Chris and Gina Buy Houses
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​I bought my first investment property 15 years ago. It sure has been a fascinating journey!  10 years ago, I met my wife Gina and she has been along for the ride ever since.  We started this blog to share our stories and what we have learned along the way as well as to learn and share from others.  Whether you are in the market to purchase your first home, are a lifelong homeowner, or a seasoned investor, this blog's mission is to provide you with valuable education, tips, and advice. We have experienced a lot, however we also want to learn from you and your insightful knowledge! We'd love to hear your familiarity as a homeowner/investor: includingwhat has worked and what hasn't!

5 Steps for a Smooth Move to a New State

7/28/2022

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Moving is always a stressful experience, but relocating to a new state poses additional challenges. Whether you are moving for a new job or just want to experience life in a new city, use these tips to make the process easier.
 
1. Make a Plan
Having a house and job lined up for when you move can alleviate some of your stress. Do some research on the housing market in your new state and make an offer on a home that meets your unique needs. Knowing when you must start a new job and what it entails helps you develop a realistic timeline for moving, so preparation is key.
 
Each state has its own cost of living, so it's best to be prepared for how your budget will change when you're about to move to a new state. Do some research to make sure you can afford to live in your new state.
 
2. Move
Packing up all of your belongings and transporting them to your new home is often the most stressful part of moving. You may choose to hire a moving company or handle all of the packing and transporting yourself to save on moving expenses. Keep in mind that having a packing system in place will help when it comes to setting up your new home. If you know exactly which boxes go in which rooms, you can simplify the unpacking process and make it easier to settle into your new house.
 
3. Find a Job
Finding a job in your new state is one of the first steps you must take to settle into your new life. You may feel less stressed if you have a job lined up before you move, but if you can't find employment until you relocate, you should start looking as soon as you finish unpacking. Make sure you have an updated resume to give to potential employers.
 
You can also choose to work as an entrepreneur and start your own business. It helps to have a business plan in place so that you know how you want to grow your company. A well-written business plan details the specifics of your company, including your brand voice and the products you offer. The document should also describe your marketing plan and business structure. Finally, it must cover the type of financing you intend to use and set financial goals. If you’re looking for help with starting your business, research how to start a business and begin putting all the pieces together.
 
4. Develop Friendships
Getting used to your new life requires you to put down roots in your new state. Making friends is a good way to become comfortable in a new city. It may feel daunting to get outside your comfort zone to meet new people, but the results are rewarding. Joining local clubs and organizations, meeting coworkers for drinks after work, and taking up a new hobby are all good ways to meet new people.
 
5. Find a Doctor
Settling into your new home also requires you to make connections with local doctors and medical professionals. This can often be an overwhelming experience, as changing doctors can feel like you’re starting your health care all over again. If you can’t find a doctor you like in your area, you have other options. For instance, thanks to the internet, many people enjoy the convenience of finding a doctor online. This will allow you to easily connect with doctors who can help you with general health and wellness check-ups, prescriptions, mental health care, and urgent care. To get started, all you need is a computer or smartphone/tablet with a reliable internet connection.
 
Relocating to a new state can be an exciting experience. Use these tips to keep the process from becoming overwhelming so that you can focus on enjoying your new life.
 
Are you looking for a new home to call your own? Chris & Gina Buy Homes has several properties available that could be perfect for you and your family. Get in touch today by calling or texting 518-321-4565.
​
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The Stages of Remodeling a Fixer-Upper

6/21/2022

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Image via Pexels

Data show that over half of Americans are not interested in fixer-uppers. This lack of interest keeps prices affordable for those willing to take on the challenge. However, if you decide to go for a fixer-upper, there are quite a few steps in the process. From Chris & Gina Buy Houses, here are some things you need to know before buying your first fixer-upper.
 
Buying and Planning
 
When shopping for a fixer-upper, there are many things to watch out for. Some homes only need cosmetic work, such as:
 
  • Paint
  • Flooring
  • Landscaping
 
Others require more expensive modifications, including:
 
  • Foundation repair
  • New drywall
  • New roof
 
Find a good home inspector to let you know exactly what needs to be done. Pay attention to the location of the residence. Purchasing a fixer-upper can often help you afford your desired neighborhood or school district.
 
See if you qualify for government assistance for repairs and improvements or other programs for first-time homebuyers. These programs often help make fixer-uppers even more affordable.
 
Decide whether you want to live in the home long-term or turn it into a rental property. If possible, make this decision before you begin renovations. If you want to use the home as your permanent residence, you can modify the home to your particular tastes. If you intend to rent out the home, go for more neutral design choices. Deciding to use the home as a rental property also requires additional paperwork. Choose the business structure best suited to your rental business, get an EIN (employer identification number), and complete the formation process.
 
Major Renovations
 
When you get started, connect with a good handyman to help you with projects that exceed your skills. Deciding where to start may feel overwhelming if you don’t come up with a plan. Make sure the foundation, roof, and exterior walls are sound before doing any interior work. Check that the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems are all in working order. Repair these before moving forward. Then make a list of the other renovations you intend to complete. It helps to break each large project into small, manageable tasks. Some individuals prefer to do all the big things at once, but others choose to complete one room at a time.
 
Keep up with your expenses and make sure you are staying within your budget at each phase of the remodel. If you have decided to rent the residence out, keep your receipts for tax purposes.
 
Finishing Touches
 
After all the major work has been completed, it is time for the final touches. These are the small things that make a home feel complete, including window dressings, switch plate covers, knobs, and other decorative touches. If you are staying in the residence, this is when you choose things like wall art, bedding, and accent pieces.
 
It’s a good idea to wait until you are near completion to do your exterior work. Major renovations tend to generate a lot of trash that can wind up outside, so there’s no sense in having to redo your landscape twice. If, however, an inspection reveals gutter issues, it’s best to handle those promptly. Search online for ‘gutter cleaners in my area’ to find local contractors that specialize in gutter cleaning and repair. They’ll be able to safely handle any necessary ladder work.
 
If you are renting out the property, you may want to choose some inexpensive pieces to stage the home for showings to potential renters. When staging to rent, go with neutral decor to appeal to the widest audience. Display the functionality of the place by demonstrating the function of each room. Make sure everything is clean and well-lit to show off the beauty of the place.
 
Whether you decide to live in the remodeled home yourself or rent it out, the process of fixing up a fixer-upper can be rewarding. Plan carefully and take your time to get the most out of the experience.
 
 
If you’ve found yourself in a fixer-upper that’s beyond your expertise, contact Chris & Gina Buy Homes for a Cash Offer to buy your house ‘as-is’.
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STAGING STRATEGIES FOR YOUR HOME

6/3/2022

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Staging your home is all about putting the best foot forward for potential buyers. By highlighting its most desirable features, you can draw more interest for your home and leave a lasting impression that is sure to help you sell it more quickly. Here’s what you should keep in mind as you prepare for your next open house or viewing!
  1. Help them visualize it as their own. Make it easier for buyers to imagine themselves making your house their home by removing personal memorabilia, knick-knacks, and photos. Instead replace them with simple décors, such as paintings, nature images, and plants.
  2. Think sleek instead of comfy. Modern-day buyers are leaning toward modern, crisp, clean interiors over comfy, homey looks. When staging your home, keep a minimalist mindset, and incorporate bright colors and metal accents.
  3. Deep clean the small spaces. It's obvious to say you should clean your home before viewing, but don’t forget to cover your bases by deep cleaning the small spots. Take time to scrub porous areas like grout that may hold on to stains and baseboards where small pet hairs and dust love to cling.
  4. Spruce up your landscaping. The first impression your home gives to potential buyers is its exterior. Ensure you have a freshly mowed lawn, neat hedges and shrubbery, bright flowers, and a clean driveway.
  5. Set the mood. A home is so much more than just the way it looks, so you need to appeal to the other senses. Prior to having potential buyers over, set the mood by burning delicious smelling candles and selecting an upbeat, happy soundtrack to play in the background.
If you would like to save yourself the work of stagging and preparing your home for sale then contact us at Chris and Gina Buy Houses.  We will buy your home "As Is" no stagging or other work needed.  We can save you Money costly repairs and realtors fees.  We can pay cash and best of all we can close on your timeline.  If any of these sound good to you reach out to us today!
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STATE OF THE NATIONAL REAL ESTATE MARKET

5/2/2022

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Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the real estate market continues to trend upward. According to analytics firm CoreLogic, in November, home prices were up 8.2% year over year. Interestingly, Idaho (15.7%), Maine (15.4%), and Indiana (13.6%) were the states with the highest increases. Plus, this past year saw record low interest rates, which is certainly a driving factor in the current hot real estate market. While this is great news for existing homeowners, it has posed some difficulties for lower income individuals to afford homes.
One major challenge facing the industry is inventory for would-be buyers is at a 12-month low. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), inventory nationwide is down to a 2.1 month supply. This is a 30% decrease in available homes for sale from the same time period last year. Most real estate professionals consider a six-month supply of homes a healthy balance between a buyer and seller market. This low supply, or low inventory, generally indicates a strong seller’s market. NAR also reported the median days on market in December 2020 was only 16 days, further indicating that it is a strong seller’s market.
Because the real estate market is very dynamic, whether you are thinking about selling or buying, it’s more important than ever to work with an agent who understands the local market. Often, homes are sold where the seller may have netted a higher amount or there are buyers who lose out on a great home because their agent may not understand these market forces. Find an agent with knowledge and experience locally who can understand your unique needs.

If you are looking to sell fast and save yourself time, work, and money, consider selling to us at Chris and Gina Buy Houses.  We can pay cash, we can close fast, and you don't have to make any costly upgrades or repairs.  Best of all we can close on your timeline.  If any of these sound good to you, call or message us TODAY!

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EASY LANDSCAPING DIY PROJECTS

4/3/2022

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Ever get the itch to do a DIY project? Whenever we do, our favorites involve getting outdoors and mixing up our landscaping features.
Whether it's as simple as installing some lighting or a little more time-consuming like re-plotting plants, a fresh look for the lawn always gives your home a fresh look as well. Here are our top five easy landscaping projects!
Create a pathway.
To guide you and visitors throughout your yard and link different areas together, install a pathway. You can use materials from a variety of materials, including reclaimed pallet wood, flagstones, gravel, and more to add texture and color.
Add a wall or border.
Installing a flagstone, rock, or brick wall around flower beds or trees adds a sleek, clean look to your landscaping and helps separate different sections of your yard.
Install a water feature.
Nothing says zen quite like the sound of trickling water as you relax in your backyard. You can start simple with by purchasing and installing a small feature powered by a solar panel or create a larger focal point in your yard by installing a waterfall wall or small pond.
Light your way.
An easy way to transform your yard is to strategically use lighting. Place cool-colored lights high in trees to recreate a moonlight feel, use pathway lights to naturally guide the eye, or highlight objects or plants.
Plant upwards.
Expand your yard space by drawing the eye to the sky with a trellis fence or screen made of wood or metal. Once you install your trellis, select your climbing plants and vines and get to planting!
Looking to update landscaping to sell?  We can save you the time and money.  We buy houses in "as is" condition, close on your timeline, save you money and can pay cash.  If this sounds good to you reach out and get ahold of us TODAY!
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Your Guide to the Home Appraisal

2/26/2022

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You’ve found your dream home and now it’s time to cross all your T's and dot all your I's before it’s all your own. And one of the first items on your closing checklist the home appraisal. So, what exactly is that?
The home appraisal is essentially a value assessment of the home and property. It is conducted by a certified third party and is used to determine whether the home is priced appropriately.
During a home appraisal, the appraiser conducts a complete visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the home. He or she factors in a variety of things, including the home’s floor plan functionality, condition, location, school district, fixtures, lot size, and more. An upward adjustment is generally made if the home has a deck, a view, or a large yard. The appraiser will also compare the home to several similar homes that were sold within the last six months in the area.
The final report must include a street map showing the property and the ones’ compared, photographs of the interior and exterior, an explanation on how the square footage was calculated, market sales data, public land records, and more.
After it is complete, the lender uses the information found to ensure that the property is worth the amount they are investing. This is a safe-guard for the lender as the home acts as collateral for the mortgage. If the buyer defaults on the mortgage and goes into foreclosure, the lender generally sells the home to recover the money borrowed.

If you are looking to sell we can save you the work and the time of an appraisal.  At Chris and Gina Buy Houses we can save you money, time, buy your house as is, and close on your timeline.  If any of these sound good to you reach out to us TODAY!

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Home Stagging To Sell Your Home Fast And Top Dollar

1/28/2022

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​Staging your home is all about putting the best foot forward for potential buyers. By highlighting its most desirable features, you can draw more interest for your home and leave a lasting impression that is sure to help you sell it more quickly. Here’s what you should keep in mind as you prepare for your next open house or viewing!
  1. Help them visualize it as their own. Make it easier for buyers to imagine themselves making your house their home by removing personal memorabilia, knick-knacks, and photos. Instead replace them with simple décors, such as paintings, nature images, and plants.
  2. Think sleek instead of comfy. Modern-day buyers are leaning toward modern, crisp, clean interiors over comfy, homey looks. When staging your home, keep a minimalist mindset, and incorporate bright colors and metal accents.
  3. Deep clean the small spaces. It's obvious to say you should clean your home before viewing, but don’t forget to cover your bases by deep cleaning the small spots. Take time to scrub porous areas like grout that may hold on to stains and baseboards where small pet hairs and dust love to cling.
  4. Spruce up your landscaping. The first impression your home gives to potential buyers is its exterior. Ensure you have a freshly mowed lawn, neat hedges and shrubbery, bright flowers, and a clean driveway.
  5. Set the mood. A home is so much more than just the way it looks, so you need to appeal to the other senses. Prior to having potential buyers over, set the mood by burning delicious smelling candles and selecting an upbeat, happy soundtrack to play in the background.
Save the work and sell to Chris and Gina Buy Houses.  We pay cash, close on your timeline, save you money, reach out to us today to see how we can help.
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How to Finance Your Remodel Project

12/27/2021

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Outdated kitchen. Overrun backyard. Unusable basement space. If you have a home renovation project on the mind, the first thing you have to consider is how you are going to finance it. Here are the most common options to make your dreams become a reality.
Cash. Paying in cash is the most straightforward financing option, just save until you have enough money to cover the expenses. This will help eliminate spending outside your budget; however, it can also extend your timeline.
Mortgage Refinance. If you’ve been making payments on your home for a few years and your interest rate is higher than current market rates, you may be eligible for a mortgage refinance, reducing your payments and freeing up some money.
Cash-Out Refinance. You can tap into your home equity and borrow up to 80 percent of your home’s value to pay off your current mortgage plus take out more cash to cover the renovations. This option is encouraged only when you’re making improvements that will increase the value of your home, as it can add a lot of interest and fees.
Home Equity. Getting a home equity line of credit allows you to borrow money against the value of your home. You receive usually up to 80 percent of your home’s value, minus the amount of your loan.
Retirement Funds. Homeowners can consider pulling money from a 401K or IRA account, even though they aren’t specifically meant to cover a home renovation. This option might incur additional penalties or tax payments, but may be worth it when making improvements that will benefit them financially in the long run.
At Chris and Gina Buy houses there is no need to spend time and money on any renovations.  We buy houses in any condition and we can pay cash, save you money, and close on your timeline.  If any of this sounds good to you reach out and get a hold of us for a FREE no obligation consultation today!
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MUST-HAVE TOOLS FOR HOMEOWNERS

11/24/2021

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When you own your home, things are going to break and, unless you want to spend your money on visits from a neighborhood handyman, you’re going to need to fix them yourself. Luckily, you don’t need an arsenal of tools to handle most home maintenance fixes. These five tools will cover most of your basic projects.
  1. Cordless drill. A cordless drill is a must-have for installing cabinets, drawer pulls, hinges, picture frames, shelves and hooks, and more. Whether it’s for do-it-yourself projects or repairs, you’ll use your cordless drill just about every month.
  2. Drain cleaners. Shower and bathroom sink drains are susceptible to clogs because of the daily buildup of hair and whisker clippings. You can use chemical clog removers like Drano, but they’re expensive and the lingering chemical scent is unpleasant. Instead, buy some plastic drain cleaners that can reach into the drain to pull out the clog of hair and gunk. You can purchase them on Amazon or at a local hardware store for a low price.
  3. Shop-vac. No matter how careful you are, spills and accidents will happen and there are some tasks that just can’t be handled with paper towels or a standard vacuum, like pet messes or broken glass.
  4. Loppers. Even the minimum amount of care for your landscaping will require some loppers to remove damaged branches, vines, thick weeds, and any other unruly plants in your yard.
  5. Flashlight. You’re going to want something a little more powerful than your iPhone flashlight when you’re in the crawlspace!
If you are making repairs to sell your home we can help save you money, time, and energy.  At Chris and Gina Buy Houses we can purchase your home cash and buy in as is condition.  this means you don't need to make any costly improvements to your home saving you money.  Best of all we can close on your timeline.  If any of these sounds goods good to you then reach out and get a hold of us today for a free no obligation consultation to see if we are a good option for you today!
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TURNING A BEDROOM INTO A LUX BEDROOM!

10/30/2021

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For most of us, our bedroom is little more than a place to sleep and relax. However, just because it’s always been that way doesn’t mean that we have to settle for drab and dreary.
One trend that’s gaining steam these days is converting your current bedroom into a luxury suite (or something comparable). If you want to live like you’re renting a room at the Ritz, then you want to follow these tips.
Compartmentalize Your Activities
Making your bedroom more functional is going to make it more luxurious. Add a gorgeous desk for working and a TV area for entertainment, and you’ll be living it up in no time.
Make it Chic
Choose a color palette that is both luxurious and classy. Silver and gold can seem tacky, so choose muted shades that compliment each other.
Also, a brilliant and commanding headboard can instantly upgrade the look of your room without any other changes.
Light it Properly
Finally, make sure that you have the right light to show off your designs. If it’s too washed out or yellow, then it will look drab and run down. Switch to brilliant LEDs and see the difference.
Choose Your Accents Wisely
We already mentioned a headboard, but some elegant drapes can also make your room feel more royal. Being strategic with your furniture accessories is going to both keep you under budget and avoid doing too much with the space.
Are you ready to lux your bedroom? You’ll be impressed by the results, and the feeling of decadence will make you more confident in your surroundings.

If you are looking to upgrade your house to sell we can save you time, money, and stress it takes with home remodeling projects.  At Chris and Gina Buy House we can purchase your home in "As Is" condition.  You do not need to make any costley repairs or upgrades.  We can pay cash and best of all, we can close on your timeline.  Give us a call today to see if we might be a good fit for you!
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    Chris McMahon

    Chris was born and raised in Saratoga Springs, NY.  He has been a member of the community for over 40 years both as a resident and as a teacher.  He bought his first investment property in Troy, NY in 2003 and has continued to be in the business ever since.  Chris resides with his wife Gina in Gansevoort, NY where he continues to teach in the Saratoga Springs City Schools and pursue his passion in real estate.  He is a licensed real estate agent with eXp Realty. 

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  • Area's We Serve
    • Saratoga Springs NY
    • Albany NY
    • Clifton Park NY
    • Lake George NY
    • Greenfield NY
    • Greenwich NY
    • Gansevoort NY
    • Ballston Lake NY
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