Real Estate Blog Albany, Saratoga, Clifton Park NY

Mission

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!

Your Guide to the Home Appraisal

10/3/2021

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.

At Chris and Gina Buy Houses we can save you the apprasal fee. We buy houses for cash, can save you money, no need to spend money on repairs we will buy as is, and we can close on your timeline. Reach out and get in touch with us today for a FREE consultatation.

HEADLINE: CHOOSE THE RIGHT PAINT FINISH

8/28/2021

It can be intimidating to stand in front of the paint swatches at the paint or hardware store and try to make a decision. Picking a color can be difficult enough—and then you have to choose the finish. Choosing the color is up to you, but here’s a simple guide to choosing the correct finish for your project.
High Gloss
High gloss paint has the most sheen, and will be the most durable. That durability is best suited for the kitchen, on surfaces like cabinets, door frames, and window trim. It’s best to avoid using high gloss on walls, because it will be too reflective.
Semi-Gloss
It’s not as shiny as high gloss, but it’s still great for kitchens and bathrooms, because the sheen protects from drips, splatters, and other moisture.
Satin
Satin has a velvet-like look, but is still a durable finish, and works best in high-traffic areas. Be careful when applying, because satin paint will reveal sloppy brush strokes.
Eggshell and flat
These finishes have the least amount of sheen, and are the least durable. They’re great for hiding imperfections in your walls, but the low durability means they should be avoided if the room is subject to wear and tear from kids or pets. Use these paints in dining rooms, bedrooms, and other low-traffic rooms.
Chris and Gina Buy Houses
If you are pianting your home to prepaire it for resale we can save you the time, money and effort. We buy houses all over the New York Capital Region and we buy them in "As Is" condition. You don't have to paint anything, you don't even need to make any repairs and you can leave anything that you don't want we will get rid of it for you. We can pay cash, and close when you are ready. If any of this sounds good to you then reach out and get a hold of us today. No pressure, just a free consultation to see how we can help you.

UPSIZING YOUR HOME

7/24/2021

Unfortunately, our homes don’t always grow with us. What may have initially worked fine for a single person, a young couple’s starter home, or a family with a newborn can quickly become too small as families expand and multiple generations live under one roof.
Remodeling and adding to your home is one option for creating more space, but it can be costly, and the size of your property may be prohibitive. That’s when moving to a bigger home becomes the best solution.
WHERE DO YOU NEED MORE SPACE?
The first thought when upsizing your home is to simply consider square footage, bedrooms, and bathrooms. But it’s important to take a more critical approach to how your space will actually be used. If you have younger children (or possibly more on the way), then focusing on bedrooms and bathrooms makes sense. But if your children are closer to heading off to college or starting their own families, it may be better to prioritize group spaces like the kitchen, dining room, living room, and outdoor space—it’ll pay off during the holidays or summer vacations, when everyone is coming to visit for big gatherings.
MOVING OUTWARD
If you need more space, but don’t necessarily want a more expensive home, you can probably get a lot more house for your money if you move a little further from a city center. While the walkability and short commutes of a dense neighborhood or condo are hard to leave beyond, your lifestyle—and preferences for hosting Thanksgiving, barbecues, and birthdays—might mean that a spacious home in the suburbs makes the most sense. It’s your best option for upsizing while avoiding a heftier price tag.

How To Maxamize Your Profit When Selling Your Home

At Chris and Gina Buy Houses we can help you get the most value out of your house. We buy houses in any condition. You won't have to make any upgrades or complete any costly repairs we will buy your home as is. We can save you from costly fee's. We can buy houses for cash. And we are flexable so we can close faster than most lenders, or give you the time you need to be prepared to move out. If one or more of these options fits your needs give us a call or text 518-321-4565(c) today for a FREE no obligation consultation.

EASY LANDSCAPING DIY PROJECTS

7/1/2021

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!
If you are using landscaping to prep your home for sale save yourself the work and call us for an option. We buy "As Is" so there is no need to put the work and the money into landscaping. We can pay cash, save you money and close on your timeline. If this sounds good to you give us a call today for a FREE no obligation consultation.

HOW TO GET READY FOR RETIREMENT

5/29/2021

For most people, retirement feels like a long way off. But, if you don’t start preparing as early as possible, you may find yourself in a place of financial insecurity when the time does come. To avoid this, consider implementing the following tips.

Calculate your target savings. In general, it’s recommended that you save between 10 to 15 percent of your income for retirement. However, you can always use an online savings calculator to determine the amount you need to save for your specific needs and goals.
Contribute to your employer’s retirement savings plan. Does your job offer a 401(k), traditional IRA, or Roth IRA? Sign up and start saving as soon as they allow you to. It’s recommended to set up automatic paycheck deductions and, once the money is in your retirement fund, don’t touch it.
Take advantage of employee benefits. Many employers offer matching which generally requires you contribute a certain percentage of each paycheck and your company will then contribute a matching amount with funds of their own. They might also offer health savings or flexible savings account. By contributing to these accounts, you reduce your amount of taxable income, allowing you to save more money.
Pay off your debts. Start by paying off any high-interest credit card debt first. Then look at other debts, such as student loans and car payments, and make a plan for paying those off incrementally.
Reduce daily spending. Although this feels like a no-brainer, spending your money thoughtfully now can make a big impact later. Seek out areas of your life where you can
If you are looking to downsize then at Chris and Gina Buy Houses we may be able to help. We can save you money on real estate fees, we can pay cash, you won't have to make any costly repairs or upgrades, and we are flexable so we can close on your timeline. There is NO obligation or pressure so reach out to us today to see if we may be an option for you.

What To Repair Before You List

5/5/2021

When you’re getting ready to list your home, it’s of the upmost importance to ensure you are showing it in the best light. Taking time to highlight its strengths and fix up some of its possible weaknesses can make a big difference in how fast it sells. Here are our top four recommended repairs to make before selling your home.
Repaint walls.
Giving your home a fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to spruce it up, and generally, it can be a do-it-yourself project. Make sure cover any walls with scratches and chips and consider updating any accent walls with a more neutral coat.
Repair floors.
Hardwood floors are a very desirable feature in a home, so you want to ensure they look their best by fixing scratches or dull areas. If your carpet is worn or stained, consider replacing them. And don’t forget the tile in your kitchen or bathrooms. Re-grouting can go a long way in making dingy tile work look brand new!
Refresh the landscaping.
Show buyers your home is the full package by dressing up the outside as well as the in. Clean walkways and driveways, plant seasonal flowers and plants, trim hedges and trees, install outdoor décor pieces and fill in mulch and gravel.
Fix your fixtures.
Leaky faucet? Rusted drains? Loose drawer handle? Making these small fixes can make a big difference to potential buyers with detailed-orientated minds. Improve your kitchen. An outdated kitchen can be a real eyesore in a home. Updating cabinetry, repairing or replacing countertops, and installing new faucets and sinks may be worth the investment

Practical Resources to Help YouManage Your Vacation Rental

1/22/2021

Photo via Unsplash

Managing a vacation rental can be incredibly rewarding. As travelers continue to move away from hotels and into vacation rentals, property owners are enjoying some significant revenue. However, this also means that more and more competition is popping up all over the place. Property managers have to create an incredible guest experience in order to set their rentals apart from the pack.

With the right amount of research and planning, your vacation rental has the potential to be very profitable. Here are some great resources to help you manage your new venture!

Home UpgradesFixing outdated home features, providing essential amenities, and incorporating a few luxury extras will keep your guests coming back.

Which Amenities Matter Most to Vacation Rental Guests?
5 Home Upgrades For Your Vacation Rental Space

Keep Seasonal Items in Shape and Use Self-Storage Throughout the Year
5 Tips To Make Your Vacation Rental Stand Out

Marketing AdviceThe right advertising approach is important for maximizing the profitability of your vacation rental.

Where to Advertise Your Holiday Home: 27 Best Vacation Rental Websites
Make Your Airbnb Rental Stand Out with These Photo Tips From The Pros
Vacation Rental Copywriting: 6 Secrets by Guest Hook
How to Write an Airbnb & VRBO Headline That Gets CLICKED

Automation ToolsVacation rental automation solutions will save you time and money while optimizing the guest experience.

Why Home Automation Is Popular For Vacation Homes
The Best Free Property Management Software
How to Set Up a Smart Lock for Your Airbnb or Rental Property
12 Accounting Tools Every Small Business Needs

Financial PlanningWhether you want to earn a profit or simply pay off the mortgage on your second home, make sure you understand your financial goals.

How To Create A Vacation Rental Business Plan
Important Steps to Consider for Starting Your Rental Business
Here's Everything You Need to Form Your New York LLC Online
How Hosts Should Price Their Rentals on The Vacation Rental Channels
What are the Average Rental Property Management Fees for Vacation Rentals?

As the vacation rental market continues to grow, hosts are finding inventive new ways to impress guests and keep them coming back. To keep up with your competitors, you will have to follow suit. Learn how to plan, market, and automate your business and make some appealing home upgrades to really capture the hearts of your guests. With the right management skills, your vacation rental business is sure to be a success!

Top Preventable Pitfalls of the Moving Process

2/9/2020

If you’re planning to move into a smaller home, you stand to gain so much more than you will lose in space. A lesser mortgage, less to clean, and fewer maintenance tasks are at the top of this list. However, don’t get caught up in the belief that because you are downsizing that there are no big problems that you will have to avoid. Problems like:

How You Can Sell Your Capital Region Home For More Money

1/26/2020

At Chris And Gina Buy Houses we specialize in finding solutions to unique real estate matters. Some of the area's we cover are Saratoga Srpings, Queensbury, Clifton Park, Albany, and surrounding areas. If you are looking to save money of real estate commisions, are facing foreclosure, inherited a house you don't know what to do with, have a home that you just don't want to put more money into, or any one of a hundred different reasons WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW TO SEE HOW WE CAN HELP YOU.

Want To Sell Your House Fast? We Answer Your Top Question

1/12/2020

Want to sell your home fast? We answer your top question on how you can do that. We buy houses all over the capital region from Albany, Saratoga Springs, Clifton Park and the surrounding area's.

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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