A Personal Message From Broker & Owner, Judi Gabler

“Happy New Year! I’d like to introduce you to our local market update that you’ll find in your mailbox quarterly throughout 2022. Inside these pages are market statistics, buyer and seller seminar dates, and a list of all single-family sales in the Town of Bethlehem from the prior quarter of the year. I hope you will find it informative and interesting.

What are we seeing in the local market now? Well, the Bethlehem market remains strong on the selling side, continuing in the trend we have seen in the last two years across much of the Nation. It will be interesting to see how our local market will continue to be impacted by the extended building moratorium in Bethlehem, which has temporarily ceased approval on major subdivisions. As local real estate salespersons, we are hopeful to have an increase in inventory to meet the needs of our clients soon, especially with the establishment of the new Plug Power facility coming to Vista Tech Park in Slingerlands, which is planning to employ 700 people. In short, we do not see the “seller’s market” going away anytime soon in Bethlehem.

We are so proud to be a part of and serve the Bethlehem community. Please never hesitate to reach out with any real estate questions or advice you may need. From our Gabler Realty family to yours, wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year ahead.”

– Judith Gabler, R. E. Broker & Owner of Gabler Realty

Partnering with a REALTOR® before beginning your home search…

Purchasing a home is a very rewarding experience, even though the many moving parts involved seem complicated and daunting. In this strong seller’s market, preparation is crucial to understanding what it takes to make a strong offer and win a bid on the home of your dreams. So here are my first two key points you need to know before you begin starting one of the most important purchases of your life!

Before starting your search, pair yourself with a trusted real estate agent to share with you knowledge of the process step-by-step. They will be your close confidante, who understands your needs, and who will honestly tell you when you should walk away from a house and when you should sign. This transparent relationship is critical. A buyer’s agent is going to be with you even after closing day, as a connected resource in the community to recommend contractors and other companies for all of your home maintenance or renovation needs as the years pass.

Having a buyer’s agent can sometimes be advantageous when picking out a lender for the house of your dreams. A great agent has behind-the-scenes information as to which mortgage companies are the best fit for your lending needs. They will match you with a lender, whose job is to look over your financials and determine the amount you need to borrow to not only have a home to enjoy, but a life to enjoy as well. Starting your search with a realistic budget in mind brings you the joy of house hunting and leaves out the stress of “can I truly afford this?”.

I encourage all potential homebuyers to attend our educational seminars so that you can be prepared for the journey to owning your own home. You too can be an expert, alongside your agent as a fully prepared team to make the process a breeze and handle any surprises that may come along the way. And no doubt, as every deal is unique, there will probably be at least one!

Getting a pre-listing home inspection to save you time and headache…

Your home has been the place to hang your hat and feel at ease, no matter how long you have occupied the dwelling. You have spent time, money, and energy building equity over the years. When the time has come to sell your much-loved home, it is unusual to think of it as a product you are placing on the market. But it truly is, and by seeing it in this light, you will really take care to maximize impressions to sell for top dollar. In order to do this, paying for a pre-inspection before listing your house is a good way to ensure it sells for its highest value.

A pre-inspection is a discovery into the overall condition of your home as it is now. With the busyness of daily life, many of us don’t think to look for mold in our attics or are even aware of the asbestos-wrapped piping in our basements. That crack in your foundation wall, is it structural or just cosmetic? When was the last time you looked up to notice the condition of the bricks on your chimney?

Addressing these major items now will absolutely save you time and money down the road so they do not come up during the buyers’ own home inspection. It is better to be proactive than reactive. Repairing these items upfront will save you time, money and headaches. We strongly encourage investing in a pre-inspection and addressing any concerns before listing your home, to pave the way to a great offer and a smooth closing.

A message from Agent of the Quarter, Mary Canova

“I initially started my career in real estate as a professional home stager. My role then, and now, involves assisting homeowners in preparing their homes for sale. Maximizing the first impression is key to getting top dollar for your home. In fact, according to the National Association of REALTORS®, staged homes sell faster and for more money!

To get started staging without hired help and expense, I advise homeowners to minimize clutter and excess furniture so that the home’s most valuable features and square footage are highlighted. Also, store away personal memorabilia and items from common areas, and keep in mind that you want the house to appeal to the broadest number of buyers. Neutral (but not boring) is always the safest plan for resale.

If I can be of further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out via call or text at 518-928-9797!”

– Mary Canova, R.E. Salesperson
Cell/Text: (518) 928-9797 | Email: MaryCanova7@Gmail.com