Latest Local News & Information

Button cell and coin batteries are used in many types of consumer products from keyless entry remotes and wireless game controllers to toys and musical greeting cards. These tiny batteries can burn through a child’s throat or esophagus in as little as two hours if swallowed. Safeguard children by taking control of button cell or coin batteries. * Keep products with accessible batteries away …

If you love home renovation and design, you’ll be excited to discover up-and-coming trends that are transforming the look and functionality of home spaces today. Home design is continually evolving – inspiring homeowners and design professionals to innovate and reimagine how you can live in and feel about your home. Here are design trends to explore this year. 1. Embrace sustainability Concern for the …

After more than a decade of continuous growth, annual spending on improvements and repairs to owner-occupied homes is expected to decline by early next year, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) released by the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. The LIRA projects that year-over-year expenditures for homeowner improvements and maintenance will post a …

As a homeowner, you need to make time for routine maintenance to keep your home in good condition. Regular maintenance can help reduce the possibility of costly and time-consuming repairs. “We’re taught to have our vehicle’s motor oil changed every few thousand miles to keep it in good running condition and a home is no different in that it needs regular attention too,” says …

LifeandHomes reminds you that keeping children safe in and around water allows everyone to enjoy summer water activities. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old, and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children 5 to 14 years old. Drowning can happen in seconds and is often silent. It can happen to anyone, any time there …

High prices continue to be a concern for many of us, especially when it comes to driving and automotive decisions. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of Americans say that current gas prices – which tend to rise even higher during the summer months – have a major-to-moderate impact on their daily driving habits, according to Hankook Tire’s latest Gauge Index survey. But what can be done …

Welcome to your dream home! Michelle Thompson from the renowned John Brown Team invites you to experience the epitome of affordable luxury living. Step into this exquisite raised ranch located at 121 Putman Place, where comfort, convenience, and captivating surroundings await. Immerse yourself in the allure of this 1,800 square foot masterpiece. Boasting three bedrooms, one and a half baths, and a spacious attached …

A report released by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies shows that the nation’s homes are older today than at any time ever recorded and in growing need of critical replacements and maintenance. Greater investment is also needed to better prepare against disasters, improve energy efficiency, and meet the accessibility needs of an aging population. Most homes lack features that make them accessible …

Summer is a prime opportunity to unwind while enjoying backyards with family and friends. To set the stage for outdoor summer entertaining, National Association of Landscape Professionals recommends the following lawn and landscape essentials: Get the coolest gadgets–  Lawn care technology has never been more efficient or user-friendly. From trimmers, leaf blowers and edgers with interchangeable batteries to propane mowers that reduce fuel and …

https://youtu.be/jdsD0Ot6lQY Ready to embark on a vibrant gardening journey? Visit Benson's Farm & Garden in Whitesboro, NY – your ultimate destination for top-quality vegetable transplants, enchanting flowers, hanging baskets, and more! Discover an awe-inspiring assortment for every green thumb. From succulent tomatoes to vibrant carrots, our vegetable transplants boast a palette of flavors and colors. Find heirloom varieties, rare species, and cherished classics, hand-picked ...

Keeping a deck in good condition is essential for safety and aesthetic purposes. While regular maintenance is important, it is also important to be aware of visual signals that can indicate when a deck needs attention. It’s much cheaper to hire a local professional to replace a board or to or to stain and reseal than it is to replace an entire deck, after …

Many of us look forward to spring when the weather warms up and flowers start to bloom, but it also marks the start of the peak time of year for flash flooding in the United States. According to NOAA, 75% of flash floods happen between late April and mid-September. And while you may not want to think about it, when water backs up and …

When I find the home I want, how much should I offer? Your real estate broker can help you here. But there are several things you should consider:  1) Is the asking price in line with prices of similar homes in the area?  2) Is the home in good condition or will you have to spend a substantial amount of money making it the …

Spring is the ideal time to give your home a once-over both inside and out to, flag any issues and create a maintenance to-do list. According to the experts at State Farm, here are some top spring maintenance tasks to help protect your home: Roof and gutters Your roof protects your home from the elements in all seasons. Inspect your roof at least once …

Renovation season is approaching. What home improvements will give you the best return for your money? Here’s a hint: step outside. You might assume upgrades to interior spaces like kitchens and bathrooms have the best payoff, but most home improvements don’t return 100 percent of their value when resale. Generally, exterior improvements yield the best return on investment for the most modest costs. Interior …