The last time we were able to see legislators in person was before Covid.  In fact, we, The Business Council, were the last group to visit the capitol in March 2020.  The next week it shut down.  It has now reopened.It is always great to see how your state government works (or doesn't work).   Today we went up on a bus meet with legislators.  Because our EVP was a state assembly representative we have access to the state assembly chamber which great to see.The state capitol building has some amazing architecture.  Here is the map room.Although the capitol resembles a giant French chateau, the three-acre, five-story granite building is actually a variety of styles including Romanesque and French Renaissance—the result of it taking 32 years (1867-1899) and five architects to complete.  It... 05/03/2022

Yesterday was National Make a Friend Day.  Conincidentally, it was also our annual day to visit our legislators in Albany, NY.Each year the The Business Council of Westchester goes with its members to visit state representatives.  We see all of the people in the Westchester delegation, the budget director, and sometimes, the governer.We have a good friendly relationship even if we disagree on some things.We got to enter the NYS Assembly Chamber and the speaker welcomed The Business Council of Westchester by Name:They were debated some legislation as indicated by the boardThis can get tedious but I don't think this representative would like to have this picture sent to his constituents.If you are looking to make your Westchester NY or Fairfield CT business thrive please contact me. Grant... 02/12/2020

Ultimate privacy and retreat in a stunning property in Saratoga County! Tucked away on a secluded cul-de-sac on 1.07 acre-lot in Clifton Park is an incredible home designed to provide ample space, convenience, modern comforts, and a stunning outdoor retreat. Nestled on a leafy oasis, this home features 4 bedrooms and 3.1 bathrooms with 3,366 square feet of living space, offering you space for family and guests. Thanks to the lush thicket on the backyard, this property offers stunning wood views. This beautifully maintained home offers the peace, retreat, and serenity you want, all wrapped up in a lovely package of space and light. Enjoy bright and spacious living areas in this Clifton Park property Feel the warm and welcoming ambiance of this Clifton Park home as soon as you stepped on ... 06/19/2019

Your dream home awaits in Clifton Park Elegance, space, and style unite in this magnificent Clifton Park home nestled in the sought-after Timberwick II neighborhood. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, and high-quality finishes in its 2, 929 square feet of living space, this residence elevates the definition of comfortable modern living and entertaining. You'll love everything in this home, from its spacious and beautifully-manicured front yard to the paved drive and walkway, open layout, gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and breathtaking outdoor entertaining areas. Truly, this home has everything on your wish list! If you've been looking for a spacious haven that offers elegant living indoor and out, this home for sale in Clifton Park is what you’ve been looking for. Enjoy ... 06/18/2019

Your dream home awaits!  Fall in love with the serenity, convenience, and ample space of this custom Contemporary-style home in the prestigious Weatherfield/Albany Country Club neighborhood.   Nestled on 1.2 acres of landscaped and wooded lot and featuring 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms with 3,072 square feet of living space, it delivers the easy living you've been dreaming of.  This Voorheesville NY home is beautifully-maintained and delivers the peaceful country haven you are looking for.  A home that exudes warmth and elegance Some homes are naturally-inviting and this home is one of those.  Located on a corner lot, it has a gorgeous front lawn surrounded by trees. The front porch is large and welcoming, a perfectly good spot to enjoy your morning coffee or simply welcome guests. The m... 11/17/2018

 Buying a home anywhere is a challenge. In Cohoes NY, it is no exception.  There are things you can watch out for when buying a home for sale in Cohoes NY.Make your life simpler by reading on! For more information on buying or selling a home in Cohoes, visit https://mccurdyrealestate.com/.Offering money you don’t haveIt’s important to be prepared when buying a house especially when it comes to your finances. Being properly funded is a key element to home buying.When taking out a mortgage it is imperative for you to finish the application process and await the approval before looking for a home. Homes for sale in Cohoes NY sell quickly so it is best to have your money on hand.Not considering long-term needsThe purchase of the house is not the only thing you will be spending on. After pur... 08/25/2018

A beautiful Colonie home for sale that has everything you want Tucked away on a quiet cul-de-sac in the village of Colonie is this lovely 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom Colonial home that delivers the best of living.Life is easy in this home. It is move-in ready, exceptionally updated, offers a generous living space of more than 2,500 square feet, and is well located.  There are plenty of shopping and dining choices within a two mile radius, I-87 is only four minutes away, the Albany International Airport is only a seven minute drive, the University at Albany is ten minutes away, and there are parks and golf courses within a 30 minute drive. This two-story home is loaded with great features are sure to thrill you.  The living room is bright and airy with neutral toned wallsand large bay window... 07/06/2018

Selling a home is more complicated than most people think it is. This process isn’t just about cleaning up a property and finding someone to buy it—it involves some legal and practical considerations as well.  If you immediately dive into home selling without knowing much about the process, chances are you’ll commit mistakes that could cost you a lot, even after the sale has already been completed. In order to avoid that, you must be aware of the common mistakes that home sellers usually commit when selling homes. Here are some of them:  Inflating the Home’s Sale Price Through Upgrades Some home sellers tend to order costly upgrades before putting their homes on the market, thinking that this will help increase the sale price. Actually, no matter how much you spend for upgrades, the tar... 06/20/2018

A tastefully updated, well-maintained home near amenities If you are looking for a move-in ready, beautifully located home, this home in the town of New Scotland NY is what you’re looking for.Located in a quiet cul de sac off New Scotland Avenue adjacent to Capital Hills Golf Course, this home is walking distance to the bus line and the golf course.  The bus line provides easy access to Northway, Thruway, and 787. There are grocery stores, banks, shopping places, restaurants, hospitals and schools within a two mile radius.  Featuring a completely renovated open floor plan, it has 1,326 square feet of living space with 2 ample-sized bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. You'll love the comfort of the radiant heat all throughout the home, and the durability of the oak hardwood floors.Extensive upgrad... 05/09/2018

Buying a home in Cohoes NY is no easy task. From choosing a property to looking for a reliable Realtor®, you have to consider a lot of things before pulling the switch. While home shopping can be fun, you should never forget to think through your finances and many other factors before making a leap into ownership. Since homeownership is one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make in your life, there are certain things you should absolutely know before making a purchase. Here are the things you should know if you are looking to buy a home in Cohoes: Don’t Focus on Your Life Today One of the biggest mistakes homebuyers commit nowadays is snapping up a home, thinking that the life they live today is the same as the life they’ll live tomorrow. Homeownership is a huge financial... 04/30/2018

Fall in love with this beautifully upgraded pristine condo in a desirable location Highly sought after location, style, privacy and affordability combine in this beautifully appointed 1,302 square foot condo unit at Canterbury Crossing.With 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and an open floor concept, this bright and airy Colonie NY condo is better than new.  The living area is warm and inviting with its carpet floor, sliders, neutral toned walls, and a corner gas fireplace.Open to both the dining area and the kitchen, this home’s interior is perfect for entertaining. The spacious gourmet kitchen has everything you need! Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a breakfast bar with chairs, tile backsplash, gleaming wood floors and beautiful cabinetry await you in this condo for sale in Col... 04/09/2018

Each year I join other members of the Business Council of Westchester in visiting our NYS legislators and bring our business agenda.  This creates multiple opportunties even if you are not a political or legislative junkie.This year is was rather quiet becuase the legislaters were in committe and in session to try to pass the New York Budget due April 1st.Aside from that, a trip to our state capitol is a educational event and you can see history in the hall.Here is the Inner stair case.Here is the Map RoomAnd the hall of Governers...  Every governer's picture is here except one.  This is a picture of Governer Grover Cleveland who became US President.New York has many famous and well know men who were governers include four US Presidents.  They are Martin Van Buren, Grover Cleveland, The... 04/04/2018

Are you planning to put your home up for sale this year? There’s a difference between selling a home, and selling a home fast. For a home to sell fast, it must be appealing, priced right and move-in ready. You have to make the effort to make your Guilderland NY property stand out against the competition. How do you make your home attractive to buyers? Here are five must-do improvements to get the offers rolling. Spruce up your curb appeal. When selling your home, your home’s first impression is the only impression. The first thing a buyer sees even before they step in your property is the front yard, so make sure to improve your landscape before you list your home.  How do you increase your home’s curb appeal?  Everything outside the front door contributes to the curb appeal, so walk ou... 03/17/2018

You’ll love this charming home with spectacular countryside views. Just minutes outside the bustling capital of New York is a spacious ranch style home that offers 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms with more than 3,000 square feet of living space.This home sits on 13.9 acres of pasture lot that you can use as a farm.  Set in the peaceful community of Feura Bush located in the Southeast corner of Albany, it is far enough from the city to give you space and privacy, yet close enough so that you can enjoy easy shopping, dining out, great schools and all other amenities city living offers.  It’s portico entrance is inviting, the brick walls enhancing its elegance.  Step into an ample sized foyer with tiled floors and white walls. To the right of the foyer is an ample-sized living room graced wit... 03/12/2018

Watervliet is a town along the Hudson River in Albany County, NY. It features beautiful homes replete with history and culture. It is only minutes away from Albany, the capital of the state of New York, offering the best of accessibility and retreat. If you are in the market for real estate, let me tell you that getting a home in this location is a smart move. Whether you intend to move in or simply to invest, homes for sale in Watervliet NY are exactly what you need! A Haven for Nature Lovers Buying a home here in Watervliet gives you access to some of the state’s best nature parks.  Make some time to visit the Albany Rural Cemetery. It is known as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the whole United States. Residents and guests frequent the area for quiet walks and splendid views.... 02/26/2018

Getting your home ready to sell? Gone are the days when you simply have to post a “For Sale” sign on your front yard.  These days in a highly competitive real estate market where there’s a sea of houses for sale in Cohoes, you need to step up your game and make all the effort to ensure your home stands out.  It’s not just about standing out and being more appealing, it’s also about getting the best price.  Make your buyer fall in love with your home  If you are wondering how to sell your home fast and for top dollar against despite stiff competition, here are the ten things you must do. 1. Engage the service of a great real estate agent.  Skipping the help of a real estate agent seems like a great way of saving thousands of dollars when you are selling your home. But did you know that w... 02/02/2018

This gorgeous home is a must-have! Nestled in the beautiful Woodrow Estates community, this Glenmont home for sale delivers the comfort, space, and updates you want.  It features 3 good-sized bedrooms with a walk-in closet in the master bedroom, 1.5 bathrooms, an elevated great room, an elegant family room with a fireplace, a stylish and functional kitchen with plenty of storage space, and a finished basement in its 2,100 square feet of living space. There is also a bonus room which you can turn into a study or an entertainment area if you want. A good sized covered front porch gives this home a more inviting feel, and the foyer is lovely and charming with its varied colored tiles. It also features an outstanding outdoor retreat showcasing a large deck with gazebo overlooking a spacious... 02/01/2018

Why North Colonie Homes?North Colonie offers a diverse economy. In recent years, the town has seen continued, but more stable growth in its economy whether for business, industrial, or recreational opportunity. Its diverse economy, which includes healthcare and social services program, housing accommodation, several dining establishments, schools, residential and commercial real estate, and much more, create opportunities for career growth for community’s residents and visitors alike. It’s perfect for you and your family!The community, which has desirable neighborhoods, quiet streets, coupled with cultural advantages, will make you appreciate more where you live. It is also a promising community to be part of because of the many parks, recreational areas, ant rails located around the ar... 01/04/2018

Grab the chance to visit the game changers of real estate properties in South Colonie! The neighborhood in South Colonie, NY is everything a buyer could want in a new place! There are approximately 60 houses that are actively listed for sale and some of these are likely to sell quickly. You may wonder, how can you make your house sell fast in South Colonie like most of these homes? I’ve come up with several steps that have proven to work wonders! Make your listing fly off the shelf!   Never underestimate the effect of good photos. This is will definitely increase the chances that potential buyers will fall in love with your property. Captivate them with your listing photographs. They will serve as their deciding factor whether the buyer would like to schedule a visit or not. Price your ... 12/14/2017

 Closing costs in Cohoes, NY vary widely based on the market and the kind of property While many of us think that costs are only associated with buying a home, not many realize that selling your property also comes with certain fees. Having a clear understanding of this will prevent you from a lot of unwanted surprises when it is time to close the sale.  It’s no secret that the price of a house depends a lot on where it’s located. Same thing with closing costs. These are more expensive in places where the cost of living is also higher. These are influenced by laws and customs governing each state. New York has the second-highest closing costs! If you’re a seller, closing costs can take a substantial portion of the proceeds from your deal. Here is a general guide to how you can budget an... 11/27/2017