Understanding and Recognizing Foundation Problems When Buying and Owning a Home in Albany NY   Buying a home is a major investment in one's life. It is important to have a home inspection done to determine if any problems exist. One of the major areas to check is the foundation.  Recognizing foundation problems early can prevent costly repairs later on.     Common Foundation Problems  Cold Climate Foundation Problems - This occurs when the concrete is poured in freezing weather.  This allows for issues such as a dusty and sandy grit that comes off the top of the concrete.  This could lead to the concrete loosing strength.  Before tackling the concrete with a jack hammer have the concrete tested for strength.   Sinking Concrete - This can be a foundation problem in older homes.  However ... 04/14/2010

Albany, New York Realtor Leads - (800) 900-2807 Now more than ever, young people are purchasing homes. According to NAR, 47% of all buyers last year were first time home buyers. The median age of all home buyers was 39 years of age. It's no secret that the younger audience is relying on the world wide web for their information including which cities offer the best opportunities to buy a home and raise a family. Through dominant web positioning, we give these prospective home buyers the opportunity to get free information and ask for help. What ensues is a win/win proposition for both agent and relocating home buyers. Find out what is means to be a successful partner with an A+ BBB Rated Company. We have been in business since 2002, with over 1,000+ city website and 2 national websites.... 04/13/2010

Importance of Having a Home Inspection - Albany NY   The number one thing overlooked when buying a home is having a home inspection done.  Home inspections can seem tedious and in some cases expensive.  However it is very important to have a home inspection.  Buying a home is a huge investment and you when don't have a home inspection done you could find yourself with major problems down the road.     Home Inspection Checklist You can Save a great deal of money when having a home inspection done.  Here is a list of important things to look at and have checked by a professional.   1.  Roof - A roof is a huge investment in a home.  The annual maintenance can provide protection and insure proper functioning.  By not having a home inspection done can result in ongoing, undetected leaks.   2... 04/08/2010

CLICK TO VIEW LISTING WEBSITE Description and Features Classic Albany Colonial on a double lot with three car detached garage. New kitchen, bathroom, architectural shingle roof, insulation, wiring and plumbing. Ready to go! Fenced lot and shed for additional storage. Enjoy your morning coffee on the covered front porch. For 24 hour free recorded information on this home, please call 1-800-448-7016 ext. 1325. Bedrooms:3Bathrooms:1Square Feet:1872Year Built:1910Floors:2MLS #:201016408 Location Click to view map: 19 Lincoln Avenue Albany NY 12206 Links Albany NY Real EstateSearch thousands of Albany NY homesAlbany NY Real Estate Market TrendsListing Website 04/05/2010

Increased Rental Property Profit Allows You to Take Yourself on Vacation. Albany, NY Take yourself on holiday using your increased rental property income. I was driving home in 11-degree temperatures from a meeting with one of our rental property owners. He was sharing with me about his upcoming vacation to warm and sunny Mexico. While some of you reading this are in warmer climes, most of us have been hit by an strangely cold winter and our minds go on vacation more often than our bodies! We all could use a vacation to break up the winter months. Our student pointed out that he trimed a little off his rental income every month to add to his vacation fund. Not a bad idea I thought as I watched the snow blowing along the side of the road. In most rental situations, the property owner doe... 02/18/2010

For the past three years, I have had the honor of serving as a member of the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany. During that time, it has become increasingly difficult to fundraise for the Clubs as the economy tightens and everything gets more expensive. Additionally, state and federal funding sources we have historically counted on are being decreased or cut all together.  In an attempt to counter the drop off in funding and donations, last year we put together the first annual Red, White and Chocolate fundraiser to help close the financial gap we were facing. The event was a great success raising more than $30,000 for youth programs in the City of Albany. We are hoping to double that amount this year and I need your help.  Red, White and Chocolate is an informal... 09/29/2009

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=829836 "...expected to save some mortgage holders at least $30,000..."   "The state program allows buyers to claim a tax credit equal to 20 percent of their annual mortgage interest for the life of the loan -- money applied against federal income taxes. The state says it is enacting the program to boost the ailing housing and construction markets." 08/11/2009

CLICK TO VIEW LISTING WEBSITE Description and Features Four Unit with $2,800+ in monthly income. Money maker from day one. Tenants pay all utilities. Taxes $5,600+, Insurance $1,000+, Water/sewer $900+ Bedrooms:8Bathrooms:4Square Feet:5250Year Built:1853Floors:3MLS #:2910991 Location Click to view map: 173 Madison Avenue Albany NY 12202 Links Albany NY Real EstateSearch Thousands of Albany NY area homes for saleAlbany NY Real estate InfoListing Website 06/30/2009

http://albany-ny-homes.com/listing-guilderland-new-construction---lot-3-westlyn-38.html Property Details Price: $259,900Address: Lot 3 WestlynCity: GuilderlandState: NYZip: 12203Country: USANeighborhood: GuilderlandBeds: 3Baths: 2.5Floors: 1Year Built: TBA Garage Size: 2Square Feet: 2,000Status: Active Full Description: New Construction Homes to be built in excellent Guilderland Location, close proximity to Crossgates, SUNY Albany, Harriman State Campus, Albany NANO Tech, Stuyvesant Plaza, I87, I85, I90. Homes can be custom built. Call for Details. Home Features Carpeted Floors Hardwood Floors 06/30/2009

http://albany-ny-homes.com/listing-3-bedroom-colonial-to-be-built--49.html Property Details Price: $264,000Address: 2105 Cedarlawn AveCity: RotterdamState: NYZip: 12306Country: USABeds: 3Baths: 2.5Floors: 2Year Built: 2009 Garage Size: 1Status: Active Full Description: Dining and Great room combinations (See plans). 2.5 baths Gas Hot Air Central AC Stove and Dishwasher included. Front open porch and deck in the back. Home Features Air Conditioning Carpeted Floors Dishwasher Gas Range Hardwood Floors Patio/Deck Community Features Bike Paths Public Transportation 06/30/2009

    Our market here in Albany, NY is HOT right now!! We are seeing an influx of activity in the 140K-250K price range...Our first time home buyer price range!! With interest rates as low as they are and the 2009 Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers We have been fielding inquires from first time buyers!!!I have embed a video(compliments of Keller Williams Realty), that takes an in-depth look at the $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers.       The new tax credit coupled with historically low mortgage rates and rising affordability, offers buyers a great opportunity if they act fast. So don't wait  Contact us to get started today!                                            06/29/2009

I blog in two different communities, The AR Community and The Internet Community.  I love the traffic generated by AR.  The feedback and camaraderie from fellow members is great. But I felt I was missing something. I really wanted to spice up my writing space and be able to speak to an audience outside of AR.  So I bought www.ryanhanley.com and began my own independent hosted site.  For those of you that write in both worlds what advice can you give someone who is just starting out?  AR makes everything so easy I think I'm kind of spoiled. I can't wait to get some feedback... Thank you, Ryan www.ryanhanley.com 06/11/2009

Check link for more info:http://albany-ny-homes.com/listing-new-construction-on-edgewood-ave-in-albany-12.html   06/08/2009

What is an e-PRO—— and why should you use one? 06/04/2009

Average listing price in Albany, NY went up 1.70%  to  $221,801 from  prior week. 05/26/2009

Last year health insurance premiums in the State of New York increased ~ 13%, drastically outpacing inflation which generally speaking was between 3-4%.  So as a business owner, how do you retain top talent (or at least decent talent) if you can't provide at least minimal health benefits?  If you provide health benefits, how do you manage a 13% increase in premium and keep your business a float? The answer is very simple... YOUR AGENT!  Health Insurance is very similar to Real Estate in one facet, the long-term success of a transaction is completely dependent on the competency and persistence of the Agent involved.  What I mean is this; there are literally hundreds of different health programs that an organization can choose to provide its employees.  Health Insurance programs are often... 05/20/2009

New York State's School Tax Relief (STAR) Program includes the Basic and Enhanced STAR Property Tax Exemptions, as well as the Middle Class STAR Rebate Program. Taxpayers interested in the Middle Class STAR Rebate should visit the website of the State Department of Taxation and Finance. The Basic and Enhanced STAR Property Tax Exemptions are homestead exemptions. Basic STAR is available to anyone who owns and lives in his or her own home. Enhanced STAR is available to senior homeowners whose incomes do not exceed the statewide standard. If you own your own home and are not receiving STAR, please visit the links below, and contact your local assessor. Basic and Enhanced STAR Information Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) and Assessor's Guide STAR in cooperative apartments and manufactur... 05/15/2009

3 Bedroom Colonial to be Built   2105 Cedarlawn Ave Rotterdam, NY 12306 Dining and Great room combinations (See plans). 2.5 baths Gas Hot Air Central AC ... More Info   Owning a home is nearly everyone's dream and realizing that dream is anything but easy. For starters, the entire home buying process is enormously complex. If that weren't enough, real estate agents have traditionally represented sellers, not buyers. I offer buyer representation - looking out for your needs - while walking you through every step of the home buying maze. A Realtor® who works for you. Provide daily updates on new listings and homes of special interest Prepare, present and negotiate purchase offers for you Provide information on home inspectors, lenders, attorneys and other professionals Guide you through ... 05/11/2009

New Construction on Edgewood Ave in Albany 54 Edgewood Ave Albany, NY 12203 REDUCED! 4 Bedrooms (all wired for high speed internet, phone and cable) 2 ½... More Info   Owning a home is nearly everyone's dream and realizing that dream is anything but easy. For starters, the entire home buying process is enormously complex. If that weren't enough, real estate agents have traditionally represented sellers, not buyers. I offer buyer representation - looking out for your needs - while walking you through every step of the home buying maze. A Realtor® who works for you. Provide daily updates on new listings and homes of special interest Prepare, present and negotiate purchase offers for you Provide information on home inspectors, lenders, attorneys and other professionals Guide you through t... 05/11/2009

Split Level Briar Ave. Campus Area   93 Briar Ave Albany, NY 12203 New Construction Split level to be built in the Campus Area. The lot is over sized and country... More Info   Owning a home is nearly everyone's dream and realizing that dream is anything but easy. For starters, the entire home buying process is enormously complex. If that weren't enough, real estate agents have traditionally represented sellers, not buyers. I offer buyer representation - looking out for your needs - while walking you through every step of the home buying maze. A Realtor® who works for you. Provide daily updates on new listings and homes of special interest Prepare, present and negotiate purchase offers for you Provide information on home inspectors, lenders, attorneys and other professionals Guide you ... 05/11/2009