Organizing in the New Year

A brand new year is a fresh start. Maybe you are thinking about getting organized. De-cluttering and knowing where everything is reduces stress. And we can all use less stress.

Here are some ideas for organizing your kitchen from Real Simple.
If you are thinking of putting your house up for sale, showing off your kitchen and its space is essential:

1. Store items by use
2. Group similar items
3. Designate a cooking zone
4. Install shelf organizers
5. Contain lids

Visit the website for the full article.


Here are some tips for closet organizing.

1. Hang bags on hooks
2. Capitalize on every inch
3. Hang a shoe shelf
4. Stow out of season items
5. Use shelf dividers

See the full article here.

*images provided by Real Simple.com

Trending: Shared Office Space

Do you run a small business and would like to move your business out of your house?

Consider office sharing.

As more and more jobs are becoming remote through the internet and mobile devices, the need for physical office space is declining. A popular trend for independent contractors and entrepreneurs is to share office space. There are many benefits to sharing office space that include not only saving money on rent and expenses but also working in an environment with other professionals.

You would be able to have affordable rent and share expenses on things such as a copier machine, postage meter and supplies.

If you are interested in learning more about sharing office space in the Cooper/Titus/Hudson area of Irondequoit please email info@waltherrealtors.com


Check out this article from Grow Smart Biz about the popular trend of office sharing.

Maximize Outdoor Living

Arguably we only have about 4-5 months of warm weather in Western NY. If you have an outdoor space, now is the time to play it up and add value to your property. Whether it is a porch, patio or deck there are simple ways to make these treasured outdoor spaces more homey and inviting and therefore more appealing to buyers.

For a porch or covered patio think about adding a swing. Cover the floor with a rug that has an appealing pattern. Add lighting such as candle lanterns. Beautify and add privacy on the porch by strategically hanging planted baskets from the eaves. For maximum impact, choose lush and trailing plants.

For a patio add a sense of enclosure with a row of potted plants. Put colorful outdoor pillows on furniture for comfort. If your patio or deck is next to an exterior wall of your home, hang sconces or a mirror on the outside of your home to create a feeling of homeyness outside. Add texture to siding with trellises.

For decks low enough not to require a railing, build a bench seat around the perimeter. Harmonize the deck color to that off the house to make the transition from indoors to outdoors seamless. Create an instant "roof" with a drop cloth and four bamboo poles.

It doesn't take much money to spruce up an outdoor area. Making a potential buyer feel like they can "live" in the yard or outdoor area will offer them more space and opportunity to entertain and enjoy the home.

*image from Gant-Construction.com

Irondequoit Library Proposal

April 23 is the day to vote on the proposed Irondequoit Library located on the town hall property.

Whether your vote is yes or no, please get out and voice your opinion.

Polls are open from 9am to 9pm.
Unless you received a post card indicating otherwise, polling places are as follows:

• Residents in the West Irondequoit Central School District vote at the St. Paul Fire Department at 433 Cooper Road.
• Residents in the East Irondequoit Central School District will vote at the Ridge Culver Fire Department at 2960 Culver Road.

Call the Town Hall switchboard at 585-467-8840 or Town Clerk at 585-336-6045 for more information.

Visit the Irondequoit Library Proposal website for more information.

Click here for an article in the Messenger Post.

Save Money on Your Taxes with the STAR Exemption

The STAR Exemption is a New York State reduction in schools taxes for homeowners. Are you taking advantage of this savings? The deadline to apply is March 1, 2013. Facts Worth Knowing: 1. The STAR Exemption only applies if the property is your primary residence. 2. To qualify for the Basic STAR Exemption your combined household income must be lower than $500,000 a year. 3. The Enhanced STAR Exemption is available to those homeowners aged 65 or older who meet the income requirements. 4. You only need to apply once to receive the STAR Exemption every year. Click here for the STAR Exemption Form. Bring the completed form along with your deed to your town assessor's office.

Want to Become a Real Estate Agent?

There is much more to being a real estate agent than showing houses and writing contracts. It is a personal business based on building relationships and learning how to become an advocate for your clients. We are a community-minded real estate brokerage established in 1971. We offer hands-on training for new agents.

The real estate market is stable and improving and 2013 is the time to learn how real estate can add to your life.

Earn money while having a flexible schedule, be involved in your community, work in a field that is about helping others.

To learn more register for our no-obligation informational session.

Call or email Erica Walther to reserve your spot.

266-5941 x20 or erica@waltherrealtors.com

Steve Walther

REALTOR/Broker

 

Greg Walther

Associate Broker

 

Erica Walther Schlaefer

REALTOR 

Ken Burritt, Ellen Chor, Joe Guadagnino, Pat Gunther, 

Elena Mulcahy, Bruce Rouse, Mercedes Simmons

                                                                                                     

A Step in the Right Direction?

There was an article published yesterday in the Democrat and Chronicle covering where Irondequoit stands in economic development and community projects. The article entitled  "Irondequoit May Be at a Tipping Point" written by Justin Murphy begins by offering two scenarios for Irondequoit's future- that the town will succeed in advancing the business and social community or it will fail. Speaking about the town board's proposal for a new joint library on town hall property he writes that the project will come to fruition and benefit the town  "or it will fall victim to the same bitter resistance to change."

It is discouraging to read this because it points out once again how the public views the town of Irondequoit. While there is optimism in the article as well, it is frustrating that the town is viewed as obstinate to change and unwilling to compromise and move forward with progression on all levels. This negative image needs to be changed. We need people, including our current residents, to feel confident again. We cannot afford to continue on with this negative image.

The article reflects the critical stage of different proposed projects for the town of Irondequoit and how they will impact the town as a whole. More importantly it points out how badly we need positive changes to bring Irondequoit back to life. I don't want people to view our town and it's government as incapable of making decisions that will lead to development. I don't want people to view our community as resistant to change and unable to move forward for the better of the majority of the citizens who are screaming for change and progress.

The last week has been full of positive news for economic growth in Irondequoit. I was invited to last Thursday's workshop with the town board regarding the I-Square Development. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the town board initiated a decision to have the lawyers representing both parties get together and hash out a plan, inferring that the 25 year PILOT may be a go.

My optimistic side believes that I-Square is back on track, that the proposed new library will be the spark to finally get that unresolved conflict closer to a conclusion, and a feeling of progression may turn Irondequoit's image around. But I need to see results.

2103 could be the year the Irondequoit community has been waiting for. It could mean breaking ground at I-Square and seeing the new Cooper Road Extension built. We could witness the future of our town take shape and look forward to all the great advances that will come with building our community up once again.