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Lake Placid Real Estate Updates Tips For Buying in the Adirondacks

Margie Philo, Real Estate Broker & Owner

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.

Planning For Weather When Buying Real Estate In Lake Placid

Planning For Weather

Real Estate And Weather In Lake Placid Lake Placid, New York, is a picturesque village located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. The area has a rich history dating back to the 1800s, when wealthy families from the East Coast began building summer homes in the region. By the late 1800s, Lake Placid had become a popular destination for outdoor recreation, and the first hotels and resorts began to appear. As the area grew in popularity, more families began to build homes, many of which were designed in the popular Adirondack style. This style typically features natural materials such Read More

May 22nd, 2023

Big Decision – Should I Rent Or Sell My Home?

Keys In Doorway

If you have a home that is sitting vacant or that you’re no longer using, you’ll probably find yourself mulling over your options.  “Should I rent or sell my home?” is a common question we get here at Adirondack Premier Properties.  Homeowners sometimes want to offload the responsibility or defray the costs of keeping the home, or may look for ways to turn the empty house into an income stream. Solving the dilemma of should I rent or sell my home is highly dependent on the situation. Ultimately, the decision falls on the homeowner after careful consideration of variables that Read More

May 18th, 2023

A Summer Guide to the Jay and Wilmington NY Area

Whiteface

The Jay and Wilmington NY area has a similar feel to the Keene region with a heavy focus on enjoying nature. The jewel at the center is Whiteface Mountain where locals and visitors can hike, bike, drive to the top as well as downhill ski during the winter. It also has some of the best fishing in the region where anglers from all over visit the west branch of the Ausable River to throw their line in for brook and brown trout. It is also has the best network of trails for mountain biking with courses throughout the town as Read More

May 16th, 2023

Selling Your Home? Here Is A Helpful Checklist For The Process

House Moving Contract Family

Selling your home can be a bittersweet time for every homeowner. It is exciting to start a new adventure in life whether it is growing your family, starting a new job or moving to a new location. It can also be a little upsetting thinking of the memories that were made or downsizing to fit your new lifestyle. The positive thing is the memories will always be with you! If you are thinking of selling here is a checklist to help with the process Before listing: Focus On Curb Appeal Now is time to take care of all of the Read More

May 11th, 2023

4 Top Real Estate Photography Tips

Camera Mountains

Spring and mud season are here in the Adirondacks! With the weather not quite right for sunny outdoor fun just yet, many Adirondackers use this shoulder season for spring cleaning around their properties.  If you are looking to promote a house for sale or rent, taking advantage of these spring cleaning tendencies to get some photos when the property is in top shape can be a big win-win.   With a freshly cleaned and organized home, capturing high quality images can be a snap.  Whether you are the homeowner or the real estate professional taking the photos, here are some Read More

May 4th, 2023

May 2023 Newest Listings

Adirondack Home On Upper Saranac Lake - Boathouse Deck Above

WATERFRONT ADIRONDACK HOME ON UPPER SARANAC LAKE 4 BED  |  3 BATH  |  $3,250,000 A rarely available stunning year round four bedroom home on Upper Saranac Lake which is being offered fully furnished including the boat! Built on a level lot just steps to the new 2 slip boathouse with an upper sitting deck and wonderful views. Unique sandy beach which is ideal for wading in or swimming, 200 private ft of waterfront. View more on this Upper Saranac Lake waterfront property.     RESIDENTIAL SARANAC LAKE COTTAGE ON OLD LAKE COLBY 3 BED  |  2 BATH  |  $299,000 Very Read More

May 2nd, 2023

3 First Time Homebuyer Programs In New York

First Time Homebuyer Programs

Starting the process to buy your first home is an exciting and nervous time.   Researching first time homebuyer programs is an important first step to get to know your options.  Programs to consider include those offered by banks as well as state sponsored programs. Banks offer many first time homebuyer programs.  You can start by exploring what your local bank offers and expand your search if needed to consider regional or other banks that operate within your state.  Different banks offer programs with varying incentives that you can take advantage of, including no closing costs or other reduced pricing initiatives. Read More

April 27th, 2023

Earth Day 2023 – 12 Ways To Go Green

earthday 2023

Earth day is here… the perfect time to evaluate how to become greener and reduce waste in your own home and community. Check out our 12 Ways to Go Green to find out how to take more environment friendly action in your daily life. With sustainability & environmental issues concerning many homeowners, renters and buyers in today’s real estate market, adopting green practices at your home or rental not only feels good, but may help increase the value of your property over time.  Consumers are increasingly exploring ec0-friendly home alternatives as energy costs rise and awareness about pollution and environmental Read More

April 22nd, 2023

Homebuying Process In 10 Steps

Home Buying Process In 10 Steps

  Learn 10 steps to take when you are planning to buy a home. Gain insight from the experience of local Adirondack area realtors at ADKPP that have helped hundreds of people over the years. Make Sure You Are Ready to Buy a House You might think of this step as just a financial step, but it is also good to make sure you are ready mentally. The homebuying process can have a lot of ups and downs so preparing mentally is one of the best steps you can take. Financially, make sure that your loans or cash payment assets Read More

April 20th, 2023

5 Reasons To Buy A Home Now

5 Reasons To Buy A Home Now

Now is the time to buy the home of your dreams! You’ve rented, saved your money, and done research on where you want to live. With the visioning, saving and prep work out of the way, this is the year to make your home owning dreams come true.  While some skeptics might advise waiting, we offer our top 5 reasons to buy a home now below. Although interest rates are higher than they’ve been for the past few years, no one can predict the future.  Timing the market may be tempting, but waiting may not be the greatest idea.  There’s Read More

April 13th, 2023

Opening Your Lake House After Winter: An ADKPP Guide

Opening Your Lake House After Winter: An ADKPP Guide

Happy Spring! With warmer weather finally on the way, it’s time to start thinking about opening your lake house.  Putting together your opening plan can be both exciting and overwhelming.   It can be especially daunting if the property has been left unattended for an extended period.  Read on for our expert advice to help you create a routine to streamline your opening process. At Adirondack Premier Properties, we advise our clients to ask a caretaker or neighbor to check in on the property occasionally over winter. This can bring peace of mind and also help get ahead of any winter Read More

April 10th, 2023

Adirondack Landscaping Tips & Tricks For Spring/ Summer

Tulips And Spring Flowers

Brushing up on landscaping tips might not be on the top of your April to do list.  But while it’s not looking fully like spring just yet, signs hint that warm and sunny days are just around the corner.  Robins, snowmelt, more sunshine and the first green shoots tell us the seasons are changing, and it’s time to start to planning landscaping projects for spring and summer. In the Adirondacks, nice looking outdoor spaces help us make the most of the warm weather when it finally comes.  As the grey winter moves out and muddy spring settles in, it’s time Read More

April 5th, 2023

March 2023 Notable Sales

Camp Serenity In Saranac Lake - View From Covered Porch

CAMP SERENITY IN SARANAC LAKE 7 BED  |  5 BATH  |  6,200 SQUARE FEET  |  11.53 ACRES Newly renovated 6200 square feet home built in 2000 on highest point of Mount Pisgah with Saranac Lakes and Mountain views from inside & out! 1st Floor includes a gym/bedroom, office/bedroom with stone fireplace, 1.5 baths & 10 large closets. 2nd Floor with new gourmet granite kitchen, dining room, living room with stone fireplace and master suite with corner stone fireplace, 2 walk-in closets, bath with Jacuzzi and great mountain & lake views right from the bed! 3rd floor has 3 bedrooms, sitting Read More

April 3rd, 2023

Strong Showing For 2022 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Awards

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Awards - BHHS Chairman Circle Gold Award

This year was another great year for our offices! Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Adirondack Premier Properties and Adirondack Realty are happy to announce that 10 out of our 22 real estate agents received threshold awards from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. These threshold awards honor the top real estate professionals from across the global company.     Chairman’s Circle Gold – Top 3% Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ Chairman’s Circle-Gold Level is awarded to the top three percent of the network’s sales professionals based on gross commission income or closed units. This esteemed award was presented to Beth Hall, Karen Mergenthaler, Mark Adler, Jodi Gunther Read More

March 31st, 2023

Winter Home Projects: Painting Kitchen and Bath Cabinets

Winter Interior Projects: Painting Kitchen And Bath Cabinets

Winters in the Adirondacks can go on longer than many non-winter sports enthusiasts like, but the silver lining is an extended window to complete winter home projects.  Being stuck inside during cold weather gives homeowners a perfect opportunity to freshen up some interior projects.  As the weather cools and you spend more time inside, projects may jump out at you.  Noticing the details of your indoor living spaces, areas that need attention or improvements will likely pop up during the longer winter days indoors. Our Adirondack Premier Properties agents have helped many sellers prep their home for sale, and many Read More

March 28th, 2023

Loans for Purchasing Land – 3 Options for Buyers

Farm Land

Loans for purchasing land might not be at the top of your mind until you find your dream piece of property.  Whether you see it in a listing or discover it randomly while driving, putting eyes on the right piece of land can give you a jolt of excitement and bring on daydreams of ownership.  If you decide to move forward and buy your land find, there are a few things to consider.   One of the first things is whether you can afford to pay outright for the land or whether you will need financing.  If you don’t have Read More

March 23rd, 2023

Recent Local Trends That Affect The Value Of Your Property

Recent Local Trends That Affect The Value Of Your Property

When researching an area where you plan to live, it’s wise to investigate what is happening locally and nationally because it can impact the value of your property. There are many trends that could affect the value of your property, such as new rules and regulations, quality of life or interest rates.  Real estate is an ever-evolving space where minor changes can have major effects on property values. In the Adirondacks, there have been only minor changes in the real estate market due to being a resort area with a high population of tourists and visitors. However, any significant event Read More

March 16th, 2023

Choosing Between Different Types Of Real Estate Offices

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Quality Seal Cabernet

In the Lake Placid region there are currently over 15 real estate agencies including brokers and realtors offices to choose from to list a home for sale or to get help from a local expert to purchase a home in the area. It is tricky trying to decide what real estate agency is going to be the right fit for you especially if you know agents from different agencies. It can also be difficult to pick a better real estate agent without knowing what additional values they offer to their clients, even when meeting with the prospective representatives for your Read More

March 9th, 2023

How Agents Can Sell Homes Faster and Possibly For More Money

money clock

Hidden Ways Listing Agents Help People Sell Their Homes And Possibly For More Money To list with a real estate agent or to not list with an agent is often a question people ask when selling their home. You may hear conflicting stories from friends or family on whether to use an agency or not. We feel there are a few primary reasons a listing agent or real estate agency are often able to help sell residential homes quicker and possibly get more value for the sale. Read on to learn some hidden (or not so hidden) ways using a Read More

February 23rd, 2023

Is Timing The Housing Market A Good Idea?

Should You Try To Time The Housing Market

The past year in the housing market has been quite a ride, full of contradictions and opposing trends. Here at Adirondack Premier Properties, buyers often ask us whether timing the housing market is a good plan.  Our best advice is to do some research & consider your personal situation to assess the pro’s and con’s of timing the housing market. In many ways, the real estate business has been unprecedented in recent years.  We realize it can be confusing knowing whether to wait for rates and prices to come down or to jump on a home purchase when inventory is Read More

February 16th, 2023

Two Major Price Reductions On Adirondack Homes

Casa Del Paradiso - Aerial From Front- Just Reduced

Casa Del Paradiso in Lake Placid and Palazzo Riggi in Saratoga have both been reduced in price. These luxury properties are truly jewels of their regions with no expense spared!   CASA DEL PARADISO IN LAKE PLACID 9 BED  |  8 BATH  |  8,500 SQUARE FEET  |  46.64 ACRES Casa Del Paradiso is now being offered at $15,000,000. A private estate that could rarely be offered anywhere in the world. It features 5 primary buildings including an underground tunnel from the main residence to one of the guest homes. There is also 2 additional 2 bedroom guest homes, a tree Read More

February 10th, 2023

Expert Advice – Inheriting a House with Siblings

Inheriting A Home With Siblings

  Inheriting a home can be exciting, but when it comes to inheriting a house with siblings, the process can also become difficult, both emotionally and financially. Many families experience conflict and personality clashes at the best of times, and during a stressful time of loss, families can be more prone to falling into disagreement, especially over how to handle shared assets.  When a loved one wills property or assets jointly to family members, disputes can and often do arise, sometimes more commonly with a high value inheritance. If you find yourself in this situation, take a step back and Read More

February 10th, 2023

February 2023 Newest Listings

RESIDENTIAL RANCH ON ROUTE 86 IN WILMINGTON 3 BED  |  2 BATH   |  $525,000 This well maintained 3 bedroom/2 bath Ranch is located close to the heart of Wilmington, Whiteface Mountain and within the Lake Placid School district.   CHARMING CHALET IN ONCHIOTA 3 BED  |  2 BATH   |  $389,000 An Adirondack chalet with lovely charm. Very well maintained with a paved driveway and wrap around deck to enjoy the beauty and sounds of nature abutting state land. LOTS & LAND 6 ACRES ON HAWK RIDGE LANE IN SARANAC LAKE 6.52 ACRES  |  $180,000 Location, Location, Location! Beautiful large building Read More

February 6th, 2023

January 2023 Notable Sales

ADIRONDACK LODGE ON OVERLOOK IN LAKE PLACID 4 BED  |  4 BATH  |  $2,295,000 Perched overlooking Lake Placid with captivating year round views of Whiteface and the lake, this custom Adirondack Lodge blends Adirondack character and custom finishes with every possible modern amenity.

February 5th, 2023

The 2023 Saranac Lake Winter Carnival Starts Next Week

Saranac Lake Winter Carnival - Logo

The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival is a staple for the Saranac Lake community during the winter. It is a perfect way to break the winter’s chill while promoting outdoor sports and games as well as coming together as a community. The Saranac Lake Winter Carnival always has a theme what could be a focus on a generation to superheros. This years theme is “Roman Around The Adirondacks” so if you plan on visiting or renting during the winter carnival pack your toga for one of the biggest celebrations in the Adirondacks! History The origins of the winter carnival began with Read More

January 26th, 2023

Tips For Home Buyers During A Low Housing Inventory Market

House In The Snow

Tips For Home Buyers In A Low Housing Inventory Market Currently in early 2023 the Lake Placid region is going through a shortage in the number of houses available on the real estate market for sale. This is due to three main reasons: The time of the year: People generally do not like to move during the winter or holidays Higher interest rates than we have seen in the past two years making buyers wait on getting pre-approval letters from the bank Low inventory in other areas where sellers may want to move, which delays their house selling timeline. The Read More

January 19th, 2023

Choosing Your Adirondack Property: Buying Land Or A Home

Raccoon4InLakePlacid A MirrorLake

Having assisted numerous clients in their quest for the perfect Adirondack property, we at ADKPP have garnered extensive experience in understanding the subtle and significant distinctions between purchasing raw land versus an established home in this beautiful region. The Adirondacks, with its captivating landscapes and serene ambiance, offers a unique setting for both options. Here’s a more in-depth look into the nuances of each: Buying Land in The Adirondacks Having flexibility helps. Purchasing a plot of land in the Adirondacks provides the unparalleled advantage of tailoring your property from scratch. From choosing the architectural style that resonates with your vision Read More

January 12th, 2023

Path to Success – Buying a Home in 2023

Get Ready To Buy A Home In 2023

Buying a home in 2023 might seem like an uphill battle after the market has been so hot for so long.  Worries about finding an available property in Lake Placid, securing financing and winning the competitive bidding process are concerns felt by many potential buyers going into 2023. Adirondack Premier Properties has guided many buyers to success in the recent market, and our team looks forward to helping more buyers close their deals in 2023. Contributing to current market challenges, inflation, home prices and interest rates trended higher in 2022 than they have in several years. While ascending trends in Read More

January 12th, 2023

January 2023 Newest Listings

Luxury Lodges Townhome - Sunny - Aerial Lake Placid Whiteface

RESIDENTIAL NEWLY BUILT HOME ON AUSABLE DRIVE IN JAY 3 BED  |  3 BATH  |  $549,000   BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION! Striking Adirondack Contemporary Chalet on a private acre surrounded by state land on three sides in the highly desirable Ausable Acres.     CAMP SERENITY IN SARANAC LAKE 7 BED  |  5 BATH  |  $1,495,000 Newly renovated 6200 square feet home built in 2000 on highest point of Mount Pisgah with Saranac Lakes and Mountain views from inside & out! View more on this property. CONDOS & TOWNHOMES LUXURY LODGES TOWNHOME IN LAKE PLACID 4 BED  |  4 BATH  |  Read More

January 9th, 2023

December 2022 Notable Sales

CAMP YELLOW BIRCH ON LAKE PLACID 5 BED  |  5 BATH  |  $3,749,000 Yellow Birch, a newly completed custom built year round home on Lake Placid waterfront is stunning on all 3 living levels with a new boathouse with upper deck and a new 2 car garage. A convenient level lot and very close to the waterfront, the artisan details and high end finishes also include several outdoor decks, screen porch and patio. From the boathouse deck enjoy nightly western sunset views.    

January 5th, 2023