Around Syracuse Realty

06/17/2026

🏡 132 Smokey Hollow Rd, Baldwinsville | $384,900
Showings begin tomorrow (6/18) at 9 AM, and we're hosting a Twilight Open House from 5:30-7:00 PM — stop by after work and see it in the evening light.
5 bed, 2.5 bath colonial loved by the same family for 40+ years, with an inground pool that's been professionally maintained every season. (Sorry, no lifeguard on duty, so look but don't swim!)

06/16/2026

Robotic pool cleaner: worth every penny. Fancy waterfall feature: maybe not. I broke down what CNY pool owners say they'd buy again, and what they wish they'd skipped, in the latest blog. Splurge or Pass? Read it here:

CNY pool upgrades worth buying, and the ones owners regret. See what's actually worth splurging on before your next pool purchase.

06/15/2026

When people think about relocating, they usually focus on schools, taxes, or commute times.

But one of the most overlooked benefits of living in Central New York?

Access to top-tier healthcare.

Nobody wants to end up in a hospital—but if you ever need one, you’ll be glad to have options. And here in Syracuse, we have some of the best.

You’ve got Upstate Medical, a major teaching hospital with cutting-edge resources.

Crouse Hospital, known for specialized care and strong community roots.

St. Joseph’s, consistently ranked for high-quality service and patient satisfaction.

And if you’re older or caring for aging family members, there’s even a Senior Emergency Room at Community Hospital—now part of the Upstate system.

We're incredibly fortunate to have all this right here in our backyard.

Just another reason why Central New York is a great place to live.

—
Gwenn McDonald | Lic. #10491209163

06/15/2026

Working from home in an open concept house is a character-building experience. New blog — and yes, there's a man working from a toilet in the featured image. You're welcome.
🔗 https://aroundsyracuserealty.com/hgtv-lied-remote-work-told-the-truth/

06/15/2026

Planning to move before school starts? The timeline isn't in July. It's right now. 📦
Most families wait until summer — and then scramble. The ones who move smoothly started before the market got crowded.
If you're thinking about it, this is worth a read.
🔗

Planning to move before school in Central NY? Learn when to list, how to coordinate buying and selling, and avoid common mistakes.

06/15/2026

Who else has turned on closed captioning for their own TV? Not because of a hearing issue. Because life is happening at full volume twelve feet away. 😂 New blog is live — and yes, mayonnaise is involved. 🔗 https://aroundsyracuserealty.com/open-concept-is-a-lie/

06/13/2026

Hey Syracuse.
Hey Central New York.

Selling your house this summer?

Picture this: 27 showing requests in one weekend. It happens—especially when it's one of my listings.

Here’s how to prep your home so buyers line up:

✅ Declutter like a pro. Counters, sinks, dressers—clear them off. Shoes, backpacks, pet toys? Out of sight. Summer buyers are out in droves and they notice everything.

✅ Keep it cool. Not cold, but comfortable. A welcoming temp makes your home feel like a place worth staying in.

✅ Let the light in. Natural light sells homes. Open up those blinds, pull back the curtains, and let that summer shine pour in.

✅ Plan for your pets. If showings are back-to-back, take them with you—or keep them crated and comfy with a treat jar nearby. A small gesture goes a long way with buyers.

Buyers and agents want a smooth showing experience. Message me and I’ll create a personalized plan that works—so you can focus on your next adventure.

—
Gwenn McDonald | Lic. #10491209163

06/11/2026

When Not Selling Is the Right Call

Not every home sale needs to happen right now.
And honestly, not enough agents will tell you that.

Life throws curveballs—death, divorce, a new baby—and those aren’t just real estate moments. They’re life moments.

If you’ve lost a loved one, it’s okay to slow down.
You’ll be dealing with emotions, legal paperwork, and (let’s be honest) pressure from everyone with an opinion.
Give yourself space before making a permanent decision.

Divorce? That’s different. Sometimes things need to move quicker. But it should still be strategic, not rushed.

And if your family is growing, don’t assume that means “sell now.”
Sometimes, the smartest move is to pause, plan, and fully understand your options.

The best real estate advice doesn’t come from pressure.
It comes from protecting your future—and sometimes, that means saying:
Not yet.

—
Gwenn McDonald | Lic. #10491209163

06/11/2026

You walk through the front door. Brick front colonial. Classic. The kitchen opens to the family room and then you see the back door.

You step outside.

Deck. Fire pit. Pool. Green space for the kids. And then it hits you — you cannot see your neighbors behind you. The cedar trees took care of that. 🌲

That surprise moment? That is what separates a backyard from a lifestyle.

The struggle is real and inventory is short — but these properties exist in Baldwinsville. And I know exactly where to find them.

👉 Read the full post: https://aroundsyracuserealty.com/the-backyard-that-sells-the-house-what-baldwinsville-buyers-are-really-looking-for/

Discover the backyard features Baldwinsville buyers want most, from pools and privacy to outdoor living spaces and family-friendly yards.

06/11/2026

☀️ Pools in CNY: Luxury, Liability, or Game Changer?

Picture this. You pull into your driveway on a Thursday afternoon in July and you hear it before you even open the car door. Laughter. Splashing. A backyard full of your kids and half the neighborhood.

Nobody is coming inside to say they're bored. 🙌

But before you call a contractor — there are real questions worth answering. Septic systems. Ledge rock. HOA rules that most people get completely backwards. And yes... green water. 🟢

We broke it all down — above ground vs. inground, real CNY costs, and what actually matters when you go to sell.

👉 Read it here: https://aroundsyracuserealty.com/pools-in-cny-luxury-liability-or-total-game-changer/

Thinking about adding a pool? Learn the real costs, benefits, and impact on home value for Central New York homeowners.