dl1

What is a Real Estate Concierge Service?

January 9, 2018 by dl1

You’ve probably heard of the term “concierge” in relation to big city hotels in tourist areas like New York or Miami. At a hotel, the concierge person is the one who helps guests find things such as taxi rides, tickets to shows, and whatever else they need that happens to be located outside of the hotel complex.

Did you know that the real estate industry often offers concierge services these days? In Western New York, Donna Littlefield does… but more on that later.

The Stresses of Moving

When you move, there’s usually a lot of stress involved and real estate agents want to help take some of that stress away. By providing people with connections to “vetted vendors,” agents help people get the “extra” stuff done. Think of it this way: an agent could just sell you a house and then you’re on your own for things like finding a painter to repaint the living room to your liking or finding a pool company to install a pool in the backyard for summer fun. With concierge services, though, the agent continues their relationship with the home buyer/seller, helping them figure out who to work with in order to get more stuff done.

The Benefits of Concierge Services

Real estate agents typically know many people in the community or communities they serve. Real estate people are networkers by trade, and therefore they develop relationships over the years with all sorts of business owners and service providers. Take, for instance, Donna Littlefield. She knows her communities well. When someone moves into Wheatfield, for example, she has a list of trustworthy local people she can recommend to clients who will do indoor/outdoor painting, plumbing repairs and upgrades, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, hardwood or carpet installations, driveway repairs/upgrades, AC unit installations, pool installations, and deck/patio building, among other things.

Donna Littlefield’s “Home Concierge” program is her way of going the extra mile for clients, helping them have less stress after closing on their new home. Furthermore, clients appreciate that they don’t have to do the hard work of finding decent vendors. Donna’s already done that! Call her at 716-578-1788 if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home in Western New York.

Reasons to Live in Western New York

October 18, 2016 by dl1

Suburban Life As a realtor in Western New York, Donna Littlefield helps people find homes in nice areas where there are good schools, closeby amenities, and lush, verdant yards that are the envy of people in the dry Southwest.

More and more people are discovering that Western New York has a lot of good stuff going for it, making it an attractive place to live.

First, Western New York has history and some grit. Western New York has a nice mix of old and new neighborhoods that seem “genuine.” Indeed, people remark that there’s a real “sense of place” in Western New York. It’s not all cookie-cutter. People in WNY have roots. They’re generally known to be “good neighbors,” especially when there’s a snowstorm and you need help digging your car out.

One of the reasons WNY gets a lot of snow is because of “Lake Effect.” When Lake Erie doesn’t freeze over, water from the lake gets picked up in the cold air and turned into snow. In general, the snowiest parts of Western New York are not in the Northtowns (like Wheatfield, Amherst, Pendleton), but, rather, in the Southtowns, south of Buffalo. That’s where the ski resorts are, so if you like to ski, they’re just an hour drive away from the metro area.

Speaking of Lake Erie, WNY is blessed with abundant fresh water, which is good for boating, fishing, swimming and more. Besides Lake Erie, there’s Lake Ontario, the Niagara River, the Erie Canal, and plenty of other lakes, rivers, ponds and streams. And unlike Florida, there are no alligators in them. Also, unlike the ocean, there are no sharks in them– bonus!

If you like attending live theater, Western New York has more theaters per capita than most places, so you can see plenty of shows. There are also over 65 art galleries in the region, including the renowned Albright Knox Art Gallery. Perhaps best of all is the abundance of free concerts and festivals in the summertime around Western New York.

Education is very important to Western New Yorkers, and there are plenty of great school systems, like Starpoint and Williamsville, educating young minds. There are also plenty of area colleges and universities, as well as libraries.

You can’t mention Buffalo without mentioning “The Bills.” The Buffalo Bills are like a religion around Western New York. Even if you’re not a fan, you kind of have to be a fan, since “The Bills” really do unite people each Fall and Winter. Plus, The Buffalo Sabres hockey team is beloved by Western New York fans.

Finally, one of the reasons Western New York is a great place to live is affordability. Compared to other places around the USA, the Buffalo area is a bargain. What might cost you $350,000 elsewhere could be $100,000 here.

Want to find a great place to live in Western New York? Give realtor Donna Littlefield a call today at 716-578-1788.

Which Home Improvement Projects Add Value to Your Home?

January 20, 2016 by dl1

If you’re thinking about selling your home, what are some home improvement projects that can be done to add value to it so you’ll get a higher price for the property when it sells?

First, consider the exterior of the home. How does it look? People judge a home by the way it looks. Even before stepping inside or seeing pictures of the interior, a person can get a good idea whether or not they want to even consider a home based on its outward appearance. Therefore, exterior work like new siding or replacing windows can add value to a home. If the exterior needs repairs and/or a paint job, do whatever it takes so it looks its best when presented to potential buyers.

Next, consider some home improvements inside that will impress buyers. There are two rooms to seriously consider remodeling: the kitchen and the bathroom(s). These rooms matter the most. It may be time to update and replace all the fixtures, cabinetry and flooring so they look up-to-date.

Also, if you have the time and money to add on to your home, having more square footage and/or more bedrooms can easily increase the home’s value. Consider converting an attic space into a bedroom. Finished basements can also help sell a house.

Finally, something as simple and relatively affordable as replacing your garage door can help increase the value of a home. Over time, doors become old, with dents, discolorations, dirt build-up and other stuff that make them look worn. A brand new garage door is better than a beat-up old one.

If you’re considering selling a home in Wheatfield, Pendleton or Amherst, contact Donna Littlefield at 716-578-1788. She’s more than willing to look over your home and give you advice on what needs updating or changing in order to maximize your value.

Why Western New York is a Great Place to Raise a Family

December 8, 2015 by dl1

Most people like the idea of the American Dream, where parents and kids can live in a nice home on a nice street with a nice yard where they’re safe, comfortable, and there are lots of amenities nearby. The American Dream is alive and well in Buffalo and Western New York. And it’s remarkably affordable.

Why call the suburban areas of Wheatfield, Pendleton, or Amherst home? These are ideal places to raise families. You’ll enjoy lots of free concerts and festivals in the summertime. You’ll learn how to ski or skate in the winter. The smell of fallen leaves and bonfires and apples in the fall will become something you cherish, even if you’re not willing to admit it. And spring’s flowers, especially the tulips, add a nice touch each May. If you’re looking for a place that combines big city amenities with a small town feel, Western New York is that kind of place. Everything’s “20 minutes” away (or less) it seems and it’s the kind of place where if your car breaks down, someone’s liable to stop and ask if you need help.

Crime is low, schools are good, and the people are friendly and genuine. You’re likely to meet a lot of people who have deep roots in Western New York, and they’re likely to invite you over for a barbeque or pool party. Your kids and their kids will play together. People aren’t pretentious in Western New York. They’re, instead, comfy in jeans and sweatshirts, sharing the common love for the Bills and Sabres, even when they don’t make the playoffs, and there’s a real sense of “home.”

If you like that American Dream feeling associated with “Normal Rockwell” paintings, then Western New York is the kind of place you should consider moving to! Call Donna Littlefield at 716- 578-1788 to find a home you’ll love in a place you’ll appreciate.