Barbara Carter Ulster County Real Estate Professional

I am not a cold weather person- A little snow on Christmas is fine.

This morning the area mountains were snow capped!

It has been COLD! A real change and too quick....

That is unless you like to ski, snow tube or participate in any of the outdoor winter sports. Then you will be happy to hear that West Ulster County had it's first snow fall yesterday. Several schools were closed or released early due to the weather.

Now is a great time to think about finding a winter retreat in the Hudson Valley. There are many great homes on the market at really good prices.

If you are considering purchasing a great first or second home in the Mid Hudson Valley give us a call we would love to help!

Barbara Carter and Becky Cook

Mother Daughter Team Realtors

Exit Realty Services

New Paltz NY

Barbara 845 505 3160 Becky 845 853 4210

Visit us on the web www.UlsterNYHomes.com

or email: UlsterHomes@yahoo.com

My daughter owns a fuel oil company and my husband has been a oil burner technician for 35 years. Since my daughter just purchased her second company I have been pitching in to help the new company up and running. My husband is now working for my daughter as well.

As the heating season sets begins in the Hudson Valley we get calls everyday from people who are concerned about the cost of heating their homes this winter. I speak to people who, although the temperature is dropping, are holding off to turn on their heating system.

With the concern of the high cost of fuel many people may turn to alternative heating sources. Some safety practices to follow are:

When using a space heater:

• Keep at least 36 inches of space between the heater and anythin that might catch fire.
• Check the cord frequently- if it is hot or frayed do not use it.
• Do not use space heaters when no one is home or when everyone is sleeping. Space heaters need to be monitored.
• Do not use an extension cord with portable heaters.

When using unvented kerosene space heaters:(**Use of these is strictly prohibited in New York State in Multi family dwellings**)

• Follow the manufacturers instructions closely for use and refueling.
• Crack a window to provide adequate ventilation
• Refuel OUTDOORS, away from the house- never on a porch, in a garage or in the basement.
• Do not refuel when the heater is hot.

For maximun efficency have your oil burner sereviced by a professional every year. If you have a problem a few things to try before calling for service:

• If you have no heat- check the emergency switch to be sure it did not get turned off accidentally. Push the reset button ONLY ONCE!!!
• If you have smoke, soot or rumbling noise- turn the emergency switch off and call a professional.

If you live in the Hudson Valley Call Erichsen's Fuel Service/Dependable Energy 845-691-8612- For Competitive Prices and accurate and reliable service 24/7.

There are great deals on the market for new construction homes. The question often arises as to what is covered when buying a new home in New York State. New York State law requires the buyer have certain warranties.

Covered under the new home warrantee are:

•· One year's protection against faulty workmanship and defective materials

•· Two year's protection against defective installation of the plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling and ventilation systems

•· Six year's protection against structural defects.

When a problem exists the new home owner must report the problem to the builder within 30 days after the expiration of the warranty. The builder is expected to make repairs within a reasonable amount of time after the problem is reported. The warranty does not cover construction done by the new homeowner.

Lawsuits must be filed within 4 years of the one year and two year warranty, and within seven years of the six year warranty.

These warranties are extended, when the home is sold within the warranty time to the next homeowner.

When looking for a new home in the Hudson Valley give us a call we will be happy to work as your buyers agent.

Barbara Carter and Becky Cook

Mother Daughter Team Realtors

Exit Realty Services

New Paltz NY

Barbara 845 505 3160 Becky 845 853 4210

Visit us on the web at: www.UlsterNYHomes.com

The 2008-2009 State Budget included increases in funding for New York's housing and community development programs. $6.4 million is now available under the New York Main Street 2008 Fall Funding Round to help build and preserve affordable housing and revitalize communities across the state.

The awards will assist every region of the State.

Governor Paterson said, "These grants bring us closer to our goal of making New York the best possible place to live, work and raise a family."

Grants will help fund:

Community Revitalization - Awards will be used to revitalize the State's traditional downtown business districts and help communities make critical infrastructure improvements, directly benefiting more than 85,000 low and moderate income New Yorkers.

Affordable Housing - 963 units will be rehabilitated and funds will be provided for five homeownership programs, helping 164 working families purchase their own homes.

Business Growth and Job Creation - Grants will help businesses create or retain 431 jobs and will provide funds to support 24 small businesses, helping them to grow and prosper.

Ulster County is requesting $750,000 of funding to provide direct homeownership assistance in the form of down payment, closing cost assistance and housing rehabilitation for 33 first time homebuyers in Ulster County. The assistance will be made in the form of a zero percent deferred interest loan secured by a note and mortgage. The term of the mortgage will be 15 years. Assistance will range from $5,000 to a maximum of $30,000 per unit.

To learn more about these and other grants in the program go to: http://www.dhcr.state.ny.us