Welcome to the February 2026 edition of Living Local with Christine Serafini . Inside this month’s newsletter, you’ll find a snapshot of the Schenectady County real estate market, local events happening in February, helpful buyer insights, a small business spotlight on Backstage Pub, a featured listing, and a seasonal dessert recipe. Designed to keep you informed, connected, and inspired to live local.

Pricing a home isn’t about choosing a number—it’s about creating demand. Strategic pricing uses market data and buyer behavior to generate urgency, attract multiple offers, and strengthen terms. When a home is priced correctly from the start, sellers often see faster activity, stronger competition, and higher net proceeds without unnecessary price reductions.

Renting may look cheaper at first, but the real difference is what your monthly payment builds. In Schenectady and the Capital Region, many renters are surprised to learn their rent is similar to a mortgage payment — without any return. Buying a home can build equity, create stability, and support long-term financial goals. Learn how renting vs. buying truly compares in our local market.

Is now a good time to sell in Schenectady? Are buyers still active in the Capital Region? These are the questions homeowners are asking right now—and the answers aren’t found in national headlines. Real estate is hyper-local, and what’s happening on your street matters far more than what’s happening across the country. In this blog, Christine Serafini breaks down what sellers actually need to know and why real data and local insight make all the difference.

If you’re renting in Schenectady or the Capital Region because it feels “safer,” you’re not alone. But safety isn’t the same as stability and it could be costing you long-term wealth. Discover how homeownership can change your financial future.

Selling a single-family home in the Capital District? What you don’t know about pricing, timing, and buyer behavior could cost you. This post breaks down why experience matters more than ever.

Buying in East Greenbush and building a monthly budget? Most buyers focus on the mortgage payment, but utilities can move your true cost of living more than you expect. Lenders usually do not count routine utilities when they qualify you, so it is on you to plan for them. In this guide, you will learn how to estimate electricity, heat, water, sewer, trash, and internet so your budget matches real life. Let’s dive in. Why utilities belong in your budget Lenders qualify loans u

A Morning with My BNI Business Brewers Family This week, I had the pleasure of being the Feature Presenter at my weekly BNI Business Brewers meeting — hosted at the always-friendly Ugly Rooster Café in Malta, NY . Our BNI chapter is filled with passionate, driven professionals from across Upstate New York , all working to build stronger communities through connection and service. This week, I had the opportunity to share one of the most important topics in today’s real esta

Clifton Park, NY, is a charming town that offers a wide array of activities perfect for creating lasting memories. Whether you're a resident or just visiting, the area provides numerous opportunities for fun and exploration. From engaging indoor activities to outdoor adventures, Clifton Park has something to offer for everyone. Here are some exciting activities to explore in Clifton Park, NY. Indoor Adventures Clifton Park Toddler Zone at Sky Zone Trampoline Park For those lo