Today is:   Monday... February 8, 2010

Robert "Bob" Potochniak is licensed to conduct real estate business in New York State as an Associate Broker with Trevitt Realtors of Vestal, NY.

Welcome to bpoto.com. This web site features useful information for both home buyers and sellers. It is a growing web site that can help guide you through what is ahead as you prepare for your home search or sale. This web site is also a portal to connect you with web sites where you will be able to find information about everyday living, our community, local businesses and much more. So check back often to see what is new and when you are ready to find your new home or sell your current house, call me at 607-759-4760 or email to realestate@bpoto.com. Your comments about this web site are also welcome.

Has the Southern Tier Real Estate Market Stabilized?

Many Southern Tier residents (including Greater Binghamton) find themselves wonder about the local real estate market and if it has stabilized. While none of us can see or read the future well, read a short article written by Jim Trevitt, owner and principal broker of Trevitt Realtors. Read more...
 

Here are some items from the government showing new proposed FHA guidelines....  proposed for early summer rollout, seller's concessions are DROPPING to 3%. Also, New borrowers will now be required to have a minimum FICO score of 580 to qualify for FHA's 3.5% down payment program. New borrowers with less than a 580 FICO score will be required to put down at least 10%. Read the HUD Press Release...

The Impress Company, created from two European powerhouse metal packaging companies, has begun construction on a 91,000 square foot, LEED certified production facility built on 12 acres of land in the Conklin Corporate Park. In an unexpected move, the Raymond Corp., manufacturer of fork trucks, announces a plan to close an Ontario, Canada plant and move 250 jobs to Greene, NY. Read More.

The Greater Binghamton (Broome County) area is strategically located at the crossroads of Interstates 81, 88 and 86 (NYS Rt. 17), and consists of Binghamton, Johnson City, Endicott, Endwell and Vestal.  These core communities are surrounded by suburban and rural communities that add to the variety of options for comfortable living and exceptional business opportunities. Read More....

For many years the Greater Binghamton real estate and employment markets have been regarded as one of the most stable markets in the country. Numerous critics and news sources have also given the Greater Binghamton region high marks in categories such as affordability, stability, and safety. While we may not have the best ocean fishing or surfing in the United States (Actually, we are 3 hours from the ocean.), the region does offer an excellent quality of life for singles, families and retirees. Read more and check the ratings about the Greater Binghamton Area.

Learn more about the Binghamton Real Estate Market.

The federal government is now offering and expanded $8,000 Tax Credit for First-time Home Buyers and $6,500 for existing home owners - Learn more through the National Association of Home Builders If you are a member of the Military, the Foreign Service or the Intelligence Community you may qualify for a special exemption and extension. For more information...

FAQ Link to NYS and Federal Government Programs:

NY: STAR Exemption - School Property Tax Exemption Questions & Answers

Selling your home in a buyers market can be difficult. In many markets there are a record number of homes for sale causing a bloated inventory. And with the fallout of the mortgage crisis, obtaining a mortgage has become more difficult for the buyer. That, along with rising unemployment and falling housing prices in many areas, has caused a buyers market. Read more about selling in a buyers market.

Getting the most for your house or property means more than putting up a For Sale sign. In a market place like the Greater Binghamton area, you need your listing to stand out and be seen, and sometimes in a variety of places. And because you never know where that buyer will come from, you'll want the help of a professional. Read more..
 

If you are new to the home buying process, buying a home is not like buying a car. There are many steps to go through and it will take up much of your free time. Once you have found your dream home, you will be plenty busy until the closing. Read More...
 

Be the first to find out about the best homes as they become available. Sign up now and get the new listings delivered directly to your Email. Then review them from the comfort of your own home. Read more...

Check Your Contractor's Background
Thinking about a remodel job, addition or other home improvement. Check the NYS Attorney General's web site to see if the contractor that you are about to hire has been subject to a legal action or other consumer complaint. Check on my contractor now! You can also check the NYS Better Business Bureau.
  

Click here to view a partial list of area employers

From childrens toys and school lunches to consumer products, get up-to-date reports of product safety issues and much more from Consumer Reports Safety Alerts.

Bob, "I want to thank you for all of the skill and effort you put in to making our home purchase happen. I guess what I liked most about you is that no matter how stressed I got, you weren't stressed! That was very reassuring. Thanks so much for everything." Mike and Tina Whitney Point, NY

"Bob is absolutely the best real estate agent I've ever encountered. He is professional, enthusiastic, prepared, articulate and personable. I would highly recommend him to friends and family without a doubt.  Bob was extremely knowledgeable about the local real estate market and was always available to answer our questions whenever we called.  I was very hesitant about selling my Dad's house but now as I look back, I cannot remember a time in my life where things went so smoothly.  Bob is the perfect agent." Jim M. Endwell, NY

This web site is intended to be a general guide for home buyers and sellers. For specific legal information regarding the sale or purchase of real estate, please consult your attorney.

My web site continues to grow. Check back often to see what new information and features have been added.

For your Real Estate needs in
Broome County, Tioga County
Greater Binghamton
Binghamton, Johnson City, Endicott, Endwell, Vestal,
Owego, Apalachin, Newark Valley, Windsor, Conklin, Chenango, Kirkwood, ...