Scaring Up Some Halloween Fun in the Capital District

October 10, 2018

Are you ready for some spooky fun this Halloween. The Capital Region offers up everything from family fun events like the Saratoga Fall Festival to the super scary like the Zombie Zip Line.  There’s something for everyone – scary or fun, day or night.

Candlelight Annual Tour of Schuyler House

Experience the ambience of candlelight bathed rooms as you immerse yourself in the Schuyler House Annual Candlelight Tour on Saturday, October 13, 2018. Walk the floors and hear the stories of the Schuyler family and their many visitors including George Washington and Alexander Hamilton.


Old Saratoga Historical Association hosts the annual Candlelight Tour of General Philip Schuyler’s 1777 country house. Their members join park staff and volunteers to guide visitors on short tours throughout the evening.


Where:


Schuyler House

4 Broad Street

Schuylerville, NY 12871


Get Tickets

  • Slide title

    When:  Saturday, October 13th

    Hours: 6 pm – 8:30 pm

    Cost: FREE (reservations required)

    Button

  • Slide title

    When:  Saturday, October 17th

    Hours: 11 am – 4 pm

    Cost: FREE

    Button

17th Annual Saratoga Fall Festival

Bring the whole family to celebrate the fall season just in time for Halloween in beautiful downtown Saratoga Springs with fun, games and trick-or-treating!


The Saratoga Fall Festival has everything from a costume parade to rock climbing walls to live music and over 65 vendors offering seasonal favorites like pumpkin-spice lattes, hand-painted pumpkins, pies, pumpkin-flavored baked goods, fall apparel, and more!


Kids love dressing up early and heading downtown to paint pumpkins, ride ponies, and bob for apples. Parents love that it’s free!


Where:


Saratoga Farmers’ Market

112 High Rock Avenue

Saratoga Springs NY 12866

14th Annual Ballston Spa Witch Walk

Are you wondering what comes out at night in the corn maze? Stop by Schuyler Farms – the “sTalk” of the town.


Every twist and turn in the haunted corn maze will hold a new surprise for you. As you navigate your way through with just a flashlight to guide your way anticipation and fear will build inside of you.


There are demons and ghouls around every bend, masked men with chainsaws following behind you, and haunted buildings within the maze to pass through.


This is a unique experience that will have you coming back year after year! The maze can be slippery, so dress accordingly.


Location: 


Schuyler Farms

1124 Route NY-29

Schuylerville, NY. 12871


Learn More

  • Slide title

    When:  Friday, October 26th

    Time:  6:30 pm – 11:55 pm

    Location:

    American Legion

    23 Pleasant Street

    Ballston Spa, NY 12020

    Cost: $25 if ordered before October 15th,

    $30 at the door

    Button

  • Slide title

    When: Saturday, October 27

    Time: 8 pm – 11:55 pm

    Button

Hallo-WINE Party with FUNK EVOLUTION!

Get your costumes on and get FUNKY! Join us for our annual Hallo-WINE party with live party music on the deck by FUNK EVOLUTION! Saturday, October 28th from 8pm-Midnight. Wood Fired Pizza, Costume Contest and all your favorite wine, beer, spirits and hard ciders. $10 cover.


Where: 


462 Route 29 West

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866


Cost: $10 cover


Learn More

Ghost Ship!

Sail on the Adirondack Cruise & Charter Company’s Ghost Ship for a singularly unique Halloween experience – – if you dare! The journey begins with ghosts and ghouls roaming the docks on the haunted trail to the ship. The crew of the dead we sails the haunted, eerie waters of Saratoga Lake for close to an hour giving you plenty of time to learn all the secrets of the area. . If we even make it back alive, Warm apple cider and yummy S’mores await your return to shore – – that is, if you return.


Warning: Trail may be dark and unlit, with disturbing scenes and live actors. Stories and tales may be fictional or based on real events. Please decide if this cruise is right for your guests before purchasing tickets. Tickets are not refundable. Costumes are welcomed!


Location: 


Adirondack Cruise & Charter Co.

549 Union Avenue

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866


Learn More



  • Slide title

    When:  Friday, October 27 – Sunday, October 29

    Hours:  7 pm & 8:30 pm

    Cost: 

    Children:  $10

    Adults:  $20

    Button

  • Slide title

    Dates:  Fridays & Saturdays in October

    Times:  Dusk until 10 pm, last ticket sold at 9:15 pm

    Cost:  $15 per victim

    Button

Haunted Maze - Field of Screams at Schuyler Farms

Are you wondering what comes out at night in the corn maze? Stop by Schuyler Farms – the “sTalk” of the town.


Every twist and turn in the haunted corn maze will hold a new surprise for you. As you navigate your way through with just a flashlight to guide your way anticipation and fear will build inside of you.


There are demons and ghouls around every bend, masked men with chainsaws following behind you, and haunted buildings within the maze to pass through.


This is a unique experience that will have you coming back year after year! The maze can be slippery, so dress accordingly.


Location: 


Schuyler Farms

1124 Route NY-29

Schuylerville, NY. 12871


Learn More



Zombie Zip Line

Do your Halloween interests run more toward event that are not for the faint of heart? If so, this is the perfect “scare” for you. The nightmare begins with a corpse-guided tour along a serial killer infested forest and gets more interesting when victims are hauled into the trees among complete, utter horror.

Once in the trees, victims (guests) are submerged into complete darkness…alone, afraid, and vulnerable.. The only way down is through a screaming steel cable hundreds of feet along Mountain Ridge Adventure’s awesome Zip Line Park.

The terror occurs every Friday and Saturday night in the month of October from 7 pm – 10 pm.

Zombie Zip Line is intended for mature audiences only. You must be 14 years or older to participate and the age restriction is strictly enforced.

This is not your Disney horror show. This is the real deal.

Tickets are limited – book today!

Location: 

Mountain Ridge Adventure
300 Weatherwax Road
Schenectady, NY 12302



Learn more & Get Tickets

  • Slide title

    Days:  Fridays & Saturdays in October

    Hours:  7 pm & 10 pm

    Cost: $39

    Button

Share

Photo of 3 awards that Belmonte Builders won from the CRBRA Best In Building Awards

Cypress Twin Home Wins Three (3) 2024 Best in Building Awards

November 18, 2024
On November 14th, Belmonte Builders was honored to take home three(3) awards for our Cypress Twin Home at the 2024 Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association’s (CRBRA) Best in Building Awards night. We were proud that our Cypress model home at 22 Daintree Drive was recognized for: Best New Twin Home or Townhome Best New Merchandised (staged) Model Best Aging in Place Design

How the Federal Reserve's Next Move Could Impact the Housing Market

September 12, 2024
Now that it’s September, all eyes are on the Federal Reserve (the Fed). The overwhelming expectation is that they’ll cut the Federal Funds Rate at their upcoming meeting, driven primarily by recent signs that inflation is cooling , and the job market is slowing down . Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics, said : “They’re ready to cut, just as long as we don’t get an inflation surprise between now and September, which we won’t.” But what does this mean for the housing market, and more importantly, for you as a potential homebuyer or seller? Why a Federal Funds Rate Cut Matters The Federal Funds Rate is one of the key factors that influences mortgage rates – things like the economy, geopolitical uncertainty, and more also have an impact. When the Fed cuts the Federal Funds Rate, it signals what’s happening in the broader economy, and mortgage rates tend to respond. While a single rate cut might not lead to a dramatic drop in mortgage rates, it could contribute to the gradual decline that’s already happening. As Mike Fratantoni, Chief Economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), points out : “Once the Fed kicks off a rate-cutting cycle, we do expect that mortgage rates will move somewhat lower.” And any upcoming Federal Funds Rate cut likely won’t be a one-time event. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says : “Generally, the rate-cutting cycle is not one-and-done. Six to eight rounds of rate cuts all through 2025 look likely.” The Projected Impact on Mortgage Rates Here’s what experts in the industry project for mortgage rates through 2025. One contributing factor to this ongoing gradual decline is the anticipated cuts from the Fed. The graph below shows the latest forecasts from F annie Ma e , MBA , NAR , and Wells Fargo (see graph below):
Family cooking out-featured image for Why the Sandwich Generation is Buying Multi-Generational Homes

Why the Sandwich Generation if Buying Multi-Generational Homes

August 5, 2024
Being a part of the Sandwich Generation comes with its challenges – but it also might come with one truly great perk. If you’re looking to buy a home, your caregiving situation can actually make it a bit easier for you to afford a home. And building a new home makes it easier to personalize the floor plan to fit your unique needs
Castleton Primary Down Outdoor Living - 8 Scarlet Street, Clifton Park, NY

Why Moving to a Smaller Home after Retirement Makes Life Easier

July 12, 2024
Retirement is a time for relaxation, adventure, and enjoying the things you love. As you imagine this exciting new chapter in your life, it's important to think about whether your current home still fits your needs. If it's too big, too costly, or just not convenient anymore, downsizing might help you make the most of your retirement years. To find out if a smaller, more manageable home might be the perfect fit for your new lifestyle, ask yourself these questions: Do the original reasons I bought my current house still stand, or have my needs changed since then? Do I really need and want the space I have right now, or could somewhere smaller be a better fit? What are my housing expenses right now, and how much do I want to try to save by downsizing? If you answered yes to any of these, consider the benefits that come with downsizing.

Top 2 Reasons to Consider a Newly Built Home

May 15, 2024
When you’re planning a move, it’s normal to wonder where you’ll end up and what your future home is going to look like. Maybe you’ve got a specific picture of that house in your mind. But unless you came into this process knowing you want to buy a newly built home, you may not have pictured new home construction. These two reasons may make you want to reconsider that. 1. Adding Newly Built Homes Could Give You More Options There are two types of homes on the market: new and existing. A newly built home refers to a house that was just built or is under construction. An existing home is one a previous homeowner has already lived in. Right now, the inventory of existing homes is tight. But there may be options for you on the new home side of things. Data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that newly built homes are a bigger part of today’s housing inventory than the norm (see graph below):

3 Helpful Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

March 22, 2024
Graphic of a house with one side of the eave extending like an arrow pointing down

The Benefits of Downsizing When You Retire

March 8, 2024
If you’re taking a look at your expenses as you retire, saving money where you can has a lot of appeal. One long-standing, popular way to do that is by downsizing to a smaller home. When you think about cutting down on your spending, odds are you think of frequent purchases, like groceries and other goods. But when you downsize your house, you often end up downsizing the bills that come with it, like your mortgage payment, energy costs, and maintenance requirements. Realtor.com shares : “A smaller home typically means lower bills and less upkeep. Then there’s the potential windfall that comes from selling your larger home and buying something smaller.”  That windfall is thanks to your home equity . If you’ve been in your house for a while, odds are you’ve built up a considerable amount of equity. And that equity is something you can use to help you buy a home that better fits your needs today. Daniel Hunt, CFA at Morgan Stanley, explains : “ Home equity can be a significant source of wealth for retirees, often representing a large portion of their net worth . . . . Retirement planning can be complex, but your home equity shouldn't be overlooked.” And when you’re ready to use that equity to fuel your next move, your real estate agent will be your guide through every step of the process . That includes setting the right price for your current house when you sell, finding the home that best fits your evolving needs, and understanding what you can afford at today’s mortgage rate. What This Means for You If you’re thinking about downsizing, ask yourself these questions: Do the original reasons I bought my current house still stand, or have my needs changed since then? Do I really need and want the space I have right now, or could somewhere smaller be a better fit? What are my housing expenses right now, and how much do I want to try to save by downsizing? Then take a look at your current situation. Check to find out how much equity you have in your current home and research the market to find out what's available for you. Don't overlook new construction options. New homes and newer homes are often designed with aging-in-place in mind. Bottom Line Want to save money in retirement? Consider downsizing – it could really help you out. When you’re ready, check out Belmonte's award-winning ranch and primary down floor plans.

Strategic Tips for Buying Your First Home

March 8, 2024
Buying your first home is a big, exciting step and a major milestone that has the power to improve your life. As a first-time homebuyer, it's a dream you can make come true, but there are some hurdles you'll need to overcome in today’s housing market – specifically the limited supply of homes for sale and ongoing affordability challenges. So, if you're ready, willing, and able to buy your first home, here are three tips to help you turn your dream into a reality. Save Money with First-Time Homebuyer Programs Paying the initial costs of homeownership, like your down payment and closing costs, can feel a bit daunting. But there are many assistance programs for first-time homebuyers that can help you get a loan with little or no money upfront. According to Bankrate: “. . . you might qualify for a first-time homebuyer loan or assistance. First-time buyer loans typically have more flexible requirements, such as a lower down payment and credit score. Many help buyers with closing costs and the down payment through grants and low-interest loans.” To find out more, talk to your state's housing authority or check out websites like Down Payment Resource . Expand Your Options by Looking at Condos and Townhomes Right now, there aren’t enough homes for sale for everyone who wants to buy one. That’s pushing home prices up and making affordability tight for buyers. One way to deal with that issue and find a home right now is to consider condos and townhomes. Realtor.com explains: “For many newbies, it might just be a matter of making a shift toward something they can better afford—like a condo or townhome. These lower-cost homes have historically been a stepping stone for buyers looking for a less expensive alternative to a single-family home.” One reason why they may be more affordable is because they’re often smaller. But they still give you the chance to get your foot in the door and achieve your goal of owning a home and building equity. And that equity can help fuel your move into a larger home later on if you decide you need something bigger in the future. Hannah Jones, Senior Economic Analyst at Realtor.com, says : “Condos can help prospective homebuyers who perhaps have a smaller budget, but who are really determined to get a foothold in the market and start to accumulate some equity. It can be a really great entry point.” Consider Pooling Your Resources To Buy a Multi-Generational Home Another way to break into the market is by purchasing a home with friends or loved ones. That way you can split the cost of things like the mortgage and bills, to make it easier to afford a home. According to Money.com: “Buying a home with another person has some obvious advantages in the mortgage department. With two incomes in the mix, buyers can likely qualify for a larger mortgage — a big help in today’s high-cost market.” Bottom Line By exploring first-time homebuyer assistance, condos, townhomes, and multi-generational living, it can be easier to find and buy your first home.

Key Terms Every Homebuyer Should Learn

By Admin Homes • January 25, 2024
Buying a home is a big deal and can feel especially complicated if you don't know the terms used during the process. If you want to become a homeowne r this year, it's a good idea to learn these key housing terms and understand how they relate to the current housing market. That will help you feel confident when you buy a home.

Why You May Want To Seriously Consider a Newly Built Home

By Admin Homes • January 25, 2024
Are you putting off your plans to sell because you’re worried you won’t be able to find a home you like when you move? If so, it may be time to consider a newly built home and the benefits that come with one. Here’s why. Near-Record Percentage of New Home Inventory Newly built homes are becoming an increasingly significant part of today’s housing inventory. According to the most recent report from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) “Newly built homes available for sale accounted for 31% of total homes available for sale in November, compared to an approximate 12% historical average.” That means the percentage of the total homes available to buy that are newly built is well over two times higher than the norm. And even more new homes are on the way. Recent data from the Census shows there’s been an uptick in both housing starts (where builders break ground on more new homes) and housing completions (homes where construction just wrapped). And while some people may worry builders are building too many homes, that isn’t a concern – if anything, the recent increase is really good news. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains : “Even more home building will be needed with the housing shortage persisting in most markets . . . Another 30% rise in home construction can easily be absorbed in the marketplace . . .” How This Helps You Since the supply of existing homes for sale is still low right now, the increase of new-home construction can be a game changer because it gives you more options for your search. Just remember, the process of buying from a builder is different from buying from a home seller, so it’s important to do your research and work with a builder with a reputation for exceeding expectations.
More Posts
Share by: