What Makes the Colonial Style Timeless?

The Colonial style is still one of the most popular housing blueprints on the market. This speaks volumes about its classic features, including symmetry, an emphasis on windows, and, of course, lots of rooms. Buying a home may feel like a risky process, but the Colonial is always a safe bet. This list of features you will show you whether or not Colonial style is fitting for you and your family.

A Quick History

The Colonial style can be traced all the way back to the 1600s when London was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London. The lead architects in the rebuilding effort were inspired by Greek and Roman ruins, including columns and the use of symmetry. The model spread as Europeans began their colonies in America across the original 13 states. This distinct type of building spread, picking up regional characteristics as it did. From the beginning, it was characterized by its boxy, broad style. Typically, there are four rooms on each floor, allowing lots of room for bedrooms, guest rooms, and studies. Steep roofs keep snow off in the winter and drain rain the rest of the year.

Soothing Symmetry

A Colonial is easy to spot because of its symmetry, which, to me, is very appealing. There's usually a window over the front door and two box windows on each side, on each level of the house. I love the way that some Colonial homes have chimneys coming out of the middle of the roof, directly over the front door. This really brings the look together, from the ground all the way to the top. Buying a Colonial home is much easier when you know what to expect aesthetically.

Southern Variations

I have a soft spot for high ceilings, which were popular in the southern Colonial style to keep air moving. The extra height opens up the space and makes for a relaxed mood in the house, plus it gives us more room for innovative designs and art! French influences may be seen with details such as columns, a large front porch for socializing, or both. This can give the front a distinct yet classical look.

Modern Evolution

Buying a home is similar to finding the right canvas to paint upon, as brass knockers, shutters, and gilt indoor mirrors are popular additions. The Colonial model also serves as a good foundation for ambitious homeowners that want to showcase columns or second-floor decks. Even in tighter neighborhoods, the taller Colonial homes allow for optimum space at a reasonable price.

John Arquette Properties has experienced real estate agents to assist all our customers in buying a home. Our extensive knowledge of the Syracuse area will make sure we find every customer the right house.

Monday Wake Up Call

Monday Wake Up Call: Your Motivation, Inspiration, & Direction for the Week Ahead

New Year, New Goals Wow, it seems like yesterday that we were bringing in the New Year of 2016, and now here it is again. In a few days, another New Year will begin. When you think of your new year, will it look like last year, or will it be a year of change for you? When you think of change, what change would you like to see in your life this year? Does it pertain to your health, your wealth, your relationships, or your habits? More importantly, why do we decide that we are going to make a change, but then fail to follow through on the commitment? According to a University of Scranton study, 92 percent of people that set New Year's goals never actually achieve them. If you want to break the cycle, do what the other 8 percent of goal-setters, the successful ones, do consistently and exceptionally well. By setting specific and challenging goals, it led to higher performance 90% of the time. Basically, the more specific and challenging your goals, the higher your motivation will be to hit them. That explains why easy or vague goals rarely get met. Here's an example: If your goal between now and the end of the year is to lose 20 pounds, that may be challenging, but it's not specific enough. Eliminate vagueness and make it more achievable by stating it this way: During the month of January, I will lose five pounds by cutting off refined sugar, breads, and all fast food. I will also walk briskly for twenty minutes every day. When you have that much clarity around your goal, your chances of hitting the mark increase dramatically. On the flip side, goals that are too difficult to hit don't get met either. While it's important to challenge yourself, nobody completes a goal when he/she is overwhelmed by facing a mountain they can't climb. While you may think the successful 8% are born predisposed to these talents, research says that successful people achieve their goals not because of who they are, but more often because of what they do. Aristotle nailed it more than 2000 years ago when he said, "We are what we repeatedly do." By practicing these skills, expect to dramatically improve your rate of finishing strong. Something to Think About The 8 percent have an internal compass that keeps them locked in until they reach the top of the mountain. It's a belief system of "do whatever it takes" that is intrinsically motivated at their core. Weekly Activity Take a quick moment and check in with yourself. If, at the core of your being, you don't have the desire or passion to pursue the goal, it doesn't matter how specific, challenging, or sexy your goal may sound -- you're not going to reach it. Questions to ask yourself: How badly do I want it? Who's holding me accountable to the end? Is my heart truly in it from the start? What's life going to look like once I complete the goal? In the end, will it be worth it? Words of Wisdom “Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.” - By Helen Keller “Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.” - Hal Borland “The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.” - Melody Beattie “Make New Year's goals. Dig within, and discover what you would like to have happen in your life this year. This helps you do your part. It is an affirmation that you're interested in fully living life in the year to come.”- Melody Beattie “It Doesn’t Matter Where You Came From. All That Matters Is Where You Are Going.” - Brian Tracy

Monday Wake Up Call

Monday Wake Up Call: Your Motivation, Inspiration, & Direction for the Week Ahead

KINDNESS This week, let’s talk about something that will make a difference in the world in 2017, and in the lives of others. Martin Luther King said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” The size of the thing does not matter, but what we do, or do not do about it, does. If you were to sit and reflect on how the world could be better, what would be at the top of your list? Would you want to do something about the many children living in poverty in America? Recycling? Addiction? Building a Healthier Tomorrow by investing in children today? Or something that is perhaps more personal to you? Each of us is surrounded by situations or conditions that require the attention of those who care. This is our world. How we treat it, and those within it, is the responsibility of everyone in it. When you fully embrace that thought, you can begin to make a difference in the world and those in it. What will you do to make a difference in the world in the coming year? Something to Think About You don’t have to be Martin Luther King, or Sister Teresa to make a difference. A kind word or gesture is all it takes to make a positive impact in a life or in the world. The thought for this week is Kindness. Weekly Activity How can you show kindness to someone this week? It might be as simple as picking up the phone and calling someone that you have not reached out to in many years. When is the last time that you offered to let someone who was in a hurry to go in front of you in line at the store? Have you witnessed the smile on the face of an elderly person who you pick up their bill for coffee or lunch? Have fun this week. Challenge yourself to see how many random acts of kindness can you fit into the week? Words of Wisdom “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” - Aesop “Goodness is about character - integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat other people.” - Dennis Prager “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” - Mark Twain “Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again.” - Og Mandino “It's not our job to play judge and jury, to determine who is worthy of our kindness and who is not. We just need to be kind, unconditionally and without ulterior motive, even - or rather, especially - when we'd prefer not to be.” - Josh Radnor

Monday Wake Up Call

Monday Wake Up Call: Your Motivation, Inspiration, & Direction for the Week Ahead

Reaching Out Good morning and what a great day it is! When you think about it, every day that you wake up is a great day, especially if you think of the alternative! We all have rough days, but it’s those challenges that bend and shape us into who we are, and better prepare us for the future. This is also a challenging time of the year for many people who have lost someone they love this year. So many wonderful memories are created this time of the year, and when those we have always shared them with are no longer here, it can be a sad time. Is there someone that you know who might be a little lonely this year? It might even be that they have a child who is serving their country overseas, and not able to be home for the holiday. Perhaps they have lost someone they care about. It might even be a pet. As you approach the holiday season, think of the people in your life and in your world and ask yourself, “Is there someone who might appreciate a friendly visit or call this week?” There are so many ways to reach out to those you care about. It can be as simple as a handwritten letter, recalling memories of the past, or sending a care package to someone overseas. Something to Think About When sending care packages, it does not have to be someone that you know. You can make it a random act of kindness to one of our service people. I know they would appreciate it. Here is a great site with ideas to send packages overseas. http://www.military.com/deployment/what-to-send-someone-who-is-deployed.htm Weekly Activity Reach out to someone you know, who might be feeling lonely this time of the year, and let them know that you care, that you are thinking about them and that THEY matter. Words of Wisdom “Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have.” -Margaret Mead “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” - Leo Buscaglia “Ice cream is the perfect buffer, because you can do things in a somewhat lighthearted way. Plus, people have an emotional response to ice cream; it's more than just food. So, I think when you combine caring, and eating wonderful food, it's a very powerful combination.” - Jerry Greenfield “The simple act of caring is heroic.” - Edward Albert “You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind.” - Joyce Meyer

Monday Wake Up Call

Monday Wake Up Call: Your Motivation, Inspiration, & Direction for the Week Ahead

A Different Kind of Gift Happy Monday! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Were you out shopping this past week, trying to determine what gifts to get those you care about for the holidays? Traditionally, this is the time of the year when we spend more time shopping for gifts than any other time of the year. We’re looking for something perfect. Something that will make a lasting impression, and something that special person will enjoy. A recent study shows that traveling, or going to an event, makes us far happier than material wealth or gifts. Why? When it comes to gifts, research shows that the main impediment to happiness is adaptation. As soon as something we’ve bought becomes ordinary and unexciting, the level of life satisfaction we feel falls, and we’re forced to search around for the next “thing” that excites us. For most people, this process is repeated over and over again in search for that feeling that occurs with a new gift. However, research carried out at Cornell University has found a way to break this damaging cycle. Psychology professor Thomas Gilovich has shown that we experience the same increase in happiness when we buy something we want, as when we go traveling or attend an event. But, and here’s the most important point: the amount of happiness we derive from our purchase falls over time, whereas the memories of our traveling experience continue to supply us with happiness hormones for much longer. Sometimes, our entire life! Going to various events, going on trips, learning new skills, even extreme sporting events are an ideal source of happiness for each and every one of us. A new device, or even a new car, will eventually become just another ordinary object we own, or will become old and outdated. Every new memory, on the other hand, becomes a real source of joy that stays with us for our whole lives. This year, think about events, day trips, or something that you can give as a gift to create memories that last a life time. It might be a painting class with wine, which is fun and memorable. It could be a trip to a winery, a sporting event, a play, concert, or anything that the special person in your life would enjoy. Make the holiday season extra special with a gift that will create memories for a lifetime. Something to Think About More and more people are feeling the need to get away from gifts, and use the money to support a cause or do to something that will last for more than a brief moment of happiness. It might be feeding homeless children, donating to a food pantry this time of the year or asking a church if they have a family in need. A great example is the organization of Women for Women. For the price of a nice meal in a restaurant, you can change a woman’s life somewhere in the world. I remember the first time I received this gift. The person said, “When I was thinking of what you needed, nothing came to mind. When I thought of what you would enjoy, I knew that you would enjoy helping others.” I still support this group many years later. http://gifts.womenforwomen.org Words of Wisdom You take away all the other luxuries in life, and if you can make someone smile and laugh, you have given the most special gift: happiness. - Brad Garrett “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” – Helen Keller “Our happiest moments as tourists always seem to come when we stumble upon one thing while in pursuit of something else.” — Lawrence Block “Every man can transform the world from one of monotony and drabness to one of excitement and adventure.” – Irving Wallace “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” -Norman Vincent Pealet

Monday Morning Wake Up Call

Monday Wake Up Call: Your Motivation, Inspiration, & Direction for the Week Ahead

GOAL FOCUSED It’s the time of year when we start thinking about our goals. When we think about goals, we also start thinking about HOW to stick to our goals for long-term success. One of the secrets to long-term success is to start with small habits. When you know how to create tiny habits, you can change your life forever. Here are some tiny things that you can start doing today that will have a positive impact on your life and make setting and attaining goals simpler: Create a gratitude journal, and write one thing that you are grateful for each day. Spend 15 minutes each day meditating, or just being quiet. Block any thoughts, and just let your body be still. You will be amazed at how often you have a great thought or idea after your “quiet time.” Be inspirational to those around you. Think quality thoughts at all times. Don’t compare yourself to others when setting your goals. Be your best self at all times! As you start to apply these tiny habits on a daily basis, you can start to work on your long-term goals. I will give you some tips for that next week!   Something to Think About I once heard something that made it very easy to understand how to set a goal: You first start with a statement about what you know you can do, such as “I will run a 5K race two times a year.” Then you stretch that statement so far that you aren’t sure you can do it, such as “I will run a 10K race in the spring and a 28-mile race in the fall.” The stretch is what makes it a goal – and also what makes it exciting when you hit the goal!   Weekly Activity  Let’s start thinking about those goals for 2017. Not just business goals, but personal ones as well. Don’t forget: It’s the stretch that makes it a goal.   Words of Wisdom “The chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.” – Samuel Johnson “A goal properly set is halfway reached.” – Zig Ziglar “You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight.” – Jim Rohn “The greater danger for most of us isn’t that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach it.” – Michelangelo “If you set your goals ridiculously high and it’s a failure, you will fail above everyone else’s success.” – James Cameron

Market Update Report

How’s the market?  How to answer that question at holiday parties.      Picture this; you are at one of the many holiday parties that you’ll attend over the next few weeks and your occupation comes up followed by the inevitable question “how’s the local real estate market?”. This is a golden opportunity for you to shine! Here are a few talking points to help you answer the question and demonstrate your knowledge of the CNY Real Estate Market.   Homes are selling at a brisk pace, over the past 6 months nearly 3000 homes have sold and closed in Onondaga County. Compared to last year that’s an increase of 9%. Inventory is down. There are about 1500 homes on the market which is a huge drop from this time last year when there were about 2100 homes on the market. Compared to last year that is a 29% drop in available homes. So, inventory is down 29% and sales are up 9%. The answer to the question is the market is red hot. On an annualized basis, these numbers indicate the market is approaching the record setting year of 2006 which was the high point for sales in Onondaga County. What’s that mean to a potential seller or buyer? Sellers will see brisk activity on their home once listed for sale. Buyers need to act quickly once they find a home that fits their need, hesitation may cost them an opportunity to buy the home they want. Combine all of this with historically low interest rates and it’s a great time to buy or sell.

Monday Morning Wake Up Call

 

Monday Wake Up Call: Your Motivation, Inspiration, & Direction for the Week Ahead

Thankfulness Let’s take a look at the word “thankful.” When asked to describe it, the three top synonyms were grateful, appreciative and indebted.   What a nice feeling it is to feel grateful to someone for their support when needed, their prayer in times of turmoil, their constant friendship, the way they show their love or just for being there whenever they’re needed.   I sometimes forget to stop and just be grateful for all that I have and all that has come my way. It’s easy to grow accustomed to that “life is great” feeling; however, at any given moment there are millions of people throughout the world struggling to feel thankful. They look for simple pleasures… without finding them.   But EVERYONE is thankful when another person reaches out in kindness. What seems simple to you might mean the world to someone else. What we take for granted, others view as riches. Today I am truly thankful, and I will search to make another person’s life a little better by doing something small and unexpected. If you try it too, you will notice that a small smile will suddenly appear on your face, and your day will be even better!   Something to Think About It’s the small things that people remember. There’s a saying that goes something like this: People will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel. Feelings last for a very long time – good or bad. Let’s make some good memories and some good feelings this week!   Weekly Activity  Do something small that will have a HUGE impact of the life of others this week. Here are a few ideas: Donate to your local food pantry. Serve a meal to the homeless at a local shelter. Take your old coats, gloves and scarves to the homeless as it starts to get cold in so many parts of the country. Go to a senior home, and visit the very special people who reside there. Read to them, sing to them, take small gifts to them. Words of Wisdom “At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” – Albert Schweitzer “Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it.” – Ralph Marston “When you are grateful – when you can see what you have – you unlock blessings to flow in your life.” – Suze Orman “The trick is to be grateful when your mood is high and graceful when it is low.” – Richard Carlson “When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” – Gilbert K. Chesterton

Brand New Homes: Luxury or Letdown?

Many of us have thought about raising a family in a new home. Recent studies show that nearly twice as many people prefer buying a brand new home over one that has been previously owned. While being the first owner of a house can be a satisfying experience, it is important to know whether it is the right decision for your family.

The Perks of Brand New Homes

I've noticed that a big reason why people buy brand new homes is because of the option for customization. Some people want to be part of the design and building processes to make sure they get exactly what they want. Buying a home new also means you don't have to worry about putting work into it yourself. Unlike previously owned homes, new homes hardly ever come with cosmetic issues. This allows you to move right into your new home without having to repaint trim, replace gutters, or any other daunting tasks. A new home will also have low maintenance costs throughout the year since everything is brand new.

The Pitfalls of New Homes

The main reason people don't buy brand new homes is that they can cost up to 20% more than previously owned homes of the same caliber. Many times, brand new homes are built in brand new developments, which can be far from schools and other neighborhoods. Homeowners may be bothered with the feeling of being isolated from other communities. There is also the possibility of noise and the inconvenience of new construction.

Aside from the financial and locational aspects, many people buying a home simply don't believe new homes have as much character as older ones. Modern architectural styles tend to be a bit more "cookie cutter" than they used to be. Plus, buying a previously owned home allows you to work with professional realtors who understand the market and can give you multiple options.

Buying a home, whether new or previously owned, requires much careful consideration. Consider these pieces of insight before you purchase your next home!

Monday Wake Up Call

Monday Wake Up Call: Your Motivation, Inspiration, & Direction for the Week Ahead

Anything’s Possible Happy Monday! What a great topic and an easy way to turn the impossible into the possible – just cross out the IM! When I saw this, my first thought was that it was ironic that IM also stands for I AM, or I’m. Is it possible that taking IM – or I am – out of the equation makes it possible? Do we sometimes get in the way of our own progress? Do we allow our own thoughts to block our progress? If so, let’s create a new attitude! Here are some guidelines for a more positive life: Don’t allow others’ thoughts to shape who you become! Starting today, you decide whom you will become, and make it possible! Follow your butterflies! What are butterflies? They’re those things that make your stomach feel funny when you’re nervous. Don’t avoid the them; follow them, and watch how strong and fearless you become. Everyone is led by inspiration, or we are led by desperation. Knowing that it’s possible keeps you inspired. Let’s make it an amazing, inspiring life! Something to Think About I can turn the possible into the impossible, or I'M the reason that the possible seems IMpossible.  Which will you choose for your life? Weekly Activity What are your butterflies? What is that thing that you have been afraid to do? This week, choose to follow your butterflies! Words of Wisdom “Be strong, be fearless, be beautiful. And believe that anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.” – Misty Copeland “Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” – Francis of Assisi “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – Dalai Lama “To all the other dreamers out there, don't ever stop or let the world's negativity disenchant you or your spirit. If you surround yourself with love and the right people, anything is possible.” – Adam Green “The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man’s determination.” – Tommy Lasorda  Inspiration Welcome to Monday! Today we’re going to celebrate an amazing person whom I recently heard speak at a conference. His name is Jason Fowler. At the age of 6, Jason’s parents gave him his first motorcycle! He competed throughout the country with his family until, at 17, he hit a rock while practicing and was thrown from his bike. It completely severed his spinal cord, which meant that he would never walk again. Can you imagine how he felt? How would you feel if what you loved and lived for was suddenly taken from you? I can’t imagine how he felt, but I do know what he did. As he laid in bed contemplating life, he saw the wheelchair division of the Boston Marathon on TV and knew that 26-mile race was his future. Six months later, he completed his first 5-mile race. One year later, he competed in the Boston Marathon. During the next 10 years, he completed 150 races, 34 marathons, 37 triathlons and 2 Ironman Triathlons, winning the second one to become the Ironman Triathlon Champion!   When asked how he gets his inspiration to keep going – and to inspire others – Jason says that each person is unstoppable and has the inner strength and power to do anything. Here are the questions that he would ask himself each morning to get his inspiration: What do I want for my life? What does my best self look like? He also changed the way he looked at setting goals. Now he asks, “How do I have my best day today?” I really like that way of looking at goals. Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to set our goals that we never get around to implementing them! To learn more about Jason and his mission, visit http://jasonfowlerliving.com/about/   Something to Think About The lessons that Jason learned through failing and eventually winning the Ironman World Championship have translated to other parts of his life and have him feeling a bit like Superman at times. One of the more powerful lessons he learned, which continues to guide his life, is that when you never give up and give 110% enlightened effort, the impossible becomes possible.   Weekly Activity  Ask yourself these questions each day: What do I want for my life? What does my best self look like? How do I have my best day today? Words of Wisdom “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr. “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I'm possible!’” – Audrey Hepburn “If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.” – Milton Berle “Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman

Monday Wake Up Call

Monday Wake Up Call: Your Motivation, Inspiration, & Direction for the Week Ahead

Inspiration Welcome to Monday! Today we’re going to celebrate an amazing person whom I recently heard speak at a conference. His name is Jason Fowler. At the age of 6, Jason’s parents gave him his first motorcycle! He competed throughout the country with his family until, at 17, he hit a rock while practicing and was thrown from his bike. It completely severed his spinal cord, which meant that he would never walk again. Can you imagine how he felt? How would you feel if what you loved and lived for was suddenly taken from you? I can’t imagine how he felt, but I do know what he did. As he laid in bed contemplating life, he saw the wheelchair division of the Boston Marathon on TV and knew that 26-mile race was his future. Six months later, he completed his first 5-mile race. One year later, he competed in the Boston Marathon. During the next 10 years, he completed 150 races, 34 marathons, 37 triathlons and 2 Ironman Triathlons, winning the second one to become the Ironman Triathlon Champion!   When asked how he gets his inspiration to keep going – and to inspire others – Jason says that each person is unstoppable and has the inner strength and power to do anything. Here are the questions that he would ask himself each morning to get his inspiration: What do I want for my life? What does my best self look like? He also changed the way he looked at setting goals. Now he asks, “How do I have my best day today?” I really like that way of looking at goals. Sometimes we get so caught up in trying to set our goals that we never get around to implementing them! To learn more about Jason and his mission, visit http://jasonfowlerliving.com/about/   Something to Think About The lessons that Jason learned through failing and eventually winning the Ironman World Championship have translated to other parts of his life and have him feeling a bit like Superman at times. One of the more powerful lessons he learned, which continues to guide his life, is that when you never give up and give 110% enlightened effort, the impossible becomes possible.   Weekly Activity  Ask yourself these questions each day: What do I want for my life? What does my best self look like? How do I have my best day today? Words of Wisdom “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr. “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I'm possible!’” – Audrey Hepburn “If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.” – Milton Berle “Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman