Finger Lakes Real Estate with Vicki Schamel

10/21/2026

The credit landscape is changing, but action is required on your part. You have to take credit for what you do. And the sooner you get started, the better.

Ready to see where you stand? A quick conversation with a loan officer costs you nothing and could show you you're closer to owning a home than you think.

What's the biggest payment you make every month? If you’re a renter, it's probably your rent.

10/20/2026

Mortgage rates have changed again. So, I’ll share how Finger Lakes buyers and sellers can keep their plans on track by knowing their numbers first.

10/19/2026

Home sales may be slower than last year. But that doesn't mean buyers have disappeared.

At the current pace, almost 4 million homes are expected to sell this year. That's about 11,000 each day, 450 an hour, and nearly 8 every minute. Why? Because even in this market, there are still buyers out there who have a reason to move. People get new jobs, families grow, people retire, downsize, and move closer to the people they love. And those changes create buyers and sellers in every kind of market. In fact, the latest report from NAR shows sales actually ticked up slightly in September, even though they're still below last year's pace.

So, don't let a headline convince you no one is buying. You don't need every buyer. You just need the right one – and a strategy that helps your house get their attention. If you're thinking about selling, let's talk about how to make yours one of the homes that sells.

10/16/2026

Take a walk in the moonlight as hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins twinkle in dark. This will be a truly magical evening along a section of the Ontario Pathways trail!

Great Pumpkin Walk Take a walk in the moonlight as hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins twinkle in dark. This will be a truly magical evening along a section of the Ontario Pathways trail! The round-trip walking distance is about 1 mile with a stop for refreshments. The walk is suitable for all ages, an...

10/16/2026

Worried you might regret buying a home right now?

Even though rates are still higher than buyers would like, everyday costs are up, and the economy feels uncertain, a recent NerdWallet survey found most buyers who’ve already made the leap say they’re glad they did. Only 3% actually regret it.

That’s a good reminder that homeownership isn’t really about whether you bought at the “perfect” time, rate, or price. It’s about what owning a home can do for you over time.

As home values rise and you pay down your mortgage, you build something called equity. And that equity can eventually give you more flexibility, more financial options, and more freedom when it’s time for your next move.

So, if buying is something you still want, don’t let today’s uncertainty automatically talk you out of it.

Let’s look at what’s possible and whether there’s a path that makes sense for you.

10/14/2026

It adds drama without overpowering the room.

It adds drama without overpowering the room.

10/13/2026

Staying and moving can both be good choices. What matters most is finding the place where you'll feel comfortable and at home for years to come.

If you'd like help weighing the two, let's connect. We can look at what your house could sell for and what 55+ communities in our area have to offer, so you can decide what feels right for you.

You've spent years making your house feel like home, celebrating milestones, making each room your own, and turning neighbors into friends. As you look ahead to the next chapter of your life, it's natural to wonder if this is still the place you want to spend it.

10/13/2026

Are you thinking about buying or selling a home within the next year but unsure where to begin? Whether you’re wondering if now is the right time, curious about your home’s value, or want to know how to get the best deal, I’m here to guide you. I’m offering a free strategy call to answer your questions and provide expert advice tailored to the current market in New York. Call me at 607-351-6933, and let’s discuss your goals.

10/13/2026

The Fed is raising the Fed Funds Rate to cool inflation, and that can keep upward pressure on mortgage rates for a while. But you can still make a move that works for you.

It just takes the right strategy.

Buyers need to know their real budget at today's rates. Sellers need a price and plan that fits what buyers can afford right now. Relief on rates could take some time. If you're thinking about a move, let's put together a game plan built for today's rates, so you'll know your next step.

10/09/2026

Feeling like buying your first place is still years away? Here’s how to shortcut it.

While data shows saving up and reaching the break even point where owning costs about the same as renting usually takes around 15 years, there are ways to get there faster.

If you set your sights on a starter home, it’s actually closer to seven years. That cuts the time in half. You’re looking at 4.6 years to save and 2.6 to break even.

But keep in mind, those numbers assume you put 20% down. Most first-time buyers put down far less, so that saving timeframe can shrink even more.

DM me, and I'll share a few ways to reach your first home sooner – like talking to a lender about down payment assistance programs.

Since you’ve probably already been saving for a while, you may be closer than you realize.