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Mortgages aren't just handed out like free toasters at a bank. On the contrary, before lenders fork over that big bundle of cash that you need in order to buy a home, they'll size you up carefully to try to determine whether you're worth the risk. And to do so, they'll take a hard look at your financial past, scanning for signs that you're a good or bad bet.

Yup, it can be a stressful process (for you, not for them). But before you freak out entirely, be aware that not all financial misdeeds are created equal. Some are mere blips, while others spell thermonuclear disaster. So which is which?

We always recommend getting pre-qualified with a good mortgage originator. They will help guide you thru a process that will help ease some of the stress. Just let us know and we are happy to assist.

With the fall season upon us, the colors are popping in the Adirondack Mountains. We at LaValley Real Estate are excited about the Fall events that continue through the Adirondack Park and the tri-lakes area. In Tupper Lake, the Wild Center is hosting Born to be Wild to announce the addition of new residents with a porcupine, otter, and turtles. In celebration of Halloween, kids and adults alike can join in the fun with Trick-or-Treat on Park Street and the Haunted Halloween Trail on October 31st. For adults, P2’s Irish Pub will be hosting their annual Haunted Dairy Party on October 29th. With two craft breweries, Big Tupper Brewing and Raquette River Brewing, Tupper Lake is a great destination to taste some really great craft beer.
In Saranac Lake, the Adirondack Loon Center, which opened this past summer, is holding an open house on October 9th. The last Farmer’s Market of the season will be held on October 8th at Riverside Park. Pendragon Theater has ongoing performances of Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie” . The Waterhole music lounge continues to host some great music with Start Making Sense (Talking Heads Tribute Band) on October 15th. Lake Placid is once again hosting the Lake Placid Brewfest on October 15th. Come out and taste the best the Adirondack craft brewers have to offer in this highly anticipate annual event. The Flaming Leaves Festival will take place at the Ski Jumps. Stop by the event for Blues, Brews, and BBQ on October 8th and 9th.

Recently, I scheduled meeting a couple to discuss selling their property. I felt that they would be a pleasure to meet from our initial phone conversation.

The weather cleared, and the fall colors were glowing around me as I drove my Ford toward their place that was 45 minutes away. My Garmen took me on a trek that I wondered, "could this road end at any time"? It wouldn't be the first time. I was waiting to discover the forgotten bridge that's no longer connecting two sides of a stream, and was trying to imagine how I could possibly turn this thing around with brush and trees hugging both sides. That will be a long way to have to drive in reverse!

This road was no wider than my truck with some branches harmlessly brushing along the sides. With a brief crawl over small boulders, mud, and gravel, this road was beautiful in it's own rustic way. I should be in a John Deer Gator that would fit this path. I began to wonder if someone would stop me with a friendly greeting of "What are you doing here?" It wouldn't be the first time.

Well, it is a road with a name, and Garman knows about it, so this is where the "Sport" decal on the side of the truck shows it's muscle. This is my first truck. I remember the song, "I love my truck" yep, I defiantly get it!

Thank you Garman! I'm happy to know my Nikon camera is at my side and my Ford Ranger continues to prove its spirit reflected in it's name. Now to continue past the grey faded and somewhat broken barns of the North County that beg to be photographed.

Remember to look around. See this world in all it's splendor. A forgotten bridge that is no longer connecting two pieces of land or forest is waiting with beauty and adventure. Now and then, forget the selfy, turn the camera around, and capture the color and contrast to share with everyone. We'll know you were there! If you post it immediately to Facebook, Snapchat, or other public media, we can be there with you in the moment.

On to meet my new clients!

Philip D. Collins

The Cranberry Lake Boat Club, one of the oldest boat clubs in the Adirondacks, marks every year with fun activities, plus serious contributions to the quality of life in our community. The fun activities include a "Firecracker" 5K 10K race, a poker paddle to benefit the Clifton Community Library, and a "Cardboard Boat Race," where participants design and paddle their own boats made of cardboard and duck tape. The serious contributions involve monitoring water quality, partnering with other agencies to build a community pavilion, improving the landscaping around the community center, and many other projects. Here's a link to our site: www.cranberrylakeboat.club

Waterfront property on the beautiful and private Lake Titus in Malone, NY is centrally located being less than an hour to Lake Placid and just over an hour to the multicultural city of Montreal, Canada. Malone is also host to a 36-hole Robert Trent Jones designed golf course with a spectacular club house and restaurant. Titus Mountain Family Ski Center is just minutes away from this lake with great skiing and family activities.