As mortgage rates decrease, homeowners are rushing to refinance, with recent data showing a 20% surge in refinance applications just last week. The lower rates are enticing for those looking to reduce monthly payments or shorten loan terms, but they’re also creating opportunities for buyers and property investors.

Why Lower Mortgage Rates Matter
For potential buyers, the current average interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage has dropped to around 6.13%, making homeownership more affordable. Meanwhile, refinances make up 55.7% of all mortgage activity, a significant shift in the market. This trend makes it an opportune moment to invest in properties in Syracuse, whether it’s a primary home or an investment property.
Is Now the Time to Refinance or Invest?
Homeowners can benefit from substantial savings by refinancing at a lower rate, while investors can capitalize on reduced borrowing costs to acquire properties for rental income or future resale. With fewer ...

Looking for an unforgettable Halloween adventure this season? Look no further than Frightmare Farms Haunted Scream Park, a terrifyingly fun destination designed by one of BELL Home Team’s longtime, loyal clients! Nestled in Palermo, NY, Frightmare Farms offers much more than your average haunted house. From its immersive sets to its skilled actors, the park provides an unrivaled eerie experience that blends fright and entertainment perfectly.
The Ultimate Immersive Halloween Experience

Frightmare Farms stands out as more than just a haunted attraction; it’s a fully immersive, interactive experience designed to chill even the bravest souls. The park is home to several top-tier attractions that are guaranteed to keep your adrenaline pumping. Here are some of the highlights:
The Twisted Labyrinth: A maze of terror where every twist and turn keeps you on edge.
The Condemned Mine Trail: Step deep into the forgotten mines, where the dark hides horrifying secrets.
The Pro ...

In real estate, a cap rate (capitalization rate) is a key metric that helps investors evaluate the profitability of an income-producing property. It represents the property’s potential annual return, expressed as a percentage, and is calculated by dividing the net operating income (NOI) by the property’s current market value.
How to Calculate Cap Rate:
Net Operating Income (NOI): Rental income minus operating expenses.
Current Market Value: The property’s price or appraised value.
Cap Rate Formula:

Why Cap Rate Matters
Cap rates offer a way to compare different investment properties. Generally, a higher cap rate suggests a higher potential return, but this could also indicate higher risk. Lower cap rates might suggest stability but potentially lower returns. Investors use this formula to assess properties, but it's essential to consider other factors, such as market trends, property condition, and location.
Comparing different cap rates in the neighborhood ...

Fall is the season for all things cozy, and nothing says "autumn" like the smell of pumpkin spice and cinnamon! Here's how to make your own pumpkin spice seasoning and cinnamon-scented pinecones to fill your home with the scents of the season.
DIY Pumpkin Spice Seasoning

Skip the store-bought version and make your own pumpkin spice mix that you can sprinkle on anything from lattes to desserts. You'll need:
3 tbsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 ½ tsp ground allspice
1 ½ tsp ground cloves

Simply mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container. Add a dash of this fall favorite to your morning coffee, sprinkle it on baked goods, or even mix it into oatmeal for an autumnal treat!  Check out this article with the 35 Best Pumpkin Desserts You’ve Got to Try This Fall.
DIY Cinnamon-Scented Pinecones

Cinnamon-scented pinecones are a staple in fall décor (and can be great for Christmas too!), and making ...

Inheriting a home can feel like a bittersweet blessing. On one hand, it may come with sentimental value and the opportunity to honor the memories tied to the property. On the other hand, selling an inherited home brings its own set of legal, emotional, and financial challenges that can make the process more complex than a standard real estate transaction. Here, we’ll explore some of the key considerations for anyone facing the sale of an estate property in Syracuse or beyond.
Understanding Probate and Title Issues

One of the first hurdles to clear when selling an inherited home is ensuring the property has gone through the probate process. Probate is the legal procedure that validates the deceased’s will and grants permission to the executor to manage the estate. If the property is not held in a trust or jointly owned, the probate process must be completed before any sale can occur.
During probate, it’s essential to ensure that there are no title issues. A clear ...