Remove Stains From Walls Before You Paint.  Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties. Remove stains from walls before you slap on another coat: It's the first commandment of painting. Here's how to wash seven common stains off your walls. If someone has used your wall as a drawing board, try a wall eraser or toothpaste to erase the marks. Image: JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images/Getty Images Painting instructions often warn: Remove stains from walls before painting. But they never say how. Any cleaning rookie can wipe off dust and cobwebs. But it takes a cleaning pro to scour grease stains, watermarks, and kids' crayon and ink wall art. Dirt and grime Dirt and grime are part of everyday life. The oil from your hands gets onto walls, cabinets, doors, and door frames. Mr. ... 03/26/2011

Saving Water with a High-Efficiency Toilet Saving water by installing a new high-efficiency toilet can shave $90 off your utility bill, and send thousands fewer gallons down the drain. Dual-flush toilets, like this one, have two buttons, one for half flushes and one for full flushes. Image: Caroma Today's high-efficiency toilets use even less water than the federal standard of 1.6 gallons. If you're in the market for a new throne, it pays to consider a high-efficiency toilet. You'll save a bundle: According to the EPA, replacing pre-1994 guzzlers with new high-efficiency toilets will shave more than $90 off your annual utility bills. Plus, you'll be sending about 4,000 fewer gallons a year down the drain. Look for high performers The EPA's WaterSense label on the packaging will identify... 03/26/2011

Exterior Paints and Stains: A Guide to the Options. Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties in Clifton Park NY. To choose the best exterior paint or stain for your job, match the coating to your house, your climate, and the look you want. Latex paint cleans up easily with water and can be used on wood, stucco, and vinyl siding. Image: Behr Paints At a cost of $4,000 to $6,000 or more for a professional house painting, you want to get the most from your investment. Done right, an exterior paint job can last 10 years; stain needs to be reapplied more often, anywhere from two to 10 years, depending on the type of stain. One key to how long an exterior finish lasts is how well the surface is prepared. But equally important is the choice of the paint or stain itself. Us... 03/26/2011

Must-Have Painting Tools.  Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties in Clifton Park NY. Sooner or later you're going to paint something; you might as well have the correct tools. Here are the tools that should be in your painting toolbox. It's wise to invest in a good paint roller set. This one from Purdy is designed to last 20 years. Image: Purdy Professional Paint Tools Chances are you'll never swap out a toilet yourself; but sooner or later you're going to paint, stain, or plastic-coat something. Here are the painting tools you'll need in your home maintenance toolbox. A brush with painting tools Paintbrushes are like shoes-you've got 50 pairs, but you always wear the same two. The go-to paintbrushes are a 3-inch flat brush for cutting in trim and a 1 1/2-inch an... 03/26/2011

Guide to Paint Sheens: Oooo, Shiny! Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties in Clifton Park NY. You think choosing the right color for your paint job is hard? Try picking the right sheen. HouseLogic will help you tell your semi-gloss from your satin finish. Eggshell is essentially flat with a slight luster, ranking between satin and flat on the sheen scale. Image: Pratt & Lambert This paint sheens guide can help you add the perfect finish to an infinite number of paint colors. The higher the sheen, the higher the shine. Flat paint has no shine; high-gloss is all shine. In between are eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss, each with its own practical and decorative job to do. Don't know which sheen to pick for your situation? This paint sheens guide helps you decide which... 03/26/2011

Clifton Park NY Homes for Sale 12 Cherry Tree, Loudonville, NY AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE APRIL 26 Selling to the Highest Bidder, Regardless of Price! Currently listed at $2,600,000  Newly renovated and ideally private, this stately country manor is set amidst 3.1 acres of exquisitely-landscaped grounds and gardens in the quiet hamlet of Loudonville. Boasting over 10,000 square feet of living, the estate elegantly blends traditional architecture with unique modern amenities and includes a tennis court, indoor pool and guest apartment above the 3-car garage.   LANDSCAPING & EXTERIOR Behind a charming white fence and insulated by old-growth trees, this 3.1-acre grand country estate provides the ultimate escape from reality. Lush grounds lined with gorgeous perennial flower gardens dramatize ... 03/23/2011

Clifton Park NY Homes for Sale VERY RARE CONDO!!! Room to entertain & lodge the guests in this large and airy 3Bedroom 3FullBath 2Story condo. Total finished SF is 1628. The ground floor boasts 9 FT. ceilings, a wood FP, new oak floors, w/2 bedrooms & 2 full baths upstairs. The downstairs is a separate suite w/ a bedroom, full bath, & FR W/an expansive window. Storage room and laundry. This is maintenance free living at it's best! Enjoy the beautiful pool & tennis courts in this vibrant and active community. Tastefully decorated. End building that borders forever wild.  Just listed at $195,000     03/18/2011

Clifton Park NY Homes for Sale Capital Region Skinny - February 2011 This short video provides market metrics for Clifton Park NY and the entire Capital Region. I hope yo find the information useful. If you have questions about the market for you town or neighborhood, please call me at your convenience.   03/18/2011

Clifton Park NY Homes for Sale 60 Round Hill Rd, Cold Springs, NY GOING TO AUCTION ON MARCH 31ST. AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 11TH FOR $1,195,000.  Ideally located near picturesque and historic Cold Spring, New York, and privately set on more than 12 acres among rolling hills with stunning mountain views, this distinctive, newly renovated Colonial home is tranquil and spacious. Boasting 4,366 square feet, four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms, and a mere one hour commute from Manhattan, the estate is ideal for a year-round getaway or permanent family residence. Sitting majestically on top of a 938-foot-tall hill above the Hudson River, the home was thoughtfully built to showcase spectacular views of Breakneck Ridge and Storm King Mountain and unforgettable sunsets fro... 03/03/2011

  Clifton Park NY Homes for Sale Don’t miss out on this great Bank Owned opportunity on this huge 3,485 Sq Ft 4 bedroom, 2.1 bath, 3 car garage home with 1st floor office, laundry, and parlor.  This custom Belmonte built home features a 2 story foyer and 18’ family room ceilings.  Gourmet style kitchen with cherry cabinets, granite, and double-wall ovens.  Shenendehowa Central School District.  Seller requires a prequal letter, buyer attorney and copy of deposit with offers.  Ready for quick occupancy. Easy to show!!!  2006 Sold Price was $527,700.  Currently listed at $439,900.  MLS#20111324.  44 S Outlook Dr, Mechanicville, NY 12188   Listing courtesy of A-1 R.E.O. Services   01/28/2011

Looking for a Mt. Snow Vermont retreat? This 4 bed, 3 bath chalet is in very good condition and offers nearly 1800 square feet of living space. The main floor has a open living dining area with high ceilings, large stone fireplace, great exposure, winter mountain views, and large deck, and new granite counter-tops on the kitchen. The lower level has a second large living and entertaining room also with it's own large wood burning stone fireplace. A detached garage is perfect for your cars and toys on snowy Vermont nights or for your boat in warm Vermont summers. Recent upgrades include a new well, chimney liner and fireboxes, toilets, light fixtures, furnishings, and shutters. Priced to move at $225,000     Listing courtesy of Palmiter Realty Group 01/27/2011

OPEN SUNDAY 1/30 12-2 732 Bunker Hill Rd, Schodack NY This beautiful 2,500 SF 3Bed 2.1Bath colonial features gleaming hardwood floors, custom kitchen w/granite counters, serving bar, breakfast nook, island & pantry.  Open floor plan with kitchen overlooking living room w/gas fireplace.  Formal dining room, office (or 5th Bedroom), laundry/mud room all on first floor.  Master Suite w/walk-in closet and ceramic tile bath. Nice private 2 acre lot convenient to all major highways. Priced to move at $329,900.       01/27/2011

Clifton Park NY Homes for Sale Capital Region Skinny Please take a minute to watch the Capital Region Skinny video below.  It provides real estate statistics for the Capital Region of NY to include Clifton Park NY.  Interesting data includes average home prices and number of home sales for 2010. As always, if you have any questions or need professional real estate services please call me at your convenience. Regards,LewisB.com   01/21/2011

Clifton Park NY Homes for Sale 766 Carlton Rd, Clifton Park, NY - OPEN SUN 1/16/11 12-3pm Over $15,000 in recent updates: removed crawl space, added full basement, added Bilco doors, new electrical panel, opened dinning room to family room, new poly on hardwood floors, new window treatments, new gutters, new walkway, newer roof, newer siding, new landscaping, updated kitchen and appliances, updated bathrooms, updated plumbing, updated lighting, and freshly painted. This large 3 bedroom 2 full bath ranch has hardwood floors throughout, large family room with wood burning fireplace, and plenty of storage in the kitchen.  The large sun room overlooks the in-ground pool. The 2 car garage is over-sized and perfect for the handy-man, contractor, or all your hobbies. Proudly listed @ $194,500 ... 01/14/2011

Clifton Park NY Homes for Sale Town of Clifton Park Offers Two Options for FREE Disposal of Christmas Trees The Town of Clifton Park has announced two options for free disposal of your non-artificial Christmas Tree.  Great services like this help keep the town clean and neat and helps make the Town a great place to live!!!  Click the following link for complete details: FREE TREE DISPOSAL     01/05/2011

Clifton Park NY Homes for Sale 1,480 Sq Ft, 3Bed, 2.1Bath, 1Car Garage, End Unit Townhouse.  MOVE-IN Condition. $199,900 This home shows just beautifully! The color choices, decor, and very well cared for property make this not only a must see, but a MOVE-IN-CONDITION home. Every room is spacious. The stainless steel appliances, deck and landscaping are all new within the last 2 years. Be assured, the next owner will love their new home and, it's very convenient location...it's close to everywhere! Taxes...well that's just the icing on the cake...they're incredibly low. Listing provided through Broker Reciprocity Courtesy of Realty USA 01/04/2011

Clifton Park NY Homes for Sale Plenty of room for everyone in this huge colonial in Clifton Park!!! 2,310 Sq Ft, 5 Bed, 2.1 Bath, 2 Car Garage. Priced to move NOW!!! $200,000 Hardwood floors refinished upstairs. OPEN HOUSE Sun 1/9 12-3pm. Property sold "as-is". Serious buyers & investors only. Calling for "Final & Best" offers by Tues 1/11. Includes all appliances, snowblower, gas grill, lawn mower, misc yard tools, dehumidifier & pool table. Do not miss out on this great opportunity!!!     01/03/2011

Replacing Plumbing Pipes: Costs and Options.  Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properites in Clifton Park NY. Replacing plumbing can be a costly, time-consuming venture. These alternatives make it doable and affordable. It's relatively easy for your plumber to replace pipes that are already exposed in your basement or crawlspace. Image: Kim Steele/Photodisc/Getty You'll need to closely inspect your plumbing or rely on a licensed plumber to advise you whether it's time for replacing plumbing. Replacing plumbing in a 1,500 sq. ft. home is an expensive proposition that can cost $2,000 to $15,000, depending on the complexity.However, you can mitigate the cost and hassle of a totally replacing plumbing with these strategies: Replace what's exposed For a home with plaster wa... 12/30/2010

Pull-out Shelves: Gliding to a Hardworking Kitchen.  Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties in Clifton Park NY. Add pull-out shelves to your existing base kitchen cabinets and you'll stay organized, frustration-free, and never lose an item in the back of a cabinet again. Some pull-out shelves include slots for storing baking sheets or pans. Image: ShelfGenie® Glide-OutTM Shelving Solutions Pull-out shelves unleash the storage potential on a typical 24-inch deep, 30-inch wide, lower kitchen cabinet. With standard shelves, you have to stoop down (ouch) and peer into the dark recesses to see what's back there. Mmm, peanut butter-that expired in 2008?Eliminate this Neverland of lost pots and pans-and peanut butter-simply by retrofitting your existing cabinets with pul... 12/30/2010

7 Smart Strategies for Kitchen Remodeling.  Courtesy of Josh Gonzalez of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties in Clifton Park NY. Keep the same footprint, add storage, and design adequate lighting so you preserve value and keep costs on track.   If you're contemplating a kitchen remodel, you're also weighing a considerable investment. But a significant portion of the upfront costs may be recovered by the value the project brings to your home. Kitchen remodels in the $50,000-$60,000 range recoup about 69% of the initial project cost at the home's resale, according to recent data from Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report. To make sure you maximize your return, consider these seven smart kitchen remodeling strategies. 1. Establish your priorities Simple enough? Not so fast. The National... 12/29/2010