Hodgkins Homes

Hodgkins Homes The Official Real Estate Team of Syracuse Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s important that you always have a strong team behind you.

And the Chip Hodgkins Team is always prepared to represent you honestly and with integrity. Since real estate is about finding the right home in the perfect location, we will use our local expertise to match you with the residence in a community you’ll feel connected to. But most importantly, when you work with us, your goals become ours. And you can trust that our team will work tirelessly from start to closing so we can achieve them.

09/02/2026

Here’s a simple communication trick that works wonders—especially in real estate when you’re dealing with customer service reps across lenders, title companies, inspectors, and more.

Start by introducing yourself with just your first name. “Thanks for helping me out. My name’s Chip.” That one sentence starts building familiarity fast. You’re not a file number or an address anymore—you’re a person. You want them to think of you as Chip, not “the buyer’s agent.”

Then make your ask clearly, but with a downward inflection. Skip the passive “Would it be possible to…” and go with “I’m wondering if you can help me with…” It sounds subtle, but the tone makes a huge difference. One invites collaboration. The other invites a “no.”

Remember: their job is to help. You just have to make it easy for them to do it. Create connection. Be someone they want to help. And if you want to master this, study how Chris Voss breaks it down—same strategy the FBI uses during the most stressful negotiations imaginable.

You can either make people your ally or your obstacle. It’s up to you.

– Chip Hodgkins, Licensed Real Estate Broker
NYS License


09/01/2026

Make your home comfortable when selling

09/01/2026

Did you know… you don’t need 20% down to buy a home? 🏡

Many buyers put down far less. Conventional can be around 10–14%, FHA as low as 3.5% for qualified buyers, and VA or USDA loans can be 0% down.

20% isn’t a requirement for everyone. Want to know what you can afford? DM me.

08/31/2026

It's never been a worse time to become an agent.

Navigating the real estate world solo? Think again. 🏠 Join the Chip Hodgkins Team for instant access to leads, resources, and success-driven culture. Don't be part of the 50% failure rate – thrive with a team that's got your back from day one.

08/31/2026

The day you get the keys is your one shot at a completely empty house. Most people waste it on boxes.

Before a single piece of furniture comes in, here's what l'd knock out:

Rekey or change every lock. You have no idea who has a copy. A locksmith runs $80 to $150, or swap them yourself for $25 a lock. Do it before your stuff is inside.

Paint. You will never have easier walls than right now.

No furniture to move, no cutting in around a couch.

One empty weekend beats three crowded ones later.

Deal with the floors. Refinishing hardwood or replacing carpet is a nightmare with a full house. Empty, it's a one-day job. Now or basically never.

Deep clean everything. Inside cabinets, baseboards, vents, the spots that vanish the second boxes show up.

Do it yourself or pay $200 to $400 for a move-in clean while it's empty.

Treat for pests. Spraying baseboards and corners is simple with nothing in the way. Get ahead of it before they settle in with you.

Find the water shut-off and label the panel. When a pipe bursts at 2am you will not have time to hunt for it.

A burst line can do $10,000 in damage in minutes. Find it today.

Swap the HVAC filter. You have no idea when the last owner did it.

A $20 filter now protects the system and your air from day one.

Hang blinds and window coverings. Way easier without a bed under the window. And you'll want privacy on night one.

Add closet and garage shelving. Building it out empty takes an hour. Doing it around your stuff takes a Saturday.

Test every system. Run every faucet, flush every toilet, flip every breaker, run the heat and the AC.

Find the leaks and dead outlets now, while the walls and floors are bare and cheap to fix.

Photograph every room empty. Date-stamped photos protect you for insurance and any deposit if something goes sideways later.

Then unpack. Once. Into a house that's already clean, painted, and dialed in.
Save this for the week you get your keys.

08/31/2026

Price matters, but it's not the only way to win a home in Central New York. We walk through the negotiation moves that make your offer stand out from the rest.

08/30/2026

You’re not touring a single house until this gets signed.

Under the new rules, before you can walk into any home with an agent, there’s one non-negotiable step:

📄 You must sign a Buyer Agency Agreement.

This agreement does two key things:

It confirms that if you like the home and make an offer, you're willing to pay the agent a set commission.

It locks in the time period you're agreeing to work with them—could be for one day, one showing, or 30 days. But even if it's just for one house, it has to be in writing.

No signature? No showing.

These changes are now in effect, and every serious buyer needs to be aware. So if you're even thinking about going to see a property, make sure you're ready to have that conversation upfront.

08/29/2026

In the realm of , it's not just about being full-time. It's about commitment to excellence, whether you're managing price changes, showcasing homes, or hosting open houses. Seek out true professionalism in your real estate endeavors – part-time or full-time, it's the approach that defines the expertise. 🏡✨

08/29/2026

Syracuse home prices could nearly double in 3 years.

When manufacturing hit Saratoga, $200K homes went to $600K.

Wait on rates and you win the rate but lose the price.

Buy today.

08/28/2026

🏡 Don't leave your success to chance! At Hodgkins Homes, we understand the power of re-engagement. Keep your past clients close and your services top-of-mind with thoughtful follow-ups and gestures. Remember, every lead is a treasure trove waiting to be rediscovered. Stay connected, stay remembered.

Address

7650 Highbridge Road
Manlius, NY
13104

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

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