Stay Hydrated

When it comes to being out in the heat, one thing you always want to watch is your hydration level.  Did you know that if you feel thirsty then you are actually already dehydrated?  Follow these tips below to stay hydrated in the hot summer sun!


Keep a Water Bottle Handy
Here's a piece of advice that's easy and efficient: Always try to keep a reusable bottle or cup of water with you throughout the day. If you're one of those people who has trouble remembering to drink as much water as you should, having a bottle near you will help keep it at the top of your priorities list. Plus, refills are free.

Make Your Water More Interesting
Not much of a fan of plain water? Many recommend adding herbs and fresh fruit — citrus and berries are popular choices — to you water to boost the flavor intrigue. (We love this recipe for watermelon, mint, and cucumber water.) Some also claim that lemon water (made by mixing in the juice of a quarter a lemon) helps balance electrolytes and promotes the absorption of water into your cells. Or if you're a big soda drinker, opt for sparkling water or club soda instead which at least offers a similar texture — just make sure it doesn't have any added sugar or sodium.

Drink Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Juices
Believe it or not, water is not the only star of the hydration show — electrolytes, essential fatty acids, and minerals are also important when it comes to keeping you hydrated. So opt for fresh juices made from high-water content fruits and vegetables to supplement your body's needs. Think watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes, strawberries, and the like. (Watching your weight? Try diluting the juice with water or club soda to help cut down on the sugar and calories.) And actually, you don't just have to drink your juice — fresh fruit popsicles are a great (not to mention tasty) hydrating alternative.


Minimize Your Caffeine and Alcohol Intake
This one's a bit of a no-brainer but worth stating nonetheless. Both alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and soda act as diuretics and can contribute to dehydration. You don't have to give up your morning cup of coffee or nightly glass of wine, just be mindful to consume these types of beverages in moderation.

And if you are inside in the AC or hanging out by the pool reading this, take the time to check out our Facebook or Twitter!
.

Contingency? What's that?

So you're preparing to buy or sell.  That's great news! Hopefully you have been reading this blog for all of the best advice (as well as using your Nothnagle agent)!  As you go through the process you will hear many many terms.  Some old and some new.  One that you may hear will be "contingency."  But what is it?  That's why we are here!

The simplest way to put it; a contingency is when you make an offer but under a condition.  You know, like you did when you were younger (or even now too!)  "Sure, I would love to come over!  That is as long as you are serving ice cream!"

There are many ways that an offer can be contingent.  You may agree with an offer as long as your attorney says it's ok.  The offer may be accepted as long as you can show them you are pre-approved in the next couple of days.  We would like to buy your home as long as the home inspector says everything looks great.  A big one is the, "we accept your offer but can not close until 60 days after we sell our house (or find a house to buy...depending on if it's the buyer or seller).

So contingencies can be helpful to both sides.  Of course, your Nothnagle REALTOR will always be the best source to guide you through everything!

Maintain your AC

As we get closer and closer to summer and we all start turning on our central AC or installing our window units you may be wondering..."Is there something I should be doing  to make sure my AC will last and not break down on a 95 degree day?"  Although we can not guarantee that it won't break down, we can throw some tips your way to help you stay cool and keep your AC going!

If your unit is a through the wall or in the window one of the first things you will want to check will be the filter.  A dirty filter can make the air flow restricted, keeping you warmer than what you'd like.  With some units you can simply rinse off your filter while others you'll need to get a new one.  Use your vacuum attachment to keep the coils clean and if you have any bent fins, try and bend them back.  For that they actually make a specially designed brush instead of using a screw driver which can cause more damage than you had in the first place.  There are also kits you can buy to seal the area around a window unit to make sure no air leaks out.

When it comes to a central air unit there are some things that you can check.  Once again, check any filters to make sure the air flow is at it's highest efficiency and that the air is clean.  Be sure to keep the coils clean and during the summer months when you are using the AC, keep plants around 2-3 feet away from the unit to ensure proper air flow.  If you can, check your duct work.  Around 30% of your heat and air can be lost in poorly insulated duct work.  Using a professional to complete a summer maintenance check is also a great idea.  They can open the unit to clean and check everything for you.  We have some great companies as part of our Home Services department.

Has anyone tried these tips or have any others?  Feel free to share!

Moving to Western New York?

Have you ever relocated for a job, family, school or any reason at all?  Then we are sure you know how hard it is to know exactly what you are looking for without having ever lived (or even visited in some cases) in that area..  And if you have never relocated, you may not know what to expect or where to start!  We here at Nothnagle REALTORS are here to help.

It is always a great first step to create your own "wish list" that includes things you like about your current home along with things you want in your new home. There may be things such as: four bedrooms, a master bath, gas oven, and an in ground pool. It may also be best to break the list into "must haves" and
"would likes" so that you know where you are willing to compromise.

Your next step would be finding a REALTOR that suits your needs and can best assist you for what you are looking for.  Nothnagle can help you with that.  We have a whole relocation team that specializes in getting you matched with an agent to best assist you.  These agents have worked with people moving into the area before so they know what to expect.  They know their areas and can answer any questions for you that you may have about schools, things to do, taxes, and everything in-between.

So don't hesitate!  Contact one of our Nothnagle Realtors Relocation specialists today!

Tips for an Open House

Getting ready to have your open house and want to give it the best chance possible to look great to all of those potential buyers (and occasional curious neighbor) that will walk through?  Here are some quick and easy things that you can do to help you and your agent out!

• Clean it up - Whether you are doing it yourself or hiring someone from our Home Services department; cleaning up is the number one recommendation.  Removing clutter, taking out trash, dusting...anything you can think of to make your home look cleaner, more presentable, and showing pride in ownership.
• Let there be light - Natural light is a great asset to a home.  Opening blinds and curtains allows for the light to flow in showing the true size of the room and giving a great "welcome home" feeling.
• Check your curb appeal - It is the first thing that everyone will see and we all have heard the saying that you only have one chance to make a first impression...so why not make it a great impression?  Sweeping the porch, deck, and walkways.  Cleaning debris in the yard.  Every little bit can help!
• Find something to do - You may find that your agent will recommend that you not be around when you are having in open house.  While there are many reasons for this that can vary from agent to agent; one is to make the potential buyer feel more comfortable looking around.  Also, if you have pets either make sure they are properly secured or are with you at the time.  Just because you may love animals doesn't mean everyone else does!

Ideas to Beat the Heat

With the last couple of days in the 80's and 90's you may be trying to think of some ways to beat the heat. In this post we will give you a few pointers to help with the heat so you can still enjoy the great weather this summer.

• Wear loose fitting light colored clothing.  Lighter colors attract less heat and with loose clothing it will allow for more air-flow to help keep you cool.
• Change your routine.  As nice as that run may be early afternoon on a Saturday, summer is not the time for it!  Adjust your activities so they are happening earlier or later in the day when the temperatures are cooler and the sun isn't beating on you as harshly.
• Stay hydrated!  Stick with water unless you are working out or working hard (then add a sports drink in there).  Stay away from anything with caffeine or alcohol as those will dehydrate you faster.
• Use fans!  Even if you have central air or an A/C unit using a fan can make it seem cooler (that way you won't have to put as much stress on your A/C units.  If you are air conditioner-less then try getting a window fan and putting it on the sunny side of your home so it pulls the hot air out and open a window in shaded areas so it pulls cooler air in.

What kind of ideas do you have to stay cool?  Leave them here, on our Facebook, or Twitter!

Have a GREAT Memorial Day!

Monday is Memorial Day and we here at Nothnagle REALTORS would like to take this time to say thank you.  Thank you  to all of the men and women who have served or are serving to protect the many freedoms that we here in America enjoy.  Also, we would like to take a moment to say thank you to their families who, even though may find it difficult at times, support their loved ones through these difficult times..

To all of you...we say thank you for all that you do and this Memorial Weekend you will all be in our thoughts.

Events this Memorial Weekend!

Looking for something to do this long weekend? Thinking about going to see a parade?  Well here in the Rochester area that is something we are not lacking at all.  So take a look at the list below, choose and even or pick a parade or two (or three) and enjoy your long holiday weekend!!!


Saturday - May 26, 2012

• Village of Brockport's Memorial Day Remembrance and Celebration starts at 11 AM. At noon, there will be a chicken BBQ at Brockport Area Vets Club, 210 West Ave.
• East Rochester Memorial Day Parade- starts at 10:30 am. The starting point will be the Debbie Supply store for all participants.

Sunday - May 27, 2012

• Irondequoit - 3pm. Along Titus Avenue from Irondequoit Plaza to Town Hall, sponsored by American Legion Post #134.
• Newark - 1:30pm.

Monday - May 28, 2012

• Auburn Parade, 11:00am, along Genesee Street
• Avon Parade, 10:00am (starts at the high school)
• Batavia Parade, 10:15am
• Caledonia Parade, 10am
• Canandaigua Parade, 10am
• Chili Parade, 8:30am
• East Bloomfield Parade, 11am
• Fairport Parade, 10am
• Gates Parade, 9am, Memorial Day Service at the Community Center
• Greece Parade, 2pm. Starts at Janes Road and proceeds south on Long Pond Road to the Greece Town Hall. Long Pond Road closed starting 1:30pm
• Hilton Parade, 10am
• Honeoye Falls Parade, 11:15. Then check out their big town-wide Memorial Day picnic!
• Irondequoit Parade, 7am Flag Raising Ceremony at the Town Hall
• Lima Parade, 10am
• Livonia Parade, 10am
• Macedon Parade, 11am
• Marion Parade, 11am
• Medina Parade, 11am
• Mendon Parade, 9:30am
• Palmyra Parade, 9am
• Penfield Memorial Day Ceremony Day of Remembrance, 10:30am - Amphitheater, 3100 Atlantic Avenue, Penfield (behind Town Hall).
• Pittsford  Parade, 10am - Begins on Sutherland Street
• Riga  Parade, 10:30am, ceremony at elementary school steps, then parade up to the cemetery
• Rochester  Parade, 10:30 Parade forms at Strathallan Park and East Avenue, proceeds along East Avenue to Main Street, then west on Main Street to North Plymouth Avenue
• Rush  Parade, 9:30am
• Scottsville/Wheatland  Parade, 9:30am (Beckwith Ave to Main Street)
• Spencerport/Ogden  Parade, 9am
• Victor Parade, 10:00am (school to Village Hall) - Ceremony at cemeteries start at 8am
• Webster Parade, 9:30am (South Ave to Main Street, to Webster Cemetery, 9:50 ceremony at the cemetery)

If there are any other events you'd like to share...let us know in the comments or either place below!

What exactly are seller concessions?

It's a question that many first time home buyer and first time home seller have.  But what exactly are they?  Does it have something to do with a concession stand?  When it comes to real estate we aren't talking about selling hot dogs and hamburgers...we are talking money!

The best way to describe seller concessions is a way for the buyer to pay for closing costs without having to use the money they have in their "pocket."  For example: If the buyer and seller agree on a selling price $100,000 and the estimated closing costs will be 4% the buyer can ask for that to be added on in the form of seller's concessions, making the price $104,000.  The seller would the "pay" $4,000 to closing costs for the buyer.

There are many different factors when it comes to seller's concessions such as loan to value and the appraisal.  We do recommend that you speak with your Nothnagle real estate agent or one of our mortgage partners if you have questions.

In the meantime...

Lilac Festival

Looking for something to do this weekend?  Check out the annual Lilac Festival!  It's free and it will start this Friday going all the way to May 20th.

Not only will you get to enjoy the over 500 variaties of lilacs but there are plenty of other activities to enjoy as well.  Saturday will be the lilac festival parade which is also the first parade of the year here in Rochester.  There will be live music from local schools to recording artists.  Great food and craft vendors.  Various children's entertainment acts.

There are some great events at the Big Top too!  Tuesday the 15th will be a business networking event (tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door) and on Thursday the 17th you can enjoy a wine tasting ($5 tickets).

You can find more information on the Lilac Festival website and be sure to check out one of the best festivals in New York and the only one of it's kind in the USA!

Loan to Cost (LTC)

In an earlier blog we talked about LTV (Loan to Value) which talked about how the relationship between the total amount you are borrowing to the appraised value of the property.  Well today we will be talking about a different relationship between the total amount of your loan to the cost of the property.

Most often used with commercial properties, LTC compares the amount you are wanting to borrow to the cost of the project itself.  For example: If you thought that building a new restaurant would be a great idea and the land was going to cost you $50,000 and then total construction costs were going to be $550,000 then your total cost would be $600,000.  Well, you've been saving for a while and you have $90,000 to invest in your dream.  This means that you still would need to borrow $510,000 and your LTC would be 85%.

There are many factors  as to if a bank or mortgage company would approve a LTC of that percentage.  One thing that they do look at is location.  Not just is it in a good area but how many of what you want to build are there already?  If you are interested in making your dream happen...contact one of our mortgage partners.  In the meantime - check us out below!

5 Tools for a First-Time Homeowner

If you are a first time homeowner this is more than likely something you have yet to think about. I mean if something breaks where you are now you are more than likely going to be calling either you parents or the landlord.  But now the home is yours and with that comes the maintenance responsibility as well.  So here are the 5 must have tools so you can keep up with everything.

• Hammer - There is so much that a hammer can do that there is no reason not to have one!  Putting nails into the wall, taking them out, or even using the claw to pull weeds out of your garden.  The hammer is a must have.
• Tape Measure - Often over-looked until you need to measure something then what do you do?  Pull out a dollar bill and count how many dollar bills wide your new entertainment system can be?  Trust us, the tape measure is something you will want to have around.
• 4 Headed Screwdriver -  Oh you already have a screwdriver!  But are you sure it's the right one?  How many times have you gone to fix something that was loose just to find out you needed a flat head and all you had was a phillips head?  With the 4 headed screwdriver you get small and large of both.
• Pliers - There are a few different types out there so you may want to grab more than one.  But they are handy!  Tightening nuts, loosening soda bottle caps, using a towel as protection and bending the tip of a metal fence back.  With those options and more, a must have the must be!
• Utility Knife - This is another often looked over tool that should be in the tool box.  Stronger than a box cutter, a utility knife can score drywall, cut rope and wires, and it can open a box too.

With these 5 basic tools a new homeowner can at least have a nice start to maintaining their own home.  Are there any others you recommend?  Leave them here in the comments or let us know at either place below.

Have a Project and Need Some Help?

Has there been something you have been waiting all winter to get done? Maybe you don't know where to start or you need some help with either part of it or all of it. Well, let Nothnagle Home Services help you out!

It doesn't even matter what it is! Been staring outside all winter imagining you little deck was 3 times the size so it could hold your new grill, new patio set, and your built in hot tub? What about someone to take care of your lawn (even if it's just while you are away) or remodel your kitchen? Because we have licensed and insured vendors that we work with for all of that...and more! You can actually check out the whole list by clicking here.

Wait, you own a business and want to see about becoming one of our partners? Nothnagle Home Services is always looking for great vendors to help our great clients. So fill out the form here and someone will contact you and go over everything that we can do for you and everything you can do for our clients.

Home Services also has their own Facebook so be sure to click the like because when one of our vendors has a special promotion you'll get it right there in your news feed!

And I am sure you have...but just in case,

Home Inspections

If you are a first time home buyer, you may not know what to expect when it comes to a home inspection.  Today we will give you a break down of what to expect as you go through the process.

Before the inspection even happens there are two things that come to mind.  Cost and time.  How much will it cost and who pays for it?  To start, it is usually a fee payed by the home buyer and is often seen as a bargain compared to potential issues that a home can have.  But how much will it cost?  The cost can vary depending on the type of tests and the size of the home.  For more information speak directly with your Nothnagle Agent! How long does it take though?  This also varies based on the tests completed and the size of the home.  On average, a home inspection can take any where from 2-4 hours to complete everything.

During the inspection, the inspector will be checking many areas in your potential new home to make sure everything is safe.  From structural components such as your foundation and frame to interior items such as mold and damaged walls.  Everything in between is covered too!  So even the plumbing, HVAC, and electrical get checked out.  There are some additional items you can have checked as well that are not part of what is considered "standard" and your Nothnagle agent can best guide you.

Ok, so after I get my home inspection...what's next?  What if something comes up?  Well after your inspection is complete both you and the seller will get a copy of the report.  Any problems or recommendations that were discovered during the inspection will show here.  From the report you and your agent can decide what to do next.  Do you need to negotiate some repairs or walk away?  Maybe even get a home warranty...just in case.

Still have questions?  Ask away!  Comment here or reach us at either place below.

Spring To-Do List

With Spring here (or at least right around the corner) we thought it might be nice to share a nice to-do list with you. This will give you some great ideas that you may have not thought about!

Roof Repairs
Even though we didn't have nearly the winter that we usually do, it still may have been enough to do some damage to your roof. You may want to grab the ladder and take a look; checking for any visible damage and loose shingles. Of course, if you don't feel comfortable...give one of our certified vendors a call to check it out for you.

Check Those Gutters
If you do decide to take the ladder and travel to the roof you may want to take a look at the gutters! Once again, checking for any visible damage and seeing if the gutters are still secure or if they seem a little loose. Don't forget to check the downspouts for damage and to make sure they are still properly connected.

Yard Clean-Up
Anything that may have fallen after you cleaned-up the yard in the fall or even anything that may have accumulated during the mild winter we had should be taken care of. This will allow the grass in your yard to be able to grow properly. Replace dead plants with new ones.

Air Conditioner
If you have central air, you may have already turned it on a couple of weeks ago when we were in the high 70s. But for those with window units or just fans, most of you more than likely have yet to get them set up. You will want to check them and make sure that they are in proper working order. Finding out now ensures that when the warm weather comes (and stays) that you will be ready...and cool. Those with central air...check your filters! The heat has been running all winter so it may be time for a replacement.

Smoke Detectors
Speaking of replacement, don't forget those smoke detectors! If you haven't already performed the semi-annual task of testing and replacing the batteries...now is the time! And for those with CO2 detectors don't forget to check them as well!

Of course if you ever need any assistance with anything, check out our Nothnagle Home Services program!

It's Moving Day!

Moving day is both exciting and stressful. Are you ready? Here are some ideas to help you be as prepared as possible (and hopefully knock down the stress a few levels).

Even if you have hired one of our Home Service partners to pack for you, it is still best to be around when it's happening. This let's you know what is where as you start to unpack and place things in your new home later on. Also, if you have hired someone they will give you a list of items. Make sure that not only everything is on it but that you can read the list before you sign it. Last thing you want as you are putting everything in their new places is to find out something is missing...and wasn't on the inventory list.

Draw out the new living space as well and list what you want where. This helps the movers and yourself out! Making a diagram of where you want everything makes it easier when the movers ask and keeps you from having to move everything around afterwards. Doing this should be a great stress reliever for everyone involved. besides, no one wants to stress out over where the large furniture items go!

Make sure pets and children are out of the way. As adorable as they all can be, you don't want them slowing the process by getting in the way of yourself or the professionals. Keep them occupied. outside, or have them spend the day with a family member or friend! Speaking of clearing the way...make sure there is plenty of space for the truck and you know where you want to put it.

Check with any of our Moving Professionals for a free quote! And don't forget to check out today's "Showcase of Homes!"

Adding On or Moving Up?

To finish out this week of home projects that could increase your home value and utilize your space we will look at two last things....Adding On or Moving Up? Of course, many many factors apply here and it is always best to consult a professional like you will find in Nothnagle Home Services.

As time moves on, things change. Children are born, they grow older and yearn for freedom, family moves back in. We mentioned earlier that a use for your basement could be an in-law suite or teen apartment. But have you thought about adding on? Whether it will be a garage to hold the things that were in your basement as you convert it...a three season room so you can get all the benefits of outside but without the bugs from outside...or if you are adding on an apartment, adding on may be a best option for you. Adding on gives you total control as to what it looks like on both the inside and out. You won't be restricted by support beams or the water heater.

But not all of us have the yard space. So what are we to do? Move out? Why not...move up? Attic spaces can sometimes be converted into additional bedrooms or even better yet, a master suite! After all, why not do something for yourself? Of course there can be restrictions with this when it comes to plumbing and supporting the extra weight. So once again you will want to contact a professional that can look at everything and help you make the decisions that are best for you.

Please check out our contracting partners and check us out on both Facebook and Twitter.

Best Exterior Home Improvements

Thinking about changing something outside but want to re-coop your money if you decide to sell soon? Here are some great improvement ideas for the exterior of your home! Stand outside and look at your home as if you were someone who was interested in purchasing it. What are some things that you would change? What sticks out to you in either a negative or positive way?

Siding can make quite the impact on your curb appeal. Whether it be color, fixing damaged pieces, or adding trim...siding can make a great positive improvemnet. If you have cracked or missing pieces of siding, it can be much cheaper to just have those pieces replaced rather than having all of your siding replaced. Exterior decorative trim made of high-density polyurehane foam can also be easily added to "dress-up" the exterior of your home. (Check out our Siding Professional partners)

Next to grab your attention may be the windows and your front door. Not only would these updates benefit your curb appeal but upgrading to higher efficiency windows and doors can also gain you additional tax credits. A new front entry door is generally an easy change to make and makes a great instant home improvement. With a US average home age of 35 years and an average of 73 years in Rochester and 76 years in Buffalo...a buyer can greatly appreciate new windows. Both of these improvements help lower home energy costs and stand up to weather extremes. (Check out our Window/Door Professionals here)

Best Interior Home Improvements

Are you looking for some ideas to bring the interior of your home up to date but may be selling soon? Here are some great interior home improvement ideas that have a great return!

Think about when you were purchasing a home. What were the two areas that you most commonly thought, "This is nice...but it looks a little old." Both kitchens and bathrooms can age quickly if they contain design cues from certain eras and fads. Try to neutralize these areas to create a space that never seems dated. In a bathroom, update the vanity and install more neutral lighting fixtures. Kitchens can change dramatically with projects as small as refacing cabinets or just changing the hardware. Some of the most common kitchen upgrades include new counter-tops even upgrading to newer appliances. (See our Bathroom, Kitchen, Counter-top and Appliance partners)

Another great idea is finishing your basement! Even if you only finish part, that is still additional space that you are adding to your home. Plus the uses are endless! You can turn your basement into a playroom, theater, office, or even an apartment for teens/inlaws or to rent out. The possibilites are endless and it's a great way to appeal to multi-generation households. (Check out our Basement Remodel partners).

Have you ever lost power? It can especially be toublesome in the winter when ice has taken down the power line and you can't get out of your driveway. A back-up power generator can really help out! They aren't they large, loud, and smokey generators many of us remember. Most can be installed right outside next to your AC unit and bring power back within seconds!

Great Events this Weekend! (March 2nd)

Looking for something awesome and exciting to do this weekend? There is ALWAYS something fun going on in the Rochester area! So take a look below and make some plans.


This weekend be sure to stop by the National Museum of Play! Aside from their usual mix of the Berenstain Bears, Monopoly, and countless other exhibits...they have The Wizard of Oz! Until May 13th they have an educational exhibit based completely on The Wizard of Oz. From talking like a munchkin to climbing the witch's castle, they have it all! While you're there don't forget to stop by the Rainbow Reef and Sea Anemone tanks. Admission if free under for those under 2, $11 for those ages 2 - 15, and $13 for 16 and up.



Not to far from the Museum of Play you will find the Rochester Museum and Science Center which is currently has their Extreme Mammals! From the biggest mammal to the smallest of the small...RMSC has them all! Tickets are free for children under 3, $13 for 3-18, and $15 for adults.