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Wednesday, January 7, 2026   /   by Bell Home Team

Support Silver Fox and Our Community at the Syracuse Auto Dealers Charity Preview

Each year, one of Central New York’s most anticipated fundraising events brings community, generosity, and excitement together under one roof. The Syracuse Auto Dealers Association (SADA) Charity Preview marks the kickoff of the Syracuse Auto Expo and provides a unique opportunity to support dozens of local nonprofits — including one near and dear to many families in our area: Silver Fox Adult Day Centers.
Event Details:
SADA Charity Preview
Wednesday, February 11th, 2026
Doors Open at 6:30PM
Syracuse Oncenter
800 S State St, Syracuse, NY 13202
 
>>> Buy your tickets through Silver Fox HERE <<<

What Is the SADA Charity Preview?
The Charity Preview is a celebrated annual gala that precedes the larger auto show event. Attendees get a first look at the latest vehicles on display across the OnCenter Convention Center and War Memorial, enjoy food and drinks, and socialize with community members who care deeply about giving back. All proceeds ...

Friday, January 2, 2026   /   by Bell Home Team

Beat the Winter Blues: Get Outside This January with Wednesday Walks at Green Lakes State Park

Winter in Central New York can feel long, especially once the holiday season wraps up. Short days and cold temperatures often tempt us to stay indoors, but getting outside — even in winter — can make a noticeable difference in how we feel. One of the best ways to reset, recharge, and embrace the season is by spending time in nature, and Green Lakes State Park offers the perfect setting to do just that.
 
This January, Green Lakes State Park is hosting Wednesday Winter Walks, a weekly opportunity to get outside, enjoy fresh air, and experience the park’s beauty during the quieter winter months.

Winter Walks at Green Lakes

When: Every Wednesday in January
Time: 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Where: Green Lakes State Park, Fayetteville, NY
Every Wednesday in January, visitors are invited to take part in guided winter walks at Green Lakes State Park. These walks are designed to be accessible, relaxed, and welcoming — ideal for anyone looking to stay a ...

Thursday, January 1, 2026   /   by Bell Home Team

From Wood Stoves to Heat Pumps: A Brief History of Home Heating in Central New York (1850–2025)

If you’ve ever grumbled at a January heating bill in Central New York, you’re not alone. Cold winters have always shaped how homes here are built and heated. But before modern furnaces, thermostats, and efficient equipment, staying warm was far more hands-on — often messy, physically demanding, and a daily chore.
A look back at how homes were heated from the mid-1800s through today offers some perspective. Yes, heating costs can sting — but at least most of us aren’t hauling coal, emptying ash buckets, or getting up in the night to feed a fire.

1850–1880: Fireplaces, Wood Stoves, and Room-by-Room Heat
In the mid-19th century, many homes relied on wood-burning fireplaces and cast-iron stoves. Wood was plentiful, but warmth came with work: cutting, splitting, stacking, drying, and hauling firewood — often constantly through the winter. Heat was uneven, rooms could be chilly, and fires needed regular tending. Ash cleanup was simply part of li ...

Wednesday, December 31, 2025   /   by Bell Home Team

5 Home Design Trends Expected to Shape 2026

As we head into 2026, design professionals and architects are pointing to several key shifts that will influence how homes are built, decorated, and experienced. These trends reflect a broader shift toward spaces that feel personal, connected to nature, and thoughtfully crafted for how people live today. Whether you’re planning a remodel, updating a room, or just gathering inspiration for the year ahead, here are five trends likely to gain traction in home design.
1. Warm, Grounded Color Palettes and Earthy Tones
 
Interior color forecasts show a move away from stark, cool neutrals toward richer, warmer hues. Deep browns, burgundy tones, olive greens, and muted earth-inspired colors are emerging as favorites for walls, cabinetry, and accent elements. These tones work with natural materials to create interiors that feel both cozy and refined, offering alternatives to purely neutral greys and whites. Designers suggest layering warm hues with lighter accents to maintain ba ...

Wednesday, December 24, 2025   /   by Bell Home Team

Why Title Insurance Matters (and What It Really Costs in New York)

When buying a home, most buyers focus on the excitement of finding the right property, negotiating the price, and planning move-in details. But there’s one part of the home-buying process that often flies under the radar: title insurance. Many buyers see it as just another line item in closing costs, but it plays a crucial role in protecting your investment and future ability to sell or refinance.

What Title Insurance Actually Does

Title insurance protects you and your lender from financial loss due to problems with the property’s ownership history that were not discovered before closing. Unlike homeowner’s insurance, which covers physical damage to the property after you buy it, title insurance guards against legal and ownership issues that already existed but were hidden in the chain of title. These might include:

Undisclosed liens or unpaid taxes
Errors in public records or clerical mistakes
Forged signatures or fraud in past transfers
Conflictin ...