💐 Spring Cleaning 💐

It's a right of passage for me!  I love getting my home ready for spring!  Inside and Out - your home needs some sprucing up no matter how mild the winter might have been!

Attached is a check list we have comprised of Spring Cleaning Tasks! 

 CLICK HERE FOR SPRING MAINTENCE CHECK LIST

I am a list person, so lists like this help keep me organized.  Checking tasks off as they are completed!  You might not want to do each task on the list, or you might add a few!  However, we will share a few items that, in our opinion, are very important when maintaining your home!


Clean Gutters & Downspouts... we cannot express enough the importance of this task.  ALSO, make sure the runoff is adequate and water is not running directly down into the foundation, crawl, basement of your home.  As real estate brokers, many times we see issues with homes in which the homeowner neglects cleaning gutters, downspouts and downspouts must have improper runoff! 

HVAC:  Get that HVAC system serviced and cleaned!  When will the A/C go out?  When it's 100 degrees in the shade.  The fee to have a reputable company to do a twice a year maintenance is minimal to the fee to repair or replace a system!

ALSO:

Furnace Filters: One of the easiest, but a neglected task - CHANGE  YOUR FURNACE FILTER!  And frankly, not just in the spring or fall.  While those big, expensive filters might seem to do a great job, they can reduce the functionality of your HVAC system as the filer collects more debris.  Many licensed HVAC technicians recommend the inexpensive, thin filters and change them monthly!  Change them the first of the month when you make a mortgage payment is a good day!  Write it on your calendar!

Check The Roof!  Any damaged or missing shingles?  Have your roof assessed by a reputable contractor!  It's important to get a good referral!  Spring is storm season and there are many "contractors" out there who either do poor work, or are scamming money from good people.

Spring is also the time I go through my closets and dresser drawers and eliminate any clothing/items we no longer need.  There are plenty of organizations that will take your donations of gently used items!

Again... here is another opportunity for you to click and print our list!

CLICK HERE FOR OUR SPRING MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST

Welcome the warm months and take care of your investment!

Crawl Space and Attic

After many, many years in the real estate business; and many, many, many (did we say many) home inspection processes... two areas we find are the biggest surprise for homeowners is a bad response regarding a crawl space or an attic!

Organic growth, moisture, poor insulation levels etc are just a few items that can be costly items and most homeowners are unaware of these issues until they sell and a buyer has a home inspection performed.

So, what can you as a homeowner do?  Get in that crawl space!  Twice a year!  At least!  Get down there, take a look around!  Do you see standing water?  Is it damp? Does it smell damp? Do you see organic growth?  Is the sump pump working?  Do you have a sump pump?  Do you need a sump pump?  A tiny bit of organic growth left unchecked can become an expensive repair!  It can also deter a buyer and send them packing even if you are willing to mitigate after the inspection!

What can you do?  Get in that attic?  Even if you can't walk the entire area; at least climb up (if possible), use a flash light and take a look around.  Does the insulation seem adequate?  If not, it's a relatively inexpensive fix to add more. You can even do it yourself if you are handy!  It's not a fun task, but it can be done (we did these last spring), and it can save you money on your heating and cooling bills.  Is the attic properly ventilated? If not, it could prove to be a breeding ground for organic growth.

Besides getting down in your crawl space  (and attic) a couple times a year (Spring and Fall are perfect times as you are getting the exterior of your home ready for summer, or putting it to bed for winter); make sure you have proper run off for your down spouts.  Many times the biggest culprit of a wet crawl space is the downspout not being extended.  Water pouring into the ground right at the foundation.

Improper run off can be a big culprit for crawl space issues

There are many downspout solutions out there; both DIY and professional!  But an easy fix is proper splash blocks and extenders.  Keep the rain from running directly into the ground or back into the crawl.  (or basement)

If you take a look at your crawl or attic and determine there might be a problem, give us a call, we can refer a reputable company to come out and evaluate the issue and determine if there is treatment needed.

It's worth the few times a year to get into the crawl!  You don't want any surprises after your home has an accepted offer! 

Dandelions....

It's that time of year!  When those pretty, little yellow flowers weeds are popping up!  Some areas are littered with them!  And after the pretty yellow flowers weeds mature they turn to a fluffy white!  As kids we would pick them, make a wish and blow!  Scattering the fluffy white seeds to the ground. And those fluffy white seeds become little yellow flowers weeds. The cycle would continue! 

The dreaded "dandelion"!  Yards and grassy areas are riddled with them.  Usually it's the neighbor's yard, and the neighbor, courtesy of bad grass cutting and the wind share them with you and your yard! 
 
Don't get us wrong... we know the dandelion receives a bad rap.  There are plenty of uses for dandelions... the leaves can be eaten in salads; they are high in vitamins; dandelions can be used to make root beer, tea etc etc.  But let's get real... How many of us are truly harvesting and eating the dandelions from our yards?  How many of us are making our own root beer?  How many of us are brewing our own tea? Not too many we would guess!  For most, the dandelion is a weed that takes over our yard.

So... how can a homeowner control dandelions and have a healthy lawn at the same time?  There are many Homemade "treatments" we see shared on Facebook and other Social Media Outlets.  Some sound great, but have mostly proven ineffective and kill the surrounding grass.  Dandelions are stubborn and have deep tap roots, so picking them doesn't work.  And a dandelion digger might not get the entire tap root and is a time consumer!  There are plenty of chemicals out there as well as lawn care companies that can help provide seasonal maintenance.  Chemicals and lawn care companies can be costly, and many homeowners do not like adding chemicals to their lawns.   Honestly, we feel the most effective and least expensive way to keep dandelions & weeds under control... let your grass/lawn grow to 3.5 inches!  Yes, the grass will help smother out weeds.  It might take some time, but within a year, your lawn will look much more lush, and have fewer weeds.  While it might be impossible to eradicate each and every pretty yellow flower weed, your lawn will be healthier and happier!!! We've noticed many of neighbors cut their lawn once a week and each time scalp it to almost the ground.  Leaving a bed of opportunity for not only those pretty yellow flowers weeds, but a plethora of other weeds.

You can see here how a lawn cut short becomes a breeding ground for dandelions

While it might seem like a time saver to cut the lawn short, once a week... you aren't doing your lawn any favors.  You are just creating an area for weeds, not grass, to grow!  It can be as simple and raising the lawn mower blade and taking the time to cut twice a week during the spring and maybe once a week when the rains aren't as plentiful in the summer.  And if the lawn doesn't need cut... don't cut it!  3.5 inches of lush green lawn is much better than a yard of weeds!

Taking care of your lawn is not only good for your investment, but will give you great curb appeal when/if you decide to sell!  The first impression of a weed ridden lawn can give the appearance and expectation of an unkempt home as well!  Even if your home is tidy, updated and fabulous inside... that first impression is so important!  Do yourself and your lawn a favor!  Raise the mower blade! 

SPRING LAWN & LANDSCAPE TIPS

SIMPLE SPRING LAWN LANDSCAPE CARE TIPS

 If you are like Jim and me, you love the sounds of spring.  Birds chirping, lawn mowers starting up, flowers popping color all over the landscape and trees!  No matter how mild or wicked winter might be... Spring is such a welcome season!  

Up until this week (sigh)... the unseasonably warm weather we have been experiencing has given many of us "spring fever"!  While it's still a bit too early to start your lawn and garden care, Spring is right around the corner and now is the perfect time to start assessing your lawn, landscaping and garden to make it flourishes throughout the growing season.

Inspect trees and shrubs: Now is a good time to prune broken or damaged branches that occurred during the Winter months.  Believe us, it's easier to do when the foliage is not present.  Be careful, however, to not prune off branches with flower buds that will bloom in the spring.  Prune spring blooming branches, after they flower! Also, make sure to call a professional for any branches that are difficult or out of reach.

Test your soil:  This is a spring task many homeowners do not do... however, every few years it can be beneficial to have a sample of your soil tested for a proper pH balance and mix of nutrients. You can ask your favorite local nursery if they provide this service or even take a sample to a local agricultural extension office.

Fertilize your lawn, trees, and shrubs:  The decision about whether or not to fertilize should be based on the nutrition requirements needed by your soil conditions.

Control Weeds. Spring is a good time to apply pre-emergent weed control. (Preen is a good example) When forsythia is in full bloom, it's usually the perfect time to apply crabgrass weed preventer. But remember, this year the forsythia are blooming early, so you might want to wait a bit.

Tidy up Planting beds & Landscaping Around Your House:  Rake up dead leaves and debris from plant beds and from around foundation of your home. Before applying mulch, place weed block to prevent weeds from popping up. Use fresh mulch to cover beds and around trees (no more than 3" depth). Not only will the mulch make your yard look neat and tidy, but it also helps retain moisture in the soil and keep roots protected from the summer heat and insulated during the winter. As it decomposes, it adds natural organic material to the soil.

Inspect your outdoor spigots and irrigation system. Turn on your spigots and irrigation system to make sure it is in working condition and without any leaks.  Contact your irrigation company for proper turn on and the appropriate time frame.

Enjoy the outdoor weather while maintaining your yard:  Jim and I love working in our yard and garden, and many agree a repetitive task like cutting off dead stems or raking leaves help to reduce stress. These tasks are also a good way to get some  exercise... working your arms, legs and heart. 

Taking care of your yard is part of good stewardship of caring for your home!  A nice yard, will give you enjoyment, a feeling of accomplishment and will always provide great curb appeal when/if you should decide to sell.   Enjoy it while you own it, don't just make it a task to ready your home for sale!  Maintaining your lawn/yard and plant beds over time will make it easier to prep your home for sale! 

Anti Burglary Tips ~ Don't be an Easy Target

As Real Estate Brokers anything "home" related is high on our radar.  Last week we received an email from National Association of REALTORS and REALTOR Magazine with some Anti-Burglary Tips.  The timing was interesting as a friend shared how their neighbor had recently been out of town and their outdoor shed had been broken into while they were on a ski trip.  One observation my friend shared with our group was her  friend's husband was upset that his wife was very public about her sharing their comings and goings on Facebook etc.  So that observation leaves me with the first piece of advice.

Don't advertise "I'm leaving on a jet plane" on Facebook (social media) 

Think about your security settings and who could be seeing your post.  Again, most likely it was obvious these people were out of town and that led to the break in.  But the extra bit of precaution is not a bad thing.  Share your trip when you return!

Outdoor barns, sheds are easy targets

The items stolen from my friend's neighbor's shed were power tools, golf clubs bicycles etc.  It's best, if possible, to store these types of items in a garage or other more secure location.  Sheds and mini barns are usually secured with a lock that is easily cut etc.  Many times sheds and mini barns aren't secured at all.  Just shut and latched.  Think about what you are storing in your shed.  And how things are stored.  While we might have things set up for our convenience, to pull them out for ease of use; it might be a good idea to store items in such a way that makes it difficult for a would be burglar to steel something quickly.



The NAR article  has some GREAT advice

1. Maintain your property. Especially in the wintertime, many people stay indoors and neglect issues such as peeling trim or an overgrown yard. But if the home looks unkempt, thieves may think it’s abandoned and, therefore, an easy target. Shoveling your walkways to clear them of snow and debris and removing holiday decorations and fallen tree branches in a timely manner will signal that the home is occupied.
2. Know your neighbors. Many people don’t really know their neighbors; it’s more than just saying hi and being friendly. Invite them over to see your home before it goes on the market, and introduce them to the people they may see regularly stopping by during this time (especially your agent). Then they’ll know who is and isn’t supposed to be at your home and can better assess when there may be a threat while you’re gone.
3. Assess your home’s vulnerability. Walk to the curb and face your house. Ask yourself, “How would I get in if I were locked out?” The first thing you think of, whether it’s the window with a broken lock or the door that won’t shut all the way, is exactly how a thief will get in. Think like a burglar, and then address the issues that come to mind.
4. Respect the power of lighting. Criminals are cowards, and they don’t want to be seen. The house that is well-lit at night provides a deterrent because thieves don’t want the attention and the potential to be caught by witnesses. It’s wise to invest in tools that make nighttime light automation easy. That includes dusk-to-dawn adapters that go into existing light fixtures and motion detectors. But beware of leaving your exterior lights on at all times, which signifies the occupant is gone for an extended period of time.
5. Use technology to make your home look occupied. In addition to lighting, smart-home technology has made it easier to make it appear like people are home, even when they’re not. Systems that remotely control lighting, music, and appliances such as a thermostat can help you achieve this. Though not considered smart-home tech, simple lamp timing devices available at hardware stores are also good for this purpose.
6. Yes, it has to be said: Lock your doors. It’s amazing how many people think they live in a safe-enough neighborhood not to have to lock their doors when they leave. Some facts sellers should know: In 30 percent of burglaries, the criminals access the home through an unlocked door or window; 34 percent of burglars use the front door to get inside; and 22 percent use the back door, according to the FBI Uniform Crime Report.
7. Reinforce your locks. A good door lock is nothing without a solid frame. Invest in a solid door jam and strike plate first, and then invest in good locks. Know the difference between a single-cylinder and a double-cylinder deadbolt. Double-cylinder deadbolts are recommended because they require a key to get in and out. For safety and emergency escape purposes, you must leave the key in when you are home. But double-cylinder locks are against regulations in some places, so check with your local police department’s crime prevention office.
8. Blare the sirens. Burglars are usually in and out in less than five minutes, and they know police can’t respond to an alarm that quickly. Their bigger concern is witnesses to their crime. For that reason, an external siren is invaluable, whether as part of a monitored security system or a DIY alarm. Even if you don’t have an alarm, it’s not a bad idea to invest in fake security signs and post them near doors.
9. Consider surveillance cameras. The Los Angeles Police Department started a program encouraging homeowners to install a device called Ring, a doorbell with video surveillance capability that allows homeowners to view what’s outside their door on their smartphone, in a neighborhood that was a target for burglaries. After Ring was installed in hundreds of homes, the burglary rate dropped by 55 percent, according to reports. Most state and local regulations require posting a warning that people are being recorded. (But again, this can be effective even if you don’t actually have the cameras installed!)
10. Mark your valuables and record details. Use invisible-ink pens or engravers to mark identifying information (driver’s license or state ID numbers) on items. Log serial numbers and take photos of your belongings. Check to see if your police department participates in the Operation Identification program. They will have stickers for you to place on doors or windows warning would-be thieves that your items are marked. These steps may prevent them from pawning or selling stolen items and can help you reclaim recovered belongings.

You home and belongings are important investments.  It's important to safeguard them!  We hope you find these suggestions informative and useful!

Source:  REALTORMag; National Association of REALTORS  December 2016 | By Tracey Hawkins

Preparing Your Home for Cold Temperatures

So far Indiana has had a fairly mild winter.  A bit of snow, a few bitter cold snaps with spring-like temps peppered in between.  This week temps are predicted to dip into the teens, and there are several winter weather precautions you need to take to protect your home and to stay warm when temperatures dip well below freezing.

Here are a Few Tips we Recommend:

1.  Change your furnace filter - this is important to maintain your furnace.  This is an extremely important task that needs to be done frequently to maintain good airflow in furnace

2.  Keep drapes and blinds closed, except when windows are in direct sunlight.  - Those that are open, close around 4pm to retain the warmth

3. Keep you thermostat on a steady, comfortable temperature.  Layer on a sweater or an extra blanket if  you get cold rather than turning up the thermostat. 

4. Make sure the chimney flue is closed when fireplace is not in use

5. Put draft snakes/dodgers on window sills, between window frames and against doors

6. Keep your Garage Door closed

7. Run Ceiling Fans in reverse on a low speed to help circulate warm air

The Red Cross has this advice:
• Avoid frozen pipes - run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent them from freezing. Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Keep the garage doors closed if there are water lines in the garage.

• Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.

• If you are using a space heater, place it on a level, hard surface and keep anything flammable at least three feet away - things such as paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs. Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.

• If you are using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.

• Use generators correctly - never operate a generator inside the home, including in the basement or garage.

• Don’t hook a generator up to the home’s wiring. The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.

There is plenty of information out there... always be prepared!  These are just a few tips we recommend as cold weather approaches.  Our suggestion is to prepare well in advance of cold weather arriving!  Caulking, gutter & downspout cleaning, insulating etc are worth the effort in the warmer months to prevent damage in the winter!

Our Next Post will be Snow and Ice Storm Preparedness!  Both your home and your car!

Stay Warm & Happy New Year!

FAQ - November Video - Questions - Answers ~ Video Blog

Should I List my Home during the Holiday Season

We hope you find this short 2 minute video helpful with a couple of questions we are asked this time of year!

Should I list my Home During the Holidays?  If my home is listed during the holiday season... should I decorate for the season?

Watch our video for answers!