as extremely important/very important:

84% said ample storage for daily items

76% said space for TV, movie, sports watching

73% said the entry to the home

63% said outdoor living/deck

36% said the ability to conduct business from home

Published: April 02, 2013
Written By www.houselogic.com

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

Americans’ Rising Faith in Housing Market!!

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Fri, 03 May 2013 10:14:40 -0700

Moving company study turns up 16% growth in residential moves during first quarter.

With the economy stabilizing, Americans are feeling, once again, the bite of the moving bug.

Nearly half of Americans (47%) say they feel more comfortable purchasing a home today than at any other time in the past five years, results of a new survey by Mayflower show. And nearly a third say they are now ready to make a move.

Compared to first quarter 2012, residential moves were up 16% in the historically slowest moving months — January through March.

The new data are also consistent with other national data showing continued rises in existing home prices and sales. Growth appears to be the strongest in the West, where the Mayflower data showed 54% of survey respondents are now comfortable purchasing a house.

The data reflect an easing of the wariness Americans have felt in recent years in the aftermath of the bursting of the housing bubble in 2008.

Among those now interested in searching for a new home within the next year, the survey showed the desire for a new or better home is the leading motive. Other important motives include a desire for a more attractive neighborhood and the desire to become a home owner.

Most mobile are the young, with half of Millennials (18-34 years old) more receptive to buying a home than renting and looking to move within the next year. While younger consumers would be more likely to move due to a change in employment or a growing family, half of adults over the age of 65 would consider moving in the next year because of retirement.

Article By: Houselogic.com

Published: April 04, 2013

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

On The Fence About Buying A Home?

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Thu, 02 May 2013 07:00:45 -0700

We hope these cute puppies got your attention!

But seriously, if you've been on the fence about refinancing or buying a home, now is the time to act! Rates are near historic lows. Please email or call right away.

visit my website email me now
	Kristen Zorda Loan Officer 648 Plank Rd. Suite 203 Clifton Park NY 12065 Office: 518-366-7999

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

Saratoga Springs, NY - Info That Hits Us Where We Live - Market Information

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Wed, 01 May 2013 09:52:33 -0700

QUOTE OF THE WEEK... "Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did." --Newt Gingrich

INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE... Even though the housing recovery is well underway, there still is evidence that more hard work needs to be done. Last week began with March Existing Home Sales off 0.6%, dropping to an annual rate of 4.92 million units. In addition, the months' supply of existing homes edged up to 4.7 from 4.6 in February. But even though existing home sales seem to have leveled off in the last few months, they're actually UP 10.3% versus a year ago. It's also encouraging to note that the median existing home price, at $184,300, is up 11.8% over last year.

To further inspire us, March New Home Sales came in Tuesday up 1.5%, to a better than expected 417,000 annual rate. New home sales are now up 18.5% over a year ago, and Q1 of 2013 was the best quarter for new home sales since Q3 of 2008!The months' supply of new homes remained at 4.4, as the faster sales pace was offset by a rise in inventory of 3,000 units. The median price of new homes sold, at $247,000, is up 3.0% over a year ago. Finally, the FHFA index of prices for homes financed by conforming mortgages was up 0.7% in February and up 7.1% versus a year ago.

BUSINESS TIP OF THE WEEK... Don't be afraid to take small risks. Just spend the time to test things out. And trust your gut. Often our gut instincts lead the way to the success we've been looking for.

Kristen Zorda
Loan Officer
648 Plank Rd. Suite 203
Clifton Park NY 12065
Office: 518-366-7999

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

How to Insulate Your Crawl Space

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 10:01:51 -0700

Published: September 12, 2012
By: Dave Toht
There’s a right way and a wrong way for insulating your crawl space, depending on where you live. Do you know the difference? We do — read on!

If your furnace is going full blast and you still have cold feet, the culprit may be your crawlspace insulation.
Take a look under your house. Damp, dangling insulation is a sure sign of outdated or shoddy installation. If your house was built before energy-conserving building codes were standardized in 1990, you may find no insulation at all. The U.S. Dept. of Energy currently recommends insulation with an R-value of at least R-9 in floors.

To keep things cozy underfoot, you’ll need to select the right insulation approach for your local climate. Winter temperature is the continental divide:
- In moderate or dry climates without the threat of sustained subfreezing temperatures, insulation between floor joists makes sense.
- Where winter temperatures are extreme, opt for insulating the walls and sealing off the crawl space entirely.
Floor insulation for moderate climes

If your winter temps seldom linger below freezing, you’re in luck. Six-inch-thick, R-19 fiberglass batts installed between floor joists — along with careful moisture control and mold prevention — gets the job done. Best of all, at roughly $1 per square foot, it’s easy on the pocketbook.

Here’s what it takes to do it right.
- Support: Fiberglass batts should be unfaced and installed so they make contact with the underside of the subfloor. Wood lath placed every 18 inches or a crisscross webbing of wire provide the best batt support. Avoid stay rods (aka tension rods). They compress the fiberglass, lessening its insulation value, and can pop loose.
- Ventilate: An insulation contractor can calculate the ventilation your crawl space needs and will cut in new vents as required.
- Seal the subfloor: Holes for electrical wiring and plumbing should be sealed with spray foam insulation.
- Insulate plumbing pipes and HVAC ducts to prevent heat loss and freezing.
Closed-cell spray foam combines thermal and moisture protection, but at $5 per square foot, it’s too pricey for most budgets. However, it might be your only alternative for filling the webbing between truss-type joists.

Avoid open-cell spray insulation — it soaks up moisture like a sponge.

Enclosing your crawl space: The cold climate choice

In a cold climate, the most efficient technique is to insulate the walls of your crawl space and close it off from the elements by sealing all air leaks. That way, plumbing pipes and HVAC ducts are protected from freezing temps, helping to conserve energy.

The best method is to insulate crawlspace walls with rigid insulation. At about $5 per square foot for professional installation, including materials, it comes at a cost but offers a permanent solution. You can do the job yourself for about half the cost, but it’s a challenging, time-consuming DIY project.

A thorough job also includes:
- Nixing the vents: Simply closing the vents in your foundation won’t do the job. Vents must be removed and the holes sealed.
- Insulating the rim joist: Use closed-cell spray foam to insulate the rim (aka band or perimeter) joists — the joist that rests on top of your foundation walls.
- Insulating the foundation: Glue rigid foam insulation board to the inside of foundation walls, using waterproof construction adhesive, and seal all seams with waterproof tape. A 4-by-8-foot sheet of 2-inch-thick expanded polystyrene insulation (R-value 7.7) is $26. A double layer is recommended.
- Add a vapor barrier: Whether the floor of your crawl space is bare earth, gravel, or concrete, it is going to exude moisture. A 6-mil polyethylene plastic vapor barrier covering the ground keeps the wet at bay.
- Get rid of moisture: Moist household air is bound to cause condensation in the crawl space. In addition, any slight plumbing leak can build up over time. A dehumidifier or sump pump eliminates the moisture that mold loves.
Make moisture control a priority, warns Chuck Henrichsen, owner of Clean Crawls, a Seattle insulation firm. “If you don’t, your crawl space becomes a Petri dish.”

With crawl space sealed off from cold and moisture, your crawl space can be linked to your household HVAC system via vents. That way, warm air is circulating under your floors, warming them up and helping to keep you toasty. There’s no need to cool off your crawl space in summer, however; close vents when your air conditioning is running.
Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/insulation/insulating-crawl-space/#ixzz2RUG5vSTR

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

Saratoga Springs, NY - Info That Hits Us Where We Live

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 07:12:47 -0700

QUOTE OF THE WEEK... "We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up,...discovering we have the strength to stare it down." --Eleanor Roosevelt

Our hearts go out to the Boston bombing victims and their families. Our pride goes out to the heroes who responded with sacrifice and courage. God Bless America.

INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE... Last week Housing Starts were reported UP 7.0% for March to a 1.036 million unit annual rate, 46.7% higher than a year ago and the highest they've been since 2008. But wait. The boost was all due to multi-family units, up 31.1% for the month. Single-family starts were down 4.8%, although they actually are UP a very healthy 28.7% from a year ago. Analysts tell us the multi-family sector is super volatile from month to month, but they expect large gains for home building overall for at least two years.

Building Permits in March were down a bit, to a 902,000 annual rate, but almost all the drop was due to multi-families. Single-family permits slipped just 0.5% for the month and are now UP 27.7% versus a year ago. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) confidence index went to 42 from 44 in March. But get this. The NAHB index for future single-family sales rose from 50 to 53, a very positive sign.Economists say it's OK in a recovery to see up and down indicators along the way, as long as the underlying trend is upward, which it is now in housing.

BUSINESS TIP OF THE WEEK... Focus. Set goals, make decisions, get organized. Don't just watch life happen; take control of your destiny. As Yogi Berra said: "If you don't know where you are going, you'll wind up somewhere else."

Kristen Zorda
Loan Officer
648 Plank Rd. Suite 203
Clifton Park NY 12065
Office: 518-366-7999

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

12 House-Hunting Tips to Help You Make the Right Choice

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:07:02 -0700

Stay organized and focused on your quest for a new home, to make the search easier and avoid surprises later.

In the hunt for the perfect house, it's easy to get swept away by a home's most charming details (a gracious front porch) and play down the important stuff you'll be kicking yourself for later (the price is over budget). And if you are touring multiple open houses each weekend, keeping everything straight can get complicated.

Set your priorities and streamline the house-hunting process early on, and you can breathe easier knowing you have a handle on things. It's probably the most important purchase you will ever make, so take a few deep breaths and make a plan before diving in — you'll be glad you did.

These 12 tips can help you stay organized and focused on the important things during your house hunt.

1. Set your priorities.

Before taking a look at any houses, sit down and write out everything you want in a home, with input from all members of the household. Then choose your top five, or even top three, must-haves.

Once you start looking, all sorts of charming features are bound to sway you; keeping your priorities list close at hand can help you stay on track.

by TerraCotta Properties

2. Make a comparison chart.

After you have seen a dozen or more houses, it becomes very difficult to keep track of the features in each one. Make things a little easier by creating your own comparison chart or checklist to bring along to each home, and make notes on it during or immediately after each tour.

Beyond the basics (beds and baths) consider including notes on landscaping, the condition of the roof and exterior, natural light in each room, storage space and cost per square foot. Consider this chart a personal tool — something you can look back on to help guide your decision making, not a substitute for a good home inspection.

3. Walk through once and let yourself soak it all in.

When you tour a home for the first time, the excitement can make it difficult to focus on ... well, anything at all. So I say, just go with it. Have fun, wander around and mentally note your first impressions of the space. Once the butterflies have died down, it's time to get to work.

by Linda McDougald Design | Postcard from Paris Home

4. Then go back to the beginning and start again.

Walk back to the front of the house and literally begin your tour again. This time, pull out your clipboard and pen, take your time and approach the home as if you were an inspector rather then a potential buyer.

by Shirley Parks Design

5. Bring furniture measurements.

Jumping the gun? Maybe. A deal breaker? Probably not. But if every room in the house presents problems with your current furniture situation, you could effectively be adding thousands of dollars to the price if you have to purchase new furniture — something that is probably better to know sooner rather than later.

by blurrdMEDIA

6. Sketch a floor plan.

You do not need to have any real drawing skills to make a superbasic floor plan on paper, and having it to refer to later is priceless. Just do your best. Starting at the front door, draw boxes for rooms and mark doors, windows, stairways and openings roughly where they are.

by Matarozzi Pelsinger Builders

7. Ask to take photos (or even a video). It's amazing how quickly memory fades. Make sure you have backup by creating a floor plan and taking photos or a short video tour if possible — it will really give you a full picture of what the house looks like. Be sure to ask the Realtor for permission before taking any photos or video. And even then, it is assumed that they are for personal use, so don't post them to your Facebook page or blog ... at least not until you own the house.

by TerraCotta Properties

8. Open the closets and cupboards.

Proper storage is a really important factor in how a home looks and feels when you are living in it. Note the number and size of cupboards and closets throughout the house, and don't be afraid to peek inside. If the current homeowner has them packed to the gills, that may be a sign that the house doesn't have enough storage for its size.

by Lucy Interior Design

9. Lift up the rugs. While this is not something you necessarily want to do during a busy open house, if you are back for a second look and are really considering making an offer, it is important to know what you are getting into. Rugs (and even furniture) can be used to conceal damaged flooring, so you have a right to see what's going on under there. Just let the Realtor know what you want to see, and he or she should accommodate you.

by Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc

10. Look high and look low. It is important to get a good look at the house that could be your new home, so make a point of focusing on things outside your usual line of vision. Check out the ceilings, walls, floors, trim, windows, roof and under the sinks.

by Barnes Vanze Architects, Inc

11. Check out the property at different times of day.

If you do come back for a second showing, make it during a different time of day from the open house or first tour. In the evening, notice not only the changes in light, but the atmosphere in the neighborhood. Are people out sitting on porches? Are kids playing outside? Is it noisy? You are bound to learn and discover different things about the house each time.

by Kerrisdale Design Inc

12. Take a moment to envision how you would use the space.Just because the current owner (or staging company) has the second bedroom set up for guests doesn't mean you can't use it as an office, a home gym or a nursery. Paint colors, furniture arrangements and window treatments can also all be swapped out, so use your imagination and really put yourself in the home.

Source:Laura Gaskill

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

Saratoga Springs NY, Info That Hits Us Where We Live

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:28:41 -0700

QUOTE OF THE WEEK... "That which grows fast, withers as rapidly. That which grows slowly, endures."--Josiah Gilbert Holland, American novelist and poet

INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE... Last week gave us more evidence that this housing recovery, though growing slowly, will in fact endure. According to a major online real estate portal, listing inventory rose 3.5% from January to March. This beat the gains going into the 2012 Spring selling season, although inventories are still 15% off last year's levels, with only nine of 146 metros showing annual increases. Not surprisingly, the median age of inventory in March dipped to 78 days, down 12.3% from last year, and median asking prices were up 0.5% from February, gaining in 29 of the top 30 metro areas.

According to a housing consultancy, land values are up 13% on average over last year, their first annual rise since 2005. The increasing demand from builders for finished lots is driving the gain, as the rate of new home construction is up 27.7% the past year. Higher land values will mean higher prices for new homes, as land cost makes up 21.7% of the final sale price, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Finally, a first quarter survey of lenders reported that 71% are more confident about home prices, believing they're rising at a "sustainable pace."

BUSINESS TIP OF THE WEEK... More time savers: 1) write down agendas and time limits for phone calls and meetings; 2) group errands, hitting the post office, bank, and gas station in one trip, not three; 3) do more shopping online; 4) don't try to be 100% perfect when 95% will do.

Kristen Zorda
Loan Officer
648 Plank Rd. Suite 203
Clifton Park NY 12065
Office: 518-366-7999
my website

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066

5 Steps to Check That Your Insurance Has You Covered

Orson Klender (Keller Williams Saratoga Springs) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 07:17:53 -0700

HOME INSURANCE: TOO MUCH? TOO LITTLE? CHECK IT OUT!

Here are five steps to take to get the right insurance at the right price:

Step 1. Determine how much coverage you need. Don't go by your home's appraised value, which includes the land. Ask your local homebuilders association for recent per-square-foot replacement costs. If your area is prone to natural disasters, price out extended or guaranteed replacement policies to protect you from inflated labor and material costs after such events. With your home replacement taken care of, look at coverage for possessions, living expenses, and liability.

Step 2. Find out what's NOT covered. Standard policies don't cover damage from flooding, mudslides, and earthquakes. If you're in a flood zone, you may have to buy supplemental flood insurance. Most standard policies exclude mold, broken water mains, and sewer backups, but you can buy extra coverage for them.

Step 3. Examine the deductible. Some insurers are changing their deductibles from dollar amounts to percentages, which may turn out to be higher deductibles. If that's the case, check that the premium has been lowered. To reduce your premiums, you want to take the highest deductible you can afford.

Step 4. Focus on the premium. When you get your renewal, compare the new premium to last year's. If it's up more than 5%, ask for an explanation. Did your risk profile change, or the market? Try to lower your premium by bundling in auto insurance, installing a security system, storm shutters, or a new roof. But first check with your insurer.

Step 5. Keep records. Do a home inventory of everything you own. Add receipts, photos, or videos and store with all paperwork, including your insurance policy, in a fireproof box. As a backup, scan and store that info on a flash drive and keep it off-site.

If you're thinking of buying a home, we can answer any questions you may have about financing that purchase. We can also help with refinancing your existing home or funding home improvements. Please call or email us any time – we're always here to help.... Have a great day!

P.S.: The housing market is in recovery, home pricesare extremely affordable – and mortgage rates remain near historical lows. But it's smart to get the process started early if you're thinking about buying or refinancing. Please call or email us to talk about the attractive options available now.

Kristen Zorda
Loan Officer
648 Plank Rd. Suite 203
Clifton Park NY 12065
Office: 518-366-7999
my website

Orson B.Klender, Associate Broker

Keller Williams Realty Saratoga Springs
38 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

www.RealEstateSaleSaratogaSpringsNY.com

www.OrsonKlender.com

Connect with me.....

Cell: 1 (518) 588-2319 ~ Fax: 1(866) 588-6066