Buying a home in the Berkshires or the Upper Hudson Valley generally means finding some peace and quiet—your own little slice of heaven. The lot sizes here in the Upper Hudson Valley and the Berkshires are larger than many other areas, allowing for tranquility and space from the neighbors.
There are numerous advantages associated with living in a mostly rural area; however, there are a few challenges that Berkshire/Upper Hudson Valley home buyers should consider. Having a larger lot size means having an opportunity to sculpt the land to your individual preferences and needs, but the progress can be slow and you will either have to do the work yourself or hire someone.
Once you buy your home in the Berkshires or the Upper Hudson Valley, you will need to purchase some essential home maintenance equipment to simplify your life.
Lawn Mower – Rider or Self-Propelled?
If your new home is on a half-acre or less, buying a self-propelled lawn mower may be sufficient. A ride-on lawn mower is not a requirement for a larger lot size, of course, but having one can dramatically reduce the amount of time and effort involved with maintaining your lawn.
A self-propelled mower can sometimes make the task of mowing feel like a pleasant walk around the property. For home buyers with a lot of energy or a smaller lot size, a self-propelled mower is likely the best way to go. These start at around $350 and range up to $550.
Most riders cut a much wider section of grass than self-propelled or push mowers, starting at around 36 inches and going all the way up to 48 inches, a difference that may appear small at first glance but can add up significantly over time. The cost of a riding lawn mower can range between $2000 and $5000.
Depending on how involved you want to be with improving and/or maintaining your landscape here in the Berkshires, there are many other items you may want to purchase. A few of these include string trimmers, chain saws, shovels, rakes, loppers and hedge clippers. The good news is there is no need to purchase all of these essential maintenance items at once and they can often be purchased used at a substantially reduced price.
A Generator to Power Your Home
Losing power is always an inconvenience, and it can be dangerous if it happens in the winter. To ensure the safety of their families and find peace of mind, many home owners in the Berkshires and Upper Hudson Valley purchase a generator.
Whether you just want to protect your groceries or keep the heat on, there are several options to choose from if you are looking for a generator. A portable generator is a good option for those with a limited budget and most of them offer enough power to support basic needs. Portable generators can also be used on camping trips or for vacation homes. An added benefit is that they can be sold if your needs change.
A standby generator offers more convenience, as most of them kick in automatically in the event of a power outage. Standby generators produce a significant amount of power and most of them run off natural gas or liquid propane, making them a cleaner, more efficient option.
Snow Blower
To clear the walkways and make sure the kids have a path to the school bus, a snow blower is essential here in the Berkshires. Even the more basic snow blowers can throw snow up to 50 feet and many are self-propelled, whether you choose an electric or gas-powered model.
Similar to most of the other necessary equipment for maintaining a property, an electric model is likely going to run cleaner, start easier and require less maintenance. Gas-powered snow blowers, however, may offer more power, control, and a wider clearing area.
Regardless of which snow blower you choose, it is likely going to be a good investment if you are a new home owner here in the Berkshires/Upper Hudson Valley area, as we average around 65 inches of snowfall every year.
Security System with Cameras
A security system can offer peace of mind, whether you’re purchasing your forever home or just looking for a vacation home in the Berkshires. Most of the modern security systems with cameras are relatively inexpensive and simple to install. Also, many do not require a contract, monthly fee or subscription.
Many of the available security systems are weatherproof and motion-activated. Most include a hard drive that can store up to a few months of video, and many can send notifications directly to your smart phone. With the cost of a security system with cameras ranging in between $200 to $400, purchasing one can be an easy, effective means of protecting your home.
For additional guidance on some essential equipment to maintain and protect your home, click here today. Many of the agents on the team here at Stone House Properties have built a trusted network of local service providers over the years, and they will be happy to refer you to one that has earned their business.
To connect with one of our agents and learn more about how to prepare your home for sale on the open market, click here today.
