Congratulations on deciding to buy a home! Now is the time to start planning for all of upcoming expenses when purchasing a home. Most first-time buyers realize that a down payment will be due, but there are some additional expenses to plan for as well. Meeting yourself where you are and reviewing all the details of your current financial situation is the very first thing you should do after deciding to buy a house. Be sure to save more than you think you’ll need to leave some wiggle room for unexpected issues or additional expenses. Our experienced ADKPP agents ensure Read More
Lake Placid Real Estate Updates Tips For Buying in the Adirondacks

Margie Philo, Real Estate Broker & Owner
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Adirondack Premier Properties
Welcome to “The Brokers Suite,” our blog with updates about new listings, real estate buying and selling tips, and more real estate topics updated regularly. Stay up to date with the latest Adirondack and Lake Placid real estate market information. Find insider advice and tips to assist you in selling or buying a residential or commercial property in the Adirondacks.
"Where Experience Isn't Expensive, it’s Priceless."
Lake Placid Real Estate Market Expert
See below for our latest blog posts. Some posts are republished as part of the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services collection of real estate education content.
August 2023 Newest Listings
WATERFRONT Log Home On Gull Pond In Tupper Lake 3 BED | 2 BATH | 7.7 ACRES | $899,000 The sought after waterfront Adirondack Log Cabin nestled in the woods is ready for you to own!This property is a year round winterized home with high speed internet located privately on over 7 acres with 657 feet on crystal clear Gull Pond. Gull Pond is a 1 mile long glacial lake known for pristine water quality and privacy. View more on this Log Home On Gull Pond. Harbor View On Lake Champlain 5 BED | 3 BATH | 2.64 ACRES Read More
Buying Commercial Real Estate
Interested in buying commercial real estate, but unsure about where to start? New opportunities are available every day for entrepreneurs like you who are looking for investments. Commercial real estate opportunities can be a great addition to your portfolio. Passive income as well as having the potential for growth are two of the best benefits. Buying Commercial Real Estate – 5 Property Categories Commercial real estate is generally used for business purposes or includes buildings with five or more units. It can be broken down into five main categories: 1. Multifamily – Residential properties with multiple units like duplexes, triplexes, Read More
A Guide To Living In A Lake House Or Cabin With A Well
If you’re a homeowner who relies on a well for water, or are considering purchasing a lakefront property with a well, it’s important to understand how to perform well water management. Private wells are common in rural areas, including lake houses and cabins, providing homeowners with a reliable water source. Adirondack Premier Properties has sold and rented dozens of homes in recent years and wanted to share our experiences. This article will provide key facts about owning a lakefront home with a well and how to maintain it, especially for properties that are winterized each year. Understanding the Basics of Read More
Fact Check – 10 Myths About Real Estate
Thinking about entering into a real estate deal? Chances are you’ve done some research online and picked the brains of your inner circle to get some advice. While it would be great if all real estate advice were on the mark, many people believe some pervasive myths about real estate that can trip you up as your deal starts to progress. At Adirondack Premier Properties, our many happy clients will tell you that our experience and expertise goes a long way in helping you navigate a successful deal. Read our advice below and prepare to let go of some of Read More
Lake Placid Summit Lacrosse Classic
The Lake Placid Summit Lacrosse Classic occurs annually the first week of August. This event is not to be missed by players or spectators. With the Adirondack High Peaks and Olympic attractions as the backdrop, there’s no better setting to enjoy Lax. Bringing in Scholastic as well as Adult divisions, the action of this popular Lacrosse tournament is framed perfectly by the Olympic Ski Jumps. The setting, game play and mixed age divisions makes this a perfect family event. Scholastic aged kids, parents and grandparents can all enjoy playing and cheering each other on. Your team not coming to the Read More
Can Am Rugby Saranac Lake Summer Highlight
The Can Am Rugby Saranac Lake takes place in Saranac Lake each year the last weekend of July. Considered one of the largest rugby events in the world, this rugby tournament is a summer highlight for ruggers and rugby fans alike. It was started in 1973 by Mountaineers Rugby. Initially the tournament featured eight teams. Today it has grown to over 100+ teams and expanded across two villages, playing on fields across Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. Can Am Rugby Saranac Lake – Plan Your Weekend The Can Am Rugby Saranac Lake tournament can be a family affair with Read More
When Is The Best Time To Refinance Your Home?
The answer to the question, “When is the best time to refinance your home?,” really comes down to the homeowner. Refinancing a mortgage involves paying off your existing loan to replace it with a new product ideally offering better rates and terms. Trying to determine when is best time is to refinance your home can be difficult to determine. Many factors must be considered including what is going on with your personal finances and also the economy at large. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, mortgage rates were almost half of today’s current market rates. Those conditions made a Read More
How To Maintain A Lake House Septic System
If you’re considering purchasing a home with a septic system, or already own one, it’s essential to understand how it works and the maintenance required to keep it functioning properly. Septic systems are commonly found in rural areas, lake houses, and cabins where access to public sewer systems is limited. Here we’ll outline the most important facts about owning a home with a septic system and address the additional considerations for properties that are closed-down for the winter. What is a Septic System? A septic system is an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system. It’s composed of two main components: Read More
Lake Placid Ironman
The Lake Placid Ironman comes into town each year on the third weekend of July. This world class triathlon brings in top athletes from all over the world to compete on the renowned course set in the beautiful Adirondack mountains. In 2022, the Lake Placid Ironman course was voted the Best Race Venue and 3rd best on Overall Race, Bike Course, Finish Line and Post Race Experience. Traveling from Lake Placid to Keene and on to Wilmington and back, the course allows athletes to enjoy the beauty of the Adirondacks while testing their stamina and endurance. Lake Placid Ironman – Read More
Buying Lakefront Real Estate? Here Are 5 Things To Consider
Owning lakefront real estate is a dream come true for many people. The tranquil sound of water, the stunning views, and the opportunity for a waterfront lifestyle all make it a very appealing investment. With over 3,000 lakes, rivers and streams the Adirondacks are the perfect place to start your search. Similar to the Adirondack towns each waterway has its own feel and rules. This is why buying lakefront real estate requires careful consideration and planning. At ADKPP we have helped dozens of families and investors buy houses on or near our regional lakes. Here are some important factors Read More
10 Step Checklist For Buying A Home
Buying a home is an exciting and sometimes confusing process. Tap into our experience to make it easier by following our 10 Step Checklist for Buying A Home. We’ll guide you through the process with a handy and concise list. Join our many happy Adirondack Premier Properties clients who have successfully purchased the Adirondack real estate of their dreams! Getting Started – Checklist for Buying a Home Step 1 – Determine How Much Home You Can Afford Before you start the search for your perfect home, take a close look at your financials. How much home you can afford is Read More
July 2023 Newest Listings
RESIDENTIAL SARANAC LAKE RANCH NEAR DONNELLYS 3 BED | 1 BATH | $115,000 This property is an opportunity for an owner to remodel and design to their own plans. The 4 acres are wooded and private with state land across the road for a forever wild view. View more on this Saranac Lake property. FAWN RIDGE LOG HOME IN LAKE PLACID – PENDING! 3 BED | 3 BATH | $1,995,000 Exceptional custom details and included furnishings in this newly renovated log home in the Fawn Ridge neighborhood with stunning Whiteface Mountain and Lake Placid year round views. View Read More
ADKPP Guide To Fishing In The Adirondacks
Whether you’re planning to cast your line in the serene waters of Lake Placid, Upper Saranac Lake, or any of the numerous riverside and creek fishing spots within the Adirondacks, it’s crucial to understand New York State’s fishing licensing requirements. In this post, we’ll guide you through the process and provide some handy tips to ensure you’re ready to enjoy a memorable fishing experience in the Adirondacks. Do I Need a Fishing License? If you’re over 16 and plan to fish in any of the freshwater bodies in New York State, you’ll need a fishing license. There are exceptions during Read More
June 2023 Notable Sales
ADIRONDACK CHALET IN LAKE PLACID 4 BED | 2 BATH | 2,406 SQUARE FEET | $699,000 Location, location, location for this Adirondack Chalet home with direct access from the property to “Henry’s Woods” for hiking and exploring. Vaulted ceilings with views of Whiteface Mountain, open floor plan, and a cozy fireplace for those who love to entertain, the living room has new wood bamboo flooring. COTTAGE IN ST. REGIS FALLS 4 BED | 2 BATH | 3,000 SQUARE FEET | $399,000 A stunning and completely remodeled Adirondack home built on almost 69 acres of wooded private land with two ponds! Read More
New In Town? Important Phone Numbers and Service Providers
Welcome to the Adirondacks! At Adirondack Premier Properties we want all members of our community to be prepared for emergencies and also know how to access local services. We’ve compiled these important phone numbers to help you set up your new home with the essentials as well as the many comforts our area has to offer. Check below for important phone numbers including emergency contacts, utilities, and code enforcement. As applicable, important phone numbers are categorized by community. IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS – EMERGENCY In Case of Emergency Always Call 911 Lake Placid Lake Placid Fire Department – 456 Old Military Read More
ADKPP Advice – How To Win A Bidding War On A House
At the height of the housing market, many buyers were left wondering how to win a bidding war on a house. Seemingly out of control, bidding wars popped up frequently in the Adirondacks and in markets across the U.S. With escalation clauses, “love letters,” and removal of contingencies, many bidders lost out as these tactics influenced sellers to choose other buyers. At Adirondack Premier Properties, we aren’t big fans of bidding wars. When we find ourselves heading into a competitive situation, we prefer to have best and final offers ready. As a buyer, if you are interested in purchasing a Read More
Lake Placid Horse Shows
Lake Placid is no stranger to hosting world-class athletic events as host of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics. In the equestrian sports arena, the town also delivers one of the nation’s most prestigious equine events with the annual Lake Placid Horse Shows. Every summer, Lake Placid Horse Shows offer two weeks of equestrian events: Lake Placid Horse Show from June 27 – July 2 I Love NY Horse Show from July 4 – July 9 A summer highlight for horse loving visitors and locals alike, this event is not to be missed. World class riders and horses participate in Read More
How To Get Pre-Approved For A Mortgage
You feel like now is the time to buy a home; your finances are in order, and you have saved some money. But before going to deep into the homebuying process, you should first reach out to a few lenders to get a mortgage pre-approval or to get pre-qualified for a mortgage. This pre-approval will give you as well as your real estate agent an idea of how much of a home you can purchase. Having a pre-approval letter also lets home sellers know that you are a serious buyer. Most lenders will use the terms pre-approval and pre-qualification Read More
Insider Guide – Keene and Keene Valley Events of Summer
Similar to the Saranac Lake region, the Keene and Keene Valley region will bring you into small town living in the Adirondacks. Keene Valley events are one of a kind, just like this close knit community. Happenings in the valley are typically more focused on living in nature unlike the hustle and bustle of large events found in Lake Placid. Keene Valley is a hiker’s paradise offering the most options of mountains to hike in the region. These hikes include quick trips as well as some overnight options when hiking the 46 high peaks. The community is also heavily focused Read More
Buy Local – Adirondack and Lake Placid Farmers Market Guide
June brings the official start of summer and the beginning of Lake Placid farmers market season! Time to head out to local markets to pick up delicious fresh produce and other goodies from local farms and artists. Throughout the Adirondacks, almost every community offers a farmers market throughout the summer. Check out our Adirondack & Lake Placid Farmers Market guide to plan your summer market adventures! Weekly Schedule – Adirondack and Lake Placid Farmers Market Guide Wilmington – Tuesdays The Wilmington Farmer’s Market , offered near Lake Placid in the town of Wilmington, NY, runs on Tuesdays from June to Read More
How Do Credit Utilization Ratios Affect Credit Scores?
Credit scores from FICO and VantageScore, the two most prominent U.S. credit scoring companies, rely on calculations based on a range of data, including payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit (10%) and credit mix (10%). The total amount you owe, the number and types of accounts you have, and the amount of money owed compared to how much credit you have available compose the “amounts owed” ratio. One of the ways this figure is calculated is through credit utilization, a measure of how much available credit you’re using as it applies to revolving Read More
Essential Saranac Lake Guide to Summer
Like its next door neighbor Lake Placid, Saranac Lake is also a tourist destination, but with more of a small-town flair. An artsy community, it provides a little slower feeling than Lake Placid’s hustle and bustle. This small community offers some world class events with the opportunity to explore the Adirondacks through its many waterways. There is no shortage of new adventures to fill your days while enjoying the small-town feel. For the low down on local events, activities, and eats, check out our Saranac Lake Guide to Summer below. Summertime Events – Saranac Lake Guide There are quite a Read More
May 2023 Notable Sales
LAKE PLACID TOWNHOME AT THE WHITEFACE CLUB 4 BED | 4 BATH | $2,500,000 Beautiful Adirondack design townhouse duplex located at the 400 plus acres Whiteface Club & Resort. Conveniently located just steps to the Golf Clubhouse with restaurant, Lake Placid lakefront sandy beach and tennis courts. Panoramic lake and mountain view. View more on this sold Lake Placid property. HORIZON LOJ IN SARANAC LAKE 4 BED | 3 BATH | $629,000 Meticulously maintained and being offered turn-key, Horizon Loj has it all! This beautiful home and property features 4 bedrooms on the main level, including the primary, 3 full Read More
Lake Placid Guide to Summer – Get in the Know
Lake Placid is an amazing tourist destination that offers something for everyone. From world class events to endless opportunities to explore the mountains, it’s easy to fill every day with adventures. Check out our Lake Placid Guide to Summer so you don’t miss any of the amazing happenings! Lake Placid Guide – Summertime Events There are multiple popular world class events that happen in Lake Placid during the summer. Some of the most notable events in our Lake Placid Guide are: Horse Shows, Ironman, and Summit Lacrosse Tournament. Horse Shows – June 27th – July 9th The annual Lake Read More
June 2023 Newest Listings
RESIDENTIAL PIERCEFIELD HOME NEAR MT. ARAB 3 BED | 2 BATH | $329,000 NEW,NEW, NEW A brand new house from the frame out. New roof, windows, flooring, siding, decking, walls, plumbing, electric, boiler, appliances and fixtures. ADIRONDACK COTTAGE ON CHERRY STREET IN LAKE PLACID 3 BED | 2 BATH | $545,000 An Adirondack Cottage style home in Lake Placid with no village taxes in a quiet neighborhood. This home has been totally renovated with a new roof, new exterior staining, totally new renovated upscale kitchen with stainless appliances and granite. View more on this Lake Placid Read More
Free Music In Lake Placid and Surrounding Region
Wildlife and the Olympics are what the Lake Placid region is most known for but during the summer many communities like to offer free music during the week. These musical acts come from all over the country to provide entertainment for tourists and locals with the perfect Adirondack backdrop. Songs At Mirror Lake Mids Park Lake Placid | Tuesdays | 7pm -9pm June 27th – Celtic Night With The McKrells The McKrells are described as Celtic- infused bluegrass music. Kevin McKrell pioneered American Celtic music starting in 1979 with the band Donnybrook Fair. In 1998, McKrell build an all star Read More
Discover 5 Reasons To Buy a Townhome
When you set out to buy a home, determining exactly what you are looking for can be difficult. Factors like what size fits your current space needs or how much fix up or maintenance work you want to take on must be considered. Whether you should buy a townhome, condo or residential home can be hard to nail down. At Adirondack Premier Properties, our friendly staff are skilled at helping buyers consider all of their needs and options, including a town home which could be the perfect fit. Townhomes give you the best of both worlds between a residential Read More
5 Lake Placid Golf Courses within Short Drive of Town
While the Lake Placid region is most known for the Winter Olympics and ample opportunities to explore nature, it is also an amazing golf destination. Lake Placid golf courses include 5 different nearby clubs within a half hour drive of each other. Each club offers its own challenges, and all provide excellent opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Adirondacks while playing. Whiteface Club & Resort 373 Whiteface Inn Lane Lake Placid, NY | Rates The Whiteface Club & Resort is the premier golf course in the Northeast. Not only a standout among Lake Placid golf courses, the course was Read More
5 Steps for Purchasing Land Hassle Free
Spring in the Adirondacks is a time of greening up and lots of new growth. The landscape pops with new beginnings and change, and you might feel inspired this spring make something new in your life too. Now might be the perfect time to follow your own dreams like purchasing land and building your own home from the ground up. Purchasing land can be a complicated process, especially if you’ve never done it before. As purchasing land can be a costly endeavor too, it’s always wise to do your research before getting started. Our agents have helped many clients complete Read More