Archive for the ‘Forum’ Category
From the Forum: First-Time Buyer Questions
For so many of us, the actual purchase of a house in upstate New York is a mystery. Which is why these Upstater readers have posted their query in our Forum.
1, Does one need a buyer’s agent in the process of purchasing a home or is dealing with the seller’s agent enough? Would a lawyer, rather than an agent, be better?
2, How much did the property taxes play a role in your own decision to buy in a specific area?
3, Is there some standard amount below the asking price that is considered reasonable to derive a first offer?
Readers, can you help?
And please feel free to post your own questions and answers about upstate New York over in the Forum.
Reader Question: Radon and Home Inspections
Folks, a reader has a question. Can you help?
“We are looking at buying in Columbia County. We see that Columbia County has high levels of radon, as do Ulster, Sullivan, Dutchess, Greene, and Delaware counties. Is radon part of the usual checks that your average home inspector makes in these areas or did you get an additional radon inspection like for a well or septic? Has anyone purchased a home that had a high radon level and successfully mitigated it?”
Anyone have answers?
From the Forum: A Getaway for Five or Six Families?
That’s our request: a getaway where a number of families can venture upstate together, on a weekend property-hunting trip for our dream of communal bliss. We’ve posted in the Forum. Anybody have suggestions? An entire B&B you can rent out in Sullivan Co? A group of adorable cabins? It’ll be early spring, and a bit chilly for camping for those of us who have logged too much time in urban quarters and are unprepared for actual roughing it. Where should we go?
And if you have questions of your own, please post ‘em in the Forum.
From the Forum: Help With Water Filtration Systems
Over in the Forum, a reader needs some help.
“I just bought a house with a water filteration system that I am clueless about. Also, the water currently stinks. Does anyone know of any good resources I can read or now a good contact in Ulster county?”
Ask and answer your upstate New York-related questions in the Forum.
From the Forum: Ulster County Pest Control?
Folks, a reader has a question, posted in the Forum: “Wondering if anyone has experience with Catseye or Craig Thomas pest control services and if that experience is positive or negative. If you have other pest control services that you’ve used, please share. We have a bit of a ladybug, stinkbug, wasp issue and we’re looking to get on a regular treatment program to make our house less hospitable.”
Ask and answer your upstate NY-related questions in the Forum.
Winter Playgrounds for Toddlers Upstate?
We came across a downstater recently who wanted to know if there were “winter playgrounds” at upstate ski resorts, or at other places in the Catskills. You know — those fancy daycares at western ski resorts with sledding areas and professional snowman building and such. These are, of course, amenities aimed at the upper crust, and readily available at places where the lift tickets can cost as much as a month’s rent. But have we got anything comparable upstate? The woman is looking for “other fun outdoor winter activities in the Catskills area” for toddlers.
From the Forum: Recipe Share?
Well, this isn’t about real estate, but it’s about food, which is just as important. A reader has (smartly) shut down her Facebook account, and asks on the Forum if anyone would like to do here what she used to do there (when she wasn’t procrastinating), which is share her favorite recipes. More points if they involve food grown locally. Her first choice: creamy butternut squash soup. Recipe here.
What’s Up with the Forum?
It’s a good question, and many of you have written in to ask it. We transitioned to a new site last week, and with that new site came a new forum. We’re testing it out. Please continue to ask and answer your upstate New York-related questions and the Forum! Thanks.
From the Forum: Family Reunion-Friendly House Rental?
Over in the Forum, a reader is looking for an eight to ten bedroom house to rent for a week next summer — a mansion would be nice. Anybody have suggestions?
Ask and answer your upstate New York-related questions in the Forum!
From the Forum: Labor Day Garage Sale Extraordinaire
Our very own Upstate Jane is having a Labor Day yard sale, and we’re pretty sure it’s going to be the envy of all of upstate New York. Check out her work (she’s an interior designer, if you don’t already know): now imagine buying whatever goodies she hasn’t used. Man, does that sound good for those interested in furnishing a house in upstate New York…or just getting a couple of cool smalls to stash around.
Ask and answer questions of your own over on the Forum!